Author: FairyPoweredProductions

Richmond Theatre – until 14 March 2020

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge

4.5****

Kite Runner is based on the best-selling novel by Khaled Hosseini Adapted by Matthew Spangler and directed by Giles Croft .
Kite Runner is the story of Amir (David Ahmad) an Afghanistan boy as he narrates his story as well as taking part through the chapters of his life. The story starts with him as a child and his beautiful relationship with his best friend Hassan (Andrei Costin) although best friends, Hassan and his Father Ali (Tiran Aakel) are servants to Amir’s father Baba (Dean Rehman).  They have worked for his fathers family for over 40 years and are very loyal towards them. Even though the boys are best friends their life styles couldn’t be more different!. Amir who lives in the family home with his father Baba who is a wealthy businessman, can be quite stern and comes across as a mans man and owns a beautiful large and exquisite house in Kabul. Whereas Hassans Father Ali is a poor Hazara, comes across as gentle and uncomplaining and grateful for the position he is in.

The two boys continue to develop a beautiful friendship even though their experiences in life are so very different. They enjoy many things together such as movies and books and make-believe play. As well as flying kites on the hills of Afghanistan. The connection between the boys on stage was very realistic Hassan played the part as a child exceptionally well, was very energetic and showed true emotion throughout his acting. Amir also gave an outstanding performance whilst narrating his story which at time were fun as well as many difficult memories showing affection, despair and empathy.  What a fantastic bond they had between them showing the audience just how deep their relationship was meant to be, bringing the story alive.

Although as the story develops and things take place, their bond suddenly changes in a instant, when an awful horrific act takes place. In that one moment, that one choice and that one reaction, changing their friendship and both boys lives forever.

Something that Amir and his choices, will regret for the rest of his life and something that will have big consequences on them all. Will he be able to come to terms with his past will it stay with him forever or will he be given another chance in order to changes things?

“For you a thousand times over”

The acting was just superb throughout giving it a real sense of meaning. You could tell there was a great connection with all in the show. The props and background were simple, but very effective of an Afghanistan skyline that later changes into San-Francisco . The sounds were fascinating and played on stage by musician Hanif Khan playing the Tabla and Tibetan singing bowls making it very authentic and matched very well with the show making this a great production to watch.

Kite Runner is a heart gripping, compelling play with so much emotion, love, hurt, loyalty, disappointment pride and anger as well as forgiveness!

Fane announces cancellation of WORDS WEEKEND festival which was due to take place at THE LOWRY in Salford, 27-29 March 2020.

Words Weekend Artistic Director Beth Gallimore’s statement reads:

‘It is with huge sadness that we have taken the decision to cancel Words Weekend at The Lowry following the escalation of COVID-19 in Europe. Although this is an incredibly difficult decision, the health of authors and audiences must be the priority.

The cancellation of London Book Fair was an early indicator of the impact COVID-19 would have on our industry, and given the fast-changing nature of the situation, we feel we must act quickly and decisively.

All ticket holders will be contacted directly by the venue.

We will be pressing ahead with our plans for Bury St Edmunds in May, our spring 2021 festival at Sage Gateshead, and hope to plan another festival at The Lowry in the future.’

SFP AT THE AMBASSADORS ANNOUNCES SEASON OF LATES
 

• SONIA FRIEDMAN PRODUCTIONS IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE AN ECLECTIC AND EXCITING PROGRAMME OF LATE-NIGHT CABARET, DRAG AND STAND-UP COMEDY AT THE AMBASSADORS THEATRE
   
• THIS SEASON OF INCREDIBLE ONE-OFF PERFORMANCES WILL PLAY ALONGSIDE THE PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED RUNS OF BABY REINDEER AND THE SHARK IS BROKEN. WITH FURTHER ACTS TO BE ANNOUNCED.
   
