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King’s Theatre, Edinburgh – until 9 November 2019

Reviewed by James Knight

4****

It’s arguably the scariest film ever made, that had people walking out of cinemas and straight into churches. So how do you put William Peter Blatty’s infamous novel onstage?

Kick off proceedings with a loud bang, apparently. That’ll scare the audience into submission, ready for the nightmare to begin.

The stage is semi-lit almost all the way through, the set deliberately misleading as to where doors and stairways might lead to. Everything is put in place for the audience to be put on the wrong foot. Regan’s room is optically skewed just enough to be off-putting.

We’re introduced firstly to Father Damien Karras (Ben Caplan), at his mother’s funeral. He’s overwhelmed with grief, believing there was more he could have done to help her in her last days – easy pickings for a demonic presence to shame him for later. And then, we meet Regan MacNeil (Susannah Edgley) and her movie star mother Chris (Sophie Ward). Regan doesn’t like the house they’ve been put in by the studio. It’s old. There’s strange noises. We all know what’s going to happen, it’s just when and how it happens…

So many think pieces have been written about The Exorcist over the years, but in Regan’s first encounter with the demon (‘Captain Howdy’ as it introduces itself), there’s the quite clear implication of child sexual abuse. The demon asks if they can have a competition – Regan wins, she gets a prize. A visit from her absent father, promises Captain Howdy. But if Regan loses, he gets a prize instead. “What prize?” asks Regan. “Will you let me touch you?” comes the insidious reply.

It’s a chilling scene, brought magnificently to life by Edgley and a certain recognisable voice – Lord of the Rings will never be the same again. Later in the play, the inhuman presence possessing Regan gets even nastier, and, most terrifying of all, enjoys the pain it brings on others.

The tension is racked up throughout the first act, with Regan threatening film director Burke Dennings (Tristram Wymark) with a simple “You’re going to die soon”, then asking what a ‘soda-mite’ is. Wymark pitches Burke Dennings’ campness perfectly, so when the threat is made good, his loss is felt.

With the emotional terror begun, the special effects can let loose. Shadows move independently, writing appears on the wall in blood or faeces, and the most chilling effect from the film recreated as a punishment upon Regan from the demon.

Incredibly, the effects don’t detract from the serious and interesting questions the play has about faith, religion, love and psychology. The stakes are made very clear, and if there is a pitfall to the production is that it ends far, far too abruptly. The character of Father Merrin (Paul Nicholas), the demon’s nemesis, is introduced properly far too late for the audience to have any real connection to him. However, it is testament to Nicholas’ commanding stage presence that he makes an impact at all. (Fun side note: Paul Nicholas was the original Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, meaning you can now see The Son of God vs The Devil Live Onstage!)

It’s a shame that the goodwill built up by the production is squandered slightly towards the end, but strong performances and incredible effects will leave you wanting to sleep with the lights on.

After all, watching someone’s head spin 360 degrees will not leave you unaffected…

Edinburgh Playhouse – until 9 November 2019

Reviewed by Manetta Anderson-McIntosh

5*****

Hilariously funny yet poignant production.

For anyone who remembers the movie this was a cult classic, probably a movie ahead of its time. So to sit here 25 years later watching this amazing production on stage, it is astounding to think that the issues being addressed are as relevant today as they were then.

Ian Talbot directs this story of 3 drag queens, Bernadette (Miles Western), a transgender woman who has been recently widowed – it would seem that dying your hair is quite dangerous. Felicia/Adam (Nick Hayes) – a bit of an obnoxious party-boy and Mitzi (Joe McFadden) who has a secret wife and son, who decide to travel from Sidney to Alice Springs for a gig. Priscilla is the not so trusty bus they use as a mode of transport and is the backdrop for most of their shenanigans. Mitzi, or Tick in his male form, is currently working as a drag queen in Sydney, the opening scenes are hosted by Miss Understanding played by Kevin Yates who breaks us in gently with some saucy-postcard style comic interaction with the audience. Tick is then offered a chance to perform at his wife’s casino and also meet his 6-year-old son for the first time, let the journey commence.

The majority of the show takes place on a bus during a 2000-mile journey across Australia, ‘how did they manage to replicate that’? I hear you ask. Well, relatively easily it would turn out. The bus was cleverly designed to be moved into segments which could transform the stage from a desert scene to a bar scene with a couple of twists and turns. One of the producers of the show is none other than Jason Donovan and there is a cheeky nod to his early acting career when Tick and Adam are wearing Charlene and Scott masks while travelling through the desert. The show is peppered with some great disco/pop tunes from the late 70’s early 80’s, some sung by the main characters and some by the delightfully entertaining Divas. I was really surprised by how good Joe McFadden was at singing, all of the main characters had really strong voices.

