SLEEPING BEAUTY

Malvern Festival Theatre

(UK Productions)

UK productions have done it again with a wonderfully refreshing script and superb casting. Sleeping Beauty at Malvern Theatres is laugh out loud funny!

Chris Pizzey, best known as Basil Brush's sidekick Mr Stephen, is not only brilliant as the comedic Silly Billy but also as director of this rib tickler of a show. Excellent storytelling has been interspersed with hilarious comedy routines and an eclectic mix of songs, old and new, perfectly accompanied by Christopher Duffy and his band. Alastair Bull returns as choreographer, fully utilising the local, young talent of Cecilia Hall Dance Centre while showcasing the professional dancers.

Rebecca Wheatley, of Casualty fame, flies in to open the show as a very likeable Good Fairy bestowing magical gifts on baby Rose. The celebrations are interrupted when the evil Carabosse turns up to lay a curse on the tiny princess. She will die on her 18th birthday, when she pricks her finger on a spinning wheel. Due to illness, Gillian Wright was unable to play the part of the evil fairy, so executive director, Anthony Williams, stepped into the role and gave a truly magnificent performance, saving the day!

Eighteen years on and it is the day Princess Rose's birthday. The delightful Amy Thompson returns to Malvern to bring new life into the princess role and is perfectly paired with David Barrett as the dashing, Prince Philip. Their rendition of Queen's Somebody To Love is stunning. Barrett's vocal similarity to Freddy Mercury is astonishing. Mark Llewelyn Evans is great as her very Welsh father, King Colin, and also wows the audience with his impressive set of pipes! The most inspired casting is Quinn Patrick as Nanny Glucose. He is, without question, one of the funniest dame I have ever seen and brings the role right up to date. Pizzey and Patrick are simply the most entertaining double act as Nanny and Billy and will have you in stitches! The humour throughout the production is a superb mix of pantomime classics and new jokes with plenty of current and satirical references, something for all of the family to enjoy.

Despite the set looking a little tired, Ben Merrick's lighting design transforms the space into a magical, fairytale land with Elizabeth Dennis' beautifully luxurious costumes adding sparkle. The only thing that could possibly make this panto any better is reducing the running time by about fifteen minutes but I'm sure this will happen naturally during the run.

The pantomimes at Malvern Festival Theatre seem to get better and better every year and this year is an absolute triumph. Sleeping Beauty is fresh, funny and full of heart. Make sure you go and see this festive treat. It runs until 8th January.

5 stars

RENT (20th Anniversary UK Tour)

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Robert Mackintosh and Idili Theatricals Ltd)

La Vie Boheme

The 20^th Anniversary UK tour of Jonathan Larson’s rock opera, Rent, is an unequivocal triumph. Director, Brue Guthrie, has honourably paid homage to the original Broadway production while making it fresh, raw and enticing for a whole new generation.

Inspired by Puccini’s opera La Bohème, the story focuses on a group of bohemian artists who struggle to maintain their friendships and their non-conformist ideals in New York's East Village, in the mid nineties. Anna Fleischle’s stage design captures the very essence of street life with her brilliant recreation of the now famous corner of East 11th Street and Avenue B, delightfully utilising every inch of performance space.

Seasons Of Love

The entire cast are superb, leads and ensemble, and it would be unfair to single out any particular performance. There are wonderfully notable moments from every single actor. Rent is a tough sing and vocals excelled across the board with a talented, five-piece band providing awesome accompaniment.

Getting Lee Proud on the creative team was a stroke of genius and yet again he enhances another production with his exhausting choreography, totally transforming numbers such as La Vie Boheme and Christmas Bells. The Tango Maureen is perfection and Layton William’s dance in Today 4 U defies gravity. There’s certainly plenty to keep dance captain, Katie Bradley, busy!

Today 4 U

This production of Rent is magnificent, a theatrical event that will leave you feeling emotionally violated in the best way possible. It is also proof that you can get new, younger audiences into theatres if only the right stuff is produced. An unusually busy press night and standing ovation from the whole theatre are testament to Larson’s legacy, Guthrie’s vision and the epic efforts of cast, crew, creatives and entire production team. Go and see this show. Book your tickets now!

5 stars

DEAD SHEEP

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Dead Sheep Limited & Cahoots Theatre Company)

Steve Nallon as Thatcher and Paul Bradley as Howe

Occasionally great new writing is wonderfully directed and brilliantly performed, restoring ones faith in live theatre. So is the case with Dead Sheep, the intriguing story of how Britain’s first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, fatally underestimated her mild mannered, Foreign Secretary, Geoffrey Howe. Although not the most entertaining topic for a play perhaps, Jonathan Maitland has penned an ingenious, satirical look at events that seemingly led to the political demise of the Iron Lady.