• SFP IS COMMITTED TO ACCESSIBLE PRICING FOR THIS SEASON OF LATES WITH SHOWS FROM JUST £15.50
   
• TICKETS GO ON SALE ON WEDNESDAY 11TH MARCH AT 12 NOON
   

Sonia Friedman said: “In these uncertain times, we all need more opportunities to laugh, to be dazzled and to be entertained. And that’s why I’m so deeply passionate about the eclectic and exciting mix of late night programming my team and I have curated to run as part of the ‘SFP at the Ambassadors’ season. From world-class stand-up comedians to the most glamorous drag queens around, these late night shows are the exact escape we’ve all been looking for.”

Following the announcement of Baby Reindeer and The Shark Is Broken at the Ambassadors Theatre, Sonia Friedman Productions is thrilled to announce a packed line-up of the most dynamic and entertaining stand-up, drag performers, cabaret stars and more. Performances begin at 9:30pm.  

Live at the Ambassadors, presented by Berk’s Nest in association with Sonia Friedman Productions, is a monthly night presenting the most exciting, hilarious and ground-breaking comedy acts around. The first Live at the Ambassadors will feature Bridget Christie, best known for “free-wheeling gags and first rate grumbling” (The Telegraph), performing alongside Olivier Award nominee Richard Gadd, who brings his celebrated stand-up to the theatre for one-night only during his smash-hit run of Baby Reindeer. Suzi Ruffel and Fern Brady, Jamali Maddix and Kiri Pritchard McClean, Ed Gamble and Jen Brister will also take to the stage at subsequent Lives. More acts to be announced for each date in the coming months.

The season will also feature: the ridiculously talented Cocoa Butter Club whose roster of performers of colour will dazzle audiences with neo-burlesque, voguing and more; Frisky and Mannish’s first London outing of their riotous hit show Poplab; star of Comedy Central’s Dragony Aunts and international author Crystal Rasmussen’s The Confessions of Crystal Rasmussen featuring some very special guests; the legendary Duchess of Canvey, Diane Chorley’s smash-hit Edinburgh show, Modern Love; a feast of BOTH Kieran Hodgson’s critically acclaimed performances, Maestro and ’75, and chorister, football pundit and comedian Lloyd Griffith’s Not Just a Pretty Face. With more acts to be announced.

Acclaimed comedy circus caper
Hotel Paradiso comes to Newcastle and Kent
April 2020

Check into the Hotel Paradiso this April as Lost in Translation, one of the UK’s leading contemporary circus companies, bring their circus spectacular to Newcastle and Kent. An establishment like no other, Hotel Paradiso is a hilarious and boisterous family show for adults and children alike.

Doing battle with the dastardly Banker, the hapless and charming staff must tumble and swing to catch their chance at a happy ending as they try to rescue their beloved home from being repossessed. This laugh-out-loud hotel caper gives new meaning to a well-balanced dinner and keeping your enemy off-balance!

Hotel Paradiso showcases the daring and virtuosic skills and tricks of a multi-national and multi-talented cast of performers, which includes Massimiliano Rossetti and Roisin Morris, the Guinness World Record holders for most catches on the Korean Cradle. Building on their reputation as leaders in the field of story-led circus productions, Lost in Translation will treat audiences to heart-stopping aerial, stunning floor acrobatics and extraordinary juggling alongside impeccable clowning and a stunning soundtrack by renowned composer Peter Reynolds.

The circus tricks are amazing, they’re almost incidental to the plot, woven in seamlessly… Easily the best family show at the Fringe and one which all the family, including ‘hard to please dads’ will thoroughly enjoy (★★★★★, Theatre Reviews Design).

Hotel Paradiso is the sort of Fringe show everyone should see; it’s sassy, funny, clever and brilliantly put together (★★★★★, The Barefoot Review).

