Month: October 2022

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh – until 29 October 2022

Reviewed by Sara McGuire

5*****

I’m not a huge fan of musicals but this outstanding production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific by Chichester Festival Theatre Production won me over instantly. Bursting with life and pops of colour every single person gave their all belting out well known classics like Some Enchanted Evening and There is Nothin’ like a Dame throughout the show! 

The plot at first seems to be just a simple love story played out on an exotic island set during WWW2 but Oscar Hammerstein previously acclaimed for his sensitive and courageous treatment of racial prejudice uses South Pacific to highlight his views. You’ve got to be Taught beautifully sung by Emile de Becque (Julian Overden) and Lt Joseph Cable (Rob Houchen) in the second act makes this very clear. 

The charming revolving sets transport you straight to exotic island life. They ooze energy, vibrancy and colour (Peter McKintosh) and Howard Harrison in charge of lighting creates some almost perfect moments where at one point the stage is awash with candlelight and soft red hues. 

This production is full of sparkling powerful performances and especially from leading lady nurse Nellie Forbush (Gina Beck) and leading handsome man Emile de Becque (Julia Ovenden). After falling in love and singing I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy the charismatic nurse runs off after finding out he has mixed-race children. The moral of the story is love wins out after all as thankfully she has a change of heart just in time. 

My favourite moments were when Liat, Bloody Mary’s young, beautiful and innocent Tonkinese daughter (Sera Maehara) opens and closes the show. Her stunning dance and movement captivated me from curtain up and had me hooked. Ann Yee’s choreography and movement direction provided dynamic and memorising routines keeping the audience entertained all night. 

Another highlight for me was when the stage filled with ladies alongside Nurse Nellie Forbush (Gina Beck) in fun colourful swim wear belting out I’m Gonna wash that Man Right outa my Hair in true chorus fashion.

I can’t end without a big shout out to the brilliant orchestra directed by Jon Laird, who brought so much energy to every show stopping moment!

By Janet Brodie Murphy

I visited the Shaftsbury Theatre yesterday to view the new and ongoing renovations of this delightful Edwardian Building.

We were met my James Williams the Executive Director who toured the Theatre with us showing us all the new renovations and modifications. We also met Don Taffner the owner of the Theatre which was a delight.

As a person with mobility issues I was delighted to see how the new work has wholly incorporated the needs of the disabled and this Theatre now offers full access to wheelchair bound personnel. The facilities, including new toilets are now first class and meet all the needs of the disabled.

I came away thinking it was a gem of an Edwardian building encased now in a sturdy metal frame which has given new life to this majestic Theatre.

Big thanks everyone who made my visit so enjoyable.

Leicester Square Theatre – touring until 4 December 2022

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

With egos even bigger than their hair, Clinton Baptiste and Ramone Tamine take their paranormal show around the country to share their gifts with the unsuspecting public in their hilarious, unashamedly old-school comedy show.

Clinton Baptiste – “the notorious clairvoyant medium psychic” – is a character that will have you giggling before he opens his mouth – and when he does…

Alex Lowe’s creation is an amalgam of flamboyant psychics and club performers that is both monstrous and pitiful – a goldmine for laugh out loud moments, with a beautifully judged vocal tick. Baptiste’s nemesis, Ramone (Lewis Macleod) is the perfect foil – brasher and earthier, but just as desperate for recognition. The presence of the tour sponsors, the McBains, in the audience sees the two competing for the chance to dazzle with their charisma to become the face of McBains Boilers. Their readings and channelling for the audience soon turn into bickering and bitching as they try to upstage each other.

The pairs’ faux spiritualism, peppered with mantras like namaste…shalamah…shakattack, is guaranteed to get laughs, and their interactions with the audience are cutting but never cruel as they pass the spirits’ messages on. The nonsense is non-stop, with changes of pace and a sub-plot about their support act that develops nicely into the chaotic ending.

Clinton Baptiste Vs Ramone hits all the right notes for a night full of laughs, the show is charmingly OTT, cheesy with a wonderfully anarchic streak that will make you cringe. As one woman said in the loos after the show: “I don’t know what the hell I have just seen, but it was bloody funny”. Tour details available at https://www.clintonbaptiste.com/live

Little Angel Theatre – until 20 November 2022

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Little Angel and Monstro’s The King of Nothing is a cheeky and charming re-imagining of Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Emperor’s New Clothes” by Ben Glasstone and directed by Steve Tiplady. Aimed at 5 to 11 year olds, there are enough dad jokes to satisfy the adults and plenty of physical comedy and silliness to keep the younger audience members smiling.

