JULIET MILLS AND MAXWELL CAULFIELD STAR IN

THE LADY VANISHES AT RICHMOND THEATRE

Following the success of The Case of the Frightened Lady and A Judgement in Stone at Richmond Theatre, The Classic Thriller Theatre Company brings THE LADY VANISHES from Mon 11 – Sat 16 Mar.

Based on the 1939 Hitchcock classic and considered one of the best British films of all time comes a quick-witted and devilishly fun thriller with an all-star cast lead by husband and wife actors Juliet Mills and Maxwell Caulfield. Joining them is Lorna Fitzgerald, fresh from her shock departure from BBC’s EastEnders in the role of Abi Branning, Matt Barber (Atticus Aldridge in Downtown Abbey), Robert Duncan (Drop The Dead Donkey), Philip Lowrie (Dennis Tanner in Coronation Street) and Ben Nealon (Soldier Soldier).

Celebrated Emmy award-winning actress Juliet Mills’ debut was with her father John Mills in the movie In Which We Serve, aged just 11 weeks! More recently, in ITV’s Wild at Heart, she portrayed Caroline DuPlessis’ sister, played by her real-life sister Hayley. Other screen credits include the lead in US paranormal drama Passions, which ran for eight years. Her major stage debut was in Peter Shaffer’s Five Finger Exercise, in which she starred in the West End and on Broadway age 16.

Award-winning Maxwell Caulfield’s numerous big screen and TV roles include starring with Michelle Pfeiffer in Grease 2 and as Miles Colby in the hit American soap opera Dynasty and its spin-off series The Colbys. Caulfield made his Broadway debut in J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls and his West End stage debut as Billy Flynn in Chicago.

When Socialite Iris’ unexpected travelling companion suddenly disappears, Iris is perplexed to find that all the other passengers deny ever having seen her. But with the help of musician Max, she turns detective, and together they try to solve the mystery of why the lady vanished…

The production is directed by Roy Marsden who is best known as an actor, particularly in his role as Commander Adam Dalgliesh in ITV’s P.D. James series, which he played for 15 years. But he has also been directing plays since he was 15 years old and had successful West End runs with Noel Coward’s Volcano and Agatha Christie’s (under the pen name Mary Westmacott) A Daughter’s a Daughter. This is now Roy’s third time directing a Classic Thriller Theatre Company production having previously directed Rehearsal for Murder and A Judgement in Stone. 

The Lady Vanishes at Richmond Theatre

Mon 11 – Sat 16 Mar
Tickets: From £13*

Show link: https://bit.ly/2QcswNt

Richmond Box Office: 0844 871 7651* Website: atgtickets.com/Richmond*
*Fees apply.  Calls cost up to 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

Storyhouse, Chester – until 2 February 2019

Reviewed by Joseph Everton

5*****

Halfway through a triumphant tour of the UK, the hilarious The Comedy About a Bank Robbery by Mischief Theatre Company continued its march into a grateful Chester last night. This, the second time I have seen this gem, was another glorious night of theatre set in the wonderful Storyhouse. After the success of the Laurence Olivier award winning The Play That Goes Wrong, writers Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields are back with another crowd-pleaser.

After escaping from prison with the assistance of bent screws and their families (including a baby), Mitch Ruscitti (Eddy Westbury) heads back to 1950s Minneapolis to steal Prince Ludvig of Hungary’s (George Hannigan) half a million dollar diamond with the help of his man-eating girlfriend, Caprice (Julia Frith), from the Minneapolis City Bank- a ramshackle establishment and the last place anyone should stash anything of value. Throw in bank clerk Ruth Monaghan(Ashley Tucker ); her son and petty crook Sam (Sean Carey); ‘the most unfortunate man in the world’, Warren Slax (Jon Trenchard ); a flurry of relentless one liners and you have a recipe for laughter that is as almost as exhausting as reading this paragraph.

