Yang Sing restaurant, Manchester- until Saturday 16th March

Reviewed by Joseph Everton

4****

From Shore to Shore combined music, theatre, a two course Chinese meal and delivered an entertaining evening which was different to any that I have experienced before. Set in Manchester’s Yang Sing restaurant, the performance told the stories of three children, battling their way into adulthood through trials and tribulations, ending up finding home and happiness in England, Leeds to be exact, but not without suffering from racism, a language barrier and a host of family issues.

Cheung Wing, played by Ozzie Yue and Matt Lim, estranged from his beloved mother, bought and worked until rescued by his uncle, told a heartbreaking tale of an old man recalling his escape from war. The story of his humble beginning was touching as he explained that because he knew what it was like to be starving, he knew what it meant to be fed. Yi Di (Luna Di), on the other hand, did not long for the return of a parent, but for their approval, with the weight of her father’s expectations laying heavily on her shoulders. The stories of these two characters and their families were carefully interwoven with that of Mei Lan who grew up working in the family takeaway in Leeds, listening from the basement as her mother was beaten by an abusive father and husband. At the end of the play, Ozzie Yue’s Cheung Wing tied all of the loose ends of a complex tale together, explaining an intriguing and satisfying link between the three main characters.

Mary Cooper and MW Sun’s work, which danced between English, Cantonese and Mandarin, managed to successfully tell three distinct stories with only subtle changes in the set and lighting. Restricted by the choice of venue and limited staging, it might have been challenging to follow, but by virtue of being well acted, directed and laced with song, the performers were able to keep the audience engaged.

Although I exited the venue feeling unsure about my first experience of steamed Cantonese style omelette, I am sure that From Shore to Shore will have left a lasting impression on me, a greater appreciation of the stories of Chinese immigrants to Britain and the challenges they may have faced in China and on arriving in a new home. From Shore to Shore was a well told and entertaining story that is not told enough.

Wales Millennium Centre – until 16th March 2019

Reviewed by Alex Browning

5*****

The Full Monty – Cheeky from start to finish

Based on the original chart-topping film Simon Beaufoy perfectly adapts the film for the stage. The Full Monty, a tale of six unemployed men from Sheffield, is set in the 1980’s on introduction to the performance is clearly prepared as the curtains open to reveal a vintage tv airing a scene-setting show. Shortly interrupted by the introduction of three of the main characters, Gary Lucy as Gaz, Fraser Kelly as Nathan and Kai Owen as Dave

The set of the show was very well executed with very little elements changing through the performance, yet still easily representing separate locations through the story. Even though this performance, for the most part, is a fantastic comedy, there is the addressing of a few important, more serious issues. Such as Joe Gill as Lomper who addresses the issues of mental health and later on the addressing of sexuality, which for the time setting of the performance is fantastically approached.

Then before act one comes to an end they have a very laughable scene involving some common garden gnomes, and then a very cheeky end to the scene. After a short interval, the show starts up in a very prompt fashion with the boys all enjoying a spot of dancing. The music through the show, and up to this point has been hit after hit, leading up to a spectacular finale song. The performance was fantastic overall, and the cast was all wonderful, even when they all change the scenery and interact with each other.

For the Grande-finale stage flipped, and the audience changed the view from onlooker to club audience, in an amazing twist we were transported to the local working men’s club, to see the buns of steel. With the intro to the song, You Can Leave Your Hat On, five of the six men enter the stage, all in fantastic costumes resembling men in uniform. The audience was encouraging to scream and shout and show all sorts of appreciation. The performance was a showstopper and left the crowd roaring. With the big ending of the show ending in all six of the men showing the real Full Monty.

Overall this was a real 5* performance leaving the whole audience in laughter and in awe of what was left to the imagination

Grand Opera House York – Monday 11th March 2019

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

3***

The story of Elmer, in its current format, is celebrating his 30th birthday. He has entertained young children through books and television, and now brings a brand new stage adaption to theatres across the UK. Yesterday I took 2 grandchildren aged 2 ¾ and 20 months as it is advertised as being suitable for over 1’s.

