New Wimbledon Theatre – until Saturday 21 May 2022
Reviewed by Carly Burlinge
5*****
Set in the Razzle-Dazzle of the 1920’s – brings you the story of Chicago where six women are facing the death sentence in a city where murder is entertainment and everyone wants fame for all the wrong reasons! The story comes alive with Roxy (Faye Brookes) a nightclub dancer/housewife who murders her lover when he threatens to walk away from her. Thinking she has an easy way out with her husband Amos (Jamie Baughan) covering her story only for him to find out she’s not as innocent as she makes out. This causing friction, where tempers arise and with trust now gone, she finds herself stuck in the local jail for murder! With things looking down she turns to a well know lawyer Billy (Russell Watson) who with a large fee has the ability to manipulate the outside world using the power of the press to achieve an entertaining story of vulnerability that might just see her walk away with freedom but is that what she really wants.
But with success comes competition and throughout she meets her match with another inmate Velma (Djalenga Scott) who wants to break free but when her way of freedom has taken a back step because of Roxy things begin to fire up and competition becomes intent.
During this story-line the production offers a full scene of murder, greed, violence, corruption, and adultery with Roxy and Velma at the heart of it all offering the audience exceptional dance with a provocative manor that was magnificent to watch just sexy and captivating. So much talent and a connection that was unreal.
Their voices alongside their acting were just a pleasure to take in whilst accompanied by an outstanding orchestra that was in full view that engaged with the audience throughout.
The choreography was first class and so in sync was a delight to watch so much skill!
What a tremendous over dramatised show that in my eyes was perfection. Totally astonishing and definitely one to watch!
Feel transported straight to the 1920’s in the toe tapping dance spectacular Singin’ in the Rain. Pop on the old glad rags and get ready for a little singing and dancing. Singin’ in the Rain is an eclectic mix of feel-good music and talented dancing.
Inspired by the classic Metro-Goldwin-Mayer film, this musical leaves you humming feel-good show tunes. You are introduced to Monumental Pictures and their cast and crew on a recording for ‘The Royal Rascal ’following the premiere, you are introduced to the heartthrob Don Lockwood (portrayed by Sam Lips) and Lina Lamont (portrait by Jenny Gayner). Gayner plays the perfect Lamont with her fantastic Betty Boop-esque accent. Garner is the perfect fit for the role with looks, the consumes and the voice, a triple threat. Garner goes on to sing the Lamont number ‘What’s Wrong with Me?’ with the perfectly-imperfect voice.
As the show goes on, you are introduced to the talented actress Kathy Selden, who is portrayed by Charlotte Gooch. As Lamont’s main competition on screen and off screen, the Lamont -Selden competition is noticeable and both ladies seem to have a good fight. Kathy Selden wins the audience over very quickly with her lovely personality, witty comebacks and extraordinary dancing skills. Gooch plays the role marvellously as her dancing past supports the role perfectly.
A stand out part of the show was the “Gotta Sing Gotta Dance” breakdown as you are transported to Broadway with bright costumes and fitting flapper dresses. However, nothing could top the rain and the singing that comes with it. In both musical renditions of ‘Singin’ in the Rain’, the waterworks are flowing, and both times the number is performed left the audience in a standing ovation.
INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED ACTOR GABRIEL BYRNE WILL MAKE HIS WEST END DEBUT IN HIS CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED SOLO SHOW
BYRNE BRINGS HIS LEGENDARY STORYTELLING SKILLS TO LONDON FOR A SHORT TWO WEEK SEASON PRIOR TO TAKING THE SHOW TO NEW YORK
FOLLOWING A SELL OUT RUN AT DUBLIN’S GAIETY THEATRE, WALKING WITH GHOSTS WILL PLAY AT THE APOLLO THEATRE FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON 6 – 17 SEPTEMBER
BOOK IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID MISSING THIS EXCLUSIVE SEASON. 14 PERFORMANCES ONLY. TICKETS ARE ON SALE TODAY FROM WWW.WITHGHOSTS.CO.UK
Producers Landmark Productions, Neal Street and Playful Productions are delighted to announce the transfer of Walking with Ghosts, Gabriel Byrne’s acclaimed solo show adapted from his best-selling memoir, to the Apollo Theatre. Making his West End debut, master storyteller and Hollywood star Byrne, will perform the show for a strictly limited season of just 14 performances from 6 – 17 September. Tickets are on sale now from www.withghosts.co.uk. Audiences are advised to book early to avoid disappointment as Walking with Ghosts will be in London for just 2 weeks before it heads to America.
