Author: FairyPoweredProductions

Beware people of York, Dracula is in town, a stranger in a strange land.  Come and escape the mundane to a show full of laughter, surprises and absurdity. Grand Opera House staff member Alice Tones gets in the mood and flies high in York this week.

Le Navet Bete, in association with Exeter Northcott Theatre, presents

DRACULA: THE BLOODY TRUTH

Grand Opera House York

Saturday 29 September 2018

A lightning quick and flawless comedic exhibition. Dracula: The Bloody Truth is side-splittingly funny and is, by far, the best new comedy I’ve seen this year.   Broadway World

STOP! It is of vital importance that you stop what you’re doing and read this very carefully. Your life may depend on it…

You must have all heard by now of the recent novel, ‘Dracula’, that was released three years ago in 1897 by that dreadful man Bram Stoker, yes? I gave that money grabber, Mr Stoker, all of my research notes, letters, diary entries to write up to warn you…It wasn’t a fictional story at all, no! It was fact, true, real, I was there! I saw the madness, the supernatural. I saw the vampire.

Excuse me, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Professor Abraham Van Helsing, MD, D.Ph., D.Litt., etc, etc, of Amsterdam. I have put together a theatrical performance, along with three other actors I have hired, to warn you all of the dangers of vampires and how to deal with one if the situation arises. Now what are you waiting for? It is imperative that you book your tickets right this instant! It’s a matter of life and death.

Exeter based Le Navet Bete (Dick Tracy, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz) are committed to creating hilarious, physical and totally accessible comedy theatre using creative and engaging storytelling. This brand new comedy theatre show will take audiences on a journey across Europe from the dark and sinister Transylvanian mountains to the awkwardly charming seaside town of Whitby whilst the frantic Van Helsing and his three amateur actors try to stage a life-changing, factual theatrical production of the events of Dracula. Directed by one of the UK’s most exciting comedy directors, John Nicholson (Peepolykus) and designed by Phil Eddolls (Mark Bruce Company, Improbable Theatre), Dracula: The Bloody Truth promises to have the vampires back in the ground and leave audiences flying high.

This show has been supported by Arts Council England.

Tickets from £22.50

Box Office: 0844 871 3024

Online Booking: ww.atgtickets.com/york

A Park Theatre and Theatre by the Lake co-production in association with Abinger Productions
THE OTHER PLACE

19 September – 20 October 2018 | Park Theatre

Casting has been confirmed for the UK Premiere of psychological thriller, The Other Place, in which a brilliant neurologist descends into disorientation. Directed by Claire van Kampen and written by Sharr White, the cast includes Karen Archer, Eliza Collings, Okon Jones and Rupinder Nagra.

Confident, intelligent and highly successful neurologist Juliana Smithton is at the top of her game.

But while delivering a lecture to a roomful of doctors, she’s interrupted by a series of disturbing events. With her husband filing for divorce and her health in the balance, Juliana’s life suddenly starts unravelling.

As details emerge of a ten-year-old mystery, fact blurs with fiction, the past collides with the present, secrets are spilled and slowly the elusive and shocking truth is revealed. Nothing is as it seems in the UK Premiere of Sharr White’s brilliantly crafted and emotionally charged psychological thriller.

Karen Archer stars as Juliana. Her theatre credits include: The Mousetrap (West End), The Hundred We Are (Yard Theatre), Happy Ending (Arcola), Four Days in Hong Kong (Orange Tree Theatre), As You Like It, Hamlet,All’s Well That Ends Well, The God’s Weep (RSC), Town (Royal & Derngate Theatre), Hamlet, Twelfth Night(Southwark Playhouse) and Mourning Becomes Electra (National Theatre). Her television credits include: Law & Order UK, Holby City, New Tricks, Doctors, Panorama: Fifa’s Dirty Secrets, Elizabeth, Casualty, The Bill, The Chief(4 series), The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, Chancer, EastEnders, Rockliffe’s Babies, On the Line, The Secret Garden, Hannay, Brookside, Juliet Bravo, Mitch, Father’s Day, Jury, The Cleopatras, BBC2 Playhouse, Play for Today: Billy, The Crezz, Shadows. Her film credits include: Wasted, Forever Young, Giro City and The Mouse and the Woman.