The King of Falala isn’t interested in the rising price of electricity or the gurgling drains that bother his subjects. All he cares about is fashion and being smart and “in”. When one of his most trusted advisors is Keeper of the Royal Undergarments, you know the kingdom is in trouble. For his birthday parade, King Reginald wants to dazzle in something spectacular, at least three steps ahead of current trends, but what to wear? Enter two swindlers (Karina Garnett and Gilbert Taylor), weaving both the story and the mystical cloth for King Reginald’s birthday suit.

Alison Alexander’s colourful and creative set and puppet design gives a travelling circus feel to the show, with a variety of puppet characters that the children loved. The test for whether a young audience is lost in a story is when characters switch between puppet and performer representation without the audience losing their belief, and the switches are seamless in this show. The fantastic Garnett and Taylor pitch their performances perfectly and there are lovely moments where the audience become part of the story. With a lovely mix of music and storytelling, The King of Nothing breathes new life into this classic tale. Fantastic family fun.

Garrick Theatre – until 6 November 2022

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

The magical force of nature, Rob Madge, brings their award-winning show to the West End for a short, but dazzling run. Rob’s parents’ home videos of Rob’s Disney shows became a sensation during lockdown, and Rob’s autobiographical show is a bittersweet but uplifting celebration of queerness and family.

Rob – a self-proclaimed flamboyant monster as a child – was blessed with a family that loved and supported them. As Rob describes their early childhood, there are lots of self-deprecating and self-aware comments amongst the celebrations. Dad Jon’s attempt at sticking to the binary was buying Rob a Beast costume, but the dream was the yellow Belle dress, and Rob’s parents accepted and loved their child for who they were. The clips of Rob’s Disney parades in homemade costumes are hilarious as the demanding diva rolls their eyes at dad’s tech and demands professional attitudes to their productions. Pippa Cleary’s songs about pivotal moments are gorgeously Disneyesque and heartfelt with just the right amount of tongue in cheek touches in Rob’s delivery to keep things light. Luke Sheppard’s considered direction and Ryan Dawson Laight’s set design – a nostalgic and comforting living room that transforms into the perfect arena for the grand parade – are inspired, making the audience in the Garrick feel right at home with this wonderful family.

As a teacher, Rob’s description of their schooldays and the comments in their reports horrified me (the children have to force ME out of the imaginative play area), but their family’s response as they see Rob’s spirit crushed as they feel they don’t fit in will make you cheer at the love and encouragement on display. Honestly, whenever the grandparents show up you will be howling with laughter or ugly crying, nothing in between.

The joy of losing yourself in characters, of becoming yourself lost in a character, and of being loved unconditionally comes across in every breath Rob takes in their show. I have seen the show a few times now, and have cried every time. Rob’s parents become everyone’s heroes and the joy in the auditorium is palpable. This is a show with something for everybody – queers, theatre and Disney fans, parents and grandparents. My Son’s a Queer is a lesson in tolerance and love that should be on the school curriculum. Simply wonderful.

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 29th October 2022

Reviewed by Jacqui Radford

5*****

Girl from the North Country, a double Olivier Award winning musical celebrating the music of Bob Dylan is a real treat for anybody. You don’t need to be a Dylan fan to enjoy it but if you are then you will fully appreciate how skilfully his music is woven through a plot that evokes a full range of emotions.

Set in a guesthouse in Minnesota during the depression of the 1930s, Nick and Elizabeth who own the guesthouse act as an anchor for all the troubled souls thrown together by circumstance. They also have troubles of their own.

The opening of the performance is a quiet introduction to a sombre era and its effect on all walks of life and yet as the story unfolds, interspersed with music and humour, the audience is drawn in to experience the complexities of love and relationships in all forms.

Elizabeth (played by Frances McNamee) has an energy that is brought to the role exceptionally well. Her Dementia manifests itself in uninhibited comment that pricks the conscience. Her presence and influence are reinforced by clever use of set and lighting design (Rae Smith and Mark Henderson respectively).

In many ways, despite the time that has passed since the 1930s, there are a number of themes running throughout that are likely to resonate with anybody watching the show. However, the overriding feeling by the end of the show is one of hope and faith in humanity. If you can catch this show, you won’t regret it!