“This is the best comedy I’ve seen in years, is this” said the gentleman behind me during the interval and I scribbled down the quote happily. It was difficult to disagree. The reactions from the audience tell you everything you need to know about this show, with oohs, aahs, gasps, cheers and laughs abound. There are moments of real brilliance, leaving the audience desperate to show their appreciation. George Hannigan playing Caprice’s trio of manipulated admirers was hugely entertaining and, without wanting to spoil any surprises, the whole dimension flipping scene where the audience get a bird’s eye view of proceedings in the bank’s office was as impressive as it was hilarious. From perfect comic timing, boundless enthusiasm and heaps of athleticism to Ashley Tucker’s impassioned vocal performance, each and every aspect of The Comedy About a Bank Robbery was brilliant. A word must also go to David Farley, who brought life to the drab setting of a bank, ensuring that the audience never lost interest.

The Comedy About a Bank Robbery will wow crowds at Chester’s Storyhouse until 2nd February then continue it’s UK tour until early June. Get in from the cold, avoid the news and go and laugh at an outrageously funny show

Lee Nelson
Serious Joker
Thursday 28 February 2019, 8pm
Tickets: £21.50*
*All prices shown include booking fees but are subject to postage charge if applicable.
Bradford Theatres usual terms and conditions apply.

Following his 150 date, smash-hit tour, Lee Nelson brings his hilarious new show Serious Joker to King’s Hall in Ilkley on Thursday 28 February

From council estate to comedy and entertainment king, Lee Nelson is the star of hit shows Well Good Show and Well Funny People. He has enjoyed five sell out tours to date and made a host of appearances on Live at the Apollo, to make him one of the biggest stand up stars in the country.

Lee Nelson was created by Simon Brodkin who, as well as appearing as Premier League superstar Jason Bent and dodgy medical practitioner Dr Bob, is one of the world’s best-known prankster as shown in his Channel 4 documentary Britain’s Greatest Hoaxer. To date targets have included: Sepp Blatter, Britain’s Got Talent, Kanye West, Manchester City, Donald Trump, Philip Green and most recently Theresa May

Recommended age 14+

Tickets available from Bradford Theatres Box Office on 01274 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk.

New Victoria Theatre, Woking – until 2 February 2019

Reviewed by Becky Doyle

5******

From start to finish I could not take my eyes off the stage, the colours, the costumes and the actors were mesmerising. Having been a fan of the TV show the stage show did not disappoint!

For me, Adam Gillen (Liam) was my standout performance, he had me in stitches. Not only that, he made me feel compassion for Liam with his naivety and vulnerability that shone through. The story flowed well, with the Hotel Inspector being the least expected suspect. It provided the gasp moment that was heard throughout the theatre at the end before the show came to a close with a fantastic, interactive song and dance.

The set of the show was utilised to its best, with the feeling that you travelled with them throughout the resort getting ready to have your hair cut by Kenneth (Tony Maudsley) or a cocktail made by Mateo (Jake Canuso), which leads me to on him. He was fantastic, and continuously played to the crowds. During the talent show scene, he had the audience clapping and wanting to dance along whilst realising how utterly talented he is with his background in dance.

Overall, this show was one that even if you weren’t familiar with the TV series you could get involved with and enjoy. I would recommend it to anyone who was up for a giggle and for someone who wanted a let loose show.

Watford Palace Theatre presents

Absurd Person Singular

By Alan Ayckbourn

Director: Brigid Larmour; Assistant Director: Vedi Roy; Composer: Anne Dudley

Designer: Amy Jane Cook; Lighting Designer: Jamie Platt; Sound Designer: Roger Dudley

7 – 30 March 2019

Watford Palace Theatre todayannounces full cast for Alan Ayckbourn’s Absurd Person Singular. Joining the previously announced Terence Frisch (Sidney) and Jill McAusland (Jane) are Oliver Longstaff (Geoffrey), Emily Tucker (Eva), Sarah Quist (Marion) and Walter van Dyk (Ronald). The production, directed by Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Watford Palace Theatre, Brigid Larmour, opens on 12 March, with previews from 7 March and runs until 30 March.

It’s Britain on the make in 1971 and backstage at the party, three marriages are in the pressure cooker.

