Month: October 2017

SPECIAL GUESTS ANNOUNCED
Joe Stilgoe’s Christmas at the Lyric

Presented by Lyric Hammersmith and EBP

Joe Stilgoe & His Mighty Big Band – Monday 04 December 2017
Joe Stilgoe’s Christmas Party – Monday 11 December 2017
Joe Stilgoe’s White Christmas – Monday 18 December 2017

Hot off the press Jamie Parker (Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, Guys and Dolls, High Society, The History Boys), and other celebrity guests will join Joe and his band for London’s best Christmas Party on Monday 11 December and Katherine Kingsley (Olivier nominated for Singin’ in the Rain), Anna-Jane Casey (Billy Elliott, Annie Get Your Gun, Chicago, Spamalot), Peter Horsfall (Kansas Smitty’s) will join Joe on Monday 18 December for Joe’s take on Irving Berlin’s classic, White Christmas.

Joe Stilgoe has twice topped the UK jazz chart, been featured on countless radio programmes for Radio 2, 3 & 4, presented on BBC4, Radio 2 and JazzFM, has written award-winning songs, starred in The Old Vic’s 2015 production of High Society, and he has an established international concert career, collaborating
with John Wilson, Curtis Stigers, Claire Martin, the RLPO and BBC Concert Orchestra among many others. He has had sell out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and is a regular favourite at the world-famous home of jazz, Ronnie Scotts.

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED
Jack and the Beanstalk
By Joel Horwood
Co-directed by Jude Christian and Sean Holmes

A Lyric Hammersmith production

Saturday 18 November 2017 – Saturday 06 January 2018

Press Performance: Saturday 25 November 2017
The Lyric Hammersmith announces the full casting for its Christmas panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, co-directed by Artistic Director, Sean Holmes and Jude Christian, an Artistic Associate of the Lyric. Daniel Fraser will play Jill and Kraig Thornber will play Dame Lotte Trottalot. They join the previously announced
Kayla Meikle who plays Daisy the Cow, Faith Omole who plays Jack, Cherrelle Skeete who plays Fairy Cucumber and Vikki Stone who plays Fleshcreep. The ensemble is built up of six young performers, as part of the Lyric Hammersmith’s commitment to nurturing young talent.

With plenty of magic beans, a loveable cow, an enormous beanstalk, a gigantic giant and a massive adventure, this year’s panto looks set to be the biggest ever. Join Jack on his quest for fortune as Jack and the Beanstalk gets the full Lyric treatment with wonderful characters, live music, dancing, singing and
loads of laughs.

Hull New Theatre – until 21 October 2017.  Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams

4****

I think I held my breath for this entire performance of The Boy in Striped Pyjamas, I was, like the majority of the audience, mesmerised. Last night I was in a theatre where nobody moved or fidgeted or rattled sweet papers, the entire audience drawn into the story unfolding on stage.

Northern Ballet have adapted John Boyne’s novel “The Boy in Striped Pyjamas”, with choreography by Daniel de Andrade and an original music score by Gary Yershon. The story revolves around the young Bruno who moves with his family to the concentration camp “Out-With” when his Father becomes the Commandant there. He forms an unlikely friendship with Shmuel a young inmate of “Out-With”, the boy in the striped pyjamas.

This is a ballet where the music, the costumes, the lighting and the scenery enhance the dancing and feed into the tension and the horrors that are happening. The clever use of bright colour in Gretel and her mother’s clothes as they arrive at “Out-With” and the prettiness of Gretel’s dresses contrasting with the striped uniforms. Lighting that gave us light and shade and horrifying shadow. Electric fences that never left the stage and were a constant reminder of the reality of life. The music constantly built up the tension and then lightened it again.

Whenever The Fury ( Mindi Kulashe) slithered onto the stage the horror truly arrived and I swear the temperature in the theatre dropped by several degrees. The lighting, costume and music increased the malevolence on stage, this was an outstanding performance of evilness.

