Month: May 2017

THE WORLD’S BIGGEST PANTOMIME PRESENTS

PETER PAN, AN ARENA SPECTACULAR

STARRING BRADLEY WALSH, MARTIN KEMP & MATT KNIGHT

AT THE SSE ARENA, WEMBLEY FOR FOUR PERFORMANCES ONLY ON FRIDAY 29 & SATURDAY 30 DECEMBER 2017

 

For the first time ever, The World’s Biggest Pantomime Ltd will play in London, presenting PETER PAN, a stunning new arena spectacular, at The SSE Arena, Wembley for four performances only, on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 December 2017.

Starring Bradley Walsh as Mr Smee, Martin Kemp as Captain Hook, and Matt Knight as Peter Pan, J.M. Barrie’s original story and characters will be brought to life by a cast of over 100 performers, including a thrilling team of BMX riders, stuntmen and trapeze artists, along with a 7m-long animatronic crocodile!  This amazing new show will be performed across three arena stages on a stunning movie-style Neverland set.  The Jolly Roger galleon will sail around the arena in front of a 10,000-gallon water wall.  Wherever someone is seated, they will be close to the action with a giant 60 feet-wide LED screen, computer graphic imagery and a live close-up TV-relay ensuring never a moment is missed.

Bradley Walsh’s acting credits include DS Ronnie Brooks in Law & Order: UK, Danny Baldwin in Coronation Street (won Best Actor at The Royal Television Society Awards) and Dave Dodds in the feature film Mike Bassett: England Manager.  As a presenter, his shows have included, most recently, ITV’s The Chase and Tonight at the London Palladium. In November 2016, he released his debut album, Chasing Dreams, which became the biggest-selling debut album by a British artist in 2016.

Bradley said, “I’m so excited to be appearing in PETER PAN.  It really is an extraordinary production, the like of which Wembley has never seen before!  It has a life-size galleon, a twenty-five-foot crocodile, plus a cast of over a hundred!  It’s a big, bold arena extravaganza and festive treat with something for everyone.”

Martin Kemp’s acting credits include Reggie Kray alongside his brother Gary as Ronnie Kray in the film The Krays, Steve Owen in EastEnders, Sam Phillips in the UK tour of Million Dollar Quartet and The Child Catcher in the UK tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  He is also, of course, one quarter of the band Spandau Ballet, and his book, True – An Autobiography of Martin Kemp, spent several months in The Sunday Times best sellers list.  He also appeared as a judge on the BBC’s Let It Shine, alongside Dannii Minogue and Gary Barlow.

Martin said “What an amazing opportunity to be playing Captain Cook at Wembley Arena this Christmas!  I can’t wait to work with all these wonderfully talented actors, stuntmen and trapeze artists and I know the audience is going to be treated to a real visual feast.”

 

Matt Knight was in the band Iron Sun, who were semi-finalists in the BBC entertainment series Let It Shine.

Prior to London, PETER PAN An Arena Spectacular will appear at the Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham from 20 to 24 December 2017.

PETER PAN An Arena Spectacular is directed by Jon Conway, designed by Wellington Scenic, with lighting design by Jamie Corbidge and sound design by Dave Shepherd, and is presented by arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity & Samuel French Ltd.

 

LISTINGS INFORMATION

The SSE Arena, Wembley

Arena Square

Engineers Way

HA9 0AA

Performances:  Friday 29 & Saturday 30 December at 3pm & 7pm

 

Ticket Prices:  £75, £52.50, £43.50 & £25, plus a ‘Family Offer’ of 4 tickets for £199 (and subsequent child tickets for £50 each)

 

Box Office:  0844 815 0815 or 0844 824 4824

 

Website:  www.worldsbiggestpanto.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/biggestpanto

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Biggest_Panto

DAVID BADDIEL RETURNS TO NEWCASTLE WITH HIT ONE-MAN SHOW

 

Following a sold out run at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory and two critically-acclaimed West End runs, David Baddiel is bringing his Olivier-nominated one-man show My Family: Not the Sitcom to Newcastle Theatre Royal for one night only on Sunday 11 March 2018.