Paul Bradley is utterly charming as the socially awkward Howe, egged on by his ambitious wife, Elspeth, deftly played by Carol Royle.  The references to The Scottish Play worked perfectly in the portrayal of this relationship. Steve Nallon, who famously presented the voice of Maggie Thatcher in Spitting Image for so many years, is unnervingly convincing as the former PM, throwing looks that elicited audible winces from the auditorium. The remaining characters are skilfully played by Graham Seed, John Wark and Christopher Villiers, who also collectively narrate the action throughout. Villiers’ physicalisation of characters at Prime Minister’s question time is extremely entertaining and note worthy, as is the telephone scene. Simply brilliant!

Director, Ian Talbot, really shows his metal with the staging of this piece, capitalising on the skills afforded him by the actors. The physical humour is welcomingly abundant and adds worthy value to the script and storytelling. Morgan Large has designed a perfectly simplistic set that effortlessly transforms from location to location without interrupting the action, excellently enhanced by David Howe’s lighting design.

This is a great production and well worth seeing.  It is on at Malvern Festival Theatre until Saturday.

4 stars

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Produced by Simon Friend and Mark Goucher)

Every so often a show comes along that restores your faith in live theatre and Million Dollar Quartet does that in bucket loads. Currently at Malvern Festival Theatre, as it tours the country, this vibrant new musical gives the opportunity to experience an extraordinary night in rock ‘n’ roll history. One December evening in 1956, Sun Records producer, Sam Phillips, gathered together four of his protégés, music legends who changed the world. That night saw Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins share their love of music as a collective that would become known as the Million Dollar Quartet.

Jason Donovan is excellent in the role of Sam Phillips, the man who created rock ‘n’ roll, with a convincing Tennessee drawl and authenticity of character that gives the story real heart. Matthew Wycliffe brilliantly portrays the frustrations of Carl Perkins, writer of Blue Suede Shoes, who missed a golden opportunity because of a car crash on the way to a TV appearance. Robbie Durham is perfectly chilled as Johnny Cash and Ross William Wild’s vocals as Elvis Presley are faultless. Direct from playing the role in Vegas, Martin Kaye is absolutely phenomenal as Jerry Lee Lewis. All four convincingly capture the character and voice of each performer and ooze with musical talent to rival the originals. Katie Ray delivers impressive vocals as Presley’s girlfriend, Dyanne, while Ben Cullingworth and James Swinnerton provide superb accompaniment on drums and bass.

Writer, Colin Escott, has penned a fascinating insight into a time of immense global upheaval, when music seemed to be the fuel for change. Set in real time, the story cleverly interweaves the past for each of the recording artists and explores their relationships and personal dilemmas, amidst a glorious discography of, not one but, four music legends. Set in the Sun Records recording studio, Ian Talbot’s direction is simple and effective and John Maher’s musical supervision delightfully speaks for itself. Although the set looks great, it appears a little flimsy in design and, at times, the shaky walls were reminiscent of Crossroad. However, this didn’t affect the enjoyment and may have been a first night glitch. Special mention has to go to David Howe, for one of the most fantastic lighting designs. Simply stunning!

If you like The Buddy Holly Story then you will adore this. Featuring legendary hits including Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, Great Balls of Fire, Walk the Line, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On, Who Do You Love?, Folsom Prison Blues, Hound Dog and many more, you are guaranteed an epic night out. Million Dollar Quartet runs at Malvern until Saturday, before moving on to the Birmingham Hippodrome.

5 stars

THE GLEN MILLER STORY

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Bill Kenwright Productions)

A new musical of the story of big band music legend, Glen Miller, arrives at Malvern Theatres this week, as part of its nationwide tour. It is a perfectly simple telling of this swing icons rise to stardom and untimely disappearance during the Second World War.

Bill Kenwright produced and directed this excellent production and was also responsible for the very odd casting of 79 year old Tommy Steele in the eponymous role of a man who never made it past 40. There is no denying that Steele is a wonderful showman but it just doesn’t make any sense. Steele begins as narrator of the story, which is ideal and then starts playing Miller as a man in his late twenties, which is confusing at best and disturbing at worst. Miller’s romantic involvement with the love of his life, Helen, is a major part of the show and the scenes with the much younger performer were uncomfortable to watch and more reminiscent of Hugh Hefner than Glen Miller. Kenwright knows how to make money, without question, and it was clear that over half of the audience was made up of Tommy Steele fans, enthusing over his performance, and that equates to ticket sales. Without him, the show may well have closed by now but surely the script could have been adapted to use him in a more appropriate way. As it is, it is unclear whether this is the Glen Miller Story or the Tommy Steele Show.