Matthew Koon gave a superb performance as Bruno, channeling a young boy’s movements beautifully, showing us gawky movements and the sheer joy of being alive. Filippo di Vilio’s, as Shmuel, at times reflected Bruno’s joy but clearly showed the horror and poignancy of his situation. Mention should also go to Antoinette Brooks-Daw as a very coquettish and spoilt Gretel.

Of course this is a story that cannot have a happy ending, but is certainly one that is thought provoking. As I left the theatre the talk around me was of the sacrifices made in the war and the necessity to stand up against evil.

REVIEW: MAMMA MIA (Sunderland Empire) ★★★★★

October 19, 2017 

For: West End Wilma 

https://www.westendwilma.com/review-mamma-mia-sunderland-empire/

Telling the story of Donna and Sophie Sheridan, set to the music of Abba, Mamma Mia is a tale of love, empowerment and family.

On the eve of her wedding to Sky (Phillip Ryan), Sophie (Lucy May Barker) confides to her bridesmaids – Ali (Fia Houston-Hamilton) and Lisa (Blaise Colangelo) – she has read her mum’s diary and invited the three men she suspects to be her father to her wedding.

So when Sam (Peter Saul Blewden filling in for Jon Boyden), Bill (Christopher Hollis) and Harry (Jamie Hogarth) all turn up on her island, Donna (Helen Hobson) is beyond shocked and has to confess to having three lovers and not knowing who Sophie’s dad is to her best friends Tanya (Emma Clifford) and Rosie (Gillian Hardie).

Catherine Johnson has written a creative masterpiece, the songs all fit perfectly into the story. And whilst you may think the music of Abba is just cheesy pop, hearing the songs “acted” out in the show proves what amazing musicians Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaues really were. The lyrics tell amazing stories and the emotion in some is intense. Helen Hobson’s version of Winner Takes it All is an emotionally charged powerhouse performance. And whilst we are in tears one minute there are laughs too with Gillian Hardies hilarious and seductive take on Take a Chance on Me and Emma Clifford’s flirtation with Pepper (Morgan Jackson standing in for Louis Stokil) in Does Your Mother Know.

This is a big tour, which has been on the road since April but seems as fresh as if it was their first day. The sets are magnificent in their simplicity turning in seconds into a taverna, a bedroom, a chapel and a beach. The costumes are wonderful, the multitudes of blues and creams making you feel you are right there on the Greek island with them and the music of the live band – Richard Weeden, Tom Chester, Mark MacDonald, Robbie Gibson, Duncan Floyd, Matt Isaac and Gordon Davison is just devine.

This is the ultimate feel good night out, who can resist singing along to the classic songs and having a good sing and dance at the end where there is a real party atmosphere. Afterall, how can you fail to be entertained by a show that warns patrons of a nervous disposition that the show contains platform boots and white lycra?

Macabre Majestic – Theatre of Horror Season

 

Thursday 26 October – Circus of Horrors

The spectacular features an amazing amalgamation of bizarre & fantastic circus acts act’s all woven into a sensational shock / horror storey and the darkest of magic – taking the show to a whole new level, it’s driven by a mainly original soundscape & performed with a forked tongue firmly in each cheek, you’ll certainly Die Laughing.  Tickets are priced at £24.20.  Show stats at 1930hrs

Please note, this show is not suitable for children.  It is adult based with language and some nudity. If you are under 16, you will need to be accompanied by an adult.

 

Friday 27 October – Spooky Halloween Quiz

The fabulous sister duo Meg & Gillian Campbell will be hosting the quiz and keeping the whole evening running

Get your team booked in now as this is a strictly registration only event! Halloween fancy dress are positively encouraged

£2 per ticket

Doors open at 1800

 

Saturday 28 October – Double Trouble and the Curse of the Haunted Pirate Ship

This fabulous family show comes to Darlington with two performances at 1300hrs and 1600hrs.