Elmer is not your usual grey elephant, no, he is multicoloured, a vibrant feast of many colours in a patchwork formation, completely different to the rest of the herd. Usually he is bright and has a playful streak, but he has hit a low point and is tired of being the odd one out, different, he wants to be like all the others. He sets out on a quest to hide but ultimately he discovers and accepts who he really is.

Bought to life by three puppeteers, Elmer encounters monkeys, zebras, birds, frogs, a giraffe and a lion on his travels, singing and dancing away. He misses the herd and goes back in camouflage, turning himself grey, but he does not fool any of them, they know it is Elmer. He soon realises that they accept him for who he is and his colour is part of him, and what makes him special. This is a strong message for the audience, even if they are way too young to understand.

When the show first started my two boys were mesmerized and loved seeing all the colour and puppetry. It was a nice bright stage, with excellent puppets, and I enjoyed hearing the different accents as the puppeteers took on the different animals. They did an excellent job of switching between animals, slipping into characters with ease.

Unfortunately the show did not quite hit the mark and it did drag on, not keeping us entertained for the whole time. I believe that this was due to the lack of audience participation, there were hardly any of us singing along. Unfortunately, there were not enough bums on seats to join in with the singing and dancing, though I did try and involve my two, which was hard. Perhaps the audience were just too reserved? I would have loved to have seen a packed theatre as I believe that would have made a huge difference to the show and would have enhanced the theatre experience no end. It is such a shame, you are never to young, or old for that matter, to enjoy theatre.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford – until 16th March 2019

Reviewed by Antonia Hebbert

2**

Two playwrights are on a luxury liner to New York. Their latest collaboration is due to be performed when they arrive, but they’re still working on it. Also on board are Adam, the show’s sensitive young composer, Natasha the leading lady that he loves, and Ivor the leading man who is pursuing her. The composer has a speech problem: he can’t get his timing right. And the cabin steward doesn’t know his way around a boat.

Things duly go comically wrong, but somehow it is hard to care, for the first half at least. Tom Stoppard based this 1984 play on Ferenc Molnar’s 1926 romantic comedy Play at the Castle. You might expect Stoppard’s playfulness to enhance the comedy, but it actually seems to flatten it without adding other interest. Charlie Stemp raised the most laughs as Dvornichek the cabin steward, whose role is to misunderstand things while also explaining to the audience exactly what’s going on.

In the second half, I did find myself laughing at some of the one-liners. The composer (Rob Ostlere) can talk sense again, and in the last ten minutes or so the play becomes more fun, not just because the cast can see the end in sight. Turai the playwright (John Partridge) has told the (unseen) captain how to steer, and the captain sorts out the playscript.

The set is a beauty: two decks of a ship with walls that slide back to reveal a luxurious cabin interior, and realistic views of stormy weather in the second half (design by Colin Richmond). There are some songs by Andre Previn, but the music seemed halfhearted until the end when Stemp and Simon Dutton (Ivor) took to the piano and everything ended with a jolly dance routine.

The Worst Witch flies into Salford with an action packed new adventure for the stage.

Kenny Wax Family Entertainment, Novel Theatre and Nica Burns present the Royal & Derngate, Northampton Production of The Worst Witch which comes to The Lowry from Tue 26 – Sun 31 March.

This original story written for the stage by Emma Reeves features an all-female cast and is based on Jill Murphy’s classic series of novels ‘The Worst Witch.’ Directed by Theresa Heskins and designed by Simon Daw, with music by Luke Potter.

‘The Worst Witch’ is the story of an ordinary girl who finds herself in an extraordinary place: a school for witches. Accident-prone Mildred Hubble and her fellow pupils leave a trail of mayhem behind them as they find themselves at the centre of a battle that’s being fought for their future.

Featuring Jill Murphy’s much-loved characters, the production features original songs, music, magic and a dose of Mildred’s unique brand of utter pandemonium.

