Credit and copyright: Helen Murray www.helenmurrayphotos.com
With the heatwaves and downpours that London has been experiencing, the dystopian near future in which The Trials is set doesn’t seem so far off. Dawn King’s play uses a jury of tween and teenagers to decide the fate of the dinosaurs (grown ups) who have retroactively exceeded carbon limits and economic barriers.
As a Donmar Local production, many of the young company are making their professional debuts, holding their own alongside the likes of Nigel Lindsay, Lucy Cohu, and Sharon Small who play the adult defendants on trial. Lindsay, Cohu and Small all deliver powerful monologues explaining their parts in the climate crisis, behaviours that included eating meat, owning two cars (even if one of them is electric), simply not trying hard enough to combat climate change, and working for an oil company. The jury has to discuss the individual cases and decide if they are guilty of past crimes. A decision which seems too big for anyone, and yet these kids are articulate having faced loss and illness themselves in recent times due to climate change. They butt heads over the ethical, economical, and emotional arguments for and against what they are doing and what the defendants have done. A climate change based moral maze.
The young voices were led by a particularly strong Honor Kneafsey playing Ren, the elected head juror who faces a heart-wrenching decision. Another standout was Francis Dourado as Mohammad, the only critic of the system in which they find themselves, and Charlie Reid as Tomaz, a restless teen who is overheating and wants fresh air and to taste bacon again. The young cast work well together and find a good rhythm, dancing around each other; arguing, coughing, reminiscing about snow.
The lighting, sound design, and use of video by Jal Morjaria, Xana, and Nina Dunn respectively, during the testimonies brings the play together and helps add tension. The use of a simple set with a backdrop made of piled up benches and chairs acted like a climbing frame, and was a reminder that these were kids and not adult jurors sitting in a courtroom.
At the end, I walked away thinking about my own impact on the earth and I am simultaneously filled with a sense of impending doom and hope for the future. The Trials creates a space to pause and reflect, and to be accountable for our own actions towards halting the climate crisis.
Wimbledon New Theatre, Wimbledon – until 20th August 2022
Reviewed by Bobbi Fenton
5*****
‘Footloose’, based on the film of the same name, is an absolutely incredible musical, about a small town in America and their struggle to recover from a five-year-old tragedy.
The small town of Bomont becomes the new hometown for Ren (Joshua Hawkins) and his Mother, Ethel (Wendy Paver). However, Ren soon discovers that for the last five years, dancing has been against the law, following the death of four teenagers on their way home from a dance. The town Reverend, Shaw Moore (Darren Day) had influenced the people living in the town to create this law as a way of honouring the deaths of these teenagers, one of which being his son. When Ren starts to try to change this law, after getting the senior year class on side, Reverend Moore is furious, and forbids his daughter Ariel (Lucy Munden) from seeing him. The show has a very happy ending, though, which will have you out of your seat and dancing along with the characters.
Featuring brilliant 80’s songs, performed by an extremely talented cast, this musical is guaranteed to have you dancing along to the music in your seat. These songs are performed by remarkable actors, with the music being played live on stage with instruments such as a flute, a clarinet, drums, and guitars. Not forgetting the performance by Aston Merrygold as Willard, who manages to perfectly balance the hilarious comedic aspect of the character, as well as powerful vocals during his song ‘Mama says (you can’t back down)’. Merrygold’s performance is bound to have you crying with laughter, especially during his awkward interactions between himself and Rusty (Oonagh Cox), who is hysterically funny during these moments.
This show is truly brilliant, and an absolute must see for everyone. You will definitely not regret it.
Assembly George Square Gardens (Palais Du Variete), Venue 3 – until 18th August 2022
Reviewed By Marcus
5*****
With how saturated the fringe is, there is so much variety to see. From hilarious standup comedians to stellar sopranos. Is it possible to find all of it in one show? Believe me when I tell you that yes, it absolutely is. Jinkx Monsoon and Major Scales deliver all of that, and then some in She’s Still Got It, and I’ve still got the songs in my head!