Eliza Collings plays The Woman. Her theatre credits include: Great Expectations (Malvern Theatres/UK Tour), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time (National Theatre UK Tour), The One That Got Away (Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal Bath), The Miser (Watermill Theatre), Lady Windermere’s Fan, The Country Wife(Manchester Royal Exchange), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Unicorn Theatre), Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, Vaudevillains Sideshow, The Ceremony (Les Enfants Terrible), From The Life Of Marionettes (Theatre Collection), News Revue (Canal Cafe Theatre), Hobson’s Choice, The Taming Of The Shrew (RADA Enterprises), On The Razzle, The Lost World (Bristol Old Vic), The Man Of Mode (Circomedia), Cider With Rosie (West Country Tour), Festen, Tonight At 8.30 (Bristol Old Vic Studio), Oh! What A Lovely War (Tobacco Factory, Bristol), On This Site (Roustabout). Her screen credits include: Doc Martin, Lambeth, Collector and Homeless Joe.

Okon Jones plays Ian. His theatre credits include: A Chorus Line, Chicago, Talk of the Town, The Wiz (West End), Merchant of Venice, Romeo and Juliet (Young Vic), The American Clock, Jean Seberg (National Theatre), Emperor (Royal Court), Sugar Hill Blues (Warehouse Croydon and Hampstead Theatre), Trinidad Sisters, Spell No 7 (Donmar Warehouse), A Long Way from Home (Tricycle Theatre) and Plays Umbrella (Riverside Studios). His television credits include: Smiley’s People, Bandung File, Boon, The Bill, Casualty, Perfect Scoundrels and Stone Cold.

Rupinder Nagra plays The Man. His theatre credits include: My Brothers & Sisters (Mad’ed Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Tivoli Arts) and Swing Time to Remember (Hamilton Arts). His screen credits include: Bollywood Star, Mayday, Sue Thomas F.B. Eye, The Associates, C.I.D, Amal (Winner of over 30 international awards), Omertà (official TIFF 2017 selection), Simran, The Etruscan Smile, Hush Hush, De Ontsnapping, Continuum, Kurbaan, 678910 and Bollywood/Hollywood.

Sharr White’s plays have been developed and produced at theatres across the United States, Europe, Australia and Brazil, including The New Group, MCC Theatre, Manhattan Theatre Club, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Nationaltheater Mannheim, Melbourne Theatre Company, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Oregon Shakespeare Festival and more. White was most recently a writer and co-executive producer on Showtime’s The Affair.

The Other Place received its world premiere Off-Broadway with MCC Theatre, featuring Laurie Metcalf (Lucille Lortel and Obie awards) and directed by Joe Mantello (Lucille Lortel nom). The Other Place subsequently received its Broadway premiere at Manhattan Theatre Club with Joe Mantello again directing Laurie Metcalf (Tony nom). The Other Place was also a recipient of the 2010 Playwrights First Award; the 2011 Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation’s Theatre Visions Fund Award; and was an Outer Critics Circle Award nominee for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play.

www.parktheatre.co.uk

Box office: 020 7870 6876*

Soho Theatre – until Sat 4 August

Reviewed  by Elizabeth J Smith

4****

Ardent8’s new production of Sacrifice, ask the question ‘Is it worth it?’ and follows a group of young outsiders trying to adjust to city life that only seems to accommodate the privileged and the sacrifices they make to survive. The aim of the company is to make the theatre industry more accessible and has provided 8 recent graduates from outside London artistic support to progress in their careers within a professional environment.