 

Last seen at the Theatre Royal in December 2014 with his critically-acclaimed show Fame: Not The Musical, accomplished comedian, author, screenwriter and television presenter Baddiel is back with a show about memory, ageing, infidelity, dysfunctional relatives, moral policing on social media, golf, and gay cats!

 

Opening to a wealth of glowing reviews, the show has been described as ‘Baddiel launches himself into the Louis CK league of no-holds-barred comedy’ (The Metro), ‘This is a rare production that boasts side-splitting laughs and also moves people to tears’ (Evening Standard), ‘Universally joyful’ (Chortle) and ‘Compelling to watch both for its unvarnished truth and complicated affection’ (The Guardian).

 

Celebrities have been raving about the show too; Russell Brand tweeted ‘Go see Baddiel’s beautiful show. Sex, death, dementia, golf memorabilia, grammar nazis and actual nazis. I “loved” it’ while David Walliams posted ‘I was lucky enough to see Baddiel’s new comedy show… Hilarious & incredibly moving’.  Ross Noble said ‘if u can get a ticket do it such a great show. genuinely touching as well as funny’ while Bill Bailey tweeted ‘terrific show by Baddiel…deeply personal , hilarious and touching in equal measure. See it while you can’.

 

David Baddiel comes to Newcastle Theatre Royal for one night only on Sunday 11 March 2018 at 7.30pm. Tickets £29, no concessions or Friends Discount. Booking opens on Friday 19 May 2017 at 10am, become a Friend of the Theatre Royal and book now.  To find out about becoming a Friend visit theatreroyal.co.uk/support/become-a-friend. Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online from 19 May at www.theatreroyal.co.uk This show has a recommended age of 12+.

New Wimbledon Theatre, 16th- 20th May.  Reviewed By Jessica Brady

The Addams Family musical holds a very special place in my heart, it’s one of my favourite modern musicals and I know this show very well so I was excited that I got to an opportunity to review it at the New Wimbledon Theatre.

The plot of the show follows all the characters we know and love from the Addams family and focuses on the now grown up Wednesday [Played by Carrie Hope Fletcher] who has fallen in love with a boy from Ohio, Lucas Beineke [Played by Oliver Ormson] and they are secretly engaged. Wednesday goes to her father, Gomez [Played by Cameron Blakely] and reveals the secret just as the Beineke’s are due to visit the Addams clan for the first time that evening for dinner. Wednesday begs her father to keep it a secret from her mother, Morticia [Played by Samantha Womack] leaving Gomez conflicted on who to stay loyal to. Wednesday is afraid that Morticia will ruin the evening and jeopardise the relationship she has with Lucas, as well as scaring off his parents Mal [Played by Dale Rapley] and Alice [Played by Charlotte Page] who are ‘normal people’ unlike the Addams Family. Uncle Fester [Played by Les Dennis] enlists the help of the Addams Family ancestors to ensure the night runs smoothly but this evening will run far from that. Wednesday’s Brother Pugsley [Played by Grant McIntyre] is worried his sister will desert him and not torture him the way they she always has now that she is being pulled in a new direction of happiness and rainbows with her new love interest. Pugsley’s jealously leads him to take drastic action and seeks wisdom from his Grandma [Played by Valda Aviks] who tells him he needs to move on and find his own happiness in life. This isn’t the advise he was hoping to hear so he sneakily steals some of his Grandma’s Acrimonium- a powerful potion that makes anyone who drinks it reveal their dark side, in the hopes that Wednesday, at the traditional family dinner game of ‘Full Disclosure’, will tell her secrets and ruin the relationship with Lucas. As the Beineke’s enter the Addams Family Mansion and are greeted by the butler Lurch [Played by Dickon Gough] the night escalates into ciaos with the Addams trying to act ‘normal’ for the sake of the highly strung Mal and reserved Alice. The dinner ends in total disaster as Gomez is found out to have lied to Morticia about Wednesday and Lucas’s engagement and the Acrimonium being drank by Alice as a result of Pugsley putting it in the sacred challis, not to mention Uncle Fester’s declaration of love for the moon! This comedy of errors does end happily but you will have to see it to find out how!

