CABARET TOUR 2017

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Bill Kenwright Productions)

Will Young & Louise Rednapp

“The girls are beautiful. The boys are beautiful. Even the orchestra are beautiful.” Life Is A Cabaret at Malvern Festival Theatre this week with pop superstars, Will Young and Louise Rednapp headlining the show.

Kander and Ebb’s musical is set in Berlin, during 1931, at the beginning of Hitler’s rise to power. Sally Bowles, an educated girl from Chelsea, is working as a cabaret performer in the infamous Kit Kat club, a hedonist’s paradise, when an American novelist fortuitously arrives on the day she is sacked. They get swept up in the decedent rhythms of the German capital at a time of huge political upheaval and change.

Rufus Norris’ direction is suitably dark and he utilises the wonderfully adaptable set designed by Katrina Lindsay. Javier De Frutos’ choreography is incredibly physical, requiring an immense level of skill and trust from the dancers. The ensemble are fully committed throughout and their focus is unwavering.

Will Young is wonderfully grotesque as the Emcee and clearly revels in his role. He obviously delivers vocally with the classics ‘Wilkommen’ and ‘The Money Song’. While Louise Rednapp’s lack of experience as an actress shows, her skill as a singer shines through with ‘Mein Herr’ and ‘Maybe This Time’. She delivers a perfectly clipped Chelsea accent too. Susan Penhaligon and Linal Haft enchant the audience as the twilight lovers Fräulein Schneider and Herr Schultz and Basienka Blake is striking as ‘a lady of the night’, Fräulein Kost. Her rendition of ‘Tomorrow Belongs To Me’ is as haunting as the Emcee’s version is disturbing. Charles Hagerty gives a truly superb performance as the novelist, Clifford. The authenticity will which he portrays his character is faultless and captivating. An interpretation that is worthy of top billing.

This is a sell out at Malvern Festival Theatre but is definitely worth trying to obtain returns. If you already have tickets, then you are in for a great night.

HAIRSPRAY 2017 TOUR

Birmingham Hippodrome

(Mark Goucher Ltd)

It's 5 star fabulousness at the Birmingham Hippodrome this week with a sparkling new production of Hairspray.

The most phenomenal talent has been brought together to wow audiences with this bubbly, feel good musical about a girl, from Baltimore, who dreams of a better world for all, no matter what shape, size or colour you happen to be.

Making her professional debut, in the lead role of Tracy Turnblad, is Rebecca Mendoza, who shines bright along side the seasoned pros with her powerful vocals, hilarious characterisation and boundless energy. Matt Rixon is absolutely perfect as Edna and Norman Pace is adorable as Wilbur. They charm the audience as Tracy’s parents with their comical, yet endearing, duet, ‘Timeless To Me’. The Turnblads are just an average American family, until they are thrust into the limelight when Tracy auditions for a TV show and ends up becoming an activist for equal rights.

Gina Murray and Aimee Moore are wonderfully dislikable as the scheming mother and daughter team, Velma and Amber Von Tussle, who are determined to scupper Tracy’s plans. Luckily she has TV show host, Corny Collins, on her side, played by the devilishly handsome, Jon Tsouras, whose performance is as cheerful as his suits. Annalise Liard-Bailey, with her amazing vocals, is at Tracy’s side as her best friend, Penny Pingleton, who falls for the exotic moves of Seaweed, perfectly executed by the very flexible, Layton Williams. Edward Chitticks is lovely as Tracy’s unexpected love interest Link Larkin, while the incredible Brenda Edwards gives the most awe inspiring performance as Motormouth Maybelle.

The ensemble also ooze with talent, each and every one proving their metal from beginning to end. Local lad, Drew McOnie, provides the cast with exquisite choreography, which they present with precision and unwavering energy. Director, Paul Kerryson, brings a gritty freshness to the script, keeping focus on the story and its message and although Takis’ set design seems clumsy and distracting, at times, his new costume design is simply stunning! Musical Director, Ben Atkinson, and his band are faultless, with their accompaniment of this memorable score.

The casting of this new production is absolutely superb and is certainly what makes this tour of Hairspray the best yet! Make sure you get to see it! It runs in Birmingham until Saturday before continuing on to other venues until June next year.

