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THE UPSTART CROW

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DAVID MITCHELL & GEMMA WHELAN A NEW COMEDY BY BEN ELTON

APOLLO THEATRE, SHAFTESBURY AVENUE FRIDAY 23 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER 2022 TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM UPSTARTCROWTHECOMEDY.COM

The Upstart Crow returns to London’s West End later this month for a strictly limited 10-week season at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue. Starring David Mitchell as Will and Gemma Whelan as Kate, the production opens on Friday 23 September and runs until Saturday 3 December 2022. Tickets are on sale now from UpstartCrowTheComedy.com.

The production originally opened at the Gielgud Theatre in February 2020 to an array of glowing reviews and sold-out performances. Then Covid hit and theatres were forced to close. Now one plague and an Olivier Award nomination later, this all-new comedy written by Ben Elton and directed by Sean Foley is back.

Mitchell will once more don the bald wig and bardish coddling pouch in his iconic characterisation of Will Shakespeare. Also bringing their TV characters to life on stage once more are Gemma Whelan (DI Ray, Game of Thrones, Gentleman Jack) as Kate, Helen Monks (Raised by Wolves / Inside No. 9) as Susanna and Rob Rouse (Grownups) as Bottom.

Reprising their stage roles are Jason Callender (Shadow and Bone, 4 O’Clock Club) as Arragon, Danielle Phillips (Masters of the Air, Evening Standard Future Award 2021) as Judith and Reice Weathers (Story of My Life, Ted Lasso) as Mr Whiskers. New to the cast are Olivier Award-winner John Gordon Sinclair (Gregory’s Girl, Traces) as Dr John Hall, Gloria Onitiri (Grace Jones in Urban Myths, The Bodyguard, West End run) as Desiree, and Stewart Wright (Smack the Pony, Love and Marriage) as Burbage. The cast is completed by Andrew Hodges, Dedun Omole and Annabel Smith.

Ben Elton says: “Besides Will and Kate many of the other characters from the TV sitcom feature in this new play. Hilarious Helen Monks is back as Shakespeare’s grumpy daughter Susanna. Top comic Rob Rouse will once again have us laughing at his Bottom! Gotta say, the brilliant new actors who are joining Upstart Crow for the first time will have to really pull up their puffling pants if they don’t want to get upstaged!”

‘Tis 1605 and England’s greatest playwright is in trouble. Will Shakespeare has produced just two plays; Measure for Measure, which according to King James was incomprehensible bollingbrokes by any measure, and All’s Well That End’s Well which didn’t even end well. Will desperately needs to maketh a brilliant new play to bolster his reputation and avoid being cast aside by King and country. But Will’s personal life is encountering more dramatic twists and turns than any theatrical story he can conjure. How the futtock can a Bard be expected to find a plot for a play whilst his daughters run amok and his house is used as refuge for any old waif and stray. As time runs out, can Will hold on to his dream of being recognised now and for all time, as indisputably the greatest writer that ever lived, or will family woes thwart Will’s chances of producing his masterwork?

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EZ

First show: 23 September

Final show: 3 December

Evening Performances: Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm

Matinees: Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm

Website: UpstartCrowTheComedy.com

Twitter: @UpstartCrowPlay

Instagram: @upstartcrowplay

Theatre Royal Drury Lane – 5, 6, 12 September 2022

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

This spectacular celebration of Nureyev’s performances and choreography will delight ballet fans of all ages. Introduced by Ralph Fiennes and Dame Monica Mason, Nehemiah Kish’s programme includes seminal pieces from Nureyev’s career performed by world class dancers. In a lovely touch, the second act begins with filmed interviews with some of the dancers, including those who had been given funding by the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation, relating the impact Nureyev had on the ballet world.

The Royal Ballet Sinfonia performed at the back of the stage under the direction of David Briskin and provided beautiful accompaniment to the dancers. Sleeping Beauty, Act 2 Entr’acte Solo, with a strong and energetic Guillaume Coté displaying Nureyev’s exquisite choreography, is followed by Pas de Deux from Gayane, with Maia Makhateli and Oleg Ivenko playful but pristine in their execution. Xander Parish and Iana Salenko were imperious dancing the Act 3 Pas de Deux from La Bayadére, with Ida Praetorius’ light touch marrying joyfully with Francesco Gabriele Frola puppyish energy and charm in Flower Festival in Genzano. The Pas de Six from Laurencia ended the first act in style with high energy and precision from Natalia Osipova, Marcelino Sambé, Yuhui Choe, Marianna Tsembenhai, Benjamin Ella and Daichi Ikarashi.

