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The Core at Corby Cube – until 31st December 2023

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

5*****

At this time of year theatres are saturated with Pantomimes, so it can be difficult to decide which one to see. The temptation is to visit a large venue with superstar headliners, assuming that this will automatically equal an entertaining evening. However, to do this would mean missing out on a wealth of talent offered up by local venues, and none so much as the one I experienced tonight in Corby.

Little Wolf Entertainment’s interpretation of Cinderella was exquisite. The sumptuous sets and superb special effects brought this production to life, and elicited quite a few ‘ooohs’ and ‘ahhas’ from the wowed audience. Writer and designer Morgan Brind expertly balanced the modern and traditional to tell a linear story of good versus evil, which was easy to follow but not always to predict. Adding twists to the comedic pantomime tropes and doing away with archaic rhetoric, we were still thoroughly entertained and enthralled. The script was so clever that you felt every scene and joke had been clearly crafted and weaved into the plot, with original ways of storytelling, the children, and us adults, were entertained from start to finish.

Fast paced and funny, the humour was both physical and wordy. Slapstick, beatboxing, puppets, a flying carriage…there was so much movement on and off the stage, it felt truly immersive. Sam Munday-Webb did a magnificent job of directing, adding subtle but effective touches, such as the ensemble walking in the background to give the sense of a busy street, and the positioning of performers so they were not just walking on and off the stage, standing delivering lines and then walking off. They were sitting, standing, lying down, sweeping, etc. The piece felt dynamic and alive. Also, there was heaps of audience participation, and laughter galore!

The cast collectively combined to perform a sublime show, and they looked like they had a lot of fun in doing so. Lucy Munden as ‘Cinderella’ and Lloyd Davies as ‘Prince Charming’ had a wonderful, innocent chemistry on stage. Inés Sampaio had infectious musicality and comedic timing as ‘Dandini’, as well as impressive puppeteering skills with the marvellous mouse ‘Mozzarella’. Gregor Duncan was a rather endearing ‘Buttons’, never failing to get the audience to join in with his antics. Emma Ralston as ‘Fairy Godmother’ and Marisha Harris as ‘Helen Bacqueagaine’ (wicked stepmother) were a fabulous balance of good and evil. Dan Smith and Zac Hanlon were outstanding as the Ugly sisters. From their costumes, skits, and endless quips, even making up rhyming couplets on the spot, they absolutely blew me away.

I have no doubt I will be returning to Corby for more performances, as this was truly tremendous. As pantomimes come, this was perfection in every sense, oh yes it was!

Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 7th January 2024

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

Ah, panto season is upon us and this year’s choice at Malvern is Cinderella. The auditorium lights seemed brighter and there was a palpable buzz in the room – almost certainly from the heaving stalls full of expectant children and their parents and, of course, the most magical (tinselly) time of the year.

The show began with the big marquee name – Katie McGlynn – as the exceptionally glamorous Fairy Godmother with a rather familiar northern accent played to the max. With most of her lines rhyming she did very well to remember them all so the Pantoland magic was maintained. We all know she can do the dramatic stuff but tonight we also got to enjoy her more comedic side with an accomplished performance that held the audience in its spell.

Cinderella was as sweet and lovely as one could wish; Bethan Jacks doing a fine job in her leading lady role. She, and her Prince Charming (Ben Brooker), made a very likable (and believable) duo that we naturally rooted for. The star of the show was though, arguably (and for many), Malvern panto regular Mark James playing Buttons. He had an easy rapport with the audience and whipped up the excitement adding to the atmosphere as cast fed off the energy of the audience (and vice versa). My personal highlight was when all three performed the “Close To You” musical number. A wonderful scene involving some lovely slapstick!

The Ugly Sisters (Jamie Morris as Melody and Tarot Joseph as Harmony) complimented each other nicely and were suitably scary looking with that delicious hissable quality that any good panto villains need. Dandini (the Prince’s page, Jordan Lee Davies), Baron Hard-Up (Mark Faith) and a troupe of “Villagers” (principally dancers, but in truth so much more) rounded out an excellent cast.

The costumes were sumptuous and provided much hilarity – especially the implausibly bewigged Ugly sisters. The many sight gags were also welcome and added further to the entertainment. The compact orchestra was in fine form under the taut direction of Musical Director Tom Self, employing many familiar tunes, re-purposed with new lyrics to fit the story. The whole cast producing a joyous and melodious ensemble.

James returned at the end for an amusing coda to cap the evening off (well, except for one last full cast curtain call) giving him the chance to indulge in a final singalong number as well as involve some local children – for whom the experience will be one they will remember for the rest of their lives I’m sure (as will their families).