Now you’re probably thinking “I know that name”, and if you’re a raging queer like myself, you would know that she won a small series called Rupaul’s Drag Race. Not once but twice, being the first ever queen to do so. With her second win, Jinkx is now hailed as the QUEEN OF ALL QUEENS. Seems like a big title to live up to. I like to think after my many years of reviewing and working in theatre, that I have a good eye for seeing amazing performers. Someone who is professional, present, and passionate. Jinkx is one of those people who should give a master class on the art of performance, being one of the greatest drag queens of all time.
Major Scales, while nowhere near as famous as Jinkx (which in truth is a huge oversight on the part of the general public), is just as exemplary as an artist. Writing songs and working on creating the show. It’s very interesting to look at how Major Scales worked on stage, by boosting Jinkx up and supporting them, yet also finding their own moments to shine as a performer.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching the show, with a double vodka coke in one hand, and the other being used to wipe tears of laughter from my face. This is not just a drag show, this is a masterpiece of performance.
We were fortunate to go see the opening night of the Windsor summer season of shows beginning with ‘Dial M for Murder’, the play written by Frederick Knott. What a thoroughly enjoyable experience from start to finish. The opening scene beginning in a starkly dressed Maida Vale flat from which we never left, some haunting background noise setting the dark tone, and the entertainment left entirely to the fantastic actors who created the atmosphere and told the story admirably. Like a book we can’t put down, we are still discussing the story even today.
It begins with Margot and Max, played by Carley Stenson and George Banks who seemed to have a secret thing for each other, which it turned out was just their exemplary acting as part of the story. The story is interrupted by Tony, played by Ben Nealon, a boundless extravagance of a man with no shame or guilt, and yet strangely very likeable, who begins the twists and turns of the story and sets about plan for a murder. Cue Captain Lesgate, played by Gary Webster, a man who’s never been too far from the wrong side of the law and would gladly oblige Tony for the right amount of money.
And here the story twists, again and again, right through the second act when we are introduced to our ‘could-be hero’, the flat footed Detective Inspector Hubbard, played by Paul Nicholls with his calm but irritating manner and subtle diversions introducing yet more twists to the story – but hey it’s a murder mystery play, and in that it sticks to the genre admirably.
All in all, some extraordinary acting, and a wonderfully twisting story made this a thoroughly enjoyable evening in Windsor. We might even go back for seconds, but the show finishes on 27th August, so we have to hurry.
Southampton Mayflower – until Saturday 20 August 2022
Reviewed by Alexandra Browning
4****
‘We Will Rock You’ The Musical is a unique take on an eclectic mix of Queen’s top hits that will make you go GaGa.
As the curtains lift you are transported to a futuristic land where the evil Killer Queen (Jennifer O’Leary) rules over a controlled society. She is a mix of AI and person hellbent on creating the perfect dictatorship of music on the IPlanet. Gaga school graduates are all formed to be one and the same and two alternative students are sent to be processed, after wanting to “Break Free” Galileo (Damien Walsh**), and the soon to be named Scaramouche (Elena Skye) go on a discovery journey and bump into the Bohemians.
Leading the medley of Bohemians is Cliff Richard (Michael Mckell) with help and support from Meat Loaf (Martina Ciabatti Mennell). Meat Loaf steals the show with several of Queens biggest hits and a bold and powerful voice, she single handedly encouraged the biggest round of applause. With their Harley Davison in till they travel, the seven seas of Rhye, to the wonders of Wembley Stadium, with nothing but the vibes and the dreamer they manage to conjure up the last- ever- musical- instrument!!!
During a mega boss battle Galileo and Scaramouche defeat the Killer Queen and lock her away for good. The battle features all their strong voices and makes for a fantastic rendition of “We Will Rock You”, swiftly changing to “We are the Champions” to mark their victories.