5 stars

OUR HOUSE

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Immersion Theatre Company & Damien Tracey Productions)

It’s total Madness at Malvern Festival Theatre all this week with the Olivier Award winning musical, Our House. Written by Tim Firth, the genius behind Calendar Girls and Kinky Boots, it tells the story of local lad, Joe Casey, who gets into trouble on the night of his 16^th birthday, while trying to impress his girlfriend, Sarah. In a ‘Sliding Doors’ moment, Joe has to decide whether to run from the police or give himself up. Both outcomes are then played out, simultaneously, to discover the impact of his decision and where each road will eventually lead.

Jason Kajdi is superb as Joe Casey. His task is immense in this show, constantly switching between the two Joes, in the parallel lives. Sophie Matthew is captivating as the girlfriend, Sarah, making the part refreshingly engaging. Billy Roberts and Will Haswell are the perfect double act as Joe’s best mates, Emmo and Lewis, while Jessica Niles and Etisyai Philip are electric as Sarah’s sassy, opinionated friends. Emmerdale’s Deena Payne, is lovely as Joe’s mum and Britain’s Got Talent winner, George Sampson, is enjoyable as bad boy, Reecey. In the role of Joe’s dad is Callum McArdle, who has the most wonderful voice, ideal for the Madness melodies. Bobby Windebank is great as the egocentric Mr Pressman, as too is Matthew McDonald as Sarah's love interest, Callum.

The ensemble is magnificent in this production. Their energy and enthusiasm is contagious and when the cast are performing Fabian Aloise’s absolutely stunning choreography, the result is truly awesome. Baggy Trousers is phenomenal and Wings Of A Dove simply divine, beautifully accompanied by Dustin Conrad and his band.

This is a real feel good musical with a brilliant score that will reignite your love for the greatness that is Madness. It runs at Malvern until Saturday, before continuing on tour. go and see it!

5 stars

SHIRELY VALENTINE

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Adam Spiegel Productions)

Jodie Prenger as Shirley Valentine

Shirley Valentine is the story of a 42 year old wife, with two grown up kids, who, one day, decides to go to Greece for a holiday. Perhaps not the most exciting plot but for Shirley, this is more than just a jaunt to the Mediterranean. For Shirley Bradshaw, nee Valentine, this is about finding herself. This is about reclaiming the bravery of her younger self who used to jump off the roof of her house for fun. This is about not accepting the drudgery of her existence any more. This is about honouring the huge amount of life that she hasn't lived. This is about being the Shirley Valentine she always wanted to be!

Penned by the hugely inspiring Willy Russell (Blood Brothers, Educating Rita) the play is set in Liverpool and brilliantly explores the sad truth of unfulfilled potential and the stark reality of a life half lived. Through the loveable character of Shirley Valentine, he lays bare the mid life crisis, showing how easily it is to become trapped in routine and the safety of our comfort zone, until the fear of everything staying the same is more scary than the fear of the unknown.

Jodie Prenger, who was last at Malvern in the guise of all singing and dancing, gun touting, Calamity Jane, takes on this epic, eponymous role. Fans of the film, starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti, may be surprised to find that the play is a one woman show. It is a two hour monologue with the first half taking place in Shirley’s kitchen and the second half on a beach in Greece. All of the characters are there, but narrated by the protagonist of the story. Prenger is superb in the role and takes the audience on a truly emotional rollercoaster. Her focus and delivery throughout is magnificent, particularly in act one as she shares the character's inner most thoughts and feelings, discussing the events that lead up to the great escape, while cooking egg and chips for husband, Joe, for when he gets in from work. Make sure you eat before you go. Otherwise, you’ll be ravenous by the interval.

Glen Walford has done a great job directing the action to look ordinary and mundane and not detract from the storytelling. In reality it must have taken forever to choreograph the preparing of dinner. The direction throughout is unobtrusive and flows well, utilising Amy Yardley’ set design, that received a round of applause when the curtain rose for act two, or perhaps it was recognition that Ms Valentine had made it to Greece.

Although extremely moving, this is a very funny script and Prenger’s delivery maximises the laughs. Her standing ovation was well deserved and I'm sure everyone in the auditorium connected with Shirley's plight in some way or another, with their own past, present or future. This is a modern classic and a must see. A great production, wonderfully executed.