Playing the hapless Mildred Hubble is Danielle Bird, whose recent stage credits include ‘The Hypocrite’ (Royal Shakespeare Company/Hull Truck) and ‘Macbeth’ (Shakespeare’s Globe). Taking the roles of Agatha and Miss Cackle is UK Theatre Award-winning actorPolly Lister whose credits include ‘The Snow Queen’ (New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme) and ‘Great Expectations’ (Derby Theatre). Rachel Heaton (‘Passing,’ Bunker Theatre) plays Miss Hardbroom. Rebecca Killick (‘Pink Mist’ Bristol Old Vic) plays Maud, Rosie Abraham (‘Peter Pan Goes Wrong,’ West End and tour) plays Ethel, and Consuela Rolle (‘Remember, Remember’ The Other Palace) plays Enid. The cast is completed by Molly-Grace Cutler as Miss Bat/musician. Megan Leigh Mason as Miss Drill/musician, Emma Lau as Drusilla and Meg Forgan as Fenella/musician.

Jill Murphy’s ‘The Worst Witch’ stories have sold more than five million copies and been made into films and TV series by HBO, ITV and CBBC.
 
Jill Murphy says, “My first trip to the theatre aged four, opened up a magical world – so real to me, that I had to be restrained from climbing on stage to help the children in peril! My Mum was quite cross with me, but I never wanted the story to end and sang songs loudly all the way home on the bus. Imagine how proud I feel, all these years later, seeing my own Mildred Hubble on stage with all the characters from Miss Cackle’s Academy. I still feel thrilled to bits when I go to the theatre and ‘The Worst Witch’ is a magical production.”

Listings Information 
The Worst Witch 
Dates: Tue 26 – Sun 31 March
Times: 7pm. Sat & Sun – 2pm. Thu 1.30pm.
Tickets: £26.50 – £28.50. Concessions £3 off.
Age Guidance: 7+
Running time: Approx. 2 hours 10 minutes including interval

LOUISE REDKNAPP RE-JOINS

DOLLY PARTON’S

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

IN THE ROLE OF ‘VIOLET NEWSTEAD’

AT THE SAVOY THEATRE FROM

25 MARCH – 29 JUNE 2019

Louise Redknapp will re-join the cast of 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL in the role of ‘Violet Newstead’ at the Savoy Theatre, London from 25 March until 29 June 2019. 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL opened in the West End last month, where Dolly Parton attended the premiere and joined the cast on stage at the finale. The show is booking at the Savoy Theatre until 31 August 2019.

Louise Redknapp most recently starred as ‘Sally Bowles’ in the national tour of “Cabaret”. In 2016 she reached the final of “Strictly Come Dancing”. As a musician Louise has sold millions of records. She was a member of the band Eternal before embarking on a highly successful solo career, with her first live shows in 15 years selling out all over the UK.

Louise joins Amber Davies as ‘Judy Bernly’, Natalie McQueen as ‘Doralee Rhodes’, Bonnie Langford as ‘Roz Keith’ and Brian Conley as ‘Franklin Hart’.

The cast also includes Victoria Anderson, Alexander Bartles, Ashford Campbell, Simon Campbell, Rhiane Drummond, Demmileigh Foster, Llandyll Gove, Lucinda Lawrence, Jenny Legg, Christopher Jordan Marshall, Jacob Maynard, Natasha Mould, Sean Needham, Jon Reynolds, James Royden-Lyley, Giles Surridge, Sasha Wareham and Emily Woodford.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL features a book by Patricia Resnick, the legendary film’s original screenwriter, and an original Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by country legend and pop icon Dolly Parton. It tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy – three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the girls manage to reform their office – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit? Inspired by the cult film this hilarious new West End production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business!

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is written by Patricia Resnick, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. It is directed by Jeff Calhoun, choreography by Lisa Stevens, design by Tom Rogers, lighting design by Howard Hudson, musical supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Mark Crossland, musical direction by Andrew Hilton and casting by Victoria Roe.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL Original Broadway Cast Recording is planned for re-release via Dolly Records/Sony Music.

Based on the 20^th Century Fox Picture. Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group and Selladoor Worldwide with Gavin Kalin Productions, Glass Half Full Productions, Showtime Theatre Productions, Hartshorn – Hook Productions and Kilimanjaro Live.

