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StoryHouse – until Saturday 2nd March 2019

Reviewed by Julie Noller

5*****

Avenue Q the musical full of misfits, looking like Sesame Streets cute and lovable puppets; suddenly grew up and had a party that included lots of shots and a good dose of reality. This tour comes a whole sixteen years since Avenue Q first opened in New York where it’s set on funnily enough Avenue Q, I admit to googling Avenue Q… no it doesn’t exist but if it did well I’m sure just from looking at the jaw dropping set it would be so far removed from anywhere remotely trendy. It made me wonder if in fact Avenue Q wasn’t a pun in itself making me think of a true mixing pot of every whim society may throw into it.

It’s obvious that there’s a mini cult following of Avenue Q, audience members waiting for certain characters, certain songs. I had a conversation with someone who had listened to the entire show but not seen it, seeing her head bounce in time to the opening theme tune, I don’t doubt that.

All the music and lyrics are brought to us by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx who have an impressive back catalogue and list of awards between them, Frozen’s Let It Go and the Emmy nominated musical episode of Scrubs. Which raises the odd eyebrows when you note some of the musical numbers such as Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist, I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today, If You Were Gay… you get the idea. There may be puppets, there may be monster puppets but this is no where near a fluffy nod to life. It’s a warts and all look at life cleverly told through the mismatched lives of all those living on Avenue Q, perhaps by using puppets you can be a little bit more naughty. Shocked audiences don’t truly exist but laugh out loud audiences do. If you were to write a list of every cliche from homelessness to racism to homosexuality it’s right here tucked into a song somewhere, you’ll remember them but you’ll be laughing.

You’ll also be torn, will you keep your eyes fixed on those amazing puppets or the incredibly talented puppeteers? Multi tasking but at no time do you lose track of the story unfolding, I loved the singing and must mention Lawrence Smith (Princeon/Rod) Cecily Redman (Kate Monster/Lucy The Slut) Tom Steedon (Nicky/Trekkie Monster/Bad Idea Bear) and Megan Armstrong (MrsT/Bad Idea Bear/2nd Arm) for great singing and managing to sing in the different voices of each puppet.

The story itself resolves around Priceton, a recent graduate with a BA in English, having no idea what to do with that degree or indeed what his purpose in life is. His life mirrors an ordinary life perhaps doing extraordinary things and intermingling with the lives of those he meets living on Avenue Q. Rod an investment banker and a republican who lives so firmly in the closet that everyone bar him knows he is indeed gay. Kate Monster seeking a fulfilling relationship yet being so desperate it alludes her. Lucy the Slut (yes you read her name right) imagine any cowboy film of old where there’s always a femme-fatale yup that’ll be Lucy. Trekkie Monster well sounds and looks like the cookie monster crossed with Chewbacca gone wrong, he is sex mad to put it mildly – an adolescent teen who in his own words loves porn and made millions from investing in porn. The Bad Idea Bears who as you imagine are the devils on everyone’s shoulder, have a drink, have another, play drinking games, take her home. They have annoying loud pitched cutesy voices but you can’t help but laugh and love them, we have all played the role of Bad Idea Bear at some time. Nicholas Mclean is great as Superintendant Gary Coleman including delivering his well used catchphrase ‘What you talking about Willis’

It’s a polished performance that’s been practiced, rehearsed and performed countless times, well thought out and developed concept and deserves to be an award winner and well followed with it’s own fan base. Quite a few will proudly be wearing their the internet is full of porn tshirts today. Avenue Q may be cute and fluffy puppets but please don’t take the children unless you awkwardly want to explain what the Princeton and Kate and doing on the bed with no clothes on – yes you will be witnessing puppet intercourse and wow are those puppets supple. It’s a laugh a minute night out with friends who have a sense of humour and aren’t easily offended.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford – until 2nd March 2019

Reviewed by Antonia Hebbert

4****

Sir Hugo Latymer is a rich, respected author. He lives in a luxurious Swiss hotel with a nice view. He is also a grumpy old thing, but he has married his saintly secretary, so he has someone to answer the phone and gracefully manage his rudeness.

