Panto Review - RAPUNZEL - THE GEORGIAN THEATRE ROYAL, RICHMOND

 

I HAVE to admit, that every year, I especially look forward to the pantomime at The Georgian Theatre Royal, in Richmond. The panto here is very different to the glitz and glamour in the bigger theatres. This small intimate space gives the most incredible environment for a panto. This year Rapunzel, written by Nick O’Conner, who also plays the dame Desiree Spud, has created one of the best panto scripts I’ve seen.

The story begins with Detective Febreeze (Nigel Fyfe), searching for Jimmy ‘Prince’ Charming (Marcus Jones) who has been on the run. Jimmy takes refuge in Desiree Spud’s vegetarian Café. We find out that Desiree Spud’s daughter, Rapunzel (Rebecca Huish) was taken from her as a baby. The search for her begins with the help of Detective Febreeze, it turns out the evil Mother Gothel (Paige Rochelle) has taken Rapunzel and has been keeping her in the tower. This is probably one of the most in depths stories for a pantomime as many just lightly follow the stories.

The entire, hardworking, cast work well together, though the highlight must be Nick O’Connor, he appears so at ease with great comic timing and the audience feels as if they’ve been friends for years. Nick takes advantage of the intimate size and chats to members of the audience at appropriate times. The young company of three teams are full of energy and enthusiasm, not only through their dancing, but becoming an integral part to the cast.

Traditionally at Richmond you’ll also find knitted items, this time vegetables, to help save the day as well as the opportunity to catch a Tunnock’s Teacake.

Rapunzel runs until 7^th January at The Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond.

Panto Review - SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS, DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

 

SNOW White and the Seven Dwarfs burst into life at Darlington Hippodrome with the fairest panto of all the land and what a spectacular it is.

Snow White (Marina Lawrence-Mahrra) provides the innocence and charm with perfection. Providing Snow White with a wonderful Prince Gareth (Gareth Gates) It’s not a surprise that we’re treated with his singing, more of a surprise was from the reaction to the audience when he took his top off. The evilness, is Queen Dragonella (Jenny Ryan) as she tries to dispose of Snow White. Jenny from the TV quiz show The Chase, is used well with the theme music and a quiz. She certainly enjoyed receiving the reactions from the audience. Mrs Nelly Nightnurse (Jamie Jones) is full of glamour with a range of incredible costumes. The dwarfs as The Magnificent Seven (Jonny Weston, Eva-Theresa Chokarian, Will Keeler, James Lowrie, JB Maya, Logan McQuillan and Charlotte Northover) here they played on their knees, which must have been very uncomfortable, they do look effective, but there’s something that just doesn’t feel right. No panto can ever be without the funnyman, here as Muddles (Josh Benson). Josh is incredible, he holds the whole show together and works so hard through the whole performance.

The story has a few surprise twists, which makes it more interesting, especially for the adults. The first act finale has my young companions trying to work out how it really works, just enjoy the magical experience and take in that panto feeling. They also loved the show, with one claiming it’s the best she’s seen so far, loving Gareth Gates for obvious reasons. The sets have the most amazing ones I’ve seen this season so far.

Snow White has all the glitz and glamour you would expect from Darlington Hippodrome with so much more.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs until Sunday 31^st December.

Panto Review - CINDERELLA - PLAYHOUSE, WHITLEY BAY

 

Christmas only truly begins for me when I get to Blue Genie’s Panto at The Playhouse, Whitley Bay. That familiarity gives me that ‘coming home’ feeling as I settle into the comfortable seats and the anticipation builds for the curtain to open, this year for Cinderella.

Steve Walls, now in his 13^th year, is Buttons, this year! Steve has such a natural approach towards the audience, full of energy, plenty of jokes for all and clearly loving every minute he’s on stage. Also returning is Daniel Mawston, this time as Patsy Hardup, playing the evil sister, giving us all the chance to boo and hiss him for a change. His evil companion Luke Martin as Idena Hardup makes a great combination.  Just to change the story a little, Dandini doesn’t appear, instead having the double act of Keith and Ben Simmons as Nul and Void. It makes an excellent change and works well due to their comedic skills. The delightful Cinderella played by Jessica Lilley and Prince Charming played by Jacob Beresford keep the story moving along. Now the only person I’ve really missed out so far is the Fairy Godfather (Louie Spence). What can I really say. He twists and twirls onto stage, larger than life, he certainly lets us all know he’s there, adding that extra little bit of sparkle into Christmas. He also loves to add a touch of inuendo, which the adults loved, still keeping the show family friendly. He was certainly made for this role.