There must be a tick list somewhere of all the elements needed for a truly cracking panto – and Cinderella ticked all the boxes! For it was a fabulous panto with just as much for the parents (or older children at heart) as the little ones. A familiar story, the double entendre laden script (á la saucy postcards), personal nostalgia, a heartwarming love story… all coming together in a festive spectacle that was as sweet a confection as Christmas could possibly dish up. “What’s not to like?” I ask myself – and the answer is “nothing”. Unreservedly recommended.

Hull Truck Theatre – until Sunday 31st December 2023

Reviewed by Dawn Bennett

5*****

Hull Truck Theatre presents Princess and the Frog. Written and Directed by Hull Truck Theatre’s Associate Director Tom Saunders.

This morning at Hull Truck Theatre I had the pleasure of watching this excellent production of Princess and the Frog. Aimed at a younger audience it tells the story of Princess Lily (Petra Joan-Athene) who is 6 years old and lives in the Castle with her Mum, The Queen (voiced by Rachel Dale). Now Lily is lonely and really wants a friend to play with but as her Mum doesn’t let any other children into the palace finding a friend is hard. On the day of the Castle Ball, Lily is in the garden and she sees a shooting star and wishes that she has someone to talk to. She meets Frog (Jason Connor) makes a wish and suddenly Frog starts to talk! Lily then goes hunting for Christmas presents, bringing back a present that really looks like a football, playing with it she drops it into the pond. Frog rescues it for her and when Lily kisses him on the head as a thank you, he turns into a human boy! Lily and the Frog then go to the Castle Ball. The Frog isn’t supposed to be there as the Queen doesn’t like children but him and Lily can’t resist dancing and having a good time. When the Queen phones Lily, as she can’t find her in the palace, she tells the Frog how pleased she was that Lily looks happy and says that he is welcome back anytime. Frog really wants to be turned back into a Frog and Princess Lily has to keep her dress clean and her hair neat, as her Mum has told her she should but when she starts the snow machine does this happen? I wonder if it will!!

This was a brilliant show, there was great music (composed by Joe Roper) a fabulous Frog puppet (Made by Liz Dees) and a stunning set and costumes (Amy Watts). This would be an ideal first show for young children it is set at just the right level and show length (45 minutes). I was very impressed with the pre-show information that was e-mailed beforehand as well, which included Social Stories and in-depth descriptions of what happened in the show, so it was inclusive to the theatre goers.

This show is definitely worth the 5 stars I have given it and I would think that the very appreciative audience might think so as well!!

Noel Coward Theatre – until 23rd March 2024

Reviewed by Fiona Leyman

5*****

“To be, or not to be, that is the question”

It’s 1964 and after winning a coin toss with Peter O’Toole, Richard Burton (Johnny Flynn) has begun rehearsing under the direction of Sir John Gielgud (Mark Gatiss) for a new production of Hamlet. Wanting to make this adaptation different to his own portrayal, Sir John creates a ‘Rehearsal Style’ version due to Richard Burton’s refusing to wear period costumes. But the real question is, can this artistic duo see past their creative differences so this production can make it on the Broadway stage? What would transpire would be one of the most “volatile clashes in theatre history”.

After a sold-out season at the National Theatre and dubbed “A Love Letter to Theatre”, The Motive and the Cue has been transferred to the West End for a limited time. Jack Thorne’s new play is based letters exchanged between William Redfield (Luke Norris) and Sir John Gielgud. Burton and Gielgud’s personalities could not be more different. Burton, known for his wild and audacious attitude, and Gielgud’s professional calm persona, would see these two creative genius’s clash and risk this new production not progressing past the rehearsal room.

Tony Award winning Set Designer Es Devlin returns to the West End after her success with The Lehman Trilogy, to create an outstanding space inside the Noel Coward Theatre. The design is simple, yet magnificent with her use of one colour rooms. The clinically white Rehearsal Room and the opulent red hotel suite of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor provides a visual contrast of two personalities of these characters. Although minimalistic in its use of colour, Es Devlin and Costume Designer Katrina Lindsay (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) manage to combine their abilities to enhance the grandeur of this play. The simple use of colour, whether it be Burton’s red socks to match his fiery personality, or Gielgud’s neutral tones to reflect his calm personality, added to the effect of this play.

Under the direction of Academy Award Winning Sam Mendes (Skyfall, The Lehman Trilogy) it is clear that he is a master of his craft. The simply use of freeze framing the actors creates a dramatic effect at the end of each scene.

Stand out star of the night was the amazing Mark Gatiss (A Christmas Carol, Sherlock). A seasoned actor both on stage and on screen, his ability to command a stage is commendable. Gatiss masterfully portrayed Gielgud’s vulnerability as he struggles with this dip in his career. He is a pleasure to watch and I would encourage anyone to see this master on stage. Another notable star of this play is Tuppence Middleton who is faultless as Elizabeth Taylor. Her class and style oozed with every word spoken and actioned performed.

