Theatre Review - SPIKE, DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

 

Spike, written by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman has delightfully brought the comedy of Spike Milligan to Darlington Hippodrome. Many younger members of the audience, under 60, may not be aware of the life of Spike Milligan, but of course will probably know of his comedy writing for The Goon Show. Spike developed The Goon Show in the 1950s, as it quickly became one of the highlights for families to gather around the radio, enjoying his madcap comedy writing and performances from Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers, who soon found fame. Spike though, had many struggles from his time in the trenches, Hitler and his disputes with the BBC.

The show begins with Janet, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, in the BBC recording studio introducing us the unusual everyday objects used as sound effects before explaining recorded sounds are about to take over. Robert Wilfort expertly portrays Spike as the writer and comedian showing how his torment from the war and fighting with the BBC, leading him to be hospitalised. Patrick Warner as Peter Sellers and Jeremy Lloyd as Harry Secombe perfectly portray the comedy loved by so many.

This is one of those shows where the audience will laugh loudest and have the most fun, when they are a Spike Milligan and Goon Show fan, but it’s worth going to appreciate the clever script, incredible cast, great staging and learning about the history of Spike Milligan and The Goon Show.

Theatre Review - THE GOOD LIFE, PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

Based on the TV series by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey, adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams, the classic seventies sitcom comes to the People’s Theatre. Tom and Barbara choose to leave the rat race behind them and turn their suburban home into their own self-sufficient farm. They grow their own vegetables and keep animals in the back garden, much to the chagrin of social-climbing neighbours Margo and Jerry. Fans of the original show will note differences to the storyline and ending - to be expected with an adaptation; overall the show carries onto the stage very well.

 

Director Steve Hewitt manages to keep the heart of the show, bringing out humour and compassion at each turn. In many ways a story of its time, with the ‘expectation’ of flirting between men and women, it’s also a story that will always be relevant, with the dream of a self-sufficient future away from the norm. The show is a little slow to get going but when it does it’s a cheerful romp through this life-less-lived. The production gently encourages you to pause and take stock of your own life, whilst also being a reminder that drinks with friends is always a good idea. The set (designed by Alan Potts) was a simple but effective split between the two very different houses of the couples. Sound (designed by Kate Scott) and lighting (designed by CJ Zangerle Murray, Phil Bradley and Tim Swinton) added to the action and helped set a smooth pace. The crew operating scene changes were highly effective and swift. However, there were a few occasions when the audience was left twiddling its collective thumbs as actors went off set to change. The costumes (Dianne Edwards) also helped set the era of the piece, with Margo exhibiting some truly fabulous dresses.

 

The whole cast created a magnificent performance, with goat Geraldine (Pippy) causing hilarious havoc after escaping. Margaret (Molli Lloyd-James) provided humour as Sir’s secretary. Mary (again, Molli Lloyd-James) and Policeman Frank (Charlie Hope) had an amusing moment where their eyes met over a home-made pig ventilator - with Dr Joe (Steve Strouzer) charmingly bemused by the situation. Milkwoman and Harriet the Pig Lady (both Rosa Cole) brought some wry humour to the feast. Andrew Ferguson, or ‘Sir’ (Pete McAndrew), left us smiling as he continually forgot Tom’s name, while his wife, Felicity Ferguson (Nicky White), had the audience howling with her dance moves. The main four could not have been better cast, with a clear chemistry between the lovers and friends that flowed from the stage like peapod wine. Margo Leadbetter (Sarah McLane) managed to be kind and slightly offensive at all times. Jerry Leadbetter (Mark Buckley) hit the right note as the man in charge in the boardroom, but not in his own home. Tom Good (Stuart Laidler) and Barbara Good (Ellie Pullen) gave the enchanting impression, in each scene, that as they moved towards their goal, they moved closer to each other.

 

Cheeky, charming and lovable, put simply this show is ‘The Good Life’.

 

Showing at the People’s Theatre until 8^th October.

Theatre Review - SUGAR BABY - ALPHABETTI THEATRE - NEWCASTLE

 Written by Alan Harris and directed by Natasha Hawes, the play centres around small-time drug dealer Marc, living in Cardiff. Trying desperately to get his Dad out of trouble with loan shark Oggy, whilst also avoiding this from his Mum, he stumbles into Lisa. This is the turning point, where his life goes from hiding the drugs he grows among tomato plants, and getting annoyed that tomatoes are going up in price, to the downright surreal. As Marc tells you his tale, you’re drawn into an unexpected escapade - which even has a seal. There is a satirical intelligence to the writing of this show that is rare, pointing out that loan sharks are actually cheaper than most Pay-Day loan schemes. There are subtle undertones of money being at the root of all problems. Begging the question; in whose debt do we wish to be?