THE FULL MONTY REVEALS ALL AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

• STARRING GARY LUCY, ANDREW DUNN, LOUIS EMERICK, JOE GILL, KAI OWEN and JAMES REDMOND

The ‘lunchbox’ has landed; Leeds audiences are invited to leave their hat on for the return of The Full Monty toLeeds Grand Theatre from Monday 25 to Saturday 30 March 2019.

Telling the story of six out-of-work, impoverished steelworkers from Sheffield with nothing to lose, The Full Monty (based on the highly acclaimed, smash hit film by Oscar-winning writer Simon Beaufoy) has become one of Britain’s most successful stage shows featuring iconic songs by Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones (amongst others).

Produced by multi-award winning theatre producers David Pugh & Dafydd Rogers, and directed by Rupert Hill,the all-star cast will be led again by Gary Lucy (Hollyoaks, EastEnders, The Bill, Footballers’ Wives, winner ofDancing On Ice). Joining Lucy is: Andrew Dunn (Dinnerladies, Bremner, Bird & Fortune) as Gerald; Louis Emerick(Coronation Street, Benidorm, Brookside) as Horse; Joe Gill (Emmerdale) as Lomper; Kai Owen (Torchwood,Hollyoaks) as Dave; and James Redmond (Hollyoaks, Casualty) as Guy.

Joining them will be Liz Carney as Jean, Amy Thompson as Mandy, Bryonie Pritchard as Linda and Keeley Fitzgerald as Sharon. Through these women we see the other side of the story, the challenging journeys they face to stand by their men and how they ultimately take their hats off to them all.

The Full Monty is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 25 to Saturday 30 March 2019

Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0844 848 2700

AUDIENCE AND CRITICS’ FAVOURITE BEN NICKLESS RETURNS TO 
OPERA HOUSE PANTOMIME, JOINING PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED 
CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD

Following a sensational performance as Buttons in last year’s Cinderella, Manchester Opera House is delighted to announce much-loved funny man and panto star Ben Nickless will return to the city and star alongside Craig Revel Horwood in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs for the 2019 festive period.

Rochdale-born Ben Nickless started his working life playing the comedy clubs of the North West and his career took off in 2006 when he performed his own style of comedy and impressions on the BBC Television series Let Me Entertain You alongside Brian Conley and Christine Bleakley, winning his episode. Ben has proven to be one of the country’s most popular pantomime performers, and his performance in Cinderella has earned him a nomination for Best Comic at the Great British Pantomime Awards, with the winner to be announced this April.

This year marks Ben’s 18^th year in comedy, regularly appearing across the UK and beyond in cabaret, concerts, stand up and television, appearing in front of thousands of people every year and wowing audiences with his quick wit, physical comedy and hilarious impressions.

2019 also marks his 16^th foray into the magical world of pantomime, which has seen him perform alongside David Hasselhoff (for whom he also starred in his hit sitcom Hoff the Record), Lesley Joseph, Duncan James, Christopher Biggins, Su Pollard, Sherrie Hewson, Simon Webbe and even Basil Brush.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfswill once again be produced by Qdos Entertainment, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, continuing their partnership with Manchester Opera House following the success ofCinderella and Dick Whittington. This year, audiences can expect even more jaw-dropping dance, side-splitting comedy, sensational special effects and plenty of festive magic. Ben will play Muddles opposite Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood as The Wicked Queen, as previously announced.

Michael Harrison, Managing Director of Qdos Entertainment’s pantomime division, said: “Without doubt, Ben has fast become one of Panto-land’s best-loved comics, mastering the art form and making audiences of all ages laugh hysterically with his inimitable comic-timing, impressions and gags. We’re delighted Manchester audiences enjoyed his performance as Buttons so much and we’re thrilled to be bringing him back to the Opera House to cause even more mayhem and hilarity, as only Ben can do. We’re already planning all sorts of wonderful surprises and we can’t wait for the magic to begin.”

