Author: FairyPoweredProductions

Leeds Playhouse – until 29 February 2020

Reviewed by Sally Richmond 

5*****

A spectacular all-female-cast is providing the city of Leeds with an empowering, extremely entertaining version of Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) this week.  The wonderful Leeds Playhouse, which won ‘Theatre Building of the Year 2020’ at the recent Stage Awards, is currently showing this unique version (written by Isobel McArthur and directed by Paul Brotherston) of the aforenamed Jane Austen classic.  Dare I say it – yes I dare – I much prefer this stage adaptation to the original novel!  Gasp, shock-horror … but I actually think Austen wouldn’t mind me saying that and would most certainly approve of this hilarious mixed period mash up of her classic story. Despite being so far removed from the image one associates with her work (romantic love that is enveloped in etiquette and stuffy social protocol),  Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) complements her work, and maintains the ethos of what she did so well- which was to observe and give sharp and accurate social commentary. 

Smartly written and directed, we witness Jane’s flowery prose of courtesy and politeness, laced with acidic quips that transform into language that would make any bonnet-headed lady faint away in shock and disbelief! Saucy and salacious lines are fired from every direction! 
Karaoke and Austin in the same sentence may seem incomprehensible, and a juxtaposition gone too far but somehow it all works! A medley of popular hit numbers were superbly well placed, and fitted each moment they accompanied perfectly.  “You’re so vain” being sung to Mr Darcy was simply a moment of comic genius to behold; if only to see his uncomfortable response and give the girls chance to sing along and holler “well said Liz!”.  The play translated exceptionally well into modern day life and small details, such as Elizabeth munching Frosties straight from the box as she mulled over the events from the night before with her sister, made it so relatable and relevant to today’s audience.

The mention of karaoke might make it hard to believe that the original story is adhered to, but the duel themes of confused amour and the great social class divide are kept intact, and developed with a modern slant.  Banter and wise cracks are abundant throughout and bounce back and forth between the eras of Austen’s world and modern times  (immigration and the inequality of women rear their ugly heads but are justly dealt with and playfully put in their place!). 

Kudos of the highest kind must be given to the phenomenally brilliant and outstanding cast: Tori Burgess, Christina Gordon, Hannah Jarrett-Scott, Isobel McArthur, Meghan Tyler and Felixe Forde.  They beamed and dazzled during every single second they were on stage; smoothly and seamlessly switching roles of the multitude of characters they each played. And, all of these characters were portrayed with clever comedic physicality. Hoot -filled one liners and popular verses blasted out  with great gusto and vigour (accompanied by a squeeze box and trumpet) filled the Playhouse with joyous abandon.  

Whether you’re an Austen fan or not, I would highly recommend that you go and see this play. Not only will you laugh, sing-along and feel uplifted but more importantly you’ll feel the incredible power of these fabulous women as characters and actors.

Kings Theatre Edinburgh – until 29 February 2020

Reviewed by Manetta Anderson-McIntosh

5*****

Dial M for Masterclass.

Despite my aging years, I had not seen this production either on stage or screen. In this era of special effects and murder mysteries galore, I was intrigued to see if something written in the 1950’s could transcend the decades. Well, I was pleasantly surprised. This production, directed by Anthony Banks, was brought forward slightly to the 60’s to give it a more modern feel. I have to say I loved everything about it, from entering the theatre and having the set there for all to see, no safety curtain hiding it away, and some very relaxing music playing, to the clever use of lighting as well as the production itself.

The plot, for those who haven’t seen it before, tells the story of a flagging tennis pro – in danger of losing his wife to an affair with a screenwriter he gives up tennis and gets a real job to keep his wife. A year later, when the screenwriter comes back into the picture, we then see the unravelling of a dastardly plot to have the wife murdered, which appears to have been a year in the making.

