Month: April 2019

The Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester- until 25th May 2019

Reviewed by Joseph Everton.

5*****

West Side Story is a ground-breaking adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, modernised to replace Montagues and Capulets with Puerto Rican Sharks and White American Jets. Renowned for its brilliant Leonard Bernstein music with Sondheim lyrics, West Side Story blends together bebop, latino and operatic musical styles in a clash of cultures, to create a story of gang warfare, fuelled by racism, with a foot tapping musicality. This modern production, directed by Sarah Frankcom, made use of the incredible Royal Exchange space, a three-tiered structure and largest theatre in the round in the country, set within and cocooned by a beautiful grade II listed building. On the ground level, the audience were almost immersed by the performance, with actors thundering down surrounding steps, with an all-too-relevant clash of knives close enough to have you leaning back in your seat.

The story? Maria (Gabriela Garcia), a Puerto Rican immigrant to the States, is to be matched with Chino (Manuel Pacific) whom she is underwhelmed by. In a war-like climate, Maria meets Tony (Andy Coxon), a former member of the Jets, and they fall in love. Their love was as believable as it was beautiful to watch, both actors excelling vocally and each appearing to genuinely quite like the other. Maria’s brother Bernardo (Fernando Mariano), leader of the Puerto Rican Sharks, skin suitably adorned with religious iconography, forbids the match and, within 24 hours, the rival gangs clash with devastating results. The Shakespearian story, originally set in Verona, set in Manhattan for West Side Story and later dropped into a fictional Verona Beach in America for Baz Luhrmann’s movie remake, could easily be played out on the streets of London or a hundred cities around the globe, making the story line as fresh and relevant as ever.

The music, played by an orchestra tucked away in a hidden booth but feeling as though they may have been seated with the audience, was accompanied by some outstanding, modern choreography by Aletta Collins and probably the highlight of an excellent show. The cast, highly skilled in dance, brought incredible energy and aggression to the Gym scene and, later, the rumble under the highway which contrasted sharply with the beautiful moments of tenderness shared by Garcia’s Maria and Coxon’s Tony. The former delighting with her stunning operatic style.

NUFFIELD SOUTHAMPTON THEATRES ANNOUNCES COMMISSION OF NEW PLAY ABOUT SOUTHAMPTON PUB – THE HOBBIT

With Peter Morgan’s The Audience opening next month, Samuel Hodges, director of Nuffield Southampton Theatres today announces the company will be commissioning a new play about local pub, The Hobbit and its legal battle with a Hollywood film company over copyright infringement which began in 2012.

Sir Ian McKellen, who alongside Stephen Fry spoke out in support of the pub in 2012, marked the announcement with a surprise visit to the establishment on Wednesday 10 April while he was visiting Southampton on his UK tour, Ian McKellen on Stage.

Samuel Hodges, said today, “With Tolkien’s masterpiece interrogating the battle between disadvantaged man and the things the world throws at him, this is life imitating art in both senses of the phrase, and a brilliant premise for a new play. As we have over the last year with The Shadow Factory and SS Mendi, we want to continue to celebrate and share local stories with our audiences and it was very special to have Sir Ian’s support on his visit to Southampton.”

The company’s Autumn Season includes New Wolsey Theatre’s One Man Two Guvnors produced in association with Nuffield Southampton Theatres, which following a run at New Wolsey Theatre in September, opens at the NST Campus on 1 October and runs until 12 October. The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh in co-production with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, Northern Stage, Nuffield Southampton Theatres and Oxford Playhouse present Tron Theatre Company and Blood of the Young’s Pride and Prejudice* (*Sort Of). The production tours the UK from September 2019 and opens at NST City on 16 March until 28 March 2020.

Jenny King, Jonathan Church, Matthew Gale and Mark Goucher present

STEPHEN MANGAN

and

KARA TOINTON

 in
The Man in the White Suit

Adapted for the stage by Sean Foley

Based on the play “The Flower Within the Bud” by Roger MacDougall and Screenplay by Roger MacDougall, John Dighton and Alexander Mackendrick.  