Although prior knowledge of this subject would be beneficial to fully appreciate this fascinating insight into this volatile relationship, it does not detract from the fact that The Motive and the Cue is an expertly exquisite piece of theatre.

Donmar Warehouse – until 10 February 2024

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

David Tennant is magnificently murderous in Max Webster’s chillingly intimate production. With the audience wearing binaural headphones, Gareth Fry’s sound design enhances the haunting of Macbeth by the three unseen witches, with voices, moans and giggles swirling around your head making the question of whether these are Macbeth’s external or internal demons. The soundscape conjured up piles on the imagery of Shakespeare’s text to build a fevered atmosphere of foreboding, making the scenes of the Macbeth’s plotting terrifyingly quiet and focussed – the sense that you are eavesdropping on terrible secrets pervades. The headphones do seem a little unnecessary at first, but after a few minutes of people quietly lifting them to see what the play sounds like without headphones nobody really touched them and the audience were fully immersed and swept away. The headphones are ammunition for Jatinder Singh Randhawa’s porter to insult the audience with, and his routine as he moves around the audience before opening the castle door is, for once, genuinely funny before returning us to the horror of the night.

The sound design brings a wonderful intimacy to the performance as the famous lines don’t have to be projected, so the Macbeths whisper in each other’s ears and Tennant revels in the duality of whispered murderous asides amid jovial loud hospitality. Rosanna Vize’s monochrome bare stage allows the play to zip along in just under 2 hours with any necessary location changes shown through Bruno Poet’s immaculate lighting and the use of the glass panelled area behind the stage. Here the cast and musicians sometimes sit silently, with their sudden banging on the glass or pressing against it adding to the tension. The ensemble choreography during Macbeth’s second meeting with the witches is wonderfully eerie – fluid and disconcerting.

David Tennant is malicious and vicious as Macbeth in a brilliant performance capturing the spite and turmoil with both manic flourishes and quiet, pitiful soul-searching. His Macbeth never becomes the weak man who needs chiding by his ambitious wife, instead Cush Jumbo’s marvellously nuanced Lady M (the lone English voice amongst the Scots) is his support, knowing exactly what to say to spur him on and showing signs of mental turmoil from the beginning. The lost child of the Macbeths is hugely symbolic in this production, with the young actor playing Fleance taking on the roles of all the children, and a final, almost nonchalant killing by Macbeth shockingly symbolises his moral fall.

Max Webster’s production will probably split opinion but with such layered and intimate performances from a stellar cast, the clever use of sound enhances a visually stark but stunning play that will haunt you.

TODAYTIX ANNOUNCES INCREDIBLE BOXING DAY SALE ACROSS 50 LONDON SHOWS

THE TODAYTIX BOXING DAY SALE FEATURES OVER 50 LONDON SHOWS WITH TICKETS STARTING AT JUST £15

TodayTix, the digital gateway to cultural experiences, announces the launch of its annual Boxing Day Sale today. From 21 December, audiences will have the chance to access tickets starting at £15 and save up to 55% on London’s hottest shows this festive season.

With over 50 incredible productions taking part, ranging from brand-new shows to all-time favourites including Disney’s Frozen, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, A Christmas Carol and Nutcracker, there is something for everyone to enjoy throughout the end of December and into the new year.

“With so many theatre lovers looking to experience new shows in the New Year, or to give the gift of theatre tickets to loved ones over the Christmas period, TodayTix’s Boxing Day Sale is a great way for them to get access to the tickets they want,” said Stephen Crocker, General Manager at TodayTix. “This year our sale is bigger and better than ever, with new and unmissable productions joining for the first time. Anyone who is wanting to see more of London’s fantastic shows in 2024 should book now to get the best possible seats at these great prices.”

Participating shows available include: A Christmas Carol, A Mirror, A Very Very Bad Cinderella, Afterglow, Backstairs Billy, Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett, Bronco Billy, Cirque Du Soleil: Alegria, Choir of Man, Cockfosters, Cowbois, Cruel Intentions, Double Feature, Dreaming and Drowning, Edward Scissorhands, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, F**king Men, Finding Santa, Disney’s Frozen, English National Ballet’s Giselle, Guys and Dolls, Hamnet, Humbug, In Clay, Jason Robert Brown, Jenufa, Kim’s Convenience, La Clique, Nachtland, Nutcracker, Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, Peanut Butter & Blueberries, Peter Pan: The Arena Adventure, Rehab, Sh!tfaced Showtime, Shifters, Showstopper!, Showstopper! Kids, Shrek, Side Show, Sister Act, Sleeping Beauty, SPIN, The Ballad of Hattie and James, The Barber of Seville, The Enfield Haunting, The Frogs, The House with Chicken Legs, The King & I, The Little Big Things, The Magic Flute, The Most Precious of Goods, The Snowman, The Time Traveller’s Wife, This Might Not Be It, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, The Play That Goes Wrong, Two Strangers…, Unbelievable, We’ll Have Nun of It, Wishmas, Wild About You and You Lie In April.