The set and lighting design is one of the best I have seen in any production and brings the gothic tone the Addams Family needs perfectly, along with some subtle tricks to have a moving picture and ‘The thing’ popping up in certain scenes. I was really blown away by it and the costumes were incredible particularly with the ancestors who all had intricate personalised characters ranging from a ballerina, a tudor, a jester and many more.

The whole cast was brilliant but my personal favourites were the incredibly talented Carrie Hope Fletcher who’s work I have admired for many years. Her characterisation of Wednesday was full of the sadistic energy it needs and her voice is incredible, each of her numbers in the show are effortless and powerful! Womack and Blakely play the iconic Morticia and Gomez wonderfully and their chemistry is electric, especially in their tango number. Les Dennis as Uncle Fester is such a great casting as he plays the bizarre, creepy and kooky nature of Fester down to a T!

This show is such a treat and absolutely hilarious with some cracking one liners and a fabulous musical score to enhance it! I love all the numbers in this show but we all know what to expect when we hear the familiar theme tune. So go along and *CLICK CLICK* for yourself, I promise you, you will not be disappointed!

Waterloo East Theatre 12 May – 4 June.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

Ballroom doesn’t have the greatest score, or book, but for all its flaws, this 1978 musical still has some charm. In its European premiere, Gerald Armin’s direction manages to capture the faded and slightly tawdry atmosphere of a 1970s Bronx dancehall, but the Starlight Ballroom never quite sparkles as it should.

The plot follows widowed Bea Asher, who is sleepwalking through life after her husband’s death. Persuaded by friend Angie, Bea goes along to the Starlight Ballroom to meet new friends. Al Rossi sweeps her off her feet and their affair gives her a new lease of life, but he is not all he seems.

Jessica Martin is strong as Bea, managing to make you almost forget the ridiculous wig she’s saddled with for the second act; and really nails Fifty Percent. Olivia Maffett shows great comic chops as Bea’s disapproving sister-in-law and as a dippy ballroom regular. Natalie Moore-Williams as Angie gives a stand out performance, all gum chewing brassiness with a heart of gold beneath, with a fantastically over the top Cagney and Lacey style accent. Colette Kelly almost steals every scene as another neurotic dancer, and the entire cast are obviously having a ball, especially Danielle Morris and Adam Anderson – acing the cheesy cabaret singer moves and grins.

It is wonderful to see such a mature cast take the stage, but this leads to a wider range of dancing ability than usually seen. Nancy Kettle seems to have accepted what she has to work with and opted for simple routines that never threaten to take your breath away. The characterisation by the cast saves the day, with some gloriously ridiculous posing from the dancers. The Tango competition and the Hustle are fantastic laugh out loud moments, and you really can’t help being swept away on the charm and energy blasting from the cast.

Yes, it’s dated, fluffy and cheesy, and feels a little like the 50th anniversary reunion of the Dirty Dancing cast, but Ballroom is a lot of fun and has some great comic performances.

THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED THEATRICAL SPECTACULAR

 

SLAVA’S SNOW SHOW

 

 

o   OPENS A UK TOUR IN CARDIFF THIS OCTOBER

o   RETURNS TO SOUTHBANK CENTRE’S ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL IN LONDON FOR A FIFTH WHITE CHRISTMAS

o   SLAVA’S LATEST BOOK, THE ALCHEMY OF SNOWNESS TO RECEIVE UK LAUNCH ON MAY 23^RDAND 24^TH

 

 

Enter a joyous dream-like world, unlike anything you have seen before. A world in which a cobweb envelops the audience and one tiny piece of paper begins a heart-stopping blizzard of snow…

 

The multi-award winning international sensation SLAVA’S SNOWSHOW returns to the UK this autumn commencing its 2017 journey at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff on Wednesday 17^th November, with a national press night on Thursday 18^th November. The show tours to Salford, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Norwich, Bristol and Southampton before making a return to London’s Southbank Centre for an unprecedented fifth season of festive magic from 18^th December – 4^th January.  The Snowshow is produced by Matthew Gale and Mark Goucher.

