Theatre Review - ABIGAIL'S PARTY - NORTHERN STAGE, NEWCASTLE

 

Amy Rockson Leander Deeny and Laura Rogers in Abigail's Party at Northern Stage

Abigail’s Party, by Mike Leigh, is synonymous with seventies’ ‘of its time’ taste and attitudes. However, a lot of those attitudes and insecurities have persisted and I’d challenge you to find a modern suburb without a ‘Beverly’. The curtains may have changed, but the people have not. Perhaps that’s why this play still resonates with a modern audience. Whatever the reason, its delicious in its awkward humour and devilish jibes. For those unfamiliar with the plot, Beverly is holding a small drinks party to get to know her new neighbours, Angela and Tony. She’s also taken pity on divorcee Sue whose teenage daughter, Abigail, is having her first house party. As Beverly and husband Laurence’s social ambitions clash with each other, the party music next door gets louder and you see the cracks within their relationships become larger.

Chaya Gupta Joe Blakemore & Laura Rogers in Abigail's Party at Northern Stage

Director Jack Bradfield brought forth new layers and depth that force even those who are very familiar with this play to look at its characters in a new way. You walk away questioning their behaviour, while also recognising people you know (perhaps even seeing a little of your own insecurities) on stage. All this while experiencing an exquisite evening of awkward pauses, laughs and one hell of a crescendo. The set seemed much larger than the one normally seen for this show with a plush, statement shag carpet and decadent furnishing. A place to show off and lounge around after far too many gin and tonics. However, it still feels claustrophobic and at times downright suffocating to be at this party.  A clever twist of having a disco ball going with loud music blasting in the foyer afterwards made me feel as if I was exiting through Abigail’s actual party. Laura Rogers is resplendent, in a winged chiffon dress, as the over-sexed and incorrigible Beverly. Leander Deeny had the audience both giggling and worrying at his portrayal of Laurence. We see Laurence sneer at people who don’t read the right sort of books, even though he hasn’t read them himself. Joe Blakemore plays the almost wholly monosyllabic Tony with quiet menace and tempered perfection. Perhaps my favourite changes to this show are the way in which Angela (Ange) and Susan (Sue) are portrayed. The stupendous Chaya Gupta shows Ange not as silly and oblivious but socially awkward and painfully aware of her situation. My heart broke for her. Amy Rockson as Sue took the character to a very classy and confident level. Sue may not say much, but not out of shyness. Sue says what she feels she needs too.

An immensely good evening of theatre that should definably be paired with gin and nibbles. Abigails Party is showing at Northern Stage until 28^th September 2024.

Amy Rockson Laura Rogers & Chaya Gupta in Abigail's Party at Northern Stage

Production photos credit Pamela Raith

Theatre Review - THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 

Sweet young Rosie is travelling Europe, trying to be a grown up and not having the best time. She needs to go home to her family’s rose garden, where everything is safe and everything stays the same. Or does it? Hard-working parents Fran and Bob Price have invested all their hopes into the future generation but what does that mean?  What does happy look like? How much should you sacrifice for the happiness of others and is it worth it? As the Siblings share their secrets and life choices, we ask what should – or would – we do in their place? A fast-paced and fun story with a very touching heart that reminds us all how we ultimately have to change – and what really makes us grow up.

Director Sara Jo Harrison and Assistant director Craig Fairbairn have triumphed in creating a moving, fast paced, poignant and funny show that had the audience enthralled from start to finish. The simple set (Anneliese Clifton), designed to be in-the-round, captures the warm and inescapable feeling of a loving and occasionally stifling family.

The play starts powerfully as the characters congregate in the centre. The lighting (Xander Burbidge), and discordant music threaded with whispers (Sound Craig Fairbairn), gradually intensify, then cut to black. Maya Torres, as Rosie, is sensational as the jubilant younger sister, searching for the rites of passage to help her grow up. Jay Hindmarsh as Mark/Mia gives an understated and superb performance as they explore the true pain of the difficult choices of someone who doesn’t fit their parents’ expectations. Alison Carr plays older sister Pip with vivid visions of being the child that their mother resents, while Sam Burrell, as Ben, gives us an intense look at what can happen to the sibling that has been the ‘favourite’.  Steve Robertson and Moira Valentine have perfect chemistry as long-suffering parents Fran and Bob.

Altogether, this is a marvellous production with much dazzling talent on show. It also has a great story that will remind you to call that person in your family you haven’t spoken to lately. It’s simply one of the finest pieces of theatre it is possible to see; get a ticket before you miss out.

