Forum Theatre, Malvern – 3rd February 2024

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

4.5****

Armonico Consort return with another triumphant blast of Baroque splendour with two works by Scarlatti coupled with a piece from the ever popular Handel.

Daniele – lost for several centuries – is basically a non-staged opera. A myriad of very interesting musical textures are cunningly woven through the piece including soloists, duets, trios and it’s bookended by a robust chorus. Drama and passion in the best tradition of the Baroque era; this is certainly a magnificent find which I’m sure will earn Armonico (and Scarlatti) many more fans – especially as they are about to record the work for Xmas release.

The chorus (AC Academy Warwick and Scholars) were a force of nature with tons of power and an impressively sonorous sound. The Baroque Players were simply thrilling! A period correct trumpet (no valves) and strings using what sounded like gut gave the orchestra a gorgeously mellow sound compared to modern, brasher strings. Also, with so few players (just 2 each of first and second violins, violas and lower strings) it really was a chamber orchestra. These smaller forces gave the scoring a refreshing clarity which can be lost in the larger modern orchestral forces. All the more impressive also that the balance of singers vs instrumentalists was so well defined given the quantity of singers. This is a testament to the expert conducting of Director Christopher Monks, giving us a tastefully authentic reading that imbued these 18th Century works with an electric, youthful energy which made the music sound thoroughly modern and alive.

Double bassist Andrew Durban and cellist Hetti Price leapt all over the fretboard and were incredibly tight as a unit in a mesmerising display. Like listening to one instrument playing double stops an octave apart! For me, the organ and cello duet sections really stood out in a sumptuous combination that transported the senses, giving me my absolute favourite moments of the night.

The ladies who played Darius and Angel and the chap who played the Dragon Demon were special standouts among the vocalists (though the entire ensemble were fantastic) but I cannot name them in person as the programme didn’t list who was playing who.

Speaking of which, the libretto was very difficult to follow and I’m not even sure that the Miserere Mei was included in full. Many operas sung in foreign languages are enhanced with surtitles on stage – which would have been fantastically helpful for those of us in the audience who didn’t speak fluent Latin.

In the second half we were thoroughly entertained by Scarlatti’s Miserere Mei and Handel’s Dixit Dominus – the Handel was especially thrilling for me. We lost the trumpets power in the second half and the orchestra looked tiny but you’d never have known it. The strings really dug in and their florid runs were scintillating. We had even more vocal soloists than in Daniele, giving us a widened pallet of colours to enjoy – genius scoring by Handel (as always).

If you haven’t seen the Armonico Consort you will have the chance to rapidly remedy that unfortunate situation as they return to Malvern Theatres in both April and June this year. Tonight was yet another wonderful feast of musical perfection. Bravo!

Royal Theatre, Windsor – until 10 February 2024

Reviewed by Joanna Huggett

5*****

We had the pleasure of watching ‘Sleuth’ at the Theatre Royal Windsor, written by Anthony Shaffer, a play describing itself as ‘the World’s Greatest Thriller’.

The whole play takes place in the living room of a country house belonging to Andrew Wyke (played by Todd Boyce), an aristocratic author of detective novels, who invites Milo Tindle (played by Neil McDermott), a simple businessman with a few financial difficulties, to discuss Milo’s plans to marry Andrew’s estranged wife Marguerite. But, just like the peculiar twists and turns of Andrew’s novels, nothing is ever as it really seems. What ensues is a series of provocations, dares and double-crosses between the two, seemingly sparring for the hand of Marguerite as the ultimate prize.

The play takes place over two acts; the events of that first evening followed by the concluding game play in the second and final act. Indeed, the series of games and point scoring between the two characters is succinctly described as a tennis match comprising of games won or lost, completing the set and then ultimately the match.

A superb production, set in stage scenery which deserves to be billed as the third member of the performance, and some excellent sound and visual effects keep you on the edge of your seat to the very end.