A combination of theatrical clowning and stunning visual spectacle, SLAVA’S SNOWSHOW is performed by a world-renowned company of clowns led by Slava Polunin, Artistic Director of the St Petersburg Circus.

“Slava’s Snowshow is to clowning what Cirque du Soleil is to the circus… as theatrical as it is simple, as involving as it is inspiring” – Variety

SLAVA’S SNOWSHOW is the internationally acclaimed winner of the Time Out, Olivier and Drama Desk awards for most unique theatrical experience. It had its UK premiere at the Edinburgh Festival in 1994, and has since toured all over the country, delighting audiences of all ages and winning an Olivier Award for Best Entertainment during its run at the Old Vic in 1998. The show’s popularity overseas has seen it performed in 80 cities around the globe including New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Rome, Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro and Moscow.

Ahead of the opening of UK Slava Polunin visits the UK to launch his new book Alchemy of Snowness. The publication explores Slava’s role as an artist, a creator, a performer, and of his Snowshow, the theatre spectacle that has entertained, enchanted and touched audiences worldwide. The book traces Slava’s artistic journey and exhilarating exploration in his creation of “a show that would bring us back to our childhood dreams; a show which would help spectators be released from the jail of adulthood and rediscover their forgotten childhood”. With 27 stunning illustrations throughout by artist Quint Buchholz punctuating Slava’s poetic storytelling this book is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the creative process and for those longing for a little magic in their lives.

“Overwhelming, invigorating, terrifying, delightful…it brings us back to the lost Eden of our childhood” – Financial Times

 

The show’s triumphant return to the Royal Festival Hall after four highly successful winter seasons will mark the culmination of the latest stage in an extraordinary journey, which has seen it become a key part of the UK cultural landscape.

“Theatrical brilliance”- Sunday Times

“A magical work of wonder” – Evening Standard

“Simply thrilling…an unforgettable comedy masterpiece” – The Independent

Influenced by artists such as Chaplin, Marcel Marceau and Engibarov, Slava and his company have taken clowning out of the world of circus, and brought it to theatre lovers, fellow practitioners and families worldwide.   -END-

 

LISTINGS

SLAVA’S SNOW SHOW

www.slavasnowshow.co.uk

ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL, LONDON

Mon 18^th December 2017 – Thur 4^th January 2018

www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/119777-slavas-snowshow-201718

Box Office:  0844 875 0073

Tickets: £20 to £105

Age Guidance: Recommended for children 8 years and over and strictly no children under 3 will be permitted

NB SLAVA’S SNOWSHOW is performed by an ensemble company. It is rarely known in advance which clowns will perform at which performance.

 

2017 UK TOUR DATES

 

Tue 17 – Sat 21 October                                                              Box Office: 029 2063 6464

Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff                                               www.wmc.org.uk

Tue 24 – Sat 28 October                                                               Box Office: 0843 2086000

The Lowry, Salford                                                                        www.thelowry.com

Wed 1 – Sun 5 November                                                            Box Office: 0131 529 6000

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh                                                         www.edtheatres.com

Tue 7 – Sat 11 November                                                             Box Office: 0844 871 7648

King’s Theatre, Glasgow                                                               www.atgtickets.com

Tue 21 – Sat 25 November                                                           Box Office: 01603 630000

Theatre Royal, Norwich                                                                 www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

Tue 28 Nov – Sat 2 December                                                     Box Office:  0844 871 7627

Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol                                                          http://www.atgtickets.com

Tue 5 – Sat 9^th December                                                              Box Office: 023 8071 1811

Mayflower, Southampton                                                           www.mayflower.org.uk

Richmond Theatre, 15th- 18th May.  Reviewed By Jessica Brady 

The beautiful Richmond Theatre played host to a new production of FOOTLOOSE last night and it was a real toe tapping treat. Despite a slightly late curtain up, the show didn’t disappoint.