When the play starts, he is fretting. An old flame is about to visit. Is she angry about the way she appears in his autobiography, or is she after money? But when she arrives, old flame Carlotta turns out to be rich and self-possessed. She wants something, but it isn’t clear what. Meanwhile, wife Hilde goes out for the evening, and in the background the waiter smoothly comes and goes.

By this time you are well into the first half of the play, and are wondering where it’s going. It’s all little jibes and sparring, but with no clear direction. Then Carlotta drops her bombshell and we begin to understand Sir Hugo better.

Simon Callow (Sir Hugo) does a fine job of being a fundamentally unhappy man who hasn’t been true to himself and takes out his misery on those around him. Jessica Turner is the lovely Hilde, who keeps her dignity despite the constant barrage of surly comments from Sir Hugo. They are utterly persuasive as one of those couples that are very close while not seeming to get on well together. Jane Asher doesn’t quite sparkle as Carlotta. She has the right mix of coolness and fieriness, but just seems a little awkward. Trite as I am, I felt she had a footwear problem. Things got better once she kicked off those shoes and could move with full natural grace.

This is a late play by Noel Coward. If the name suggests an evening of dazzling wit and repartee, you won’t find it here. But it does become intriguing, as Carlotta remorselessly digs out the truth, and Hilde turns out to be more complicated than a sweet doormat. It is one of a trio that Coward wrote when he had gone out of fashion and become a tax exile (Bermuda then Switzerland). The play draws on real experiences of outwardly brilliant, successful people who felt they had to live a lie.

Simon Higlett’s handsome hotel room design, with lake view, is so realistic that I found myself being slightly distracted by the moon not rising as it should have done in the sky. Drinks are poured and a meal is served very convincingly – special mention here for Ash Rizi, who is a delight to watch as Felix the waiter, discreetly going about his work. He is important too, as the character that links together the three plays in Coward’s trio. The director is Stephen Unwin.

Three stars for the rather laboured first half, but four for the second.

ROB BRYDON TO PROBE BARRY

HUMPHRIES LIVE ON STAGE

• Comedy giant Barry Humphries returns to London for an onstage ‘probing’ by Rob Brydon
• Titans of comedy will come together under one roof at the London Palladium on April 28
• Show will see Byrdon ‘probe’ the Dame Edna superstar about his top comedy moments and life in the limelight

Comedy legend Barry Humphries is returning to London to be probed by Rob Brydon live on stage.

The Dame Edna Everage superstar promises to reveal all during the once-in-a-lifetime event Rob Brydon Probes Barry Humphries Live On Stageat the London Palladium on April 28.

The evening will consist of antipodean antihero Humphries being interviewed by Rob Brydon, star of The Trip, Would I Lie To You? and Gavin and Stacey.

In a vein similar to that of BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, Barry will be revealing his top 10 comedy moments of all time, which will be shown a huge HD screen.

The legendary comic, now 85-years-old, will also give a no holds barred telling of his 64 years on stage.

From his early days after as a fresh-faced graduate starting out at the Melbourne Theatre Company as Dame Edna, to selling out the Palladium in the 80s, Rob Brydon Probes Barry Humphries Live on Stagewill explore the man behind the makeup.

Rob Brydon said: 

“I’ve admired and been influenced by Barry Humphries for as long as I can remember.

“I will probe his every nook and cranny, relentlessly.”

Barry Humphries added: 

“I’m nervous about being probed by Mr Brydon, I consulted his wife.

“She reassured me by saying that it could be rather entertaining on the odd occasion.”

Chris Daniels, Director of Rob Brydon Probes Barry Humphries Live on Stage, commented: 

“The London Palladium could not be a more fitting venue for these two titans of the comedy world to come together and appreciate every inch of one another.

“Though they have their own, unique styles of comedy, Barry has served as a huge source of inspiration for Rob.

