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Rocky Horror Show Newsflash!

STRICTLY STAR JOANNE CLIFTON CONFIRMS FUTURE DATES

DUNCAN JAMES IS “AWE INSPRING” AS FRANK

ALISON HAMMOND, BEVERLEY CALLARD AND DOM JOLY ADD TO THE FRIVOLITIES

JAMES DARCH JOINS THE SHOW AS BRAD

PLUS KRISTIAN LAVERCOMBE TO PLAY THE NARRATOR FOR TWO SPECIAL PERFROMANCES

AS THE LEGENDARY MUSICAL CONTINUES

TO THRILL AUDIENCES ACROSS THE UK

★★★★★

“Fresh, subversive, essential”

Daily Telegraph

The Rocky Horror Show continues to play to packed houses as it tours the length and breadth of the UK throughout 2019 featuring a wealth of star performers.  More than 100,000 people have seen the show during the tour and there are no signs of this incredible cast slowing down. Strictly star Joanne Clifton, who has been delighting audiences and receiving rave reviews as Janet, will continue to don her corset and fishnets as she extends her role in the musical extravaganza for a further six months until the end of the 2019 tour.Joanne said: “I absolutely love playing Janet, so I’m delighted to continue with the show throughout the year”.

Blue star Duncan James has excited theatre fans playing the character of Frank n Furter, slipping into a corset and heels with ease. Already wowing Rocky Horror audiences up and down the country, critics agree that Duncan “makes for an awe-inspiring Frank n Furter” (Liverpool Echo) and “adds a new dimension to the character” (Wirral Globe). Bringing just the right amount of cheeky, sensual energy to the stage Duncan continues to thrill.  Catch him in Birmingham, Bristol, Blackpool, Dublin, Newcastle, Glasgow, Leeds, Nottingham, Hull and Edinburgh.  Duncan said: “I’m just loving every minute.  Frank is such an iconic role; it’s an honour to play him.”

In Manchester and Liverpool, Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard performed to sell-out crowds as the first female Narrator.  Beverley said: “When the producers asked me to play the Narrator, I couldn’t believe it.  I just thought, I can’t say no. I’ve been Time Warping for years!”

Comedian Dom Joly, TV presenter Alison Hammond, comedian Steve Punt and actor Philip Franks continue to share the role of The Narrator in the UK tour. The four stars will take to the stage to perform the iconic role at various moments throughout 2019. Kristian Lavercombe will also surprise audiences as he steps into the Narrator’s shoes for two special performances on 24 June at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool and 22 August at the Leeds Grand Theatre.

From 27 May, James Darch will join the cast to play Brad.  James, an accomplished actor with an impressive CV, is currently starring as Pat Casey in Maggie May at The Finborough Theatre. Other credits include An Officer and a Gentleman (UK tour), Wicked (Apollo Victoria), and Mamma Mia (Novello Theatre).  James said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the cast of The Rocky Horror Show. It’s mad – there is no denying that.  But, as the devoted audiences prove, it’s a story that’s got heart and relevance through every generation. Its infectious energy is still standing the test of time and coming out on top. I can’t wait to put my own small stamp on such a well known and loved character as Brad – bring on the madness!”

The legendary musical extravaganza also stars West End star Stephen Webb as Frank and Kristian Lavercombe, who reprises his role as Riff Raff following more than 1500 performances around the world. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the smash hit show features all of the famous musical numbers which have made The Rocky Horror Show such a huge hit for over four decades, including “Sweet Transvestite”, “Science Fiction/Double Feature”, “Dammit Janet” and, of course, the timeless floor-filler, “The Time-Warp”.

The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank’n’Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house whilst on their way to visit their favourite college professor. It’s an adventure they’ll never forget, with fun, frolics, frocks and frivolity, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits.  The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation meaning, of course, getting dressed in the most outrageous fancy dress.

The Rocky Horror Show first began life in 1973 before an audience of just 63 people in the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs.  It was an immediate success and transferred to the Chelsea Classic Cinema, before going on to run at the Kings Road Theatre, 1973-79 and the Comedy Theatre in the West End, 1979-80.  In 1975 it was transformed into a film called ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. This film adaptation took over $135 million at the Box Office and is still shown in cinemas around the world more than 40 years after its premiere, making it the longest running theatrical release in cinema history.

