Theatre Review - PRINCESS AND THE HUSTLER - LIVE THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

The Princess and The Hustler is a new multi-layered play written by Chinonyerem Odimba, current writer in residence at The Live Theatre and Northumbria University.

The story revolves around 10-year-old Princess, who dreams of winning the Weston-Super-Mare Beauty Contest. It is Christmas Day, signified by a very small tree showing their poverty with a lack of presents. As Princess’ Mother, Mavis, prepares a chicken dinner, a surprise visitor arrives. Enter, Wendell The Hustler, the long-lost homeless father, who also has a half-sister for Princess, Lorna in tow. He is not welcomed by Mavis, Princess or Wendell Junior. What follows is a well scripted journey which not only brilliantly develops all of the characters, but also brings in the prejudice encountered which led to the bus boycott in Bristol in 1963.

It has to be said that the acting is perfect throughout from the entire cast. Though Kudzia Sitima as Princess and Emily Burnett as Lorna produce outstanding performances playing the young girls, they both achieve truly believable performances.

This is a wonderfully crafted play, dealing with important issues which we should be reminded about. It certainly deserves another tour in the future. I for one can’t wait to see more work from Chinonyerem Odimba

Theatre Review - THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

Algernon (Richard Jack) & Jack (Colin Jeffrey)
photo Richard Gardner

It’s always with much anticipation and high expectation we return to Newcastle’s People’s Theatre. Serving up this mouth- watering classic from Oscar Wilde would surely be something to savour, and I’m not just talking about the cucumber sandwiches…

Algernon (Richard Jack), Jack (Colin Jeffrey)
 photo Richard Gardner

There was a very healthy turn out for opening night, in this great venue. We were first of all treated to a delightful classic set. Well done to the scenic team, designers, builders and painters. Each scene looked perfect with the use of the space available on this massive stage well executed. Though the hard floor was occasionally noisy under foot of the actors.

Each actors costume and hair was perfect with Lady Bracknell (Karen Elliot) particularly elaborate. Take a bow wardrobe (Julie Tucker).

Cecily (Kitty Parkins), Algernon (Richard Jack),
Gwendolen (Rachel Scott) photo Richard Gardner

All nine of the cast were excellent, with each one of them bringing individuality to their character. The confidence so evidently displayed allowed the audience to relax into this great play from Wilde. Praise must go to the Director Kevin Gibson and his assistants Brian Green and Emma Weetch who got so much out of the performers.

Dr Chasuble (Jack Thompson) and Miss Prism (Alison Carr)
photo Richard Gardner

For those new to the play it revolves around two bachelors John Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff. Each have their creative excuses to allow them to have alternative lives whilst in ‘London’ or ‘The country’. Mr Worthing who calls himself Earnest in London is in love with Gwendolen Fairfax, Algernon’s cousin and daughter of his aunt, Lady Bracknell. Algernon travels to the country and pretends to be John Worthing’s non-existent brother ‘Earnest’ and falls in love with Cecily, the Ward of Mr Worthing. In order to win Gwendolen’s hand in marriage under questioning from Lady Bracknell Mr Worthing reveals that as a baby he was abandoned and found in a handbag. Gwendolen and Cecily both declare they could only marry someone with the name Earnest.     

Now to single out individual actors feels like I’m being asked to choose a favourite child. I could easily list the positives for each of them, but... The chaps drove the play along with great timing, and I did delight in the ladies performances, especially Kitty Parkins portrayal of the 18 year old Cecily Cardew. Some of her expressions made me laugh out loud on several occasions!

The exquisite script with such competent delivery is a sure fire winner. Don’t miss out on another great show from the People’s Theatre. I for one will be back. I’m starving now. Cucumber sandwich anyone?

Lady Bracknell (Karen Elliott) photo Richard Gardner