“To see them both under one roof will be unforgettable.”

Tickets for Rob Brydon Probes Barry Humphries Live on Stageon Sunday April 28 at 7.30pm are on sale now at www.lwtheatres.co.uk.

Fantasies do come true – Avenue Q is back!
Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
Tuesday 26 – Saturday 30 March 2019
Signed performance: Thu 28 Mar, 7.30pm, Captioned performance: Fri 29 Mar, 5.30pm
Audio Described performance: Sat 30 Mar, 2.30pm
*Tickets: £36.50 – £15.50
Call the Box Office on 01274 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk
*All prices shown include booking fees but are subject to postage charge if applicable.
Bradford Theatres usual terms and conditions apply

Guess Q’s back! The naughtiest puppets in town are coming to the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford when comedy musical Avenue Q makes a welcome return with all of your favourite fuzzy friends

Following five years in the West End, sell-out runs worldwide and smash hit tours in 2014, 2015 and 2016 (packed with mischief, bad behaviour and political incorrectness!) Tony Award-winning Musical, created by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez ,Co-creator of Book of Mormon and writer of the songs for Disney’s Frozen, is an irresistibly charming tale of the loveable characters on a downtown New York street trying to make sense of life’s burning issues.

Cast includes Megan Armstrong, Jasmine Beel, Ellis Dackombe, Chloe Gentles, Nicholas Mclean, Robbie Noonan, Saori Oda, Cecily Redman, Lawrence Smith, Oliver Stanley and Tom Steedon.

Meet Princeton, a bright-eyed graduate who comes to New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account. Brian the out-of-work comedian and his therapist fiancée Christmas Eve; Nicky the good-hearted slacker and his closet gay Republican roommate Rod, an Internet ‘sexpert’ called Trekkie Monster, Lucy the Sl*t (the name says it all!) and a very cute kindergarten teacher named Kate Monster. Featuring hysterically funny songs including The Internet is for Porn and Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist, Avenue Q is a hilarious musical with a warm (and very fuzzy) heart.

Avenue Q first opened Off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre in 2003, before transferring to Broadway later that year where it won three Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. In 2006 it transferred to the West End where it ran for five years before touring the UK. It has appeared in more than ten countries all over the world.

Hilarious, cheeky and uproariously entertaining, with a cast of 11 hugely talented performers and puppets, Avenue Q is the musical like no other. Suitable for audiences 14+

Please call the Box Office on 01274 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk for more information

CREATIVE TEAMS ANNOUNCED FOR 2019 SUMMER OF SHAKESPEARE

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

York: 25 June – 1 September

Blenheim Palace: 8 July – 7 September

The creative teams have been announced for SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE Europe’s first ever pop-up Shakespearean Theatre, both for the return to its original site in York and at the new site at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

Both theatres will run simultaneously this summer, performing a total of eight Shakespeare plays.  The plays have been selected from across the genres, offering something for everyone, and will be performed in repertory by two companies of actors based at each location, with casting to be announced.

In York, the new repertoire of plays for 2019 will be Hamlet, Henry V, The Tempest and Twelfth Night.

Damian Cruden returns to SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE, having directed Macbeth last year in York.  This year he will direct Hamlet and will serve as overall artistic director for both companies. Joyce Branagh will join the company to direct Twelfth Night, Philip Franks will direct The Tempest, and Gemma Fairlie will direct Henry V. Sara Perks will be overall season designer and will act as set and costume designer for Hamlet and costume designer for Twelfth Night. Adrian Linford will be set and costume designer for The Tempest and costume designer for Henry V. Max Dorey will be scenic designer for Twelfth Night and Henry V.

The Blenheim Palace companies will be reviving the productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth as experienced in York last year as well as creating exciting new productions of Romeo & Juliet and Richard III.

