Month: September 2021

Hull New Theatre – until 18 September 2021

Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams

4****

Joyous, exuberant and excited and that was just the reviewer finally back at Hull New Theatre after what seems like forever. I wasn’t alone in that excitement as the expectation buzzed off the audience as we waited and it’s safe to say we were not disappointed. School of Rock is the perfect antidote to post covid blues – funny, uplifting, thoughtful in places and full of fabulous music. What is more we were being treated to a performance in the first week of the first UK tour of School of Rock.

Based on the movie written by Mike White, School of Rock tells the story of Dewey Finn (Jake Sharp) who is the perpetual boy child, the one with no thought for others, a slob and a freeloader. A failed rock star who believes that fame and fortune is just around the corner. In an unlikely turn of events, he impersonates his friend to become a stand in teacher at Horace Green Prep School, a prestigious private school and that is when the real fun starts. Initially he is dismissive of the children and to be honest his attitude to them made me cringe at times, not at all PC. Discovering they are talented musicians he hatches a plan to enter them in The Battle of the Bands, giving each of the children a role to play.

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater and the book by Julian Fellowes this is a quality West End level production. I was a little apprehensive when I realised the music was by Andrew Lloyd Webber, could he write rock music? But don’t worry the Lord can rock, the music is fabulous. I have not seen the film so can’t comment on any differences. It is a very Americanised production and some of the characters are stereotypical but it does not take itself too seriously and you will leave the theatre feeling great.

As Dewey Finn, Jake Sharp is the lynchpin of the story, constantly on stage. He is a superb slob, with all his physical traits adding to the awfulness of the character but somewhere along the line he wins us over and we end up loving him. He has a powerful voice and his relationship with the children is wonderful. A superb performance.

Rebecca Lock is excellent as the school principal Rosalie Mullins from prim and proper to letting her hair down with the poignant song “Where Did the Rock Go?”, a real anthem to the loss of youth and the importance of music.

However, the real stars of School of Rock are the children, their energy never fades, their musical skills outstanding and it is clear in the finale that they have loved every minute of it. Their delivery of “If Only You Would Listen” was heartbreaking, an ode to parents despairing that they don’t listen to their children. This contrasted with the sheer joy and exuberance of “Stick It to the Man”, this just made me want to dance with them.

A shout out should also go to the “Grown Up Band”, musical director Michael Riley providing the music.

Joyous, exuberant and exciting School of Rock celebrates music and the feel-good feeling and freedom that music gives us so maybe music is the star.

This is the start of the national tour so take the opportunity to rock with the School of Rock, I promise you’ll leave the theatre feeling so good.

Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham – until 11 September 2021

Reviewed by Joanne Hodge

5*****

If you wanna rock, then come on feel the noize and have nothing but a good time with the cast of ‘Rock of Ages’.

Phil McCandlish (Production Manager), Morgan Large (Production Design) and Nick Winston (Director and Choreographer) have managed to stage a Wembley worthy rock concert on the theatre stage. All ages present, all unable to keep their hands still or bums on seats to some of the most epic rock anthems.

Set predominantly on Sunset Strip, the story of how two souls searching for fame, Sheree (Rhiannon Chesterman) and Drew (Luke Walsh), lose their way and opportunity for real love at the hands of Stacee Jaxx (star of Strictly Come Dancing, Kevin Clifton), who is the frontman of rock legends Arsenal.

The cast confidently portray the ‘behind the scenes’ antics of the rock music industry and it’s ‘Sex, Drugs & Rock n Roll’ image is brought to life and the reality made clear.

The LA strip is threatened by German father and son property developer team, Hertz and Franz, however Regina (former PA to the Mayor) seasoned protester takes matters into her own hands (including Franz, who along with the audience is surprised to find out he is not gay). Along with a team of demonstrators she eventually manages to secure the future of the Bourbon Room, which is a famous venue built along with the city on rock and roll.

Each cast member has a perfect set of lungs, to provide the power required to deliver such anthems and do them justice. I was astounded by the quality of voice, no more than that of ‘Kevin from Grimsby’ (Clifton), the shows star, who alongside his vocal performance managed to demonstrate choreography that we all know him for, including some fairly aggressive thrusting, whilst wearing white skinny jeans and a cowboy hat!!!

My personal star of the show has to be Lonny (Joe Gash) who is a team member at the Bourbon Room and very close friend of the owner Dennis Dupree. He engages the audience from the word go, he is the perfect rocker and whilst telling the story manages to do so in a way that makes it gossip like, which draws you in further ….. he has charm and wit in abundance and is very easy on the eye!!!