The reality of finishing your dramatic studies, leaving the comfort of college or university and launching yourself and your talents on the world. Where do you go , what do you do? Sacrifice is a stark reality piece on how difficult it is to make your way in the performing arts if your not living in London, the capital of the Arts. Where you not only have to compete with all the other hopefuls but contend with trying to find a place to live, find a job that allows you to live and still pursue your chosen career. Sacrifice looks at 7 characters that were at university together, all moving to London and living together in a dark, dank, basement that doesn’t even have the basic amenities and costing the earth. Which only one of them can afford and the rest are in arrears. The only thing they find the money for is a landline that could, potentially, ring and change their prospects with a chance of an audition or casting. One evening after a night at the local pub they all awake to find a stranger in their midst, who challenges each one to re evaluate what they are doing and where they are going.

Sam Weston plays Sam the stranger. A local boy who has inherited an ex council house that his parents bought during the right to buy offer and he is annoyed that all these outsiders come into his town and change the dynamics. He challenges each of them to re evaluate they decision to pursue their chosen career. Sam plays the part well being angry, defensive, charming and
aggressive.

Nathan Linsdell plays Nathan the posh lad who’s family’s money make him able to stay but he is in conflict with himself and his dead Father who drummed into him what a waste of time studying the performing arts would be. Unsure of his sexuality and offended by the racist remark the other occupants make regarding him being Jewish. Nathan portrays this confused young man with great feeling. Showing his venerability but trying to hide it with aggression that he can’t quite carry through with.

Jamie Parker plays Jamie who is working as a tour bus guide while waiting for the call. She never has any money and continually borrows from her boyfriend Nathan. Jamie’s part wasn’t there to set the world alight but portrait how racism can creep in without the racist realising they are saying such shocking things. Jamie played her role with an innocence that an ‘out of towner’ may have. However, on occasion she did react to the laughter from the audience, dropping character briefly.

Garry Skimins plays Garry the yoga loving hippy type, who has slept with everyone. Garry is laid back but wants to spice his life up by experiencing new things like becoming a vegan. But a trip to the local shop leaves him traumatised while watching a ‘Yuppy Couple’ who ooze confidence while picking up a bottle top. Garry portrays this laid back character with understated passion, so you can believe all the girls would fall for his charms.

Angela Crispin plays Angela, Garry’s hippy dippy girlfriend. She is also affected by racist, throw away comments, being half Portuguese, that leave her wondering how the rest of the world perceive her. Angela plays this role with emotion and you can appreciate how a person may feel when subjected to racist remarks.

Clare Hawkins plays Clare who’s daily run through the local up and coming area with its coffee shops and yummy Mummy’s leave her feeling that she will never be part of that world. Clare portrayed her character with disappointment and a sense of hopelessness.

Henry Holmes plays Jordan, who works in education and doesn’t hold back the punches with the children in his care, as they need to know what a horrible world is out there, which obviously  doesn’t go down to well with his employers. Henry delivers a believable character portraying the character’s slightly sleazy side with the girls.

Sophie Coulter plays Sophie. The girl with no money and lacking ambition to change things, retreating into herself by drawing pictures that, according to her flatmates, are abstract or just not very good. Sophie makes you believe her character is slightly detached from the real world and chooses to hide away.

The audience found the dialogue funny and the set was so simple it did give the impression of a dark, dank, basement. The play is short but deliver’s a powerful message about the disappointment most performing arts hopeful’s will experience in the real world. All the characters left you feeling the hopelessness in their lives until the phone rings and hope reappears.

ALAN BENNETT’S ALLELUJAH! TO BE SHOWN IN CINEMAS THIS NOVEMBER WITH NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE

****

“Singalongs and Bennett’s stinging wit light up a state-of-the-nation play”

The Guardian

****

‘’Alan Bennett’s new hospital drama is just what the doctor ordered”

The Telegraph

****

“Extremely funny”

Time Out

Allelujah! reunites the award winning writer/director team of Alan Bennett and Nicholas Hytner, who were responsible for smash hits The History Boys andMadness of King George III

Bennett’s first new work in the theatre for six years

National Theatre Live currently screens to 2500 venues across 65 countries including 700 in the UK

Allelujah! – the new play by Alan Bennett which received its world premiere at the Bridge Theatre last month – will be in cinemas on 1^st November with National Theatre Live.