Why not climb aboard Captain Knickerbockers vessel the good ship Naughty Nellie and join family favourites ‘Double Trouble’ for a brand new swashbuckling panto adventure this Halloween featuring a full supporting cast!  Tickets £8.50* if booked before 31st August. All tickets £10.00* after early bird. *Booking fee applies to all tickets.

 

Monday 30 October – Stage One Halloween Disco Night

The pre-drinks party at the Majestic, shots from £1 and doubles with a mixer from £2!! From 6 until late.  Halloween fancy dress is positively encouraged

 

Wednesday 1 November – The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

A thrilling adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s dark psychological fantasy, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde immerses you in the myth and mystery of 19th century London’s fog-bound streets where love, betrayal and murder lurk at every chilling twist and turn. Gripping, stylish and thought-provoking, this is unmissable theatre. Go on…treat your dark side!  Tickets are priced at £14.30,  Show starts at 1930hrs

 

http://www.majestic-tickets.co.uk/

 

Majestic Theatre

Bondgate

Darlington

DL3 7JT

United Kingdom

53Two, Manchester – until 21 October.  Reviewed by Marcus Richardson

4*****

‘Stay Happy, Keep Smiling’ a modern play about the Lee Rigby murder. Following the aftermath of his death we explore the people who witnessed the horrific act. Set in Woolwich the place of his death, we see how these people from different walks of life and how they have been affected. We learn how people cope and how they don’t cope, we learn what can come out of this. This piece of work will resonate with you as you can find a character you can relate to, you will be moved.

 

The acting for me was very clean and natural, it just seemed like we were watching their everyday lives. A few times the characters would speak to the audience this was done amazingly at the start when they were all switching quickly between who was speaking, and when they make the eye contact you just feel everything is real; they used the small performance space so well to draw the audience in and they kept us there in that focus, which worked so well as you feel connected with the characters.

 

The stage was very compact with a few areas for scenes all in this tiny room, the only problem is that at points it just felt a little too cramped and you couldn’t get the full taste of the scene because of this, but it didn’t really hinder anyone’s performance at all, I just wish I could of seen a more open space. Everything felt natural though, from characters smoking to a simple sofa being sat on, the fence that people put flowers and cars on also kept reminding us of what this play is about, even though we are seeing how people who didn’t even know Rigby deal with his death we are constantly reminded that this is all because he died.

 

I went to 53two to go and see the show which is a unique performance space, both with its upsides and downsides. Even though Rigby was killed in 4 years ago, they play still holds relevance to society now and how we view terrorism and how we as a nation act in our own homes towards it. This is a good example of a powerful play that can educate and inspire thought into what it means to deal with issues that we hear about on the news far too often. I loved the show and I would recommend to anyone

 

 

York Theatre Royal – until 21 October 2017.  Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

Middle Ground Theatre Company present Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced, a Miss Marple and classic whodunit mystery, adapted for the stage by Leslie Darbon.

The story revolves around a middle-aged spinster Letitia Blacklock (Janet Dibley) who shares her home with an older companion Dora “Bunny” Bunner (Sarah Thomas), her two younger cousins Patrick and Julia (Will Huntington and Lucy Evans), widower Phillipa Haymes (Alicia Ambrose-Bayly) and the Hungarian refugee cook and housekeeper Mitzi (Lydia Piechowiak).

A notice appears in the local paper of Chipping Cleghorn, “A murder is announced and will take place on Friday October 29th at Little Paddocks at 6.30pm.” Villagers are intrigued by the notice, including the visiting Miss Marple (Louise Jameson), and start dropping by thinking it is all just a game. At the stated time the whole household and a couple of neighbours, Mrs Sweetenham and her son Edmund (Cara Chase and Dean Smith) congregate in the drawing room, only for the lights to go out, shots to be heard and a dead body lying on the ground. Inspector Craddock (Tom Butcher) turns up to investigate the crime with the somewhat meddling assistance of Miss Marple. We are even “treated” to another murder.

The action takes place in two drawing rooms in an early Victorian house in 1950, with all the chintz, lamps, twinsets and pearls of that time. This staging certainly looks the part and is really effective.