Some pantos don’t have much of a story and focus on the variety elements, here there is a good mix of a strong storyline with plenty of general variety from The Twelve Days of Christmas, Nul and Void’s magic and comedy and of course the headliner of the entire panto – The Bench. I’m surprised it doesn’t appear on the poster every year. The anticipation in the audience is incredible and they really did make the most of the entrance for The Bench. If you don’t know what it’s all about you really do need to see it.

The choreography from Jo Walls is outstanding, it’s very difficult to match it every year alongside a talented group of young dancers working as four different teams.

Highly entertaining, if you go once, you’ll find you can’t stop returning every year.

Runs until Saturday 6^th January at The Playhouse, Whitley Bay.

Panto Review - CINDERELLA - DURHAM GALA

 

ONE of the longer running pantos in the area at Durham Gala opened with all the glitter and sparkle you’d expect for Cinderella. There is nothing better as a panto opens, the lights going down, an explosion hitting the senses and even though you have the familiarity of the story, you have an expectation of something a little bit different full of surprises every time. Instantly I was taken to a different land and became engrossed throughout.

Opening with the locals in the village of No Place, Buttons (Jude Nelson) draws the audience in. Her comedy, magic and natural charisma instantly makes her a firm favourite to the audience, young and old. Although Buttons clearly likes Ella, this is much more subtle than you may have seen previously, which works so much better. Ella (Charlotte Bradley) is only referred to as Cinderella by the stepsisters Philophobia (Rosie Stancliffe), Monophobia (Sarah Boulter) and Ella’s stepmother, Lady Longbottom (Kris Manuel) as they add cinder to her name as she is always so dirty. As a trio for me they were too likable and not evil enough throughout. Ella is delightfully innocent, gentle and sweet, perfect for the younger audience. In this version Ella has a friend, in the form of an oversized mouse called Pipsqueak (Daniel Butcher) he loves cheese and as a result has the cheesiest jokes in the show.           

The Prince (Lewis Kennedy) and Dandini (Josh Betteridge) make a brilliant pairing during forest scene. Finally of course the show wouldn’t be complete without the Fairy Godmother (Jessica Brady) she really come into her own in the first act finale, what a voice.

The costumes, lighting, choreography and the live band make this an amazing panto for all the family, brilliantly written by Gary Kitching.

Durham Gala have done it again with their panto, running until 6^th January 2024.

Panto Review - PETER PAN - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 

Written by J.M. Barrie and adapted by Tom Whalley, Peter Pan tells the story of the Darling children travelling to Neverland in a typically silly pantomime format. With mermaid dance troops, singing pirates and revolting Lost Boys, you know you’re in for a fun show. It was a stroke of genius to have a Geordie Tribe with Princess Cheryl rather than Tiger Lily and her Tribe. With a delightful crocodile that guarantees a smile, this show is full of laughs.

 

Director Pamela Birleson created a fun and well-choreographed production that will make you smile. Great and unending applause go out to Musical Director Jonathan Goodman and Choreographer Julie Bowman for total perfection in music and dance that left the audience wanting more and tied nicely into the action. The sound quality was also excellent throughout the performance. The various dance troupes surprised and delighted at every opportunity. The whole company was phenomenal and made the show wondrous. In this production, Kate Davies-Tse as John Darling (also played by Amy Reid) and Martha Brown as Michael Darling (also played by Isaac Hamilton, Juliet Francesca Bone and Siersha Mason) were charming and brilliant portrayals of Wendy’s innocent brothers. Rhiannon Wilson as the jealous Geordie Tinker Bell had us all believing in fairies. While Joe Robson was a sprightly Peter Pan, bringing a lot of energy to the stage. Ryan Smith had the audience ‘hooked’ as the despicable Captain Hook. Craig Fairbairn was hilarious as Chief of the Geordies and Minnie Dobson was a pure delight as his daughter Princess Cheryl. Steve Robertson was very droll as the outrageous Dame Starkey/Mrs Darling. Luke Newey made Smee not just lovable and funny, but also brought the house down with his Act Two solo. As for Daisy Burden as Wendy, two words: ‘Star Quality’ - from the moment Daisy walked on stage it was obvious we were in the presence of great talent, a point confirmed undeniably when she sang; true magic.

 

It’s a panto, so we expect the expected “Oh yes we do”. However, the plot holes felt a little large at times and there were a few opportunities missed. Explaining when/how the Lost Boys were kidnapped would have been helpful, for example. Nevertheless, there are with plenty of jokes and the show overall is a great night out for young and old.

Peter Pan showing at People’s Theatre, until 17^th December 2023.

