ALADDIN

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Martin Dodd for UK Productions)

UK Productions return to Malvern Festival Theatre this yuletide with a gem of a pantomime, Aladdin! For those of you who have been locked away in the Cave of Wonders for all eternity, this is the tale of a poor street urchin with big dreams, who falls in love with a princess and the magical journey that takes him from China to Morocco and back again in order to make his dreams come true.

Hi-5 presenter, Chris Edgerley, is utterly adorable in the title role and arguably the most likeable Aladdin ever. Equally charming and immensely mischievous is Milkshake presenter, Derek Moran, as the cheeky chappy, Wishee Washee. Both run rings around their mother, Widow Twanky, who scrapes together a living running the local launderette. Ian Good is hilarious as this iconic dame, with a fabulous array of outrageous costumes and the most impressive collection of wigs ever seen. The energy that these three exude throughout the show is exhilarating. Rebecca Marks is a beautiful princess with a refreshingly determined attitude, as she fights for what she truly believes, despite being bullied by her father, the Emperor, convincingly played by Spencer K Gibbins. Mark James is brilliant as PC Pong, whose attempts to keep law and order, in Peking, are thwarted at every corner. The magical characters are perfectly presented by Carrie Rawlings, who is the feisty, yet lovable, Slave of the Ring, and Connor J Barrie, with his washboard abs and enchanting smile, as the Genie. Show business royalty, Robert Powell, is wonderful as the evil Abanazar. His booming voice and humility at being the butt of many jokes about his career and theatrical training make him the most endearing of baddies.

Jak Skelly, Emily Brown, Nikki Foulkes, Amelia Arnold and Sabrina Egerton, along with young dancers from Cecilia Hall Dance Centre, execute Alistair Bull’s choreography with precision and poise, under Dean McDermott’s up-beat musical direction. As well as being dame, Good is also the director and he does a superb job at telling the story of Aladdin, a factor that is often overlooked by many directors less skilled in the art of pantomime. Despite this production being rich in dialogue in the first act and comedic ‘business’ heavy in the second act, the story was never sacrificed for the sake of the slapstick scenes.

With songs ranging from chart hits to musicals, even an ingenious inclusion of You And Me (But Mostly Me) from The Book of Mormon, this panto really has something for everyone and is a guaranteed great outing for all the family. Aladdin runs until Sunday 4^th January 2015.

CALAMITY JANE

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Jamie Wilson Productions, Triumph Entertainment & Watermill Theatre Productions)

The touring revival of Calamity Jane is as fresh, gritty and feisty as the title character. This superb actor musician production by the innovative Watermill Theatre evokes all of the rustic, raw charm of the old Wild West. Hard, boastful and desperate to impress, Calamity travels to Chicago to recruit a star, Adelaide Adams, for the Deadwood Stage. But things don’t go too smoothly for her, as everyone in town favours the new girl and she struggles to keep her jealousy and pride in check. It takes her long-standing enemy Wild Bill Hickok to make her see sense.

Director, Nikolai Foster, more than succeeds in reworking the show making it greatly deserving of the standing ovation it received. Matthew Wright's design perfectly encapsulates the era and location, providing the perfect stage for Foster's vision as the audience is swiftly transported from scene to scene without ever leaving the timbered saloon.

Jody Prenger and Tom Lister head the immensely talented cast as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. Both give show stopping performances, with Lister treating us to the most wonderful acoustic rendition of 'My Heart Is Higher Than A Hawk'. Phoebe Street is perfect as the delectable Katie Brown, the wannabe actress from Chicago, and Rob Delany, who is also the musical director, and Sioned Saunders are absolutely adorable as musical double act, Francis Fryer and Susan, their piano duet an unmissable addition.

Nick Winston's choreography is authentically vibrant and slickly executed, while accompanied by the amazing musical skills of the entire cast, some of whom play more than one instrument. The musical numbers, including The Dark Hills of Dakota and The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away), are given new life and the hoe-down finale leaves it impossible not to clap and tap along as it sweeps you up into a frenzy.