A wonderful cast, some extraordinary acting, and an altogether enjoyable evening in Windsor

Leeds Grand Theatre – on tour until 6th April 2024

Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood

4****

Opera North’s new Season is underway with its first performance of Cosí Fan Tutte at the Leeds Grand Theatre. Mozart’s Cosí Fan Tutte, literally known as The School for Lovers, first premiered in Austria in 1790. It is based on Lorenzo Da Ponte’s libretto and the opera buffa or comic opera explores love and relationships. Tim Albery’s Cosí Fan Tutte first premiered by Opera North in 2009 and this production is a revival.

The main characters are Ferrando (Anthony Gregory) and Guglielmo (Henry Neill), two officers, who supposedly solidify their relationship with their fiancées. Don Alfonso (Quirijn de Lang), a philosopher and the officers’ friend, decide to test them with a bet to see if their lovers, Dorabella (Heather Lowe) and Fiordiligi (Alexandra Lowe) would be loyal and faithful to them.

Alfonso involves Despina (Gillene Butterfield), the women’s servant, and bribes her to introduce the foreign suitors to both Dorabella and Fiordiligi who at the time did not realise they were disguised as their respective lovers.

The plot farcically unravels amidst betrayal, confusion, deception and speculation with Despina’s roles as a pseudo doctor and a pseudo lawyer. Ultimately with Alfonso’s philosophical statement, “They’re all the same.” and implying this to both Ferrando and Guglielmo, it ends all well which is typical of a comedy.

Set to Mozart’s ingenious music under the direction of Clemens Schuldt and overall direction by Albery, the cast put on an incredible and entertaining performance, particularly the portrayals of Alfonso by de Lang and of Despina by Butterfield. Tobias Hoheisel’s simplistic and yet highly effective staging with costumes, influenced by the Enlightenment era, with David Finn’s lighting creating the ambience and atmosphere which compliments the creativity of the production.

It is one of the longer operas, but it is important for the story to be unravelled and revealed to appreciate the farcical and comedic nature of the themes that Cosí Fan Tutte explores. The Enlightenment influenced philosophy, and this is reflected in Cosí Fan Tutte and how Mozart’s musical composition logically and reasonably tells the story and the characters’ plights whose influences differ past, present and in the future.

Dominion Theatre, Tottenham Court Road – until 2 March 2024

Reviewer Alec Legge

5*****

Off to the wonderful Dominion Theatre which is a beautiful Art Deco building but with all the facilities you would expect to find in a modern venue. It is also easily accessible being right next to the Tottenham Court Road Underground Station.

After a warming drink in one of the lovely bars, it was a cold night, we took our seats in the stalls. Comfortable seats with plenty of leg(ge) room, pun, and a good view of the stage. As a matter of interest there was a lovely couple sitting behind us who turned out to be Darren Lee’s, parents. Darren was to play the lead as the King and we had a very pleasant conversation with them. What a surprise and a good start to the evening.

Then came the overture following which the stage came to life with the curtain opening on a huge model of a steamship, on board which we could see Anna Leonowens, Helen George, her son , various played by Charlie McGuire, Josh Bortoloso, Fin Goodman and Lois Levy, Captain Orton, Sam Jenkins-Shaw, and a sailor. After some dialogue Anna sung her first song. It was immediately apparent that Helen George had superbly grasped the role of Anna her dialogue and her sublime singing being a testament to that.

The story went on with the appearance of Kralahome, Kok-Hwa Lie, the Kings Prime Minister to meet Anna and conduct her to the Palace where she was to be quartered much to her disgust as she had been promised her own house. I was to be two weeks before Kralahome brought her before the King.

When the King first appeared on stage it was obvious that Darren Lee had also grasped his part as the King to the n’th degree. He was wonderfully masterful and arrogant as he strutted about the stage, but also including some comedic moments. A superb choice to play the King!

Then came the children being introduced to Anna. They too were superb and played their parts perfectly from the oldest to the youngest. It is said that you should never act with animals and children and this was a prime example. These children stole the show and would have softened the hearts of the most hard hearted person!