Theatre Review - THE WATCH HOUSE - LAURELS THEATRE, WHITLEY BAY

 

Aoife Kennan as Anne in The Watch House at Laurels Theatre in Whitley Bay.
Credit Topher McGrillis

It makes a change to see a play at this time of year, when I have several pantos to review over the next week. I for one couldn’t wait for this new play based on Robert Westall’s The Watch House. This was one of my favourite books as a child, so it was exciting to see how they would turn it into a stage production.

In the intimate venue of Laurels Theatre in Whitley Bay with a 50-seat theatre space, it was perfect for the atmosphere of this supernatural ghost story.

Donald McBride, Catherine Dryden and Aoife Kennan in The Watch House
at Laurels in Whitley Bay. Credit Topher McGrillis

The story is set in Tynemouth in the late 1970s. Anne has been sent to stay with Prudie and her brother Arthur, so her mother can return to London and sort out her divorce. Arthur looks after The Watch House and Anne becomes fascinated by the stories and artifacts as she is drawn deeper into the mysterious activities through the flickering lights, moving skulls and apparitions.

Donald McBride, well known to the North East, plays Arthur and Geordie, his voice is perfect for the roles, creating an incredible atmosphere. Aoife Kennan plays Anne, she brilliantly shows a range of emotions, from disappointment being dumped in Tynemouth and the boredom she faces, to unlocking the secrets of the past. Catherine Dryden, plays a number of parts. Firstly she appears as Anne’s mother, Fiona, then Prudie, before Da Souza, the local priest and the teenage boy, Timmo, the friend Anne meets at the church disco. Catherine switches swiftly between the characters showing a range of physicality and accents.

Catherine Dryden and Aoife Kennan in The Watch House at Laurels in Whitley Bay.
Credit Topher McGrillis

The simple set with a backdrop silhouetting scenes of Whitley Bay and Tynemouth with graves below, set the local scene ahead. A large wooden box ingeniously at its simplicist becomes the kitchen worktop / table, with the complexity of creating the display case in the museum of The Watch House, easily pulled into place.

The Watch House is one of the best performed ghost stories I’ve seen for many years. I’m sure this will not be the last time we will hear of The Watch House.

Runs until 23rd December at Laurels Theatre, Whitley Bay.

Panto Review - CINDERELLA A FAIRYTALE- NORTHERN STAGE, NEWCASTLE

Cinderella cast at Northern Stage - set design by Alison Ashton +
Lighting Design by John Rainsforth

Whatever your age, if you want to be swept away into a very fun fairytale, then this is definitely the production for you! Of course, you are familiar with the story of Cinderella, but writers Sally Cookson, Adam Peck and the Original Company breathe new exuberance into this well-known tale. Drawing mainly from The Grimm brothers’ version, the story is without a fairy Godmother, using instead birds to aid Ella in her plight. Our heroine is her own person, using her humour and love of nature to make her way in life. Think less ‘glass slipper’ and more ‘sparkly Doc Martins’. Directors Katy Weir and Jake Smith brought an enchanting forest-like world that draws you into its sweet and funny world.  The sound of birdsong and understated warm lighting gave a pleasant rustic feel. The set had simple wooden sculptures that looked like a dreamy tree house playground. I could have happily just sat on the set all day if it was allowed.

 

Katie Tranter, Evlyne Oyedokun + Charlie Venables

But don’t let the serene setting fool you. This show is an all singing, all dancing, side-splitting cacophony of delights. I strongly advise you to get there early to enjoy the pre-show antics as various ‘birds’ cause havoc in the auditorium. Audience participation is vital as seats are climbed over and light projectiles thrown. The Music (composed by Ziad Jabero) felt like folk-pop with elements of Madness and it drives the story on. Our Prince (Charlie Venables), a charmingly awkward bird watcher, meets Ella (Evlyne Oyedokun) when she shows him how to call her bird friends. Ella has a step sister (Peace Oseyenum) and step brother (David Fallon) who are equally hilarious in different ways. The Queen (Katie Tranter) is a caring, yet completely bizarre and magnificent; her mere appearance brought a smile. As to Ella’s stepmother (Zoe Lambert), she was a triumphantly mad addition to the already glittering cast. Footman (Aron de Casmaker) used so much physical comedy, and was such a crowd favourite, that I had to suppress a cheer at the sight of him. Apart from Ella and Prince, everyone in the cast doubled as a different ‘bird’, taking on their mannerisms to great comedic effect. The way the show ended (I will not spoil it for you) was the most fun I’ve had in a theatre - ever. It’s just a fantastically fun show from before its start, to its finish.

