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.