Chichester Festival Theatre- until 12 November 2022

Reviewed by Lorna Hancock

4****

Based on Enid Blyton’s multi-million selling Famous Five novels, this brand new musical written by Elinor Cook, with music and lyrics by Theo Jamieson, is an exciting and heart-warming family treat celebrating adventure, bravery and friendship. George (Maria Goodman) is less than thrilled at the thought of having her three cousins to stay in Kirrin with her over the Summer, and the siblings Julian (Dewi Wykes), Dick (Louis Suc) and Anne (Isabelle Methven) aren’t particularly excited about their plans either. After a few awkward occurrences the four children eventually warm to each other and their new friendship proves vital in saving the day.

The plot is a slightly modern take on the stories from the original books first published in 1942, and brings in topical issues such as climate change and renewable energy, but still stays true to the original tales of excitement and adventure.

Growing up with the delight of reading the books I was fascinated to see how they could be adapted into a musical. I brought my 9 year old daughter along to assist me with this review, as I thought It would be interesting to have an opinion from a member of the target audience. She absolutely loved it, from start to finish. She was captivated instantly by the set design and the moving map as soon as we walked into the theatre. Her favourite character was hard to choose, but she loved Isabelle Methven as Anne, she really identified with her emotions and was desperate to join her in her adventure. She said she would love to watch it all again and would definitely recommend seeing it to all of her friends! From a child’s point of view I would say that they certainly succeeded in capturing the elation we all engaged with as children in the books.

The set (I briefly mentioned earlier) was brilliantly designed by Lucy Osbourne. Very simple yet versatile, cleverly transitioned us to the different settings in the story.

The energetic cast were talented in capturing the essence of their characters. The relationship between the siblings was very believable and touching to watch and then with their cousin too. Lara Denning was magnificent as Aunt Fanny, her body language and facial expressions really animated the story. Bobby, played by Sam Harrison was superb and added humour every time he appeared on stage. The puppeteers were exceptional, Ailsa Dalling had everyone believing Timmy could be a real dog.

Overall a thoroughly enjoyable performance. A simple but touching story with gratifying morals, interspersed with uplifting songs. It will leave the whole family yearning for adventure.

New Victoria Theatre, Woking – until Saturday 5th November 2022

Reviewed by Emma Barnes

4****

Bat out of Hell came blazing into Woking last night with a show that was a spectacularly high energy and gloriously overblown assault on the senses. 

A rock musical mash up based loosely around Peter Pan with hints of Romeo and Juliet, Bat out of Hell is based in a post-apocalyptic dystopian world which has been ravaged by a chemical war leaving a select group of street teens forever frozen at the age of 18.  Based in the futuristic city of Obsidian,  Strat (Glenn Adamson) is the leader of the teenagers ‘The Lost’.  After years of searching for someone who understands him he falls for Raven (Martha Kirby) , daughter of tyrannical ruler Falco (Rob Fowler) who seeks to shield his daughter by whatever means possible, with or without agreement from partner Sloane (Sharon Sexton).  The story was written pre-covid, but in 2022 the concept of locking your child away to protect them has increased significance.

It’s no surprise that original London cast members Rob Fowler (Falco)  and Sharon Sexton (Sloane)  give a fantastic performance with soaring, intricate duets and an onstage chemistry which is palpable.   The birthday party scene was absolutely hilarious and ‘What Part of My Body Hurts The Most’ serving as a heartbreaking portrayal of relationship breakdown.  

An impressive touring set takes you into the underground world of Obsidian and into the home of Raven (Martha Kirby) .   Live camera work is used to project onto screens and gives every audience member the opportunity to see close up face expressions.   I found it refreshing to be immersed into a  love story where the female lead has all of the power and the male is somewhat submissive.

The energy onstage is off the scale, particularly demonstrated by Glenn Adamson who’s stamina for leaping around the stage whilst blasting out hit after hit is exhausting to witness.  With blood, fire, confetti, motorbikes and a generous dose of thrilling teenage love mixed with youthful rebellion ‘Bat out of Hell’ hits you with 2 hours of pure escapism that refuses to take itself too seriously.  Judging by the reaction in the crowd it didn’t fail to hit the spot. 

And that’s exactly what the audience wanted,  a nostalgic escape and to feel like 18 year olds all over again.  They expected to hear quality renditions of “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” and  “You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)”  and that’s exactly what this show delivers within the loose framework of a timeless story. 