 

Peace Oseyenum as Sister and Zoe Lambert as Mother

A wonderfully wild production in more ways than one, Cinderella a Fairytale is showing at Northern Stage, runs until Saturday 6^th January 2024.

Theatre Preview - THE WATCH HOUSE, LAURELS THEATRE, WHITLEY BAY

 

Star cast confirmed for adaptation of Robert Westall’s The Watch House on North East coast

Olivier Award-winning creative team confirm the actors who will bring the ghostly tale to life

 

A trio of North East stars of stage and screen will be opening their advent calendars on the North East coast this December as they prepare for the world premiere of The Watch House.

Donald McBride, Aoife Kennan and Catherine Dryden have been cast in the first stage adaptation of Robert Westall’s ghost story, which previews at Laurels Theatre, Whitley Bay from  December 5^th before opening on December 8^th in  a three week run.

Promising an alternative serving of Christmas spirit, Olivier Award-winning producers Jamie Eastlake (Laurels Theatre) and Chris Foxon (Papatango Theatre Company, who has adapted the book for the stage) have come together to bring audiences the unsettling tale - just around the corner from where the original story by Tyneside’s iconic Carnegie Medal-winner Robert Westall was set.

And while a very busy box office has already prompted the addition of three matinee performances, at 2pm on each of Saturdays 9, 16 and 23 December, the confirmation of this stellar North East bred cast looks set to make the production a festive sell out.

Director of The Watch House and Papatango Artistic Director, George Turvey, said: “We're delighted to be working with such an exciting cast to bring Robert Westall's incredible ghost story to life.

“Aoife, Catherine and Donald are some of the brightest talent in the North East, with a wealth of experience on major stages across the country, so audiences are in for a real treat.”

Set in a fictionalised Tynemouth, where Westall grew up, The Watch House follows teenage Anne, who is escaping the trauma of her parents’ ongoing divorce for the holidays.

She comes to stay with her mother’s old nanny Prudie, and her brother Arthur, but soon senses an otherworldly presence in the old coastguard’s Watch House.

Donald McBride will play Arthur.

A true North East acting treasure, Donald has spent more than four decades treading the boards across the region and beyond as well as appearing in iconic dramas like Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, Spender and Our Friends in the North.

He said: “I'm glad to be still working after 46 years in the business and delighted to be back working with Catherine - we did a national tour of The Pitmen Painters in 2013, which seems like yesterday.

“I’m also glad to be drawing attention to the appeal of Robert Westall’s wonderful story and of course looking forward to working with the talented lads at Papatango and Laurels.”

Joining Donald on stage will be Aoife Kennan as Anne and Catherine Dryden who will be bringing a collection of characters to life, including Prudie.

Durham-bred Aoife, who audiences will recognise from her roles in Vera, The Dumping Ground and Victoria, said: “I’m really excited to be working with two such exciting companies like Papatango and Laurels on this funny, touching and spooky new play!

“It feels like a real treat to come home and make theatre by the seaside in the run up to Christmas.”

Catherine, whose past credits also include Vera as well as the aforementioned The Pitmen Painters and The Play That Goes Wrong on stage is also delighted to be returning to her native North East.

She said: “I'm thrilled to have been cast in this first stage adaptation of The Watch House. I feel very lucky to be working back in my beloved North East with such fantastic creatives on this quirky and intriguing story set in Tynemouth, one of my favourite places in the world.”

Jamie Eastlake, Artistic Director at Laurels, said: “We’ve been bowled over by the response to tickets going on sale for our alternative Christmas show, and can’t wait to get into rehearsals with this ridiculously talented and homegrown cast.”

Supported by Arts Council England and The Mouth of Tyne Collective, it has also been confirmed that the play text will be published by Bloomsbury and can be pre-ordered here or picked up at Laurels during the run.

The Watch House will be performed at Laurels Theatre, Whitley Bay at 7.30pm on Mondays to Saturdays from December 5^th to 23^rd (excluding 14^th and 18^th and with matinee performances on the 9^th, 16^th and 23^rd at 2pm). Age recommendation: 12+.

For tickets, visit the Laurels Theatre website at www.laurelswhitley.co.uk

Theatre Preview - A CHRISTMAS CAROL - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 Join the People’s Theatre this week for a Christmas Eve like no other in this classic festive story.

 

Miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge is about to embark on an astonishing journey through his past, present and future thanks to three ghostly visitors. Can tight-fisted, cruel and bitter Scrooge learn the error of his ways and discover the power of kindness and compassion?

 

Written in 1843, Charles Dickens seasonal short story A CHRISTMAS CAROL is as popular and enduring as ever.

