Month: July 2022

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S

THE MIRROR CRACK’D

UK TOUR OPENS 8 SEPTEMBER 2022

Original Theatre are delighted to announce the full cast of their brand new production of Rachel Wagstaff’s acclaimed adaptation of Agatha Christie’s THE MIRROR CRACK’D. The production, directed by Philip Franks, will begin its UK Tour at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne on 8 September 2022.

The final members of the cast to be announced are Oliver Boot as Chief Inspector Craddock, Lorenzo Martelli as Guiseppe Renzo, Chrystine Symone as Lola Brewster and Holly Smith in the ensemble.

They join the previously announced Susie Blake as Miss Marple, Sophie Ward as Marina Gregg, Joe McFadden as Jason Rudd, Veronica Roberts as Dolly Bantry, Mara Allen as Cherry Baker, Sarah Lawrie as Ella Zielinsky, Jules Melvin as Heather Leigh and David Partridge as Cyril Leigh.

Oliver Boot’s theatre credits include The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time for the National Theatre’s UK and International Tours, Finding Neverland, Oliver! And Piaf at Leicester Curve, Antony and Cleopatra, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Timon of Athens, King Lear and Richard II for the Globe Theatre, and an award-winning world tour of Othello for Cheek by Jowl. In 2006, Oliver was asked to perform Henry V for Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh at a private dinner party thrown by the American Embassy. On television, Oliver played regular Ben Woodman in the BBC’s Holby City.

Lorenzo Martelli’s theatre credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Almeida Festival and National Tour), Ladies’ Night (Royal Court Liverpool), Our Day Out (Chester Gateway) and The Man Who (Pleasance London). 

Chrystine Symone’s theatre credits include Megan in The Girl on the Train (Upstairs at the Gatehouse), Fay Apple in Anyone Can Whistle (Southwark Playhouse) and Lamplighter/Understudy Gloria in The Magician’s Elephant (RSC).

Holly Smith’s theatre credits include National Mourning (Theatre503), Shadowlands (UK Tour), Flare Path (UK Tour), The Hothouse (Trafalgar Theatre, London), Blithe Spirit (UK Tour) and Barchester Chronicles (Chichester Festival Theatre).

In 1960s England, a wind of change is blowing through the land. It has even reached the sleepy village of St Mary Mead. There’s a new housing estate, which alarms the villagers as much as it intrigues them and, even more unsettling, a rich American film star has bought the manor house. Jane Marple, confined to a chair after an accident, is wondering if life has passed her by. Then there is a shocking murder, and Miss Marple must unravel a web of lies, danger and tragedy. This adaptation of Agatha Christie’s famous novel brings real emotional depth and psychological insight to a thrilling story of secrets, loss and revenge.

The Mirror Crack’d From Side to Side was published in the UK in 1962 and adapted as a feature film, The Mirror Crack’d, in 1980, starring Angela Lansbury as Miss Marple, Elizabeth Taylor, Kim Novak, Rock Hudson and Tony Curtis.  On television, adaptations of the novel have starred Joan Hickson as Miss Marple in 1992 and Julia McKenzie as Miss Marple in 2011.

THE MIRROR CRACK’D will be directed by Philip Franks (Barnes’ People, The Haunting of Alice Bowles, The Habit of Art, The Croft and A Cold Supper Behind Harrods) and designed by Adrian Linford, with lighting design by Emma Chapman, sound design by Max Pappenheim, casting by Ellie Collyer-Bristow CDG and movement direction by Sophia Vi.