By special arrangement with STUDIO CANAL

Directed by Sean Foley

Designed by Michael Taylor

• SEAN FOLEY ADAPTS AND DIRECTS THE EALING COMEDY CLASSIC FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE STAGE PRODUCTION WHICH WILL STAR STEPHEN MANGAN AND KARA TOINTON
• THE PRODUCTION WILL PLAY A LIMITED SEASON AT THEATRE ROYAL BATH AS PART OF ITS 2019 SUMMER SEASON FROM SEPTEMBER 5TH – 21ST, PRIOR TO OPENING AT WYNDHAMS THEATRE IN PREVIEW FROM SEPTEMBER 26TH WITH AN OPENING NIGHT OF OCTOBER 8TH
• TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE

Producers today announced that a stage adaptation by Sean Foley of the classic Ealing Studios comedy The Man in the White Suit, will play a three week season at Theatre Royal Bath, prior to receiving its world premiere at Wyndhams Theatre in preview from September 26th with an opening night of October 8th. The production will be directed by Sean Foley and will starStephen Mangan as Sidney Stratton and Kara Tointon as Daphne Birnley. Set and costume design will be by Michael Taylor.

The 1951 iconic EALING comedy starred Alec Guinness, Joan Greenwood and Cecil Parker. It was directed by Alexander Mackendrick and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Writing (Screenplay).

When Sidney Stratton, played by Stephen Mangan, develops a fabric that never gets dirty and never wears out, manufacturers and trades unions are terrified by the threat it poses to their industry and their jobs. Only Daphne (Kara Tointon) the mill owner’s daughter, shows Stratton any sympathy as his world gradually falls apart before he finally finds love and a new idea.  

This world premiere production will reunite Stephen Mangan and Sean Foley who created the Olivier Award winning comedy Jeeves and Wooster together. Foley also teams up again with Michael Taylor with whom he created the five times Olivier Award nominated The Ladykillers. Foley’s production will feature a cast of fourteen including actor musicians and a specially written score.

WWW.MOUSETRAPONTOUR.COM

Adam Spiegel and Stephen Waley-Cohen present
THE MOUSETRAP TOUR

• SUSAN PENHALIGON JOINS THE UK TOUR OF AGATHA CHRISTIE’S RECORD-BREAKING MURDER MYSTERY THE MOUSETRAP AS MRS BOYLE FROM 15 JULY 2019 – 16 NOVEMBER 2019
   
• THE LEGENDARY WHODUNNIT CONTINUES ON AN EXTENSIVE TOUR OF THE UK WITH FURTHER DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED THROUGHOUT 2020 
   
• THE RECORD-BREAKING RUN CONTINUES IN THE WEST END AT THE ST MARTIN’S THEATRE

Television star Susan Penhaligon (Bouquet of Barbed Wire, A Fine Romance, Emmerdale) will join the cast of Agatha Christie’s legendary whodunnit as Mrs Boyle this summer as it continues on a major UK tour. Susan Penhaligon will take over the role from Gwyneth Strong (Only Fools and Horses) from 15 July at Malvern Festival Theatre through to and including Birmingham Alexandra Theatre until 16 November 2019. Directed by Gareth Armstrong, the timeless thriller returned to the road by popular demand in January 2019 and has been earning standout reviews from critics and public alike as it continues to visit more than 40 venues, travelling the length and breadth of the country.  

The Mousetrap has been delighting audiences for 67 years and the identity of the murderer remains theatre’s best kept secret. This is the second major national tour of the smash hit murder mystery following a record-breaking 60th anniversary debut in 2012.