 

Brought to life on stage by Roger Liddle as Scrooge and an ensemble of twenty performers, this celebrated adaptation by Karen Louise Hebden is bursting with traditional carols, live music, dance, spooky ghosts and festive cheer!

 

Vibrant, moving and heart-warming, this A CHRISTMAS CAROL promises to be a must-see for the whole family, and the perfect way to get in the mood for the festive season!

 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL opens on Tuesday 21 November 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

 

And once Scrooge and Co have got you in the festive spirit, the People’s Panto PETER PAN will soon be swooping on to their stage! Tickets are flying for this awfully big Christmas adventure, and the run includes a Relaxed Performance on Tuesday 12 December. Hook your tickets now!

 

Theatre Review - PRIVATE LIVES - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 

Noel Coward’s classic tale of old flames inadvertently reunited on their respective honeymoons. Divorced couple Elyot and Amanda cannot bear to be around or apart from one another. They make each other crack up with laughter and yet as soon as they settle for a moment, Coward’s snappy, scathing dialogue releases gross cruelties. It should be noted that there are outdated attitudes and some (albeit comically portrayed) brutality.

 

This production pulls no punches; Director Gordon Russell has carefully crafted a tremendous infusion of esoteric wit and argumentative characters. We were blessed with some surprising twists in a fight in a brilliantly choreographed scene at the end of act two - with much praise to the Properties team (Catherine Moore and Hope McDonald) for some very realistic props. My thoughts go also to the actors using/having props used on them, as it must be very tricky to not hurt one another. A similar scene towards the end of act three was good but could have used a little tightening around the edges to hide the ‘tricks of the trade’ used to create the illusion. There was a pervading feeling of decadence to the show, illustrated further by the fine Art Deco set (Designed by Alan Potts and Gordon Russell). I was surprised to smell the actual cigarettes the actors were smoking on stage!

 

All of the cast had excellent timing, with snappy dialog tripping easily off the tongue, creating something that felt very natural. French Maid Louise (Pat Haggerty), exasperated by what she finds, is highly comical as she reacts the only way she can. Sybil (Natalie Plunga) provides a shrill contrast to the other character as she seems woefully unaware of her own shortcomings. Victor (Ben Ostell), is hilarious as the uptight new husband of Amanda (Catherine Ellis). Amanda and Elyot (Sam Hinton) are a powerhouse of sarcasm and timing. Elyot instantly draws in the audience with his quick wit and surprises with an amusing piano recital. As for Amanda. with her wonderfully louche attitude and interesting dance moves, she is a joy to watch. The end of act two will leave you breathless with these two actors’ skill, timing and hilarity. It is little wonder this production is so good.

 

Exquisitely droll, this is an evening of theatre at its very best. Private Lives, at the People’s Theatre, is a must see and runs until the 28^th October 2023.

Theatre Preview - PRIVATE LIVES - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 Join the People’s Theatre for a sublimely funny and high-spirited romp!

 

“We were quite ridiculously - over in love.”

 

Divorced couple Elyot and Amanda find themselves reunited while honeymooning with their new partners. Their unexpected meeting on adjoining hotel balconies reignites old passions … and problems!

 

Only days after finding each other again, their fiery romance is once more lurching between love and anger. And when their wronged spouses appear, accusations are hurled, truths revealed and new alliances form.

 

A classic comedy of manners, PRIVATE LIVES fizzes with sophistication, fun and sexual chemistry, and is packed with Noël Coward’s trademark wit and wordplay!

 

2024 marks Cowards 125^th birthday, and in the lead-up Concord Theatricals and the Noël

Coward Foundation are commemorating all things Coward, from his most beloved plays to famous quotes and more.

 

“If you’re  a star you should behave like one. I always have”

 

Sir Noël Peirce Coward (16 December 1899 – 26 March 1973) was an English playwright, composer, director, actor, producer and singer, known for his wit and flamboyance.

 

PRIVATE LIVES is the perfect celebration of Coward’s work, an endlessly witty observation of sex, marriage and social convention.

 

Director Gordon Russell comments:

“Noël Coward wrote the script for Private Lives in the Cathay Hotel in Shanghai whilst convalescing from a bout of influenza The final draft was completed in just four days and Coward wrote the play specifically with Gertrude Lawrence in mind for the role of Amanda. As soon as he had finished the script he wired Lawrence asking her to play the part. After reading it Lawrence wired back saying there was nothing wrong with the script that couldn't be fixed. Coward responded saying that the only thing to be fixed was her performance. This was typical of the relationship that Coward and Lawrence shared, and much of this cutting wit is reflected in the play!”