Tom Wright will be Associate Director for Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Juliet Forster, who was the original director of A Midsummer Night’s Dream last year, will turn her skills to directing Romeo & Juliet this year. Amy Yardley will be associate scenic designer for both Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and scenic designer for Romeo & Juliet. Sarah Mercade will be associate costume designer for Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo & Juliet. Lucy Pitman-Wallace will direct Richard III, which will have scenic and costume design by Adam Nee.

Originator of the project and CEO of international theatre company, Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, James Cundall MBE, said “We are thrilled that Damian Cruden is once again joining us at SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE, this time as overall artistic director.  With him we are delighted to have found a first- class team of directors and designers for our eight productions.  We are looking forward to seeing their interpretations of these great plays.”

SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE – a 13-sided Elizabethan-style playhouse, complete with an Elizabethan village – will be constructed over a three week period in the glorious grounds of ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’ where it will run from 8 July until 7 September, whilst in York the theatre will return to the foot of 13^th century Clifford’s Tower, where it will open on 25 June and run until 1 September.

At both the York and Blenheim Palace sites, the Shakespearean theatres will be constructed using state-of-the-art scaffolding technology, corrugated iron and timber.  Inspired by the famous London Rose Playhouse built in 1587, 12 years prior to The Globe, SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE will house an audience of 900, with 560 seated on three tiered balconies around an open-roofed courtyard with standing room for 340 ‘groundlings’.

Both theatres will be located within a Shakespearean village, bringing an authentic Elizabethan ambience and theatricality to the event, and will feature:

• ‘wagon’ performances of Elizabethan-style entertainment, including comic mini-plays, speeches and medieval musicians
• the best Yorkshire and Oxfordshire food and drinks, housed in the oak-framed and reed-thatched Bear Arms pub
• in York, an Elizabethan garden created by Yorkshire garden designer Sally Tierney, with ornate box-edged beds of roses, cottage flowers, herbs and vegetables.  Mrs Tierney is the winner of a Silver-Gilt medal at the Royal Horticultural Society’s renowned Chelsea Flower Show, and created the Elizabethan garden for SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE in York last year to great acclaim.
• in Blenheim, a village pond, farm wagons and carts, and an array of vintage farming implements, evoking a rustic rural scene
• tables and benches around the village, enabling visitors to enjoy the medieval atmosphere.

Dominic Hare, Chief Executive of Blenheim Palace, said “When I visited SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE in York last summer I was absolutely blown away, not only by the quality of the whole event, even down to the vintage carts and wagons, but by the extraordinary experience of seeing Shakespeare performed in such an intimate setting.  It created the most astonishing connection between audience and actors, and produced some truly spine-tingling moments. 

“I immediately thought it would be the ideal summer event for Blenheim Palace and am immensely excited at the prospect of bringing these outstanding Shakespeare productions, as well as the Elizabethan experience, to such a stunning setting. We believe that SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE will bring many more visitors to the area for everyone’s benefit as well as being a marvellous cultural experience for local people.”

The Blenheim Palace season will be co-presented by Raymond Gubbay Ltd, who have a wealth of experience promoting events and concerts worldwide, including the popular ‘Christmas at Blenheim Palace’ illuminated trail and Cinderella experience.

Anthony Findlay, Chief Executive of Raymond Gubbay Ltd, said “We have had the pleasure of working closely with Blenheim Palace for the past three years and have also enjoyed successful partnerships with Lunchbox Theatrical Productions on their touring shows. It’s hugely exciting that all three companies have now joined forces to bring this fabulous Shakespearean experience to the beautiful grounds of Blenheim Palace and the audiences of Oxfordshire and beyond.”

SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE and Shakespeare’s Village are produced by Yorkshire-based Lunchbox Theatrical Productions.  The Blenheim Palace season is presented in association with Raymond Gubbay Ltd and Blenheim Palace.

@ShakespearesRT

For more information on SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE or to book tickets at York please visit:www.shakespearesrosetheatre.com

To book tickets at Blenheim Palace please visit :www.blenheimpalace.com/shakespearesRT

York Listing Information

SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE – YORK

Clifford’s Tower, Tower St, York, YO1 9WD

Tuesday 25 June – Sunday 1 September 2019.