Impossible to keep feet and hands still, not sing along and not to laugh ….. this show is exactly what the Rock God’s ordered after a difficult 18 months, the ultimate feel good show. It was evident from the start that every cast member wanted to be on that stage and enjoyed the show equally if not more than those watching. 

Birmingham Repertory Theatre – until 25 September 2021

Reviewed by Nadia Dodd

4****

Having been a fan of the film, I was more than delighted to accept the invitation to go along to the press night of the theatre production. 25 years since the world premiere on the Birmingham REP’s stage.

A wonderful classic production set in Salford in the early 70’s shows life for an English-Pakistani family, their trials and tribulations are a small insight to what growing up for the 6 children/young adults would have been like for a mixed-race family during that time.

A great young cast were perfectly chosen it would appear, having the audience in fits of laughter and giggles when arguing as siblings do about helping around the house and being expected to help out their parents (especially their Dad) in the family business, a Fish and Chip Shop.

The only daughter of the family. Meenah, played by Amy-Leigh Hickman, known for parts in Ackley Bridge and the children’s TV series Tracey Beaker, was perfectly cast. Playing a stroppy teen born in England wanting to be accepted for who she was and not be excluded for the colour of her skin. Having 5 brothers she certainly gave as good as she got, and put them right in their place !

Along with the hilarious moments which was a real welcome treat after the 18 months or so that we have lived through, was a darker deeper side to the father of the family, George Khan, played by Tony Jayawardena, known also for a role in Ackley Bridge (Channel 4) and for many stage productions. George came to England from Pakistan with nothing and gradually built his own business, his pride and joy the fish and chip shop. Managed very well most of the time by his English wife Ella Khan, played by Sophie Stanton. George loves his mixed race family but does try to make them abide by Pakistani morals which they are not very keen on at all ! There are a few scenes of domestic abuse between George and Ella, then George and one of his sons, which is a stark contrast to the laughter we were all hearing a few scenes earlier. This is fantastic writing by Ayub Khan Din, the audience were really being drawn into the set of the living room when this was taking place.

This was my first theatre visit in just over 2 years and it was just what I needed to get back into the swing of it all. Fantastic theatre, amazing show and a truly wonderful atmosphere. The standing ovation as the cast took their final bow said it all – we are all glad to be back watching live performances. You have until the 25th September to experience East is East for yourself at the Birmingham Rep.

New Victoria Theatre, Woking – until 11 September 2021

Reviewed by Elizabeth J Smith

4****

When Grease hit our cinemas back in 1978 I was a wide eyed 13 year old enthralled by the story, the music and the Grease feeling. So much so as I went to see the film 6 times! This was a time before video tapes, DVD’s and streaming.

I am a huge fan, I knew the whole film of by heart and the sound track is still my go to album if I want a lift. So I was excited to be invited to the gala evening of Grease at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking.

As the audience arrived, with a number of Pink Ladies and T Bird’s you could feel the anticipation rising in the auditorium, we were all waiting to start toe tapping and silently singing along to our favourite show.

The scene was set with 50’s sounds and images playing on the opening curtain with the stage set visible behind the translucent curtain. The curtain rises and you hear the sugary, sickly, sweet voice of DJ Vince Fontaine introducing “Grease is the Word” it has begun.
The stage erupts with the cast and we meet the new but well loved characters.

Unfortunately, for me this production had reverted to calling the T Birds the Burger Palace Boys, BPB. This was the original name, but not one I knew, which for me felt foreign. Some of my best loved characters, like Eugene and Patty, didn’t have the same comic impact I’d seen in earlier performances and I began to feel slightly detached from the show. The BPB open with all the same banter and jostling of teenage boys and the giggly gossip of the Pink ladies, it’s feeling like home again, Summer Nights have returned.

Dan Partridge played the iconic John Travolta role of Danny Zuko. I liked his interpretation of this role. Much more bad boy, who doesn’t love a bad boy. He also had two songs from the original script and not in the film, How Big I’m Gonna Be, a solo about his ambitions for the future and with the male ensemble Tattoo Song. Both performed well but again alien from the Grease I know and love.

Georgia Louise, Sandy Dumbrowski, was Sandy. Her voice was fantastic but more operatic than school playground. Some scenes were played more of a resemblance to a Disney princess than the girl next door.