The production opened at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin in February this year where it sold out. It received enormous critical and public acclaim. Byrne was described as a “master of his craft” (Sunday Times), “captivating” (Financial Times) and the production as “storytelling at its simple best” (Business Post).
Byrne’s career as an actor, writer and director spanned both stage and screen. He has starred in over 80 films working with Hollywood’s great and good. His work on Broadway has seen him win multiple awards and nominations including a Golden Globe for his role in the television drama In Treatment.
As a young boy growing up on the outskirts of Dublin, Gabriel Byrne sought refuge in a world of imagination among the fields and hills near his home, at the edge of a rapidly encroaching city. Moving between sensual recollection of childhood in a now almost vanished Ireland and a commentary on stardom in Hollywood and on Broadway, he reflects on a life’s journey.
By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, Walking with Ghosts is a lyrical homage to the people and landscapes that ultimately shape our destinies.
Directed by three-time Emmy award-winning director Lonny Price, the creative team also includes Sinéad McKenna (set and lighting designer); Joan O’Clery (costume designer) and Sinéad Diskin (sound designer).
Gabriel Byrne said: “’It was a real joy to hear laughter in a theatre during the premiere run of Walking with Ghosts in Dublin. Although I’ve appeared several times on Broadway, I’ve always had an ambition to work on the West End stage. I’m looking forward immensely to the experience of performing at the beautiful Apollo Theatre.
I’ve chosen to be honest and unflinching in the recounting of a life from working class Dublin to Hollywood. Although rooted in the local, I hope the play has a universal resonance. What I want in the theatre is to be moved to laugh … to be provoked … to be changed. I think Walking with Ghosts sets out to fulfil that.”
Lonny Price said: “I am thrilled we’re bringing Gabriel Byrne’s theatrical adaptation of his gorgeous memoir, Walking with Ghosts, to London. Not only is Gabriel one of the greatest actors of his generation, but his writing is funny, deeply moving, and wise.”
The London performances of Walking with Ghosts are made possible by the support of Culture Ireland.
Summer nights are arriving in London with the weather getting warmer and the flights getting longer and along with it lands Grease The Musical on the west end at the Dominion theatre. Starring 90’s icon Peter Andre, this new adaptation brings fun, summer lovin’ back to the west end for a limited run.
If you’re familiar with the film you will know that the jukebox themed tunes and poppy musical influences are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face, and the same happens when you see it in the theatre. While you may not be able to run around your living room dancing along to all of the tracks in this version, it sure does supply the same feel-good feeling onstage as it does on screen.
The first company number we see is Grease is the Word. It is everything you would expect and more. A high energy number fulfilled with brilliant harmonies shows you that this production means business and sets up the show for an evening of fun loving hits. With the addition of new songs that aren’t in the film, a whole new context is put into the story. Still loosely following the love story of Sandy and Danny, this version of the stage show gives more limelight to supporting cast members not just principal cast members.
One supporting cast member that stood out was Mary Moore playing the role of Jan. Grease marked her West End debut and she smashed it out of the water. Providing perfect comedic timing as well as beautiful vocals to accompany, Mary was the perfect fit for the character of Jan. Olivia Moore’s version of Hopelessly Devoted was simply flawless, it is such a shame that her character was not as present in the onstage story as the film story.
Unlike the film, Sandy and Dany’s love story is a component that is not as present in the story as in other productions of the musical. This production focuses more on the friendships and relationships between the Pink Ladies and the Burger Place boys. That aside the staging and the lighting of this production were phenomenal. The clever use of lighting from above made for some extra special bits of theatre magic. And Grease Lightning herself was definitely a highlight of the props onstage.
The only criticism I have for this production is that some of the dances weren’t as punchy and poppy as you would hope in a high profile production such as this. The Hand Jive number and the Grease Lightning dance break felt a little messy and clunky and not as sharp and on beat as previous productions of Grease.
Overall, this show is a lot of fun through and through. With iconic songs under its sleeve and a beautifully diverse cast to perform them the summer nights ahead for the west end will be simply amazing. Complete with a fun megamix at the end this show is bound to keep you singing and dancing all the way home.
Queen and Ben Elton’s smash hit musical ‘We Will Rock You’ is back for 2022 to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a new tour in 27 theatres across the UK. The worldwide smash hit musical arrives at Stockton Globe from Monday 6th June until Saturday 11th June and one thing’s for sure, this musical phenomenon is not to be missed!
