Month: October 2019

Mayflower Theatre Southampton – until 16 October 2019

Reviewed by Leanne Caplis

5*****

Kate Prince MBE and her company Zoonation bring to the stage the all singing and all dancing production that is Some Like it Hip Hop.

A dancing extravaganza with a story of ‘The Governor’ and his broken heart, banished books, no love and where women are kept subservient to men. The two female leads Jo-Jo and Kerri break the rules of the City and are thrown out but to prove their worth they return as men. Can Jo-Jo find true love? Will the Governor ever love again and find his daughter and will books find a way back into the City? Watch as the story unfolds as two females change the world.

This show opens with a local dance troop being given the opportunity to take to a theatre stage and boy did they do well! With loud whoops and cheers from the audience the youngsters amazed us with their moves for the first five minutes.

Then on with the main event and it really is an event not to be missed. This show is non-stop energy. It is jam-packed from curtain up and there really is no time to take your eyes of the stage.

The choreographers have worked wonders with the cast and I’ve never seen a story told through dance in such a way before. I was on the edge of my seat watching the street dancing and was in awe over the emotional dance scenes.

The lead female singers were out of this world! Voices that would not be out of place on the West End; powerful and beautiful. The only time my eyes were taken from the dances was to watch the singers. I was mesmerised by them and their ability to own a stage where already so much was happening.

It is hard to find negatives for this show and I had to dig deep. The narrator, on occasion, was difficult to understand. However, for me, the storyline wasn’t my main interest it was the infectious energy of the dancers. The only other gripe was the lack of programmes. Whilst all of the cast put 110% effort in, I would have liked to have mentioned a few by name and also know a bit more about them and where I could see them next.

The finale where each cast member did their own individual dances was terrific. Somersaults, back spins, balancing, the splits, and much more were on offer. The sheer delight of the audience at this part was evident with the clapping and cheering. The audience were on their feet for a standing ovation and it was easy to see why. With no time to sit back down the cast got everybody into a dance-along meaning we left the theatre smiling and dancing.

I look forward to seeing more by Zoonation and for those who have not had the chance to see this, I urge you to book. A beat boxing, rapping, singing and dancing sensation you should really not miss!

Darlington Hippodrome – until 19 October 2019

4****

I love a good thriller and Bill Kenwright’s adaptation of The Lady Vanishes, presented by the The Classic Thriller Company does not disappoint.

Set in the late 1930’s (the film was made in 1938), our play starts in a very atmospheric Austrian railway station, where a variety of travellers gather waiting to start/continue their journey back to England after an avalanche caused the train to be stopped.

Our assembly of characters include socialite Iris Henderson (Scarlett Archer) who is travelling back to London to marry a Lord Just before returning to the delayed train, to continue the journey to the UK, Iris receives an accidental blow to the head. Kind, former governess Miss Froy (Gwen Taylor) helps Iris on board.  They take tea and then, on Miss Froy’s advice, Iris goes to sleep. On wakening, Iris finds Miss Froy has disappeared and all her fellow travellers deny ever having seen her. Iris decides she must track down Miss Froy and enlists engineer and music lover Max (Nicholas Audsley) to help find her.  The train has not stopped so she must still be on the train.

Also on board are cricket mad Charters (Dennis Lill) and Caldicott (Ben Nealon), Lawyer Eric (Mark Wynter) and his mistress Margaret (Rosie Thompson).  Dr Hartz (Andrew Lancel), an SS Official (Joe Reisig), an Italian magician (Martin Carroll) and a Nun (Natalie Law)

The set, by Morgan Large, was impressive changing from station, to train, to station seamlessly with a great use of lighting (Charlie Morgan Jones) and sound (Dan Samson) to make it seem like a train on its journey – especially when the characters bob around giving the impression of movement.

I genuinely loved this show, with all its twists, turns and red herrings.  At the end of Act 1, I had no idea of where the story was going so it was nice to talk to my fellow theatre goers to find out their thoughts on the story.  By the big reveal I had guessed some of the plot but not the biggest twist of it all – although any Miss Marple drama should have taught us that kind spinsters are always the one to keep an eye on.

A thoroughly enjoyable night out

King’s Theatre, Edinburgh – until 19 October 2019

Reviewed by James Knight

2**

The Night Watch is adapted by Hattie Naylor from Sarah Waters’ novel of the same name. Weaving the lives of multiple characters together during and post-World War II, we follow, in reverse chronological order, how their lives affect each other over the years.