Tendai Rinomhota, Betty Rizzo, played it edgy. You could recognise her as a bit of a bully to
those not in her circle, but still showed the vulnerability of a teenager who could be knocked up! “Sandra Dee” lost it’s micking taking persona. However, “There are Worse Things I Could Do” showed her vocal talent and won me over.

Paul French, Kenickie, did feel like a bad boy with a well hidden heart. Grease Lightening was a lively number and the rework of the stable fist pump was ingenious. Although the audience still made the old moves.

The Burger Palace Boys were all played like true teenage boys with greater emphasis on sexual innuendo and awkwardness when around girls. The pink ladies stayed true to the much loved movie characters. Inez Budd, Marty, making her debut, proved her worth singing Freddy My Love, with passion and power of a teenager in love or so she thought. Haroun Al’Jeddal and Kalisha Johnson, stood out from the ensemble with their dance routines.

Peter Andre, played the smooth talking DJ Vince Fontaine with the essence of Elvis, James Brown, and someone who knows the effects of happy baccy. His Teen Angel was a truthful, sarcastic voice from above. This scene gave a new energy to Beauty School Drop Out with humour, great choreographer and superb costumes.

This production isn’t a replay of Grease the movie it has a much grittier feel, more street cred, less Hollywood sweetness. The songs were in a different order than I remember and the some scenes played out differently.

This production of Grease is a caricature of the movie, not in a bad way just different.
A die hard fan may feel little disconcerted with unfamiliar songs and strange layout but will still leave the theatre feeling uplifted and trying to repeat the words to Ram a Lama Lama
Kadingeekadingadong on their way home.

CASTING, TOUR DATES & VENUES ANNOUNCED FOR 

THE BRAND-NEW PRODUCTION OF GEORGE ORWELL’S  

SATIRICAL MASTERPIECE 

ANIMAL FARM 

ADAPTED & DIRECTED BY THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED & MULTI AWARD-WINNING 

ROBERT ICKE 

WITH DESIGNS BY BUNNY CHRISTIE & PUPPETRY BY TOBY OLIÉ 

RUNNING FROM 22 JANUARY – 28 MAY 2022  

 PRESENTED BY THE CHILDREN’S THEATRE PARTNERSHIP 

IN ASSOCIATION WITH BIRMINGHAM REP 

Full casting and the complete tour schedule are announced for the highly anticipated upcoming production of George Orwell’s classic satirical fable, Animal Farm, adapted and directed by the multi award-winning Robert Icke (The Doctor, Hamlet, Mary Stuart, Oresteia, 1984). 

The brand-new production will embark on an extensive UK tour, opening at Birmingham Rep from 22 January 2022, with press night on Wednesday 2 February.  The play then tours to Cambridge, Newcastle, Bath, Norwich, Salford, Plymouth, Nottingham, Coventry, Blackpool, Liverpool, Canterbury, Richmond and Wolverhampton, completing its run on 28 May 2022 at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre.  

The cast of Animal Farm includes Matt Churcher, Darcy Collins, Enrico D. Wey, Ailsa Dalling, Elisa De Grey, Edie Edmundson, Michael Jean-Marain, Rayo Patel, Yana Penrose, Markus Schabbing, Sharon Sze, Ben Thompson and Matt Tait.  

The production also combine the forces of some of UK theatre’s most talented creatives, including designs by the four-time Olivier Award-winning Bunny Christie (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Company, Ink, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), and puppetry by Toby Olié (War Horse, Running Wild, The Grinning Man, Goodnight Mister Tom).  

The animals of Manor Farm drive out the farmer and run the farm themselves.  

A revolution. And then what? Then freedom. Every animal will be free. 

Old Major, the prize boar, calls the animals of Manor Farm together.  

He has had a strange dream of a better future. 

George Orwell’s world-famous, biting political novel was first published in 1945 and tells the story of a revolution and its aftermath. Re-imagined by an award-winning creative team, Animal Farm is a dynamic, daring and contemporary take on a timeless story. 

Icke previously worked on another of Orwell’s classics, 1984, which he co-adapted and directed alongside Duncan Macmillan, garnering him his first Olivier Award nomination for Best New Play in 2014, enjoying smash-hit runs in both the West End and on Broadway. Animal Farm also reunites Icke and Christie following their celebrated 2016 collaboration on The Red Barn at the National Theatre.   

The production is produced by Children’s Theatre Partnership (CTP) in association with Birmingham Rep. CTP creates bold and imaginative theatre for young people, engaging new audiences and aiming to inspire a life-long love of theatre. 