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh – until 15  March 2020

Reviewed by James Knight

4****

The circus has well and truly come to town in Cirque Beserk’s new tour. While much of the advertising is based around the ‘Globe of Death’ i.e. the one with the motorbikes inside a massive metal sphere, there’s plenty here to enjoy and astound you. Cirque Beserk will be no stranger to Edinburgh audiences from the Edinburgh Fringe or the Lucius Bikers recent appearance at the King’s Theatre panto this year, and they deserve your attention.

I’m always a bit worried that circus doesn’t get the appreciation it deserves. After all, it’s possibly the hardest performance style to stage: multiple disciplines, all the health and safety requirements, not to mention the specialist equipment… But to see a international troupe of performers (Mongolia, Spain, Ireland, Timbuktu to name a few) interacting and celebrating each other is surely something to encourage.

But enough of that. Let’s talk about the tricks. The show kicks off with the Timbuktu Tumblers, who well and truly live up to their name. Of course, they make it look effortless. They make it look easy. They lure you into thinking ‘I could do that’, then suddenly there’s a six man pyramid with only two people on the bottom.

Clownish antics and buffoonery are supplied by Paulo dos Santos, an instant hit with the audience, combining old-fashioned slapstick with impressive acrobatics.

Other highlights include Elberel, the contortionist archer (of course there’s a contortionist archer, it’s the circus), Antonio and Connor, the youngest members of the company performing joint acrobatics, Toni and Nikol, the knife throwing act, and the Khadgaa Troupe.

Oh, the Khadgaa Troupe. Solid, strong, a little bit intimidating, this group from Mongolia probably got the biggest gasps of the night. But then, it’s hard not to when you catapult someone twenty feet diagonally into air to have them caught on top of a pillar of people.

Finally, the Lucius Bikers, who closed both acts. There’s an almost unbelievable quality to their performance – the gravity that should apply to motorbikes whizzing around the inside of a spherical cage disappears instantly. It most definitely to be seen to be believed.

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 14 March 2020

Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth

5*****

The Sheffield Lyceum is taken over by a spectacular show this week, A Monster Calls. Yes, this show is based on a young adults novel published in 2011, written by Patrick Ness. Yes, this show will attract a lot of younger people, but this production is a must see for all. Absolutely everybody.

We follow Conor, a 13-year-old boy who knows his mother is seriously ill, and whose fear grows when nobody will really talk to him about it or tell him what is actually happening. When in the middle of the night a monster pays him a visit: the enormous, ancient yew tree in his garden comes to life and begins to tell Conor a series of harsh fables, that in turn, help him face the truth of his situation.

The magic on stage starts right from curtain up. There is minimal set but the set is created by the cast members, all sat to each side of the stage. They become the tables and surfaces by using their hands, they become the soundtrack by using their vocals and they create a never ending, interchanging atmosphere by just being supremely well rehearsed and impeccable with their timing.

There is no dancing in this show but heaps of choreography on every inch of the stage, hats off to Dan Canham, Movement Director for being so creative and precise. The scenes are just staged to perfection.

The music and sound throughout bring every emotion to the absolute hilt, so very exact with what composer Benji Bower must have wanted to create. The two man band, Seamas Carey and Luke Potter do the best job of delivering this beautiful sound track through the production while also adding to the atmosphere with their movement and stage presence.

The cast are second to none. Every single one of the actors give blow away performances, far too many to mention all of them. Ammar Duffus playing the lead of Conor pulls on your heart strings. You end up feeling real emotion for this poor soul, going through school being bullied alongside the heartache of having an ill mother. Maria Omakinwa, playing Mum, makes you believe she is this strong woman, using her maternal strength to really give her son as much belief and hope as she possibly can. Keith Gilmore, excels as The Monster. What an actor. He injects fear throughout the auditorium when he first appears in character and the passion and energy he gives to this performance, well, it is hard to imagine anyone giving it anymore.

This is a breath-taking, spell-bounding, intensely emotional show. Many sniffles and eye-wiping going off as the cast were taking their bows. Will leave you deep in thought. Excellent.