Directed by Ben Elton, the musical has seen unprecedented success in theatres and arenas all around the world since it first premiered in London 20 years ago at the Dominion Theatre in May 2002. And now, the original writer of We Will Rock You and godfather of stand-up comedy, Ben Elton will be back in the Director’s chair working with the new 2022 cast to rock UK audiences once again.
Ben Elton said: “I can hardly believe it’s been 20 years since We Will Rock You premiered in London. Or that much of what we thought was science fiction in the script back then has turned into science fact! I guess Queen were always ahead of the game! I’ve directed this show all over the world and I’m thrilled to bring it home to the UK with a brand-new production and a fabulous cast of young Bohemians, most of whom were rocking in their cradles when this adventure first began.”
The musical extravaganza featuring 24 of Queen’s greatest hits, which has been watched by over 16 million people in 19 countries, will once again rock theatres across the UK from February this year. After opening in Portsmouth, the tour will play York, Cornwall, Bournemouth, Stoke-On-Trent, Liverpool, Northampton, Milton Keynes, Cardiff, Bristol, Reading, Aylesbury, Ipswich, Torquay, Wolverhampton, Wimbledon, Stockton, Peterborough, Norwich, Bromley, Birmingham, Southend, Canterbury, Southampton, Newcastle, Sheffield and Manchester.
The cast will see Ian McIntosh play Galileo, Elena Skye as Scaramouche, Jenny O’Leary as Killer Queen and Adam Strong as Khashoggi. Together with Michael McKell as Cliff, Martina
Ciabatti Mennell as Oz, David Michael Johnson as Brit, and an Ensemble including Laura Bird, Kate Leiper, Joanne Harper, Anna Davey, Edward Leigh, Spin, Karen Walker, David Muscat, Damien Walsh, Laura Ava-Scott, Victoria Collins, Joseph Connor, Louis Clarke-Clare and Jacob Fearey.
For me, Cluedo was not a widely advertised or talked about play/show but I believe it should be!
Having not seen the film myself, I was told it was equally as good as the original film, which was a welcome surprise.
It was a very funny show which was make by the acting of the ‘butler’ Jean-Luke Worrel absolutely amazing acting and comical timing. He enhanced the performance and had the audience in stitches during many points of the show. All the cast were brilliant and worked well on stage together to produce the comical jokes and hilarious slapstick style acting. The rapport between these 8 characters was excellent and thrust Mark Bell and Anna Healey’s direction into a new light.
David Faarleys set design was amazing and was particularly great to see how they turned the one main set into many rooms of the mansion to tell the story. It left the audience feeling as though they were really within the house, solving the clues as they went-making us the detectives too!
This show is now one of my favourites and would highly recommend that everyone see it-who knows, can you solve the murder?!
The fictional Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society with its illustrious president, Chris Bean, brings us an immersive and interactive night of thrills and mayhem in The Play That Goes Wrong. There has been a Murder at Haversham Manor’ and we are invited to watch the mystery, and its players, unravel until the dastardly murderer is revealed.
The Play That Goes Wrong is a theatrical masterpiece. It’s a rip roaring, farcical, far-fetched, comedy of errors, which leaves you breathless from constantly laughing. There is so much care and thought put into the humour, the setup, delivery and the punch line of jokes. The performance is peppered with both physical and verbal comedy, with meticulous attention to detail being paid to the narrative to ensure its not a messy jumble.
I could go into more detail about what happens in the play, but part of the joy is the unexpected occurrences. You don’t quite know what’s going to happen next and you are consistently caught off guard by relentless fun. You really have to experience it to get the full effect.
The premise of The Play That Goes Wrong is simple: Take all the usual theatrical mishaps to the extreme. I was astounded by the boundless energy of the cast and outlandish caricatured yet minutely detailed comedy performances they deliver. A genius script, superb timing from a stellar cast and a stunning set combine to make this the best theatrical comedy show I have ever seen.
It takes a lot to make something go wrong so effortlessly whilst also being hilariously funny too. The Play That Goes Wrong is every kind of right, a must see by all.
With the return of Salisbury International Arts Festival imminent, Artistic Director of Wiltshire CreativeGareth Machin today announces the line up the company’s Autumn/Winter season.
As well as the previously announced co-production with Mercury Theatre Colchester, in collaboration with Mischief, of the world première of Good Luck, Studio, written by Henry Shields and directed by Henry Lewis, the company today announce the return of their annual pantomime, with a new production of Cinderella, directed by Machin.
