Annette Nuttall, Author at North West End UK

The Book of Mormon – Alexandra Birmingham

5Dec

By Annette NuttallNo Comments

West Midlands

The Book of Mormon – Alexandra Birmingham

This irreverent musical comes to Birmingham for December, bringing humour to the dark nights. Written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone (the creators of late 1990s cartoon show South Park) and Robert Lopez (Avenue Q) Book of Mormon tells the story of two newly trained Mormon missionaries as they head out into the world. Elder Price and Elder Cunningham are assigned to a village that couldn’t be further from Salt Lake City USA. Will they be able to convert the villagers and will they keep their own faith? This is not a show for the easily offended or young families. The humour and language are of a very adult nature throughout. Having said that, most of the audience seemed to know what to expect and found much to laugh out loud at. Although the plot is thin, the musical numbers provide...

16Oct

By Annette NuttallNo Comments

West Midlands

Becoming Nancy – The Rep, Birmingham

This musical is staging it’s UK premiere at The Rep in Birmingham. Becoming Nancy is based on the novel of the same name by Terry Ronald. With choreography and direction by Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde, Kinky Boots, Pretty Woman: The Musical and many more) and music and Lyrics by Geroge Stiles and Anthony Drewe you can be assured you are in safe hands for a great evening of entertainment. Set in 1979, Becoming Nancy tells the tale of schoolboy David Starr. In his room decorated with posters of 70’s icons, he dreams of being a star. He has a talent that is spotted by his drama teacher who casts him as a surprising role in the school play. What will happen if he takes the role? How will his family and the kids at school react? His decision will start a chain reaction that ensures nothin...

Pretty Woman the Musical – The Alexandra, Birmingham

21Aug

By Annette NuttallNo Comments

West Midlands

Pretty Woman the Musical – The Alexandra, Birmingham

Following a successful run last October, Pretty Woman the musical returns to the Alexandra until Saturday 24th August. Based on the classic 1990s film Pretty Woman, this show tells the same Cinderella love story, but with a sprinkling of original songs. Vivian is struggling to make ends meet on the streets of LA when she has a chance encounter with the business focused Edward. She is transported to a different world, but will she fit in? How long can the fairy tale last? Fans of the film will be very familiar with the story and the key scenes. This production does not disappoint, the majority of iconic moments are there. Alongside these however are musical numbers, written by Bryan Adams and Jim Valance. These allow the characters to express their thoughts and emotions in a ...

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Alexandra, Birmingham

13Jun

By Annette NuttallNo Comments

West Midlands

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Alexandra, Birmingham

This loved family favourite bursts from the stage in a riot of colour and energy. BMOS are a well-established and respected amateur company. The fact that they have been chosen as one of only 11 companies nationwide to lead Les Misérables next year, should give you a clue to the quality of their performances and productions. This is the tale of poor Charlie Bucket, who dreams of chocolate. Will he ever get to see inside Wonka’s factory? If he does, what will he find there? Young Charlie (Theo Traat at this performance) seems rarely to leave the stage. His eternal hope and belief in his dream, and his kindness shine through and create a heartwarming performance. Robbie Love as Wonka is a many faceted character, cunning and a touch sinister but also full of wonder and childlike ...

15May

By Annette NuttallNo Comments

West Midlands

Sister Act – Birmingham Hippodrome

When a show is running in London and on a national tour at the same time, you know there must be something special about that show. Based on the 1992 film of the same name, but with different songs, the lively and fun Sister Act musical arrives in Birmingham this week for a short run. This show tells the tale of wannabe singer Deloris Van Cartier. She inadvertently witnesses a murder and goes into protection in the most unusual of places, a church convent. Can she blend in with the nuns? Can anything improve their singing? The stage was filled with strong vocal performances throughout from every singer. These were only matched by the characterisation of every part, from the enthusiastic young nun to the reliable policeman and everyone in between. Landi Oshinowo was faultles...

31Jan

By Annette NuttallNo Comments

West Midlands

The Full Monty – The Alexandra

Most people know one thing about The Full Monty, it’s about a group of men who decide to be male strippers. There is however a whole lot more to this brilliant show than that. The themes in this play are as relevant now as they were when the story was first written. As the redundant steel workers struggle to make ends meet and deal with unemployment in their own ways, we are shown a realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by anyone in that position. Each character has his issues, Gaz the laddish, confident rogue played with gusto and heart by Danny Hatchard, who would do anything for his son. Dave (Neil Hurst) dealing with weight problems and rock bottom self-esteem and Gerald (Bill Ward) trying desperately to hide his unemployment from his wife and the world. These and the other men...

The Bodyguard – The Alexandra, Birmingham

5Dec

By Annette NuttallNo Comments

West Midlands

The Bodyguard – The Alexandra, Birmingham

Based on the 1992 film of the same name, this award-winning production comes to Birmingham for a four-week run. Rachel Marron is a singing sensation, but is she also in danger from a stalker? Frank Farmer is called in to find out and protect her if she will let him. Will her entourage around her appreciate his interference, as she fights for an Oscar to add to her extensive trophy cabinet? Part concert, part thriller, part romance, this show grabs your attention from the very first moment and holds it. With effects, lighting and sound that wouldn’t look out of place in an arena, you are projected headlong into the action. While the story may be a little thin in places, the vocal performances more than make up for that. With songs showcasing the work of Whitney Houston, it would be...

31Oct

By Annette NuttallNo Comments

West Midlands

Twelve Angry Men – The Alexandra

This gripping jury room drama arrives in Birmingham on a national tour. The production has spent time in the West End to great acclaim and brings the 1957 Academy Award Nominated film of the same name to the stage. Following a three-day murder trial, the jury are sent to consider their verdict. Locked in a room, these 12 men from different backgrounds have the difficult task of considering the evidence to convict or acquit the accused. In a State where the death penalty is the sentence for this crime, the decision weighs hard on one man’s mind. Keen to discuss the case and not jump to the ‘obvious’ answer he raises the question of reasonable doubt, the debate begins, and tensions rise. Every Juror (and the security guard) is wonderfully characterised and played with total conviction....

30Aug

By Annette NuttallNo Comments

West Midlands

Noises Off – The Rep Birmingham

This entertaining theatrical farce comes to Birmingham as part of a nationwide tour. Although first presented over 40 years ago, Noises Off by Michael Fray, proves a timeless classic. It is crammed full of laughs and delightful character performances. We join a touring theatre company in their final rehearsal of “Nothing On”, it is clear all is not as polished as it could be and already the director is showing the strain. The second act is set a few weeks later when we see the same play. This time our view is from behind the scenes as the company take the stage in front of an audience. The third act is at the end of the tour, and it is clear the company have not fared well on the road. Pamela Raith Photography This whole play is well observed. The way time and actions effect a ...

The Ocean at the End of the Lane – The Alexandra, Birmingham

24May

By Annette NuttallNo Comments

West Midlands

The Ocean at the End of the Lane – The Alexandra, Birmingham

Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, this stunning National Theatre production of The Ocean at the End of the Lane arrives in Birmingham this week. Returning to visit a place from his childhood, the unnamed man finds a familiar face. As he talks to Old Mrs Hempstock, he starts to remember long forgotten and buried memories. Along with him, you are transported into his world as a 12-year-old, a world that is as familiar as it is fantastical. There are strong performances throughout from the main characters and the ensemble. The ensemble is a large part of this production, they take the incidental roles, bring creatures to life, create the atmosphere with their movement and interaction with the lead characters and even move the pieces of set. Keith Ogikvy portrayed the confusion and d...