ALMACK PRODUCTIONS PRESENT

Starring

DILLIE KEANE

Let there be light… applause and laughter. Actress and comedian Dillie Keane will lead the cast in new production of the original irreverent comedy musical Nunsense, as it makes a pilgrimage to London for a limited run at Union Chapel 18-20 July.

Olivier award-nominated Dillie Keane is probably best known as one third of the comedy cabaret trio Fascinating Aïda with a prominent solo career. Theatre credits include Perrier Award-nominated showSingle Again and many additional one woman shows including Citizen Keane and Back With You. Keane wrote songs for Sandi Toksvig’s musical comedy Big Night Out which she also starred in and other theatre works, amongst many, include A Slice of Life, Dancing at Lughnasa, Charley’s Aunt,, Present Laughter ,The Vagina Monologues, Little Women, Grumpy Old Women Live, Me and My Girl,and  Frank and Dolly. Television includes Pie in the Sky and The Truth About Women.

Dillie tells us that ‘Taking the role of Sister Mary Regina seems like a natural step in my career following a convent education, a kind of aversion therapy, if you like.  I am particularly delighted to be playing the ‘Top Nun’.  It means I haven’t had to climb the ranks from Sister Floor-Washer to Sister Communion-Wine-Buyer, and I’ve jumped straight in at Reverend Mother level.  Brilliant.  I can’t wait to bring this hilarious show back to London after such a long time and in such a fabulously appropriate venue’

Winner of the Outer Critics’ Circle awards for the best Off-Broadway musical and praised by audiences the world over for more than 30 years, Nunsense is a true international triumph having been translated into over 25 languages and performed around the globe.

Nunsense see’s five survivors of the Little Sisters of Hoboken convent (following an unfortunate incident of unintended soup poisoning!) putting on benefit to make up the shortfall on funds for the burial of the remaining 4 of the 52 dead. The sisterhood come together at the Union Chapel for an all-singing, all-dancing revue – with a bit of circus thrown in for good measure! Meet Sister Mary ‘Amnesia’ and city slicking nun Sister Robert Anne as calamities unfold whilst Mother Superior tries in vain to maintain order, but mischievousness prevails!

Nunsense is directed and choreographed by Andrew Wright, with lighting design by Jack Weir, sound design by Calum Martin and casting from Debbie O’Brien and  Harry J Blumenau. It is produced by ALMACK Productions, which was founded in 2017 by Alan Mackintosh, and follows previous critically acclaimed sell-out productions of Nunsense and Little Shop of Horrors in his home town of Inverness.

Alan says; “Nunsense is a laugh out loud show which never grows old! Having previously produced the show in Inverness in 2018, I’m delighted to share this side-splitting musical at such a gorgeous – and fitting- venue. To bring this back to London after such a long time with the incomparable Dillie Keane in such a fabulous role is the perfect London debut for Almack productions’

Prepare for uproarious fun, classic sing along songs from the sisters and witness for yourself what makes this musical one of the longest-running off-Broadway shows in history. Book your tickets today at www.NunsenseLondon.com to revel in this divine comedy musical

Thanks to the lovely people at Bristol Hippodrome we have a fabulous competition

In order to win a pair of tickets to see Calendar Girls, at Bristol Hippodrome, on Tuesday July 9th at 7.30pm – just answer this simple question:

To what organisation do the Calendar Girls belong?

Competition closes on Thursday 4 April at 1pm

To enter email [email protected]

Richmond Theatre – until 23 March 2019

Reviewed by Prachya van de Gevel

5*****

Family Fun for all ages!

My friend text me saying he thinks Tom Gates may be designed for children, as I had no idea about the show before I arrived, and whilst there were indeed many children, there was also many adults of all ages.

I tell you something I had such a good time, characters from Liz Pichon’s imagination and inspired in small part I am sure by her own children. Tom is known for his talented gifts as an artist and when given the opportunity to draw on a council doodle wall, and gets caught by a lady drawing on the wrong wall, you can only imagine the chaos that ensues, especially with a mysterious lady (Ebony Wong) that seems to pop up at every turn causes many hilarious situations that even as an adult we can all relate to.