It is refreshing to see the lesbian relationships of Kay (Phoebe Pryce), Julia (Izabella Urbanowicz) and Helen (Florence Roberts) depicted with relatively little stigma from other characters. Of course all three must hide their sexuality – it’s the 40s after all. But to see a period piece that deals with homosexuality with positivity and optimism is uplifting to say the least, even if the actual relationships may not end happily ever after.

The reverse-chronology trope can be tricky when taken out of a literary setting – the first act’s introduction to characters were slightly confusing, and it was unclear as to whose story we were meant to be following. Kay is introduced first and then disappears quickly, leaving the audience to wonder how important she is – obviously in a novel, we can spend more time in the minutiae of her day-to-day life, but this is not so feasible in a theatre.

Once we eventually journey from 1947 to 1944, events and relationships begin to be clearer. The characters, ironically, seem to have more life and optimism during the Blitz than the aftermath three years later. This period however, comes with more disturbing scenes – one male character masturbates over a rape fantasy, which, in a play that has such progressive depictions of female characters feels jarring and uncomfortable not only for the audience but unnecessary.

Unfortunately, the performances are quite disjointed, at times seeming to present a heightened, almost stylised delivery, and at other times realism. This fractured nature throughout the play, coupled with the reverse-chronology of the storytelling distances, rather than includes the audience in the action. With a lack of homosexual relationships depicted in mainstream touring theatre, this was a chance here to turn that all around. However, this fragmented production falls short of the mark.

Hull New Theatre – until 19 October 2019

Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams

5 *****

Northern Ballet’s production of Cinderella has everything you could wish for, and more, prepare to be taken out of yourself and away to another place. It is a sumptuous, sublime piece, quite simply it is magical.

Of course we all think we know the story of Cinderella, so I was rather puzzled when Cinderella was dancing with the Prince at the beginning of the story, but all became clear when her father was killed and she then found herself in the kitchen of her stepmother. The story then continues some years later. There are of course no pantomime style characters, instead there is elegance and style in abundance. David Nixon has set the story in Russia and his costume design and Duncan Hayler’s set design are stunning.

The dancing is superb and David Nixon’s choreography wonderful. The Russian setting means that we see a range of dancing from Cossack style, ice skating, circus, ball dances, beautiful solos and fabulous duets. The scene changes were slick and very very clever.

Miki Akuta is the young Cinderella, she is gleeful and happy and full of youthful charm at one moment and then lost and lonely the next, the raw emotion pouring off the stage.

The step-sisters Heather Lehan and Rachael Gillespie dance their parts to perfection and it never becomes a parody. There is humour, youthful high spirits and a wonderful dance when they are teasing/bullying Cinderella with her scarf.

Sarah Chun is a rather terrifying step-mother, basically I would have done everything she asked at double speed! I was in awe that with one simple movement she was able to express so much, a superb performance.

Minju Kang is the older Cinderella and her performance is wonderful. She oozes emotion and there were breath taking moments as well as moments when I was holding my breath for her. Her final dance with Prince Mikhail (Javier Torres) had me in tears. The dances with the step-sisters are wonderful as are the moments when she is with The Magician.

Ashley Dixon is The Magician who helps Cinderella, he was full of humour and quirkiness and his dancing was an utter treat, from his slipping on the ice to the magic making. His costume was inspired.

Javier Torres was the perfect Prince Mikhail, haughty and imperious and then lost in his dancing with Cinderella at the ball and distraught that she has gone.

The Northern Ballet Sinfonia, conducted by Jonathan Lo provided wonderful music for the ballet, and it was good to see Jonathan Lo come on to the stage to take a bow.

I cannot tell you about whether the dancing was technically perfect or the names of any of the ballet positions but what I can tell you is how this ballet made me feel. I was completely lost in the dancing, I was transported to Cinderella’s world, hoping that it would come right for her, and gasping in awe as she did at the ice skating and the circus. The evening went far too fast, this was a visual and musical treat for the senses, full of raw emotion and stunning dancing. I shall repeat what I said at the beginning, this is a sumptuous, sublime piece, quite simply it is magical.

Treat yourself to a wonderful piece of magic, and transport yourself to another world.

Leeds Playhouse – Tuesday 15 October 2019

Reviewed By Dawn Smallwood

4****

My Beautiful Laundrette, based on Hanif Kureishi’s screenplay (released in 1985) comes to the Leeds Playhouse – a co-production with four other producing partner theatres. It is the third production to be hosted in the newly refurbished Courtyard Theatre and this adaptation is set to The Pet Shop Boys’ songs.