Highlights of the visiting programme include When Darkness Falls by James Milton and Paul Morrissey; SPIKE by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman; the critically acclaimed The Wellspring
written and starring father and son David Owen Norris and Barney Norris; as well as the Sheffield Theatres and Ramps on the Moon production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. IN addition, the varied programme includes special one night events, including Jenny Eclair: Sixty (FFS) on 17 September; Ed Gamble: Electric on 24 September; and next year on 20 January, Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Living Dangerously.
Gareth Machin said today, I am delighted to announce our Autumn season, a vibrant mix of our own productions, visiting shows and one-night special events. The Mischief production ‘Good Luck, Studio’ will be premiering at Salisbury Playhouse in October and we are particularly excited to announce that Cinderella will finally be going to the ball as we bring pantomime and festive spirit back to Salisbury this Christmas!
Members priority booking now open, with general booking opening at 10am on 24 May.
WILSHIRE CREATIVE PRODUCTIONS:
Wiltshire Creative and Mercury present the world première of the Mischief production
By arrangement with Kenny Wax Ltd and Stage Presence Ltd
GOOD LUCK, STUDIO
Written by Henry Shields; Directed by Henry Lewis
Salisbury Playhouse, Main House
18 October – 5 November 2022
Wiltshire Creative and Mercury Theatre announce the world première of Good Luck, Studio, in collaboration with Mischief. This dark new comedy is written by Henry Shields and directed by Henry Lewis, with cast and creative team to be announced. The production opens on 5 October at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester, with previews from 30 September, before the run at Salisbury Playhouse from 18 October – 5 November.
It’s the final night of recording Wibble the Dragon. The show is massively over budget and under written. With one hour left to film, 16 pages to go, and an audience of screaming children getting more and more impatient, the cast and crew know big cuddly heads are going to roll.
The last thing anyone needs is a failed actor showing up with a sinister vendetta and his own dragon costume. In this kid’s TV show, more than just careers will die.
Good Luck, Studio is a new dark comedy from the award-winning Mischief, written by Henry Shields and directed by Henry Lewis and with access performances available across both venues.
A Wiltshire Creative production
CINDERELLA
by Plested, Brown & Wilsher
Director: Gareth Machin; Designer: James Button; Lighting Designer: Nic Farman
Casting Director: Natalie Gallacher CDG for Pippa Ailion Casting
Salisbury Playhouse, Main House
26 November 2022 – Sunday 8 January 2023
Pantomime is back in Salisbury with a spectacular production of the greatest panto story of all,
Cinderella.
Building on the fabulous productions of recent years, this year’s show will be packed with songs, adventure, laughs, dancing and plenty of opportunity to join in the fun. This rags to riches tale will be a festive treat for all the family.
Gareth Machin is the Artistic Director of Wiltshire Creative. Previously, he was studio associate at the National Theatre, artistic director of Southwark Playhouse and associate director at Bristol Old Vic. For the company, his work includes Snow White and the Happy Ever After Beauty Salon, September in the Rain, Making Massinger,Robin Hood, Her Naked Skin, Moonfleet, Little Robin Redbreast, Worst Wedding Ever, The Night Before Christmas, A Little of What You Fancy, Hedda Gabler, Can’t Buy Me Love, The Magna Carta Plays, Little Shop of Horrors, Separate Tables, Bedroom Farce, London Calling, The Recruiting Officer, A Man of No Importance, Dangerous Corner, The Spire and Epsom Downs. His other directing credits include Fanta Orange (Finborough Theatre), Three More Sleepless Nights (National Theatre), The Canterville Ghost, Gaffer!, The Canterbury Tales, The Chimes, The Archbishop’s Ceiling (Southwark Playhouse), The Real Thing (Royal Theatre, Northampton), Macbeth (Creation Theatre), The Wizard of Oz (Hall for Cornwall), Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Look Back in Anger, Betrayal, Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, The Beggar’s Opera, Molly Sweeney, Up the Feeder Down the ‘Mouth and Back Again, Sea Life, Croak Croak Croak, A Tender Prayer, Anatomy of a Madman, Bitter With a Twist, Krapp’s Last Tape and Spring Awakening (Bristol Old Vic). As a playwright, his work includes The Tailor of Gloucester, Moonfleet, Little Robin Redbreast, The Night Before Christmas (Salisbury Playhouse), Pinocchio, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Tom Thumb and Other Giant Stories and The Canterbury Tales (Dukes Playhouse, Lancaster).