A must-see for Meat Loaf and Rock’n’Roll fans alike that does justice to the legacies of Jim Steinman and  Marvin Lee Aday.  A well deserved standing ovation at the end of the night and a guarantee that everyone was singing their hearts out on their journeys home.

Darlington Hippodrome – until 5 November 2022

4****

Darlington Operatic return to the stage with the family friendly Shrek

If you don’t know the story of Shrek the green ogre, then maybe you too live in a swamp. But if you did miss the show or any of the films then here’s a quick recap. After the fairy tale folk of Dulac get evicted to his swamp; Shrek, aided and hindered by Donkey, head off to rescue a princess from her dragon-guarded tower in order to hand her over to the short-statured Lord Farquaad, so he will hand over the deeds to Shrek’s beloved swamp. Lord Farquaad wants to marry the princess so he can become a King.

There is something for everyone in this show. The young ones can be captivated by the fairy tale and with its pantomime-esque innuendo’s for the adults, its proper family entertainment. There are a lot of fart jokes and a burping contest that would put many teenagers to shame.

The joy of the show is that with the longer time allowed you can actually see into the backgrounds of the characters. Both Shrek and Fiona were banished from home at the age of 7. They might sing it’s a ‘Big Bright Beautiful World’ but the lyrics of ‘Who I’d Be’ are heartbreaking and tender and portray the true feelings of what an Ogre would like to be.

Nicholas Fletcher-Holmes recreates the tartan trousered Ogre who your heart goes out to at the idea of him losing his love. Ben Connor captures the magic of Donkey and Ellen Dunbavin is a spirited, but kind Fiona.

And in what other show would you find tap dancing rats? Showgirl blind mice? And a whole host of others letting their Freak Flag fly. There are many coded references to other shows, and other fairy tales are the butt of many of the jokes.

There are two stand out performances in this show. Leighton Taylor-Jones as Lord Farquaad. How his knees will survive is not clear. Playing him as a camp Richard III type in yellow tights, he almost steals the show. Managing to high kick his tiny legs, over compensating for the fact his dad was a grumpy diamond miner who abandoned him in the forest to fend for himself.

The other star of the show is Dragon, which has a War Horse feel of puppetry about it, as you don’t notice the puppeteers. Rhiannon Walker who voices Dragon provides the vocals, with a voice of pure smokin’ fire.

This show has it all, a once upon a time and a happy ever after. Full of singing, dancing, nonsense and strangely believable characters it’s a show the entire family can enjoy from baby through to granny. Give the kids and yourself a half term treat and bring them to the Hippodrome for two and a half hours of good solid family fun.

Liverpool Empire – until 29 October 2022

Reviewed by Jen Hughes

5*****

By far, Blood Brothers is one of Liverpool’s most famous and iconic theatrical exports. To review it in Liverpool Empire was something special but to see the cast, largely in tears at the end of the performance, in font of a blistering, standing, tearful ovation , goes somewhat to explain why I want give this performance 10 stars rather than the maximum 5 . Without doubt, the most powerful, emotional, moving performance of song and acting I have ever seen in my history of Blood Brothers.

In his last tour as Mickey, Sean Jones’ portrayal of the depressed poverty facing brother is still haunting me today. His ability to metamorphosize from the explosion of energy of the younger Mickey to the life beaten, redundant older self was nothing short of outstanding. So much so, I had to check and check again that this aged character with a voice full of pain and a body barely moving was not a different actor. I have never heard a packed theatre so silent as every word of his madman self, punched punches and pulled heart strings of the wide-eyed audience.

You know with Blood Brothers you’re going to cry, that’s a given. But I hadn’t accounted for crying with laughter too. Look out for Timothy Lucas’ brief display of the teenage tantrum of Sammy which was on point with every fibre of his body movement and rubber soles of shoes. Hilarious!

Mrs Johnstone, WOW !! The powerhouse that is Nike Colwell Evans ( X- Factor contestant) Blew the roof off the Liverpool Empire multiple times. Her lyrical delivery and a voice full of emotion was a totally, unexpectedly electrifying.

Poverty, inequality, superstition, mothers guilt, family , friendships, loss ….I could go on and on. Blood Brothers has it all, from one extreme to the other. A total emotional rollercoaster with an audience akin to pantomime laughter in Act One to desperate sorrow, pain, and crippling raw emotion in Act Two.

If I could watch this every night I would, it was that good. This really is a must see and you really must bring plenty of tissues.

Well done to every actor, musician and behind the scenes staff. This really was a fine theatrical masterpiece in all its scouse glory!