The UK Tour will be produced by Alastair Whatley and Tom Hackney for The Original Theatre Company. The Original Theatre Company recently won a Critics’ Circle Award for their outstanding contribution to British Theatre during lockdown, through which they produced acclaimed online productions of Sebastian Faulks’s Birdsong Online, Louise Coulthard’s Watching Rosie, Torben Betts’s Apollo 13: The Dark Side of The Moon, Philip Franks’s The Haunting of Alice Bowles and Peter Barnes’s Barnes’ People.  More recently, they have produced stage and hybrid productions ranging from world premieres of Frazer Flintham’s Into The Night to Ben Brown’s The End of The Night at Park Theatre, as well as tours of The Hound of The Baskervilles, Being Mr Wickham, The System, A Splinter of Ice, The Habit of Art, Invincible and Birdsong. They recently announced their new playwriting festival ‘Originals’ in partnership with Riverside Studios, which, in early July, saw the three winning plays performed and streamed live over consecutive days.

Website: www.originaltheatre.com

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @MissMarpleTour / @OriginalTheatre

TOUR SCHEDULE

8 – 17 September                    Eastbourne Devonshire Park                      01323 412000

                                                 www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk                   on sale

20 – 24 September                  Darlington Hippodrome                               01325 405405

                                                 www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk               on sale

27 September – 1 October       Cheltenham Everyman Theatre                 01242 572573

                                                  everymantheatre.org.uk                             on sale                

4 – 8 October                          York Theatre Royal                                      01904 623568

                                                www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk                         on sale

10 – 15 October                       Oxford Playhouse                                       01865 305305

                                                 Oxfordplayhouse.com                                 on sale

17 – 22 October                       Mold Theatr Clwyd                                      01352 344101

                                                 www.theatrclwyd.com                                 on sale

31 October – 5 November        Northampton Royal & Derngate                  01604 624811

                                                 royalandderngate.co.uk                               on sale                

8 – 12 November                     Norwich Theatre Royal                                 01603 630000

                                                 norwichtheatre.org                                        on sale

14 – 19 November                   Malvern Festival Theatre                              01684 892277

                                                 www.malvern-theatres.co.uk                        on sale

22 – 26 November                   Bromley Churchill Theatre                            0343 310 0020

                                                 churchilltheatre.co.uk                                   on sale

28 November – 3 December     Southend Palace Theatre                            0343 310 0030

                                                 palacetheatresouthend.co.uk                       on sale

Hope Mill Theatre’s production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella the Musical reveals Jacob Fowler as Prince Topher

Tuesday 1^st November – Sunday 11^th December 2022

Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester is to stage the UK theatrical premiere of the Broadway musical version of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Jacob Fowler will play Prince Topher opposite the recently announced Grace Mouat, who plays Ella.

Jacob is most prominently known for winning the BBC One prime-time show Little Mix: The Search and subsequently going on to support Little Mix on their final UK arena tour, including three nights at the legendary O2 Arena. He also appeared in the role of J.D. in Heathers The Musical at The Other Palace.

Leading the creative team for this new production are venue founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton, with Houston directing and Whelton co-directing and choreographing.

Further Casting to be announced.

Jacob Fowler said: “I’m honoured to be a part of the European premiere of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella! It has been a dream of mine to sing a Rodgers & Hammerstein score, so to do so, opposite Grace and at the Hope Mill, is a privilege.”

Completing the creative team is Musical Supervisor Leo Munby, Musical Director Audra Cramer, featuring New Musical Arrangements by Jason Carr, Set and Costume Designer Elly Wdowski, Assistant Designer Alfie Heywood, Projection Designer George Reeve, Lighting Designer Aaron J Dootson, Sound Designer Adam Fisher, Associate Choreographer Charise Renouf, Wig Designer Richard Mawbey, Assistant Costume Designer Eve Salter, Sound No 1. Josh Evans, Casting by Jane Deitch and Artwork by Steph Pyne. Song produced by Ben Robbins for Umbrella Rooms. Video by Umbrella Rooms.

The smart and beautiful young Ella lives in the care of her wicked, self-absorbed stepmother Madame and her two stepsisters Charlotte and Gabrielle. In another part of the kingdom, Prince Topher is trying to find himself and learn his place in the world. When his scheming advisor Sebastian suggests throwing a ball so the Prince can meet potential brides, Ella and Topher’s different worlds come together. Expect the unexpected in this clever retelling of the beloved fairy tale.