If you haven’t seen the film and are expecting hilarity from start to finish, then you need to be warned, it’s not all fun and games. As you could expect, the outback of Australia is not for the faint hearted, and during some of the stops they meet some unsavoury characters, one scene in particular was very sensitively dealt with compared to how it was portrayed in the movie. Adam goes out drunk, high and dressed as a woman to socialise with the guys in the bar, once they find out he is male he is violently attacked. There was a very different atmosphere in the theatre during this scene as you would expect, despite the fight being conducted in a form of dance. It really hit home to see that although this was 25 years ago, we are no further forward as a human race, we might be more socially and legally accepting of same sex couples, but the LGBTQ+ community live in fear of situations like this on a daily basis. A big well done to director, choreographer and dancers on this one.

Bernadette, Adam and Tick do make some amazing friends on the way too. How could I not mention Bob (Daniel Fletcher) and his talented wife Cynthia (Jacqui Sanchez). Bob saves the day when Priscilla breaks down, he takes the girls back to the pub and encourages them to do a show. His wife Cynthia is super excited about this and see’s it as an opportunity to jumpstart her performing days, what she can’t do with a ping-pong ball is not worth knowing. The costumes where very flamboyant as you would expect, there was a good attempt to compete with the movie but as the movie won an Oscar for its costume design there was a large shoe to fill. You will laugh, you will cry but most of all you will dance. Fantastic show.

SINGERS GET THE CHANCE TO PERFORM WITH OPERA NORTH

Anyone who loves to sing is being invited to The Lowry on Friday 15 November for a special side-by-side event with the critically-acclaimed Chorus of Opera North.

The Sing ON workshop will be led by a professional music leader from the Leeds-based opera company who will guide the participants through excerpts from La Traviata, Don Giovanni and Aida among others. They will then get a unique insight into being part of an operatic ensemble by singing alongside the Chorus of Opera North for the final hour. There is no requirement to read music or to have any previous singing experience and the event is suitable for adult singers of all abilities.

Jacqui Cameron, Opera North Education Director, said:

“We love being able to offer people exciting creative activities. This one should be a particularly unforgettable experience as the participants will get the chance to perform with, and hear the amazing power of, professionally-trained voices up close.

“Our events are open to everyone and we aim to make them as friendly and welcoming as possible. We hope that everyone who takes part will experience the pleasure that comes with group singing and will leave with a real sense of achievement having mastered some opera.”

The event is part of Opera North’s week-long residency at The Lowry where it is performing three operas: La bohème, Puccini’s heart-breaking tale of young love set amongst a group of bohemians in Paris; Giulio Cesare, Handel’s take on the passionate relationship between Caesar and Cleopatra; and Martinů’s The Greek Passion which explores the fate of a group of refugees when they arrive in a village as the residents prepare for their annual Passion Play.

The Sing ON workshop at The Lowry runs from noon to 4pm on Friday 15 November with tickets available at £15 each from www.operanorth.co.uk/whats-on/sing-on-greater-manchester/

YORKSHIRE THEATRE COMPANY PREMIERES NEW PRODUCTION

Leeds-based theatre company imagine if is set to tour its new production Jadek to key Yorkshire venues.

Jadek – which is written phonetically and is Polish for ‘Grandfather’ – will play CAST Doncaster, Theatre Deli Sheffield, Slung Low Leeds, Square Chapel Halifax, Touchstones Rochdale and Barnsley Civic.

Jadek is the semi-autobiographical story of its writer, Francesca Joy, who in her 20s moved in with her blind, 94-year-old Polish Grandad.  The play explores how this unexpected turn of events affected both their lives.

“Jadek is loosely based on my relationship with my Grandad, who is my absolute superhero,” says Francesca. “Living with him changed the way I saw the arts and ultimately, how I saw the world. When a child grows up in a family of violence, they experience the same brain patterns as a solider at war. Me and my Grandad both grew up as soldiers. He taught me how to stand up for what I believe in.”

In the play, Grandad found a home in Yorkshire in 1945 after spending six years fighting and surviving World War 2. He likes a whisky and hates the ventilation in his front room. Every morning he opens his eyes and a sorrowful “bloody hell” escapes his lips as he realises he’s still blind.

Tasha found a home at her Grandad’s house after spending what felt like most of her life at war; she drinks way too much beer, has moved house over 30 times, and is trying to sell her children’s storybook to London publishers.

Yorkshire’s own BAFTA award winning writer Mark Catley [EastEnders, Casualty, Call the Midwife] is working with Francesca as an advisor on the piece.