Tom Gates (Matthew Chase) along with his friends, Norman (Justin Davies), Amy (Amy Hargreaves) and best friend Derek (Matthew Gordon) are navigating through the haphazard of school life being thwarted by school tell tale Marcus (Ashley Cousins) whilst being in an awesome Rock Band “Dog Zombies”. When not in school Tom has a crazy home life of his mildly eccentric parents and grandparents. Mum and Dad (Alice Redmond and Daniel Harkin) are great as the parents they bring in just as many laughs as the main cast. Tom’s sister Delia, also played by Amy Hargreaves, is a typical sullen teenager all in black with a monstrous attitude, but it’s the special effects like the thunder that follows her around under her rain cloud that really steal the show.

The set is wonderful, complex transitions from scene to scene that are overlaid with projections and animations, and like magic set pieces appear from no where. This alongside the music and soundtrack made for a wonderful evening of entertainment.

One of the best things about the show was the pure imagination and innocence of the story. A world where children are still drawing, playing music and actively socialising with their friends. There are no mobile phones, no games consoles just pure wholesome fun. For the shows targeted audience I am sure it will be a sure fire hit as it is entertaining on all levels that the parents will appreciate. The humour and the all new story line from a beloved character of over 15 books brought to life by a great cast and creates a fun night out for everyone.

York Theatre Royal – until 23 March 2019

Reviewed by Marcus Richardson

4****

Remains of the Day, a beloved and iconic novel has been adapted to the stage. At York Theatre Royal I got to experience the show that focuses on Mr. Stevens, a butler who works at Darlington Hall. A tale that could be described as the love story that never happened. Constantly switching between past and present we have a glimpse into life before World War II and after the war, the story hides important messages and subtly touches upon subjects regarding the war without being a war based play/novel.

The main character of Mr. Stevens is pretty much always present on stage, played by Steven Boxer. Constantly switching between the moment and his memories which is a task itself, Boxer does a tremendous job at giving the character a different ‘character’ in the different times; we see a cold butler only living to serve and although his persona is very British in the way he keeps his emotions hidden and is distant from both the audience and other characters we watch as he becomes friendlier and opens up to people and the audience. The Character of Ms Kenton, played by Niamh Cusack, is a breath of fresh air compared to Stevens, with a bubbly and lifting personality, the relationship between the two could be beautiful and loving, however he was never emotionally available towards anyone. Cusack does a lovely job of balancing the show out and creates both a playful and very reserved character at the same time, we as the audience want to fall in love with her, I would like to believe this is because we see the play through Steven’s eyes. One of the subtler points of the play is the character of Lord Darlington, a man who seems to wants peace and for Germany to be treated fairly, Miles Richardson creates a strong character on stage who is seen as a firm however yet kind master, it is only until later we learn how he views certain members in the German Government that we learn that maybe he isn’t as good as we want him to be. The whole cast does a good job of concealing and then revealing certain aspects that are hidden at first within the play. Mainly the acting style is naturalistic, however we do see actors change characters on stage, which is done incredibly well.

The stage, was simple yet manage to bring across the grandeur of Darlington Hall, with see through panels adorned with designs you would expect in a stately home. The design behind these were used very effectively with certain character being lit up behind them and them moving to show different places. Walking into the theatre we see a panel with a projection of rain, it seems this is another highlight on what is considered as British as a cup of tea,  a running theme throughout the play is the idea of what being British is.

I found this play to be interesting and hidden with important messages, it’s not really a story one could consider to be happy, nor that devastating, it’s about what could’ve been, the cast did a good job at keeping me engaged for sure, I wasn’t bored, and for me sometimes material like this doesn’t flick my switch, this was not the case. I enjoyed the show, and I would recommend this as it’s something to get engaged in.

Sheffield Crucible – until 6 April 2019

Reviewed by Lottie Davis-Browne

4****

Standing at The Sky’s Edge is an across-the-decades tribute to Sheffield’s concrete jungle block of a housing development – Park Hill. Written by Richard Hawley (music and lyrics) with book by Chris Bush – the title is also the title of Mercury Prize nominated 2012 album for Hawley (formerly a member Sheffield formed band Pulp), the stories of three different families all living within the housing development at different decades – from newly married couple Harry (Robert Lonsdale) and Rose (Rachael Wooding) – an optimistic working class couple who move into the newly built development in 1960 – carrying her over the threshold in excitement of what the future holds for the pair – “If I’m gonna do this I’m gonna do it properly” (Harry to Rose) as he carries her through the flat door for the first time.