This is an absolute 'must-see' show and another triumph for the Watermill Theatre who make a welcome return to Malvern Theatres, following there last show, Radio Times starring Gary Wilmot. Calamity Jane runs until Saturday. Go and treat yourself! 

5 Stars

THE HYPOCHONDRIAC

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Theatre Royal Bath Productions)

The comic writing genius of Richard Bean, who has enjoyed high acclaimed for his recent adaptation of the hugely popular One Man, Two Guvnors in the West End, twinned with the ever-reliable production qualities of the Theatre Royal Bath is sure to see Moliere’s The Hypochondriac flushed with success!

Fully embracing the bawdy performance style of the era, with plentiful measures of smut, wit, sauciness and melodram,a the company titillate the audience with the trials and tribulations of a man and his family who are as dysfunctional as his bowel movements. He believes he is plagued with a myriad of ailments, teetering on the step of Death’s door, ready to fall through at any moment. Of course, there is nothing at all wrong with him, other than an idle mind and too much money, which allows the opportunity for his vivid imaginings and the means to be indulged by the many doctors quick to line their own pockets.

Tony Robinson is delightfully uninhibited in his portrayal of Argan, the hypochondriac who is obsessed with daily enemas and forcing his poor nursemaid, Toinette, to inspect and report on his stool samples as part of her daily duties. Tracie Bennett is wonderfully expressive in this role and particularly hilarious in the second act as she carries out her deception to rid her boss of his fixations. Imogen Stubbs is perfect as the ‘gold-digging’ wife, who blatantly carries on an affair with her solicitor, while patiently waiting for her husband to keel over and pass on his fortune. All of the remaining cast provide a superb collection of characters, giving excellent performances in the telling of the story, with a notable interpretation of the unfortunate Thomas Diafoirehoea by the talented Craig Gazey.

The show is interspersed with original, medically inspired, comedy songs in a Monty Python style that Andrew Bevis delivers with impressive vocals. The only questionable part of this production is the ending, which jars and heads off in a direction that isn’t particularly necessary. However, it certainly doesn’t spoil the enjoyment of this refreshingly frank and raucous farce and the audience laughter was clear testament to the fact.

4 STARS

DREAMBOATS AND MINISKIRTS

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Bill Kenwright Ltd & Laurie Mansfield)

Dreamboats and Miniskirts is the 60s sequel to the hugely popular Dreamboats and Petticoats musical. It continues the story of Bobby and Laura, as they struggle to produce another hit, following their initial recording success, at a time when music and the world is undergoing historic transformation, not unlike Norman and Sue who are preparing for the arrival of their first child.

Yet again, another talented bunch of actor musicians make up this ensemble cast, delivering wonderful renditions of classics such as Twist & Shout, Pretty Woman, Be My Baby, and many more. Due to a curious directorial decision to understudy a lead role with someone in another lead role, it meant that press night saw two understudies playing two lead characters. Despite Alan Howell and Will Tierney doing an excellent job in their respective understudy roles of Norman and Tony, it is unknown the effect that this had on the overall production that night. Unfortunately, there was an absence of chemistry between the leads Alex Beaumont as Bobby and Elizabeth Carter as Laura and they had a general lack of energy, which led me to think that something wasn’t right. Their vocals, however, were undeniably delicious and a joy to hear.

Writers, Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, managed to link a plethora of unconnected, 60s pop hits, throwing in a good dose of laugh-out-loud one liners, many of which were brilliantly delivered by Sheridan Lloyd as Andy. David Luke as Ray is a perfect match for Anna Campkin, returning to the part of Donna, who gives the most superb and captivating performance of Hello Stranger and I Only Want To Be With You. Without question, the star of the show is Louise Olley, also returning to her part as Sue. She oozes stage presence from ever pore and gives an utterly truthful and engaging performance throughout. She delivers her songs with effortless precision and musically enchants like a siren of the sea. This lady is a star!

