Edinburgh Festival Theatre – until 7 March 2020

Reviewed by Manetta Anderson-McIntosh

5*****

Just A Boy in a Dress

This is by far the best original musical I have seen in a long time, not just for the acting/singing, but for the script, the lyrics and the music, Dan Gillespie Sells and Tom MacRae, stand up and take a bow. There was nothing not to like about this musical, based on the real life of Jamie Campbell, who knew from a young age he wanted to become a drag queen. The way this was dealt with during school career class was thought provoking and comical at the same time, all kids seem to want a quick way to fame these days, but some kids have the capacity to achieve it.

The story is about a teenager, Jamie New (Layton Williams), who knows what he wants to be and shows how, with the right support you can achieve your dreams. Williams was superb in the role, he is charisma in heels. Jamie is supported in his quest by amazing people played by an amazing cast. Hugo/Loco Chanelle (Shane Richie), Jamie’s mum, Margaret (Amy Ellen-Richardson), Rey (Shobna Gulati) are his main supporters and it was an absolute treat to hear Shane Richie sing. Everybody should have a Rey in their lives, she’s like the cool aunt who would kick anyone’s backside for hurting you but kick your backside when you need it as well. The script was sensitive, serious and hilariously funny, but when Amy Ellen-Richardson sung He’s My Boy, you could have heard a pin drop, all the emotion of the love of a single mum for her only son was captured beautifully in this song.

The supporting cast were evident and energetic, not just background furniture. Every hero has a nemesis and for Jamie, his was Dean (George Sampson), he plays a baddie quite well and portrays all the stereotypical dislike towards Jamie that we sadly still see so much of in today’s society. Whilst there was much humour, the struggles that kids who are different go through were touched on sympathetically. There was so much to like about this production, the writing and the music, as I have already said, where fabulous but I think for me, seeing Sandra Bollock (Cameron Johnson) tucking himself … yes I said tucking, was comedy gold.

If this musical was an animal it would be a sparkly unicorn, despite the issues dealt with this is an absolute feel good production and will have you singing along and tapping your toes when you hear the music again.

TICKETS ON SALE SOON FOR THE FAIRY GODMOTHER OF ALL PANTOMIMES, CINDERELLA, AT DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

Tickets for Cinderella, this year’s spectacular festive family pantomime at Darlington Hippodrome, will go on sale at 10am on Tuesday 10 March.

You shall go to the ball this Christmas with the spectacular family pantomime Cinderella at Darlington Hippodrome. Packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh out loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.

Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her ugly sisters with help from her best friend Buttons and meets her dashing Prince. This Christmas bring your family to the most magical of all pantomimes where you can make festive memories as precious as a glass slipper – but you won’t have to wait until midnight to buy your tickets as they go on sale at 10am on Tuesday 10 March.

Cinderella will be produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, and the team behind Darlington’s annual pantomime, who guarantee another must-see production packed with audience participation, sensational music and dancing, jaw-dropping special effects and fantastic festive entertainment suitable for all ages.

Star casting to be announced soon!

Cinderella runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Saturday 5 December 2020 to Sunday 3 January 2021. For full details and to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call 01325 405405.

Alhambra: Bradford – until 7 March 2020

Reviewed by Katie Goldsbrough

4****

Beautiful tells the story of American singer songwriter Carole King who, after partnering with Gerry Goffin, went on to write number one hits for the Drifters, the Righteous Brothers and many more. She became a singer herself writing her own songs and having hits with (You Make me Feel Like) a Natural Woman, You’ve got a Friend and many more.

This production starts with 16-year-old Carole (Played by Hollyoaks star Daisy Wood-Davis) meeting Gerry Goffin (Adam Gillian) at college and follows their professional and personal relationship, writing music together while being married and sharing 2 children. Beautiful will have you feeling a range of emotions, there is joy and laughter alongside heartbreak for Carole as her relationship with Gerry becomes strained. Ultimately, we see how successful she becomes with the show opening and closing with her performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall.