Tom Chambers played the villain (Tony Wendice) exceptionally well, he had us all in the palm of his hand, laughing at him one minute and despising him the next. Much to my surprise, there were only 4 actors for the 5 characters, I had not spotted that Christopher Harper played both Captain Lesgate and Inspector Hubbard, so well-done hair and make-up. I also loved his stereotypical portrayal of the Army Captain right down to his floppy hair and plum chinos, it was like I was back in the Officers Mess. Sally Breton who plays Margot Wendice, the wife, made quite an impact considering her time on stage was less than she made it appear, not through any fault of hers but more to do with the era the play was written. I expect Knott would not get away with such a stereotypically subservient (and quiet) wife in today’s climate. Max Halliday (Michael Salami) puts his crime writing skills to the test to try and save his one-time lover by coming up with a scenario which was curiously close to Tony’s actual plot. Fortunately, we don’t have to solely rely on an amateur because the Inspector is already on the case, but they do cut it fine to save Margot from the hang-man’s noose. But it’s not surprising if it took Tony a week to paint that tiny kitchen.

I felt that despite knowing who the villain was, I was still in suspense right to the end, to see if they could pin it on Tony. Fabulous production.

FIRST LOOK AT NEW IMMERSIVE PRODUCTION OF ZORRO THE MUSICAL OPENING AT MANCHESTER’S HOPE MILL THEATRE

• REHEARSAL IMAGES RELEASED FOR ZORRO THE MUSICAL STARRING ANTONY COSTA, ALEX GIBSON-GIORGIO, EMMA KINGSTON, GENEVIEVE NICOLE, KIT ORTON AND BENJAMIN PURKISS
   
• FEATURING MUSIC BY THE GIPSY KINGS, DIRECTED BY CHRISTIAN DURHAM, AND PRESENTED BY ARIA ENTERTAINMENT AND JOHN GERTZ
   
• AT MANCHESTER’S HOPE MILL THEATRE FROM 14 MARCH – 18 APRIL 2020

Zorro The Musical reveals a first look at the cast in action as rehearsal images for the new immersive production are released today. The production features music by The Gipsy Kings and the evening will start with live entertainment and a Flamenco party in the foyer of Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre before the story continues in the auditorium itself, bringing the legendary adventure of the masked hero to life. Zorro the Musical is directed by Christian Durham and runs from 14 March – 18 April 2020.

Zorro the Musical will be performed by a cast of 16 actor-musicians with Antony Costa as Garcia, Alex Gibson-Giorgio as Ramon, Emma Kingston as Luisa, Genevieve Nicole as Inez, Kit Orton as Don Alejandro and Benjamin Purkiss as the masked hero, Zorro. The cast is completed by Ajjaz Awad, Amy Bastani, Isobel Bates, Ben Boskovic, Maxwell Griffin, Matthew Heywood, Jessica Pardoe, Thomas Ping, Seren Sandham-Davies and Stylianos Thomadakis.

With music by the Gipsy Kings and John Cameron, lyrics by Stephen Clark and a book by Stephen Clark and Helen Edmundson, Zorro the Musical reinvigorates the story of the iconic hero, who appears when times are hardest and the struggle for freedom feels lost. The audience will be enveloped by the action of the legendary adventure as they are taken on a thrilling journey into an iconic story of good vs. evil, love vs. hate, brother vs. brother. The production is presented by Katy Lipson and John Gertz and features original music by the Gipsy Kings, alongside their international hits including Bamboleo, Baila Me and Djobi, Djoba. The production will be filled with pounding flamenco, breathtaking sword fights, tricks and magic, comedy and, at its heart, the desperate battle within a family of power versus freedom.

Antony Costa (Garcia) is best known as a member of the chart-topping boyband Blue. Most recently on stage he starred in the 2019 Rock of Ages UK tour. Previous stage credits also include A Judgement In Stone, Save The Last Dance For Me (Bill Kenwright Productions), Blood Brothers (Phoenix Theatre) and Boogie Nights (UK tour). For TV he has appeared in Holby City and Casualty.

Alex Gibson-Giorgio’s (Ramon) stage credits include Aria Entertainment’s recent production of RAGS The Musical (Park Theatre), Everything’s Coming Up Sondheim (Chapel off Chapel), Yank (Understudy Productions), Mamma Mia! (Australian Tour) and Anything Goes (Opera Australia).

Emma Kingston (Luisa) starred as Eva Peron in Evita (2017-18 international tour), Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof (Chichester Festival Theatre) and Vanessa in In the Heights (King’s Cross Theatre). Further stage credit includes Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre), Priscilla Queen of the Desert (UK Tour) and Grease (UK Tour).