The Beth, an old fashioned cradle-to-grave hospital serving a town on the edge of the Pennines, is threatened with closure as part of an NHS efficiency drive. Meanwhile, a documentary crew eager to capture its fight for survival follows the daily struggle to find beds on the Dusty Springfield Geriatric Ward, and the triumphs of the old people’s choir (newest member: the Pudsey Nightingale).

Allelujah! is the tenth collaboration between the award winning Bennett and Hytner. They first worked together on Bennett’s adaptation of The Wind in the Willows for the National Theatre in 1990. Then followed The Madness of King George III, The Lady in the Van and The History Boys, all of which were also seen on film, The Habit of Art, People and the double bill Untold Stories.

The ensemble cast comprises  Samuel Barnett (The History Boys), Sam Bond (Coronation Street),Jacqueline Chan (Sherlock), Jacqueline Clarke (Last of the Summer Wine), Sacha Dhawan (The History Boys), Rosie Ede (A Streetcat Named Bob), Patricia England (Last of the Summer Wine),Deborah Findlay (Cranford), Peter Forbes (Follies), Julia Foster (Dad’s Army), Manish Gandhi(Driftwood), Colin Haigh (The History Boys), Richie Hart (The Bloody Mary Show), Nadine Higgin(The Lion King West End), Nicola Hughes (Porgy and Bess Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Anna Lindup (Tenko), Louis Mahoney (Holby City), David Moorst (Grantchester), Jeff Rawle (Drop the Dead Donkey), Cleo Sylvestre (Doctors), Gwen Taylor (Heartbeat), Sue Wallace (Coronation Street), Simon Williams (Upstairs, Downstairs), Duncan Wisbey (The Hive) and Gary Wood(Wicked West End). Design by Bob Crowley with choreography Arlene Phillips, lighting by Natasha Chivers and music by George Fenton.

Allelujah! will be filmed live during a performance at the Bridge Theatre where it runs until 29^thSeptember 2018. Allelujah! marks the third collaboration between NT Live and the Bridge followingYoung Marx and Julius Caesar.

Since launching in 2009, National Theatre Live broadcasts have been seen by an audience of over 8 million people at 2500 venues in 65 countries. The first season began in June 2009 with the acclaimed production of Phédre starring Oscar winner Helen Mirren. Recent broadcasts include Julius Caesarwith David Morrissey and Ben Wishaw, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Sienna Miller, Follies withImelda Staunton, Yerma with Billie Piper, Angels in America with Andrew Garfield and Russell Tovey, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? with Imelda Staunton and Conleth Hill, Rosentcrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead with Daniel Radcliffe and Hedda Gabler with Ruth Wilson. Sky Arts is the UK sponsor for National Theatre Live.

The Bridge Theatre opened its doors in October 2017, co-founded by Nicholas Hytner and Nick Starr, situated on the River Thames by Tower Bridge and City Hall. Its auditorium is a collaboration with Haworth Tompkins and Tait-Stage Technologies. The Bridge focuses on the production of new work as well as staging the occasional classic.  Alan Bennett’s Allelujah! is followed by the world premiere of Martin McDonagh’s A Very Very Very Dark Matter which runs from 12 October 2018 to 6 January 2019. 

To find your nearest cinema and more National Theatre Live broadcasts go to http://ntlive.nationaltheatre.org.uk

For more on the Bridge theatre go to https://bridgetheatre.co.uk/

York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 25th August 2018.

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

Based around Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 novel of The Secret Garden, The Theatre by the Lake production has hit York Theatre Royal, showing for the next four weeks.

Mary Lennox (Ella Dunlop), a spoilt rich girl, loves to run free mixing with the local children in India, much to the disgust of her shockingly racist, privileged, uncaring and unloving parents who are too busy partying to bestow any parenting or love. After they are killed in an earthquake, this bit differs from the book but has more of an impact on stage, she is carted off to her uncle in Yorkshire and Misselthwaite Hall. Quite fitting that it was also Yorkshire Day on press night.