Things I Know To Be True is showing at the People’s Theatre 9^th -14^th September.

Theatre Review - THE MOUSETRAP, DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

 

AGATHA Christie is certainly the Queen of Crime and her stories are a regular feature on the touring circuit, but The Mousetrap is undoubtedly the most famous stage play, with its record-breaking run, having been in the West End since 1952, now with its 70^th anniversary tour.

Set in an old country house we meet Mollie and Giles Ralston, played by Hollie Sullivan and Barnaby Jago, as they are about to open their home for the first time as Monkswell Manor Guest House and nervously await their first arrivals. There follows an ecliptic mix of guests who would never be together in any other circumstance. Once the guests have arrived, they are cut off from civilisation by snow. We hear about an initial murder in London on the wireless, where obvious clues are dropped in, instantly drawing me into the story. Detective Sgt Trotter, played by Michael Ayiotis, arrives on skis to explain that everyone is in danger, which is soon followed by a murder in the guest house, so it isn’t long before everyone appears to have something to hide and could either be the murderer or the next victim.

The outstanding cast gave brilliant performances with the hilariously charming Shaun McCourt as Christopher Wren and Judith Rae as Mrs Boyle, the annoying guest, who complains about everything. Steven Elliott as Mr Paravicini, who turns up unannounced, putting everyone on edge, Amy Spinks as Miss Casewell, who gives the impression there is much more to her than we see and Todd Carty as Major Metcalf, who quietly observes and becomes more and more suspicious as the events are revealed.

The set is exactly as you’d expect from a Christie production, with perfectly subtle lighting.

Of course, after seeing a production of The Mousetrap you are bound by the code of keeping it all a secret in your heart, there is only one way to join this elite club and that is to make sure you catch The Mousetrap.

The Mousetrap runs until Saturday 27^th July at Darlington Hippodrome.

Theatre Review - PETER PAN AND WENDY - GALA, DURHAM

 

DURHAM Gala theatre is renowned for creating excellent pantos every Christmas, more recently they are creating outstanding summer shows and this year is no exception. Peter Pan and Wendy adapted by Laura Turner tells the story of 13-year-old Wendy, with a modern setting. She ends up finding herself lost in a magical enchanted forest, meeting Peter and Tinkerbell and having an awfully big adventure.

Although it does have a pantomime feel to the show, thankfully it isn’t, as I prefer pantos around Christmas. It’s only breaking the fourth wall talking to the audience and encouraging them to join in at times, that gave me the panto feel.

The cast of six, work incredibly hard. Wendy, played by Lucy Davis has the perfect teenage attitude. Peter Pan, played by Lucas Bradley Benson, is fearless and mischievous. A number of the cast including Rosie Stancliffe, Meena Al-Nawrasy and Jordan Larkin play several roles throughout, showing an excellent range of characterisation. Captain Hook, played by Kieron Michael, was certainly a highlight of the evening. He brilliantly shows himself as a menacing and cunning villain, with a perfect vulnerability.

The original music by Joshua Tarrier, subtly drives the plot on, especially with Captain Hook during ‘The Magpie’s Way.’ The brilliant set, designed by Amy Watts, seamlessly changes between scenes. There are plenty of familiar lines you would expect from the traditional story with an excellent Tinkerbell.

My younger companions for the evening, really enjoyed the show, especially Captain Hook.

This is a perfect show for all the family.

Peter Pan and Wendy runs until Saturday 27^th July at Durham Gala.

Theatre Review - THE RAILWAY CHILDREN - THE PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 

Written by E. Nesbit and adapted by Mike Kenny for the stage, The Railway Children is (as Phyllis explains) a family friendly show, of gentle humour. For those who are not familiar with the children’s book, or the film, we follow three children (Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis), as misfortune strikes their family. They move from a wealthy lifestyle in the city to a much simpler life in the Yorkshire countryside. Where before they had servants whose jobs they were unsure of, now it is a choice of Jam or Butter on their bread, not both. They begin to take great joy in the local railway and become familiar and welcome faces to all.

It was a wet Tuesday, but coming into The People’s Theatre, I was transported to Oakworth railway station in Yorkshire for a delightful evening. Then, as if the weather had been timed to the performance, the rain paused as the audience left, giving us a chance to bask in the wonderful glow of a good show. I can’t promise the weather but I can promise a blissful and fast-paced evening at the theatre. Director Chris Heckels-Thompson takes you on a pleasant journey with this children’s classic, leaving the audience chuffed. She created a particularly poignant moment on stage as the ensemble/stage crew pack away the props and furnishings from the children’s old life as their circumstances change. While the children spoke, moving on, their mother lingered and watched. Seamless scene changes whisked us ever-on to the next part of the story. The set, designed by Annelise Clifton, put the audience on the right track from the beginning, with a railway bridge in the centre and the suggestion of a home to the left and the station to the right. With lighting by Glen Maddison and Karen Dales and sound designed by Kate Scott, the settings for the scenes were changed with care and skill.