I should also mention that the parts of Lady Thiang and Prince Chulalongkorn were excellently played by Cezarah Bonner and Caleb Legayan respectively,

The storyline continued and followed the original version, which many people will know, the acting, dancing and singing being of the highest standard one could expect. Indeed every song was given a rousing round of applause which was well deserved.

The storyline also included the romance of Tuptim, who was played by Marrienella Phillips, a slave from Burma being given to the King as a junior wife but who was in love with Lun Tha, Dean John-Wilson, a scholar who followed her from Burma, was a running part of the show, with them meeting secretly and planning their escape from Siam. Again the acting and singing of both parties was superb!

I should also mention the play put on for a visiting British envoy, Sir Edward Ramsay, played by Sam Jenkins-Shaw, which was a Siamese version of uncle Tom’s Cabin. The adaption using Siamese costumes and vernacular was amazing and a sight to behold.

In conclusion I would recommend a visit to this show which ended, justifiably in my opinion, with a standing ovation, well worth the 5 stars I have given it

FOURTH WALL LIVE ANNOUNCES

TONY AWARD WINNER

ALEX NEWELL

LIVE AT CADOGAN HALL

SUNDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2024

FOURTH WALL LIVE is delighted to announce star of stage and screen ALEX NEWELL live at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 1 September 2024 at 2:30pm and 6.30pm. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday 6 February at www.fw-live.com and www.cadoganhall.com

Alex Newell first garnered attention on screen in FOX’s critically acclaimed series GLEE as transgender student, Wade “Unique” Adams. Breaking barriers and challenging gender norms at a time when the conversation around gender identity was not widely accepted, Alex has remained one of the leaders in the quest for equality. In 2023, Alex made history as the first non-binary identifying actor to win a Tony award for Best Featured Actor for their role as Lulu in Broadway’s Shucked. In their second turn on the Broadway stage, a follow up to their time in the Tony winning Once On This Island, Alex yet again draws raves nightly with their standout solo Independently Owned. Alex also has an impressive list of TV credits including Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, along with the Emmy-nominated Christmas special on Roku, as well as Our Kind of People, and Fox’s Empire.

Alex has received several award nominations including Critics Choice, Gold Derby, Screen Actors Guild, and Hollywood Critics Association. While part of the cast of Once On This Island,Alex earned a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album and won a Tony for Best Revival of a Musical, also later receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album for Shucked.

FOURTH WALL LIVE is an entertainment company that produces events, concerts and on-stage shows. In January 2022, FWL presented Bonnie and Clyde The Musical In Concert for two nights to a sold-out audience at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, starring Broadway favourite Jeremy Jordan. The concert broke Drury Lane box office records selling out a two-night run in less than six minutes. 

In recent months, Fourth Wall Live have been nominated for 3 WhatsOnStage awards in the Best Concert Event category for Ariana DeBose’s sold out European concert at the London Palladium and gala concerts Evita and Love Never Dies at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Fourth Wall Live have also recently presented Audra McDonald at the London Palladium, Jeremy Jordan at Theatre Royal Drury Lane and both Rachel Tucker and Stephanie J Block at Cadogan Hall. FWL regularly presents concerts featuring stars of the West End and Broadway including Keala Settle, Sierra Boggess, Matthew Morrison and Hannah Waddingham among others.