Her uncle doesn’t want to see her and when he does he can’t bear to look at her, she looks so much like his dear departed wife. Frosty and stuck up at first, Mary thaws and is befriended by the maid Martha (Coral Sinclair), her brother Dickon (Matthew Durkan), who has a gift as an animal whisperer, and the gardener Ben Weatherstaff (Keith Bartlett). Enchanted by tales about a secret garden, Mary is determined to discover its whereabouts. All is not quite right, she often hears screams which no one else acknowledges.

Exploring, she stumbles across a pale, weak boy strapped to a bed. This is her cousin Colin (Steven Roberts), a sickly boy who has been bedridden for years under the order of his doctor, who also happens to be his uncle, Dr Craven (Anthony Jardine). He is the one who has been screaming after undergoing shock treatment inflicted upon him by his greedy uncle.

The set was really quite striking with the centre stage being dominated by a bank of large worn mirrors, with trees and woodland on either side. Once the mirrors opened we got to see Colin’s bedroom (torture chamber) up above, and below was Archibald Craven’s (Chris Jack) study, but next time the doors open it would be the secret garden. The greenery slowly creeps around the stage as the flowers blossom, the colours becoming more vibrant as the magic takes hold, both within the garden and the household. Puppets are used to depict the wildlife in the woodland, from a robin, to a squirrel to a fox, actors switching to puppeteers and back again with ease.

Not shying away from the more disturbing parts of the story. The first act at times is quite dark, especially the figure in white crying out in agony accompanied with haunting music. You could hear family members reassuring the younger members of the audience, but by the time the show ended all I could hear was delight, and to see the joy on everyone’s face was magical.

With a strong cast and staging, the magic of the Secret Garden is really bought to life. A summer must see full of vibrancy and colour. Suitable for over 6 year old’s, perfect for those school holidays.

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED

FOR

THE CLASSIC SCREEN TO STAGE THEATRE COMPANY’S PREMIERE PRODUCTION OF

RAIN MAN

STARRING THE PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED

MATHEW HORNE AND ED SPELEERS

BY DAN GORDON

Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle

Based on the MGM motion picture · Story by Barry Morrow · Screenplay by Ronald Bass and Barry Morrow ·

Produced by special arrangement with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

Full casting has been announced for Rain Man, the inaugural production of Bill Kenwright’s Classic Screen to Stage Theatre Company. Joining the previously announced Gavin and Stacey’s Mathew Horne (Raymond) and Downtown Abbey’s Ed Speleers (Charlie) is: Mairi Barclay (Pippin), Hannah Barker, Elizabeth Carter (Dreamboats and Petticoats), Adam Lilley (The 39 Steps), Neil Roberts(Mamma Mia!) and Joe Sellman Leava (Monster).

Rain Man opens at Windsor Theatre Royal on 20 August, with press night on 28 August. It will then visit: Milton Keynes, Cardiff, Eastbourne, Southend, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Brighton, Guildford,Leeds, Richmond, Derby and Northampton, with further dates to be announced.

TWO BROTHERS. ONE DESTINY.

When self-centered salesman Charlie Babbitt discovers that his long-lost brother

Raymond, an autistic savant with a genius for numbers, has inherited the family fortune; he sets out to get ‘his half’.

Charlie ‘borrows’ Raymond from the institution where he has spent most of his life and the two brothers embark on a trip across America where Charlie soon discovers that Raymond is worth more than he could have ever imagined…

Inspired by the heart-warming Oscar-winning film, which famously starred Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman and won Oscar’s for Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best Actor, Rain Manfollows previous acclaimed Bill Kenwright productions of films to the stage such as A Few Good Men,The Shawshank Redemption and Twelve Angry Men.

The production will be directed by Jonathan O’Boyle whose credits include Rasheeda Speaking(Trafalgar Studios), This House (UK Tour); Pippin (Hope Mill Theatre/Southwark Playhouse); and Hair(Hope Mill Theatre/The Vaults) winner of the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Off West End Production.