Susan Penhaligon (Mrs Boyle) is well-known for her role in the ITV drama Bouquet of Barbed Wire, and for playing Helen Barker in the ITV sitcom A Fine Romance. She also played Jean Hope in UK soap Emmerdale. She has toured the UK extensively with stage productions including The Importance of being Earnest, Cabaret, Rehearsal for Murder, And Then There Were None, The Constant Wife, Verdict and Dangerous Obsessions. Stage credits also include Caste (Finborough Theatre), Murder on Air (Theatre Royal Windsor), Broken Glass (West Yorkshire Playhouse), The Compliant Love (Palace Theatre) and The Cherry Orchard (Royal Exchange). Susan has also appeared on film in Top Dog, Citizen Versus Kane, Say that You Love Me, Say Hello to Yesterday and Private Road.

The full cast includes David Alcock (Mr Paravicini), Geoff Arnold (Detective Sgt. Trotter), Nick Biadon (Giles Ralston), Lewis Chandler (Christopher Wren), John Griffiths (Major Metcalf), Harriett Hare (Mollie Ralston) and Saskia Vaigncourt-Strallen (Miss Casewell).

The Mousetrap is playing at Coventry Belgrade Theatre this week with Gwyneth Strong scheduled to continue in the role of Mrs Boyle in the following venues: Crawley Hawth, Darlington Hippodrome, Exeter Northcott, Salford Lowry, York Grand Opera House, Edinburgh Playhouse, Liverpool Empire, Southend Palace, Nottingham Theatre Royal, Bristol Hippodrome, Stoke Regent, Brighton Theatre Royal and Norwich Theatre Royal. Susan Penhaligon is scheduled to perform from 15 July at Malvern Festival followed by Blackpool Grand, Barnstaple Queens, Bournemouth Pavilion, Llandudno Venue Cymru, Milton Keynes, Woking New Victoria, Torquay Princess, Dartford Orchard, Eastbourne Devonshire Park, Cardiff New Theatre, Chesterfield Pomegranate, Portsmouth Kings, Windsor Theatre Royal, Glasgow Theatre Royal, Peterborough New Theatre and Birmingham Alexandra. Further venues to be announced in due course.

First seen in Nottingham in 1952 starring Richard Attenborough and his wife Sheila Sim, The Mousetrap went on to become the world’s longest running stage production following its West End transfer to The Ambassadors in 1952 and St Martins in 1973 where it has played ever since, continuing a record-breaking run with over 27,500 performances in London so far. The beloved murder mystery returns to the road following the success of the first ever UK tour in 2012.

The Mousetrap continues its open-ended run at St. Martin’s Theatre, London.

Underbelly Festival – until 5 May 2019

Reviewed by Adam Craddock

4****

As an actor training in musical theatre I was at first a bit sceptical about taking up the offer to review A Simple Space at the Underbelly Festival. I didn’t feel that it was necessarily in my skill set and what I’d strive to see. But then the memories of that childish amazement that I felt the last time I went to a circus came flooding back and I bit our organisers hand off to get this show.

A Simple Space sees the cast of “Gravity and Other Myths” take on a series of death defying stunts all for our simple amusement. From a skipping rope strip off to human pyramids, base jumping onto each other’s backs to doing a Rubik’s cube while stood on your head, this show was, as it says, beautifully simple yet utterly awe inspiring. The whole cast were absolutely phenomenal but I do have to give a couple of special shout-outs. Simon McClure’s natural stage presence is absolutely fantastic, he really drew me in with just with how much he was enjoying what he was doing himself. Andre Augustus also excelled in this field, and his banter with the audience was a real highlight for me as this really helped draw us in and make us feel at ease. Annalise Moore and Ashleigh Pearce also deserve credit for their work as the flyers, making us feel at ease with their obvious danger.

In conclusion, I could not recommend this show more highly! If you are looking for a good night to enjoy with the family, come see A Simple Space while tickets are still out!

Richmond Theatre – until 13 April 2019

Reviewed by Prachya van de Gevel

3***

Full disclaimer, I am a scaredy-cat and didn’t know what I was getting into when agreeing to review this play, but you will be pleased to know I survived Peter James’s adaptation of House on Cold Hill.