Cinderella is the only musical written for the television by legendary duo Rodgers & Hammerstein (South Pacific, Carousel, The Sound of Music). Originally broadcast live in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, the broadcast was watched by more than 100 million people, before subsequently being remade for TV again in 1965 and 1997 (starring Whitney Houston and Brandy).

A new Broadway version with a Tony-nominated book by Douglas Carter Beane premiered in 2013 featuring several fresh characters and songs. This will be the first time a fully staged version of the show has been performed in the UK (following a 2019 one-night concert version in London).

The musical’s previously postponed 2020 run will be staged this Autumn at Hope Mill Theatre, from  Tuesday 1^st November until Sunday 11^th December with a press night on Sunday 6^th November.

Bill Gaden, President of Concord Theatricals, said: “We’re delighted that Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella will make its UK theatrical premiere at the Hope Mill Theatre. The modern Broadway adaptation of the classic musical features new characters, a hilarious libretto, surprising twists, and an unforgettable score from Rodgers & Hammerstein. Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews to a viewership of 107 million, the largest in history at the time, the title has been charming audiences ever since. We look forward to Manchester theatregoers experiencing the updated incarnation today.”

LISTINGS

Hope Mill Theatre’s production of

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Hope Mill Theatre, Pollard Street, Manchester

Tuesday 1^st November until Sunday 11^th December 

To book visit: www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk

Production Credits:

Directed by Joseph Houston 

Co-Director & Choreographer William Whelton 

Produced by Hope Mill Theatre 

Casting by Jane Deitch

Musical Supervisor Leo Munby

Musical Director Audra Cramer 

New Arrangements by Jason Carr

Set and Costume Designer Ellie Wdowski 

Assistant Designer Alfie Heywood

Wig Design by Richard Mawbey

Lighting design by Aaron J Dootson 

Projection Designer George Reeve

Sound Designer Adam Fisher

Associate Choreographer Charise Renouf

Assistant Costume Designer Eve Salter

Artwork Steph Pyne 

Photography Michael Wharley

Video by The Umbrella Rooms

Music by Richard Rodgers

Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II

New Book by Douglas Carter Beane      New Book by Douglas Carter Beane      

Original Book by Oscar Hammerstein II    

Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of R&H Theatricals

DAVID IAN FOR CROSSROADS LIVE UK

AND

JONATHAN CHURCH THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

PRESENT THE

CURVE AND SADLER’S WELLS PRODUCTION

OF THE MUSICAL
42^nd STREET

OPENING AT

CURVE, LEICESTER ON

WEDNESDAY 17MAY 2023
FOLLOWED BY A SEASON AT SADLER’S WELLS

FROM WEDNESDAY 7JUNE 2023
AHEAD OF A UK TOUR

David Ian for Crossroads Live UK and Jonathan Church Theatre Productions present the Curve and Sadler’s Wells production of the musical 42^nd STREET, opening at Curve, Leicester on Wednesday 17 May 2023, where it will play until Saturday 3June 2023, followed by a season at Sadler’s Wells from Wednesday 7 June 2023 to Sunday 2July 2023 ahead of a UK tour with touring dates to be announced soon.

This new production will be directed by Jonathan Church (Singin’ in the Rain, The Drifters Girl) with choreography and design by Olivier Award winners Bill Deamer and Rob Jones. Casting and full creative team will be announced in due course.

This iconic song-and-dance spectacular features a hit parade of toe-tapping songs, including the title number, “We’re In The Money”, “Lullaby of Broadway”, “Shuffle Off To Buffalo” and “I Only Have Eyes For You”. 42^nd STREET is a timeless and inspiring showbiz fairy tale that combines breath-taking tap dance routines, backstage intrigue, classic romance and delightful comedy to dazzling effect.

Fresh off the bus from small-town America, young and beautiful Peggy Sawyer arrives in New York City dreaming of her name in lights. She quickly catches the eye of a big-time director and lands a spot in the chorus line of Broadway’s newest show…and when the leading lady gets injured, Peggy gets her shot at stardom.