Fourth Wall Live is also a producer of the WhatsOnStage Award winning Bonnie & Clyde The Musical which recently ended its successful run at the Garrick Theatre in London’s West End.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Sunday 1 September

Cadogan Hall

5 Sloane Terrace

London 

SW1X 9DQ

Performances: 2:30pm & 6.30pm

Tickets: From £18

Box Office: 020 7730 4500

Website: www.fw-live.com and www.cadoganhall.com

Instagram: @thealexnewell

X: @thealexnewell
TikTok: @thealexnewell

UNFORTUNATE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF URSULA THE SEA WITCH
BEGINS ITS UK TOUR AT THE LOWRY FOLLOWING ITS TRIUMPHANT LONDON RUN

The Lowry, Salford

Thursday 22 February – Saturday 2 March 2024

PRESENTED BY LAURA ELMES FOR WILDPARK ENTERTAINMENT, RUNAWAY ENTERTAINMENT, THE VAULTS AND DIANNE ROBERTS

BOOK AND LYRICS BY ROBYN GRANT & DANIEL FOXX AND MUSIC BY TIM GILVIN

Critically acclaimed musical parody Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch embarks on a tour across the UK, that starts at The Lowry, Salford from Thursday 22 February – Saturday 2 March 2024.

With an original hot pop soundtrack and trademark filthy humour, the show follows Disney Diva Ursula as she gives her take on what really happened all those years ago under the sea. Unfortunate tours across the UK, from 22nd February until 14th July 2024 – coming off the back of a phenomenal 10-week London run, with rave reviews and six Off West End Theatre Award nominations – one of the highest for any show in the past year.

Shawna Hamic (Orange is the New Black, 1776 on Broadway) leads the cast as Ursula, opposite Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star River Medway as Ariel. They are joined by Thomas Lowe (Triton), Allie Dart (Sebastian), Jamie Mawson (Eric), Julian Capolei (Grimsby) and Corrina Buchan, Jack Gray, Jamie McKillop and Milly Willows in the ensemble. Casting is by Sarah Leung CDG.

Cruella told her side, and Maleficent’s had her moment. Now the legendary queer queen is ready to spill, in this tell-all tale of sex, sorcery and suckers. With a new script and production, the latest version of this hit show is bigger, bolder and sexier than ever before. It’s time to take the plunge and dive into this year’s hottest night out.

The smash-hit show is written by Robyn Grant (who also directs) and Daniel Foxx, with music, arrangements and orchestrations by Tim Gilvin. The musical features set, costume and puppet design by Abby Clarke, choreography by Melody Sinclair, additional orchestrations and music production by Nikki Davison and Joe Davison for Auburn Jam, musical supervision and direction by Arlene McNaught, associate musical supervision by Rachel Murphy, lighting design by Adam King, content sound design by Lucy Baker-Swinburn, system sound design by Oscar Thompson and Will Thompson, flying and effects by John Maddox for Suspended Illusions, make-up design by Maya Lewis and Christina Semertzaki, intimacy and fight direction by Claire Llewellyn for RC-Annie, production management by Titch Gosling, assistant direction by Stephenson Ardern-Sodje and Eliza Beth Stephens, costume supervision by Sian Clare, prop supervision by Freya Espie and puppets built by Aled Williams. The band is completed by Dejeanté Hinks on guitar and Becky Slater on drums.

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch is at The Lowry, Salford from Thursday 22 February – Saturday 2 March 2024. For more information and tickets visit www.thelowry.com.

JLS STAR ASTON MERRYGOLD

IS OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD AS THE TIN MAN IN

ASTON WILL REJOIN HIS FRIENDS AS THE ICONIC CHARACTER IN

BRISTOL, MANCHESTER, BIRMINGHAM AND CARDIFF

THE TOUR ALSO STARS AT SELECT DATES

JASON MANFORD who reprises his London Palladium role as

THE COWARDLY LION for TWO WEEKS only in MANCHESTER

CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD and THE VIVIENNE as THE WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST

GARY WILMOT, ALLAN STEWART and ALEX BOURNE as THE WIZARD

ALONGSIDE

AVIVA TULLEY as DOROTHY

BENJAMIN YATES as THE SCARECROW

NIC GREENSHIELDS as THE COWARDLY LION

EMILY BULL as GLINDA THE GOOD WITCH

With ABIGAIL MATTHEWS as TOTO

WHO ALL PERFORM ACROSS THE TOUR

www.wizardofozmusical.com

Michael Harrison and the Really Useful Group are today delighted to announce that JLS star Aston Merrygold will reprise his celebrated role as The Tin Man at select dates across the Wizard of Oz’s UK and Ireland tour. Having recently delighted audiences and critics alike in a magical Christmas season at the Liverpool Empire, Aston rejoins the tour for dates at the Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol, 2 – 7 April; Palace Theatre, Manchester, 24 Apr – 5 May; Hippodrome Theatre, Birmingham 11 – 16 June and Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff, 23 – 28 July 2024.