The Rocky Horror Show has become the world’s favourite Rock ‘N’ Roll musical, having been performed worldwide for 45 years in more than 30 countries and translated into over 20 languages. Many stars including Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Jerry Springer, Jason Donovan and Meatloaf have appeared in The Rocky Horror Show over the past 45 years.

In 2015, as part of a sold-out season at London’s Playhouse Theatre, a special star-studded Gala charity performance in aid of Amnesty International was broadcast to over 600 cinemas across the UK and Europe. The live screening – featuring a host of celebrities playing The Narrator including Stephen Fry, Mel Giedroyc, Emma Bunton, Ade Edmondson, Anthony Head and Richard O’Brien –

smashed box office records and was the biggest grossing film in cinemas across the UK. The performance was subsequently screened on the Sky Arts channel.

Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, The Rocky Horror Show is the boldest bash of them all. But be warned, this show has rude parts!

The Rocky Horror Show 2019 UK Tour Dates

Theatre	Date	Narrator
Eastbourne Theatres Congress	27 May –1 June 2019	Steve Punt
Regent TheatreStoke-On-Trent	3 June –8 June 2019	Steve Punt
Grand Opera House York	10 June –15 June 2019	Steve Punt
Bristol Hippodrome Theatre	17 June –22 June 2019	Dom Joly
Winter Gardens Blackpool	24 June –29 June 2019	Steve Punt24th June only Kristian Lavercombe
Bord Gais TheatreDublin	1 July –6 July 2019	To Be Announced
Cambridge Arts Theatre	15 July –20 July 2019	Steve Punt
Malvern Theatre	22 July –27 July 2019	Steve Punt
Southend Cliffs Pavilion	29 July –3 August 2019	Steve Punt
Theatre Royal Newcastle	5 August –10 August 2019	Steve Punt
King’s Theatre Glasgow	12 August –17 August 2019	To Be Announced
Leeds GrandTheatre	19 August –24 August 2019	Steve Punt22nd August only Kristian Lavercombe
Royal Concert Hall Nottingham	28 August –1 September 2019	Philip Franks
Wycombe Swan	9 September –14 September 2019	Philip Franks
Chester Storyhouse	16 September –21 September 2019	Philip Franks
Orchard Theatre Dartford	23 September –28 September 2019	Philip Franks
Hull NewTheatre	30 September –5 October 2019	Philip Franks
Plymouth Theatre Royal	7 October –12 October 2019	Philip Franks
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre	14 October –19 October 2019	Philip Franks
Bournemouth  Pavilion Theatre	21 October –26 October 2019	Philip Franks
Edinburgh Playhouse	28 October –2 November 2019	To Be Announced

What the press have said about The Rocky Horror Show:

“Panto for grown-ups – colourful, in your face, relentlessly energetic and high on audience participation” – The Times

“Hard to think of another musical quite as unique as this. Christopher Luscombe’s affectionate production feels like a genuine blast from the past” – Mail on Sunday

“As delightfully naughty as ever!” – Daily Telegraph

“So fast, so funny, so sexy” – Daily Mail

“Still the sexiest and funniest show in town” – Evening Standard

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Ticket prices: From £10

Website: www.rockyhorror.co.uk

Twitter: @rockyhorroruk

Facebook: /rockyhorrorshow

Further cast includes:

Columbia – Miracle Chance

Eddie/Dr Scott – Ross Chisari

Rocky – Callum Evans

Magenta/Usherette – Laura Harrison

Phantom – Reece Budin

Phantom – Shelby Farmer

Phantom – Katie Monks

Phantom – Jake Small

Swing & Resident Choreographer – Andrew Ahern

Swing & Dance Captain – Maddie Hope Coelho

Lyric Ensemble present a newly devised play:

The Mob Reformers

The Lyric Ensemble, a group of aspiring young actors aged between 18-25 years old, present their newly devised play The Mob Reformers between Wednesday 19 and Saturday 29 June at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. This performance marks the culmination of nine months of industry training at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, preparing these young actors for a career in theatre. 