The Grand Pas de Deux from The Sleeping Beauty opens act two with the sublimely imperial partnership of Natascha Mair and Vadim Muntagirov. A simply gorgeous performance of Giselle, Act 2 Pas de Deux was delicate and emotional from William Bracewell and Francesca Hayward before a huge change in tone as the ethereal Alina Cojocaru and Alexandr Trusch almost stole the show in an excerpt from Don Juan, performed in 1975 by Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn. The programme ends with another Pas de Deux always associated with Nureyev and Fonteyn, Le Corsaire, and Cesar Corrales and Yasmine Naghdi battling it out with fearless leaps and pirouettes in a perfect finale to a wonderful evening. The performance will be available to watch on www.marquee.tv on a pay-per-view basis, 16 – 26 September. From October, Marquee TV subscribers can view the performance as part of their subscription.

QUAYS THEATRE, THE LOWRY, SALFORD – UNTIL 7TH SEPTEMBER 2022

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

5*****

The musical parody, which puts a novel twist on the story of The Little Mermaid, made a big splash at The Lowry last night and things got very wet. Multi award winning Fat Rascal Theatre brought to the stage our favourite Disney Diva, Ursula as she recalled her side of the story of what really happened all those years ago under the sea. Just as Wicked changed our perception of the Wicked Witch of the West, Unfortunate directs our attention to Ursula, rather then Ariel and it turns out the Sea Witch has been horribly misunderstood and is actually a heroin.

If you are expecting a musical similar to the Disney version of The Little Mermaid, you are in for a huge shock! With an original explicit pop soundtrack and filthy humour, the audience is in for a hilarious and thought provoking evening of sex, swearing and sorcery.

The plot takes us back 20 years to find an unapologetic Ursula, performed by Allie Dart the understudy, framed by the father of her lover Triton, performed by George Whitty. She is then banished from the kingdom of Atlantica. Go forward 20 years and Triton’s daughter, Ariel, performed by Miracle Chance, is discovering her sexuality and falls in love with Eric, performed by Jamie Mawson.

Despite being just a cast of seven, the actors work exceptionally hard throughout the performance to deliver each part, and it is easy to forget there are so few. The cast is versatile, outstanding, absolutely indescribable in everything they do and they succeed in delighting the audience.

Robyn Grant, Daniel Foxx and Tim Gilvin are collectively responsible for the book, lyrics and music. They have created a wonderful score that is memorable and pokes fun at issues and Disney. The songs are catchy and simply fabulous, and compliment the show’s themes. One of the musical highlights of the evening for me was ‘We did not make it to Disney’, performed by all the outcasts, the ugly ones and undesirables.

Unfortunate is a visual delight with an imposing set design by Abby Clarke, Cory Shipp’s imaginative costumes and impressive puppetry by Hugh Purves.

Do not be one of those Unfortunate Souls that miss out on a truly fun night out. Get yourself a ticket and get ready for a wet, wicked and wild ride at the theatre.

Darlington Hippodrome – until Sunday 11 September 2022

5*****

Tonight, we witnessed the premiere of David Walliams Demon Dentist. Presented by Birmingham Stage Company, one of the leading producers of quality theatre for children and families.

Alfie (Sam Varley) lives with his invalid father (James Mitchell)  There are just the two of them now after Alfie’s mum died when he was born.  His father is seriously ill with a lung condition from working down the mine and Alfie is his carer before and after school.  Alfie had a bad experience at the Dentist and hasn’t been for over 6 years.  But his new Social Worker Winnie (Misha Malcolm) takes it upon herself to book him an appointment with the new Dentist,  Miss Root (Emily Harrigan).

Strange things have been happening since Miss Root moved in, instead of getting a penny from the tooth fairy, children are waking up all over town to find their teeth have gone from under their pillows and replaced with stinky toenails, bat wings, toads and other gruesome things.