He says: “Jadek is a beautiful story that starts small and ends up universal. The dialogue between Grandfather and Granddaughter is so entertaining you’ll want to move in too. The revelations are breath-taking.”

Taking the role of Grandad is Piotr Baumann – an established Polish actor who has just spent a year on Coronation Street as roofer Jan Lozinski.

“I’m delighted to be working with Francesca and imagine if” says Piotr “Jadek reminds me of growing up with my father in Poland.”

“I’m absolutely chuffed to be able to tell a fraction of mine and my Grandad’s story,” Francesca continues.  “It won’t all be real, you gotta keep some stuff for yourself and make up the bits in between. Jadek is for the broken ones, those who’ve fought wars, the blind, the Polish, the working class, the ones suffering in silence. This is for every single one of you. And as always, this is for my old man, my Grandad, my Jadek.”

Jadek is audio described for those with visual impairments and imagine if is working extensively with blind/visually impaired communities and those with Polish heritage in each of the regions on the tour.

November 12: CAST Doncaster – castindoncaster.com

November 14: Theatre Deli Sheffield – theatredeli.co.uk

November 17: Slung Low Leeds – slunglow.org

November 21: Square Chapel Halifax – squarechapel.co.uk

November 29: Touchstones Rochdale – link4life.org

December 4:  Barnsley Civic – barnsleycivic.co.uk

For more information www.imagineif.co.uk

GERMAN CORNEJO’S

AWARD-WINNING

TANGO FIRE

RETURNS TO TOUR THE UK IN 2020

Following its 7^th sold-out season at Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre in London’s West End, Andrew Kay presents the phenomenal, award-winning Tango Fire, which returns to tour the UK from 12 February to 2 March 2020.

Starring internationally renowned Argentinean Tango superstars German Cornejo and Gisela Galeassi, who are joined by a cast of extraordinary Tango dancers, including World Tango Champions, this is a fiery and explosive journey through the history of authentic Argentine Tango.

Six incredible couples show off some of the speediest footwork and tightest twirling in the business, while demonstrating their individual styles, accompanied by the astonishing Tango Fuego Quartet, playing live music on stage from Tango’s most famous composers, including Piazzolla, Pugliese and Gardel, this is a sizzling, sensual show guaranteed to make pulses race.

The six couples are German Cornejo and Gisela Galeassi, Sebastian Alvarez and Victoria Saudelli, Marcos Roberts and Louise Junqueira Malucelli, Ezequiel Lopez and Camila Alegre, Julio Seffino and Carla Dominguez, and Esteban Simon and Marilu Leopardi.

German Corenjo’s past choreography experience includes Immortal Tango (2016), Tango Inferno – The Fire Within (under the Musical Direction of Lisandro Adrover, 2010/2011), Mission Tango Show (2007) and Tango Dance Premium (2007).

Choreography and wardrobe design by German Cornejo, with lighting design by Nick Jemicz.

Tango Fire is produced by Andrew Kay.

Website: www.tango-fire.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tangofire

Twitter: @TangoFire1

2020 UK Tour Schedule

12 February                                 Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry                              0247 652 4524

                                                    www.warwickartscentre.co.uk  

13 February                                 Royal & Derngate, Northampton                            01604 624811

                                                    www.royalandderngate.co.uk  

14 February                                 Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells               01892 530613

                                                    www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

15 February                                 The Orchard Theatre, Dartford                              01322 220000

                                                    www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

17 February                                 Alban Arena, St Albans                                          01727 844488

                                                    www.alban-arena.co.uk

18 February                                 Darlington Hippodrome                                          01325 405405

                                                    www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

19 February                                 St George’s Hall, Bradford                                     01274 432000

                                                    www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

20 February                                 Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham                             0115 989 5555

                                                    www.trch.co.uk

22 February                                 Liverpool Philharmonic Hall                                    0151 709 3789

                                                    www.liverpoolphil.com

23 February                                 Grand Theatre, Blackpool                                      01253 290 190

                                                    www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

24 February                                 Festival Theatre, Edinburgh                                   0131 529 6000

                                                    www.capitaltheatres.com

26 February                                 Hull New Theatre                                                   01482 300 306

                                                    www.hulltheatres.co.uk

27 February                                 Sage Gateshead, Gateshead                                 0191 443 4661

                                                    www.sagegateshead.com

29 February                                 Grand Theatre, Swansea                                       01792 475715

                                                     www.swanseagrand.co.uk

1 March                                       Forum Theatre, Malvern                                        01684 892277

                                                    www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

2 March                                       Theatre Royal Brighton                                          0844 871 7650* 

                                                    atgtickets.com/brighton                                         

*Booking fees apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.