Sidney wants to play party games, but he also needs a loan from Ronald. Marion wants to go home, but definitely needs another drink. Eva would (literally) rather be dead, but Geoffrey’s certain she’ll be happier once he’s left her.  Meanwhile Jane’s still in her Marigolds, desperately trying to keep the kitchen ship-shape. A hilarious vintage gem from a master of comedy.

Alan Ayckbourn is a playwright and theatre director who has written 82 plays – his latest, Better Off Dead, premiered in September 2018 at the Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT). His credits include Relatively Speaking, How The Other Half Loves, The Norman Conquests, Season’s Greetings, Absurd Person Singular and Woman in Mind.His  Inducted into American Theatre’s Hall of Fame, a recipient of the Critics’ Circle Award for Services to the Arts, he became the first British playwright to receive both Olivier and Tony Special Lifetime Achievement Awards. He was knighted in 1997 for services to the theatre.

Terence Frisch returns toWatford Palace Theatre to play Sidney having appeared as the Dame in eight pantomimes for the company. His other credits includeJoy Bubbles (The Other Palace), SeptimusBeanandHisAmazingMachine (Unicorn Theatre), AndyCappThe Musical (Finborough Theatre), Oysters, Faulty Towers – The Dining Experience(UK tour), Women of Troy, The Ring Cycle Plays(The Scoop),TheManualOracle (The Yard Theatre), Jerusalem(Royal Court Theatre), TheLordofthe Rings (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare’s Globe) and The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek (Royal Exchange Theatre); and for film,Hugo.

Oliver Longstaff returnsto Watford Palace Theatre to play Geoffrey – he previously appeared in Sleeping Beauty. Other theatre credits include Crime (Bezna Theatre), Surgeon to the Dead and The Academy of Melancholy (Old Operating Theatre, Southwark); and for television, 1Life.

Jill McAusland returns toWatford Palace Theatre to play Jane, having previously appeared in seven pantomimes for the company.Her other theatre credits include The Moor, Correspondence (Old Red Lion), The Lost Boy (Theatre in the Quarter), Miniaturists 50: Alcatraz (Arcola Theatre), Out of the Cage (Park Theatre),Ghost Town (Pilot Theatre/York Theatre Royal), Jumpy (Royal Court Theatre /Duke of York’s Theatre), Alice in Wonderland (Royal & Derngate Northampton) and The Conspirators (Orange Tree Theatre); and for television,Call the Midwife and Getting Back with Dave Benson Phillips.

Emily Tucker returns to the company to play Eva – she previously appeared in Much Ado About Nothing. Other theatre credits include Head-Rot Holiday (The Hope Theatre), Fortune’s Fool (The Old Vic), A Warsaw Melody (Arcola Theatre), Suddenly Last Summer, Lady of the Lake, Fallen Angels (Theatre by the Lake), Shiver – The Tempest (National Theatre Studio), The Man Who Pays the Piper, The Stepmother (Orange Tree Theatre), After the Ball (The Gatehouse), As You Like It, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden) andThe Importance of Being Earnest (Courtyard Theatre). Her television credits include Not Safe for Work; and for film, Heretiks and The Seasoning House.

Sarah Quist plays Marion. Her theatre credits include King Lear (Royal Exchange Theatre), A Mad World My Masters, Hecuba, Alice in Wonderland (RSC), The Wind in the Willows, The Merry Wives of Windsor (Grosvenor Park), The Amen Corner (National Theatre), Bacchae (National Theatre of Scotland), The Tempest (UK tour), Wimbledon (Tristan Bates Theatre), Come Out Eli (Arcola Theatre/Battersea Arts Centre), Romeo and Juliet(Southwark Playhouse) and Five Buddies in a Box (Savoy Theatre). Her television credits include Stella.

Walter van Dyk returnsto Watford Palace Theatre to play Ronald – he previously appeared in Arms and the Man, Equally Divided, Sleeping Beauty and Dick Whittington. Other theatre credits includeA Flea in Her Ear(The Old Vic), Enter the Guardsman (Donmar Warehouse), Two Gentlemen of Verona, High Society, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), O Moon of Alabama: A Kurt Weill Cabaret (Young Vic), Insufficiency (Riverside Studios), The Importance Of Being Earnest (Rose Theatre Kingston), The Jail Diary of Albie Sachs (Salisbury Playhouse), The Boatswain’s Mate (Finborough Theatre), Sweeney Todd (Theatr Clwyd) and What Now Little Man? (Greenwich Theatre); and for film, The Carrier, The Eagle, Incognito and Abbot’s Approach.