The show has an excellent mix of Rock and Roll costumes to a more Steampunk vibe for the Killer Queen ensemble. The set is inspired by a futuristic planet with remnants of the world as it currently is and was, including a vee-dio tappe (video tape) with clips of the sacred Bohemian Rhapsody. Special mentions go to both Meat Loaf, Mennell, and Killer Queen, O’Leary as they had incredibly strong voices and captured the audience during both of their solo stage moments.
The encore of Bohemian Rhapsody leave the audience to join in for the last number singing the cult classic as an entire venue. Overall it’s a great show that leaves you humming Queen tracks all the way home.
**Also played at alternative shows by Ian Macintosh
PLAY CHRONICLES THE BAND’S STORY AND SEVENTIES MUSIC SCENE
NEW DAWN FADES AT CITY CENTRE VENUE ON 14 SEPTEMBER 2022
A stage play documenting the story of 1970s band Joy Division is embarking on an Autumn tour to mark its 10th anniversary – and includes a return to Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre.
New Dawn Fades: A Play About Joy Division And Manchester is the story of four ordinary lads who, inspired by the punk revolution of 1970s Manchester, came together to form one of the most influential bands of all time.
New Dawn Fades: A Play About Joy Division And Manchester comes to The Epstein Theatre for one performance only on Wednesday 14 September 2022 at 8pm. Tickets are on sale now.
The Epstein Theatre is Grade II Listed and located in the heart of Liverpool city centre, it was named after the legendary gay Beatles’ manager and ‘Fifth Beatle’ Brian Epstein.
To celebrate a decade of the stage production, the show is embarking on a tour this Autumn and also marks more than 40 years since the release of Joy Division’s debut album Unknown Pleasures in 1979.
The show was previously staged at The Epstein in 2015. As part of its Autumn 2022 tour, it will also visit venues in Sheffield, Chorley, Bury, and Huddersfield – before concluding at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, the show’s biggest venue to date.
New Dawn Fades: A Play About Joy Division And Manchester is brought to the stage by Manchester production company All Roads Meet, with executive producer Nina Whiteman. It is directed by Sean Mason and Giles D Bastow, who have been an integral part of the show since its smash-hit debut in 2013, they are also part of the cast.
Sean Mason is a writer, director, actor, and improviser based in Salford. He is thrilled to be back once again for another tour of New Dawn Fades. Stage credits include adaptations of classic sitcoms Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads, Rising Damp, and Jack Rosenthal’s Hot Fat. Most recently he was involved in Sitcom Stories, a night of short plays inspired by the drama behind the scenes of our most beloved sitcoms. As well as performing, he also teaches media and performance skills at the University of Salford.
Giles D Bastow is a visual artist, performer, director, film maker and designer, whose work includes the audio drama Everyman – A Celebration of Patrick McGoohan and The Prisoner, and music videos for the cult band Evil Blizzard.
Cast members include Joe Walsh as Ian Curtis; Leah Gray-Scaife as Deborah Curtis; Alan Donohoe as Tony Wilson; Bill Bradshaw as Peter Hook; Matthew Melbourne as Stephen Morris; Sean Mason as Martin Hannett, Paul Morley, and Frederich Engels; and Giles D Bastow as Joy Division’s iconic manager Rob Gretton – some of whom have been with the production since the very start 10 years ago.
Written by Brian Gorman, the play is based on his graphic novel of the same title and was an instant hit when it debuted at Manchester’s The Lass O’Gowrie pub in 2013. This latest re-staging promises the same Mancunian energy that has had audiences rising to their feet for standing ovations, and many music fans returning to see the show.
Co-directed Sean Mason commented: “We can’t wait to bring this iconic story back to the stage. It’s about more than just the music and the memories, it’s about capturing a moment in time and a movement that gave voice to ordinary people, demanding to be heard.”