Daisy Wood-Davies is extremely good, portraying Carole from a 16-year-old college student through her divorce at 28 and on to her own career. This transition is portrayed effortlessly by Wood-Davies. Adam Gillian, is also great, showing Goffin’s struggling between wanting to be a family man and wanting to feel young and progress in his career. The two of them work very well together and have great chemistry on stage.

Other notable performances come from Laura Baldwin and Cameron Sharp, who play Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann. Rivals and friends of King and Goffin. Their performances add humour to the show, they bounce off each other and add a lighter note to some of the more serious moments. The ensemble is also very good with performances from the Drifters, the Righteous brothers and Little Eva among others.

The Direction (Marc Bruni), Choreography (Josh Prince) are difficult to find fault with and the set design and costumes were excellent, really fitting with 1960s setting.

This is a fantastic show, if you like 60s/70s music you will have a great time, even if you don’t know Carole King, I can almost guarantee you will know her songs and will be singing along.

Hackney Empire presents
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

• HACKNEY EMPIRE ANNOUNCES JACK AND THE BEANSTALK FOR ITS 2020 PANTOMIME, RUNNING FROM 21 NOVEMBER 2020 TO 3 JANUARY 2021.
   
• CLIVE ROWE WILL BECOME THE FIRST PATRON OF HACKNEY EMPIRE AND WILL TAKE TO THE STAGE ONCE MORE IN THE ICONIC ROLE OF  THE DAME.
   
• TICKETS FOR JACK AND THE BEANSTALK GO ON SALE ON FRIDAY 6 MARCH AT WWW.HACKNEYEMPIRE.CO.UK

Hackney Empire today announces Jack and the Beanstalk for its 2020 Christmas production opening in London this November and marking its 22^nd pantomime at the East End venue.  Jack and the Beanstalk will run from 21 November 2020 to 3 January 2021, with press night on Thursday 3 December. Tickets will go on sale to the public from Friday 6 March 2020 at 12noon.

This year, Hackney Empire is proud to announce Grande Dame Olivier Award-winner Clive Rowe as its very first patron of the theatre. Clive will also make his 14^th pantomime appearance this Christmas starring as Dame Daisy Trott. The full creative team and casting will be announced in due course.

Yamin Choudury, Artistic Director, and Jo Hemmant, Executive Director, from Hackney Empire said: “Nothing could feel more perfect than Clive Rowe becoming our first patron. As Hackney Empire’s pantomime Dame he has captivated, delighted and charmed audiences with his award-winning performances. As we head towards Hackney Empire’s 120th birthday, we look forward with great excitement to the next chapter of life at the theatre.”

Clive Rowe said: “I cannot truly express how honoured I am to have been asked to be Hackney Empire’s first patron.  My relationship with the building over the years has always been based on love and respect not just for the theatre but also for the community it is part of. I would like to thank Hackney Empire for this. I will cherish my patronage.”

As only Hackney Empire can, Jack and the Beanstalk will get the festive season underway, bringing all of the fun, magic and razzle dazzle that Hackney audiences love.

When happy-go-lucky Jack is tempted into selling his family’s beloved cow for a fistful of magic beans, he finds himself tangled in an adventure of epic proportions! Join Jack on his journey up an enchanted beanstalk as he tries to outwit a rampaging giant, all with the help of his larger-than-life mum.

This tall-tale is packed full of slapstick comedy, laugh-out-loud topical gags, outrageous costumes, dazzling song and dance numbers and plenty of chances to cheer, boo and hiss.  Hackney Empire’s pantomime has become one of the city’s most anticipated annual highlights bringing West End value at East End prices to attract an ever growing local, national and global fanbase.

Over 44,000 people attended last year’s pantomime Dick Whittington and His Cat including 10,000 schoolchildren. 41% of the audience were first time visitors to Hackney Empire.

Tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk go on sale on Friday 6 March from 12pm at www.hackneyempire.co.uk.