The story follows a young disgruntled teen, Ren [played by Joshua Dowling], moving into the small Bible belt town of Beaumont after his father left his mother [Played by Lindsay Goodhand] and him in Chicago. Ren struggles to integrate into the community that is plagued by tragedy after 4 teens died in a car accident 5 years previously. As a result of that accident, the town’s council imposed new laws, one of which was a ban on dancing to protect the teens of the town from corruption that could threaten the religious integrity of the youths. The town is ruled by its reverend [Played by Reuven Gershon] who’s son was killed in the accident and he tries to control the lives of people in the town as well as his young teenage daughter Ariel [Played by Hannah Price]. Ariel is the dutiful daughter in front of her mother [Played by Maureen Nolan] and father, but often goes out and rebels to escape the tight leash that holds her back. Her relationship with the town’s rough and ready Chuck [Played by Connor Going] often means she is controlled even more so as he is the bully that nobody wants to mess with. Ren makes it his mission along with his new and slightly dumb friend Willard [Played by Gareth Gates] to win the town round and make the teens of the town teenagers again and make them realise that living the way they do isn’t the norm and that a school dance would bring everyone together again.

The show has a super talented cast who all act as the band for the show playing a range of instruments along with dancing, acting and incredible vocals. I have seen a few actor musician shows over the years but this was one of the best of this type I have seen. Each member of the cast swaps and changes instruments with ease and you quickly accept the way the show is presented with characters playing on stage in scenes. Lots of multi roles happen in the show that show off real skill which makes for very entertaining viewing.

Special mentions must go to Gareth Gates who absolutely shines in the comedy role of Willard; he has incredible skill as a physical comedian and was a complete standout in this show which I was really happy to see. I also loved the three girls Rusty [Played by Laura Sillett] Urleen [Played by Gracie Lai] and Wendy-Jo [Played by Emma Fraser] who all had fantastic voices and comic timing not to mention heaps of sass! Joshua Dowen as Ren was a good choice, full of energy and charisma that suited the role well.

The staging was great and well used in different settings but I felt the lighting on stage was generally a little dark and the follow spots seemed to have problems knowing who to follow at times which was a little distracting. The cast to begin with seemed a little nervous and frantic [possibly a result of the late curtain up] but soon settled down and gave the show the powerful punch it needed.

Some great cheesy songs, packed with energy and fun, great choreography and an all round fun show, Footloose gives you a great feel good factor that will have you singing and dancing all the way home.

RAISE A GLASS TO DARLINGTON THEATRE TOWN WITH EARLY DOORS

Darlington Theatre Town is an exciting new initiative to present the most ambitious and high quality theatre in Darlington. The project brings together the expertise of partners Creative Darlington, Darlington Hippodrome, Luxi, Theatre Hullabaloo and ODDMANOUT to cement Darlington’s place in the Tees Valley as a Theatre Town and a place where theatre thrives.

The project, funded by the Arts Council and Darlington Borough Council, grew from the opportunity presented by the redevelopment of the Civic Theatre (opening as Darlington Hippodrome this Autumn), the exciting development of Theatre Hullabaloo’s new theatre for young audiences ‘The Hullabaloo’ (opening this Autumn) and the momentum that has built over the last couple of years around theatre in unusual places by events such as the award-winning Jabberwocky Market.

This creative project is launched with Early Doors, a celebration of community spirit and pub culture, presented by award-winning theatre company Not Too Tame who bring their production of Early Doors The Hole In The Wall in Darlington next week.

Not Too Tame Theatre is founded on the belief of ‘Theatre for All’, that everyone can take something away from. Artistic Director, Jimmy Fairhurst, “Early Doors is a love letter to the local boozer and the people who frequent it. A site specific, immersive show that incorporates live music, comedy, pathos and moments to warm your heart, it’s a great night out condensed into an hour and a half’s entertainment.”

Early Doors comes to The Hole In The Wall, Horsemarket, Darlington on Monday 22, Tuesday 23 and Thursday 25 May at 8pm. Recommended age 14+

Tickets £10 concessions £7

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 405405 or visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

MEL BROOKS’ MONSTER MUSICAL TO PLAY NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL BEFORE

WEST END PREMIER

 

Legendary filmmaker and comedian Mel Brooks is bringing his new musical Young Frankenstein exclusively to Newcastle Theatre Royal ahead of its West End premier.  North East folk will be able to see the monster musical comedy and its all-star cast first before anyone else for two weeks only: Sat 26 Aug – Sat 9 Sep 2017.  Do not miss!