For more information about TodayTix’s exciting Boxing Day sale promotion and to purchase tickets, please head to the TodayTix app or TodayTix app.

Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool – until 31 December 2023

Reviewed by Jen Hughes Daley

5*****

Sprayed with a water pistol, caught a few flying sweets and deafened by children screaming at a mischievous monkey, Dick Whittington has all the panto traditions and a few surprises too! This Christopher Jones production did not disappoint! Oozing with scouse-isms and a slathering of grown up innuendo (I mean – it is Dick Whittington!), this performance showcased some superb young talent and many familiar faces too. Lesley Butler was outstanding in her role as Queen Rat, her panto villain scurried around the stage, reveling in the boos and plotting against our hero, Dick with more than a few parting, hilarious insults.

Cruising upon the well-known maritime vessel, The Ferry and the Fairy sail spectacularly across the Mersey on a mission to seal Dick’s fate as Mayor of Liverpool, supported by his loyal moggy, Tilly the Cat (Freya Barnes). This small intimate venue allowed for some hilarious audience engagement, most of which was as the hands of the slapstick Idle Jack (Kieran Maleedy) and Sarah the Cook , raucously played by John Garfield Roberts.

Wonderfully supported by talented local dancers, the musical numbers were in abundance with some super vocal talents and choreography . An audience of all ages laughed and booed together. We are already looking forward to next year’s offering from Just Entertainment.

THE PHOENIX ARTS CLUB LAUNCHES NEW MENU AND UPSIDE-DOWN PRE AND POST-SHOW EXPERIENCE TO COINCIDE WITH STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW

WEST END SHOW TICKET HOLDERS GET A SPECIAL DAY-PASS MEMBERSHIP TO THE EXCLUSIVE CLUB

The Phoenix Arts Club, a beacon of creativity in London’s West End, is proud to announce the launch of its highly anticipated curated menu and new ‘Upside-Down Experience’, marking a new era of innovation and immersive entertainment under the guidance of their newly appointed Bar Manager, Paddy O’Leary. 

Paddy O’Leary, Bar Manager at Phoenix Arts Club said, “As the newly appointed Bar Manager of Phoenix Arts Club, I am ecstatic to bring a touch of magic to our patrons through our new curated menu. The inspiration from 80’s film classics and the Stranger Things series has allowed us to create a truly immersive experience. I invite you to join us on this journey, where every sip and bite is a celebration of creativity and nostalgia.” 

The Upside-Down Experience, created to coincide with the debut of the new West End play Stranger Things: The First Shadow – which runs in the neighbouring theatre, the Phoenix Theatre, will invite guests to embark on a culinary and entertainment adventure inspired by Stranger Things and the 80’s. The experience will include the following:

Immersive Artwork: 3D Joe & Max have crafted an immersive floor artwork inspired by Stranger Things.

Innovative Cocktails: Phoenix Arts Club takes mixology to new heights with a special cocktail list crafted by Bar Manager Paddy O’Leary. A fusion of creativity and tradition that breathes new life into beloved classics with a unique Phoenix Arts Club twist. 

80’s Film-Inspired Cocktail Menu: Drawing inspiration from the nostalgic charm of 80’s film classics, the club’s cocktail menu pays homage to cinematic gems. Guests can embark on a cinematic journey with concoctions that evoke the spirit of the era. 

Stranger Things Pizza Menu: Delight your taste buds with the club’s new Theatre Boy Pizza menu inspired by the Surfer Boy Pizzas from Stranger Things. Each pizza captures the essence of this popular series. 

80’s Theatre Memorabilia Showcase: Immerse yourself in the rich history of 80’s theatre with the club’s captivating display of memorabilia. From an original Phantom of the Opera mask to rare 80’s production posters, each piece tells a unique story. 

Arcade Games and Pinball Wizardry: For a dose of retro fun, Phoenix Arts Club introduces a … Ghost Busters pinball machine and a 2-player arcade game with …. games, inviting guests to enjoy a trip down memory lane with classic games. 

Limited Edition Stranger Things Guitar: Adorning the club’s walls is a rare gem – a BC Rich in collaboration with Stranger Things guitar aka ‘Eddie’s Guitar’, a collector’s dream and a testament to the fusion of musical and cultural influences at Phoenix Arts Club. 

Stranger Things Pre- and Post-Theatre Extravaganza: Dive into the enchanting world of The Phoenix Arts Club in the upside-down with our pre- and post-theatre experience. From 5pm – 7pm daily and extended after the club’s own shows until 2.30am, guests can indulge in themed games, tantalizing cocktails, delectable pizza, and an array of small plates. 

More information can be found at https://phoenixartsclub.com/.