On the morning of 14 June 1381, the rebels pushed west along the Thames, burning the houses of the officials around Westminster and opening the Westminster jail. The Mob Reformers is a radical reimagining of a play about an infamous 1381 London stabbing that would go on to change the course of British history. In a new version by Omar El-Khairy and devised with the Lyric Ensemble, this production will be directed by Holly Race Roughan.

Holly Race Roughan said: “The artistic team at the Lyric said to me on taking this job ‘make something you wouldn’t dare make anywhere else’. I am doing that, consequently I am thrilled and a little bit terrified. The Lyric Ensemble have had an unconventional process, we have been on radical tours of London, learnt about activism and direct action (and practicing it) and we even took over the district line one night. That anything is possible, will underpin the show.”

The Lyric Ensemble are a group of 15 emerging performers that make their home at the Lyric for nine months. In that time they work with some of the most exciting theatre professionals in the UK – taking masterclasses in performance, movement, text, design and personal development – including withHolly Race Roughan, the Lyric’s Director of Young People Nicholai La Barrie and the Lyric’s Artistic Associates.

Over 90% of past Ensemble members have gone on to secure places at drama school and universities, agents, or to produce their own work, proving the success of the scheme as a way for young people from different backgrounds to take their first steps into a career that was previously closed to them.

The cast includes: Bashiie Baptiste, Wesley Bozonga, Kane Feagan, Niamh Granville, Savas Hutchison-Fuat, Gavin Joseph, Ele McKenzie, Roseanne Musgrove, Priyanka Patel, Danielle Tama, Kamran Vahabi and Joseph Vaiana.

Writer                                      Omar El-Khairy

DirectorHolly Race Roughan 

Assistant Director                   Yasmin Hafesji

Trainee Assistant Director      Johnson Adebayo

Designer                                  Ranya El Rafaey

Lighting Designer                    Simeon Miller

Sound and Music                     Mwen Music

Filmmaker                               Dorothy Allen-Pickard

The Lyric Ensemble programme is generously supported by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and the McGrath Charitable Trust.

New Victoria Theatre, Woking – until 25 May 2019

Reviewed by Alexandra Sykes

4****

Nothing is better than a night at the theatre singing along to 80s rock music so Rock of Ages is definitely a winner when it comes to musicals.

Set in the mid to late 80s on the LA sunset strip, Rock of Ages tells the story of a wannabe rock star and a wannabe actress who meet and fall in love. The story is easy to follow and characters are well established and well portrayed.

Jodie Steele is brilliant as Sherrie, a small town girl determined to make it big as an actress. After befriending Drew (Luke Walsh), Sherrie becomes a waitress at The Bourbon Room working for Dennis Dupree (Kevin Kennedy). However she quits after a brief encounter with rock star Stacee Jaxx (Antony Costa). This results in Sherrie becoming a dancer at the Venus Gentleman’s club owned by Justice (Zoe Birkett).

Whilst all of this is going on Regina (Rhiannon Chesterman) keeps trying to stop German property developers Franz and Hertz (Andrew Carthy and Vas Constanti) from tearing down the Sunset Strip. However with amazing 80s rock songs the story has a happy ending.

The true star of the show however is Lucas Rush who plays Lonny, Dennis’ right hand man at the Bourbon Room. Rush has his comic timings down to an art and constantly breaks the fourth wall interacting with the audience and even reminding characters that they are in a musical.

The songs are catchy and the sets are impressive but the costumes, especially ones worn by female cast members, seem inappropriate at times. The show may be set in the 80s but the costumes didn’t always
reflect that, especially the female dancers who seemed to spend more time with their clothes off than on.

In all a good night out with lots of laughs and singing that will make you want to come back again.

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until Saturday 25 May 2019

Reviewed by Charleigh

I don’t know of any better words to describe this production than absolutely stunning.

5*****

From the moment the show started we were absolutely hooked, and 100% invested.

We are greeted in the opening scene by the Prince (Dominic North) who’s peaceful slumber is interrupted when he starts dreaming of a swan. Straight into the story, the set which was made up of an imposing bed and window, promises grandeur that didn’t disappoint.

Enter the Queen (Nicole Kabera) a cold daunting woman who had a mountain of tension with the prince, him vying for a loving mother and her rejecting him in favour of flirting with young men.

