THE BUTTERFLY LION

Malvern Festival Theatre

BILL KENWRIGHT PRODUCTIONS

George Bernard Shaw reminded us that, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing” and with this in mind, a visit to Malvern Theatre this week is guaranteed to reverse the aging process.

Michael Morpurgo, author of the award winning War House, brings another of his stories to the stage with Daniel Buckroyd’s adaptation of Butterfly Lion. It tells the story of Bertie, who rescues and raises a white lion cub, while living in African, until they are separated when Bertie is sent to an English boarding school and the lion is sold to a circus. The young boy vows to find him one day but this seems increasingly less likely when he is drafted to the French frontline during the Great War.

The wonderful Gwen Taylor, as warming and comforting as you would wish any grandmother to be, shares the bulk of the storytelling with Lloyd Notice, a gentle giant with a booming voice. Adam Buchanan, embraces the duel roles of Michael and Bertie, with gusto and a focus that never falters. His skills as a puppeteer are exemplified when he rescues the lion cub and the helpless creature is brought to life before our very eyes. This is a real ensemble piece though and the remaining cast commit entirely to delivering the magic offered by this charming tale. Tracy Bargate, Sam Clark, Christopher Hogben and Sydney K Smith give notable performances, as do Michael Palmer and Gina Isaac who perfectly present Bertie’s parents.

This production is a visual and auditory feast. Superbly directed by Buckroyd and Matthew Cullum, narration fluidly glides in and out of action as the characters continually transform and guide us on our enchanting journey around the world. A haunting score by Carlton Edwards, combined with the design skills of Juliet Shillingford, Mark Dymock, Adam P McCready and Sue Pyecroft, with set, lighting, sound and puppets respectively make this an absolute must see. This is a show that is good for the soul.

THE PRIVATE EAR, THE PUBIC EYE

Malvern Festival Theatre

ORIGINAL THEATRE COMPANY & YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE

The Private Ear and The Public Eye at Malvern Theatres this week is a revival of Peter Shaffer's 1960's play, which originally starred Dame Maggie Smith and Kenneth Williams.

This piece is effectively two one-act plays that present real time events with seemingly no obvious connection, other than two of the actors playing characters in both stories. However, Original Theatre Company identified a connection with a central character in each play whom experienced his world predominately through sound in the first play and mostly sight in the second play, therefore collectively creating an incredibly observant being. These two contrasting characters are magnificently performed by Steven Blakely, who successfully takes on this epic theatrical challenge with a level of skill and dexterity rarely seen in the profession.

A high level of professionalism is maintained by the other cast members, who revel in their parts under the wonderful direction of Alistair Whatley. It is such a joy to see a production that has been shaped by a talented visionary, such as Whatley. In The Private Ear, Rupert Hill is perfect as the playboy Ted, a charmer who's over zealous nature is merely compensating for his tragically unhappy childhood. Siobhan O'Kelly is superbly awkward as Doreen, Bob's date and then transforms into a 'hip' young lady, brimming with confidence and adventure as Belinda in The Public Eye. Here she is joined by the Jasper Britton, who gives an energised interpretation of the frustrated and somewhat pompous, Jasper.

The set by Hayley Grindle undergoes a thoroughly entertaining transformation at the opening of the second act and her costume designs are superbly reminiscent of the swinging 60s. The creative team is excellent and the actors triumph in their individual performances, securely handling a weighty text with confidence and ease. These plays will not be everyone's cup of tea but Original Theatre Company more than make up for what the stories lack, with a dazzling brilliance of talent.

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!