The new musical, based on the iconic story by L. Frank Baum is currently touring following an acclaimed run at the world-famous London Palladium in 2023. To book tickets and for information about specific casting at all UK and Ireland tour venues, go to www.wizardofozmusical.com.

Aston Merrygold (The Tin Man) joins previously announced principal company members performing at select dates across the tour including: award-winning comedian and musical theatre star, Jason Manford who will reprise his role as The Cowardly Lion (Manchester only), Strictly Come Dancing star Craig Revel Horwood and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and Dancing on Ice finalist The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West with Gary Wilmot (The Prince Of Egypt, Anything Goes), Allan Stewart (Stones in His Pockets, West End, UK Tour, Toronto; STV Hello, Good Evening, Welcome) and Alex Bourne (Annie, West End, UK Tour, Toronto; Hairspray, UK Tour) as The Wizard.

Aston says: “Performing as The Tin Man was so much fun. And working with such an incredible cast was an absolute pleasure. I can’t want to come back to such spectacular venues and to perform with this ridiculously talented lot again!”

Aston Merrygold became known for his incredible stage presence during his time with X Factor formed band JLS, who went on to sell out countless arena tours and sell over 10 million records, including five Number 1 hits and numerous awards. Whilst the band took a seven-year break, Aston made strides in his career appearing on the West End, Strictly Come Dancing and released his platinum debut single ‘Get Stupid’ and most recently ‘Overboard’ and ‘Share a Coke’. JLS made their comeback last year and performed to sold-out arenas all over the UK and Ireland.

Aston has continued to remain at the forefront of entertainment, becoming a judge on the Sky 1 talent show, Got To Dance. He was also unmasked as Robin in the Semi Finals of the 2020/2021 series of Masked Singer UK and joined the cast of CBBC’s comedy drama, ‘Almost Never’, playing Jordan, the new manager of ‘The Wonderland’. Most recently, Aston was a panelist on the Masked Singer Live tour across the UK and starred as Willard in Footloose the Musical last summer. At Christmas, Aston delighted packed houses and critic alike as he performed the iconic role of The Tin Man in the Liverpool Empire’s festive season of The Wizard of Oz, where the tour opened.

Principal company members appearing at all venues are: Aviva Tulley (Book of Mormon, UK Tour) as Dorothy, Benjamin Yates (ITV’s Emmerdale; Jersey Boys, West End) as The Scarecrow, Nic Greenshields (Love Never Dies West End; Les Misérables West End, International Tour) as The Cowardly Lion, Emily Bull (9 to 5, UK Tour; Matilda UK Tour) as Glinda The Good Witch and Abigail Matthews as Toto (Bleak Expectations, West End; War Horse, West End).

The company is completed by: David Burrows, Adam Craig, Cole Dunn, Tyler Ephraim, Olivia Kate Holding, Thomas Kalek, Sadie Levett, Kelsie-Rae Marshall, Martin McCarthy, Rose Ouellette, Fanja Parent, Alexandra Regan, Nathan Routledge and Sydney Spencer.

Craig Revel Horwood will perform as The Wicked Witch of the West at Grand Opera House, Belfast; Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin; Milton Keynes Theatre;Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff, where the role of The Wizard will be played by Alex Bourne. Craig is joined by Allan Stewart as The Wizard at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking; Hippodrome Theatre, Birmingham; King’s Theatre, Glasgowand His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen.