Genevieve Nicole’s (Inez) musical credits include Guys & Dolls, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Spamalot in the West End, UK tours of Hairspray, Chicago, The Producers, Miracle on 34th Street and White Christmas, and previously at the Hope Mill in Pippin.

Kit Orton’s (Don Alejandro / Gypsy Leader / Guitar / Violin) theatre credits include Tom (UK Tour 2014/2016), Spamalot (UK Tour & West End), Oliver!, Spend Spend Spend, Martin Guerre (Watermill Theatre) and Dickens Abridged (Arts Theatre).

Benjamin Purkiss (Zorro/Diego) recently performed as the alternate Strat in the original West End cast of the Evening Standard Award and BBC Radio 2 Audience Award winning Bat Out Of Hell The Musical (Dominion Theatre/ Manchester Opera House). His other stage credits include Broken Wings (The Other Palace), Macheath in The Beggar’s Opera (William Christie and Les Arts Florissants) and Allegro (Southwark Playhouse).

Zorro the Musical brings together Director Christian Durham (Breaking The Code, Quaint Honour, Café Society Swing), Choreographer Cressida Carre (Avenue Q, Titanic, Pippi Longstocking), Designer Rosa Maggiora (Hobson’s Choice, Approaching Empty, ‘Nina’ A Story About Me & Nina Simone) and Orchestrator and Musical Director Nick Barstow (RAGS The Musical, Just So, RE:arrangement). The creative team also includes Sound Designer Andrew Johnson, Lighting Designer Matt Haskins, Flamenco Specialist Maria Vega, Fight Director Renny Krupinski, and Casting Director Jane Deitch.

Tickets are now on sale at www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk/events/zorro/

Tracy Ann Oberman stars as Shylock in new production of The Merchant of Venice

In a creative response to antisemitism in Britain, the production will be set in 1930s London

NATIONAL TOUR: 4 September – 14 November

Written by William Shakespeare

Directed by Brigid Larmour

@watfordpalace | #Merchant36 | watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

A major co-production between five leading regional theatres in Autumn 2020, The Merchant of Venice will star Tracy Ann Oberman (EastEnders, Friday Night Dinner, Toast of London) in the role of Shylock and will be directed by Brigid Larmour, Artistic Director of Watford Palace Theatre. Set in the London of the 1930s – East End, West End and City – Oberman was inspired to reframe The Merchant of Venice based on her own great grandmother’s experience as a single mother in the East End of London. Drawing on her own family history of her grandmother and uncles who were on the front line at The Battle of Cable Street as children, Oberman reimagines Shylock as an East End matriarch, a refugee from pogroms in Russia. The production is led by Watford Palace Theatre in partnership with Leeds Playhouse, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, Nuffield Southampton Theatres, Rose Theatre.

This timely retelling sees Shylock as a widow, and a survivor, running a small business from a dark and cramped terraced house in Cable Street, trying to give her daughter Jessica a better quality of life. The aristocrats – Portia, Antonio, Lorenzo – are Mosleyites, supporters of the British Union of Fascists. Their playground is piano bars at the Savoy, bias cut silk gowns, white tie and tails. 

Tracy Ann Oberman said, “I’ve always wanted to reclaim The Merchant in some way and wanted to see how it would change with a single mother female Shylock. My own great grandma and great aunts were single mothers, widows, left in the East End to run the businesses and the homes which they did with an iron fist. When I spoke about it to Brigid, she instantly got it, and said it gave a brilliant way into the problematic aspects of characters like Antonio and Portia –  she saw them as aristocratic young Mosleyites, supporters of the British Union of Fascists led by Oswald Mosley. That led us to an East End Cable Street, with pawn shops and money lending under the counter of shmatter stalls and seamstress jobs, in the weeks leading up to Mosley’s Fascist march against ‘The Jew’ in 1936.”

Brigid Larmour said, “The great Polish critic Jan Kott called Shakespeare ‘our contemporary.’  This production brings together Tracy’s powerful stage presence as an actor with her courageous activism, in a story with acute contemporary resonance. Our national sense of pride in the ‘Britain stood alone’ view of 1940 can sometimes makes us forget how much support there was for fascism here in the 30s.  It is dangerous to forget.”