Union Theatre – until 23 November 2019

Reviewed by Alexandra Sykes

4****

Set in the fictional Green Fairy pub, The Green Fairy tells the story of Jo, and how she slowly became an alcoholic.

The story starts with Wendy performing in the pub singing a song about her daily experiences living in London and getting to and from central London. Pub owner Toby is proud of her and announced that her mum, Jo, is in the audience. After a brief conversation Wendy leaves and Toby allows Jo to sleep on the sofa of the pub, something she does frequently as she states the sofa hasn’t changed in 20 years. Whilst in the bar after closing Jo comes across a bottle of Absinthe and opens it, causing the green fairy to appear. The fairy takes Jo on a trip to her past to work out where her problems started, from her first meeting with Daniel and Eliza, to her marriage to Daniel, birth of Wendy, affair with Eliza and Daniels death which leads to Wendy being raised by Toby whilst living above the pub. Jo realises she has a problem with the drinking and promises the fairy she will give up now she knows the grown up Wendy is pregnant.

With a small cast of only 6, the musical works well. Julie Atherton as Jo and Emma Whittaker as the younger Jo works well as they can copy the others mannerisms and both play the part of an in denial alcoholic well. David Perkins and Harry F. Brown play Daniel and Toby respectively and both play their parts, and guitars well. Georgina Hellier is fabulous as both the green fairy and Eliza, hiding her fairy head piece under a hat when she is Eliza.

The set works well as it is made to look like the inside of a pub, complete with staircase heading up to the living quaters. The costumes are basic but work, with the green fairy outfit consisting of a ripped t-shirt and a green tutu.

All in all the play is good as the intimacy of the theatre helps to set the atmosphere but the lack of microphones means some parts are hard to hear and in some songs the music is louder than the singing which means song lyrics are lost but all in all a good night out.

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield- until 9 November 2019

Reviewed by Katie Goldsbrough

4****

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is one of the best known and loved musicals for a reason, this is a great production full of great catchy songs and an exciting story.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat tells the story of Joseph, played by Union J’s Jaymi Hensley, who is the favourite son of 12 brothers. His brothers, not being a fan of this favouritism do something awful to Joseph and we follow his story to see them meet again in very different circumstances.

Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams helps him on his way and get him out of trouble, leading to the Pharoah of Egypt, played by Andrew Geater. A favourite part of the show for many is the Pharoah’s entrance, at the start of the second act, which I won’t spoil for anyone who has yet to see the show.

For many people this show has a certain nostalgia as it’s a show often put on in schools. In this production the narrator, played by Alexandra Doar, introduces us to the story, she is fantastic throughout, always in the background with a great singing voice. A group of children sit on stairs on the main stage throughout, they start at very young age and are brilliant, keeping in time with all their choreography and singing beautifully throughout.

All 11 of the brothers have their own personalities and their individuality stands out. Benjamin, Joseph’s youngest brother and the only one that doesn’t agree with what the brothers do to Joseph stands out from the group. Alex Hetherington who plays Benjamin was fantastic throughout, he was an excellent dancer and actor, drawing the audience’s attention to him.

The choreography by Henry Metcalfe was great throughout, with actors having to contend with narrow stairs with young children sat to one side, you could tell a lot of work had been put in to exactly where everyone needed to be stood.

This is a great production, full of well-known songs including ‘Go, Go, Go Joseph’ ‘Close Every Door’ and of course ‘Any Dream Will Do’. The finale consists of a Joseph Megamix Reprise featuring all the previous songs in the show and it had the whole audience up on their feet clapping, dancing and singing along. This is a great feel good musical, suitable for all the family and a must see if you get the chance.

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh – until 9 November 2019

Reviewed by Hannah Plumb

5*****

Wilkommen and Bienvenue to Rufus Norris’s electric new tour of Tony Award winning musical Cabaret. Set in the ‘smokey, sexy’ Berlin nightclub scene, the piece begins as the clock strikes in the New Year of 1931. The story swirls in and out of the infamous Kit Kat Club ran by Emcee (John Patridge) as aspiring American novelist Cliff Bradshaw (Charles Hagerty) meets captivating cabaret star Sally Bowles (Kara Lilly Hayworth).  In the setting of their boarding house sparks fly between industrious landlady Fraulein Schneider (Anita Baker) and well-mannered grocer Herr Schultz (James Paterson) against all mounting political tension. As the piece moves into its second half and the rise of Nazism is unignorable we see the loves of those surrounding the Kit Kat change for ever as the world they know comes to an end.  