The synopsis is that a family moves into their forever home Ollie (Joe Mcfadden), his wife Caro (Rita Simons) and daughter Jade (Persephone Swales-Dawson) soon discover their forever home may not be the dream life they expected.

Their performance as with the rest of the cast were ok, perhaps a little over the top but it’s a horror story so maybe you need to be a little more theatrical.

The bad news here is every cast member gets outshone by Alexa… yes the now familiar Amazon personal digital assistant. I won’t give too many spoilers away, but if you hadn’t guessed this house is haunted and it seems the supernatural can now possess all manner of digital devices.

Helping to bring this ancient house into the 21st century was tech boffin would be spirit hunter Chris, played by Charlie Clements. He is absurdly manic in his mannerisms and his portrayal is a shy awkward “geek”, he is joined by Annie played by veteran of the stage Tricia Deighton. Annie is our resident spirit guide, tarot card reading spiritualist and her performance as well a little over the top but sufficed for the part she was playing.

I do think that Jade did well playing the teenager  not so much the sullen teenager but a more modern, entitled teenager very reminiscent of the youth today and that was well portrayed. The cast is rounded out with Fortinbras (Padraig Lynch), Phil (Leon Stewart) and O’ Hare (Simon Balcon).  None of the cast overly impressed me with their acting and whilst there was some humour within the performance it is bad that we are almost anticipating Alexa’s next actions and lines over the actors.

Having seen the Woman in Black as a stage play, this tale could have taken inspiration from their atmosphere and style of story telling. Whilst there was the expected jump scares and moments, it lacked that same eerie ambience you get, perhaps lower the temperature, darken the sets a little more, and just make things just a little more subtle. In some ways it was clever to bring aspects of the modern life into the play, but I think there was much more potential to make it darker and more chilling. Even at some climatic scenes, due to the same staging being used consistently there was a few times I asked my friend if they’d seen what happened as I hadn’t been able to discern what actions had taken place.

The special effects were well done, but having seen what can be done through other shows and plays using holographic techniques and projection overlays you do feel a little shortchanged. So yes I jumped at the appropriate times, and I laughed at Alexa’s lines, it was an ok play, but I think I just wanted more scares, more jumps, and a more chilling atmosphere.

Soho Theatre, Upstairs – until 13th April 2019

Reviewed by Elizabeth J Smith

4****

Entering the studio you are greeted by William Andrews himself. He is wearing a bread bag on his head giving out badges with “Willy” written on them. He seems a little agitated, perhaps nerves are taking their toll as this is his first show after a sabbatical where he got married and became a Father.

All these facts go into his show. He reminisces about his childhood and college days, where he first wore a bread bag on his head. I think that was the only reason for such head gear.

He talks at an incredible pace and covers a wide range of scenarios with great enthusiasm, if a little scatty. With the addition of photos and videos and a talking crash helmet, you truly feel part of his story, from his speech therapist to dog poo and everything in between including a little audience participation with a hilarious outcome.

With laugh out loud material and statements that make your toes curl it was an exceptional piece of stand up. A must see!

REVIEW: FAME THE MUSICAL (Sunderland Empire) ★★★

April 11, 2019 

For: West End Wilma 

https://www.westendwilma.com/review-fame-the-musical-uk-tour-sunderland-empire/

Fame, for me, evokes a wealth of nostalgia. I watched the TV show in the 80’s and the the 1980 Alan Parker film (which introduced me to the Rocky Horror Picture Show). I have fond memories of sleepovers with my best friend Melanie and listening to her sister Dawn singing the songs of the Kids from Fame over and over again until she was word perfect. So I arrived at the Sunderland Empire, expecting to see Doris, Leeroy, Coco, Danny and Bruno. To hear them singing Starmaker, Hi-fidelity and Desdemona as well as the title track of Fame itself.