BILL KENWRIGHT

Presents

The Classic Screen to Stage Theatre Company

MATHEW HORNE                                           ED SPELEERS

IN

RAIN MAN

BY DAN GORDON

DIRECTED BY JONATHAN O’BOYLE

Based on the MGM motion picture · Story by Barry Morrow · Screenplay by Ronald Bass and Barry Morrow ·

Produced by special arrangement with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

Designed by Morgan Large

Lighting by Jack Weir

Sound by Dan Samson

LISTINGS

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS THE CLASSIC SCREEN TO STAGE THEATRE COMPANY

RAIN MAN

BY DAN GORDON

21 AUGUST – 24 NOVEMBER 2018

UK TOUR

Website: www.kenwright.com

Twitter: @BKL_Productions

DATES AND VENUES

WINDSOR Theatre Royal – theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk – 01753 853 888

Tues 21 Aug – Sat 1 Sept                                                                

MILTON KEYNES Theatre – atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes – 0844 871 7652

Mon 3 Sept  – Sat 8 Sept                                                                            

CARDIFF New Theatre – newtheatrecardiff.co.uk – 029 2087 8889

Mon 10 Sept – Sat 15 Sept                                                             

EASTBOURNE Devonshire Park Theatre – eastbournetheatres.co.uk – 01323 412 000

Tue 18 Sept – Sat 22 Sept                                                               

SOUTHEND Palace Theatre – southendtheatres.org.uk – 01702 351 135

Mon 24 Sept – Sat 29 Sept                                                             

EDINBURGH King’s Theatre – capitaltheatres.com/kings – 0131 529 6000

Mon 1 Oct – Sat 6 Oct                      

CAMBRIDGE Arts Theatre – cambridgeartstheatre.com – 01223 503 333

Mon 8 Oct – Sat 13 Oct                                            

BRIGHTON Theatre Royal – atgtickets.com/Brighton – 0844 871 7650

Mon 15 Oct – Sat 20 Oct                                                                  

GUILDFORD Yvonne Arnaud – yvonne-arnaud.co.uk – 01483 440 000

Mon 22 Oct – Sat 27 Oct                                                                  

LEEDS Grand Theatre – leedsgrandtheatre.com – 0844 848 2700

Mon 29 Oct – Sat 3 Nov                                                                   

RICHMOND Theatre – atgtickets.com/Richmond – 0844 871 7651

Mon 5 Nov – Sat 10 Nov                                                                  

DERBY Theatre – derbytheatre.co.uk – 01332 593 939

Mon 12 Nov – Sat 17 Nov    

NORTHAMPTON Royal & Derngate – royalandderngate.co.uk – 01604 624 811

Mon 19 Nov – Sat 24 Nov

PUTTING IT TOGETHER

WORDS AND MUSIC

BY STEPHEN SONDHEIM

HOPE MILL THEATRE IN MANCHESTER

WEDNESDAY 24 OCTOBER – SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2018

Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester and Aria Entertainment have announced that musical revue showPutting it Together will replace the previously announced A Christmas Story, as its fifth and final in-house production of 2018.

Putting it Together, which showcases the songs of Stephen Sondheim, will be directed by Bronagh Lagan – who returns to Hope Mill Theatre after her critically-acclaimed Little Women – and will run from Wednesday 24 October to Saturday 24 November 2018.

The award-winning Manchester theatre, was due to stage the European premiere of Pasek & Paul’s A Christmas Story, but Putting It Together will now run in its place.

Drawing its title from a song in Sunday in the Park with George, Putting it Together celebrates Sondheim’s incomparable career in musical theatre and features nearly 30 musical numbers from some of the celebrated composer’s best-loved shows including Sweeney Todd, Follies, A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to the Forum.

The show is performed by only five people who are thrown together at a party in a Manhattan penthouse. With a bit of imagination, the guests transform the apartment into the stage of an abandoned theatre, an estate in Sweden, an island outside of Paris, a street off the Roman Forum, the woods of a fairy tale and a mythical town in the Southwest.

Putting It Together is directed by Bronagh Lagan, with words and music by Stephen Sondheim, devised by Stephen Sondheim and Julia McKenzie. Original orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick. Presented in arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited.