Sheena Wrigley, Theatre Director at the Palace Theatre and Opera House Manchester, added “We are delighted Ben is returning to Manchester in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs this Christmas. He is a wonderfully inventive comedian who built a special rapport with audiences in 2018. Parents, kids and critics alike all loved his performance and we are very excited to be welcoming Ben back. Another ingredient in what promises to be a very special panto this year.”

Further casting to be announced.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the fairest pantomime of them all, plays at the Opera House from 6^th – 29^th December with tickets from £12. For more information, or to book, visit www.atgtickets.com/Manchester.

UK Theatre and The Audience Agency join forces to provide the next generation of theatre sales reporting

UK Theatre has commissioned The Audience Agency to provide a new and enhanced sales reporting service through Audience Finder, the largest database of ticketed cultural engagement of its kind.

UK Theatre’s new service, provided by The Audience Agency, will auto-collect UK Theatre members’ sales data from over 200 auditoria across the UK through Audience Finder, generating more accurate reporting and ultimately painting a far richer portrait of theatre and the performing arts sales across the UK.

The reporting service will welcome UK Theatre members into the Audience Finder community, joining over 800 arts organisations already contributing to the overall picture and the thousands more benefiting from state-of-the-art insights into who their audiences are and who they could be. Through this collaboration The Audience Agency and UK Theatre can work to develop real data-driven insights about the resilience of theatre and the performing arts in the UK and the needs of their audiences in practical and applicable ways, for the benefit of our whole community.

Audience Finder ticketing data is powered by Arts Engines technology, jointly developed by Baker Richards and JCA.   

Anne Torregianni, The Audience Agency’s CEO said:  “We are delighted to be able to provide the ease and efficiency of data collection and analysis to UK Theatre members that will help them to focus their energies more than ever on their audiences. Moreover, we look forward to working together toharness the power of data in improving reach, resilience and relevance across the arts and culture sector.”

Cassie Chadderton, Head of UK Theatre said: “This exciting new partnership between UK Theatre and the Audience Agency will enable us to report with increased accuracy on the contribution of theatre and the performing arts to the UK’s creative industries. The insight gained through Audience Finder will help UK Theatre further demonstrate the vital importance of theatre and the performing arts to the national economy and cultural life in the UK and we are excited to see the results.”

Summer Street – The Hilarious Aussie Soap Opera Musical!
The Blockhouse, Brighton – 3rd – 7th May
Waterloo East Theatre, London – 13th May – 2nd June

Bringing sun, songs and ’90s nostalgia, AJN Productions is taking Summer Street – The Hilarious Aussie Soap Opera Musical! out for a spin. This new musical is heading to The Blockhouse to delight Brighton Fringe-goers before transferring to Waterloo East Theatre to bring some sun and fun to London. As four Aussie soap stars try to resurrect their careers, there are hilarious and unexpected consequences – and, of course, plenty of songs to tap your foot to.

With the 30th anniversaries of Neighbours and Home and Away last year, Summer Street provides the perfect opportunity to recapture the glory days of Kylie and Jason and relive the joy of tuning in every week to watch the captivating tales from Down Under. Writer and director Andrew Norris looks back to the ’90s Aussie soap opera scene and brings it to life with this original musical comedy.

The cast features the incredible Julie Clare (Showstopper! – The Improvised Musical; In the Midnight Hour; Good Rocking Tonight), Simon Snashall (The IT Crowd, Channel 4; Spooks, Humans, Silent Witness, BBC), Sarah-Louise Young (Showstopper! – The Improvised Musical; An Evening Without Kate Bush; La Poule Plombee; Julie Madly Deeply), and Myke Cotton (My Fair Lady, Drury Lane; Hey, Mr. Producer, Lyceum Theatre; Paddington 2, StudioCanal and Heyday Films; Safe, BBC).

Andrew Norris comments: Summer Street – The Hilarious Aussie Soap Opera Musical! is a nostalgic trip down memory lane to the heyday of the Aussie soap opera, which is packed full of fun and accompanied by a soundtrack of pastiche songs from the 1990s. Summer Street explores the world of soap, the stars who inhabit it and exactly how much some people are prepared to pay for fame. Everyone has their price!