In 1989 the flat becomes occupied by Grace (Deborah Tracey), and her niece and nephew George (Fela Lufadeju) and Joy (Faith Omole) – an academic teen who is quick to learn the Sheffield lingo – (the H in Hendersons’ relish is apparently silent – who knew?!), with the help of local Sheffield born lad Jimmy (Adam Hugill) – who rescues Joy from some bullies shortly after her arrival to the UK – with constant taunts of “Go Home!”, as she confides in her Aunt Grace over dinner about it one evening – who responds by telling her to ignore them and rise above it.

During Joy’s teen years, Park Hill has taken a rapid decline and is no longer a desirable place to live – it is rife with crime and violence. However the shy young teen soon blossoms as the years pass into the early 90’s and beyond – later becoming a Nurse, still in love with her childhood sweetheart Jimmy.

In 2016 middle-class Poppy (Alex Young) moves into the flat – having fled her troubled relationship with Nikki in Brixton. Having secured a job up North, Poppy is enthusiastic to finally be on the property ladder – by this point the once so-called purpose-built “affordable housing” was mainly privately owned – following the closing of the development in 2003, where the then mainly Social Housing tenants occupied the flats were moved out for a full refurbishment to take place, (by developers “Urban Splash”) apparently with the belief that once the works were completed they would be moving back into the newly refurbished flats – however, following the re-opening in 2013, the majority (257 flats) were put up for sale, whilst just 56 flats became rentals and 12 shared ownership), which at the time caused conflict and controversy. What was originally designed to bring affordable housing to the City Centre became a cash-cow for the developers.

When Poppy’s equally middle class parents come to visit the flat, they are less than impressed with the location and the development, urging her to come back to London, but Poppy states that for the first time in years she has actually got to know her neighbours – “I’ve even baked!”, she jokes as she tells her parents how she loves being part of a community.

As the three families stories develop over the decades (each living in the same flat at different times) we see each character go through various highs and lows – set to the stunning backdrop of Ben Stones set design – a perfect replica of the original complex – the bold concrete pillars and the typical decks above it (my companion for the evening had an Aunt live in Park Hill before the redevelopment took place – having never been to Park Hill myself I was clueless, however my companion stated that it brought memories flooding back from her youth when she would visit her Aunt). The live band is cleverly housed within the decks, the tunes are original and catchy – the group choreography being particularly mesmerising to watch with some superb solo vocalists – Maimuna Mermon as Nikki (“Open Up Your Door”), Alex Young as Poppy (“Lady Solitude”), Nicole Deon as Connie (title song), not forgetting the incredible voice of Faith Omole as Joy!

Whilst I am a very new Sheffield resident myself (less than three years), with little history of the Park Hill development other than passing it on the tram a few times in the last year or so, I was able to relate to the strong sense of community and pride of Sheffield as an ever developing city. Whilst tonight was the official opening night, the production has been running since Friday 15th March – achieving standing ovations from the word go – I can see this production selling out before the end of the run; following on from the success of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie its clear to say that Sheffield Theatres Productions have once again produced another smash hit!

Above the Stag – 18th March 2019

Reviewed by Prachya Van de Gevel

3.5***

Goodbye Norma Jeane, takes us through the aftermath of Norma Jeane, Marilyn Monroe’s, passing. Her old friend and choreographer Jack Cole, played by Tim English, is retelling the secrets of Hollywood Royalty and the truth from behind the camera and closed doors on some of the world’s first major actresses of the silver screen.

Many sought his talent and he helped them create their very on screen personas that catapulted them to fame. Everyone from Rita Hayworth, Betty Grable, and even Marilyn Monroe benefited from his tutelage these roles are played by Rachel Stanley, who is so captivating in the many faces she has to play. Tim English, retells the stories of the past in a wonderful manner, but I just felt at times I was just getting talked at, in many ways it was more a memoirs of Jack Cole. Which whilst I appreciated  this as his name has almost become lost in history it brings such a pivotal character to life.

Where I struggled was the over use of the term Baby Doll, to the point it just felt cringe worthy. I felt some of the longer monologues could have been a bit more punchy and this is not down to Tim’s abilities as an actor I think he did a great job, I felt at times a little bored and just was in anticipation of the next starlet to appear in his doorway.