Tracy Ann Oberman is an English television, theatre and radio actress. Having trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama, Oberman spent four years with the Royal Shakespeare Company, before joining the National Theatre. Her extensive theatrical background includes appearing with Kenneth Branagh in David Mamet’s Edmond, a run in the West End revival of Boeing-Boeing and the National Theatre’s production of Earthquakes in London. She was recently seen performing to sell out audiences in the West End opposite Amanda Holden in Stepping Out and as the lead in Fiddler On The Roof at the Chichester Festival Theatre. Oberman later returned to Chichester Festival Theatre to play a lead, opposite Rufus Hound, in Noel Coward’s Present Laughter.  She has also been seen at the Menier Chocolate Factory in Hugh Whitemore’s Pack of Lies, at the Harold Pinter Theatre in Party Time and Celebration as part of the sell out Jamie Lloyd Pinter at the Pinter season of one-act plays on the tenth anniversary of the Nobel Prize winner’s death, and as the lead in new play Mother of Him at The Park Theatre. For this role she was nominated for Best Actress at The Offies. TV credits include Doctor Who, Mistresses, Toast of London, Ricky Gervais’ Netflix hit After Life, and the critically acclaimed Friday Night Dinner, which will soon be returning for its sixth series. It has recently been announced that Tracy Ann will be joining the cast of Russell T Davies’ new Channel 4 drama, Boys, alongside Keeley Hawes, Stephen Fry and Neil Patrick Harris and Sky One’s exciting new drama Code 404 opposite Stephen Graham and Daniel Mays. Both will air later this year. Oberman has performed in more than 600 radio plays. Tracy is also a column contributor for The Guardian and was a regular contributor to the Jewish Chronicle and Red Magazine. As a playwright she has written a number of well received Radio 4 plays, including Bette and Joan and Baby Jane.

Brigid Larmour, an experienced director, producer and dramaturg, is Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Watford Palace Theatre. A text-based director, she has directed numerous Shakespeares, including a recent all-female Much Ado About Nothing at Watford Palace.  Other WPT credits include new plays by Timberlake Wertenbaker (Jefferson’s Garden), Gary Owen (Perfect Match, Mrs Reynolds and the Ruffian, We That Are Left), Neil d’Souza (Coming Up), Charlotte Keatley (Our Father), Marks and Gran (Love Me Do, Von Ribbentrop’s Watch) and Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti (Fourteen), as well as plays by Ronald Harwood and Alan Ayckbourn, and four pantomimes. She has a track record of supporting diverse voices, and casting women in traditionally male roles in Shakespeare. She championed and directed Charlotte Keatley’s game-changing play My Mother Said I Never Should at Contact Theatre, Manchester in the 80s. From 1998- 2006 she was Artistic Director of West End company Act Productions, and adviser to BBC4 Plays.

Listings information

UK Tour: 4 Sept – 14 Nov

4 – 19 Sept                   Nuffield Theatre, Southampton
                                    142-144 Above Bar Street, Southampton, SO14 7DU
                                    www.nstheatres.co.uk | 023 8067 1771

22 Sept – 3 Oct             Liverpool Playhouse
                                    Williamson Square, Liverpool L1 1EL
                                    www.everymanplayhouse.com | 0151 709 4776

6 – 17 Oct                     Watford Palace Theatre
20 Clarendon Rd, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1JZ
www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk/ | 01923 225671

20 – 31 Oct                   Leeds Playhouse
Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP
leedplayhouse.org.uk | 0113 213 7700

3 – 14 Nov                    Rose Theatre                            24-26 High St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1HL                                    www.rosetheatrekingston.org | 020 8174 0090

The project is supported by Roman Abramovich and Chelsea Football Club’s “Say No Antisemitism Campaign”

Thank you to Trafalgar Entertainment for their support of this project

2020 SALISBURY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL TO CELEBRATE HUMAN MOVEMENT

Friday 22 May – Saturday 6 June 2020

Priority booking for Members from Friday 6 March

General booking from Friday 13 March

www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

• Paralympian Ade Adepitan and world champion athlete Derek Redmond
• Dance from Hofesh Shechter Company and Ballet Central
• Music from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, jazz legend Jacqui Dankworth and Paraorchestra
• The international premiere of Congress at Salisbury Cathedral – a citizens’ assembly of people from Salisbury making their maiden speeches
• Comedy from big names in stand-up Mark Steel and Seann Walsh
• Move It! A day long fiesta of free performances, sport and activities along the route from Old Sarum to Salisbury
• Monumental cardboard reconstruction of the lost Bell Tower in the Cathedral Close from French artist Olivier Grossetête
• Free Family Fiestas at Bemerton Heath and Tidworth