Carole Todd’s staging of the musical numbers is a bit hit and miss. Some are beautifully choreographed and really add to the song and others look as if they were forgotten about. Sean Cavanagh’s set is simple but effective and vibrantly lit by Tim Oliver’s lighting design. Although there is scope for improvement with this production, it is still a thoroughly enjoyable night out. The music is timeless and a feast for the ears, particularly Josef Pitura-Riley’s impressive trumpet solos. Dreamboats and Miniskirts runs at Malvern Festival Theatre until Saturday and then continues on tour around the UK.

THE KITE RUNNER

Malvern Festival Theatre

(UK Productions & Flying Music / Flying Entertainment)

Andrei Costin & Ben Turner

The European premiere of The Kite Runner received a much-deserved standing ovation on its opening night at Malvern Festival Theatre, as it tours the UK. Khaled Hosseini’s best-selling novel, which achieved added acclaim as a movie in 2007, has been adapted for stage by Matthew Spangler to present the captivating and, at times, harrowing tale of two boys growing up in Afghanistan in the seventies and how events shape their lives in tragically unforeseen ways into adulthood. Their story spans nearly thirty years from just prior to the Russian occupation that resulted in civil war and continues well into the oppression of the Taliban regime, as the action moves from Afghanistan to Pakistan, America and back again.

Barney George’s simplistic set provides a beautifully adaptable kite sail that, coupled with William Simpson’s projection design, transports us around the world. Live sound is woven throughout the performance creating the most incredible atmosphere and, along with Jonathan Girling’s composition, encapsulates the very essence of the Middle Eastern culture.

This is an ensemble piece with many of the ten actors playing more than one role. All are excellent in their casting, in particular Emilio Doorgasingh as Baba and Andrei Costin as Hassan (and later Sohrab). Nicholas Karimi, is perfectly intimidating as the sociopath, Assef, whose scene in the second act is very uncomfortable to watch with recent news coverage of similar horrors. Without question though, Ben Turner is most impressive in his epic role as Amir, who is on stage for the duration of the show (nearly three hours) and consistently switches between storyteller and participant. He gives a truly awe inspiring performance!

This is a stunning production of a fantastic story and the time flies. It may well leave you emotionally exhausted but it is certainly to be experienced. The Kite Runner is an absolute must see that maintains the amazing standard set by last week’s To Kill A Mocking Bird.

5 Stars

TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Produced by Regent's Park Theatre Ltd, Fiery Angel, Adam Spiegel and William Village)

This Regent’s Park Theatre production of To Kill A Mocking Bird is phenomenal! Everything single thing about it is exceptional. It is the most wonderful piece of theatre I have ever had the pleasure to review.

Christopher Sergel’s stage adaptation is enthralling and Timothy Sheader’s enchanting direction brings Harper Lee’s classic novel to life, delivering a masterclass in the captivating art of storytelling. Jon Bausor’s set design embraces the very essence of childhood with its climbing tree, tyre swing and chalkboard floor, which is magically lit by Oliver Fenwick’s breathtaking lighting design, as an engaging troupe of delightfully gifted players, accompanied by the musical genius of Phil King’s haunting melodies, tell their tales.

The story is set in the Deep South in 1935 and told through the eyes of Scout, the feisty young daughter of a small town lawyer, Atticus Finch, who is determined to fight against racial injustice and hatred, in the hope of building a better and brighter future for all. A cast of sixteen seamlessly dip in and out of the action, as both narrators and characters, every single person vital to the plot and giving fully of their craft. Daniel Betts is superb as the level headed, reliable, Atticus, as are the young performers who play his children. In this performance Jem was perfectly played by Billy Price, Rosie Boore was outstanding as Scout, and Milo Panni was adorably amusing as their friend, Dill.

Opening night at Malvern Theatres was a sell out and deservedly so. You really have to see this production, if you can get tickets. To Kill A Mocking Bird runs at the Festival Theatre until Saturday and then tours the country until July next year, finishing at the Barbican, London.