The story is set at the height of the 1980s (during the Thatcher austere years) and the clashes of cultures and social differences between the English, particularly the street punk subculture, and the Pakistani communities. Omar (Omar Malik) is introduced – he is the caregiver of his father (Gordon Warnecke – starred as Omar in the original screen play) who has turned to alcoholism following dissolution and tragedy. Omar has the opportunity to work for his uncle, Nasser (Kammy Darweish), which includes taking care of a rundown laundrette. After defusing a fight with taunts from the street punks, Omar meets Johnny (Jonny Fines) as he recognises him from school. He offers him the opportunity to work with him to fix up the laundrette. From then on their friendship grows and they eventually fall in love with each other.

The relationship between Omar and Johnny continues to blossom amid challenges including family and social issues within the family, Johnny’s former associates, and the Pakistani Community which are revealed. In addition there is the clash between both communities and how prejudices have alienated and bounded them. It isn’t any different today with communities having been alienated and marginalised from main stream society which sadly breeds ignorance and ultimately prejudices.

Under the direction of Nikolai Foster, My Beautiful Laundrette, with Grace Smart’s 1980s eye-catching contemporary staging, projects the complexities of two very different cultures. This story however the brings hope, brings love and how love can humanise and bring communities together. In the case of Johnny and Omar their love has no boundaries as linked in the song of the same name from The Pet Shop Boys (No Boundaries)

BANG BANG! A NEW FARCE BY JOHN CLEESE* TO TOUR UK

Based on ‘Monsieur Chasse’ by Georges Feydeau

With Tessa Peake-Jones, Tony Gardner and Wendi Peters

(*Mr Cleese does not appear in this production – he wanted to, but we wouldn’t let him)

‘Laugh out loud’ The Stage

‘Cleese is a master of surreal British slapstick’ Daily Telegraph

Exeter Northcott Theatre and Dermot McLaughlin Productions announce the Premiere UK Tour of Bang Bang!  A new farce from John Cleese, as he makes his stage writing debut with a hilarious new adaptation of this classic comedy.  A delicious blend of French Farce and Fawlty Towers.  Bang Bang! opens at Exeter Northcott Theatre on 6^th February and tours until May. Cast will include Tessa Peake-Jones, Tony Gardner and Wendi Peters.

When Leontine, a respectable society lady, discovers that she’s been hoodwinked by her husband, Duchotel, who’s always pretending to go hunting but really chasing after other ‘prey’, she vows to take revenge on the philanderer! But while Duchotel’s away, his lifelong fried comes calling – and he’s on the hunt too. Will Leontine get caught in his sights, or instead set a trap of her own? Secrets unravel as the devilish Duchotel finds himself snared in a door-slamming, trouser-dropping, balcony-climbing night of chaos set amidst the stylish apartments of Paris.

Tessa Peake-Jones became a household name with her role as Raquel in the iconic comedy Only Fools and Horses. Her extensive stage work encompasses the National Theatre and RSC, recent credits include The Winslow Boy and Shirley Valentine.

Tony Gardner first made his name in comedy as part of the award-winning comedy duo Struck off and Die. Since then he has appeared on TV in roles ranging from My Parents are Aliens to Last Tango in Halifax and on stage in Alan Ayckbourn’s classic Bedroom Farce.

Wendi Peters is most widely known for her role as Cilla Battersby in Coronation Street and is currently appearing in the West End smash-hit musical Big.

Dermot McLaughlin Productions, in association with Farces Galore Ltd presents the Exeter Northcott Production of Bang Bang!. Directed by Daniel Buckroyd with design from David Shields and lighting from David W Kidd.

John Cleese says “I am delighted to be working with Exeter Nothcott Theatre and Dermot Mclaughlin to bring Bang Bang! to stages across the country with such a talented cast. Farce is my greatest love – Fawlty Towers consisted of 12 farces – and I think UK audiences will love this hilarious classic.”

Daniel Buckroyd, Artistic Director & Chief Executive at Exeter Northcott Theatre says “We’re thrilled to be working with this fantastic team to launch this first UK tour of Bang Bang! here at the Northcott Theatre; partly because it’s such a funny script and we’ve assembled such a great cast, but also because regional producing venues are the life-blood of UK theatre – developing talent, growing audiences, providing the beating heart of a vibrant creative regional city like Exeter – so we’re proud to be flying the flag for theatre ‘Made in Devon’ across the country.”

Don’t miss your chance to book the best seats in the house for this riot of a comedy.  Tickets are on sale soon for listings and details visit  www.bangbangtour.co.uk  and follow #bangbangtouruk.