42^nd STREET is a larger-than-life, massively entertaining celebration of musicals and the irrepressible spirit of Broadway that’s guaranteed to lift anyone’s spirits. 

42^nd STREET has music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Al Dubin, and book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, based on the novel by Bradford Ropes. Original direction and dances were by Gower Champion. The show was originally produced on Broadway by David Merrick.

The use of all songs is by arrangement with Warner Bros. and EMI Publishing Ltd.

• NEW CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S ‘MATILDA THE MUSICAL’
• VICTORIA ALSINA, MAISIE MARDLE, LAUREL SUMBERG AND HEIDI WILLIAMS WILL SHARE THE TITLE ROLE
• NEW PRINCIPAL CASTING INCLUDES LAUREN BYRNE AS MISS HONEY, AND RAKESH BOURY & AMY ELLEN RICHARDSON AS MR AND MRS WORMWOOD

Casting has been announced for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s West End production of Matilda The Musical which is now in its 10th year and continues to play to packed houses at the Cambridge Theatre.

We are delighted to announce that Victoria Alsina, Laurel Sumberg and Heidi Williams will join Maisie Mardle in the title role of Matilda, with their first performances from 13 September. 

The role of Miss Honey will be played by Lauren Byrne and Rakesh Boury and Amy Ellen Richardson will join the company to play Mr and Mrs Wormwood. Current cast members Elliot Harper will continue as Miss Trunchbull and Landi Oshinowo will continue in the role of Mrs Phelps.

Felipe Bejarano, Angeline Bell, Oliver Bingham, Thea Bunting, Michael Gardiner, Aaron Jenkins, Sam Lathwood, Dianté Lodge, Kira McPherson, Alistair So and James Wolstenholme will join the existing adult cast which includes Liberty Buckland, Kate Kenrick, Connor Lewis and Gemma Scholes.

The other young performers announced today who join the London company in the roles of Bruce, Lavender, Amanda and the rest of the pupils at Crunchem Hall are as follows: Mia Atkinson, Leo Babet, Florence Burt, Poppy Caton, Zuri-Michel Charalambou, Brodie Edwards, Jude Farrant, Riotafari Gardner, Finley Hartlett, Lily Hanna, Tia Isaac, Miley Kayongo, Shayla McCormack, Isabelle Mullallay, Jasmine Nyenya, Raphaella Philbert, Jack Philpott, Riley Plummer, Jasmine Pottinger-Scott, Ashton Robertson, Leon Saunders, Andrei Shen-U Shen, Noah Swer-Fox and Lucia Wratten.  Kylan Denis will continue as one of the actors who share the role of Bruce.

Celebrating 10 years since the multi award-winning production opened in London, this iconic British musical has won 99 international awards including 24 for Best Musical and has been seen by 11 million people across more than 90 cities worldwide. A tonic for audiences of all ages, this anarchic production about a strong and determined heroine with a vivid imagination is now booking through to 28 May 2023. For further information visit www.matildathemusical.com.

Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, the production is designed by Rob Howell, with choreography by Peter Darling, orchestrations, additional music and musical supervision by Christopher Nightingale, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and special effects and illusions by Paul Kieve.

Together with the upcoming film adaptation from the same core creative team (direction by Matthew Warchus, adapted for the screen by Dennis Kelly, with the music and lyrics of Tim Minchin), Roald Dahl’s themes of bravery and standing up for what you believe in will continue to inspire young audiences all over the world. Produced by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working Title, Jon Finn, and Luke Kelly of The Roald Dahl Story Company. Sony Pictures U.K. and Tristar Pictures will release Matilda across the U.K. and Ireland exclusively in cinemas on 2 December 2022 for Christmas. Netflix will release the film in the rest of the world on 25 December 2022.