Athletes, dancers, musicians and international artists will be part of the 2020 Salisbury International Arts Festival, announced today by Wiltshire Creative. Over 16 days from 22 May, more than 100 events with artists from countries including France, Spain, India and Australia will celebrate the beauty, courage and joy of human movement. The Festival will be a major part of Salisbury 2020: A City on the Move, marking the 800^th anniversary of the founding of modern Salisbury.

Artistic Director Gareth Machin, Associate Artist violinist Harriet Mackenzie and a team of curators, have put together a diverse programme of music, theatre, film, dance, spoken word, visual arts, family and free events.

Harriet will perform Bach’s incomparable solo violin Partita in D minor alongside ballet dancers in the premiere of a new piece of choreography, Bach and Ballet, which is a co-production between Wiltshire Creative and the Liberation International Music Festival in Jersey.

Harriet will also perform as part of a performance of Cecilia’s McDowall’s Everyday Wonders: The Girl from Aleppo – an extraordinary cantata for children’s voices that tells the story of Nujeen Mustafa, the young wheelchair-bound Kurdish refugee, and her remarkable journey across Europe.

The Festival will open on 22 May with Stone Songs composed by Howard Moody and featuring the Festival Chorus and La Folia musicians in a performance inspired by the Medieval chants that have resonated from the Cathedral’s stones since the 13^th century.

Other musical performances include the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performing Dvorak’s ‘New World’ Symphony in the grandeur of Salisbury Cathedral; jazz from Jacqui Dankworth and trio; and intimate acoustic arrangements from Mike Peters of the 1980s band The Alarm in Wilton Church. Paraorchestra, the world’s only integrated ensemble for virtuoso disabled and non-disabled musicians, will perform in Salisbury Cathedral, conducted by Charles Hazlewood.

Over the middle weekend of the Festival, the focus falls on the future of Salisbury through a series of fascinating events including the European premiere of Congress, a co-production between Wiltshire Creative and Australian theatre makers All The Queen’s Men. This remarkable citizens’ assembly will pair local people with wordsmiths to make their maiden speeches in Salisbury Cathedral.

The Festival will feature stunning dance performances from the acclaimed Hofesh Shechter Company, Ballet Central and Mapdance, which performs repertoire by renowned and upcoming contemporary choreographers including Noa Shadur and Ceyda Tanc.

Comedy comes from Mark Steel, with a new show guaranteed to make the world appear more strange than it is, and from Seann Walsh with a fresh show that mixes his best-loved routines with new, candid stories.

Familiar faces will feature in the spoken word programme, including Paralympian and TV documentary maker Ade Adepitan, long-serving Radio 4 Today presenter John Humphrys, explorer Sir Robin-Knox Johnston and author and foreign correspondent Christina Lamb.

Move It! on Sunday 24 May will be a day long fiesta of free outdoor music, sport, theatre, circus, dance and craft involving professional artists and community groups as they animate the route from Old Sarum to Salisbury Cathedral, retracing the movement of the relocation of the Cathedral to its current site. The day will begin with a multi-faith morning service on the site of the original cathedral at Old Sarum.

The Move It! journey will culiminate with the amazing work of French artist Olivier Grossetête, who, with the public’s help, will recreate the lost Bell Tower in the Cathedral Close in a stunning cardboard structure. He has recreated architectural sculptures across the world including China, New Zealand, France and Spain.

Family events will include free Family Fiestas in Tidworth and Bemerton, and  performances of Dr Dolittle by Ilyria Theatre in the garden at the Rifles Museum in the Cathedral Close.

Free outdoor theatre, dance and circus will also feature in the popular City Encounters event in Salisbury city centre on Sunday 24 May and Bank Holiday Monday 25 May.

Visual arts exhibitions include The Makers’ Tale at Salisbury Arts Centre examining craft in contemporary life and Flow State by ceramicist Jo Taylor at Arundells in the Cathedral Close.