As the prince tries to combat his loneliness with any vice going, he meets “The Girlfriend” played brilliantly by Katrina Lyndon, a girl who’s light hearted and dizzy nature makes for a kind of girl the Queen will not approve of.

After the prince suffers one more rejection, he makes his way to Swan Lake to take his life and this is where he encounters the swan. Traditionally played by a woman, Mathew Bourne has taken this and gender reversed, having the “Swan/Stranger” played by Will Bozier.

We watch as the prince descends into obsession, and events spiral out of everyone’s control.

Matthew Bourne has put together something really spectacular with this show. Being able to watch it without having seen the traditional version of swan lake, and still understand the concept and storyline was a feat.

Pulling together a spectacular set design, which transitioned from one scene to the next seamlessly, and an amazing lighting design, which had me watching the shadows on the walls with pleasure.

Topping this off was the traditional musical score, and some amazingly talented dancers. The ensemble are too many to name, but the cast was phenomenal.

Will Bozier as the swan had such a charismatic stage presence, that even when dancing on a stage full of men who looked nearly identical, you could pick him out, and your eyes would follow him across the stage. Katriona Lyndon managed to bring light and laughter to the production, and had the audience chuckling throughout.

When the Prince and Swan danced together, you could feel the tension in the movements, and could see how much work and effort had gone into the production. I really felt the cast had put their heart and soul into this, and it definitely paid off.

Although, as I’ve said I haven’t seen the traditional Swan Lake, I know that people in the audience had, and they were able to appreciate how clever and accessible the show was, being able to compare scenes.

If the idea of a ballet intimidates you, or you worry that it’s not something you would ordinarily enjoy, I implore you to go see it anyway! I promise you won’t regret it. The rapturous standing ovation at the end showed how much we all enjoyed the production.

10 out of 10 would definitely recommend.

York Theatre Royal – until 1 June 2019

Reviewed by Marcus Richardson

4****

The Turn of the Screw was a short novella written in 1898 by Henry James. A chilling horror that follows ghosts of the past in Bly Manor, where a governess is given charge of two young children whose uncle wants nothing to do with them. However these children seem to be haunted by two ghosts who once had a secret relationship, could the governess be seeing things or are the children really dealing with malevolent spirits? Now this plot has been adapted to stage to bring the borrowing story of ghosts of ones own past that we want to forget.

The governess is a character bent on trying to save the children from these ghosts, played by Janet Dibley, who brings this character life with a somewhat naive presence around the house. Towards the end I enjoyed the character a lot more as her desperation to save the children became more and more manic. Flora is a woman who wants to ask the questions to the governess about her past and her first employment, turning out to be one of the children. ……… switched between different ages rather well and like Dibley is on stage pretty much all of the time, as a child we see her with so much energy and excitement and as an adult she is incredibly forceful and formed, the contrast here works really well to show how our childhood affects us. Elliot Burton played a fair few male characters such as Miles, Peter Quint and the children’s uncle. All of his characters are incredibly hard to watch and grotesque, which I both hated and loved every time he was one stage. I just hated to watch his character interact with the governess. To finish this cast of four, Maggie McCarthy plays Mrs Grose, the housekeeper, a neutral character who seems to be out of all the action yet sides with the governess on her fears. The character provides information on the children and the ghost, McCarthy does a good job of balancing and working with the energy of Dibley. I enjoyed the small cast and I felt that the actors did a good job with each character and the interactions on stage.

The set uses lighting as anyone would expect in a chilling horror with blackouts and use of dark lighting. With the mix of music and lighting the play created some eerie moments with the silhouettes of the ghosts at the back of the stage. I liked the design of the stage with a tilted proscenium arch with the stage, it reminded me of how our memories are distorted and how we each view the past.

I personally really liked the show however I can understand how it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, I enjoy being creeped out rather than a lot of jumps throughout. This isn’t something that’s scary, but instead chilling. I am finding it hard to close the review and who to recommend it to, as there isn’t a very clear target audience. I did read that the Woman in Black was inspired by this story, so hopefully that give you an idea of the show.