Hamlet, Henry V, The Tempest and Twelfth Night

For full performance schedule please visit www.shakespearesrosetheatre.com/performance-schedule

York Booking Information

Book online www.ticketmaster.co.uk

By phone 0844 847 2483

For Groups 0844 844 2121 or email [email protected]

Calls cost up to 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

In Person SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE, Tower St, York, YO1 9WD from 11am, Tues 25 June 2019

Tickets also available from

York Theatre Royal

Book online www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

By phone 01904 623 568

In person St Leonard’s Pl, York YO1 7HD

Tickets

All seats in SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE are the same – comfortably cushioned and backed, with plenty of leg room.  Groundling tickets in the courtyard are open-air, all other seats are under cover.  Visit www.shakespearesrosetheatre.com for seating plan and further details.

The York Experience £90.00*

Premium £65.95

A Reserve £54.95

B Reserve £43.95

C Reserve £32.95

D Reserve £27.45 (restricted view)

Groundlings £13.75

Wheelchairs – Courtyard £13.75, Premium £65.95.  Each wheelchair space includes carer seat free of charge.

Children (17 and under) £3 off all seats, £2 off Groundlings.

Groups of 10+ receive 10% off and groups of 20+ receive 20% off Premium, A and B Reserve tickets, with a further 5% off if booked and paid for by the end 28 February 2019.

Schools – Ten morning performances have been set aside for schools during July (see schedule), at £10 per ticket anywhere in the theatre, available by booking direct through Lunchbox Theatrical Productions on 01653 619650.  School tickets can be purchased for all other performances at the discounted price of £11.50 for Groundlings or £22 for best available B and C Reserve (limited to 50 tickets per performance). Teacher goes free with every 10 children.

Multi-Show Discounts: Buy tickets for 2 shows and enjoy 5% discount, 3 shows – 10% discount and all 4 shows – 15% discount. Only available through York Theatre Royal in Premium, A and B Reserve.

* The York Experience – 16 VIP seats are available for corporate entertainment or private parties, with an exclusive backstage experience and hospitality. Please contact Lunchbox Theatrical Productions on 01653 619650 for full details and to book tickets.

Prices inclusive of booking fee.  All transactions are subject to a single delivery charge, which varies by ticketing agent.

Blenheim Listing Information

SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE – BLENHEIM PALACE

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1UL

Monday 8 July – Saturday 7 September 2019.

Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Richard III, Romeo & Juliet

For full performance schedule please visit www.blenheimpalace.com/shakespearesRT

Blenheim Palace Booking Information

Book online www.blenheimpalace.com/shakespearesRT

By phone 0115 9129107 

Calls cost up to 13p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

In Person SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1UL from 10am, Mon 8^th July 2019

Tickets

All seats in SHAKESPEARE’S ROSE THEATRE are the same – comfortably cushioned and backed, with plenty of leg room.  Groundling tickets in the courtyard are open-air, all other seats are under cover.  Visit blenheimpalace.com/shakespearesRT  for seating plan and further details.

Premium £70.00

A Reserve £55.00

B Reserve £45.00

C Reserve £35.00

D Reserve £25.00 (restricted view)

Groundlings £15.00

Wheelchairs – Courtyard £15.00, Premium £70.00.  Each wheelchair space includes carer seat free of charge.

Children (16 and under) £3 off all seats, £2 off Groundlings.

Groups of 16+ receive 10% off all ticket types (excluding groundlings). Contact SEE groups on 0844 412 4650 or by emailing [email protected]

Schools – Eight morning performances have been set aside exclusively for schools at £10 per ticket in the theatre. 1 teacher goes free with every 10 children. Tickets available through SEE Tickets on 0800 852 7244 or by emailing [email protected].

There is up to 15% off when purchasing ‘combined tickets’.

Prices inclusive of booking fee. All transactions are subject to a single charge of £2 for print at home tickets and collections or £2.50 for postal orders.