 

PRIVATE LIVES opens on Tuesday 24 October 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

Theatre Review - HEATHERS THE MUSICAL - DARLINGON HIPPODROME

 

Heathers the Musical based on the late 1980s film is still extremely relevant today. Set in Westerberg High School, this is a delightfully dark story with the stereotypical group of social mixes. The jocks, Kurt, Alex Woodward, and Ram, Morgan Jackson. The overweight girl Martha, Kingsley Morton, ridiculed by many. The girls who believe they are top of the social hierarchy are the three Heathers – Heather Chandler, Verity Thompson, ruling the roost with Heather Duke, Elise Zavou and Heather McNamara, Billie Bowman. There’s the loner dressed in black as JD, Jacob Fowler. Then finally Veronica, Jenna Innes, the girl who desperately wants to join the Heathers, just so she can survive through school.  

After the Heathers discover Veronica’s skill in forging handwriting, she quickly becomes friends with them, leaving Martha behind. JD has a romantic interest in Veronica with murderous intent, as the jocks have an interest in Veronica.

From the start I was completely transfixed with the stage, drawn into the story through the incredible performances. The set was exceptionally versatile, David Shields, with subtle lighting, Ben Cracknell. The highlight though was the performance of Jenna Innes as Veronica, Wow Wow Wow! She was exceptional. I just wish I had time to return this week to see it again.

This is the best musical I’ve seen at Darlington for many years. An amazing night out, making you think about the many dark themes covered, but knowing I’ve just had one of the most enjoyable evenings this year.

Runs until Saturday 7^th October at Darlington Hippodrome.

Theatre Review - A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE - THE PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

Kay Edmundson as Stella & Sarah Scott as Blanche

Most people are familiar with Tennessee Williams’ tale of desire, violence and madness. Faded southern belle Blanche is forced, by her inability to face reality, to live with her sister Stella. Blanche’s feigned gentility violently clashes with Stella’s husband Stanley and his animal vitality - leading to a dark, unnerving conclusion.

 

Kay Edmundson as Stella & Steven Arran as Stanley

Directors Kaila Moyers and Jonathan Goodman, with the aid of Tennessee, will take you on a journey into a dark corner of New Orleans. The stage is filled with smoke, and lighting is subdued, giving the feeling of oppressive heat. At times you find yourself surrounded by the Ensemble (Catalina Gallego Anex, Udayvir Gurjar, Lukas Cordes, Alex Burns and Will Moffat), as they go about everyday life selling their wares. It did make the production feel more immersive; however, there was the odd occasion when it distracted from the emotional scene unveiling on stage. The whole design of the show both invites you in and unnerves you. The lighting (designed by Claire Brissenden) helped the audience lean into the feelings and emotions on stage with occasional projections also highlighting character explanations. The costumes (by Sarah Pearson) fit the characters and actors well. Special attention was clearly paid to Blanche’s outfits, which seemed to highlight her character’s mental state – with clothes not always fitting her situation, but showing her childish love of beautiful things. The more ‘spicy’ moments felt authentic, which is testament to the hard work of the actors and Intimacy Coordinator (Sarah McLane).

This roles in this show must have been more than a little daunting for all the actors as it calls not only for them to plumb the depths of emotion, but also to enact expertly choreograph fight and love scenes. Eunice Hubbell (Alison Carr) and Steve Hubbell (Jonathon Goodman) provided some much needed humour as they play out their own fiery relationship upstairs. Harold ‘Mitch’ Mitchell (Sam Burrell), who is almost taken in by Blanche, is played with an empathetic nature - contrasting with the other men around, until he learns the truth. This allows us to see why Blanche hides from reality, as it is always too harsh and violent for her. Speaking of which, Blanche DuBois (Sarah Scott) is skilfully played as a woman on the edge, trying to smile through considerable pain. Stanley Kowalski (Steven Arran) was the perfect tone of toxic masculinity, unfeeling about the pain caused to those around him as long as he still feels like a man. The chemistry between Stanley and Stella is key and was pitch-perfect in this production. Stella Kowalski (Kay Edmundson), Blanche’s sister, moves with perfect precision from optimistic, matter of fact new bride, to hopeless, fearful wife as her husband’s temper becomes a bigger part of her life. Kay Edmundson’s accent was near flawless, as was her performance.

A extraordinary production that will have you gasping for breath, A Streetcar Named Desire is on at the People’s Theatre until 7^th  October 2023.