Bard in the Botanics Festival, Glasgow Botanic Gardens – until 30 July 2022

 Reviewed by Rachel Farrier 

5*****

It might sound fanciful, but throughout last night’s performance of Much Ado About Nothing in Glasgow Botanic Gardens I had a feeling that if Shakespeare himself was watching on from some other place, he would have been utterly delighted with this production. 

As we sat in the gathering darkness of the gardens on our camping chairs and rugs, and with rain threatening throughout, this outstanding cast wove the magic that is possible when the poetry of Shakespeare’s writing is matched with a performance that an audience can immediately relate to. This is truly a production for the 21^st century, where Beatrice is played as Bertram, and Leontes the Governor has become the feisty and convivial Leonata – a hotel/bar landlady of ‘Hotel Messina’. 

The whole cast shone in their individual roles, but Robert Elkin as Bertram feels like the lynch pin of this production – by turns completely hilarious (his Freddie-Mercury-with-a-vacuum-cleaner at the ‘masked ball’ was nothing short of genius), then holding the audience in spellbound silence at Bertram’s soliloquies of frustration and distress. James Boal brought great energy, humour and depth to Benedick, and Zackary Moore’s exuberant, high spirited Borachio delighted the audience – particularly as he wandered amongst us. Katie Barnett was exceptional in both her roles – as the sharp-tongued Margaret (whose beautiful sung lament for Hero was also stunning), and as the  hapless Constable Dogberry, whose malapropisms and shrill delivery had me crying tears of laughter. Isabelle Joss as Leonata the indominatable landlady is also brilliant and has exceptional comic timing, as well as conveying a wonderful ferocity towards the scheming men who seek to besmirch her daughter, Hero.

Despite the limitations of staging an outdoor production, the set design and costumes by Carys Hobbs were superbly conceived – the hotel bar provides a back drop to much of the action, and the uproarious scenes in which Betram and Benedick ‘mistakenly’ overhear conversations about the other work perfectly in this setting. 

There is an energy and fun to this production that builds to moments of fabulous, hilarious crescendo – interspersed with moments of beautiful and moving poignancy. 

My companion last night was my early teenage daughter and this was her first experience of live Shakespeare – I really hoped that this would be an experience that would engage and enthuse her and it did not disappoint. This morning she asked when we could back to Bard in the Botanics to see other productions, which is exactly the response I was hoping for. 

I know there are very few tickets left for this run, but if you can possibly get your hands on one, then go – a magical night awaits. 

Forum Theatre, Malvern – 22nd July 2022

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

4****

Queen. The very name evokes a certain emotion, shared memories and an evangelical fanaticism! Their legend reverberates down the musical ages in the same way that Rome casts a shadow across early history. So it was with some anticipation that I awaited tonight’s show… The evening began (indeed, was bookended) with Bohemian Rhapsody; “is this the real life, is this just fantasy“ and of course it was fantasy time as we enjoyed Freddie and the gang’s music once more, in the absence of (tragically) being able to enjoy the frontman proper ever again. I know from doing karaoke just how difficult it is to attempt Freddie’s vocals. Pretty soon your vocal chords are shredded and you wonder “what was I thinking?” The singer, then, has the most difficult job of the night (arguably the most difficult job in show business). It was a fully committed performance from tonight’s singer with all the mannerisms in place as well as the outfit and Tash! “I Want To Break Free” was the possible high point and a superb way to end the first half, with drag to the fore as well as the Hoover which seemed to please the crowd so much I wondered if it was the original Hoover from the video! The guitarist was pretty much note perfect and grabbed my attention for much of the show – though that may be because I’m a guitarist. To be honest, my boat was well and truly floated before the performance even began, just by seeing THAT iconic guitar on stage. A thing of beauty, as were Mr May’s exceptional guitar work throughout their entire oeuvre. The rhythm section provided a solid foundation for the frontmen to shine whilst awaiting their own moments like the drummer taking vocal duties for “I’m In Love With My Car” or those famous bass lines (e.g. “Under Pressure”). The show was a veritable best of I, II and III. It was wonderful hearing hits from all eras covered including some great tracks from late in the band’s career such as “I Want It All”. I really enjoyed the surprise medley of piano-centric songs culminating in “Save Me”, which you don’t hear very often.