Performing as the enigmatic Master of Ceremonies, award winning actor John Patridge sets the scene in the infamously cool cabaret scene of Berlin, helping the audience to step into the world of the piece. He is assisted by Katrina Lindsay’s stage which uses the large Festival Theatre stage expertly to communicate the vastness and grittiness in this city of change. Patrdige performs perfectly as this ring master of Berlin debauchery and really bring the fun out of the piece. Which makes his performance at the end of act 2- when the grim realities of Nazism are presented even more powerful which managed to hold an audience of over 900 people in stunned silence.

All performances in this piece were fantastic and Hayworth’s rendition of the titular song left you with an optimistic melancholy that made you wish the piece would end differently. Alas, it doesn’t. Furthermore, it is this decision by Norris to not sugar coat nor gloss over the stark reality of the Nazi’s rule in Germany that really separates this production from others. This production lulls the audience into a false sense of security, the belief that they are enjoying a classic musical, whilst simultaneously edging towards the rise of the far right. A perfect metaphor really for post-Weimar Germany. Finally, when the pretence is dropped and the piece climaxes the audience is left with a horrifying tableau that keeps them in a state of unavoidable tension.  Shedding a light on the hideous reality of living in a far right, extremist society- a masterpiece.

JESS ROBINSON: THE JESS ROBINSON EXPERIENCE AT CHRISTMAS IN LEICESTER SQUARE

·        Sunday 17 November at 7pm

·        The Leicester Square Spiegeltent, part of Christmas in Leicester Square

·        Multi-award-winning Jess Robinson returns to London with her live band for a one-off special show

Jess Robinson, multi award-winner, Edinburgh fringe favourite and Britain’s Got Talent 2017 semi-finalist is bringing The Jess Robinson experience to London with her live band Jessington World of Adventures for a one-off special show on November 17, part of Underbelly’s Christmas in Leicester Square.

After appearing on some of the biggest UK comedy shows in TV & Radio such as The Last Leg, Murder in Successville, Dead Ringers, and The Now Show, The Jess Robinson Experience delivers a unique blend of comedy, music and vocal fireworks while also giving the audience some of her own personal backstory.

Jess’s ‘human jukebox’ styled performance delivers improvised musical mashups and immaculate impressions – from TV celebs to stars of the silver screen, via Cardi B and Lady Gaga. The experience is a fun and energetic event that will have something for everyone.

Christmas in Leicester Square is produced by Underbelly on behalf of Westminster Council and returns for a fourth year this winter. One of London’s most iconic locations will once again be transformed into a festive fun land with something for all ages. In addition to a stellar line-up of entertainment, the pop-up festival will play host to a Santa’s Grotto, Winter Windows and a beautiful European-style Christmas market offering gifts, food and drinks.

Leeds Playhouse – until 9 November 2019

Reviewed By Dawn Smallwood

4****

One Under, a Graeae Theatre Company and Theatre Royal Plymouth’s production comes to the Leeds Playhouse. This play premiered in Plymouth and is currently on a national tour visiting nine theatres including this one. Graeae Theatre Company takes pride in making their productions accessible and this performance is captioned and described audibly.

Written by Winsome Pinnock and under the direction of Amit Sharma, One Under is about Cyrus (Stanley J. Browne) who is drawn to finding the young man who jumped in front of the train that he was driving. Ridden with guilt and his driven search for recompense he is led to Christine (Clare-Louise English), a laundrette worker, and other characters including Nella (Shenagh Govan) and Zoe (Evlyne Oyedokun) whose lives are changed forever following what happened to Sonny (Reece Pantry).

The play explores how fragile and vulnerable human relationships are and highlights that one doesn’t know what is happening people’s lives behind closed doors. This production includes strong emotions such as guilt and regrets which interlink with mental health and wellbeing, relationships, circumstances and timings. The 90 minute play unravels with the past prior to the tragedy and how it directly and indirectly affects the characters concerned, evocatively linking with the past and the present.

Set to Amelia Jane Hankin’s staging there is a lot of content packed into this short play which gives one food for thought particularly around mental health and the importance to look out for one another particularly any signs or triggers. It reminds that appearances don’t exclusively sum up to how one feels and an awareness to support those personally and professionally who are affected.

An intensive play layered with meaning and emotion, One Under, is well delivered by a five person cast who portray the characters well. One Under is part of three plays that specifically focuses on men’s health and wellbeing, which are being staged during November up to the run up of the Northern Man Festival. This festival is produced jointly with the Playhouse and a partnership consortium of Leeds community development organisations and is going to take place on 16th November 2019.