It follows The Return of the Soldier that runs from Thursday 6 to Saturday 29 September – casting for this is due to be announced soon.

LISTING INFORMATION

Putting it Together

Wednesday 24 October – Saturday 24 November 2018

Hope Mill Theatre

Hope Mill, Ancoats, 113 Pollard Street

Manchester, M4 7JA

Tickets from £16. Visit www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk

WEBSITE: www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk

FACEBOOK: Hope Mill Theatre

TWITTER: @Hopemilltheatr1 / @PITogetherMCR

Vulvarine: A New Musical runs at Assembly George Square Studios as part of Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2018 @ 19:00 daily from 1 – 26 August 2018. For further information, please visit edfringe.com

5 stars for an excellent and unmissable show

Reviewed by Debs Baird 

@debschebbs

Cast: Andrew Dillon, Robyn Grant, Jamie Mawson, Allie Munro & Katie Wells

Expertly written by Robyn Grant and brought to you by Fat Rascal Theatre enter the world of Vulvarine, set in High Wycombe you will realise that nothing ever happens here, or does it? A tale of feminism in action we all laughed at the irony simultaneously realising that the irony is reality. As five talented actors seamlessly switch roles throughout to guide you on a musical adventure like no other.

Clever set design, and top shelf sound and lighting, Vulvarine is a superhero love story set in a tax office, and is a top class act showing fringe newbies how it is done. Add into the mix a class burst of the ‘floss’, a well timed bolt of lightening, a talking cat and tampon tax mystery, and you’ve scratched the surface.

We laughed, we chortled, we considered. Your laugh muscles will get a workout, trust me. If you’re a man or a woman or neither or both you’ll enjoy Vulvarine, if you’re not into musicals don’t worry, you will enjoy Vulvarine.

Ladies, etc, you don’t have to put up with this shit anymore. The time is now. Equality? We have that already, don’t you know? Just watch out for mister fat shamer, if you thought mansplainer was bad…

Vulvarine?

Thank you.

Leeds Grand Theatre – until Saturday 4th August 2018

Reviewed By Dawn Smallwood

4****

Summer Holiday – The Musical is certainly going where the sun shines brightly and particularly during this exceptional summer. Summer Holiday -The Musical has begun its tour in Liverpool in May 2018 and continues its UK tour including a current stop at the Leeds Grand Theatre.

The stage production, adapted by Michael Gyngell and Mark Haddigan, is based on the 1963 film Summer Holiday which originally starred Cliff Richard as Don. The story is based on him as a bus mechanic for London Transport. After a colleagues’ initial summer trip falling through he suggests and convinces his colleagues to join him on a trip across Europe in a double decker bus. Initially they were going to go to the South of France however they meet a girl band and a runaway young pop star and their destination changes to Athens via the Alps and Italy.

It is set at a time when a cultural revolution of the “Swinging 60s” was kicking in and how it radically shaped the country’s social and political landscape. Prosperity and optimism then were met with broader ideologies and references of that era were made throughout the musical particularly with the role of women and relationships.

Many would be familiar with the film but more so with the feel good tunes, under the arrangement of Rob Wicks, such as Summer Holiday, Bachelor Boy, Do You Wanna Dance?, Living Doll and more. Steve Howell’s summery and colourful staging works well with the adaptation and the life size red double decker bus must be the set’s highlight and it does compliment. Howell’s staging is supported by Tim Deiling’s lighting and Paul Smith’s soundscapes.

Ray Quinn plays the leading role as Don and his charismatic portrayal illuminates throughout and he is supported by an excellent cast who draws the audience in their adventures, their setbacks and mishaps, and their hopes through song and dance. All ends lovingly well and audience are treated to medley of familiar musical numbers in its finale and ends very well. Sophie Matthew’s portrayal of Barbara initially as the runaway pop star and how she blossoms to eventually falling in love with Don doesn’t go unnoticed.

Summer Holiday – The Musical is a feel good show celebrating the spirit of summer, the good and the love. It is a must see show in the summer and in any other season. One is certainly going on a summer holiday!