Brigid Larmour is Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Watford Palace Theatre. Her credits for the company include Much Ado About Nothing, Coming Up, Jefferson’s Garden, Love Me Do andWatch, Fourteen, Perfect Match, We That Are Left and Mrs Reynolds and the Ruffian, Equally Divided, Our Father, My Mother Said I Never Should, Time of My Life, Absent Friends,As You Like It, Robin Hood, Sleeping Beauty and Dick Whittington. From 1998 to 2006 she was Artistic Director of West End company Act Productions, and adviser to BBC4 Plays. From 1993 to 1998 she directed a series of promenade Shakespeare’s Shakespeare Unplugged, for RNT Education. From 1989 to 1994 she was Artistic Director of Contact Theatre, Manchester, commissioning the first British plays responding to the rave scene (Excess/XS), and the implications of virtual reality (Strange Attractors, a multimedia promenade production, by Manchester poet Kevin Fegan). She trained at the RSC, and as a studio director at Granada TV.

Watford Palace Theatre                                                                                                                            Listings

20 Clarendon Rd, Watford WD17 1JZ

Absurd Person Singular

7 – 30 March 2019

https://watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

Box Office: 01923 225671

Age: 11+

Hull New Theatre – until 2nd February 2019

Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams

5*****

Last night the highly talented cast of Saturday Night Fever strutted their stuff with verve and vitality. The show started with a stunning full cast dance to Stayin’ Alive, setting the scene and giving us an inkling of what was to come.

Saturday Night Fever tells the story of Tony Manero (Richard Winsor), who lives in a working class suburb of Brooklyn, working in a dead end job in but living for Saturday nights when he can go to the disco and dance. He has a talent, but of course this is the 1970’s and there is no way he would be encouraged, but it is dancing that makes him feel alive. The action zips from his home, to work, to the disco, to the dance studio and to hanging out with his friends at the bridge. This production does not pull any punches in showing the rawness of this life.

Accompanying the action is the music of The Bee Gees, but never out of place or just used as filler. All of the music was relevant, at times heartbreakingly so. The music is superbly performed by The Bee Gees (Edward Handoll, Alastair Hill and Matt Faull) who are up above the action on an industrial type walkway.

The dancing throughout is sublime and if there are dances you liked in the film, they are here, but oh so much better when performed live, Jive Talking was a real highlight. The ensemble cast is incredibly talented and quite literally took my breath away a number of times.

Richard Winsor as Tony Manero is the lynchpin of the show and has the walk, the attitude, and oh does he have the moves! He is totally believable as Tony as he draws you into his world, you care what happens to him. It is quite some skill to be able to casually get changed on a stage whilst preening yourself in a mirror that isn’t there! His solo dance to Immortality, performed after the death of his friend, was heartbreaking so full of raw emotion and beautiful to watch. Like his character, Richard Winsor was clearly born to dance!

Kate Parr as Stephanie Mangano and Anna Campkin as Annette are perfect foils to Tony as his dance partners and love interests. Anna Campkin’s rendition of If I Can’t Have You was very poignant. Raphael Pace (Bobbie C), Jared Thompson (Double-J), Owen Broughton (Gus) and Michael Cortez (Joey) provide excellent back up and support as Tony’s friends.

Special mention should go to Faizal Jaye as DJ Monty, a talent to watch for, his moves up on his dance podium were magic. As my friend put it “like watching molten metal.”

Everything comes together in this performance, the scenery and lighting taking us to a believable downtown Brooklyn and the Band (Richard Morris, Jeremy Wootton, Eikel Hernandez, Luke Beirne, Ali McMath and Dan Hayward) providing stunning music. What I particularly enjoyed was that at no time was the music overpoweringly loud, the lyrics came through to add to the story.