Barn Theatre, Cirencester – until 18 April 2020

Review by Josie Aburrow Smith

5*****

The new Built by Barn production of Ben Hur is now playing at the Barn Theatre in the Roman town of Cirencester. It is a comedy based on the classic best selling 19th century American book.

Those of you familiar with the Lew Wallace book or the multiple Oscar winning film adaptation will remember the story revolves around the eponymous Jewish nobleman who was falsely accused of an attempted assassination and enslaved by the Romans. Running parallel to Judah Ben Hurs life is that of Jesus Christ and as the revenge plot unfolds, it becomes a story of compassion and forgiveness.

This laugh a minute version is the story of an amateur theatre troupe of four who take on a condensed version of this epic tale. It features James Dinsmore as Edgar T Chesterfield, Liam Horrigan as Daniel Veil, Devarnie Lothian as Omar Lord and Bronte Tadman as Crystal Singer. Each of the theatre group then play a variety of characters with quick costume changes and some brilliant accents. They somehow manage to fit in chariot races, sea battles, treason, miracles, backstage drama, some brilliant Egyptian dancing and a very amusing bit of audience participation.

With everything else going on around the world at the moment we sometimes just need a good laugh and the Barn Theatre certainly delivered this. Ben Hur had me laughing throughout the whole performance. I would like to tell you more about the camels and chariot racing but instead you need to go and see this wonderful production for yourselves.

Bradford Theatres are excited to announce the Summer 2020 season which is jam packed with new musicals, returning favourites, family shows and top names in comedy and entertainment.

Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres says:
“There’s something for everyone in our summer season, with a fantastic range of exciting events taking place at all four of our venues.

As well as returning favourites such as Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, we have brand new musicals heading to Bradford: Bring It On inspired by the film of the same name is at the Alhambra Theatre in July; and Friendsical, an original and unique new parody musical inspired by Friends (the iconic TV show), visits St George’s Hall in May

It’s just over a year since St George’s Hall reopened its doors after transformational refurbishment – The Heritage Outreach Programme (supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund) continues this year and includes themed heritage tours, open days and free family activity sessions. You can find details of these events in this brochure or on our website. St George’s Hall also now has a beautifully decorated and elegantly furnished Café, where you can call in to enjoy a drink and some food with us.”

April
Disney’s THE LION KING – Thursday 30 April – Saturday 20 June, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thur 14 May 7.30pm, Audio Described: Thur 4 June 2.30pm, Captioned: Thur 11 June 7.30pm,
Relaxed performance: Tue 16 June 5pm
Brilliantly reimagined by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, Disney’s beloved film has been transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. Selling fast! Single seats are still available for most performances. The Lion King is recommended for ages 6 and up. Children under 3 years of age are not permitted.

May
Martin Roscoe (piano), Carducci Quartet & Daniel Storer (double bass) – Friday 1 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Part of Bradford’s International Classical Music Season 2019/20 – 32nd Bradford Chamber Season

The Phoenix Club Pack of Three – Tuesday 5 May 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Three Stars of Phoenix Nights Neil Fitzmaurice, Barbara Nice & Archie Kelly

A Beautiful Noise – Wednesday 6 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Led by Fisher Stevens and his full live band fresh from London’s West End, this internationally acclaimed production pays homage to Neil Diamond’s incredible career.

Back To The 60s Brothers in Song – Friday 8 May 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
This show features songs from The Walker Brothers, The Righteous Brothers and The Everly Brothers

Heritage Tour – Saturday 9 May 11am – St George’s Hall
Discover the fascinating history of the magnificent, grade II* listed St George’s Hall with this guided tour around the venue

Henry Normal – The Escape Plan – Tuesday 12 May 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Joel Dommett – Unapologetic (If That’s Ok?) – Thursday 14 May 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
A Brass Band Spectacular Brighouse & Rastrick Band with the City of Bradford Band – Friday 15 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Showaddywaddy – Saturday 16 May 7.30pm – King’s Hall Ilkley
Calling Planet Earth – Saturday 16 May 7.30pm – St George’s Hall
A New Romantic symphony that goes on a journey through one of the greatest musical eras of all time – the electrifying 80s

The Unbelievable Chris Kamara Show – Wednesday 20 May 8pm, St George’s Hall
Popular TV personality Chris Kamara takes to the stage for the first time!