THE CHILDREN’S THEATRE PARTNERSHIP PRESENTS

A BRAND-NEW PRODUCTION OF GEORGE ORWELL’S SATIRICAL MASTERPIECE

ANIMAL FARM

DIRECTED BY THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED & MULTI-AWARD WINNING

ROBERT ICKE

WITH DESIGNS BY BUNNY CHRISTIE & PUPPETRY BY TOBY OLIÉ

ON AN EXTENSIVE UK TOUR FROM 2022

The critically lauded writer and director Robert Icke (The Doctor/Hamlet/Mary Stuart/Oresteia/1984), will direct The Children’s Theatre Partnership’s(CTP) upcoming production of George Orwell’s classic satirical fable, Animal Farm.

The production, which will tour the UK from 2022, will also combine the forces of some of UK theatre’s most talented creatives, including designs by the multi-award winning Bunny Christie (A Midsummer Night’s Dream/Company/Ink/The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), and puppetry by Toby Olié (Running Wild/The Grinning Man/War Horse).

Robert Icke, said, “I’m thrilled to be working on another of Orwell’s seminal classics, and collaborating again with Fiery Angel. I could not be more excited to bring this important and timely story to a broad and diverse audience across the UK, and work alongside two of the industry’s most talented artists, Bunny and Toby.”

‘Four legs good, two legs bad’

Orwell’s biting political novelwas first published in 1945 and tells the story of the uprising of the animals of Manor Farm against their human, Farmer Jones, in the hope of creating a society where animals can be equal, free, and happy.

Icke previously worked on another of Orwell’s classics, 1984, which he co-adapted/directed alongside Duncan Macmillan, garnering him his first Olivier Award nomination for Best New Play in 2014. Animal Farm also reunites Icke and Christie following their celebrated 2016 collaboration on The Red Barn at the National Theatre. 

Further information about the production and the full 2022 tour schedule will be announced in due course.

Omnibus Theatre – until 8 August 2020

Reviewed by Heather Chalkley

3***

An unusual piece that reflects on what a successful apology really is, whether in the public eye or behind closed doors. Each act is written by 3 separate writers. Together they create a relentless introspection into the real cost of public apologies.

The Director Jane Moriarty has not differentiated between the characters enough to prevent melding. Act I gives more light and shade to the character. Act II and III begin to blur and may benefit from being separated by Act I.

Gabrielle Scawthorn delivers a sustained emotional out pouring. She is believable in her portrayal of 3 angry women, although there are times when the similarities are a distraction from the topic under debate.

The creative team make good use of the space, employing single item statement props for each character. Greater contrast in costume may help to separate the characters.

It is a relevant and thought provoking piece, rightly uncomfortable in its subject matter. Each act gives the human casualty perspective behind the constant media diatribe we have become so accustomed to.

Theatre Royal Windsor – until 7 March 2020

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge

3.5 ***

The Black Veil is written by Charles Dickens and Directed by Karen Henson.

Set back in the 1800’s in London. Stephan Ruggles (Christopher Brookes) who plays a young, chatty, well spoken, polite, very committed and newly qualified Doctor, who has come to London in order to set up practice and start his new career. He returns home one stormy evening, warming himself up in front of the fire when an old mysterious lady dressed in black, covering herself with a veil asks for his help. He invites her in to get warm, as outside the weather is ghastly and she is soaked through and concerned she will get a chill. He asks her to take his chair in order to get warm and dry. She remains quiet at first, takes a seat, asks him to sit with her with just a hand gesture which comes across very creepy and wondering if she will say anything at all! 

Once both seated Ada Crawlings (Dorkas Ashar) begins to talk and reveal that she needs his help and seems somewhat distressed as her grandson is ill. She plays the part well, slowly moving around the stage with a walking stick at times, has a rough old voice, her appearance and her demeanour make the audience feel somewhat sorry for the position she has found herself in,  but also the feeling that something isn’t quite right and that maybe she has an ulterior motive. She continues to tell Doctor Ruggles that her grandson is ill but is very adamant that he is unable to attend to him straight away and only until the following morning. Leaving the doctor  confused and a little unsure but he finally agrees to help but why does she remain uncovered? And why has she chosen him in order to help her? As the story unravels there becomes many twists and turns.