John Godber’s 
Scary Bikers to make London transfer

SCARY BIKERS, starring the BAFTA Award-winning duo of John Godber and Jane Thornton, makes its London debut in April 2019 at the famous Trafalgar Studios on Whitehall.

Produced by The John Godber Company and Theatre Royal Wakefield, and written and directed by Godber, SCARY BIKERS is a new comedy that was commissioned by Sky Arts in 2018 as part of their ART 50 project which explored the idea of what it is to be British in a post-Brexit world.

When retired miner Don (Godber) and former private school teacher Carol (Thornton) meet by chance after both suffering a loss, they thought they’d found a new beginning. But a bike ride through Europe would test their budding romance, and the road to love is rocky when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.

With themes of finding love after loss and the ongoing impact of the Brexit vote, Don and Carol travel across Europe as they reconcile the past, debate the present and worry about the future.

SCARY BIKERS opens for previews at Trafalgar Studios on Tuesday 2 April 2019 and runs until Saturday 27 April 2019. For more information or to book tickets go to atgtickets.com

TodayTix announces London Theatre Week:

tickets for major shows across London from £15 and the chance to win free theatre tickets for a year

www.todaytix.com

TodayTix, the global ticketing platform connecting audiences to live performances around the world, today announces London Theatre Week. Running from Monday 25th February until Sunday 10th March tickets at some of London’s hottest musicals and shows are now available at £15, £25 and £35. Tickets can be purchased for performances from 25th February through Spring 2019.

Offering access to the best-priced tickets to audiences across the capital, TodayTix has launched London Theatre Week in partnership with leading producers to ensure that theatregoers will have an annual opportunity to see top shows, such as Wicked, Aladdin and Book of Mormon, at accessible ticket prices.  

If London Theatre Week doesn’t cure the appetite for theatre, TodayTix are also offering a year’s worth of tickets (a pair a month) to one lucky winner through the competition: Free Theatre Tickets for a Year.

Brian Fenty, Co-Founder and CEO of TodayTix, says: “Our mission at TodayTix is to offer theatre goers flexibility and affordability to some of the top shows across Broadway and London’s West End. Through London Theatre Week, TodayTix takes this ambition a step further by bringing together an incredible group of these world-renowned productions to make this possible.”

Merritt Baer, Co-Founder and President, Head of Europe for TodayTix, says: “We’re so proud to be launching London Theatre Week with the the support and participation of so many of London’s superb productions. The West End is the theatrical epicenter of Europe, and hopefully this initiative reminds Londoners that theatre is accessible and affordable – and this is a perfect opportunity to see an exciting new production or revisit a classic – and ultimately have an incredible experience with one or more of the 30+ productions that we’ve partnered with for this initiative.

Sonia Friedman, Producer, Sonia Friedman Productions, says: “I’m thrilled that three shows from the Sonia Friedman Production family – Book of Mormon, Fiddler on the Roof and Rosmersholm – can be part of London Theatre Week. TodayTix has been a fantastic partner over the years on many of our hit productions  and we are delighted to embark on this new endeavour with them so that Londoners can easily see leading shows at prices for everyone.”   

Other shows taking part include the smash-hit musicals Come From Away, Waitress and Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5, all of which have transferred from Broadway to the West End in 2019. There will also be tickets available to buy for the National Theatre’s Home, I’m Darling, which has opened at the Duke of York’s, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time at the Piccadilly Theatre,  the critically acclaimed Company and the Old Vic’s production of Arthur Miller’s The American Clock, and many more.

For more information about London Theatre Week and to purchase tickets on TodayTix, visit londontheatreweek.com

Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

Failing systems, budget cuts and privatisation of rapidly deteriorating prisons …

‘The Stretch’

6th – 15th March

53two, Manchester

Written by Joe Ainsworth

Directed by Simon Naylor

Following success in JB Shorts 19 this extended piece is set to launch in the arches in March. Follow Lee in this powerful and poignant piece as he finds his way through a ten year stretch inside, after just one terrible mistake. Experience the highs, and definitely the lows and witness just how it affects him and those nearest to him. A play that discusses an all too current issue and the support given to those incarcerated and those trying to rehabilitate and reinstate themselves into society.