Whilst the whole, quite star studded, cast did a wonderful job with the witty dialogue, I really enjoyed the performances of Butcher as Inspector Craddock, wasn’t sure at first but he really shone through, Dibley as Letita and Jameson as Miss Marple. I should also mention Piechowiak’s hilarious performance of the bonkers Mitzi and her “Delicious Death” cake.

With its unexpected twists and turns that keeps you guessing, and with a few laughs thrown in, it makes for a great night out at the theatre and well worth a watch.

 

Quays Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester – October 18th 2017.  Reviewed by Julie Noller

5*****

Before I arrived at The Lowry I knew that Under Glass had begun life at Sadler’s Wells and had an award winning run at Edinburgh Fringe, meaning that I should quite possibly expect the unexpected. Collecting my tickets I checked for my seat number, oh oh there wasn’t one, meaning this also was quite possibly going to challenge my perception of normal.

As I sat with a coffee I watched the patrons leaving the first showing, most looked openly puzzled others quietly animated. My curiosity was aroused, wondering what lay ahead for us the audience. We were all gathered together, a small audience almost intimate and given a briefing, it would be very dark but don’t worry there would be staff inside to help if needed, feel free to stand, sit or perch on the carpeted floor, stools or cushions. It would not be a static performance and some movement will be needed, wriggling would not be frowned upon. Lastly we were encouraged to turn phones off completely and then leave our bags and coats in area set aside – some people felt uncomfortable leaving bags but for me I enjoyed the performance without worrying about hitting someone with my bag, this was all about me and the performers. I always take a glance at the audience before watching any performance and we all looked slightly nervous, does anyone truly like to be confronted with change against the norm?

From the programme I knew that Under Glass is a series of seven individual performance pieces, each of which takes place within a glass jar or container.

I’m priviledged to be part of an exclusive group to have watched this performance, Under Glass should have its own fan club, encouraging us to get together and discuss our own interpretation. Its all down to exactly that, the interpretation of the viewer. What was right and wrong – I have no idea but I don’t feel questioned as I was at school and expected to give the politically correct answer. My thoughts and feelings kept changing, altering my view on the lives taking place before me, was it taking place in history? Was I seeing a collision of time and space? Snippets of lives as they don’t notice how they connect with each other? At first I thought am I witnessing inside someones mind, is it mental illness? Is this person having a breakdown, retreating inside their own mind? Is this life on show monotonous and boring? Burying deep inside the same routine, the coffin that is their life. I saw a Mrs Bucket figure, I saw the loneliness of the late night phone calls just to hear another human voice. I felt scared I wanted to reach out and tell these individuals that I notice them. I heard a thousand jumbled voices all colliding within the music easily connecting lives without acknowledging each other. I wished I knew morse code, was there a secret message and I’ve missed out on it? Different areas showed us different lives and again they were all down to our interpretation, each exhibit had its own name which equally challenged that perception. End of the World cabaret, how often do we long to break free from the confines of our lives? Or box in this case? Just to feel the wet grass, to stretch and roll. Without the feeling that it’s wrong that we just don’t do that!

The couple or to use its correct name The twins, sharing a connection, trying to reach out to each other without them actually knowing, how often do we just not connect and spend precious time with those closest to us? The movements are superb almost like watching a child developing inside the womb.

There are so many layers to Under Glass, you watch intently trying to interpret what is unfolding before you. I loved the fact that I felt scared yet I don’t know why I was scared. I loved the fact it was confusing, making me question everything. I loved the fact that for 45 minutes I was engaged in the ultimate people watching extravaganza. I left The Lowry feeling that life on no level is actually boring or simple. We can try to understand who is around us but deep down human beings can be unpredictable and try to break free from convention… if only we don’t allow fear to shape us.

In it’s own way Under Glass is encouraging and uplifting – remember there’s no such thing as can’t, allow yourself to enjoy Under Glass while you can.