It’s an energetic, furiously paced, hilarious thrill-ride through the streets of Cardiff.  The feeling of following Marc through surreal moments in an otherwise normal life is brought out by the crisp timing of the lighting and sound as they punch the tale’s storyline forward. With Matrix-style lighting and sound bringing out a whole new dimension to the play’s key moments. The staging, too, was expertly utilised with four plain boxes managing to fulfil a multitude of purposes.

Actor Ben Gettins is a solid gold talent. Not only did he maintain an excellent Welsh accent throughout the show but for nearly sixty minutes he held the audience in the palm of his hand. From laughter to sadness to laughter to horror to a seal called Billy, the audience followed along with delight. Ben Gettins energised the room and despite being just one man, the stage always felt full.

There are aspects of the show that could be difficult or triggering to some and strong language is used. However, it’s all used to great effect and to contribute to an extraordinary show.

Sugar Baby is running at the Alphabetti Theatre until 8^th October. Don’t miss your chance to see such a unique and amusing show it will remind you why you need theatre.

Theatre Preview - THE GOOD LIFE - PEOPLE'S THEATRE - NEWCASTLE

 The People’s Theatre are heading to 1970s Surbiton next week in THE GOOD LIFE!

Over fifty years before we started quiet quitting, Tom and Barbara Good rejected corporate drudgery in favour of new beginnings. While recent years have seen many of us growing our own food and living simpler lives nurturing sourdough starters, the Good’s were the original eco-warriors – swapping the rat race for self-sufficiency, turning their garden into an allotment and installing chickens, pigs and a goat named Geraldine!

It's the good life for them – but not for their next-door neighbours Margo and Jerry Leadbetter who are desperately trying to maintain their snooty status quo.

Following hot on the heels of their hugely successful THE VICAR OF DIBLEY earlier this year, the People’s have established a reputation for bringing small screen classics to their stage.

THE GOOD LIFE by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey ran for four series from 1975 to 1978. At its peak it attracted audiences of 16 million and made TV stars of Richard Briers, Felicity Kendal, Penelope Keith and Paul Eddington.

This theatrical reimagining by Jeremy Sams reunites the well-loved characters and plunges them into hilarious scrapes and escapades! About the show’s 2021 UK tour, Broadway World called it “a feel-good psychedelic 70s trip” while West End Best Friend said it “excels at bringing to life one of Britain’s greatest sitcoms”!

Director Steve Hewitt comments: “This stage version retains all of the original’s charm and wit, whilst balancing the nostalgia with a knowing and more modern perspective. As we watch Tom and Barbara getting to grips with self-sufficiency, armed to the teeth with giant library books and the noblest of intentions, we can easily imagine how much time we’d spend watching YouTube tutorial videos if we attempted a similar feat today! And always the same question remains: could this actually work..?”

THE GOOD LIFE is playing at the People’s Theatre in Heaton from Tuesday 4th to Saturday 8th October. The People’s are offering a reduced-capacity performance on the Tuesday for audience members who prefer a less busy space where mask-wearing is required.

Also in October, the People’s are heading AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS! In Victorian London, the fabulously wealthy Phileas Fogg accepts a wager of £20,000, challenging that he can’t circumnavigate the globe in just eighty days. Cue a dazzling, madcap adventure which promises to be rollicking good fun for the whole family! All details at www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

Cast:

Tom Good: Stuart Laidler

Barbara Good:  Ellie Pullen

Margo Leadbetter:  Sarah McLane

Jerry Leadbetter: Mark Buckley

Director: Steve Hewitt

This amateur production of “The Good Life” is presented by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

The Good Life adapted by Jeremy Sams. Based on the TV series by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey

Date: Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 October 2022

Includes a reduced-capacity performance on Tuesday 4th

Tickets: £15 (Conc. £13)

Venue: People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5QF

Box Office: 0191 265 5020                    

Website: www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

Theatre Review - THE MIRROR CRACK'D - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

 

MURDER mystery whodunnits are such a popular format, especially based on the large audience on opening night. When Agatha Christie is involved, you know you have an expert in control of the story, but of course because they can be so well known, you either know the ending or you soon remember once the story begins. This is where the Original Theatre Company with The Mirror Crack’d is able to change the perception. This is a new adaptation by Rachel Wagstaff and she’s taken this story and created a performance with a difference.

