ELYSIAN FIELDS

Malvern Festival Theatre

MALVERNBARD & MALVERN THEATRES

Malvern Theatres, Worcestershire

In these austere times, Malvern Theatres appears to be forging another inspired stage of evolution. Co-producing, for the first time, last week's superb production of Godber's September in the Rain and, this week, showcasing their Writer in Residence in the main house. With the development of their youth theatre over the last two years, two excellent summer school musicals and regular seasons of pre-West End productions, chief executive, Nic Lloyd continues to prove his visionary worth.

Elysian Fields, by Nick Wilkes, is a thought-provoking, often amusing and very accessible look at life and death, eloquently discussed without any pretentiousness. The quality of writing far surpasses what is expected, given the visual advertising, which lacks the professional, inspired design worthy of this production. The small audience on opening night perhaps reflected this point.

Murray Andrews, as protagonist, Stephen Fields, deftly handles an epic role showing his metal as an accomplished actor, although his performance is slightly marred by an ill fitting, tatty suit, which does not dress the character as the dialogue suggests. Pippa Meekings' interpretation of her role will be very familiar to fans of a popular, sci-fi television programme, as the seductive River and Adrian Ross-Jones, delivers an equally intriguing characterisation as Q. These two characters endeavour to assist Stephen in his quest to make sense of the predicament in which he finds himself as he interacts with the people who have impacted on his existence, many of whom are recreated by the charming Elaine Hartley, who brings a wonderfully refreshing energy to proceedings with each characterisation. Joe Warriner is aptly vulnerable as the Victorian entrepreneur, Mr Hudson and Robert Temple is perfectly disturbing as the Chief Guide. British theatre royalty, Simon Callow, also delivers a touching eulogy, beautifully demonstrating the quality of Wilkes' writing.

Jon Legg does a great job of directing a relatively static play, within Paul Ralph's suitably stark and clinical set design, while Ben Merrick's atmospheric lighting design and Andrew Davis and Neil Rose's clever sound design enhance the production.

This play is definitely worth going to see. It is fresh and contemporary writing with mainstream appeal. It supports and utilises local, professional talent and we need much more of this. Elysian Fields runs until Saturday.

FALLEN ANGELS

Malvern Festival Theatre

BILL KENWRIGHT PRODUCTIONS

In a change to the advertised production of ‘The Governess’ due to unforeseen circumstances, Malvern Theatre audiences are treated to the delightful, Noel Coward romp, Fallen Angels.

The play stars Jenny Seagrove and Sarah Crowe in the eponymous roles of two seemingly respectable ladies who whip themselves up into a frenzy, after receiving postcards from a mutual past lover, as they prepare to discard their dull, lust lacking husbands for want of exotic passion and languishing love.

Seagrove looks as elegant as ever in the role of Julia, in whose luxurious apartment the action takes place and Daniel Hill is ideal as her perplexed, put upon husband, Fred. Crowe, as Jane, comes into her own in this style of character and gives one of her best performances to date. Both ladies offer a wonderfully exhaustive, physical performance in the second act to the great enjoyment of those in the auditorium. It is always a pleasure to see Robin Sebastian on stage, better know for his superb performances as Kenneth Williams, this time presenting Jane’s dashing and level headed husband, Willy. Philip Battley is dashing as the French lover, Maurice and Gillian McCafferty fully utilises every opportunity afforded her in the brilliant guise of Sauders, the maid.

Roy Marsden directs an energetic show, with engaging characters and creates suitably farcical moments while maintaining clarity of storytelling. Paul Farnsworth’s set beautifully encapsulates the opulence and grandeur of the twenties, an era of change and hedonistic living. This tale is as relevant today as it was nearly a century ago and this is what perhaps makes this production so entertaining.

HENRY VI

Malvern Festival Theatre

SHAKESPEARE'S GLOBE (GLOBE THEATRE ON TOUR)

Graham Butler as King Henry VI

What an absolute delight it is to be able to experience a Globe Theatre production without the trek to London. Malvern Festival Theatre is home to a band of immensely talented players this week as they present the three parts of Henry VI over three nights before running the trilogy all day on Saturday. On Sunday the action moves to the historic battlefield in Tewkesbury for an open air telling of Shakespeare’s interpretation of this King’s reign.