The whole cast was absolutely marvellous, congratulating all of them on individual quirks would take too long! It featured Steven Arran (Father), Jim Boylan (Butler), Margaret Shaw (cook), Holly Stamp (Maid), Daniel Magee (Perks), Maggie Childs (Mrs Viney), Emily Jeffery (Mrs Perks), Tony Childs (Old Gentleman), Callum Mawston (Doctor), Lukas Cordes (Jim), Ivy Hartwood, Claire Brissenden, Jacob Easton and Martin Johnson (Ensemble), Kaitlyn Aiken and Robin Power (Perks Children). Also, my heart melted to see Billy and Anneliese Clifton as a small boy and his mother. A deep and respectful nod goes to Bill Harrington as Mr Szezcpansky for speaking both French and Russian which (to my untrained ear) sounded perfect. Mother (Kay Edmundson) brought a delicate sympathy to her role. Peter (Joe Moore) and Phyllis (Stephannie Moore) punctured any sombre moments with well-timed humour and were both a true delight to watch. Bobbie (Ashton Matthews) brought a hopeful light to the stage that shone as beautifully as her performance.

An excellent show more than worth the ticket price, The Railway Children is on at the People’s Theatre, until 20^th July 2024.

Theatre Preview - ALL MY SONS - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 Join the People’s Theatre this week for an absorbing exploration of an American dream gone sour.

1947 America. Successful businessman Joe Keller (Jonathan Goodman, pictured) lives comfortably in a suburban neighbourhood with his wife Kate (Ann Zunder, pictured) and their son Chris (Ian Willis, pictured). Despite what life has thrown at them, they’ve made it.

But when a figure from the past dredges up long-buried secrets, the family find themselves in a tragic downfall of lies, loss and greed.

How far will Joe go to protect his family, his interests, and his legacy?

“I know you're no worse than most men but I thought you were better. I never saw you as a man. I saw you as my father.”

ALL MY SONS is an electrifying exploration of family, truth and loyalty, and its writer Arthur Miller is considered one of the greatest American playwrights of the 20th century.

ALL MY SONS by Arthur Miller is showing at the People's Theatre in Heaton from Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 June on the Main Stage.

Tickets are available from the People’s Theatre Box Office on 0191 265 5020 (option 2) and online at www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

LISTINGS INFORMATION

ALL MY SONS by Arthur Miller

Date:  Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 June 2024

Time: 7.30pm

Tickets: £16/£13.50

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

Box Office: 0191 265 5020                    

Website: www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited.

Theatre Review - THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

THE SCHOOL for Scandal written by Sheridan was premiered at Drury Lane in 1777. As his most popular play, a comedy of manners, covering themes such as reputation and hypocrisy. Obviously, the audiences in the 18^th century were very different from today, but although dated it still works surprisingly well.

The simple set works incredibly well. Set in the 1950s with peach drapes and three pedestals with brightly coloured telephones, stools and a chaise longue appearing at times. The lighting perfectly complementing the set. It is the set, lighting and music which intriguingly add to the pace and physicality of the piece. Sheridan did use his play to poke fun at the fashion of the day and with the setting and fashion of the 1950s Tilted Wig Productions have certainly hit the mark brilliantly with the costumes.

The plot follows a lot of complicated scenes with scandalous behaviour. Characters pretending to be someone else, hiding from others, dishonesty, love, wealth, reputation, gossiping so basically the general high society of the 18^th century. The dialogue can be difficult at times, but at others it’s a delight to hear the dated language. It is the skill of the cast that makes it so watchable. Every member of the small cast of eight, give such energy with incredible performances. The choreography implemented perfectly with exaggerated movements and great facial expressions. I’m sure in the original performances in Drury Lane the audience would have produced much more laughter, but, in Darlington, after a quieter 1^st act for the audience, the laughter started to increase during the 2^nd act.

I also must mention the programme, as it is one the best I’ve seen for a long time, created as a Town and Country magazine with plenty of fascinating features, so much more than just a cast list.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening of entertainment.

Running at Darlington Hippodrome until Saturday 1^st June.