The Vivienne will appear at the Liverpool Empire as The Wicked Witch of the West alongside Alex Bourne as The Wizard, then touring to New Theatre, Oxford; Mayflower Theatre, Southampton; New Theatre, Hull; Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield; Theatre Royal, Plymouth; Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol; Theatre Royal, Nottingham; Grand Theatre, Wolverhamptonand the Empire Theatre, Sunderland.

The Vivienne will be joined by Gary Wilmot as The Wizard at the following dates: Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury; Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh; Cliffs Pavilion Southend; Theatre Royal, Norwich; Venue Cymru, Llandudno; Wimbledon New Theatre and the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford and by Allan Stewart as The Wizard at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle.

Jason Manford joins The Vivienne (The Wicked Witch of the West) and Allan Stewart (The Wizard) at the Manchester Palace for two-weeks only next spring where he will reprise his celebrated role as The Cowardly Lion. Across the rest of the tour, the role will be played by Nic Greenshields.

Join Dorothy, Toto and friends on an unforgettable adventure down the yellow brick road to the merry old land of Oz.

Featuring the iconic original score from the Oscar-winning MGM film, including Over The Rainbow, Follow The Yellow Brick Road and We’re Off To See the Wizard – with additional songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice – this spectacular production will be a truly magical experience for all the family.

The Wizard of Oz on tour is presented Michael Harrison, Gavin Kalin Productions, David Mirvish, Crossroads Live, Nick Thomas, Rupert Gavin and Mallory Factor, Jake Hine and Playing Field, by arrangement with the Really Useful Group Ltd.

Presented by Phil McIntyre Live

JOHN CLEESE’S FAWLTY TOWERS

TO PREMIERE ON THE WEST END STAGE

TICKETS ON SALE

WEDNESDAY 7 FEBRUARY AT 10.00AM

FROM FAWLTYTOWERSWESTEND.COM

Fifty years since it was first recorded at BBC Television Centre in 1974, the “greatest British sitcom of all time” (Radio Times) Fawlty Towers, has been adapted for the West End stage by comedy legend John Cleese and will premiere at London’s Apollo Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue on Wednesday 15 May (previews from 4 May).

Cleese, who co-wrote the original TV series with Connie Booth and starred as the inimitable Basil Fawlty, has written a two-hour play based on three of the original TV episodes – ‘The Hotel Inspector’ and ‘The Germans’ from series one and ‘Communication Problems’ from series two. Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday 7 February at 10.00am, from FawltyTowersWestend.com.

John Cleese says: “What a thrill to be bringing Fawlty Towers to the West End for the first time – nearly 50 years since the show was first recorded, in December 1974. We’ve been involved in the casting process for some time, being constantly reminded of what a wealth of acting talent we have in Britain – sorting the very, very, very good from the merely very, very good. Finally, we assembled a top-class group of comedy actors who will bring the show to the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. I’ve adapted three of my favourite episodes for the stage and written one huge finale, which will bring together the endings of all three episodes. So here we are, all the way from Torquay, via the old BBC Television Centre, to the West End! I do hope some of you will come to the Apollo to laugh together. And laugh. And laugh………”

Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger (Only Fools and Horses The Musical & Monty Python Live), John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers will bring many of the beloved sitcom characters to life on stage for an unmissable evening of hilarity: Basil played by Adam Jackson-Smith; Sybil played by Anna-Jane Casey; Manuel played by Hemi Yeroham; Polly played by Victoria Fox; The Major played by Paul Nicholas; Mrs Richards played by Rachel Izen; Mr Hutchinson/German guest played by Steven Meo; Miss Tibbs played by Kate Russell-Smith; Miss Gatsby played by Nicola Sanderson; Mr Thurston/German guest played by Greg Haiste; Mr Walt / Dr Finn played by Danny Bayne; Taxi Driver/ Mr Firkins / Mr Kerr / Mr Sharp played by Neil Stuart, German guest played by Emma Fenney and Hotel Guests: Mia Austen, John Hasler, Dale Superville. Completing our company of players are Ben Jacobson and Suzy Bloom.