Darlington Hippodrome – until 25 May 2019

5*****

Way way back many centuries ago (well 35 years!), Joseph was the first ever musical I saw.   Which instilled in me a lifelong love of both theatre and of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

So, having seen the show many times, I was thrilled to see the best version of Joseph that I have ever seen.  Currently on tour and in Darlington this week.

Written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1968, Bill Kenwright directs Jaymi Hensley in the title role of Joseph.  Hensley is outstanding, lyrically versatile and immensely likeable. His vocals were outstanding for Close Every Door, showing a huge range of emotions and he seemed to be genuinely enjoying himself in the role.  

Trina Hill carries the show in her role of Narrator, seamlessly singing the parts of the show together.  She’s sweet without being saccharine with some belting vocals. Henry Metcalfe returns to play Jacob, the father of Joseph and 11 more incredible versatile and good looking son’s – Alex Hetherington, Arthur Boan, Ed Tunningley, Lewis Asquith, George Beet, Mikey Jay-Heath, Matt Jolly, Corey Mitchell, Joshua Robinson and Callum Connolly.  Andrew Geater dual roles as brother Asher and the fabulous Elvis-esq Pharaoh. The handmaidens Amber Kennedy, Anna Campkin and Gemma Pipe help move the plot portraying wives, Ishmaelites and camels. With help from the Joseph Choir of around 30 children who stay sitting on the stage throughout the performance.

There are many different styles of tune – rock, pop and calypso to name a few.  The choreography by Henry Metcalfe and Gary Lloyd is stunning – especially the tango during Those Canaan Days

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is now over 50 years old but shows no sign of ageing.  The songs are all incredibly familiar from the overture to the famous Joseph Mega-mix at the end it’s impossible not to sing along.

With a standing ovation and an encore that goes on forever, expressive singing of well written songs, comic interaction and spellbinding performances make this a show not to be missed.  

In Darlington until Saturday 25 May and on tour around the UK

Jonathan Church Productions and Exeter Northcott present 
MILES JUPP

TO STAR IN WEST END TRANSFER OF

THE LIFE I LEAD

Wyndham’s Theatre | 16 – 21 September 2019

Following its critically acclaimed UK premiere, leading stand-up comedian, presenter and actor Miles Jupp is to bring his heart-warming show about the life of Walt Disney’s consummate English gentleman, David Tomlinson, to London’s West End. Written by James Kettle and co-directed by Selina Cadell and Didi Hopkins, The Life I Lead will play at the Wyndham’s Theatre from 16 – 21 September 2019.

Best remembered for playing ‘Mr Banks’ in Disney’s classic film Mary Poppins and ‘Professor Emelius Browne’ in Bedknobs and Broomsticks, British actor David Tomlinson was renowned for playing the classic English gent: forthright, proper, and a loveable fool. His meeting with Walt Disney came to encapsulate his incredible life full of adventure and heartbreak. The Life I Lead sees Miles Jupp bringing David Tomlinson’s remarkable story to life.

“Miles Jupp’s performance is practically perfect in every way” – Evening Standard

As a World War Two fighter pilot, his early life contained action and adventure; but he suffered huge heartbreak with the tragic death of his first wife, and his fight to have his son Willie recognised as one of the first British cases of autism. The man who portrayed one of cinema’s most famous patriarchs was also defined by his relationship with his own father – a remote eccentric, who was hiding an extraordinary tragicomic secret.

The Life I Lead is a richly comic and moving tale of fathers and sons across the generations and fills in the blanks behind a very well-known face. The production enjoyed a UK tour from February – April 2019, opening at Exeter Northcott and including a two week run at London’s Park Theatre.

Described by the Telegraph as “a very British tour-de-force”, Miles Jupp has appeared as a performer across a wide range of genres – from stand-up comedy and theatre to major television series and Hollywood films. His extensive screen credits include the award-winning BBC2 sitcom Rev, The Thick Of It, Outnumbered and Gary: Tank Commander, as well as the popular children’s TV show Balamory, The Crown on Netflix, Howards End for the BBC, and The Durrells and Bad Move for ITV, as well as appearances on Have I Got News For You, QI, Mock the Week, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Live At the Apollo and James And Jupp. His film credits include George Clooney’s The Monuments Men, Michael Winterbottom’s The Look Of Love, Nigel Cole’s Made In Dagenham and Jon Stewart’s Rosewater. In 2012, Miles made his National Theatre debut in Alan Bennett’s People and in 2015 went on to perform in the theatre’s critically acclaimed production of Rules for Livingalongside Stephen Mangan. He has also appeared in The Way Of The World at Northampton Royal Theatre, A Death In The Death Of Joe Egg at the Glasgow Citizens and Neville’s Island in the West End.