Rich Hall – Hoedown Deluxe – Thursday 21 May 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley

Friendsical – Thursday 21 – Saturday 23 May, St George’s Hall
Friendsical is an original and unique new parody musical inspired by the gang in Friends, the iconic TV show. With original new songs such as (He’s her) Lobster!, Richard’s Moustache and You’re Over Me, When Were You Under Me, the gang take on naked Thursdays, a power cut, and a dinosaur convention! What could possibly go wrong?

Peppa Pig Family Activity – Tuesday 26 May 11am, St George’s Hall
This family-friendly session includes a short tour of St George’s Hall, taking you behind-the-scenes and on the stage for a Peppa Pig storytelling session. It will finish with a free craft activity.

Francis Rossi – I Talk Too Much – Wednesday 27 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Legendary Status Quo founder, lead singer and lead guitarist Francis Rossi will share the extraordinary secrets of his 50-plus years in rock ‘n’ roll

Funny Girls – Thursday 28 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
The original drag comedy experience! Age recommendation 16+

St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra – Friday 29 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Part of Bradford’s International Classical Music Season 2019/20 – 152nd Bradford Orchestral Season

The Opera Boys A Night at the Musicals – Friday 29 May 7.30pm – King’s Ilkley
Go Now! The Music of The Moody Blues – Saturday 30 May 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Al Murray Landlord of Hope and Glory – Sunday 31 May 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

June
LGBT+ Heritage Tour – Monday 1 June 6pm, St George’s Hall
In conjunction with Bradford Pride, this bespoke heritage tour of St George’s Hall celebrates the rich history of LGBT+ artists and performers at the venue and their huge contribution to our cultural life.

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever – Wednesday 3 & Thursday 4 June, St George’s Hall
King of Pop – starring Navi – Saturday 6 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Dreamboys – Too Hard To Resist Tour – Friday 12 June 8pm, St George’s Hall
Giovanni Pernice – This Is Me! – Saturday 13 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall

Orchestra of Opera North presents The Best of the West End – Sunday 14 June 4.30pm, St George’s Hall. For one night only, experience all your West End favourites performed live by the stars of the shows, backed by the full Orchestra of Opera North.

What’s Love Got To Do With It? A Tribute To Tina Turner – Thursday 18 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Clinton Baptiste The Paranormalist Returns! Thursday 18 June 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
The Ultimate 70s Show – Saturday 20 June 7.30pm, King’s Hall Ilkley
Stewart Lee – Snowflake/Tornado – Saturday 20 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age recommendation 14+

Here Come The Boys – Tuesday 23 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Strictly Come Dancing’s Aljaž Škorjanec is joined by former Strictly favourite Pasha Kovalev, international ballet sensation and West End star Sam Salter and Australian dance sensation, NBC World Of Dance champion and Broadway star Michael Dameski.

Million Dollar Quartet – Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 June, Alhambra Theatre
This worldwide smash-hit musical is inspired by the famous recording session that brought together rock‘n’roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. Starring Peter Duncan as the Father of Rock‘n’Roll, Sam Phillips.

An Evening of Adult Comedy with Billy Pearce – Thursday 25 June 7.30pm, St George’s Hall. Age 18+
Bec Hill – Out Of Order – Thursday 25 June 7.30pm, The Studio. Age 16+

July
Dr John Cooper Clarke – The Luckiest Guy Alive – Sunday 5 July 8pm, King’s Hall Ilkley. Age 14+
Heritage Tour – Thursday 9 July 11am, St George’s Hall
Go behind-the scenes and on stage to find out about the recent refurbishment and the exciting range of people who have performed there since 1853.