 

Local lad and comedy hero Ross Noble and screen stars Lesley Joseph and Hadley Fraser will lead the cast of the brand new all-singing all-dancing extravaganza, which is based on the Oscar-nominated smash hit movie of the same name.  The show will run for two weeks in Newcastle as a ‘pre-West End’ season before it opens at London’s Garrick Theatre in late September.

 

Summer Strallen also stars in the show.  Sister of Zizzi (Mary Poppins) and niece of Bonnie Langford, audiences will likewise recognize her from Live Theatre’s Flying into Daylight and Paradise Moscow at the Theatre Royal in 2009. Dianne Pilkington (Wicked), and Patrick Clancy (The Producers, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) will also feature.

 

Hadley Fraser will play the title role of Dr Frederick Frankenstein, grandson of the infamous Dr. Victor Frankenstein, and immortalised by Gene Wilder in the 1974 movie. Hadley’s widely acclaimed stage credits include Marius in the West End production of Les Miserables, a show to which he returned in the role of Javert. He was in the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company for The Winter’s Tale & Harlequinade at the Garrick Theatre and starred alongside Tom Hiddleston in the Donmar Warehouse production of Coriolanus, and performed there again in City of Angels, The Vote and Saint Joan.

 

Cramlington lad Ross Noble will play the hilarious role of the hunchbacked, bug-eyed servant Igor. Ross is one of the UK’s most original and exciting performers: a stand-up comedian since the age of 15, his countless accolades include Time Out award winner for best live stand-up, Barry Award winner, Perrier Award nominee and several Chortle Awards. Unveiling a new sell-out show every year for the last 20 years, Ross is one of the most successful comedians of our time exuding an on-stage presence unlike any other.

 

Ross’ worldwide travel as a stand-up was the subject of his own BBC Radio 4 programmes, Ross Noble Goes Global and Ross Noble On. He is a regular guest star on TV programmes including Live at the Apollo, QI, Just A Minute and I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, and he has made 19 appearances on Have I Got News for You.

Lesley Joseph is Frau Blucher, the forbidding housekeeper to the Frankenstein family estate in Transylvania. Lesley is best known for playing Dorien Green, the neighbour from hell, in the ITV1 sitcom Birds of a Feather. Having recorded over one hundred episodes, Dorien became a national institution, with the show watched at its height by 23 million people. Lesley has a wealth of theatrical experience to her credit; most recently in the 2016 UK tour of Annie, in which she played the role of Miss Hannigan. In 2016, Lesley donned her dancing shoes and sequinned dresses as one of the contestants in Strictly Come Dancing with dance partner Anton du Beke.

 

Young Frankenstein, the wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Mary Shelley classic, sees Frederick Frankenstein, an esteemed New York brain surgeon and professor, inherit a castle and laboratory in Transylvania from his deranged genius grandfather, Victor Von Frankenstein.  He now faces a dilemma – does he continue to run from his family’s tortured past or does he stay in Transylvania to carry on his grandfather’s mad experiments reanimating the dead and, in the process, fall in love with his sexy lab assistant Inga?

 

Based on the hilarious 1974 film and co-written with Thomas Meehan, Brooks will once again collaborate with Broadway director and choreographer Susan Stroman for this all-singing all-dancing new production, bringing his and Gene Wilder’s classic movie to life on stage.

 

The company will include Imogen Brooke, Matt Crandon, Nathan Elwick, Kelly Ewins-Prouse, Andrew Gordon-Watkins, Sammy Kelly, Richard Pitt, Harriet Samuel-Gray, Gemma Scholes, Emily Squibb, Aron Wild and Josh Wilmott.

 

Young Frankenstein is produced by Mel Brooks, Michael Harrison and Fiery Angel.