5 STARS

ADRIAN'S WALL

Malvern Forum Theatre

(Produced by Nick Wilkes & Malvern Theatres)

Writer in Residence at Malvern Theatres, Nick Wilkes, is clearly on a creative roll, presenting his latest play, Adrian’s Wall, only a couple of months after his last, Mog Bridges, which saw a Morgan car make its theatrical debut on the main stage. This time he divided the auditorium in the Forum theatre with Hadrian’s Wall, leaving audience members choosing tickets on the North or South side of the wall; a very poignant action during the week of the Scottish Referendum. On this occasion though, it was clear that there wasn’t any divide when it came to enjoyment of the show.

Inspired by a primary school project and personal issues, mild mannered, Adrian (Robert Temple), decides to embrace his midlife crisis and walk the length of Hadrian’s Wall. Despite a mass appeal to friends and family it looks as if it will be a solo mission until he is joined, last minute, by his Neanderthal builder mate Bryan (Rob Keeves) and bookworm Nevil (Murray Andrews), of whom he has little recollection from his schooldays. Before the day is out, a mysterious stranger, Stuart (Adrian Ross-Jones), joins them to become an integral part of their adventure. Their individual lives unravel on the wall as stories are told, perceptions are challenged, friendships develop and personal awakenings occur.

Wilkes is an eloquent writer and has a great sense of comedy and storytelling, which is perfectly executed by the performers under the creative vision of director, Jon Legg, who fully utilises and explores the traverse staging throughout the eighty-four mile physical and metaphorical journey of each character. All of the actors are excellent in their roles and give an immensely slick performance and Pippa Meekings, along with both the director and writer, make excellent cameo appearances.

Even though this is an epic three hours long, with interval, it doesn’t drag. Having said that it could easily be edited down to a more palatable sojourn. However, this is a funny and heart-warming production and definitely worth seeing. Nick Wilkes is a credit to Malvern Theatres and deserves the following that his is achieving with his writing. This production wonderfully supports the Help The Heroes campaign and runs until Saturday.

LOTTY'S WAR

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Lotty's War Ltd & Guilford's Yvonne Arnaud Theatre)

Already inspired to write about the 1940’s German occupation of his homeland, Guernsey, it was Giuliano Crispini’s discovery of a long forgotten dairy, written on tomato packing paper, that led to the publication and performance of his first play, Lotty’s War. This young girl’s eye opening account of survival during five years of living under German rule makes for an engaging story and one that easily rivals Kindertransport.

The action commences on the day that the Luftwaffe launched attacks on Guernsey and Jersey, resulting in the death of Lotty’s father, leaving her to become a prisoner in her own home, when it is commandeered by a German General who also exiles her childhood friend from her life. A resourceful and capable person, Lotty adapts in order to survive, as do all of the islanders, with unforeseen consequences.

Victoria Spearing has created the most beautiful and captivating setting with her set design that provides the perfect home for Bruce Guthrie’s ingenious direction, as he moves the action fluidly through the years. Special mention has to be made of Mike Walker’s complex sound design, which subtly and powerfully underscores the entire production.

Star of Larkrise to Candleford, Olivia Hallinan, is absolutely stunning in the eponymous role. Her focus and character never faltering, enchanting the audience with her honest and truthful portrayal of this girl thrust from idyllic innocence into the harsh reality of war. Adam Gillen, well known for his role in the hit TV series Benidorm, is perfectly awkward and nervous in his pursuit of Lotty’s love and affection leaving him troubled during their enforced separation with disturbing consequences. Mark Letheren is brilliantly unnerving as General Rolf Bernberg and superbly captures the dichotomy of his role as a soldier and a human being.

This is a wonderful show of talent and story telling that educates and enthrals in equal measures. It is so apt at this time of remembrance and a must see for all ages prior to it's West End run. I’m sure it won’t be long before this is a set text in schools, if it’s not already. Lotty’s War is at Malvern Festival Theatre until Saturday before carrying on tour.

