'Murder On The Nile' Review

Malvern Festival Theatre


MURDER ON THE NILE (The Agathe Christie Theatre Company)

The Agatha Christie Theatre Company returns to Malvern Festival Theatre this week with the exotic classic, Murder On The Nile. Simon Scullion's set design is stunning and Mike Robertson's lighting, along with Matthew Bugg's sound, evoke a real sense of a late Egyption summer afloat the Nile.

A diverse collection of characters embark on a journey of love, money and class conflict that inevitably leads to murder, intrigue and the reassuring final confession. Unlike the film, staring Peter Ustinov as Poirot, the play doesn't contain the infamous Belgium detective. Canon Pennefather, faultlessly played by the superb Denis Lill, adopts the role of crime solver on this paddle steamer.

One by one the passengers board with Kate O'Mara adding light relief to proceedings as the self-centered, Miss ffoliot-ffoulkes (who will be delighted to see the correct lack of capitals in her surname!). She is accompanied by her Scottish neice, Christina Grant, played by the delightful Jennifer Bryden, who is pestered by the seemingly 'classless' William Smith, notably performed by the very talented Max Hutchinson. Susie Amy is brilliant as the glamorous and wealthy, Kay Mostyn, honeymooning with her new husband Simon, played by a company regular, Ben Nealon. The arrival of his spurned lover, Jacqueline, passionately portrayed by Chloe Newsome, causes tensions on deck that have deadly repercussions! The remaining cast of characters are perfectly played by Mark Wynter, Vanessa Morley, Sydney Smith and Hambi Pappas.

Despite his undeniable, high-profile directing credits, Joe Harmston's stage direction is poor in places, with basic stagecraft being ignored, for apparently no good reason. The cast of experienced actors compensate for this through their performance and the result is a thoroughly enjoyable evening of mystery and mayhem. Murder On The Nile runs until Saturday.

'Some Like It Hotter' Review

Lower Broadheath & Alfrick/Lulsley Village Hall


SOME LIKE IT HOTTER (The Watermill & Oxfordshire Theatre Company)

Lower Broadheath and Alfrick/Lulsley Village Halls played host to some curiously ethereal goings-on last week. They were visited by some ghostly, Hollywood greats starring in The Watermill's professional touring production of the musical comedy 'Some Like It Hotter' performed by the Oxfordshire Theatre Company.

Written by Richard Hurford and inspired by the movie classic, Some Like It Hot, the story centers on the untimely departure of Charlie, who gets to play out his dream of 'Red Hot' Charlie in the movie classic, Some Like It Hot, with his screen idols, as is the right of every recently deceased, before entering Heaven. However, there seems to be more to this visit than is initially anticipated.

An immensely talented cast of four actor musician's delighted the audience with superb impersonations of these Hollywood hotshots, witty dialogue and fantastic musical numbers. T J Holmes as Jack Lemmon, Paul Matania as Tony Curtis and Sarah Applewood as the delectable Marilyn Monroe, gave the most stunning performances, delivering the voices and mannerisms of their respective characters perfectly. Patrick Bridgman gave an equally wonderful performance as he took us on his emotional journey of self-discovery. All were not only gifted actors but also accomplished musicians and vocalists.

This was part of Shindig's programme to get live arts to rural areas and into local communities. As a regular visitor to The Watermill Theatre in Berkshire, it was a real treat to get to see a show of this incredible standard on the doorstep. To find out more about Shindig and forthcoming events visit http://www.shindig.org.uk.

'Blood Brothers' Review

Malvern Festival Theatre

BLOOD BROTHERS (Bill Kenwright Productions)

A standing ovation and four curtain calls was testament to the quality of the latest touring production of Blood Brothers. Now in its phenomenal 22^nd year of playing to packed houses, it returns to Malvern Festival Theatre to delight audiences for the next two weeks. A new cast and some fresh, new staging makes this arguably the best production of Blood Brothers to visit Malvern Theatres in many years.

Maureen Nolan tells Mrs Johnstone’s tragic story with beautiful vocals along side the equally gifted Craig Price as the ever-watchful Narrator. The moments these two share through song are spellbinding. Sean Jones is outstanding as the loveable Mickey as he journeys from being ‘nearly 8’ to the broken man he inevitably becomes. Matthew Collyer is charming and adorable as the slightly awkward Eddie and Kelly-Anne Gower is perfect as the devoted, fun loving Linda. Daniel Taylor is frighteningly believable as, the less than appealing, Sammy and Tracy Spencer presents possibly the best interpretation of Mrs Lyons to date as she takes what can often be an insipid character and gives her real depth, showing her mental anguish as she transforms from the dutiful housewife to a crazed woman. The remainder of the cast are brilliant in the many roles afforded them, in particular Graham Martin and Jonathan Vickers.

Special mention must be made of the incredible band, led by Musical Director, Kelvin Towse. The sound they produced was stunning and gave immense gravitas to Willy Russell’s inspired score. Whether this will be a returning visit or your first experience of the show, this show is definitely worth seeing. A brilliant, emotive, inspiring, live theatrical event!