James Kettle is both a narrative and entertainment comedy writer, and a long-time collaborator with Miles Jupp; lead writer of BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, and numerous episodes of In and Out of the Kitchen (BBC). His other writing credits include four series of the Rose D’Or nominated Tom Wrigglesworth’s Hang Ups, three series of Can’t Tell Nathan Caton Nothing, four series of Wordaholics and he also writes live tour material for comedians such as Joe Lycett, Jason Byrne, and Susan Calman.

www.LifeILeadTour.com

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The game is afoot…

TAKE NOTE THEATRE ANNOUNCES

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE INVISIBLE THING

AT RUDOLF STEINER THEATRE

Take Note Theatre presents

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE INVISIBLE THING

By Greg Freeman

at Rudolf Steiner Theatre

17 July – 18 August

Director: David Phipps-Davis

Take Note Theatre today, on Arthur Conan Doyle’s birthday, announces the brand-new production of Sherlock Holmes and The Invisible Thing, to be staged at Rudolf Steiner Theatre – a stone’s throw from Holmes’ 221B Baker Street. Written by Greg Freeman and directed by David Phipps-Davis,the production opens on 25 July, with previews from 17 July, and runs until 18 August.

Holmes and Watson are called to investigate a murder seemingly committed by an invisible perpetrator. As they probe into the mysterious lakeside drowning, something startling emerges…

A perplexed Inspector Peacock summons Holmes and Watson to the home of Miss Lucy Grendle, the daughter of the late Alfred Grendle – a man with a shadowy past. Miss Lucy Grendle has a problem with vodka (and Sherlock Holmes). The last time their paths crossed, it did not end well. Tension is in the air, and it’s not just because an Invisible Thing is prowling the house.

The play was originally performed at the Tabard Theatre in 2016, and has been revised and restaged for the current run.

Greg Freeman’s credits include Kathmandu performed at the Menier Chocolate Factory and Pleasance Edinburgh, Dogstar, Montagu, Empty Vessels and the co – adaptation of Conan Doyle’s first Sherlock Holmes book A Study in Scarlet for the stage. His credits also include the critically acclaimed Doig! The Musical, No Picnic and Beak Street. Credits for television include the adaptation of the American sitcom Who’s The Boss into ITV’s The Upper Hand.

David Phipps-Davis is a writer and director. Previous credits as a director include See Me For Myself, An Ideal Husband (Tabard Theatre), Le Comte Ory, Macbeth, L’elisir d’amore (Dorset Opera Festival), Cinderella (Regent Theatre, Ipswich) and Who Will Carry The World? (Brockley Jack Theatre). Credits as a writer include Beauty and The Beast (UK tour), Sleeping Beauty, Dick Whittington (Dorking Halls) and Cinderella (Harlow Playhouse). 

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE INVISIBLE THING                                                                                                         Listings

Rudolf Steiner Theatre

35 Park Road, Marylebone, London NW1 6XT

17 July – 18 August

Box Office:  0333 666 3366

www.thesherlockplay.co.uk

Facebook: @sherlockplay

Twitter: @thesherlockplay

Instagram: /thesherlockplay

ABOUT TAKE NOTE THEATRE

Take Note Theatre produces a range of plays and musicals, both new writing and revivals with a focus on family entertainment, and fostering early engagement in the arts.

ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA, THE LONDON COLISEUM – UNTIL 8th JUNE 2019

Reviewed by Serena Norgren

3***

Man of La Mancha, the 1965 musical by Dale Wasserman is a classic inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’s masterpiece novel Don Quixote. Back at the Coliseum for the first time in 50 years with the ENO’s fantastic 30 piece orchestra and a splash of Hollywood stardom in the form of Kelsey Grammer, expectations were running high.