Rachel Stanley has the most diverse role to play, singing, dancing and portraying all these different character roles and she really does a stunning job. I felt like I wanted at time to just fast forward to when she was back on the stage because I knew there would be a faster pace, and light heartened entertainment. Her presence broke up some of the monotony of the some of the longer stories Jack Cole regaled us with.

Overall I think it’s an important play by keeping the memory of Jack Cole’s stories alive and in may ways the real Hollywood truths, and I feel grateful to be able to witness and pass his stories on, I just needed more rather than feel like I was being read too and longed for another musical number, overall an enjoyable night out, with great acting, but just lacked a certain punchiness with it’s script.             

Theatre Royal Glasgow – until 23 March 2019

Reviewed by Linda McLaughlan

5*****

We are all aware of the classic Romeo and Juliet, the story of two lovelorn teenagers from opposing families of Verona who were Sworn enemies. The House of Montague and The House of Capulet use violence to deal with problems with each other and in their eyes earn respect from others.

Act 1 begins with the cast which is made of teenagers from around the country playing roles within The Royal Shakespeare Company and showcasing their talents in performing arts. The stage is set in very bleak colours and very minimalist which helps the audience concentrate on the performance of each actor. One of the key characters who caught my attention was Mercutio (Played by Charlotte Josephine). This role which is generally portrayed by a male is professionally portrayed, showcasing her ability to be both male and female showing her feminine side as well as a masculine almost chauvinistic side.

Romeo (played by Bally Gill) and Juliet (played by Karen Fishwick) were very professional in their performances of two teenagers who fall in love, secretly marry and who are torn apart by an act of violence, an element which is throughout the whole performance. Then the two lovers are torn apart eternally as Romeo believes his love is dead and so takes poison to end his own life. The performance follows the tragedy of Juliet then taking her own life. This resonates with life as we know it today with the tragic loss of loved ones through the acts of knife violence.

I would highly recommend that everyone takes the time to go and see this performance as Erica Whyman has excelled herself in producing an amazing theatre production

Edinburgh Playhouse- until 23 March 19

Reviewed by Manetta McIntosh

4****

Three words – A. May. Zing.

This was indeed a spectacular, colourful extravaganza. I had never seen the complete production of Joseph before, I knew most of the songs from school, I have seen the popular snippets when being promoted on the television etc, but this was an absolute treat.

This is a bible story as you have never heard before. Yes, it is the story of Joseph, who was the youngest and favourite son of Jacob. He was clearly a spoilt and slightly pretentious child, who would annoy his brothers with his dream interpretations and his gifts from his father. One day the brothers decide to sell him to slave traders and pretend he was killed in a tragic accident…as you do. The story goes on to show how Joseph rose from the cells of Egypt to become the wealthy right-hand man of the Pharaoh. He is eventually re-united with his family, when they travel to Egypt to throw themselves at his mercy following a long famine.

The production opens with a musical introduction, it does seem to last for quite a while. In child terms it must have seemed like an eternity, as the child behind me became restless and started wanting snacks, to which his mother responded ‘ye shud have eaten yer nuggets then’.

The staging was ingenious, a reasonably simple set up but had the feeling of a big budget production. There were clever little tricks, with sheep that appeared as though someone had set off an air bag, they made the show for me as they did not inflate properly, this led to a few well-timed kicks from the passing performers to try and activate them and several chuckles from the audience.

As this was my first time, I had not realised that the songs are performed in different genre’s, we have Country, French café, American jazz…I felt as if there was a song style from every Lloyd-Webber musical incorporated into the performance. Elvis was a special kind of surprise.

Jaymi Hensley (Joseph) plays the lead role, to be honest I was a bit disappointed when I heard this as the role has been played by such big names previously (I’m over 20 so he wasn’t a big name to me!!)…however, Jaymi fills that rainbow coloured coat perfectly. That lad has an amazing voice to go with his amazing dreamcoat.