A towering set provides a suitably bleak platform for the action that takes place in England and France following the death of King Henry V. Part 1, entitled Harry The Sixth, sees struggles for power on home turf as well as across The Channel. While the nobles begin to divide their loyalties between the house of York and Lancaster, the scheming Bishop of Winchester (Mike Grady) seizes the opportunity to gain power and influence. The French, led by Charles The Dauphin (Simon Harrison) are victorious in many recent battles with the English but take a beating in Orleans. They soon find a new alley in the form of Joan of Arc (Beatriz Romilly), whose supernatural influence changes their fortunes until she is eventually captured and France surrender. Peace loving Henry (Graham Butler), in an effort to unite nations, agrees to marry the beautiful, Margaret of Anjou (Mary Doherty) and this where we leave Part 1, with a vibrant celebration.

This is a lavish production, with elegant costumes, much swashbuckling and a wonderful use of percussion to heighten the experience. All of the cast are delightfully eloquent and although the more mature cast members better master vocal strength, everyone’s dialogue is wonderfully clear. Director, Dominic Dromgoole, has nurtured excellent performances from the entire cast and the contrast offered between the almost pantomimic baddy of the Bishop and Monty Python like French knights, alongside the more naturalist characters of Lord Talbot (Andrew Sheriden) and Richard Plantagenet (Brendan O’Hea) works perfectly and is probably more true to Shakespeare’s original intentions. Nigel Hastings, whose stage presence is captivating and engaging, gives a particularly notable performance in this production.

If you have been enjoying the recent series of The White Queen, or the accompanying documentary then you will certainly enjoy this, which is effectively the intriguing prequel. Each play stands on it’s own so it won’t matter if you missed the first part. Get your tickets now!

SOUL SISTER

Malvern Festival Theatre

BILL KENWRIGHT PRODUCTIONS & WIZARD PRESENTS

The incredible highs and devastating lows in the life of music legends, Ike and Tina Turner, are magnificently played out in the new tour, of the West End triumph, Soul Sister at Malvern Theatres this week. A cast of unbelievably gifted performers present a story that spans over forty years from the discovery of Anna Mae Bullock, a quirky, young black girl from Tennessee who became one half of the most influential music duos in history, Ike and Tina Turner. The couple's tumultuous relationship is explored with a back catalogue of some of the most groundbreaking and popular music ever heard.

The iconic role of Tina usually played by Jenny Fitzpatrick, is taken on this time by the striking Maria Omakinwa, who’s physical and vocal interpretation of this music giant is utterly awe inspiring. Hardly ever leaving the stage, the demands of the role must be exhausting and yet her focus and energy never faltered, not for one second. Omakinwa’s jaw dropping performance is equally matched by Chris Tummings, who is absolutely superb in his portrayal of the troubled genius, Ike Turner. Actor musicians are commonplace within musical theatre now and Tummings being an accomplished guitarist adds extra authenticity to his characterisation. Another actor musician, Msimisi Dlamini, who plays Ike’s best friend, Ray, seriously gets his groove on when armed with his guitar, busting some smooth moves. The Ikette’s are made up of Helena Dowling, Katy Lye, Tamara McKoy-Patterson and Portia Harry, who appear to have an endless supply of energised, dynamic moves and stunning vocals as the band’s backing singers. They all give a literally breathtaking performance throughout, in character every second they are on stage. The band is also amazing and all six members add so much to this incredible production. Simply brilliant!

Jason Pennycooke’s choreography is wonderfully relentless and Laura Hopkins’ set design is ingenious and keeps the show moving at a pace, with excellent video projection designed by Simon Wainwright. Devised and directed by Pete Brooks and John Miller, Soul Sister is definitely deserving of its Olivier nomination for Best Musical this year.

Wow! Just WOW! This show is AWESOME and has to be seen. Get your tickets now, if it’s not too late!

'The 39 Steps' review

Malvern Festival Theatre

THE 39 STEPS (Fiery Angel Limited)

Charlotte Peters and Richard Ede

Patrick Barlow’s brilliant adaptation of John Buchan’s classic novel The 39 Steps opened to a packed house at Malvern Festival Theatre last night, as it tours the UK. This exhilarating, melodramatic romp may not be what fans of the Hitchcock thriller are expecting but they certainly won’t be disappointed.

An energised cast of just four gifted performers present a plethora of characters in the telling of this story of intrigue and love. Richard Ede perfectly encapsulates the charming protaganist, Richard Hannay, who unwittingly becomes embroiled in a murderous plot of international espionage. His impressive, physical prowess is equally matched by the remaining male component of the show, Tony Bell and Gary Mackay, who work wonderfully in sync as they enact a mind-blowing number of roles, often in speedy succession, as Hannay journeys the length and breadth of Britain. The belle of ball is Charlotte Peters who is absolutely outstanding in her performance as femme fatale, underdog and feisty heroine battling with her love for the unlikely hero. The action is exhausting and hilarious and will have you grinning inanely throughout.