80’s Mania – Fri 10 July 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Get ready to party like it’s the 1980s with this multi-tribute concert!

Bring It On The Musical – Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 July, Alhambra Theatre
Signed: Thu 16 July 7.30pm, Audio Described: Sat 18 July 2.30pm
Amber Davies and Louis Smith are ready to Bring It On as the smash-hit Broadway musical back flips into the UK. Bring It On is produced by Selladoor Productions (Flashdance, Avenue Q) and is written by Tony Award Winners Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton), Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q) Tom Kitt (Grease: Live) and lyricist Amanda Green (High Fidelity).

Curtis Stigers – Friday 17 July 7.30pm, St George’s Hall
Curtis Stigers returns with a brand new album, Gentleman (April 2020), featuring jazz arrangements of modern standards by Nick Lowe, Tom T Hall, John Fullbright and David Poe, plus four new original songs.

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story – Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 July, Alhambra Theatre
Featuring two terrific hours of the greatest songs ever written, including That’ll Be The Day, Oh Boy, Rave On, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace, Johnny B Goode, Raining In My Heart, Everyday, Shout and many many more, this show is just Peggy Sue-perb!

August
Heritage Tour – Yorkshire Day – Saturday 1 August 1pm, St George’s Hall
Celebrate Yorkshire Day with a heritage tour focusing on the Yorkshire qualities and characters that have contributed to the remarkable history of this magnificent venue.

To book for all of these shows please contact the Box Office on 01274 432000
or visit our website: bradford-theatres.co.uk
Booking fees apply

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR THE FAIRY GODMOTHER OF ALL PANTOMIMES, CINDERELLA, AT DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

Tickets for Cinderella, this year’s spectacular festive family pantomime at Darlington Hippodrome, are on sale now!

You shall go to the ball this Christmas with the spectacular family pantomime Cinderella at Darlington Hippodrome. Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh out loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.

Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her ugly sisters with help from her best friend Buttons and meets her dashing Prince. This Christmas bring your family to the most magical of all pantomimes where you can make festive memories as precious as a glass slipper.

Cinderella will be produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, and the team behind Darlington’s annual pantomime, who guarantee another must-see production packed with audience participation, sensational music and dancing, jaw-dropping special effects and fantastic festive entertainment suitable for all ages.

Star casting to be announced soon!

Cinderella runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Saturday 5 December 2020 to Sunday 3 January 2021. For full details and to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call 01325 405405.

GAYLENE GOULD TO HOST 4^TH ANNUAL TONIC AWARDS

Tonic Theatre today announce Gaylene Gould as host of the 4^th annual Tonic Awards, celebrating the achievements of game-changing women, projects and productions that redefine the role of women in theatre and the performing arts, both on and off stage. The 2020 Awards take place at The May Fair Theatre on Monday 23 March at 7pm.

Gaylene Gould said today, “There aren’t many spaces dedicated to celebrating women in theatre, which makes the Tonic Awards all the more vital. I’m really looking forward to an evening centred around the amazing things that women are achieving in the industry, and shining a spotlight on the positive change that is being created.”

Lucy Kerbel, Director of Tonic added, “The Tonic Awards are about celebrating those who are changing the face of theatre today. This year’s awards will see an incredible breadth of talent being recognised, from a leading theatre academic to a smash-hit musical, each and every one of them playing a significant contribution in redefining the role of women in theatre and the performing arts.”

Gaylene Gould is a creative director, writer, arts broadcaster for the BBC and Cultural Ambassador for London. For the past 25 years she has headed up major cultural institutions and projects for the BFI Southbank, the Arts Council, Toronto International Film Festival, the National Theatre, and the Bernie Grant Arts Centre amongst others. Her artistic projects have been commissioned by the Tate, the V&A, Moderna Museet in Sweden and BAM in NY. Her new company The Space To Come designs imaginative projects that bring people together in transformative ways.