MAP Productions are delighted to be bringing this piece back to the stage following rave reviews from the critically acclaimed JB Shorts Festival. Written with support from the pastoral team at HMP Forest Bank and based on true experiences, this extended version is set to be even more powerful than the first outing almost a year ago. TV writer Joe Ainsworth ‘The Stretch’ will continue to raise the bar for fringe theatre in Manchester and draw in a new and more diverse audience. A sensory journey using spoken word, movement & music to spark discussion about a subject all too present in the media; how one decision can change lives. The piece also looks at how people in this situation deal with the decision and its consequences in what some would consider a failing prison system.

‘The first time I directed this piece, in its shorter format, I knew Joe had written something special. James, our lead actor felt the same and this combined passion to discuss the problems that prisons and their inmates face, as well as highlighting to a younger audience that decisions last beyond the instant they are made in, was all we needed to move the piece forward. It’s an incredibly important piece of writing and now with ACE Funding, we get to really let fly.’

Simon Naylor – Director

MAP Productions

Alongside the production, MAP and the team will look to engage with companies such as Clinks, the National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance and Young Identity to run workshops with their members and have them perform alongside Manchester poet Argh Kid on a fundraiser night on Sunday 10th March. All proceeds going towards charities that support the rehabilitation of those convicted and/or offer support inside prisons.

Performances

53two, 8 Albion St, Manchester

6th – 15th March

7:30pm

£10 (£2 Unwaged tickets)

(No show Sunday 10th – Fundraiser Night)

We have a competition this week to win a pair of tickets to see Birmingham Royal Ballet: Beauty and The Beast on Wednesday 1st May at Bristol Hippodrome.

In order to win answer this very easy question:

In the original Disney animated film, who voiced the role of Mrs Potts?

Competition closes at 1pm on Monday 11 March

To enter either comment on the post on Facebook, on Twitter or by email to [email protected]

Jack Studio Theatre – 23 February 2019

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

3***

Italo Svevo’s brief period of fame as a writer came in his sixties, when Mussolini and his Blackshirts violently suppressed criticism and dissent. Howard Colyer’s monologue imagines Svevo waiting for the critics’ and the authorities’ reactions to his new play, As a Man Grows Younger, a thinly veiled parody of the fascists’ mission to rejuvenate Italy. Will the reviews denounce his work as anti-fascist or will the Blackshirts storm in and carry him to his death?

The play begins with a torpedo attack in the harbour of Trieste which cements Svevo’s pacifist views and signals the upcoming political complications of statehood after the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, especially for a Jewish family with Italian, German and Hungarian roots.

As Svevo awaits his fate his emotions rattle back and forth between terror and anger, despair to joyful remembrance as he tells of his family and career. We learn of his repeated resolution to quit smoking and his almost childish, gleeful pride in his reviews and the fact that HE is James Joyce’s Leopold Bloom.

This is an impressive play visually, with William Ingham’s evocative lighting of Karl Swinyard’s detailed set. Kate Bannister’s assured direction and David Bromley’s energetic and compelling performance ensure the audience do not tire of Svevo’s quirks. Bromley puts just the right amount of OTT characterisation into Svevo’s impressions of his wife, mother-in-law and Mussolini, and you wish there were more anecdotes about James Joyce as Bromley’s take on him is delightful

Hopping (literally) rapidly between different trains of thought effectively demonstrates the struggle and fear in Svevo’s mind as the consequences of speaking out are weighed against the moral price of keeping your head down and weathering the storm, but Colyer’s script does occasionally leap from moments of piercing insight to forgettable filler that wouldn’t be missed.

A thoughtful, heartfelt and moving tribute to Svevo that is well worth seeing.