APRIL IN PARIS

Malvern Festival Theatre

(April In Paris Ltd, JAM Pictures Ltd & Derby Theatre)

April In Paris is a tragic-comedy that observes the rather depressing, but all to common existence of a husband and wife in a seemingly loveless marriage, struggling to make sense of their world after he lost his job and their children ‘flew the nest’. The monotony of their lives is thrown into disarray when they win a night away in Paris and embark on a wonderful journey of rediscovery.

John Godber, the UK’s 3^rd most performed playwright and creator of Bouncers and Teachers, wrote April In Paris in 1992 during a downturn in the housing market, which resulted in high unemployment. 22 years later the content is still relevant and the story has been updated to reflect this decade’s financial crisis. Godber also directs this piece and cleverly physicalises the emotional separation and gentle reconnection of the married couple as they undertake their sojourn. The set and costume design is extremely adaptable and effective, reflecting the greyness of their lives until the vibrant colours of Paris begin to seep into their very being.

Joe McGann is perfectly infuriating as the pessimistic husband, Al, who appears to relish in the doom and gloom of their situation. Shobna Gulati is delightful as the more optimistic wife, Bet, who effortlessly deflects the slings and arrows of misfortune chucked her way. The pair work really well together, bouncing their dialogue of each other and voicing a heartfelt sincerity to the narrated sections throughout, a particular favourite moment being the disco scene on board the P&O ferry.

April In Paris is a charming story of hope for any relationship and a guaranteed enjoyable night of entertainment. It runs at Malvern Theatres until Saturday before continuing on it’s national tour.

ANNIE GET YOUR GUN

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Ambassador Theatre Group & Tulchin/Bartner Productions)

Irving Berlin’s classic musical, Annie Get Your Gun, is enjoying a refreshingly brilliant revival with an inspired rewrite by Peter Stone. Starring the suave Jason Donovan as the chauvinistic, Frank Butler, the story is set in the famous Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show of the 1800’s and explores the rise of the real life ‘sharp shooter’ Annie Oakley, who became a world wide sensation.

The entire show takes place inside Paul Farnsworth’s stunningly designed ‘Big Top’ that magnificently sweeps into place creating an ideal setting to stage the tale of love, ambition, stardom, jealousy and heartbreak. Norman Pace is perfect as the iconic show owner, Buffalo Bill, as is William Oxborrow as Charlie Davenport, his right-hand man, as they tackle the trials and tribulations of working in show business. Kara Lane is a tour de force in her role as the show’s diva, Dolly Tate, a seemingly suitable match for Donovan’s character, while Lorna Want is adorable as her lovelorn little sister, Winnie who is desperately in love with the equally sweet, Tommy charmingly played by Yiftach Mizrahi. The star of the show is, without question, the immensely charismatic, Emma Williams in the title role. The energy on stage instantly lifts with her arrival as the illiterate, gun-wielding, tomboy who falls in love with the same man she unwittingly humiliates when she beats him in a public shooting match, resulting in a love fuelled rivalry that is settled in a rematch with an unexpected, rewritten conclusion.

Lizzie Gee’s choreography is fresh, stylistic, authentic, enchanting and beautifully executed by the wonderful ensemble, adorned in Karen Large’s truly, magnificent costumes. Director, Ian Talbot, does a superb job of redirecting an old musical and making it much more palatable for today’s audiences with notable contributions from Stephen Ridley and Dan Delange with their orchestral arrangements.

This production is breathtaking and will go down a storm in the West End and is more than deserving of a transfer. Annie Get Your Gun runs at Malvern Festival Theatre until Saturday, when Jonathan Wilkes with be replacing Jason Donovan. Absolutely go and see it!