At the end the audience was quickly on their feet to join in with the Megamix and give the cast the standing ovation they fully deserved. What can I say, get those flares on and get down to Hull New Theatre to see this show – never mind Staying’ Alive, you will come out feeling alive! Me – I’m off to practice my dance moves…

Underbelly Edinburgh Fringe 2019 charges into action as first shows announced

• First five Underbelly Edinburgh Fringe 2019 shows on sale​​ 
• Heading up the 2019 Fringe herd are Irish comedy sketch actual legends Foil, Arms & Hog, world leading rock star circus performers CIRCA, awarding winning Thinking Drinkers, oceanic acrobats Splash Test Dummies and the masters of late-night Fringe, Spank!
• Tickets go on sale Wednesday 30th January at 10am via www.underbellyedinburgh.co.uk

Underbelly fires its starting pistol for this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe announcing the tantalising first five shows on sale. These shows offer eager fans the chance to milk that early Fringe fix with a fantastic selection from the cream of comedy, circus and cabaret.

Following a smash hit 2018 Fringe, Foil, Arms and Hog, the Irish comic YouTube masters return to Edinburgh’s majestic McEwan Hall with an hour of comedy sketches in their brand-new showSwines from 31st July – 25th August at 9pm.  

Five-star Fringe favourite CIRCA (Closer, Beyond, Wunderkammer) returns to Underbelly’s Circus Hub after its 2017 blockbuster season with Humans. This is thrillingly fearless, boundary-pushing circus at its best. Running from 2nd – 24th August at 7pm, ten acrobats take us on a stirring journey of what it means to be human, and how our bodies, our connections, and our aspirations all form part of who we are. Created by Yaron Lifschitz, Humans asks how much can we take – how much weight can we carry?

Ensuring families are kept entertained and joining CIRCA in The Lafayette tent at Circus Hub, theSplash Test Dummies are back, ready to roll out their beach towels and spring into an hour of circus-filled hilarity for the whole family. See a brilliant array of catch-your-breath stunt work, acrobatics, juggling and the side-splitting, slapstick comedy for which the dummies are famous. Get set to drown in tears of laughter from the 3rd – 24th August at 1pm.

Spank! returns to its spiritual home, Underbelly Cowgate for an incredible 16th year with hilarious hosts, awesome comedians and gratuitous nudity. Showcasing the most exciting comedy and cabaret on the Fringe, don’t miss the ‘best wild night out’ (Scotland on Sunday) at the festival! ‘Comedy and legendary party night… if you haven’t experienced this night, get down there right away!’ (Time Out). It’s raunchy, raucous and ridiculous and runs in The Belly Dancer from 2nd – 25th August at 11.55pm.  

Expanding into Underbelly’s Cowbarn in Bristo Square following a smash hit Fringe 2018, theThinking Drinkers return with a brand-new, hilarious and intoxicating look at history’s greatest drinkers from the 31st July – 25th August at 8.20pm. Enjoy five free drinks as the award-winning experts reveal how alcohol has inspired pioneering explorers, politicians and painters in equal measure, from Plato and Picasso, to Nelson, Napoleon and Norm from Cheers. You’ll learn a lot and laugh a lot!

Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, directors of Underbelly said; “Edinburgh is our home. The Fringe is where Underbelly started 19 years ago and today as we announce our first five brilliant shows to head up our 2019 programme, we are hugely excited at the prospect of another amazing Underbelly Fringe this year!

“Our first on sale offers just a taste of what we have in store this year, including the return of the mighty Foil, Arms & Hog following their absolute triumph at McEwan Hall last year and of course we have the superhumans of the circus world, CIRCA return with Humans to dazzle audiences at our Circus Hub on The Meadows.”

The Underbelly Edinburgh Fringe runs from the 31 July – 26 August 2019 across 22 venues and 4 sites; George Square, Circus Hub, Cowgate and Bristo Square. Further exciting programme details will be revealed in the coming months.

Live Nation in association with MZA present
JIMEOIN – RESULT!
Tuesday 19 February 2019, 7.30pm
King’s Hall, Ilkley
*Tickets: £18.50
*All prices shown include booking fees but are subject to postage charge if applicable.
Bradford Theatres usual terms and conditions apply.