 

The pre-West End season of Young Frankenstein is at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Sat 26 August until Sat 9 September 2017, playing evenings Tue – Sat at 7.30pm, matinees on Sat 2.30pm (not 26 Aug) & Thu 7 Sep 2pm. Tickets from £19.50.  Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Quays Theatre, The Lowry, Manchester – until Saturday 20 May.  Reviewed by Julie Noller

You could be forgiven in assuming that because La Strada was being performed on a smaller stage within The Lowry that it wouldn’t be a polished performance, well it was more than polished it was totally watchable (I may even say awesome). I like The Quays Theatre, it may be the smaller stage but it has character and you always feel part of a small group brought together for enjoyment.

The stage set up looked drab and grey fitting perfectly with the oppressive feel of the whole play. Lighting was used to perfection cleverly designed by Aideen Malone, one stand out piece is the motorbike headlight as it scans through the night catching the audience its hard to decide if I felt like a rabbit caught in headlights or rather part of a facist ragime interrogation.

Fellinis 1954 film of the same title is well known, however I must own up and confess to not having watched it – sadly. I was impressed with Sally Cooksons direction on stage. I was lost in its story of humanity. I do believe that my interpretation of what I watched to be unique to me, you may see and feel entirely different aspects for that is the desired effect.

I loved the beginning how the ensemble gave the appearance of a collective yet as individuals. I felt like I was back at school watching a travelling theatre company perform a very personal show just for my class. But they are right, the ensemble, it is a story that transcends time itself, it is happening now, it happened ten thousand years ago, it will happen tomorrow.

You watch the story unfolding yet you don’t judge any character, La Strada highlights many things, social weaknesses, poverty, malnutrition, deprivation. Life is full of sadness and vulnerability.

Each character perfectly entwines the next cleverly highlighting a different aspect of life itself. Gelsomina portrayed with great understanding by Audrey Bisson, is vulnerable and yet a character of great strength. There are subtle clues into her own life and personality, is she autistic in a time where autism wasn’t accepted or even existed? She doesn’t like noise and hums to herself to remain calm. Sounds and lights and textures play an important part be it the rose petals released by The Fool or watching the band play. There is humour yet there is always the haunting melody of Gelsominas tune – we associate that music with Gelsomina when we hear it, only hummed by Gelsomina herself until sadly at the end when we hear a stranger hum it, whilst cleverly tieing loose ends together and bringing the tale to a close.

Stuart Goodwin as our yorkshire accented strongman must have included every stereotypye of the time, a temper, bloodyminded, drinker. He is a bully yet he’s a victim of circumstance, remember how people throughout history react to deprivation and poverty. They drink to forget, they party when they can, try to be with likeminded people, seek out company or speciafically sex to replace the lack of love and compassion in their lives. It was fantastic to see this deeply unemotional man towards the end show a vulnerable side, to see how deeply Gelsomina affected his life.

My favourite character has to be Il Matto – The Fool, reminiscent of Charlie Chaplin’s Tramp he brings light relief to what is potentially a highly charged play of deep emotions, I wasn’t expecting to feel close to tears or to want a character to succeed in life as much as I did. Is his character another one of lifes lessons? Fools do not survive? Or was it a case of here is a fool with so much knowledge of life? I feel if I watch La Strada again I will gain another insight. His purpose is a basic one to show how life could be, hes poor yet happy. He aims to bring Gelsomina out of her oppressive lifestyle to remember her freewill, to be happy. Ultimately he succeeds but not before paying the ultimate price. Congratulations on the amazing circus skills, very impressive and as my friend commented La Strada is not just a ticket to see a play you get a circus thrown in too.

The music throughout again brings to mind poverty and how important music is in uplifting our souls. Original music is by Benji Bower and I have to say we have songs in English, French and Italian each song has great meaning to plays an important part in story telling, deprivation is not unique to one nation.

I enjoyed La Strada and would consider taking my teens to watch it. It’s a striking piece of theatre that shows such a fantastic understanding of humanity. I can’t praise it highly enough. If you enjoy cheering on the underdog be warned it doesn’t have a Hollywood happy ending. But it does allow your mind to drift afterwards to alternate endings and what ifs lifestyles.