Selladoors version of Fame, directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, starts in 1980 and follows the students of PA, from the auditions to their 4 years of study up to graduation. With hundreds going through the audition process and only 97 being accepted these are the best of the best.

Miss Sherman (Mica Paris) is in charge of the Academic side of life at PA and she is adamant that the students must pass English and Maths as these are equally, if not more, important than their performing majors. Miss Bell (Katie Warsop) teaches the dancers including Tyrone (Jamal Crawford) who dances like a dream but can’t read and beautiful ballerina Iris (Jorgie Porter). Mabel (Hayley Johnston) who needs to lose weight but eats everything in front of her and changes to acting. Mr Scheinkopf (Duncan Smith) is the music teacher and Mr Myers (Cameron Johnson) who teaches acting.

Whilst the students have stars in their eyes, Carmen (Stephanie Rojas) ends up in the seedier side of life, after an Agent takes her to California to make her a star, introducing her to drink and drugs and she ends up stripping to make ends meet to fuel her addiction. Her relationship with Schlomo (Simon Anthony), helping him to write lyrics to the tunes he composes, starts out so beautifully and after her death from an overdose his tribute to her is an emotional one. The other faltering relationship is that of Serena (Molly McGuire) who adores Nick (Keith Jack) but thinks he’s gay, however during Romeo and Juliet they fall in love.

The rest of the ensemble Joe (Albey Brookes), Goody (Alexander Zane), Lambchops (Louisa Beadel) play musical instruments on stage, along with the off stage band Tim Whiting, Dave Keech, Manolo Polidario, Mike Nichols and Brady Mould

For me this was a perfectly acceptable performance, no stand out moments just a perfect ensemble piece. But maybe the nostalgia clouded my judgement. I was so looking forward to the Fame of my youth that this show was, however, lacking something for me. And I found the toy cars in the finale quite juvenile.

Fame is touring the UK for the rest of 2019 with a stint in the West End from September.

THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED

 ST PETERSBURG BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS

SWAN LAKE

BORD GÁIS ENERGY THEATRE

Tuesday 22^nd – Saturday 26^th October

Following two sold-out seasons at the London Coliseum, the internationally acclaimed St Petersburg Ballet Theatre  is set to perform at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre this autumn, with their full-length classic production of Swan Lake. Last year’s run in London was such a success that extra performances were added due to unprecedented demand. The 2019 season is strictly limited and takes place between Tuesday 22^nd – Saturday 26^th October.

Arguably the world’s most loved ballet, Swan Lake tells the immortal and classic love story of Prince Siegfried and Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse. St Petersburg Ballet Theatre will perform this balletic masterpiece as it was meant to be seen, boasting gorgeous traditionally painted backdrops, Tchaikovsky’s moving score, a full-sized orchestra and critically acclaimed dancers performing the full-length production for Dublin audiences. Swan Lake is undoubtedly a production everyone must experience at least once in their life.

Founded in 1994, St Petersburg Ballet Theatre is renowned globally not just for its beautiful Vaganova trained dancers but also for its stunning full-length productions. Led by prima ballerina Irina Kolesnikova, the company travels internationally, performing classical masterpieces from its repertoire including Giselle, Don Quixote, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty. The incredibly popular Company is in such demand that it gives 200 performances every year.

Irina Kolesnikova has a wealth of leading credits  to her name, having been prima ballerina at St Petersburg Ballet Theatre since the age of 21.  Following last year’s performances in London, the Sunday Express praised her “stunning classical technique, alone worth the price of the ticket” and declared that she has “the dramatic power of a Maggie Smith or Judy Dench.”

Kolesnikova will also be joined on stage by  guest  stars from Russia’s leading ballet companies, who will be  announced at a later date.

St Petersburg Ballet comes to Dublin following performances in London, Spain, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Ireland, France, Italy, Austria, USA, Brazil, Turkey, South Africa, South Korea, New Zealand, Japan, China, Macau, Singapore, Taiwan and Australia. 