In 1976 four young men are inspired by the Sex Pistols gig at Manchester Lesser Free Trade Hall, they go on to form a new post-punk band that would eventually morph into Joy Division, with lead singer Ian Curtis stunning audiences with his visionary lyrics and mesmerising stage performances. They sign for Manchester’s ground-breaking Factory Records under the leadership of legendary impresario Tony Wilson, producing two all-time classic albums before tragedy struck.
The show is a thrilling rollercoaster ride through a turbulent and hugely creative post-punk era, with a sparkling array of colourful and memorable characters. The character of Tony Wilson narrates, and takes audiences on a breath-taking whistle stop tour of 2,000 years of Mancunian history, uncovering the surprising influences on Joy Division’s music – from Roman General Julius Agricola and Frederich Engels, through to Dr John Dee and many more.
The iconic album Unknown Pleasures was recorded while the band were rehearsing at Tony Davidson’s legendary studios on Little Peter Street in the late 1970s, alongside many of the city’s upcoming bands including The Fall, Buzzcocks, V2, The Drones, and Mick Hucknall. Many of those colourful characters – and their acclaimed music – appear in the show which captures the spirit and energy of the era. Drawing from the history of the city, oral history from those on that were there, and Curtis’ haunting lyrics, the play explores the local and cultural influences on the band with humour and heart.
The result is a spellbinding journey of love, passion, progress, grief and music, drawing inspiration from the enigmatic lyrics of Ian Curtis, with a soundtrack featuring live performances of his beloved tracks.
“A spellbinding and brilliant play about one of the greatest bands of all time.
I totally urge anyone left out there who believes in music to go and see it.”
John Robb, Louder Than War
“New Dawn Fades is more than a play about Joy Division; it’s about Manchester, friendship,
love and heartbreak…it’s clear this is a piece full of energy.”
Tracey Lowe, The Good Review
“I was crying. It was very emotional at the end. It captured everything perfectly. I loved it.
It had everything – the music and the emotion…there was such a buzz in the building.”
Rowetta, Happy Mondays
The Epstein Theatre Box Office open hours are now suspended for the Summer. It will be open for one hour before a performance for in-person bookings on performance days only.
Telephone bookings: 0844 888 9991 (calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge)
In person: During Summer, The Epstein Theatre Box Office is open for one hour before a performance on performance days only. Please note there is a £1 per ticket transaction fee when booking in person at the box office.
Underbelly’s star-studded Big Brain Tumour Benefit has raised over £32,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity
Underbelly matched the £15,000 ticket income from the packed event to double the donations to The Brain Tumour Charity along with over £2,000 in donations on the night.
Comedy stars Jason Byrne (MC), John Bishop, Maisie Adam, Rhys Nicholson, Michael Akadiri, Phil Wang, Jessica Fostekew and Danny Bhoy came together on 16 August for a special charity gig at McEwan Hall to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity – the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally.
The Underbelly Big Brain Tumour Benefit 2022 has raised over £32,000 inspired by seven-year-old Alfie Bartlam, son of Underbelly Director Ed and his wife Lucinda, who died of a brain tumour in 2019.
100% of the £15,000 of ticket income goes straight to The Brain Tumour Charity. During the event, Ed Bartlam confirmed that Underbelly will match every penny of the box office income. This along with an additional £2,000 in donations, brings the final total raised to over £32,000.
Underbelly has now raised nearly £132,000 for this important cause from these benefits alone – in addition to their ongoing support of The Charity year-round. For those who’d still like to contribute to this important cause, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/braintumourbenefit.
Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder said: “The Brain Tumour Charity is an incredibly important cause to support. Underbelly is proud to have raised over £32,000 and will continue to spread the word and raise as much as possible towards this under-funded and important work.
As I said to the incredible audience, the money raised will go towards a specific paediatric treatment trial in Cambridge that has the genuine potential to turn the tide for some particularly aggressive brain tumours in children.
I thank the amazing acts that performed this evening, everyone in the audience for their unflinching support and would encourage everyone to dig deep and consider making a donation via our JustGiving page.”