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE VISITING PROGRAMME:
Paul Morrissey Ltd, Christopher Wheeler and Molly Morris in association with The BARD,
Jason Haigh-Ellery and Glynis Henderson Productions present
WHEN DARKNESS FALLS
by James Milton & Paul Morrissey
Director: Paul Morrissey; Set Designer: Justin Williams; Lighting Designer: Bethany Gupwell
Sound Designer: Daniel Higgott; Magic Consultant: John Bulleid; Costume Designer: Nicole Garbett Casting: Jim Arnold Casting
Salisbury Playhouse, Main House
27 September – 1 October
On a stormy night on the small island of Guernsey, a young paranormal expert joins a sceptical history teacher to record the first in a series of podcasts based on the island’s incredible folklore and paranormal history. As the expert regales his horrifying stories, the teacher learns that we all have our own truth. Our own story. Ghosts that haunt us. That bring the past, present, and future together in unexpected ways. Ways that could threaten to unsettle everything we think we know.
Inspired by true events, this powerful new production by James Milton and Paul Morrissey
draws us into dark pasts, reveals disturbing truths and explores the power of stories. Perhaps most
importantly, the ones we tell ourselves.
Karl Sydow, Trademark Films and Anthology Theatre present the Watermill Theatre production ofSPIKE
by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman
Salisbury Playhouse, Main House
4 – 8 October
“I’m not acting crazy. I’m the genuine article.”
SPIKE is an absurdly funny new play by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman (The Wipers Times, Trial By Laughter, A Bunch of Amateurs) that delves into the inner workings of one of our most unique and brilliantly irreverent comedy minds.
The cast includes Olivier Award-winning actor John Dagleish (Sunny Afternoon) as ‘Spike Milligan’ with Stephen Fry as the voice of the ‘BBC Announcer’.
Extracts from The Goons used with the kind permission of Spike Milligan Productions.
Royal & Derngate, Northampton present
THE WELLSPRING
Written and starring David Owen Norris & Barney Norris
Director: Jude Christian; Designer: Rosie Elnile; Lighting Designer: Jack Weir
Video Designer: Megan Lucas; Co-Designer: Tomas Palmer
Salisbury Playhouse, Main House
12 – 15 October
A deeply autobiographical work from awardwinning playwright Barney Norris (The Remains of the Day) and his father, internationally acclaimed pianist and broadcaster David Owen Norris, The Wellspring examines that age-old story of a boy and his dad, and how they can relate to one another, in every sense of the word.
The Wellspring takes us inside the complex and shifting dynamic between this father and son, exploring the people and stories that shape us.
Their performances will be accompanied by both folk and classical music performed by David and
Barney, creating a scrapbook style collage of the pair’s lives together.
A Sheffield Theatres and Ramps on the Moon production
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
by William Shakespeare
Director: Robert Hastie
Salisbury Playhouse, Main House
8 – 12 November
‘I do love nothing in the world so well as you. Is not that strange?’
Besotted young couple Claudio and Hero have fallen fast and are quickly engaged. Not everyone
finds romance so straightforward – Benedick balks at the very thought of it and Beatrice agrees
with him, on that if nothing else. But somewhere in this world, there’s someone for everyone, even
if they’re right under your nose.
Shakespeare’s raucous comedy is adapted and directed by Robert Hastie (Coriolanus, A
Midsummer Night’s Dream). Every performance features the use of integrated creative sign
language, audio description and captioning.
Ramps On The Moon is the pioneering initiative committed to putting D/deaf and disabled artists
and audiences at the centre of their work.
All performances feature the use of integrated creative sign language, audio description and
Writers and producers, Kit Lloyd and Hamish Clayton have bravely attempted to mix it up, crossing genres of comedy and theatre in a unique one person show. They have achieved the difficult task of creating a comedy performance that touches on the vulnerability of every performer. The stories within a story within a story are thought provoking without being confusing – no mean feat.
Kit Lloyd (Joe Hayward) brings a physicality to the stage reminiscent of Lee Evans. You are in no doubt what he is feeling and portraying, using his facial expression and body to communicate. Joe (Kit Lloyd) is desperate to do well, experiencing the cringing and uncomfortable process of auditions, open mic nights and performance anxiety for his first proper show. Hamish (writer and producer) spills the story into Joe’s (Kit Lloyd) personal life, adding to the behind the scenes view of what it is to start out on the challenging journey into comedy, including still living with his Mum.
The set is a blank canvas that takes a lot of filling. With only a few props, simple lighting and a basic backing track, Kit is left to fill the room with his art. I am pleased to say he has no trouble managing it. The uncomfortable, thought provoking moments for the audience are palpable and Kit Lloyd’s equally uncomfortable moments in Joe’s story line, provokes much laughter.
As an experiment in crossing genres this is genius. I look forward to seeing much more from this dynamic duo!