Raj the local shopkeeper (Zain Abrahams) helps Alfie with his plan to find out what is going on by giving Alfie one of his teeth to put under his pillow.  Its clear its something evil and when Miss Root kidnaps Alfie’s friend Gabz (Georgia Grant-Anderson), Alfie must rescue her from the old abandoned mine where Miss Root reveals she is a tooth-witch and the mine is her tooth lair.

But it takes an heroic effort from Alfie’s dad, sacrificing himself in the process to save everyone from the evil witch.  There is, however, a happy ending.

Neal Foster has done an excellent job of adapting the book for the stage, and his lyrics and Composer Jak Poore’s music give us some excellent songs.  Jacqueline Trousdale’s design works well and the simple staging adapts well.

Demon Dentist proves yet again what a fantastic author Walliams is and how Birmingham Stage really brings the book to life. 

York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 10th September 2022

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

Girl From The North Country is an award winning musical by Irish playwright Conor McPherson. Developed around the music of Bob Dylan, where McPherson was given carte blanche to cherry pick through all of Dylan’s extensive back catalogue. Though set years before Dylan’s birth, McPherson decided to use the musician’s birthplace, Duluth, Minnesota, and the year 1934, right in the middle of the Great Depression.

Centring around a failing, run down guest house, where the visitors have their own stories, none as bleak as the proprietors, Nick Laine (Colin Connor) and Elizabeth Laine (Frances McNamee). Nick is a rubbish businessman, always has been, the guesthouse was in trouble way before the recession hit. Along with burying his head in the sand about money troubles, he is caring for his dementia suffering wife. Their woes aren’t helped by their son Gene (Gregor Milne), a would-be writer who is more interested in the bottle. At least they have their adopted daughter Marianne (Justina Kehinde), but she has her own issues, most notably the prospect of being an unmarried mother.

Along with Laine family, we are introduced to the diverse group of people who inhabit the guesthouse. There is Mrs Neilsen (Nichola Macevilly), who is obviously having an affair with Nick, The Burkes and their boy-man son. The catalyst, which changes everything in the house, is the arrival of a bible salesman and a down-on-his-luck boxer.

This has a large cast, and every member has a wonderful voice, accompanied by a backing band on the stage, who only play instruments that were around in the 1930’s. Using old microphones, the songs are song to the audience, not to the other actors, making this not your regular musical at all, well none I’ve seen anyway, and it worked. The ensemble numbers are very powerful, pulsating with the beat of the tambourine and excellent voices.

I must admit that I beforehand I did not know of any Bob Dylan’s songs and only recognised a couple of them throughout the production. This did not matter; you do not have to be a fan. The whole cast shared great chemistry and delivered terrific performance. It touches on racism, adultery, austerity, mental health, all sounds really bleak, but there is a hint of hope, and it was a joy to watch.

The Grand Theatre and Opera House, Leeds – until Saturday 10th September 2022

Reviewed by Aimee Liddington.

5*****

Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers is one of the most loved British musicals of all time and over the past three decades, the show has enjoyed an enduring success. One of the reasons for its continuing popularity is simple: it relies on the age-old human principal of storytelling. From the very first moment that the curtain is lifted, the audience’s ears prick up and they are hooked until the curtain falls for the final time.

When Mrs Johnstone is deserted by her husband and left to provide for seven hungry children, she takes up a job as a house keeper in order to make ends meet. Although she is pregnant again, she seems to have it all under control – that is until she finds out that she is expecting twins. In an act of hopeless desperation, she enters into a pact with her employer which leads inevitably to the show’s spectacular but foredoomed ending. This show never disappoints and with an outstanding cast, remarkable band and all round phenomenal creative team, you are sure to receive an evening of entertainment that is second to none.

Liverpudlians are known for their warm hospitality and wit and the character of Mrs Johnstone, played by Niki Colwell Evans, epitomises these qualities. Evans is a perfect match for the casting of this role as she wins the hearts of the audience with her portrayal of Mrs Johnstone’s worldliness alongside her soft edges. It’s clear that when Evans is on stage, she whole-heartedly becomes the character and this can be seen from the emotion portrayed in the final musical number of ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’ – not only is her voice sensational but the passion she portrays is magical.