Theatre Review - BY THE WATERS OF LIVERPOOL - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

 

BY The Waters of Liverpool has finally made it to Darlington Hippodrome, after being cancelled for obvious reasons in 2020. Based on Helen Forrester’s books, they follow her own life in an autobiographical style.

This story follows Helen’s teenage years through the start of the 2^nd World War. The first act takes us through the miserable time she is having. She’s not treated as fairly as other siblings in the family, her mother, Lynn Francis, is appalling to Helen, her father, Tom Roberts, financially ruined the family losing it all in the 1929 crash. Eventually she does persuade her family to allow her to go to work, ironically working for a charity helping those in need.

As the bombs start to fall, everything starts to change in the 2^nd act for Helen, where in the first act she had a miserable exitance, now there is a glimmer of hope. Her mother begins to show her equally amongst her siblings. She starts to go out dancing, meeting friends and eventually meeting Harry, Joe Gill. Here she finds her first romance where her future is looking promising.

The characters throughout are larger than life resulting in some being over the top. Though the narration to the audience drives the story forward it means the performances often becomes static. Emma Mulligan as Helen, is incredibly strong in her performance, surrounded by a versatile cast.

Runs until Saturday 30^th September at Darlington Hippodrome.

Theatre Review - ALICE IN WONDERLAND - DURHAM GALA

 

THE INCREDIBLE funfair has arrived at The Gala Theatre in Durham. Eleven year old Alice, Beth Crame, loves helping her Dad, but suddenly her life is about to change. Her Dad - Eric, Steven Stobbs, has announced they are going to live in a house and leave the funfair and the caravan behind. Joining them with Mandy, Kylie Ann Ford, and her son Callum, Aiden Nord. Alice doesn’t want everything to change. She’s comfortable with the people around her including Helena the Fortune Teller, Karen Traynor and Tomas, Kieron Michael. Alice engages with the audience well as she informed them that she is yearning for an adventure as she packed her bag and the story began.

The cast skilfully move between a range of characters, they are so slick you instantly forget which characters they’ve already played as they draw you into the adventure. The highlights must be the Queen of Hearts, Kylie Ann Ford, with such sophistication. The tea party set in the spinning tea cup with the crazy Mad Hatter, Kieron Michael. One of the reasons this works so well for younger members of the audience is the constant changes and different elements as 2 characters appear very differently. The caterpillar glows brilliantly as a large puppet operated discreetly. The Cheshire Cat is projected on the ceiling and the theatre walls, created by Chris McQuillan, adding a more mystical element to the show.

The show does have a very strong pantomime feel, with the catchy songs, teaching the audience some actions to join in and talking directly to the audience.

As a version of Alice in Wonderland it is highly entertaining with a talented cast.

Even the very young members of the audience were totally engrossed throughout.

This show is perfect for all the family.

Alice in Wonderland runs until Saturday 12^th August at Durham Gala

Theatre Review - TONY! THE TONY BLAIR ROCK OPERA - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

 

TONY! – The Tony Blair Rock Opera could only go one way with the writing of Harry Hill. Zany, whacky, madcap and crazy are just some of the words I thought during the evening. This fast-paced show doesn’t pause as it moved swiftly through the life of Anthony Charles Lynton Blair. Opening on his deathbed, we are taken through the main events of his life. From his birth moving onto his first guitar, off to university, joining the labour party and of course becoming the PM. With the first act ending with the death of Princess Diana and the rise of Tony, the second half focuses on his downfall with George W Bush, Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein.

 

The comedic use of politics is perfect with Harry Hill’s style, but it’s the lyrics and music from Steve Brown which brilliantly add so much more humour, especially in the second act with Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. Though it is really the incredibly talented cast which make the show work so well, the characterisations are superb. The highlight is Jack Whittle as Tony Blair with his perfect mannerisms, the grin, the thumbs and the pose. Howard Samuels as Peter Mandelson and Dick Cheney highly devilish. One of my favourites had to be Sally Cheng as Robin Cook – hilarious.

The ensemble is sheer perfection, slick and highly entertaining.

Theatre Preview - COME ON, JEEVES - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 Join the People’s Theatre in Heaton this week for a high-spirited comedy full of mischief, mishaps and mayhem!

 

Whilst Bertie Wooster is out of town, his gentleman's gentleman, the inimitable Jeeves, is on loan to the 9th Earl of Towcester. The Earl’s moonlighting as a racecourse bookie has left him indebted to a fearsome big game hunter, and he’s under pressure to sell his crumbling estate to a wealthy clairvoyant.

 

Can the unflappable and ever-resourceful Jeeves save the day for this nice-but-dim aristocrat and retrieve the family fortune?!