Expect an evening of world class stand-up as the Irishman from Australia brings his brilliantly observed, ever-evolving and hilarious comedy to a theatre near you. Fresh from his smash-hit, New York offBroadway season and his latest sell out tour JIMEOIN (and his championship eyebrows) are back. RESULT!

JIMEOIN is internationally acclaimed as one of live comedy’s masters. He left his Northern Irish home in Portstewart in the 1990’s and settled in Australia where he fell into his comedy career by chance after a friend dared him to get up at an open mic night in Sydney. His disarmingly relaxed and often nonsensical humour fast led him to becoming a household name. His Edinburgh fringe debut in 1993 completely sold out to rave reviews and he has returned most years ever since. JIMEOIN regularly performs extensive sell-out tours of Australia, UK and Ireland and has written and starred in 2 feature films.

Don’t miss your chance to see this award-winning star of TV shows including Live at the Apollo, Royal Variety Performance, John Bishop Show, CH4’s O2 Gala and Sunday Night at the Palladium – Live!

‘Jimeoin is a true comedy legend… still at the top of his game.’ ★★★★½ Adelaide Advertiser

‘Comedy of the highest order… Inspired!’ The Independent

‘Classic nonsense… Stand-up comedy at its best.’ The Scotsman

‘Exhilarating!… Wickedly funny… genius!’ ★★★★½ The Age

‘Hilarious… If laughter is the best medicine, Jimeoin is a course of steroids…. Don’t you miss it!’ Edinburgh Evening News

Tickets are available from Bradford Theatres Box Office on 01274 432000 or visit bradfordtheatres.co.uk.

BRENDAN COLE RETURNS TO

STORYHOUSE WITH SHOW MAN

Strictly favourite is back with an exciting new show

Brendan Cole is about to embark on his most theatrical live tour production yet, which includes two performances at Storyhouse in Chester.

Show Man takes its inspiration from the magic of theatre and the movies, and Brendan Cole is keen that audiences experience the most exceptional night of entertainment.

Brendan Cole – Show Man comes to Storyhouse on Sunday 24 February, with performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are on sale now.

The very first winner of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing is joined by an amazing team of professional dancers, singers and a live band to showcase the superb choreography and dazzling performance that has kept him in the public eye for 15 years.

Show Man is Brendan Cole’s fifth theatrical production, and the new show will see the dancer tour the UK for the 11^th time. Each tour plays to ever increasing audiences, and around 60,000 in total are expected to watch the shows in 2019. The tour will visit 31 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland.

Join charismatic Brendan for a night of beautiful ballroom magic and high energy Latin passion, live music, stunning lighting, special effects, and choreography full of excitement, intimacy, emotion and skill – as well as lots of laughter and chat throughout the show.

MESSAGE FROM BRENDAN COLE – SHOW MAN

I’m very excited to announce my latest production Brendan Cole – Show Man. Anytime I create a new production, I get a real sense of excitement as I start choosing the material, the dancers and the musicians involved, and Show Man feels more exciting than anything I’ve done before.It has a dynamic new feel and will be quite different to my previous four productions.

This new show is more theatrical than ever before. Five male dancers, three female dancers, choirs, a violinist and brand new staging, which will allow the choreography to be exciting and different. Bigger and better lifts, some very strong theatrical numbers, as well as a new look set, this promises to be something special.

When producing any show, my aim is to wow the audience and give them everything they’d expect and much, much more. Whether it be great production values, exciting choreography, spectacular lighting and of course amazing talent from my sensational dancers and musicians, it’s so important to me to create a complete show.

Over the last 10 years we’ve created certain numbers throughout the different productions that have really stood out and we’ve loved performing. Subsequently we have had many requests from audiences asking that we perform them again. With this in mind, I’ve decided to recreate a handful of them for the new show.

One in particular has been a personal favourite for me, Cinderella by Stephen Curtis Chapman. It’s a magical number, telling the story of a father and daughter, which I created with my baby girl Aurélia in mind shortly after her birth. I can’t wait to perform it again along with several other favourites, as well as many very exciting and brand new numbers, all under the Show Man title. This really is becoming a very big show and I can’t wait to get it on the road.