5 stars

ABIGAIL'S PARTY

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Theatre Royal Bath Productions)

Forty years ago, Abigail had a party and the nation was introduced to Beverley, a sultry, middle class, suburban housewife with a love of gin and tonic, cigarettes and Demis Roussos. Bev, aided by husband Laurence, decides to hold a soirée, inviting Abigail’s mother, Sue, and the new neighbours Ange and Tony. With cheese and pineapple on sticks, peanuts, crisps and even olives what could possibly go wrong? But, as the alcohol flows and the party next door gets louder, tensions rise, escalating into arguments with dire consequences.

Created by award winning writer and director, Mike Leigh, Abigail’s Party is one of his many distressingly real dramas. The last time this play was at Malvern Theatres, he was in the audience and had just won an Oscar for Topsy Turvy. I had the honour of chatting with him in the interval. He was humble, unassuming and one of the nicest people I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet.

Janet Bird’s inspired set design is the first morsel of brilliance. On entering the theatre you find yourself in the street, outside Bev and Laurence’s house, with its huge front window proudly framing the epitome of 1970’s chic, while our hostess titivates. Ginny Schiller’s casting is perfect and gives this production its own identity while remaining loyal to the iconic screenplay. Amanda Abbington firmly establishes her character, Bev, in the opening sequence as she dances to Donna Summer’s Love To Love You Baby and is brilliant throughout as the narcissist of the piece. Ben Caplan is excellent as her over worked, brow beaten husband, Laurence, expertly switching personas as he struggles to suppress his frustrations. Charlotte Mills oozes energy and optimism, as Ange, superbly compensating for her less than enthusiastic husband, Tony, played by the moody, but handsome, Ciarán Owens. Finally, Rose Keegan is wonderfully funny as the distracted, slightly awkward, Sue.

Sarah Esdaile, directs an engaging piece of theatre which ensures the continued success of this tragic comedy. This new production of Abigail’s Party is uncomfortably hilarious and an absolute must see! It runs at Malvern until Saturday.

5 stars

GHOST THE MUSICAL

(Bill Kenwright Productions)

Malvern Festival Theatre

Andy Moss & Carolyn Maitland

The new touring production of Ghost the Musical opened to a sell out at Malvern Theatres this week. Not one ‘celebrity’ in the cast and yet the auditorium was full. This is testament to the huge impact this iconic movie, starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoppi Goldberg, had on the great British public nearly 27 years ago. Fans of the film will not be disappointed.

This scaled down version of the West End hit works really well as a touring show, with most of the iconic scenes remaining and the special effects perfectly adapted for the demands of different venues. Bob Tomson directs the action through Mark Bailey’s excellent stage design that moves from place to place with fluidity and ease, never halting or interrupting the flow of narrative. This is a loud musical and, as with many musicals, the sound on opening night could have been better. The volume was so high at times it was distortive. The second act, however, was much better and I don’t have any doubt that this will be resolved by the second night. Having said this, the vocals were stunning and Tim Whiting’s band is superb.

The lead character, Sam, is currently being played by the understudy Sam Ferriday, who is normally in the other lead male role of Carl. Ferriday is brilliant and very likeable. It is difficult to imagine him in the part of the baddie, who is now convincingly played by Ethan Bradshaw. One can only imagine just how difficult it must be to understudy opposite the part you usually play, let alone sing a different part in songs you usually sing. An impressive and unenviable accomplishment by Ferriday. The incredibly talented Carolyn Maitland is divine as Molly. Her performance throughout is heartbreaking and utterly captivating. Jacqui Dubois is hilarious as Oda Mae Brown and completely owns the part afforded her. A diverse ensemble play a variety of characters with notable performances from Garry Lee Netley as the Subway Ghost and James Earl Adair, who delivers the most beautiful rendition of You Gotta Let It Go as the Hospital Ghost.

The weakest element of the show is the choreography, which appears basic, unimaginative and repetitive. It is attempting to be contemporary in style but lacks content and doesn’t challenge the cast of apparently capable dancers. Dave Stewart’s and Glen Ballard’s music and lyrics aren’t a standard musical theatre format and the songs don’t stick in your head. Even though the score is easily forgettable, the story is one that really tugs on the heartstrings and the cast give a performance worthy of the standing ovations.

Ghost runs at Malvern Festival Theatre until Saturday before continuing on tour. If you are fortunate enough to have tickets, you’re in for a treat!