As producer of the tour with decades of experience presenting quality Russian ballet around the world, Andrew Guild said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing Swan Lake to Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin. Without doubt, Swan Lake is the world’s most famous classical ballet. And no one dances it as beautifully as St Petersburg Ballet Theatre. The full length lavish production shows Russian classical ballet on a

grand scale. It’s the real thing. Gorgeous Tchaikovsky music, magnificent sets and costumes, superb Russian classical dancers and brilliant Guest Stars. The Performance will look magnificent on the stage of the Bord Gáis and I urge every ballet lover not to miss it.  See it once, remember it forever.”

Tickets for Swan Lake can be purchased at https://bordgaisenergytheatre.ie/artist/st-petersburg-ballet-theatre-swan-lake

KEPOW! Theatre and Veritas Theatre in association with Park Theatre present
BENEATH THE BLUE RINSE

By Tom Glover

21 May – 15 June| Park Theatre

Quentin Tarantino meets Last of the Summer Wine in this wickedly funny, high octane comedy about growing old passionately and disgracefully.

Following their hugely successful production of Spiral last year, Veritas Theatre are delighted to return to Park Theatre in collaboration with KEPOW! Theatre with their production of Beneath The Blue Rinse, a wickedly funny, high octane comedy about growing old passionately and disgracefully. The production runs from 21^stMay – 15^th June

Beneath The Blue Rinse is directed by Glen Walford (Shirley Valentine – UK Tour) and stars Ian Redford,Marlene Sidaway and Kevin Tomlinson. The play was written by Tom Glover, who was selected as one of three winners of the 2018 BAFTA/Rocliffe New Writing Showcase Competition.

When unscrupulous, over-confident salesman Simon Sudgebury comes knocking on the door of the seemingly timid Flora Parkin, hoping to scare her into buying an expensive alarm system, little does he realise what he is about to let himself in for. Feisty, charismatic 75-year-old Flora and her gentle 72-year-old ‘toy boy’ lover George are not what they first appear!

Whilst being incredibly funny, this explosive play also quashes stereotypes surrounding senior citizens and questions how society views and treats the elderly.

Playwright Tom Glover says:

“I hate little old ladies – the ones you see in dramas who are pottering, harmless cardigan-wearing biddies. I wanted to write a piece which challenged that cliché and packed a punch demonstrating that age is no barrier to radicalism and relevance.”

Marlene Sidaway plays the feisty character of Flora. She is perhaps best known for playing the role of Maureen in Mum (Big Talk). Other recent credits include In The Long Run (ITLR Productions); Doc Martin (ITV); Doctors (BBC); Return To Haifa (Finborough); Talking Heads: A Cream Cracker Under The Setee (West Yorkshire Playhouse) and Kenny Morgan (Arcola). 

Kevin Tomlinson plays confidence trickster, Simon. Kevin’s theatre credits include: Spiral (Park Theatre); Seven Ages (Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough); On The Edge! (York Theatre Royal / UK tour); The Ragged Child (Royal and Derngate Theatre, Northampton); Whose Story Is It Anyway?(Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds); Flat 73 (Cheltenham Everyman Theatre); Maestro (Hackney Empire) and Godspell (Royal and Derngate Theatre, Northampton). Kevin also played Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream for BBC2 Open University.

The cast is completed by Ian Redford in the role of George, Flora’s 72-year-old ‘toy boy’ lover. Ian’s credits include Mary and Martha (Working Title Films); The Secret Theatre (Shakespeare’s Globe); Loot (Park Theatre); The Alchemist (RSC); The Seagull (Regent’s Park Theatre Open Air Theatre); Our Country’s Good (Out Of Joint Theatre Company); Love The Sinner (National Theatre); Six Degrees of Separation (Old Vic) and Romeo & Juliet(The Globe).

www.parktheatre.co.uk

Box office: 020 7870 6876*