Gina Almond, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at The Brain Tumour Charity, said:“We are so proud of our continued partnership and loyal support from Underbelly and it is just brilliant that the Big Brain Tumour Benefit has returned this year; such a welcome return after the pandemic. Our brilliant partnerships are key to raising vital funds for research and awareness of the devastating impact of a brain tumour.
“Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 and they reduce life expectancy by 27 years, the highest of any cancer and this must change. The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts with a goal of doubling survival rates and halving the harm that brain tumours have on quality of life – and it is only through the support from so many people like Ed, Charlie and the brilliant Underbelly team that we can strive towards those goals.
“It’s fantastic that the Big Brain Tumour Benefit has returned this year and been able to raise £32,000 for The Charity. Thank you all for your incredible support.”
Research into brain tumours is severely underfunded in the UK and yet represents the biggest cancer killer for under 40s. Around 500 children and young people in the UK are diagnosed each year but diagnosis times of childhood brain tumours are longer in the UK than in many other countries. The Brain Tumour Charity’s new Better Safe Than Tumour campaign aims to raise awareness of the common signs and symptoms in both children and adults and to support the public to get any concerning or persistent symptoms checked out by their doctor
Lawrence Batley Theatre Storytellers ThickSkin have achieved competitive grant from New Play Commission Scheme
Lawrence Batley Theatre’s Storytellers ThickSkin have been awarded grant from Writers Guild of Great Britain’s New Play Commission Scheme following competitive application process.
Image from Blood Harmony, recent co-production between Lawrence Batley Theatre and ThickSkin, photo credit Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
Lawrence Batley Theatre and ThickSkin, have today announced that their latest new play is the recipient of illustrious New Play Commission Scheme. The new play will be written by Billie Collins and produced by bold and ambitious physical theatre company ThickSkin.
Since 2019, Lawrence Batley Theatre have worked in partnership with Manchester’s ThickSkin to explore why we tell stories, how we can reimagine this artform, and what impact those stories can have today. As one of the theatre’s partner Storytelling companies, they create completely new plays for audiences, support new talent and stage world class performances right in the centre of Huddersfield.
Becky Atkinson, Chief Executive of Lawrence Batley Theatre, said, “We are so pleased to be able to continue to work with ThickSkin as one of the theatre’s Storyteller companies. They are an innovative and exciting company with incredible creatives and a real passion for nurturing emerging talent. ThickSkin are so well deserving of this prestigious award. We look forward to welcoming them back to the theatre with this new show.”
Neil Bettles,Artistic Director of ThickSkin, said, “For me it is crucial that we make space for new talent and provide a nurturing environment that allows people to thrive. We will always push for the highest quality, and I firmly believe that developing new talent means setting a high bar whilst also maintaining a supportive and collaborative working environment where people can learn and grow. We can’t wait to explore this new project with Billie.”
Billie Collins said, “I’m buzzing to be working with ThickSkin on this new commission. As an emerging writer, it’s no small thing to be given the space to experiment and take creative risks – and I can’t wait to co-create something totally new with a company whose work is consistently ambitious, bold and innovative.”
ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ANNOUNCE FULL CAST FOR GLOBAL STAGE PREMIERE OF MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO
Today (Wednesday 17 August), Executive Producer Joe Hisaishi and the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) announce the full company for the global stage premiere of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro, opening at the Barbican this Autumn.
The company comprises; Haruka Abe (Yasuko/ Puppeteer), Li-Leng Au (Puppeteer), Boaz Chad (Puppeteer), Nino Furuhata (Kanta/ Puppeteer), Andrew Futaishi (Puppeteer), Zachary Hing (Puppeteer), Susan Momoko Hingley (Miss Hara/ Puppeteer), Yojiro Ichikawa (Puppeteer), Arina Ii (Puppeteer), Haruka Kuroda (Nurse Emiko/ Puppeteer), Marian Lee (Puppeteer), Matthew Leonhart (Puppeteer), Mei Mac (Mei), Aki Nakagawa (Puppeteer), Kanako Nakano (Tsukiko/ Puppeteer), Ami Okumura Jones (Satsuki), Michael Phong Le (Hiroshi/ Puppeteer), Tobi Poster-Su (Puppeteer), Si Rawlinson (Puppeteer), Dai Tabuchi (Tatsuo/ Puppeteer), Jacqueline Tate (Granny/ Puppeteer) and Shaofan Wilson (Puppeteer).
