Annette Nuttall, Author at North West End UK

28Jan

By Annette NuttallNo Comments

West Midlands

Animal Farm – Birmingham Rep

This well-known story based on the book by George Orwell, studied by generations at school has taken to the stage in Birmingham. From the moment you walk into the auditorium you can tell this isn’t a happy go lucky play. The stage has a dark industrial feel too it, the pre-show action on stage reinforces the tone even further. Animal Farm tells the tale of animals on a farm who dream of days of freedom from their human oppressors. Following a stirring speech from an old pig, they plan a revolution. We follow their journey as all their best laid plans and intentions start to fade. Anyone who studied this at school will probably remember the story revolves round political ideals, leadership and control of the masses. This production manages to bring the story to life in a very visua...

19Jan

By Annette NuttallNo Comments

West Midlands

The Addams Family – The Alexandra

At last, this spooky and kooky production comes to Birmingham for the week. Based on the 60's TV show and various films, this musical brings the creepy family to life in a show full of humour and original songs. Wednesday Addams has fallen for a “normal” boy, much to her family's horror. She invites him and his parents for dinner to meet the family, will they get along or will her family and their mysterious game ruin everything. Although set in New York there is a distinctly Spanish flavour to the show thanks to Gomez and his ancestors. With a Latin beat running through some of the numbers it is hard not to tap your feet to the music. The songs may not stay etched in your memory, but they tell the story and convey the emotions perfectly with each one being a showcase for the sing...

The Play What I Wrote – The Rep, Birmingham

7Dec

By Annette NuttallNo Comments

West Midlands

The Play What I Wrote – The Rep, Birmingham

This homage to comedy geniuses Morecambe and Wise comes to Birmingham for the festive season, what better place to stage the 20th anniversary revival production. If you are expecting Eric and Ernie look-a-likes or the story of their lives you will need to think again. Instead, what you get is like a compilation of hits and the essence of the humour that so may people loved. Thom and Dennis are a comedy double act, but Thom has decided he has had enough of not being funny one so turns his hand to play writing. In contrast, Dennis thinks their future together can be saved if they perform a Morecambe & Wise show. What follows is Dennis using every method he can think of to persuade his friend to be his straight man again. There are laughs a plenty from the jokes to facial express...

24Nov

By Annette NuttallNo Comments

West Midlands

Death Drop – The Alexandra, Birmingham

Having started life in the West End, Death Drop comes to Birmingham to bring its unique twist on the murder mystery genre to brighten the city. It is 1991, the Lady of Shantay Mansion invites a seemingly random group of personalities to celebrate a special anniversary. However, on this stormy night strange things soon start to occur. As secrets are revealed, will anyone make it out alive? I have never seen a show like it, it brings the art of Drag (be it Queens or Kings) into a mainstream theatre. The lines of gender are blurred, all you see are larger than life characters as they fill the stage with their performances, and it works, it makes you wonder why this hasn’t happened before. This is part pantomime, with slap stick and tongue twisters, part musical with a couple of crack...

9 to 5 The Musical – The Alexandra, Birmingham

17Nov

By Annette NuttallNo Comments

West Midlands

9 to 5 The Musical – The Alexandra, Birmingham

After an enforced break, this feel-good musical takes to the road again, stopping off in Birmingham for a week. Based on the 1980s film of the same name and of course, the iconic song, this show tells the tale of three woman (Doralee, Violet and Judy) with office jobs, struggling to get noticed in a man’s world. Their boss, Franklin Hart Jnr, has views that (hopefully) are outdated in the workplace today. Can the ladies get him to take them seriously? Being set in the 1980s, everything is of the era. The costumes, hair and make-up instantly transport you right back, as does the pared down set. Clever use of projection does the leg work for the scene setting allowing for a few well placed furniture items to create the location. The set changes create a choreographed musical interlude ...

Dirty Dancing – The Alexandra, Birmingham

13Oct

By Annette NuttallNo Comments

West Midlands

Dirty Dancing – The Alexandra, Birmingham

Originally performed in London in 2006 this show has toured numerous times. It’s a joy to see it back on the road once again. The Houseman’s spend their vacation at Kellermans resort where everyone is shown a good time. Baby is entranced by the dancers Penny and Johnny and soon gets caught up in their world. This will be a summer she will never forget. While the storyline may not be the most in depth it still manages to touch on peoples’ preconceptions, unwanted pregnancy, racism and growing up. Of course, the main theme is love and redemption. Musically this is a blend of soundtrack and live music performed by the onstage band and company. Colin Charles (Tito Suarez) opens act 2 in style whipping the audience into an even higher state of excitement and Samuel Bailey (Billy Kostec...

22Sep

By Annette NuttallNo Comments

West Midlands

Heathers the Musical – The Alexandra

After a successful run in the West End, the long-awaited Heathers the musical tour reaches Birmingham for a week. Based on the 1989 film of the same name starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, this production had a very appreciative audience on its feet. Veronica longs to be one of the cool girls with the Heathers rather than a nobody. When she gets her wish, she realises it isn’t all she dreamed. A night with new boy “J D” means her life will never be the same as they take on the school together. This show is bright and colourful with original up-tempo songs. The subject matter however is dark and thought provoking. There are many difficult subjects covered throughout the show, bullying, homophobia, sexual assault, bulimia, and the main topic of suicide. Although serious topics...

The Three Musketeers – attempted by FoolHardy

15Jun

By Annette NuttallNo Comments

NEWS

The Three Musketeers – attempted by FoolHardy

This classic swashbuckling tale is brought to life in a mix of audio play and animation. Add to that a sprinkling of “behind the scenes” moments as the company present their production “Live” online. It is guaranteed to raise a smile. Alongside the main tale there is a sub story of a small theatre company putting on the audio play. This makes room for some of the comedy as the script writing by David Du Lesley (played by Anthony Eden) gives rise to issues from the cast and guest Narrator Robert Lindsey has plenty to say to the hapless Director/Writer/Actor David. There are also humorous topical references relating to online meetings. These fleeting nods are eased in beautifully without referring to the “current situation”. Although the animation is billed as optional, it adds a...