 

DATES

Birmingham Repertory Theatre                                             birmingham-rep.co.uk

22 January – 05 February 2022                                              0121 236 4455  

Cambridge Arts Theatre                                                         cambridgeartstheatre.com

08 February – 12 February 2022                                            01223 503333 

Newcastle Theatre Royal                                                       theatreroyal.co.uk

22 February – 26 February 2022                                            08448 11 21 21 

Bath Theatre Royal                                                                theatreroyal.org.uk

01 March – 05 March 2022                                                    01225 448844 

Norwich Theatre                                                                    norwichtheatre.org

08 March – 12 March 2022                                                    01603 630 000 

Salford Lowry                                                                         thelowry.com 

22 March – 26 March 2022                                                    0343 208 6000 

Plymouth Theatre Royal                                                        theatreroyal.com

29 March – 02 April 2022                                                       01752 267222 

Nottingham Theatre Royal                                                    trch.co.uk

05 April – 09 April 2022                                                          0115 989 5555 

Coventry Belgrade Theatre                                                    belgrade.co.uk 

12 April – 16 April 2022                                                          024 7655 3055 

Blackpool Grand Theatre                                                       blackpoolgrand.co.uk

19 April – 23 April 2022                                                          01253 290 190 

Liverpool Playhouse                                                               everymanplayhouse.com 

26 April – 30 April 2022                                                          0151 709 4776 

Canterbury Marlowe Theatre                                                marlowetheatre.com

03 May – 07 May 2022                                                           01227 787787 

Richmond Theatre                                                                  atgtickets.com/venue/richmond 

10 May – 14 May                                                                    0844 871 7615 

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre                                            grandtheatre.co.uk

17 May – 21 May 2022                                                           01902 42 92 12 

Bromley Churchill Theatre                                                     churchilltheatre.co.uk 

24 May – 28 May 2022                                                           020 3285 6000 

GREGORY DORAN, ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, TO TAKE COMPASSIONATE LEAVE

Today we are sad to announce that Gregory Doran will be taking a period of compassionate leave as Artistic Director of the RSC to care for his husband, Sir Antony Sher. Antony has a long and celebrated association with the Company and is an RSC Honorary Associate Artist.

Gregory Doran writes

“I am very sorry to say that my husband, Tony Sher, has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and in order to look after him, and with the agreement of the Board, I will be taking a period of compassionate leave with immediate effect. I expect to return in early 2022.

During this period RSC Deputy Artistic Director, Erica Whyman, will take on the role of Acting Artistic Director until Gregory’s return.  This arrangement has been agreed by the RSC Board, and Erica will have overall artistic responsibility as well as wider organisational accountability which she will share with Catherine Mallyon, Executive Director.

Erica has been Deputy Artistic Director since 2012 working alongside Gregory and the Artistic Programming Team on all aspects of our activity, with specific responsibilities for our approach to inclusion, new writing and The Other Place.  This work will continue in Gregory’s absence.
 

Nigel Hugill, RSC Chair commented:

“All our thoughts are very much with Greg and Tony at this extremely difficult time.  The Board thank Erica for agreeing to take on the role of Acting Artistic Director and alongside Catherine as Executive Director, the RSC remains in very safe hands.”

We will be making no further comment regarding this personal matter, and we ask that Gregory and Antony’s privacy is respected at this difficult time.

Vision Centre for Actors partners with Birmingham Hippodrome and Bouncing Statistics to offer free actor training for underprivileged 16-30 year olds

Vision Centre for Actors is offer acting classes for free, taking in a cohort of 32 actors over the next year. This actor training centre is the first of its kind in Birmingham, targeting those coming from financial hardship.

Vision will address the disparity in class within the theatre and television industry by providing young people with the tools they need but may not be able to afford, to pursue a career in the arts. Taking a cohort of 32 students every year, students will have access to free auditions and workshops with drama schools through partnerships including ALRA, LAMDA and RCSSD. Throughout the year, students will participate in talks and workshops with industry professionals such as casting directors, agents and production company representatives, completing the course with a package to be industry ready including showreels, headshots and showcases. Auditions for the 21/22 cohort are being held on Saturday 2, Sunday 3 and Tuesday 5 October at Birmingham Hippodrome.

Founded by actor and writer Corey Weekes, Vision will begin to redress the imbalance within the theatre industry, be a beacon of working class artists and an agent for change. 

Founder Corey Weekes said: “This was only made possible thanks to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England and we are so grateful, as this year, research has found that only 27% of actors come from a working-class background. It’s time for young people who come from underprivileged backgrounds to truly be able to follow their dreams if they so wish to. Financial strain should not make anyone’s aspirations feel unreachable and that’s what we look to change here at Vision.