Theatre performances will include Macbeth presented by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men in the open air in Rack Close, part of the Cathedral Close.

A full film programme follows the Festival themes of human movement and epic journeys, including screenings of The Grapes of Wrath, Ai Weiwei’s Human Flow and March of the Penguins 2.

Wiltshire Creative Artistic Director Gareth Machin said: “There will be something for absolutely everyone in and around Salisbury to enjoy at this year’s International Arts Festival, as we celebrate the beauty, courage and joy of human movement. We’re excited to be bringing international artists to Salisbury this summer celebrating dance, sport and incredible journeys alongside incredible music and so much more.”

The Festival runs from 22 May to 6 June 2020. General booking opens on Friday 13 March. Priority booking for Wiltshire Creative Members opens on Friday 6 March. The full programme can be found at wiltshirecreative.co.uk

Salisbury Festival has been enabled through wide charitable support, including major sponsorship from Wilsons Solicitors and event sponsorship from Parker Bullen Solicitors, Smith & Williamson and I N Newman Funeral Directors. The Festival is also supported by Sarum College, The Red Lion, Wadworth Brewery, Salisbury Reds, Salisbury Journal, Byron and The Dancing Moose and generous donations from private patrons.

THURSDAY 15TH APRIL 2021 UTILITA ARENA NEWCASTLE

THE TRUE STORY OF THE MARTIAN INVASION

THE MULTI- AWARD WINNING MASTERPIECE

JEFF WAYNE’S MUSICAL VERSION OF ‘THE WAR OF THE WORLDS’ – ALIVE ON STAGE RETURNS IN 2021

One of the most trailblazing arena tours of all time, Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of ‘The War of The Worlds’ – Alive on Stage! returns to arenas throughout the UK in 2021.

Based on HG Wells’ dark Victorian tale, it remains a firm favourite to millions around the world, exciting audiences of all ages.

In 2006 TWOTW was already considered a cutting edge production with six trucks filled to the brim. But in 2021, which marks a momentous 15 years of live touring, the production be up to 12 trucks, and with it, a host of ingredients and special effects that will challenge and excite the senses. A stellar cast will also be announced in the next few weeks.

RETURNING:

· Liam Neeson in 3D holography as George Herbert, The Journalist

· The iconic 3-tonne, 35-foot tall Martian Fighting Machine firing real flame Heat Rays at the audience.

· The 9-piece Black Smoke Band and ULLAdubULLA symphonic string orchestra.

· Leaf drops over the audience.

· Mixed live in Surround Sound

UPDATED FOR 2021:

· The giant arched bridge now running from the lip of the stage out over the audience to the front of house desk.

· Three panoramic screens with 2 hours of cutting edge CGI and other content

· The incineration of a cast member in full view of the audience.

NEW FOR 2021:

· Lighting, pyrotechnics… and other-worldly special effects.

· Ground-breaking levitation effect.

· The release of deadly Black Smoke from the Martian Fighting Machine

Plus ‘The War of The Worlds’ author, HG Wells – appearing in sight and sound …and much, much more!

Jeff Wayne said: “For over four decades now I’ve lived out a dream of bringing the true story of HG Wells dark Victorian tale to listeners and audiences from around the world, while pushing technology to the limit both sonically and visually as time has moved on.

In 2019 we launched The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience in Central London. combining, immersive theatre, virtual and, augmented realities, holograms and other cutting-edge technology; giving audiences the chance to live through the Martian invasion of 1898.

Now our newest arena production combines these elements within the live performance medium, for an even more unique, emotional and at times, scary experience.”

Tickets will go on sale 9.00am Friday 6th March and are available online, from the booking hotline number 0844 493 6666 * or from 11.00am in person from the Utilita Arena Box Office. Accessible seating is available online, or by calling the accessible hotline on 0800 988 4440. Please note venue facility and booking fees will apply. *Call cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

ASK ME ANYTHING

A LOUD, LIVE LOVE SONG TO NOT HAVING
IT ALL FIGURED OUT

Ask Me Anything, a new immersive show in which members of the multi-award-winning theatre company, The Paper Birds become agony aunts for young people is coming to Birmingham Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio on Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 March 2020.