Gary Mackay and Richard Ede

This multi-award winning production is the achievement of an incredible creative team who have collaborated to bring an utterly refreshing piece of theatre to the stage. Barlow’s superb writing, with Maria Aitken’s innovative vision and direction combined with the undeniable talents of Peter McKintosh (set and costume design), Ian Scott (lighting design), Mic Pool (sound design) and Toby Sedgwick (movement director) prove that, in a time when only musicals tend to sell out, quality plays can still fill theatres.

This tour is as good as the current West End production, which is in its 6^th year and absolutely deserved it’s many curtain calls, tumultuous applause, whoops and cheers. Take this amazing opportunity to see theatrical brilliance at its best while you can. Get your tickets now!

'The Woman In Black' review

Malvern Festival Theatre

THE WOMAN IN BLACK (PW Productions)
 

After the huge success of the recent movie starring Daniel Radcliffe, the stage adaptation of Susan Hill’s Victorian ghost story, The Woman In Black, makes a welcome return to Malvern Theatres this week. Stephen Mallatratt’s play is in its 25^th year in London, testament to the brilliance of this late playwright’s work.

Young, London solicitor, Arthur Kipps, travels up north to attend the funeral of Mrs Alice Drablow and to put her affairs in order. A frosty reception from the locals leaves him bemused until he experiences a series of unnatural events that unravel a past tragedy with fatal repercussions.

Robin Herford directs a stagecraft masterclass, transforming a relatively bare stage with a bit of furniture into a variety of locations, including the sinister Eel Marsh House and treacherous Nine Lives Causeway, superbly enhanced by the lighting and sound skills of Kevin Sleep and Gareth Owen, respectively.

Julian Forsyth is perfect as Kipps who, with a little support and encouragement from his theatrical muse, explores a catalogue of characters vital in the telling of his tale. The epic role of The Actor is deftly handled by Anthony Eden whose energy, enthusiasm and focus never falter, as he confronts the demon that dwells in the darkness. Audrone Koc is unnervingly wonderful as the infamous Woman In Black and makes much more of an appearance in this production than before. At times this works to great effect but her more visible presence arguably steals some of the mystery and supernatural element from the show.

Although the more modern Festival Theatre lacks the atmosphere of the West End home of this spine-chilling story, this is still a thoroughly entertaining night out and well worth seeing even if only for the impressive art of creative storytelling so beautifully demonstrated.

'Save The Last Dance For Me' review

Malvern Festival Theatre

SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME (Bill Kenwright & Laurie Mansfield)

Fans of the hit show ‘Dreamboats and Petticoats’ will be thrilled with the creative team’s latest offering, currently at Malvern Festival Theatre. ‘Save The Last Dance For Me’ is a musical showcasing the works of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. Timeless classics such as Viva Las Vegas, Sweets For My Sweet, Teenager In Love, And Then He Kissed Me, Please Mr Postman and Tell Her are interwoven into a charming love story set on an American Air Force base in Lowestoft in the early sixties. Free from their parents, two sisters from Luton head off to the seaside, finding love and romance in unexpected places.

Musical talent oozes from every pore of this immensely gifted cast of actor musicians. Kieran McGinn, Curtis, really comes into his own every time he serenades his young love, Marie, played by Elizabeth Carter who possesses the face and voice of an angel. Verity Jones is captivating to watch as the older sister, Jennifer, proving her exceptional skills as a comedic actress, singer and dancer. The star of the show is unquestionably the incredibly talented Lee Honey-Jones who charms with his effortless vocals, energised moves and super characterisation as Milton. Jay Perry is an impressive vocalist as Rufus, while Sally Peerless and Alex Hammond deliver great performances as the girl’s, long suffering parents. The rest of the supporting cast delivered slick performances throughout, maintaining the energy and enthusiasm required for such a show.

Bill Kenwright’s direction is boosted by the choreographic genius of Bill Deamer, who only this weekend won the Olivier Award for best theatre choreographer. Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran write simple, but effective dialogue that keeps the story moving along at a pace although a dialect coach should have been utilised to help with some of the accents explored in this show. Mark Bailey’s set and costume design perfectly compliment the era and vibrancy of the time and Tom De Keyser creates instrumental magic through his musical supervision.

Save The Last Dance For Me is a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable night out with a sweet storyline and outstanding, live music.