The premise is a play within a play. Bumbling Cervantes (Kelsey Grammer) and his man servant are awaiting trial in a grim basement prison. The inmates are a tough bunch and, one of the prisoners, “The Governor” (Nicholas Lyndhurst), threateningly suggests a mock trial. Cervantes, by way of his defence and in a bid to save his prize manuscript, proposes a play acted out by himself and the other prisoners. The story is complicated but in essence is a love story as we follow Don Quixote on his quest to reinstate chivalry, battle right from wrong to get himself dubbed a knight; fighting windmills that he sees as dragons all to save a prostitute, his Dulcinea (Cassidy Janson), with whom he has fallen in love.

The anthemic numbers To Dream the Impossible Dream and The Man of La Mancha still have the capacity to raise the hairs on the back of the neck and there can be no denying the fabulousness of the ENO orchestra, conducted and orchestrated by David White. The opening medley was just lovely.

Cassidy Janson was a wonderfully voiced Dulcinea, with a physical energy that was magnetic. Nicholas Lyndhurst ably flipped between the gestapo-esque leader of the prisoners, “the Governor”, and a drunken innkeeper with alacrity but somehow felt underutilised. Peter Polycarpou, as Cervantes manservant and Quixote’s side kick, injected humour and a bit of slapstick and was often the foil for the comic misunderstandings.

The lesser characters and the ensemble added a vocal depth and richness to a score (which in parts is really dated) but again they seemed underutilised and often redundant on stage. In particular, Rakesh Boury as both muslim prisoner Durga and the bishop Paco with his beautiful voice was a show stealer and deserves a mention.

Director Lonny Price has effectively updated some of the scenes to the present day, with hints of refugees and fascistic clothing amongst the prisoners while keeping the Don Quixote story totally in period. This is underscored by James Noone’s set design with an ominous metal staircase that brings the prisoners down and ultimately takes Cervantes away to meet his unknown fate.

In the end, the spotlight is very much on the main protagonist. Kelsey Grammer however, with all his experience on Broadway, felt like he was somehow still playing Frasier Crane. His vocal was slightly overwhelmed and his breathless delivery not quite up to scratch to deliver the endless marvellous proverbs: “a man who has moonlight in his hands, has nothing in his hands at all”, “a knight with no lady is like a body without a soul”, etc. with the unabashed naivete that is Don Quixote. His pathos is more moving than his comedy is hilarious but the audience loved him and were on their feet for a really enthusiastic standing ovation.

The whole may have somehow been less than the sum of the parts but as a Michael Linnit/Michael Grade piece for the Coliseum, Man from La Mancha has high production values: a couple of spine-tingling numbers, a fabulous orchestra and oodles of talented performers, such that even this slightly dated piece makes for a marvellous night out.

Hull New Theatre, Hull – until Saturday 25 May 2019

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

Having seen a couple of Mischief Theatre Productions before (The Play That Goes Wrong and Peter Pan Goes Wrong) I knew I would be seeing a brilliant show and I certainly wasn’t disappointed! From beginning to end it was a non- stop belly laughing gag fest and the singing was an unexpected bonus!

Set in 1950’s Minneapolis during a crime wave, caused by the opening of a new interstate highway, the story is about a jail breakout, trying steal a half a million-dollar diamond from a Hungarian Prince (stored in probably the worst bank in the state) and the very dodgy residents of the town who all seem to be criminals in some shape or form!

The gags come thick and fast, the actors playing numerous parts seamlessly, particularly George Hannigan who was brilliant as “Everyone Else” and got well deserved applause after one particular scene!

The casts comic timing, with the very physical comedy particularly, was very slick and looked effortless. The scenes in the apartment and the pull-out bed were brilliant and I really loved the “vertical office scene” with Warren Slax (Jon Trenchard) trying to move around the office, it looked very skilful and hard work! And to smack someone around the head and miss (I hope!) made the audience laugh out loud.

The cast are all outstanding, the plot is bonkers, the stunts are very skilfully done and the jokes are hilarious, some are very like The Two Ronnies gags (the Freeboys one especially!)

The audience loved the it, and getting a standing ovation on a Tuesday night in Hull takes some doing.

Really can’t say too much without giving the plot away but if you like a brilliantly acted, fast moving, hilarious play don’t miss it!!