ANOTHER COUNTRY

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Chichester Festival Theatre, Fiery Angel & Royal Theatre Bath Productions)

Rob Callender as Bennett

Following a successful run in the West End, the revival of Julian Mitchell’s play, Another Country is now on tour. Inspired by the Oxbridge spy scandal that surfaced in the 1950’s, the writer explores what drives people to betray their country, believing that it is money, ideological conviction or revenge. Mitchell travels the road of revenge with this masterpiece, based on the fact that the 1930s public-school spies were all gay in a time, when it was commonly practiced but equally abhorred by many within the educational establishment, often with violent consequences if caught. The story utilises this as the fuel for the traitorous fire. His witty and eloquent script gives a wonderful platform for ten fresh-faced actors and one more seasoned professional. The film version launched the careers of Rupert Everett, Kenneth Branagh, Daniel Day Lewis and Colin Firth. So, as with the History Boys, I’ve certain this will facilitate the success of these current performers.

Although the first act clearly introduces us to the players in this game, it reaches the interval with a sense of unfulfillment with regards to the plot line. However, the second act brilliantly pieces together all of the elements of a great story, perfectly played out by a brilliant cast. This ensemble piece is headed by Rob Callender as the superbly risque, Bennet and Will Attenborough as the unwavering poltical activist, both ideal in their roles, as is everyone else, especially Bill Milner as 1st year ‘fag’ Wharton.

Director, Jeremy Herrin, presents a slick production with precision afforded to every detail, including the wonderfully choreographed scene changes. Peter McKintosh’s set design evokes the granduer and history of these uniquely British institutions, with incredibly clever mechanics that allow us to travel around the school.

Ultimately, this is a tale of non-conformists having to learn to survive in a conformist regime and surely, isnt that the best training ground for spies, when you musn’t be yourself and must never be caught doing anything perceived as wrong. With Royal Theatre Bath, Chichester Festival Theatre and Fiery Angel behind this production it is sure to succeed. Another Country is well worth seeing and runs at Malvern until Saturday.

EVITA

Malvern Fesitval Theatre

(Bill Kenwright Ltd Productions)

Mark Heenehan & Madalena Alberto

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical Evita makes a welcome return to Malvern Theatres this week, opening to a packed house. This pop/rock opera is tells the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, who journeys from humble beginnings through to extraordinary wealth, power and iconic status, which ultimately led her to be heralded as the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’ by the Argentine people.

Former Wet, Wet, Wet lead singer, Marti Pellow, clearly the attraction for many audience members, warms into his narrative role of revolutionary, Che, giving a confident performance. Mark Heenehan perfectly reprises his role as Eva’s imposing husband. A wonderfully talented ensemble cast, joined by local children and adults, slickly provide the multitude of other characters, achieving seemingly impossible costume changes at times. Imogen Sharp and Isabella Bangham (alternating performances) sing an enchanting solo, as does Sarah McNicholas in her beautiful rendition of Another Suitcase In Another Hall.

The true star of this show is the awesome, Madalena Alberto, who gives, without doubt, the most authentic and captivating performance of Eva Peron, ever! Her iconic address to the people of Argentina with the song Don’t Cry For Me Argentina is utterly breathtaking with such truth in delivery that it is impossible not to be swept up in the moment. Similarly with the emotive, You Must Love Me. Stunning! Absolutely stunning!

Other great moments include Buenes Aires and The Money Keeps Rolling In, which encapsulate the South American vibe, accompanied by the amazing band, headed by Matthew Loughran.

If you already have tickets to see this show then you are in for a treat! If you don’t have tickets, good luck in getting hold of some. Call the box office now!

Pygmalion

PYGMALION

Malvern Festival Theatre

(MJE Productions, Mark Goucher Ltd and Theatre Royal Bath Productions)

An eloquent revival George Bernard Shaw’s masterpiece, Pygmalion, makes a triumphant appearance at Malvern Theatres this week, as it delights audiences on a national tour. The tale popularised by Lerner and Loewe’s musical, My Fair Lady, explores the idea that how we speak defines our positioning within a class system; a theory championed and executed by phonetics expert, Professor Higgins, following a fortuitous meeting with an esteemed peer and lowly flower girl one wet night in Covent Garden. However, he is not prepared for all of the outcomes resulting from his experiment.