The big emotional impact live was always the acoustic version of “Love Of My Life” and tonight was no exception. I also found “Who Wants To Live Forever” and “These Are The Days Of Our Lives” (that last “I still love you”) especially moving. There was liberal use of backing tracks for the multifaceted parts of the songs not playable live by the onstage band and they were unobtrusive and intelligently employed. I found the lights were rather underemployed with patchy use throughout the evening. When used, though, they certainly added to the spectacle. If you love the music of Queen you will love this show and judging by how many of the crowd were on their feet there were a lot of Queen fans in. They promised they would rock us and they did

Theatre Royal Concert Hall Nottingham – until Saturday 23rd July 2022

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

4****

The English Youth Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty is a sumptuous and scintillating display of traditional dance alongside modern twists. The lavish production comprised of 6 international principal dancers and showcased the talents of 70 young dancers from the local area. This made for a wonderful, warm atmosphere as the audience comprised of a mixture of ballet fans like myself and family members who were tingling with excitement at seeing their loved ones perform. With simple sets and spectacular costumes the show was a sight to behold.

Sleeping Beauty is the story of good triumphing over evil. At Aurora’s christening, the party is interrupted by wicked Aunt Carabosse who places a curse upon Aurora. To reverse the curse the good Aunt Lilac places Aurora, her family and guests in the Palace Gardens in a cryogenic frozen state to sleep for one hundred years, until the arrival of the Prince and his kiss.

When put in those simplistic terms, it does not do justice to the majesty that was brought to life on the stage tonight. The stamina, the skill, the artistry. It was mesmerising. The heart of the show was the youth who vibrantly pumped new blood into this age-old tale. But the dancers, as a whole, worked seamlessly together to tell the tale of Sleeping Beauty

I wish there could have been a live orchestra playing Tchaikovsky as this would have added the icing on the cake of a feast for the senses. But that aside, The English Youth Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty, is a charming and enchanting production and I would urge you to go see it and support local talent.

EMPIRE THEATRE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL 13TH AUGUST 2022

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

5*****

There is nothing that will prepare you for the musical, The Book Of Mormon famously created (book, music and lyrics) by the minds behind South Park. Without knowledge of the plot, there is an expectation that Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone will test limits, challenge establish thoughts and push the boundaries. Last night at the Empire Theatre the atmosphere was spellbinding and the weight of expectations huge – and this production did not disappoint!

From the very first musical number ‘Hello’, which introduces us to the Mormons, popping up on stage and ringing doorbells; we are amazed at the pure talent of the cast who maintain their astonishing energy and commitment to their roles, throughout.

The multi award winning musical follows a pair of ill-matched Latter-day Saints missionaries, Elders Price and Cunningham as they attempt to preach the faith of the Church to the inhabitants of a remote Ugandan village. The earnest young men are challenged by the lack of interest from the locals, who are distracted by more pressing issues such as HIV/AIDS, famine, female genital mutilation and oppression by the local Warlord.

This musical is everything you would expect from a top West End show. Scott Pask’s set design is inventive, immersive and impressive, especially the Ugandan slums. Along with Ann Roth’s stunning costume design, this production adds to the script and music to give the audience a wonderful evening’s entertainment.

The songs are superb, with each one adding to the overall narrative. For me every song is a winner but my favourites include ‘Two By Two’, ‘Turn It Off’ and the fantastic catchy but wrong on so many levels ‘Hasa Diga Eebowai’ which I am still humming!

The cast is equally excellent, particularly Elder Cunningham played by Jacob Yarlett, the adorable, jubilant and energetic Mormon with an overactive imagination and Elder Price played by Robert Colvin, the charming, pomp, straight character that will do what it takes to get what he wants. Stealing the show was Jordan Lee Davies who played the suppressed and sexually frustrated gay Elder McKinley. He was an absolute joy to watch, especially in the musical number ‘Turn It Off’.