Featuring real-life verbatim stories, the show is set to the original live music from the singer-songwriter Rosie Doonan.

Known as UK’s leaders of verbatim theatre with political and social slant, The Paper Birds devised Ask Me Anything inspired by magazine’s ‘problem pages’ they read growing up in the 90s and 00s. The company has asked young people living today in the era of mobile phones and Google to write and ask them anything. Nothing was off limits. The show, filled with The Paper Birds’ trademark mischief and mayhem, is its response. 

Jemma McDonnell, Co-Director of The Paper Birds said: “When we reached out and asked young people to write to us, we had no idea if any teenagers actually would! We were in equal measure thrilled and petrified when the letters began to come back in the post. What really struck us was the absolute honesty and vulnerability within the letters.

“Ask Me Anything is a celebration of this honestly and vulnerability; as well as messiness, imperfection, growth, mistakes, trials, experiments and risking it all. It is, and we are, a work-in-progress. We, like the young people who wrote to us, have not figured it all out and we are ok with that.”

So welcome to the 90s, era of dial-up Internet, pen pals and house phones where the Company explores the themes of cyber addition, self-expression, peer pressure, sisterhood and youth suicide, among others, using real-life verbatim stories of young people from across the UK.

Set in a teenage bedroom, Ask Me Anything features live video streaming and original live music from the celebrated singer-songwriter Rosie Doonan, BBC Radio 2’s Folk Awards-nominee who performed with the likes of Peter Gabriel, Birdy and Chris Martin of Coldplay.

Ask Me Anything is for teenagers, grandparents and everyone in between who is also still figuring it all out. It’s about what we can teach the next generation and what they can teach us. 

The Paper Birds is a multi-award-winning devising theatre company with a vision to provoke change, one encounter at a time. It prides itself on taking complex, multi-faceted subjects and making them accessible. As story collectors, they spend time in communities, listening to personal experiences. In 2008, The Paper Birds began utilising the method of interviewing people and placing verbatim material within the script. The company has devised and produced 12 shows to date with Ask Me Anything being the 13^th.

Ask Me Anything comes to Birmingham Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio on Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 March 2020. Visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000 (4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge) for more information and to book.

LEEDS-BASED YOUTH THEATRE ANNOUNCES NAME CHANGE AND SUMMER PRODUCTION

• GERNAL ONSALE FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2020

City Varieties Youth Theatre has announced it will be known as Leeds Grand Youth Theatre from February 2020, as the Company looks to build on its reputation as one of the UK’s leading youth groups; providing a platform from which to introduce young people to the world of professional theatre.

Founded in 2012, the city-based group is headed up by Artistic Director Lizi Patch, and the Leeds Grand Theatre Learning Team. Rachel Lythe, Head of Learning, said: “The Youth Theatre allows young people from the ages of 8 to 17 to perform in some of Leeds’s most iconic venues, working alongside industry professionals. Our focus is on nurturing, supporting, and creatively challenging every individual who walks through our doors, regardless of experience.”

Run from Leeds Grand Theatre, members develop both performing arts and life skills through weekly term-time workshops, including acting, dance/movement, physical theatre and vocal/singing training.

Liziadded: “The Youth Theatre explores the notion of theatre as a tool for social change and personal development for a new generation of theatre makers and theatregoers. We give young people the skills, the time and the support to take creative and personal risks, enabling them to express themselves physically, verbally and through the written word.”

Following the success of 2019’s Little Shop of Horrors, 2020 will see the Youth Theatre stage INTO THE WOODS at City Varieties Music Hall on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July 2020.

The Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine musical tells the story of a baker and his wife, who, cursed with childlessness by the witch next door, embark on a quest to break the spell; lying, swindling and cajoling their way through the woods as a small army of Grimm’s fairy tale characters (each with their own agenda) lead them a merry dance.

INTO THE WOODS will be the Company’s ninth full-scale production and features a 40-strong cast and live orchestra with musicians from Leeds College of Music.

“I have wanted to direct this show for some years now but knew it had to be the right time for the Company – that time is now,” said Lizi. “The trust and skills that run through our Youth Theatre – from the cast to the crew, visiting artists, Learning Team and volunteers – are quite remarkable; we have a collective vision.