A wonderfully adaptable set, cleverly designed by Jonathan Fensom, is fully utilised by director, David Grindley, who succeeded in presenting a fresh outlook on some iconic characters. Each and every cast member is superb in the role afforded them, no matter how minor for some, and the storytelling is clear and encourages us to care about the lives under scrutiny.

Alistair McGowen’s interpretation of Higgins is that of a petulant child and what he lacks in emotional depth he makes up for in physicality and zeal, while his mother, played by Rula Lenska, is steadfast and true. Charlotte Page, in the guise of Mrs Pearce is a force to be reckoned with, in contrast to Paul Brightwell’s gentle and charming, Colonel Pickering. Jamie Foreman revels in his role as Alfred Doolittle and delivers his scenes with gusto and perfect melodrama. The star of the night though is definitely Rachel Barry who gives an amazingly, engaging performance as the protagonist, Eliza Doolittle transforming from flower girl to socialite and proving to all that she was always a lady. Tea with the Eynsford-Hills is a joyous theatrical moment and shouldn’t be missed.

This is truly deserving of a West End run and is as relevant now as it has ever been.

ETERNAL LOVE (IN EXTREMIS) - The Story of Abelard & Heloise

Malvern Festival Theatre

ENGLISH TOURING THEATRE

David Sturzaker & Jo Herbert

English Touring Theatre (ETT) has done it again! It’s superb production of Eternal Love is at Malvern Theatres this week as it tours the UK following a successful run at The Globe. There are two production companies that consistently draw the crowds to Malvern, Theatre Royal Bath and ETT, and justly so, due to the reassuringly high quality guaranteeing a thoroughly enjoyable night out.

Eternal Love – The Story of Abelard and Heloise proves that incredible writing is the foundation of any great play. Howard Brenton’s brilliance shines through in his witty, moving and accessible dialogue as he explores the potentially overwhelming subject of theology and philosophy by keeping the focus on love, in its infinite forms. Many of those that worked on his last ETT project, Anne Boleyn, have understandably returned for this wonderful staging of theatrical excellence.

John Dove, does an superb job, engaging the audience in a truly ensemble piece, eloquently telling the story of the passionate relationship between the outspoken academic, Abelard and his enthused muse, Heloise, perfectly portrayed by David Sturzaker and Jo Herbert respectively. Sam Crane gives an award winning performance as Abelard’s nemesis, Brother Bernard and is supported by the most talented and inspiring troupe of performers. Delighting the senses, a live band of musicians enhance the action with authentic, medieval instruments and Hilary Lewis adorns the players in a wealth of stunning costumes.

This is an amazing production and definitely worth seeing. It sets the bar for all other shows to aspire to reach. Eternal Love runs until Saturday at Malvern before heading on to Brighton and Canterbury.

KINDERTRANSPORT

Malvern Festival Theatre

HALL AND CHILDS LTD

Emma Deegan and Gabrielle Dempsey

Diane Samuels' play Kindertransport is the intriguing tale of Eva, one of 10,000 Jewish children that were shipped out of Nazi Germany during the Second World War, to ensure their safety. Past and present moments of Eva's life play out simultaneously as her story unravels, exploring the impact it had (and continues to have) on three generations of family.

Although this play is now on the A level syllabus, the writing and Andrew Hall's direction appears to pitch it more toward a much younger audience. It doesn't really relate to the intellect and awareness of today's teenagers and could be seen as a little patronising. Having said that, the performances more than make up for this. Gabrielle Dempsey is absolutely superb as the protagonist, Eva, handling the emotional content and her character's journey with truth and dexterity. Emma Deegan gives a strong, honest performance as Eva's mother, Helga and Maggie Steed, despite suffering with a cough, proved her metal by soldiering on regardless in her role as Lil. Janet Dibley is perfectly mysterious in her role and Rosie Holden is ideal as her stroppy teenage daughter. There of plenty of unsettling moments provided by Paul Lancaster's in his scary interpretation of the Ratcatcher.