Although the first half seems slow at times  whilst building the story, the second half unravels very quickly, is lively with lots to absorb. The Black Veil is a well plotted, chilling and eerie thriller to watch.

The set was very dark with the use of black sheeting hung from around the stage, giving it quite a frightening bleak look throughout. With a chair set before a very effective pretend fireplace, with the use of just a flickering light to give the impression of a fire burning before them. Everything looked darkened and shadowy to fit in with the dramatic feel of the show . The lighting perfect for the show, with their shadows appearing in the background throughout. The sound affects were exceptional and sombre fitting in well.

Adam Blanshay Productions and Nicolas Talar present
The Birmingham Repertory Theatre Production of
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Joe Thomas, Bo Poraj, Laura Patch, Louise Marwood and
Alex Gaumond reunite to star in international hit comedy adapted
and directed by Jeremy Sams

Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
Thursday 9 – Saturday 11 April 2020
Recommended age 14+
*Tickets £31.50 – £15.50
Call the Box Office on 01274 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk

*All prices shown include booking fees but are subject to postage charge if applicable.
Bradford Theatres usual terms and conditions apply.

International hit comedy What’s In A Name?, adapted and directed by Jeremy Sams from the awardwinning French film and stage sensation, Le Prènom, by Matthew Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière is coming to the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford in April 2020.

The ferocious comedy has garnered critical acclaim from across the country since 2019 UK tour, with praise in particular for the cast who will be returning in 2020; Joe Thomas (The Inbetweeners, Fresh Meat), Bo Poraj (Miranda, Musketeers), Laura Patch (After Life, Star Stories), Louise Marwood (Emmerdale) and Alex Gaumond (Company, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Matilda).

What’s In A Name? hilariously captures a particularly awkward family dinner party. The witty and razorsharp production will return to Birmingham, where audiences will have a second opportunity to catch the play after it first opened at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 2017. The extended tour kicks off again at The Alexandra Theatre in March 2020 and will then visit Leicester, Bath, Poole, Bradford, Brighton and Bromley.

Father-to-be Vincent and his partner Anna are invited to dinner by his sister Elizabeth and her husband, Peter. They are joined by childhood friend Carl for a mature and sophisticated gathering.

The meal is lovingly prepared, and wine carefully selected. The friends are prepared for the usual humorous exchanges they’ve come to expect.

But tonight, a startling revelation about the name chosen for Vincent’s and Anna’s expected child becomes the catalyst for a destructive argument which spirals hysterically out of control. Tonight no one is holding back! Egos, childish resentment and unspoken feelings are relentlessly and hilariously exposed for the first time.

What’s In A Name? is written by Matthew Delaporte and Alexandre De La Patellière with adaptation, translation and direction by Jeremy Sams. Set design is by Francis O’Connor and lighting design is by Rick Fisher.

The Alexandra, Birmingham – until 7 March 2020

Reviewed by Joanne Hodge

5*****

I was born almost exactly 20 years after the ‘Day the Music Died’, but due to my parents’ love of his music, I grew up surrounded by the sounds of Buddy Holly.

This 30th anniversary tour of Buddy – the Buddy Holly story – is a nostalgic extravaganza, and try as I might, I could not find fault with it in any way.

From the authentic-sounding 50’s radio playing as we waited for curtain-up, to the final rip-roaring riffs of his guitar, this was a two hour journey through time, taking us back through the spectacular soundtrack of the bespectacled boy from Lubbock, Texas.

As we approached the end of the show, I’d began to hope that somehow history had been wrongly recorded, his fate would be changed, and we would have been graced with many, many more years of his music!

Director Matt Salisbury and Musical Director Dean Elliott deliver us an absolutely flawless edition of Alan Jones’s work. The whole ensemble are superbly cast, each astounding with both their acting and musical talent – I was genuinely in awe.

AJ Jenks is an outstanding Buddy – the boy with the big glasses and ideas to match. His natural charisma shines from the stage, and I’d say that what he can’t do with a guitar, or his voice, isn’t worth knowing about.