Following a tip off that hotel inspectors may be visiting and eager to impress, Basil attempts to ingratiate himself with guests that he suspects are there to critique the establishment. The situation is further plagued by a party of Germans, the deaf and dotty guest-from-hell, Mrs Richards, whose infuriating complaints prevent him from hiding a gambling win from his ever vigilant and bossy wife, Sybil. Together they run their hotel with a little help from the unflappable Polly, and very little help at all from Manuel, the trainee waiter from Barcelona who is the butt of Fawlty’s frustration.

Fawlty Towers was first broadcast on BBC Two on 19 September 1975. The iconic TV show went on to win many awards and plaudits including two BAFTAS for Best Situation Comedy and in 2000 it was voted the best British programme of all time in a British Film Institute poll. Set in a fictional hotel in the seaside town of Torquay, just 12 half hour episodes of the iconic comedy were made.

The sitcom is based on a real-life hotel owner, Donald Sinclair. John Cleese came up with the idea for the character of Basil Fawlty when he stayed at Sinclair’s Gleneagles Hotel in Torquay and became fascinated with his incredibly rude behaviour.

The creative team includes:

Written by John Cleese & Connie Both

Adapted for the stage by John Cleese

Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger

Set & Costume Designer – Liz Ascroft

Lighting Designer – Ian Scott

Casting Director – Anne Vosser

Assistant Director – Denise Ranger

Resident Director – Chris Kiely

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue

First Performance: 4 May 2024

Booking Until: 28 September 2024

Performances: Tuesday – Saturday at 7:30pm. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinee at 2:30pm

Website: FawltyTowersWestend.com

Instagram @FawltyTowersWestEnd

Facebook: @FawltyTowersWestend

X: @FawltyTowersWE

The Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 3rd February 2024

Reviewed by Daniel Wood

4****

We hopped on our brooms and flew over to Sheffield to see The Wizard of Oz. But does it soar, or crash and burn like a house in a twister?

Direct from The London Palladium, this production by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group is embarking on a major UK tour.

The large cast and crew work hard to bring new magic and energy to this well-worn road. Aviva Tulley’s Dorothy is believable and sincere, and she captures the innocence of a lost girl trying to find her way home. Stunning vocals too.

UK Drag Race winner The Vivienne dons the green slap as The Witch of the West. A smart casting choice, she relishes every moment and truly puts the wicked in Wicked Witch. The Vivienne looks incredible and is also a vocal powerhouse and strong performer – Red Shoes Blues in Act Two is a showstopper. She also nails the evil laugh without venturing into panto territory.

Nice-but-dim Scarecrow (Benjamin Yates) is effortlessly likeable and adds some comic relief. Nic Greenshields plays the Cowardly Lion with a nod to the MGM film role, and gets some of the biggest laughs with his cowardly capering as the big scaredy-cat. There’s nothing clunky about Marley Fenton’s Tin Man either, he puts the cool in ‘coolant’ with slick modern dance moves. The motley trio aren’t rusty when it comes to vocals; all three can sing well and have plenty of opportunity to shine.

Alex Bourne’s Wizard (and Professor Marvel in Kansas) is full of eccentric charm, and I think could make a good Willy Wonka! All the ensemble performers also have plenty of energy, and some snappy costume changes.

Special mention must go to Toto, portrayed through precise puppetry by Tyler Ephraim. Every woof, wag and scamper is pure pooch perfection. Real dogs in other productions always get the ‘ahh factor’ but puppetry works a (dog) treat here.

A giant screen features video throughout the production, with mixed results and graphics reminiscent of dated videogames. At its best, projection helps create a dramatic tornado complete with flying cows and a spinning house. At its worst, it leaves the stage looking bare, becoming overused and too often relied upon. The Witch’s watery demise is also underwhelming, this iconic moment could use a little more inventive stage trickery.