4 stars

NELL GWYNN

Malvern Festival Theatre

(English Touring Theatre)

Mossie Smith & Laura Pitt-Pulford

English Touring Theatre have a solid reputation for quality productions and their latest creation is no exception. Winner of the Olivier award for best comedy last year, Nell Gwynn, is a bawdy romp about an orange seller and how she captured the heart of the King of England.

Brilliantly written by Jessica Swale and superbly directed by Christopher Luscombe, the show features an impressive cast of players who exude charisma and energy, all delightful in their roles. George Jennings is endearing as the slightly awkward Ned Spigget who, at the start of the play, presents the prologue while being heckled by the audience and defended by our heroine. Equally likeable is Nicholas Bishop with his interpretation of the troubled playwright, John Dryden, while Mossie Smith and Esh Alladi provide bucket loads of laughs as the dresser, Nancy, and actor, Edward Kynaston, respectively. Ben Righton is perfect as King Charles II, presenting a gentle giant of a character with a convincingly deep affection for his unlikely mistress. In the title role is the wonderfully captivating Laura Pitt-Pulford, who never ceases to amaze with the apparent ease at which she embodies characters to charm and entertain. She plays Nell with such authenticity and vigour, sweeping you up in her story so that you really, truly care. Her ability to engage through performance is remarkable and this part affords her an incredible opportunity to showcase her seemingly endless talents.

This is an extravagant show and Hugh Durrant's opulent set, beautifully lit by Nick Richings design, allows the action to effortlessly glide from scene to scene, without interruption to the narrative. The copious amount of fabric used in each and every costume is something to behold and creating this marvellous array must have been an unenviable task for Martin de Cerjat and his team. Enhancing the historic feel to this masterpiece is a brilliant four piece band led by musical director, Emily Baines.

Nell Gwynn is a joy to behold and not to be missed! It runs at Malvern Theatres until Saturday.

5 stars

GASLIGHT

(Ambassador Theatre Group & Smith & Brant Theatricals in association with Tulchin Bartner Productions and Moya Productions)

Malvern Festival Theatre

Keith Allen as Rough & Kara Tointon as Bella

Great direction in a theatrical production is highly underrated these days and the art form suffers greatly from either an absence of it or lack of expertise. The same can be said for great writing. The new revival of Gaslight, currently on tour and playing to packed houses, delightfully has both great direction and great writing.

Penned in the mid 1930s by Patrick Hamilton, the story explores the mental abuse of a woman by her husband, a psychological practice now known as 'gaslighting' because of the this very play. Although it is set in 1871, the subject matter is as relevant now as then and would not be out of place on a prime time television thriller.

Director, Anthony Banks, stages a captivating production that never loses momentum, despite the huge amount of dialogue. The action on stage is almost choreographed. The characters partner up in a dance of power, as the baton of control is passed around from person to person. David Woodhead's set presents a perspective that challenges the mind and creates the most amazing acoustics that permit the actors to work without microphones, adding to the authenticity of the setting. It's a joy to watch a show where the voices come from the performing space, rather than a speaker in the auditorium, and you can here every single word.

It's a pleasure to see Kara Tointon back at Malvern. She gives an exhausting performance as the tortured wife, Bella, with an historically accurate, melodramatic edge. Rupert Young is unnervingly brilliant as her husband and abuser, Jack, as he keeps switching from protector to persecutor and back again, asserting dominance over his prey. Keith Allen is very likeable as Bella's rescuer, the retired crime fighter, Rough, who is aided and abetted by the resourceful housekeeper, Elizabeth, perfectly portrayed by Helen Anderson. Charlotte Blackledge is excellent as the feisty maid, Nancy, with ideas well above her station and a singleminded determination that unexpectedly makes her possibly the most powerful character of all. Grace Osborn and Adam Lilley make brief appearances and have the unenviable task of understudying two characters each. The pace and energy of the entire cast is engaging and exciting.

Technically, the lighting isn't consistent and some of the lighting states are distracting rather than enhancing and the use of underscoring in some of the scenes is completely unnecessary and draws focus away from the acting, at times. The costumes, however, are stunning.

Gaslight is testament to the importance of superb directing, writing and casting. It runs at Malvern Theatres until Saturday and is definitely worth seeing.

4 stars