Other notable performances for me came from Joshua Barton as The Big Bopper and Ben Pryer as Ritchie Valens. Their time on stage may be shorter than others, but bore no less impact. I feel I was likely drawn to them as you know as you’re watching what is to come, which leaves each joyous note or raucous hip-roll with a tinge of sadness.

I genuinely did not want the show to end, and could watch again and again, a feeling I believe was likely shared by the rest of the audience who were singing and dancing in the aisles long before the curtain call.

CHANNING TATUM’S

MAGIC MIKE LIVE IN LONDON

EXTENDS BOOKING PERIOD

AT THE HIPPODROME CASINO

BOOKING TO 13 SEPTEMBER 2020

TICKETS ON SALE FROM 12.00NOON TODAY, WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH

Channing Tatum and his co-producers are delighted to announce that, due to continued strong demand, additional tickets are being released for Magic Mike Live in London, with the booking period extended to 13 September 2020.  Tickets will be on sale direct through Magic Mike Live from 12.00noon today, Wednesday 4 March, and through all other sales channels from 12.00noon on Wednesday 11 March.

Conceived and co-directed by Channing Tatum, Magic Mike Live, which has already wowed 200,000 people in London alone and half a million worldwide, is a large-scale, live production show based on the hit films Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL, which opened at The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino in London’s Leicester Square in November 2018 and is now playing its second year. 

The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino has been transformed into a magical, intimate, 325-seat performance space for Magic Mike Live.  From the bespoke entrance off Cranbourn Street, to the specially curated lounge and bar experience, to the cast of world-class performers, Magic Mike Live is a complete evening of unparalleled entertainment for guests aged 18 and up.  Audience members enter Magic Mike’s mythical club and marvel as a group of extraordinary artists from around the world perform a 360-degree dance and acrobatic spectacular in front of, behind, and above them.  Sexy dance routines intertwined with one-of-a-kind acts, are presented by a diverse cast of performers from around the world.

Magic Mike Live in London is co-directed by Channing Tatum and Alison Faulk, with Luke Broadlick as associate director, and choreography by Alison Faulk, Teresa Espinosa and Luke Broadlick.The Executive Producer is Vincent Marini with General Management by David Ian Productions. The production designer is Rachel O’Toole, with scenic design by Rob Bissinger and Anita LaScala (Arda Studio), costume design by Marina Toybina, lighting design by Philip Gladwell and video design by Luke Halls.  Musical supervisor is Jack Rayner, with sound design by Nick Kourtides.  Dreya Weber is aerial choreographer & aerial apparatus designer. 

Magic Mike Live has become an international sensation since opening in Las Vegas in April 2017.  In addition to breaking box office records and performing to sold-out audiences in London, the show recently premiered in a custom-built venue in the heart of Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, and in May the Australia national tour will debut in the world’s largest, two-story, fully customized Spiegeltent in Melbourne, before travelling to Sydney in November.

Magic Mike Live is produced in London by Channing Tatum, Reid Carolin, Greg Jacobs, Peter Kiernan, Steven Soderbergh, Nick Wechsler and United Talent Agency in association with Warner Bros., Vincent Marini, The Hippodrome Casino, Bruce Robert Harris and Jack W. Batman, TSG Entertainment & Ashley DeSimone, Richard Winkler and The Creative House.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Magic Mike Live

The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino

Cranbourn Street

Leicester Square

London WC2H 7JH

Website:  www.magicmikelondon.co.uk   

Twitter:  @MagicMikeLDN

Facebook:  @MagicMikeLDN

Instagram:  @MagicMikeLiveLDN

Box Office:  0844 453 9091

Ticket Prices:  from £29.00 including booking fees

Current Booking Period:  to 13 September 2020

Running Time: approximately 90 minutes (no interval)

Performances: Wednesday to Sunday 7.30pm, Thursday to Saturday 10.00pm, Saturday & Sunday 4.30pm

Please note, there will be no performances w/c 11 May 2020 and w/c 14 September 2020.

Magic Mike Live guests must be at least 18 years to attend – appropriate photo ID will be requested on arrival at the venue – begambleaware.org