The expectation of the set in a living room, with the characters coming in and out, with a murder then a reveal, was far from it and a pleasant surprise. Instead, we jump around from Miss Marple’s home, Gossington Hall and the film set. Moving back and forth in time as the cast act out the recent events Miss Marple is discussing. This gives us a fresh approach and see the whole of the action, rather than just a description. This may take a little time to get used to, but the excellent direction by Philip Franks makes this seamlessly, flowing perfectly. The repeat of a number of scenes, as more is revealed, was especially enjoyable. This also allows us to get deeper into each of the characters.

An incredible cast has been collected together including Susie Blake as a delightful Miss Marple giving us a brilliant mix of the sweet old lady, pretending not to take much notice then showing her forceful character. Her friend Chief Inspector Craddock, Oliver Boot, shows his irritation perfectly towards Miss Marple with a touch of respect. With Marina Gregg, Sophie Ward, and her husband Jason Rudd, Joe McFadden, shows the quality of the casting.

With the quality of The Original Theatre Company, this could be the most perfect murder!

Runs until Saturday 24^th September at Darlington Hippodrome.

Theatre Review - DEMON DENTIST - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

 

BIRMINGHAM Stage Company have brought the premiere of Demon Dentist by David Walliams to Darlington Hippodrome. They are probably the best theatre company with productions for schools and families and on the first night the children were enthralled throughout.

Alfie, Sam Varley, lives with his father, James Mitchell, who is mainly confined to a wheelchair after suffering from lung disease through his work in a mine. Alfie’s mother has passed away and Alfie is the main carer. Alfie hasn’t been to the dentist for 6 years and has been hiding the letters, when the new social worker – Winnie, Misha Malcolm, insists on taking him to the new dentist, – Miss Root, Emily Harrigan.

Unusual events have been happening with the tooth fairy, instead of money they’ve been finding bats wings, toads and other ghastly items under their pillows. Alfie and his friend Gabz, Georgia Grant-Anderson, have a feeling that something is quite right about the dentist. Raj, Zain Abrahams, the local shopkeeper and Alfie set up a plan to find out what’s been happening leading to danger before the eventual happy ending.

One of the highlights with Birmingham Stage Company is the set, designed by Jacqueline Trousdale, it swiftly changes between scenes with an ingeniously constructed set. The entire cast are excellent, brilliantly choreographed, Paul Chantry and Rae Piper, but my favourite had to be Emily Harrigan creating a delightfully evil Miss Root.

This production is perfect for families of all ages and is now my favourite David Walliams story.

Runs until Sunday 11^th September.

Theatre Review - DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS - DARLINGTON HIPPORDROME

 

DREAMBOATS and Petticoats – Bringing on Back the Good Times is the latest in the series of the jukebox musicals for those who love the music from the 60s. With over 30 tracks including a medley from Mark Wynter and a megamix finale, means at times you do wonder if this is really just a show of 60s music, but the story is intertwined perfectly throughout. You don’t need to have seen any of the previous shows as the storylines are all recapped where needed.  

The story may not be the strongest, but follows Laura, Elizabeth Carter, who now is successful as a solo artist. Bobby, David Luke, has returned to St Mungo’s Youth Club where he's re-joined Norman and the Conquests. The adventure of Laura and Bobby take them into different summer seasons with Norman and the Conquests going into a season at Butlins. Later a little bit of Eurovision means the hits keep coming.

Elizabeth Carter as Laura and Joseph Lukehurst as Norman displayed the best vocals in the show, they were incredible every time they sang, showing such a great range. The highlight, though, for me was David Benson as Kenneth Williams, hosting the selection of the song for Eurovision, he was superb, especially with his rendition of ‘Ma Crepe Suzette’.

Bringing on Back the Good Times is a full of energy with excellent choreography. The cast performing the band live, with other cast members joining in with a trombone and saxophones showing an incredibly talented cast. A great night out for all.

Dreamboats and Petticoats runs until Saturday 20^th August at Darlington Hippodrome.