Overall though, this is a show with plenty of polish and pizzazz. The costumes are colourful and wonderfully realised, especially The Wicked Witch’s ensemble which perfectly blends elegance and evil. The lighting design dazzles, I was especially impressed with the illuminated yellow brick road which is seamlessly manoeuvred around in sections.

The live band adds a real richness to the score, often loud but only occasionally overpowering the vocals. All the film favourites are here such as Follow the Yellow Brick Road and We’re Off to See the Wizard, but often with a twist. Somewhere Over the Rainbow is a highlight, delivered beautifully by Tulley. Additional songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice are fun, if a little forgettable.

With tickets up to £60, entrance to The Emerald City doesn’t come cheap. However, the show attracts big names with The Vivienne, and comedian Jason Manford returning as the Lion later. The Wizard of Oz has all the trappings of a big West End production, even if some of the effects could use a few squirts of oil.

Family friendly? There are a few bangs, creepy flying monkeys, and a boomingly loud computerised wizard that could scare young theatregoers. For the most part though, this is colourful family fun with plenty of toe-tapping numbers! Wonderful.

The Peacock Theatre, London – until 3rd February 2024

Reviewed by Ava Clarkson

4****

Tess is an adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s classic novel, Tess of the D’Urbervilles. It has been adapted and directed by Alex Harvey and Charlotte Mooney and It is performed by Ockhams Razor, a contemporary circus troupe who combine theatre, physical performance and circus style stunts and contemporary dance.

The Peacock Theatre in Londons West End, is a large venue which hosts a range of different performances under the banner of ‘Sadlers Wells in the West End’. Sadlers Wells invites and hosts dance performances at this historic site, which boasts the first (identified) woman to tread the boards of a London theatre, on 8 December 1660, in a performance of Othello. This makes The Peacock the perfect venue for contemporary and daring new ideas.

The stage is minimal, with hanging cloth and wooden boards. The cast too only consists of 7 performers. We have the scene set by one of two Tess Durbeyfields on stage, our narrator for the evening Macadie Amorosco. Narrator Tess watches with us and talks us through the journey as we move through the Wessex Countryside. The performance is true to the story and shows Tess’s struggles through her short life and explores privilege, class, poverty, desires and friendship. The story weaves over the stage as the cast jump, spin, flip and throw themselves around the boards. There are structures built in front of our eyes, the whole cast climb and balance along planks of wood and all over each other. Ockhams Razor has a history of showing the strength and capability of the female form and it is shown throughout this performance.

The villain of the night, Alec Durbeyfield played by Joshua Frazer looms over Tess. His performance on the Cyr Wheel in which he encircles Tess is amazing and one of the highlights of the show. The hero and love interest Angel Clare is played by Nat Whittingham and shows a lighter side to the show with Tess’s friends fawning and literally falling over themselves to get his attention.

The play is told in 7 chapters. The harrowing and emotional parts of the play such as the rape of the innocent Tess, the burial of her infant son and indeed her demise by hanging, are told beautifully and carefully. The music which accompanies these moments is haunting and the illustrative backdrop by Daniel Denton brings the atmosphere to the otherwise sparse stage.

The play’s run time is 2 hours 30 minutes with one interval. There are times throughout when the plank movement and acrobatics seem very laboured and similar. This makes the performance feel much longer than it could have been. The acoustics and speeches from our narrator were sometimes hard to hear and chunks of the story were sadly missed because of this. Despite this, you can see that this is groundbreaking and challenging, showing how the world of contemporary dance and classic literature come together. The dance is hard, thumping and meaningful. The performers use their bodies to show the physicality of how hard Tess’s life was and her experiences of desire, her heroism and the pure emotion of such a classic piece of literature. All in all, a very different performance to remember.

Following the run at The peacock, Tess is about to embark on a tour all around the UK. All tour info can be found here: https://ockhamsrazor.co.uk/tess