This is a good story and the subject matter is extremely interesting. Fundamentally though this play explores the relationship between mothers and daughters, with the horrors of the Holocoust acting as the catalyst for the familial struggles. Kindertransport runs at Malvern until Saturday.

THE PERFECT MURDER

Malvern Festival Theatre

JOSHUA ANDREWS & PETER JAMES PRODUCTION

Les Dennis, Gray O'Brien & Claire Goose

The perfect stage adaptation of the perfect murder story, with the perfect cast of seasoned professionals makes The Perfect Murder a sure fire hit. With huge recent media exposure and rave reviews, this new writing had a lot to live up to and doesn’t disappoint. Set in present day suburbia, celebrated crime writer, Peter James, explores the frightening belief that around 600 missing people a year, in the UK, are murder victims who will never be discovered, confirming that the perfect murder is the one we don’t hear about. To allay some fears though, that equates to only 0.0001% of the UK population.

With such serious subject matter, it is a surprising relief to discover that Shaun McKenna cleverly weaves a reasonable amount of humour into his adaptation through the domestic disharmony of the ironically named Mr & Mrs Smiley. Victor, an aging IT manager, convincingly played by Les Dennis, is trapped in a loveless marriage to the younger, unfulfilled Joan, superbly portrayed by the wonderful Claire Goose. Both alleviate their unhappiness through love affairs, of which they are each equally oblivious. Kamila Walcak is perfect as Victor’s sultry, Croatian prostitute with unexpected hidden talents that prove incredibly useful to the young DC Grace, perceptively interpreted by the distinguished, Steven Miller. Joan enjoys an invigorated love life with ‘cockney geezer’ cabby, Don Kirk, whose impressive athletic prowess is enjoyably flaunted at every opportunity by the talented Gray O’Brien.

Although all of the actors do an excellent job, some of the performances appeared to lack truth and were a little technical at times. It may be that this was a conscious decision taken by director, Ian Talbot, but more emotional connection between the characters might have enhanced the delivery of such brilliant writing. At times it sounded more like a script reading than an expression of personality and thoughts.

This is definitely a play of two halves. The first act runs two relatively separate storylines, one comedic and one dramatic, with action swapping between the Smiley’s home and the Brighton brothel. Act two, however, brings in an unexpected third element with twists and turns that make for a thoroughly enjoyable evening of entertainment. Definitely worth seeing.

BLOOD BROTHERS

Malvern Festival Theatre

BILL KENWRIGHT PRODUCTIONS

5 curtain calls to a standing ovation on opening night may be all the convincing you need to go and see the latest tour of Willy Russell’s masterpiece, Blood Brothers, at Malvern Festival Theatre this week. A refreshingly new and arguably best-ever Narrator, Kristofer Harding, tells the moving tale of twins, separated at birth, and the unfortunate events that lead to their tragic demise.

The utterly brilliant Sean Jones reprises his role as Mickey opposite Mark Hutchingon who sweetly plays his dramatically different twin, Eddie. Danielle Corlass is wonderful as the enigmatic Linda and Daniel Taylor triumphantly returns as Mickey’s unhinged, older brother, Sammy. Tracy Spencer and Tim Churchill are perfect as Mr & Mrs Lyons, while the lovely Maureen Nolan provides the glue that binds everyone together. The rest of the supporting cast superbly add to an incredibly strong group of performers, making this a great production definitely worth seeing.

Each few years the orchestrations appear to be updated and this year is no exception. The band, under Kelvin Towse’s supervision, is stunning and helps create the most impressive atmosphere throughout the show. Whether new to musical theatre or a devoted fan of this timeless classic, this tour is one of the best to date.