The more tragic elements of this show are broken up by many moments of comedy and Sean Jones who plays Mickey and Jay Worley who plays Eddie both do this fantastically with their depictions of the twins from childhood into adulthood. Similarly, Timothy Lucas deserves a mention for his hilarious portrayal of Sammy. It really is so clever how the adult cast are able to transform themselves into young children so believably.

Richard Munday, who plays the narrator, holds a crucial role in the audience’s understanding of the story and his omnipresence is so flawless that we barely notice when he’s there until he isn’t. Munday’s overall dramatic and musical talents are to be applauded and the narrator is obviously a fine-tuned role that he has taken time to perfect.

As mentioned before, Blood Brothers never fails to impress – it’s a must see and I can guarantee that if you go once, you’ll be back again and again and again.

The Alexandra, Birmingham – until Saturday 10th September 2022

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

5*****

Derren Brown brings Showman back to Birmingham with a bang and he does not disappoint. Tweaked and changed so as not to allow the audience to become complacent, he continues to beguile and bewilder you with a multitude of magic and mayhem throughout the night.

Derren encompasses the showman in every sense of the word and commanded our attention throughout the 2 hour and 20-minute extravaganza, including interval, with his combination of theatrics and mesmerising word play. His charisma and charm are not to be confused with the immense skill and thought that has been poured into Showman. Patterns are peppered throughout the performance, which we can follow like breadcrumbs, yet we are still left puzzled and perplexed as to what exactly took place.

The outstanding creative combination of Derren Brown, Andrew O Conner and Andy Nyman deliver a well-crafted and thoroughly enjoyable night. A show filled with the joys of life, connection and huge amounts of laughter. Its quite the task being asked to review a show you’re not supposed to talk about. First rule of Showman and all that, but without giving away any spoilers, this is a truly mesmerising show full of twists and turns and will leave you thoroughly entertained.

The takeaway from Showman is that we tend to lose focus, get caught up in the small stuff and miss out on the important moments as life passes us by and this could be true of how Derren catches us out with his masterful illusions. One thing I urge you not to miss out on is Showman. A showman through and through, Derren doesn’t disappoint as he delivers another hit show

EMPIRE THEATRE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL 10TH SEPTEMBER 2022

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

4****

One of music’s most famous and well-known families is the subject of a new musical and currently touring the UK. As my friends speak very fondly of this musical family, I was very excited when my turn came to see them at the Empire theatre last night. Despite not being overly familiar with their immense catalogue of songs or their story (shocking I know), I found myself swooning and swaying along with the audience. Written by Jay Osmond himself, this musical allowed me to learn and explore (from Jay’s perspective) the highs and lows this family faced.

It is clear from the start, just how close this family is. The setting for this musical sees Jay, performed by Alex Lodge, narrating the story, linking scenes and talking us through the drama. The cast who play the Osmond children are amazing and as soon as they walk on stage, with their red blazers and bow ties, they steal the affection of the whole audience. All with extraordinary voices, Osian Salter (young Donny), Jack Jones (young Alan), Alfie Jones (young Wayne), Harrison Skinner (young Merrill), Fraser Fowkes (young Jimmy) and Tom Walsh (young Jay) show exceptional talent and light up the theatre.

The highlight for me was when the most famous Osmond, Donny, performed by Joseph Peacock sung ‘Puppy Love’. It felt like I was at a live gig! The fans, mostly the ladies, went crazy; screaming, whistling, and waving scarves and their hands in the air! Clearly he was the heartthrob of the siblings. However each of the cast showcased their remarkable talent for singing and upbeat dancing. The siblings had an authentic chemistry that bounced off stage, and because they had fun, so did we the audience.

The choreography by Bill Deamer provided the show with a sense of nostalgia, energy and fun. The cleverly designed set, by Lucy Osborne makes you feel like you are either in the audience at a live concert or watching them on the TV.

Ingeniously there is a character Mary from Manchester, who writes fan mail to Jay and links the British fans and the group; the audience could relate to her and her obsession with the band.

I can honestly say, as Osmondmania swept through the theatre, I could not help myself but get up on my feet and be a part of the infectious atmosphere!