 

“M’lord, I realise the situation is grave, but it’s time for the stiff upper lip, and the piece of steel down the spine.”

 

Bursting with Wodehouse’s trademark aristocrats who are larger-than-life and don’t have an ounce of sense between them, this 1920s romp promises to be a sparkling summer treat full of fun, fervour and good humour. And there’s a ghost!

 

Director Matthew Hope comments: “Come On, Jeeves is classic Wodehouse at its best - witty, sharp and character-driven fun. We've had so much delight in exploring his world in rehearsals and we are sure audiences will love it too!”

 

Come on, Jeeves by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse opens on Tuesday 20 June. Tickets are available from the People’s Theatre Box Office on 0191 265 5020 (option 2) and online at www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

Theatre Review -ABIGAIL'S PARTY - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME

 

ABIGAIL’S Party is well remembered by many for the stage play, which then transferred to television on Play for Today in 1977. Mike Leigh’s comedy play focusing on the manners of a group of people, who hardly know each other and their middle-class lives. Now, delightfully, London Classic Theatre has brought it back to the stage.

The set instantly places us in the late 70’s with a range of G-plan furniture, a drinks cabinet and a record player, with a range of LPs. Beverly, Rebecca Birch, is ready to have a group of friends round for drinks as she places nibbles around the room, including nuts, crisps and of course cheese and pineapple on sticks. The drinks are ready and she’s prepared the music. Her husband, Laurence, Tom Richardson, is an estate agent, he isn’t as interested in meeting up with neighbours, but constantly pleases Beverly, becoming more neurotic in manner throughout the evening. The first guests bring Angela, Alice De-Warrenne and her newly wedded husband, Tony, George Readshaw. They’ve just moved into the street. Alice is excited to meet new friends and certainly enjoys the chance to let her hair down with a few drinks, Tony is very quiet, initially, using one-word answers, he appears very shy, but becomes quicker tempered and irate towards the second half. The final guest is Susan, Jo Castleton, when arriving, it’s clear she was expecting a dinner party, not just drinks and nibbles.

As the drinks flow, the group begin to get to know about each other. Tensions rise, Beverly flirts with Tony, music comes and goes. Topics cover music, art and books, as the drinks flow even more and difficult situations ensue.

The cast are exceptional throughout. Its been a while since I have been so captivated throughout. Tom Richardson’s facial expressions and movement, are amazing. Some of the best scenes from Alice De-Warrenne are just sublime. They all clearly work brilliantly together. Making this a must-see production due to the incredible cast.

Abigail's Party runs until Saturday 17th June

Theatre Review - NOT FROM CONCENTRATE - THE PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

Written by P.W Sowerby, Not from Concentrate is the winner of the People’s Play Award (a competition run by the People’s theatre to promote up and coming playwrights). You can definitely see what gave it the winning edge. Packed with snappy dialogue and dark humour, the show feels like it has come from the hands of a seasoned pro. We follow a frustrated playwright as he tries in vain to finish his next show. All the while, he is haunted by the success of his first ever script and his inability to write from a ‘real’ place.

 

Will, Lucy, Samantha photo Paul Hood

Director Andrew De’Ath and Assistant Director Katy Thomas crafted a well-timed show that leant into the humour of the situation and brought out the vibrancy of the characters. Steve Appleby designed a simple but effective set which helped to frame the drama in Act Two perfectly, with Andrew Glancey’s lighting design providing the cherry on top of a pristine cake. Jess Chapman, Ben Watkins and Ruth Gibson played the hilarious actors Megan, Gav and Annie as they tried valiantly to make the many re-writes work. Robbie Close played Will, the more successful and slightly sleazy best friend, with excellent timing. Benjamin the playwright, played by Ian Willis, is a droll narcissistic mess, held together by his two female employees, Samantha and Kerry. Ian Willis demonstrated a very well-executed portrayal of the mental anguish that Benjamin had, whilst also drawing great humour from his sarcastic nature. Kerry, who works as his PA, is played by Abigail Martin and pushes Benjamin to be better whilst keeping the audience chuckling at her witty retorts. Emily Jeffrey was confident and relaxed in her role as housekeeper Samantha - you could see Samantha had genuine empathy for Benjamin, despite her frustration with him. Now we come to my favourite character of the show, and one of the People’s theatre’s finest actors, Alison Carr as Benjamin’s batty sister Lucy – she is simply a sensation!

 

Benjamin & Samantha photo Paul Hood

The show is reasonably short, only running for 100 minutes including a 20 minute interval, and contains strong language. A very enjoyable evening out.

 

Not from Concentrate is running at the People’s Theatre from until 10^th June.