So if you love live music from one of the best touring bands you will ever see, as well as exciting and emotive dance and fancy a great night at the theatre, this show will be for you! I’d suggest you bring a friend as you’ll want to be dancing in the aisles throughout, and if you know any Strictly fans, it might just make the perfect gift. This is going to be the greatest Show Man!

Tickets for Brendan Cole – Show Man are on sale now and range in price from £19 to £39. Each ticket is subject to a £1.50 booking fee.

Storyhouse has a dynamic pricing policy on the majority of shows, ensuring the earlier you book your tickets, guarantees the best seats at the lowest price.

Website:         www.storyhouse.com

Facebook:       www.facebook.com/storyhouselive/

Twitter:           @StoryhouseLive

LISTING INFORMATION

BRENDAN COLE – SHOW MAN

Sunday 24 February 2019

Performance times: 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Tickets from £19 to £39 – each ticket is subject to a £1.50 booking fee

STORYHOUSE

Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR

HOW TO BOOK

Online:            Visit www.storyhouse.com

By Phone:       Call 01244 409 113

In person:       Visit the Ticket Kiosks at Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR

Grand Opera House York until Saturday 2nd Feb 2019

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

3.5***

Abigail’s Party is a well known Mike Leigh play, if you’re of a certain age. Playing now at the Grand Opera House York, directed by Sarah Esdaile. It’s a flashback to the 70’s with its style and characters.

The play focuses around five characters, Beverly (Jodie Prenger) and husband Laurence (Daniel Casey), Ange (Vicky Binns) and husband Tony (Calum Callaghan), and single mother Sue (Rose Keegan). Beverly is hosting a soirée with nibbles and an endless supply of alcohol, gin and tonic being the favoured tipple. As her guests arrive we get to see the different personalities and relationships, Ange just wants to please, Tony would rather be anywhere else, Sue is rather posh and is too refined to say no and Laurence just seems a bit square. Beverly is a forceful personality, overwhelming a lot of the time, demanding attention from her guests and the audience.

Whilst the action, if you can call it that, is happening on the stage we can hear Abigail, Sue’s daughter, hosting her own, more livelier party, a few doors down. The atmosphere at Beverly’s is awkward and uncomfortable to watch. She has a nasty habit of railroading her guests, forcing Sue to constantly have top ups, flirting outrageously with Tony, with no discretion. With not much happening in terms of action, we bear witness to the agonising, yet comical, attempt to host a successful gathering, constantly stuck in the awkward phase.

Jodie Prenger takes on the role as the overbearing Beverly with power and a great amount of stage presence. She is the star of the show, encapsulating the character fully. My plus one said afterwards that her character reminded him of Gavin’s mother from Gavin and Stacey, not realising that Alison Steadman played Beverley in the tv play. Two great actresses, one character. The others characters are somewhat eclipsed by Beverly, but the actors behind them did a tremendous job, lending to the comedy and quality of the production.

The dialogue provides a lot of the comedic context within the play, by the reuse of certain lines, such as Beverly’s “do you know what I mean?” after every sentence and Sue’s “no (pause and then) thank you”. The constant refilling of glasses, even when not wanted, is quite hilarious, along with arguments over music and olives.

The staging had iconic items from the 70’s, such as a soda syphon and a fibre optic light, the ones that look a bit like a spaceship. I had to laugh at that one because I remember my parents having one. It is a simple, naturalistic set with no major frills, just walls opening up to reveal a sitting room resplendent with 70’s decor. Each character had unique styles reminiscent of the decade, with kaftans, dodgy moustaches and bowl cuts.

The big question is why Abigail’s Party and not Beverly’s?

I enjoyed watching the performance, and it did have some laugh out load moments, however the style of the play and it’s lack of action (I realise that is not what the play is all about) doesn’t quite tick all the boxes for me. It is still worth a watch, especially if you’re 25 or younger, as York Council have teamed up to offer tickets for just £5, giving the opportunity to access the theatre at a truly affordable price.