06 – 15 Feb – Exeter Northcott Theatre – www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

18 – 22 Feb – Theatr Clwyd Mold​ – www.theatrclwyd.com – 01352 344101

25 – 29 Feb – New Theatre Peterborough – www.newtheatre-peterborough.com – 01733 852992

03 – 07 Mar – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford – www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk – 01483 44 00 00

24 – 28 Mar – Wyvern Theatre Swindon – www.swindontheatres.co.uk – 01793 524481

31 Mar – 04 Apr – Palace Theatre Westcliff on Sea –  www.southendtheatres.org.uk – 01702 351135

​06 – 11 Apr – Ashcroft Playhouse Croydon – www.fairfield.co.uk – 020 3292 0002

14 – 18 Apr – Orchard Theatre Dartford – www.orchardtheatre.co.uk – 01322 220000

20th – 25 Apr – Devonshire Park Theatre  – www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

​05 – 09 May – Festival Theatre Malvern – www.malvern-theatres.co.uk – 01684 892277 

Alhambra Theatre- Bradford- until 26 October 2019

Reviewed by Katie Goldsbrough

5*****

Kinky Boots, based on true events, follows the story of Charlie (Joel Harper-Jackson) trying to save his father’s shoe factory.

He is out of ideas when he has a chance encounter with Lola (Kayi Ushe) a drag queen who happens to mention the heels on her boots keep breaking. They work together to get a new line of boots for drag queens to Milan fashion week.

This is a heart-warming story full of glitz and glamour while also addressing real issues regarding prejudice and judgement.

This is a fantastic show with a great cast that work brilliantly together Lola is a stand out performer, she has the audience’s attention from start to finish when she is on stage, as do her ensemble of drag queens. The whole show is lively and deserved the standing ovation it received. From a boxing match between a drag queen and a factory worker, to drag shows and dancing on treadmills this show has it all.

The direction and choreography both by Jerry Mitchell were both fantastic, it must had taken a lot of hard work and rehearsal to get the show up to such a high standard.

The music, written by Cindi Lauper was catchy and really helped to tell the story, the songs will stick in your head and made you want to get up and dance and tap your feet, which many people were doing.

This show is a must see for anyone wanting a fun night out. The finale will have you up on your feet and you’ll leave uplifted.

ADDITIONAL CAST ANNOUNCED
FOR ALHAMBRA THEATRE PANTO
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS!
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
Saturday 14 December 2019 – Sunday 26 January 2020
Call the Box Office on 01274 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk

The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford has announced more principal cast members who will appear alongside the region’s much-loved panto legend Billy Pearce, pop sensation and Steps star Faye Tozer and family TV favourite Paul Chuckle in this year’s pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Sarah Goggin, who will appear as Snow White, returns to Bradford this year after her appearance in last year’s Alhambra Theatre pantomime Aladdin; and Matthew Croke will make his debut performance on the Alhambra Theatre stage as Prince William of Wakefield.

Sarah has just finished playing Monica Geller in the first UK tour of the Friends musical parody, Friendsical. Her previous credits include: Sister Mary Robert in UK Tour of Sister Act; Jasmine in Aladdin and the title role in Cinderella for Qdos Entertainment, both at the Alhambra Theatre Bradford; Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act at Kilworth House; Rachel in Bad Girls; Christmas in New York with Eden Espinosa; A Different Kind Of Christmas Musical; Been on Broadway; Betty in Sincerely Yours; Woman 2 in I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change; Jodie in Best Of Friends; and Janey/cover Kim in Taboo.

Sarah comments:
“It’s so exciting to be invited back to Bradford for a third pantomime season at the iconic Alhambra Theatre. I’ve had a fabulous time working with Billy and the rest of the company over the last few years and I can’t wait to get started on this year’s spectacular panto!”

Yorkshire born Matthew trained at the Maureen Law Theatre School, Sharon Berry School of Dance and Laine Theatre Arts. His theatre credits include the title role in Disney’s Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre in London, Annie Get Your Gun (Crucible, Sheffield), Singin’ in the Rain, Funny Girl, Wicked, West Side Story, Chicago, Shall We Dance?, Grease and A Chorus Line (Sheffield Theatres). Matthew is also a co-principal of the RMC Academy of Theatre Performance in Sheffield, alongside his sister, Rachel Croke. His debut album Only Dreaming is now available on all music platforms.

Matthew adds:
“I can’t wait to perform in my native Yorkshire for Christmas at this incredible theatre. It’s so exciting to be treading the majestic Alhambra Theatre boards for the first time and bringing heaps of Yorkshire spirit to this enchanting tale!”