“Into the Woods suspends the audience between tragedy and farce, and is undoubtedly an ambitious musical to get right, but we are completely ready for the challenge. Our production will be a visual and aural feast with plenty of food for thought!”

The Youth Theatre has produced many skilled young actors, including those who have gone on to perform with Opera North, train with Rambert and Pineapple Dance Studios in London, gain a scholarship at Phoenix Dance Theatre, Leeds, and even land a role in Game of Thrones.

One Youth Theatre member said: “Being part of LGYT has meant a lot to me as it has felt like a second family that is so loving, caring and supportive of each other. It’s so exciting during production weeks to see the shows come together; when you feel that all your hard work has paid off. Knowing that you make audiences happy is one of the best feelings. Another added: “‘Every Saturday I get so excited to come to LGYT as I have gained so many skills and experiences that have led to me studying acting at college.”

For more information about Leeds Grand Youth Theatre contact James Whittle, Creative Engagement Officer, at [email protected] or go to www.leedsgrandtheatre.com. 

INTO THE WOODS is at City Varieties Music Hall on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July 2020

Book online at www.cityvarietiesmusichall.co.uk or call Box Office on 0113 243 0808

Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until 29 February 2020

Reviewed by Steph Lott

4****

I don’t often enjoy horror – neither books nor films. However when I read Susan Hill’s ghost story “The Woman in Black”, I found, like the tales of Edgar Allen Poe, it invades the dark corners of the mind with unspoken dread and bleak hopelessness. There is a strange thrill in being scared by a skillful storyteller.

My companion and I were discussing with a gentleman seated behind us what we have found scary in the past, and what it takes to scare someone in their 50s nowadays compared to youngsters in their teens, of which there were quite a few in the audience as “The Woman in Black” is a text featured in the English Literature GCSE exam. We wondered if teenagers are more hardened than us, more used to violence and gore. What I have enjoyed about Susan Hill’s novel and other good horror I have read, is what they leave to my own, rather over-active imagination.

I was curious therefore as to how the stage would be used to transport us to the desolate setting where the story takes place – Eel Marsh House, a large grey dwelling right by the sea. In the book and the film, the sky, the sea, the sands and the mist loom large and to bring that effect into a small theatre is no mean feat. It was truly ingenious. It’s a great example of how, using only 3 actors and simple props, supported by simple yet highly effective light and sound techniques you can create a spine-tingling atmosphere of dread.

Stephen Mallatratt’s stage adaption differs from the book in that the story is told by 2 actors who fulfill all the parts between them in an ingenious fashion. The story is presented in a different way on stage than either in the book or in the film. The play begins in quite an odd fashion which is initially funny and annoying – not quite what one expects from a play about horror. But Daniel Easton as The Actor and Robert Goodale as Mr Kips both give superb performances as they start to weave the story, keeping the audience captivated from start to finish, juggling the various characters, scenes and the action between them, yet maintaining the fine silver thread of terror intact. It must be hard for the cast, when the natural reaction to jumping out of your skin, is then nervous laughter, having just emitted a loud shriek!

I would thoroughly recommend a visit to this production. It is the simplicity and skill that impresses. The production is profoundly effective and it may well scare the living daylights out of you. Unless you are a teenager who has had to read it for their GCSE.. in which case it might not. But I was very glad I didn’t have to go on my own…

Cliffs Pavillion Southend – until 29 February 2020

Reviewed by Molly Stannard

4****

Priscilla: Queen of the Desert is an uplifting musical that brings a ray of sunshine. Filled with humorous jokes and glamorous fun, Ian Talbot has crafted the perfect adaptation for theatre. The three main characters Joe McFadden (Tic/Mitzi), Miles Western (Bernadette) and Nick Hayes (Felicia), work well together bouncing innuendo and humour off each other as three glorious drag queens.

They begin a life changing journey across Australia tackling many challenges of self-identity and prejudice. Despite the serious undertones a light-hearted camaraderie was maintained between the characters with their strong bond of friendship and the fight for equality.

The music was brilliantly orchestrated by the cast and the three divas singing rousing classics that the audience joined in with. Fantastic voices that were beautifully harmonious and great dance moves kept you entertained throughout the show. Kevin Yates who played Miss Understanding was particularly entertaining with his Tina Turner impersonation.

A show well worth seeing to brighten up dull days.