Corey adds: “When I initially wanted to get into acting, I had all the passion and drive to learn but unfortunately none of the money to afford the classes on offer in Birmingham. I was lucky enough to be blessed with mentorship of a great teacher in Philip Hedley, but I couldn’t help but wonder how many young people give up on their dreams because they were not afforded that same blessing. I started Vision to provide hope to young people from humble beginnings that they can make their dreams materialise.”

Vision have also teamed with Bouncing Statistic to ensure that the students develop not only professionally, but personally. Director of Business Development Rackeem Reid says: “Bouncing Statistics is a community interest company placed at the heart of serving others. They are on a mission to create a world where generations are inspired to look beyond their normality. They do this by delivering mentoring and wellbeing sessions to young people who occupy a multitude of settings.”

Chris Sudworth, Director of Artistic Programme at Birmingham Hippodrome added: “We are delighted to be partnering with Vision to be able to open our space for aspiring actors who want to sharpen their skills and progress towards the careers they’re aiming for. Working with Corey and his team gives us a way to make sure the Hippodrome is open for anyone who wants to push themselves forward and that money isn’t a barrier to do that.”

More information about the programme and Vision acting can be found at www.visionacting.co.uk

Vision Centre for Actors are supported by Arts Council England, Birmingham Hippodrome, the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, Central School of Speech and Drama, Sandwell College, Vision Patrons Director Emiritus of Theatre Royal Stratford East Philip Hedley and Deputy Artistic Director of the National Theatre Clint Dyer

www.visionacting.co.uk

Twitter: @VisionActing

Instagram: @VisionActing

Facebook: Vision Centre for Actors

Twitter // Instagram // Website       

• AHEAD OF REOPENING ON 16 SEPTEMBER, THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ANNOUNCE BOOKING EXTENSION FOR MATILDA THE MUSICAL AT THE CAMBRIDGE THEATRE, LONDON
• A NEW VIDEO OF THE CAST SINGING ‘WHEN I GROW UP’ IN THE REHEARSAL ROOM IS RELEASED TODAY IN THE LEAD-UP TO THE REOPENING OF THE SHOW ON 16 SEPTEMBER. THE VIDEO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
• AN EXTRACT FROM ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA READ BY LANDI OSHINOWO (MRS PHELPS) TO CELEBRATE ROALD DAHL STORY DAY WILL BE AVAILABLE TO WATCH ON THE PUFFIN SCHOOLS YOUTUBE CHANNEL ON 13 SEPTEMBER 

Ahead of reopening their production of Matilda The Musical on Thursday 16 September at the Cambridge Theatre in London, the Royal Shakespeare Company is delighted to announce a booking extension through to 29 May 2022 for individuals and through to 16 December 2022 for groups and schools. For further information visit www.matildathemusical.com.

A video of the full company singing ‘When I Grow Up’ in the rehearsal room together has been released today to celebrate the return of the musical to London’s West End. To download the video, please click here.  

To celebrate Roald Dahl Story Day on 13 September, Landi Oshinowo who plays Mrs Phelps will read an extract from the original Roald Dahl story, Matilda, which will be available to watch from Monday on the Puffin Books YouTube Channel.  

Audiences will once again be treated to a free, live performance from some of the cast of Matilda The Musical as part of West End LIVE 2021, presented by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre with support from the Mayor of London.  West End LIVE 2021 will take place in Trafalgar Square on 18- 19 September. 

Celebrating 10 years since the multi award-winning show opened in London, this iconic British musical has won 99 international awards including 24 for Best Musical and has been seen by more than 10 million people across more than 90 cities worldwide.

A tonic for audiences of all ages, this anarchic production about a strong and determined heroine with a vivid imagination has welcomed almost 4 million audience members in London. Adapted from the much-loved Roald Dahl book and commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, the musical premiered at the RSC’s Stratford-upon-Avon home in 2010, before transferring to the West End in October 2011, where it opened to rave reviews.