Although not for the easily offended, The Book Of Mormon is wickedly funny, risqué and inappropriate in almost every way. This is a vibrant and joyous musical with fantastic songs, energetic dancing and pitch perfect performances from a talented ensemble cast.

Darlington Hippodrome – until Sunday 24 July 2022

5*****

It’s normal, as a reviewer, to have people wanting to attend a show with you.  Today at Zog I had to take my 23 year old son and 29 year old daughter because they were arguing about who was going to come with me.  So thank you to the Hippodrome for helping me to have family harmony!

Zog and the Flying Doctors is written by the wonderful Julia Donaldson and Freckle Productions bring to life Axel Schefflers equally wonderful illustrations.  With music and lyrics from Joe Stilgoe.

Zog (Ben Raymond) is still learning to fly, or rather learning to land.  He still crashes with a bump.  Princess Pearl (Lois Glenister) and Sir Gadabout (Alex Bloomer) don’t seem to mind as they take to the skies and tend to their patients – a mermaid with sunburn (Sarah Freer), a unicorn with an extra horn (Danny Hendrix) and a Lion with a cold.  And their friends Rabbit and Squirrel (Annie Rose Chapman),  But on their travels they meet Pearls uncle, a King who believes that Princesses should wear pretty dresses and not be Doctors.  However, after he gets ill, Princess Pearl and her friends help him to get better and prove that Princesses can work too

Zog has a lovely message for the children, proving that anyone can do anything and they shouldn’t let anyone tell them otherwise.  The children in the audience enjoyed the singing and dancing and general shouting and silliness.  Its less than an hour long and designed for the under-8’s (and the random 23 and 29 year old obviously)

55 minutes of childish interactive joy, a perfect introduction to the theatre for your little ones

Bristol Old Vic – until 30th July 2022

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

4****

Le Navet Bete and John Nicholson bring their hilariously adapted version of Treasure Island to Bristol, and it does not disappoint!

With only a cast of 4, we follow Jim Hawkins (Nick Bunt) as he sails across the world in search of buried treasure. Along the way, he meets some rather unusual characters, such as Long John Silver (Al Dunn), Captain Birdseye (Simon Burbage) and Blue Peter (Matt Freeman), who all join him on his quest-however some are our for their own gain! Whilst trying to gauge who he can trust and who he needs to outwit, Jim successfully retrieves the treasure and the story is complete!

With a minute cast of only 4, transitioning between 26 characters, this is a seamless show. Each member of the cast is exquisite, bringing their own flair to each character whilst being easily distinguishable-a real help for the younger members of the audience. Nick Bunt as ‘Jim Hawkins’ captures the naivety of a 14 year old boy well, and draws the audience in instantly on his side. Al Dunn as multiple characters but namely ‘Long John Silver’, took on the enviable task of initiating audience participation. With his good vocals, he connected with the audience well, breaking the fourth wall and making us believe each twist and turn of the story. Along with Simon Burbage as ‘Captain Birdseye’ and many others making up ‘Jim’s shipmates, this lead to some hilarious moments-Burbage was great at being the enigmatic friend, who becomes a foe!

The stand out performance was from Matt Freeman, mainly as ‘Ben Gunn’, a stranded man on Treasure Island. His perfectly executed slapstick was a triumph, causing uproars in the auditorium! There were also some moments that seemed unscripted, such as falling over and hilariously forgetting lines, which I think added to the charm of the show. Freeman is an artist and characterises himself well into anything-he was even a Mermaid and gave us a lovely rendition of the well known song ‘Loving You!’

At some points, I found it slightly difficult to hear the speech over the background music, but this was only for a few moments at a time.

This panto-esque performance is perfect for children and adults alike, I defy anyone not to come out of the theatre without a smile! You’d better crack on and grab your tickets-or it’s walking the plank for you!!!