Performed on the Barbican’s iconic stage, My Neighbour Totoro will play a 15-week season from Saturday8 October 2022 to Saturday 21 January 2023.
The celebrated 1988 animated feature film by Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away) will be brought to the stage by its original composer Joe Hisaishi in a landmark new adaptation by the RSC (Matilda The Musical) written by playwright Tom Morton-Smith (Oppenheimer) in collaboration with Improbable and Nippon TV.
Directed by Phelim McDermott with production design by Tom Pye, costumes by Kimie Nakano, lighting by Jessica Hung Han Yun, and movement by You-Ri Yamanaka, the production will feature puppetry created by Basil Twist and music from Joe Hisaishi’s iconic score in a new orchestration by Will Stuart, performed live with sound design by Tony Gayle. Associate Director is Ailin Conant. Artwork for the stage adaptation of My Neighbour Totoro includes a hand drawn title by Toshio Suzuki, Producer for Studio Ghibli, who was involved in the planning and production of the original animated film.
This enchanting coming-of-age story explores the magical fantasy world of childhood and the transformative power of imagination,as it follows one extraordinary summer in the lives of sisters Satsuki and Mei.
In order to be closer to their mother while she recovers from an illness in a rural convalescent hospital, their father moves the family to the countryside. As the girls explore their beautiful new surroundings, Mei encounters magical creatures and the ancient protector of the forest she calls Totoro.
Although Satsuki doesn’t believe her little sister at first, they are soon both swept up in exciting adventures with their new neighbours – transported to a long-forgotten realm of spirits, sprites, and natural wonder.
The production is supported by Spanish Luxury House LOEWE, the Headline Sponsor of My Neighbour Totoro, whose connection with Studio Ghibli began in 2021 with the creation of a capsule collection inspired by the original animated film.
Darlington Hippodrome – until Saturday 20 August 2022
3***
The third instalment of the highly popular Dreamboats and Petticoats continues with the further adventures of Bobby and Laura and the rest of the gang.
Produced by the golden touch of Bill Kenwright, with a book by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, its a rather cheesy tale. But the majority of the audience who remembered the 60’s weren’t there for the story, they were there for the nostalgia and the music – played on stage by an excellent live band.
This time the story moves on with Laura (Elizabeth Carter) enjoying a professional singing career, appearing on the Mike and Bernie Winters show. But Bobby (David Luke covering for Jacob Fowler) had a case of stage fright (on stage at the Royal Variety Performance, in front of a very unimpressed Queen Mother). He is back with the Conquests, playing small gigs at the Youth Club.
With help from Laura’s manager Larry (Mark Wynter) and a promise by Laura to do a summer season in Torquay, the Conquests get to do a season in Butlins in Bognor.
Norman (Joseph Lukehurst) and Sue (Lauren Anderson-Oakley), Ray (Joe Sterling covering for David Luke) and Donna (Samara Clarke) and the rest of the band (Sheridan Lloyd, Rob Gathercole, Alan Howell and Benji Lord) all help the tale along. With help from saxophone players (Chloe Edwards-Wood and Lauren Chinery) and Mike Lloyd on trumpet. They manage to play 35+ songs, which the audience clearly love.
With plenty more songs left from the 60’s, after all the CD sets these shows are based on spawned 30 CD’s so far, there are plenty more adventures for Bobby and Laura and the audience to enjoy. And if the audiences in Darlington are anything to go by, they clearly can’t wait for the story to continue