Having said that, the show itself is top notch and deserving of much praise. The 16 piece orchestra, led by MD Richard Morris, is phenomenal, producing the most delicious sounds of a bygone age. Helen Tsingos visually recreates the era brilliantly with her costumes that add vibrancy to a very simple set design. Olivier Award winning, Bill Deamer, provides delightful choreography, expertly executed by six dancers, who provide superb, close part harmony throughout too. Ashley Knight plays Miller’s pal Chummy MacGregor with style and flair and Abigail Jaye is stunning as Miller’s muse and wife, Helen. The whole cast are amazing and handle the peculiar lead casting extremely well.

Fans of Tommy Steele will absolutely love this. Fans of swing and big band will adore this. Fans of musical theatre will most likely be too confused to know how they feel about it.

3 stars

THE SHAKESPEARE REVUE

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Kenny Wax Ltd & Cambridge Arts Theatre)

To commemorate the 400^th Anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, The Shakespeare Revue is enjoying a welcome revival. Originally produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company back in 1994, this fresh, updated version is touring prior to a West End run and currently visiting Malvern Festival Theatre.

Lizzie Bea, Jordan Lee Davis, Alex Morgan, Alex Scott Fairley and Anna Stolli make up the dynamic cast with their talented Musical Director, Oli Jackson, accompanying them on piano. Each performer skilfully delivers a wonderful selection of Shakespearean inspired skits and songs from comedy icons Victoria Wood, Alan Bennett, Maureen Lipman, Monty Python, Noël Coward, Cole Porter, Fry & Laurie and musical theatre favourites, Stephen Sondheim and Stiles & Drewe.

The creative genius of Christopher Luscombe and Malcom McKee have devised a charming show with clever, funny and often touching scenes, slickly pieced to together and perfectly executed. You don’t have to have a broad knowledge of Shakespeare’s works to enjoy this revue as it is mostly centered around his more well known plays such as, Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, however, the greater your understanding of the bard of Stratford-upon-Avon, the funnier it will be. The revue format is very simple and focuses on the actors and the material, with no set and minimal lighting. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but it is definitely a joyous evening of quality entertainment.

The Shakespeare Revue runs until Saturday, before continuing on to Richmond, Brighton and Glasgow.

H.M.S. PINAFORE

Malvern Festival Theatre

(Regan De Wynter Williams Productions)

Sasha Regan’s, all male, production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore is docked at Malvern Festival Theatre this week. Set in the hold of a Second World War battleship, a cast of sixteen seamen tell the tale of forbidden love across the social classes.

This production strips away the usual opulence of a G&S show, simply relying on the actors to share the story through creative, theatrical means. Even the orchestra is reduced to one, with the gifted Richard Bates accompanying the entire performance on piano. Ryan Dawson Laight’s set consists of just three metal-framed bunks, a collection of boxes and industrial wall lights hanging from the ceiling. Atmosphere is amply provided by Tim Deiling’s lighting design, while the gender reversals are cleverly invented with life jackets added to basic work and gym attire. The focus rests solely on the physical and vocal aspects of the performers, which is as refreshing as it is delightful.

This is truly an ensemble piece, with a finely drilled team presenting wonderful, choral harmonies and sharp, synchronised choreography, courtesy of Liza Gee. Tom Senior provides the steely looks of the lovelorn lead, Ralph, and although poor diction hampers his deliver at times, the chemistry between him and his sweetheart, Josephine, is enchanting. Ben Irish shines in his role as said Captain’s daughter, with the most beautiful, pure falsetto voice to rival any of the great operatic sopranos. Her father is brilliantly played by the very expressive Neil Moors who creates the most likeable, endearing character of all. David McKechnie’s performance of Buttercup is reassuringly strong and articulate, as is Michael Burgen in the part of the pompous Sir Joseph. James Waud is perfectly dastardly as Dick Deadeye, which, as a character, never quite lives up to the expectations of the name and Richard Russell Edwards makes a comedic silk purse out of the sow’s ear that is Hebe.

The only thing against this show is the material. Gilbert and Sullivan musicals are definitely of its time and don’t fare as well as Shakespeare, for example. The stories are generally thin, the music predictable and the dialogue noticeably dated. Fans of G&S are evident but dwindling and the small audience in attendance were hugely appreciative. This is certainly an innovative take on a dated show, superbly directed, exquisitely performed and a theatrical event definitely worth seeing.

4 stars