Matilda The Musical swept the board at the 2012 Olivier Awards, with a record-breaking seven awards, and won four Tony Awards and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theater for the four girls sharing the title role on Broadway. It has since toured North America, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Ireland, South Africa and China and played its first non-English language production in Seoul, South Korea in 2018/19.  Matilda The Musical will also play the Netherlands for the first time, translated into Dutch for a run at the Oude Luxor Theater Rotterdam. Tickets are now on sale for Matilda De Musical in Rotterdam at matilda-demusical.nl

With the upcoming film adaptation from the same core creative team as the theatre production (direction by Matthew Warchus, adapted for the screen by Dennis Kelly, with the music and lyrics of Tim Minchin), Roald Dahl’s themes of bravery and standing up for what you believe in will continue to inspire young audiences all over the world. Produced by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title, Jon Finn, and Luke Kelly of The Roald Dahl Story Company. Sony Pictures U.K. and Tristar Pictures will release Matilda across the U.K. and Ireland exclusively in cinemas on 2nd December 2022 for Christmas. Netflix will release the film in the rest of the world in December 2022.

Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, the theatre production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and the special effects and illusions are by Paul Kieve.

Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

Matilda The Musical is produced by Executive Producers Denise Wood and Griselda Yorke for the Royal Shakespeare Company.  The production was developed with the support of Jeanie O’Hare and the RSC Literary Department.

André Ptaszynski had worked as one of the Executive Producers of the production from 2011 until his untimely death in 2020.  He is much missed by all of his colleagues.

Full performance schedule – including newly added acts – revealed for West End LIVE 2021

Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 September 2021

westendlive.co.uk 

• Nearly 50 shows and acts now featuring in best ever West End LIVE line-up
• Jason Manford and Ruthie Henshall among Magic Radio presenters hosting the stage
• Thousands of theatre fans due to flock to Trafalgar Square for free event’s triumphant return

With just over a week to go until West End LIVE transforms London’s Trafalgar Square into an open air theatre like no other, the schedule of performances across the weekend has been released.

2021’s event will see the best line-up in West End LIVE history, with previously unannounced Wicked performing alongside debuts from long-running favourites Hamilton and The Book Of Mormon – as well as a plethora of new hit shows including Disney’s Frozen, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella, The Prince Of Egypt, Dear Evan Hansen, Back To The Future: The Musical, Pretty Woman: The Musical and many more.

Other newly revealed acts include Vanara The Musical, Bring It On The Musical, What’s New Pussycat?, Pippin, Roles We’ll Never Play, The Barricade Boys, Best Of British Pop, Children Of Eden 30th Anniversary Concert, Queenz – The Show With Balls!, Stop The Show – Mark Read, MTFestUK2021, Ben Stock’s West End Sing-a-long and Ferris & Milnes.

The full roster of Magic Radio presenters hosting the West End LIVE stage has also been unveiled – comedian, actor and presenter Jason Manford and West End legend Ruthie Henshall join previously announced Emma B, Tom Price and Sonali Shah.

Official London Theatre will be backstage throughout the weekend sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes content across our social channels.

West End LIVE, a co-production between the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and Westminster City Council, will remain free and unticketed as in previous years. To keep everyone safe, however, all attendees aged 18 and over will be asked to demonstrate their Covid status to gain entry to the event.  

West End LIVE will be BSL interpreted by Sue MacLaine, Marco Nardi and Caroline Richardson.

westendlive.co.uk / @WestEndLIVE / @westendlive / @westendLIVE

#BackOnStage

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford – 8th and 9th September 2021

Reviewed by Antonia Hebbert

3***

Bang! (That was a gunshot.) A glamorous newlywed has been murdered on her honeymoon cruise on the Nile. Who did it? Her ex-best friend? Her husband? Or someone else entirely from the eccentric passengers and crew? Not to worry – top detective Artemis Arinae is on hand to solve the mystery with the help of her leetle grey cells.

This is an Agatha Christie spoof with a cast of eleven (I think), but is played by just four actors, with very few props. The best moments are when they are stretched to the limit to keep the illusion of lots of characters. There’s a nicely choreographed tour of the pyramids and Sphinx, followed by a crocodile attack, mostly done with suitcases. There’s a camel race and much opening and closing of doors to reveal surprising people. And there was a lot of fun in the scene where Artemis Arinae got everyone together to explain whodunnit, requiring the cast to dash around changing hats, voices and mannerisms.

All very ingenious and entertaining, but for me the show didn’t quite lift off. There was a bit too much reliance on people drinking too much, which doesn’t seem all that funny these days. The innuendo seemed overdone too, though in a surprising change of tone, the relationship that developed between the steward and the American became genuinely sweet and snigger free.

Crimes in Egypt is directed by James Farrell, and is a production by New Old Friends, founded by Feargus Woods Dunlop to take shows round the country and entertain as many people as possible. They seem a jolly lot, and you can follow them in all the usual social media places.