Lyceum, Sheffield – until 10th September 2022

Reviewed by Alison Beaumont

5*****

Beautiful tells the true story of Carole King and her rise to fame as a singer songwriter. At the age of 16 Carole pitches her first song (It Might As Well Rain Until September) to Don Kirshner a New York producer who gives Carole her first break. Not long after Carole meets Gerry Goffin who after a whirlwind romance finds out she is pregnant and the couple marry. Carole and Gerry make a name for themselves in the music industry a continue to write song after song which are successful hits. However, Carole’s personal life falls apart when Gerry announces he is having an affair. Carole relies on her friends for support including her allies Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann who were also competing for the number one spot and eventually changes her life and finds her own voice.

I am ashamed to admit it but I went to this show having not heard of Carole King. Within minutes I could not believe that some of the best ever songs that I listen to were co written by Carole and Gerry.

From start to finish the show is amazing and had a real feel good factor about it. All the actors/actresses are very talented not just singing and acting but playing musical instruments. This show doesn’t need fancy backgrounds, props and flash costumes as the performers themselves make this show. The only thing I would say on the setting part is that the scenery to the right hand side could do with being a little longer down the side as sometimes my eye would catch some of the backstage movements which could be a little off putting.

The main role of Carole is played by the extremely talented Molly-Grace Cutler and her vocals were out of this world. Gerry by Tom Milner, Cynthia Weil by Seren Sandham-Davies, Barry by Jos Slovick, and Donnie Kirshner played by Garry Robson all performed their roles brilliantly. Amena El-Kindz who played one of the Shirelles also stood out to me, this marks her touring debut and I think there will be many more to come.

You could tell without doubt that all the cast thoroughly enjoyed themselves throughout this performance

A very well deserved standing ovation by the audience which was then followed by the song “I Feel The Earth Move” which got everyone clapping and some having a bit of a dance. Amazing end to an amazing show.

I came out of this musical feeling happy and like the night was still young. When can I go back to see it again?

New Victoria Theatre Woking – until 10^th September 2022

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge  

5***** 

This amazing production brings you the story of Cher with three sublime actresses playing the one role! 

The three phases of her life start with the younger Cher – Babe (Millie O’Connell) who kicks the show off as a small child Born in 1946 to an Armenian Father and a mother of Cherokee Ancestry. Babe starts the show off as a young girl dreaming of the big time whilst struggling with the world around her! With so much trust and innocence in her eyes, she embarks on her journey only playing her fate into the hands of people that will later go on to upset and betray her! Her career begins when she meets Sonny (Lucas Rush) as they go on to have a happy at first but later challenging relationship. Although with much happiness comes much sadness and unless in the spotlight you see the story of their relationship begin to fall. Some dominant scenes and emotions along with her experiences are released through her songs and we get a great many examples of this from Babe as she rocks out some amazing music that we all know and love. Her talent is extraordinary and has the whole audience focused throughout her performance.  

Cher’s second phase is mastered by Lady (Danielle Steers) Once again there is nothing that disappoints. She plays a fierce Cher who begins to take control of her life and becomes stronger. What a star! Along with some awesome moves and vocals that have so much power and sharpness that it just blows you away! Truly tremendous. 

Cher’s Third phase is conquered by Star (Debbie Kurup) playing the eldest version of Cher who appears wiser and more acknowledgeable who is courageous and strong. 

She definitely stamps her mark on the show with vocals that are so immensely fabulous and outstanding alongside her dance performances.  

The talent between the three Cher’s is just phenomenal and they each hold a major part in the show. They all seem to have an exquisite combination of pure talent that has the whole audience captivated from start to finish. They have a great connection on stage and I love where they discuss moments of their lives throughout the show helping each other with concern and seriousness of their 3 stages of their lives.

Their voices when joined together produce something so special its flawless.  

The choreography was fabulously done to a high standard was incredible to watch and was so sharp and on point it couldn’t have been done any better!  

As for the costumes what more could you ask for wigs, sparkles, tassels, thigh boots to die for and so much glitz and glamour offering unique costumes that just shimmered through the great lighting whilst on stage. To be honest everything just blew me away totally eye-catching and electrifying! 

What an incredible production that was captivating from start to finish filled with the most remarkable songs that had the audience all singing to the very end. With a standing ovation so much cheering dancing and participation. This is by all means one show that should not be missed!!  

If you fancy a spectacular evening out, then get yourself to ‘The Cher Show’ if I could have given it more stars I certainly would have!!!!