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be lavishly brought to life in a production packed full of magical mirrors, seven friendly dwarfs, an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance and jaw-dropping special effects, for which the annual Alhambra Theatre pantomime is so well known and loved.

With over 45,000 people already set to enjoy this year’s pantomime, book quickly to secure the best seats, or you won’t be able to look yourself in the mirror!

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will run from Saturday 14 December 2019 to Sunday 26 January. A Relaxed Performance will be held on Tuesday 14 January 2020 at 6pm.

Bridewell Theatre, London EC4 – until 19 October 2019

Reviewed by Antonia Hebbert

4****

Power, seduction, corruption, betrayal … what’s not to like? The novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos was a scandalous success when it first appeared in 1782, and has had irresistible allure for 20th and 21st-century stage and screen directors. It’s been reincarnated as theatre, opera, ballet, television, and that starrily casted 1988 film with Glenn Close and John Malkovich, among others.

But this Sedos production, tucked away down a little lane off Fleet Street, can more than hold its own. It is a spellbinding 80 minutes that reworks the story into an exploitative Hollywood setting, and tells it in dance. The dancing is gorgeous, athletic and very expressive. The performance space is tiny, so you are up close and personal with the dancers/actors, and they absolutely carry you along with the story. There are short mock-television sequences at the start and finish, which are not very convincing but give a context. The aristocrats Valmont and the Marquise de Merteuil have become a Hollywood star (Olivier Namet) and a film director (Peter Stonnell). Rachel Savage is delicate and fragile as the innocent Cecile Volanges, and Lisa Eastman is very strong as the apparently more resilient Amanda Tourvel (these two are the chosen victims of the seduction game). Wing Ho Lin is tender as Volanges’ lover Danceny, and eight other actors/dancers (sorry, too many to list – they are all really good) appear as a Hollywood crowd of production crew, partygoers or whatever is needed, in ingenious group numbers that are fast, fun and full of character.

The directors/choreographers are Kimberly Barker and Tom Leonard, and the soundscape is by Adam Coppard. The set is moodily lit all-white, with four different entrances, including a staircase and an oddly eerie sliding door – simple but effective.

Sedos is an amateur company, but there is nothing amateurish about this show – it’s ambitious, clever and exciting, but also beautifully economical and precise.

Bridlington Spa – until Saturday 19 October 2019

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

Before The Beatles, before The Stones, Rock ‘n’ Roll was born. Buddy Holly was a central and pioneering figure of mid 1950s rock and roll. Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story first opened on the West End in 1989 and is now touring the UK as part of its 30th Anniversary. I was lucky enough to catch it on an extremely wet and windy evening at Bridlington Spa.

Retelling the story of Buddy’s dogged determination and meteoric rise to fame, with his band, The Crickets, his whirlwind romance and marriage to Maria Elena Santiago, before his tragic and untimely death less than 2 years later. His life was cut short at only 22 years of age in a plane crash, which also claimed the lives of Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. It is amazing that he wrote and had so many hit songs, that are still remembered today, in such a short space of time, a testament to his talent.

Buddy, played in this instance by Christopher Weeks and sharing the role with AJ Jenks, and The Crickets start off as a country act, after all they come from Lubbock Texas, but all they really want play is rock ‘n’ roll. Buddy is not your traditional rocker, he is a bit nerdy and refuses to budge when it is suggested that he ditches his glasses, in fact he insists on wearing a pair with even thicker rims and lenses, very rock ‘n’ roll.

This show is all about the music, and none more so in the second half when we are transported to The Surf Ballroom and his final performance. The Big Bopper (Joshua Barton) and Ricky Valens (Ben Pryer) are part of his final concert and we get to celebrate their music as well.

Weeks portrays a very confident Buddy, who is happy in his own skin and knows his own mind. He does Buddy justice in his performance, vocals, guitar playing and movement. The icing on the cake though is his chemistry with the band, AJ Jenks, Joe Butcher and Josh Haberfield. When all four are playing on stage it is very charismatic and you can’t help but being whisked back in time. In fact all the actors/musicians are superb, enthusiastic, multi-talented, taking on different roles and playing numerous instruments. They all work well together and appeared to be having a blast, it is so very infectious. They had us all crying out for more, and Oh Boy they delivered.

Admittedly a lot of the audience were of a certain age, but this really is for everyone. This is an outstanding evening of great entertainment, full of laughter and fabulous tunes, Peggy Sue, That’ll Be the Day and Oh Boy amongst them. You can not help but leave the theatre with a smile on your face.