Tina Hill was the narrator and was on stage all the way through to ensure any blanks were filled in, again, another powerful singer. The brothers provided well timed comedy interludes, they all put in notable performances. None of them faded into the background as might be the worry with 11 performers, their voices complimented each other beautifully, gifting us with delightful harmonies. Andrew Geater who plays Pharaoh (who dressed remarkably like Elvis) sounded very like ‘The King’, it was a bit muffled at times, but that turned out to be part of the act.

The school choir were fantastic, it brought me back to my school days and showed what an inclusive production this is. The performance ends with a re-cap of the songs from the show and a chance for the audience to become more involved, being encouraged to clap and sing-along. This is a musical that everyone should experience, I hope it continues to be so popular for years to come.

Bristol Hippodrome – until 23 March 2019

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

4****

We’ve got Annie! The timeless classic has arrived in Bristol, and leaping lizards what a performance!!

The story begins with Annie (Freya Yates) and her friends in an orphanage run by the wicked Miss Hannigan (Anita Dobson). Annie is taken in by Mr Warbucks (Alex Bourne) and his assistant Grace Farrell (Carolyn Maitland) who begin to love Annie and want to adopt her, until her ‘real’ parents(Richard Meek and Jenny Gayner) come to take her, but are only interested in a large money sum Mr Warbucks is offering. This show has such a heart warming feel and is loved by all who see it!

Anita Dobson, as Miss Hannigan, was spectacular. She encapsulated the drunken mess that is Miss Hannigan perfectly, giving a sterling performance. She was excellent at providing comedy through her viciously spiteful character, almost making me liking her wicked character! The rendition of Little Girls was hilariously brilliant and was a joy to watch. Alone with Richard Meek and Jenny Gaynor as Rooster and Lily St Regis, this treble act provided perfect vocals and an all round enjoyable performance-particularly during Easy Street.

Alex Bourne and Carolyn Maitland as Daddy Warbucks and Grace Farrell we’re fantastic. Bourne nailed the character, turning on the charm with Something was Missing and I Don’t Need Anything But You. He has such a wonderful voice that has such a beautiful quality-perfectly cast! Maitland was stunning. Her soaring voice was beautiful and really showed her talents. She also had the most lovely rapport with Bourne, eventually leading to a romance that highlights the show beautifully-Annie finally gets her family.

Freya Yates as Annie was amazing. For a young girl, she had such courage and precision in her performance that carried the show. She perfected Tomorrow and brought the cheeky, humble and loving character to life. Along with ‘Amber’ who played Sandy the dog, she was a superbly cheeky little girl, with an extremely bright future ahead of her!

All of the ensemble were brilliant; the young girls of Team Rockefeller and the all the adult members of the cast brought the show together. The fabulously in sync dancing from the adults and powerful vocals from the children was a joy to watch. One scene stealer was Honey-Rose Quinn as Molly. She was such a carefree character, with a bright smile and outstanding comedic timing-soon she will be playing Annie, I’m sure!

With phenomenally smooth set changes, cheeky children, a drunken lady and vocals to die for, this really is not a show to miss!!

Park Theatre – 19 March 2019

Reviewed by Jess Brady

4****
The life of David Thomlinson is not a story I thought I needed until my visit to the Park Theatre.

As the infamous “Mr Banks” from the Disney classic Mary Poppins David Tomlinson has been a huge part of people’s childhood memories, but the man behind the moustache and bowler hat faced many challenges and The Life I Lead takes you on the journey with Miles Jupp playing the historic patriarchal English gent.

As boy without much of a loving or present father in his life, it is almost incredible to think how David Tomlinson became one of the most recognised Father figures to last generations.

This one man show takes you on a biographical journey where Miles Jupp is simply but effectively telling the trials and tribulations of a gentleman who at his core was funny, kind and had a passion for performing. We go through the highs and lows of his careers in both WW2 as a pilot and as an actor from humble beginnings and more interestingly his relationship with his father.

Jupp is expertly directed by Selina Cadell and is a perfect choice for this role as he performs James Kettle’s words such passion and honestly as well as the perfect dose of humour too. The show is a homage to a charismatic man who experienced his fair share of heart break and loss and didn’t let it define him, only elevate him to be better.

If you ever wanted a nice piece of theatre that doesn’t try to change the world but instead entertains and enlightens you then The Life I Lead is a great choice for you. It’s inoffensive, up close and personal and will give you a warm sense of nostalgia which is something to be celebrated, as is the man David Tomlinson.