Wednesday, August 26

Author: Gill Lewis

Pub? – Salford Arts Theatre
North West

Pub? – Salford Arts Theatre

A laugh-out-loud insight into how notto run a pub, serving up outrageous characters, brilliantly observed humour and plenty of workplace chaos. The Great Bear Productions create an entertaining night on shift at The Legless Lamb pub, where the frazzled staff are recalling the night’s events under the threat of another HR seminar! And for good reason!   We’re treated to the kind of banter you'd expect in a local boozer; politically incorrect jokes, ridiculous "would you rather?" conversations, and the kind of nonsense that helps bored staff survive a long shift. The dynamics between the staff brings plenty of laughs, with a strong cast of recent University of Salford acting graduates who all possess natural funny bones. If Jason from HR ever set foot in the Legless Lamb, he'd h...
Sleeping Beauty – Floral Pavilion
North West

Sleeping Beauty – Floral Pavilion

As we enter the theatre, a giant replica of the infamous spinning wheel dominates the auditorium, instantly setting the tone for the magic, mischief, and marathon-length storytelling to come. A classic telling of Sleeping Beauty is served up but not without a generous haul of bonus material. And at nearly three hours long (interval included), there is a lot to be squeezed in. The production leans heavily into its storyline, sometimes to the point of slowing the pace, as we’re guided through the well-known tale of Sleeping Beauty. Interestingly, the familiar plot becomes almost a subplot within a larger narrative that repositions our heroine as a brave adventurer rather than a passive, snoozing princess. The Floral seems determined to give audiences both versions: the classic romance com...
Cinderella: The Rock n Roll Panto – Theatr Clwyd
Wales

Cinderella: The Rock n Roll Panto – Theatr Clwyd

Snowflakes tumble across a freshly snow-drenched stage as Theatr Clwyd unveils its first-ever panto production inside the brand-new Theatr Moondance — a beautifully refurbishment of the old Anthony Hopkins Theatre with new plush seating and glorious legroom. It’s a grand, sparkling space, ideal for a show bringing plenty of festive magical moments to Mold, serving up wonders for audiences of all ages. What continues to set Theatr Clwyd’s pantomime apart is the depth of panto experience and expertise of its creative team. Writer Christian Patterson, back for his eighth outing, once again fires out rapid-fire gags, cheeky innuendos, and that unmistakable Clwyd charm. Daniel Lloyd returns to direct, pulling together a production that shows off the artistic muscle of everyone involved. And,...
Spamalot – Rainhill Village Hall
North West

Spamalot – Rainhill Village Hall

Cult comedy, gleeful chaos, and an abundance of absurdity are served up with style in this Rainhill Village Hall production. Individuality Productions deliver an impressive rendition of the popular, Monty Python’s Spamalot.  ‘Lovingly ripped off’ from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this musical by John Du Prez and Eric Idle, centres on a very daft parody of Arthurian legend with plenty of catchy show tunes thrown in. Despite the musical not getting the best reception from Idle’s former Python colleagues, the original Broadway production was nominated for 14 Tony Awards and won in 3 categories. Despite its lack of historical accuracy, with tap dancing knights, killer rabbits, and Divas, the charm and silliness enjoyed by Python fans is offered here on the local do...
Blackadder the Third – The Little Theatre, Birkenhead
North West

Blackadder the Third – The Little Theatre, Birkenhead

A thoroughly entertaining production, providing plenty of belly laughs. A lovely homage to a popular cult comedy classic. The Carlton Players take on one of the most iconic British sitcoms, Blackadder the Third. Written by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton, the scripts provide an absolute feast of sharp wit, blistering sarcasm, and fast-paced satire that would keep even the most seasoned actors on their toes. So, full kudos to this company for tackling such a challenge with evident enthusiasm and affection. Director Mike Sanders successfully pulls together a performance that captures the heart and soul of Blackadder. The decision to stage three of the series’ most memorable episodes — Ink and Incapability, Nob and Nobility, and Amy and Amiability — makes for a cleverly structured even...
Consumption – Paradise in Augustines (The Studio)
Scotland

Consumption – Paradise in Augustines (The Studio)

Something out of the ordinary is being cooked up, with the right ingredients this dark comedy drama could be a tasty satisfying dish. Consumption has real promise and potential with its premise providing the opportunity for plenty of unsettling humour, and delicious farcical opportunities. Unfortunately, this production by Beware of the Theatre doesn’t gather the momentum with severe pacing issues which makes the production feel laboured, reducing the urgency of the situation.  We meet Charlie and Vic, an allusive but endearing pair who keep themselves to themselves.  They happily live quietly on a protein rich diet, with Vic or the Hillstead Huntsman as he’s more commonly known, arranging regular ‘shopping trips’ to pick up the meat, so to speak. They’re living in w...
Cara & Kelly are Best Friends Forever For Life – The Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker Three)
Scotland

Cara & Kelly are Best Friends Forever For Life – The Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker Three)

A powerful two hander which packs a punch with its raw and honest portrayal of two larger than life best friends, with some fatal consequences. Nothing is off topic between best pals Cara and Kelly, inseparable soul sisters and best friends who each wear the other half of a heart necklace, a symbol of their friendship. Yet loyalties become blurred as their union is tested to its limits.   A friendship, which as we discover, inhabits cracks observed during their scathing arguments, which are littered with hurtful truths. A co-dependence is suggested by Kelly feeling put upon and burdened by Cara’s needs fueled by her broken family background and absent care givers.  Their different socio-economic backgrounds become increasingly and painfully apparent.   Hanging o...
Hold On To Your Butts – The Pleasance Courtyard (Forth)
Scotland

Hold On To Your Butts – The Pleasance Courtyard (Forth)

Ingenious and hilarious! Who needs special effects and CGI when you have Recent Cutbacks, who are back at the Fringe with a playful retelling of the biggest prehistoric hit movie ever made. Fresh from a critically acclaimed UK tour, a West End debut, and a sell-out run at Fringe 2024, Hold On To Your Butts is a frantic, non-stop whistle stop parody of 1993’s Jurassic Park. Iconic moments and shots are recreated in such hysterical and imaginative ways you’ll wonder why Spielberg bothered with the animatronics. Two actors and a Foley artist hustle their way through the entire film, conjuring up dinosaurs, and drama providing an enjoyable retelling. This creative parody delivers as much spectacle and ‘special affects’ as the Blockbuster it’s based on. Scene for scene, the cast na...
The Big Bite Size Breakfast Show – The Pleasance Courtyard
Scotland

The Big Bite Size Breakfast Show – The Pleasance Courtyard

A clever carousel of laugh out loud comedy, and one of the fringe’s stand out shows which will leave you with a belly full of laughs and a big bite of the funnies.  White Room Theatre is taking its 19th run at the Fringe with The Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show. Serving up three all-new, rotating menus of perfectly portioned 10 – 15-minute mini plays providing comedy drama, and delightfully clever twists and turns. With complimentary strawberries, tea or coffee, and a delicious fresh croissant we take our seats ready for today’s Menu 2, if the other menus are anything like today’s serving you are in for a real treat. A strong ensemble of 5 versatile actors multi role, not only serving your morning refreshments but also taking on the wide variety of colourful and quirky chara...
What If They Ate The Baby? – theSpace @ Niddrey Street
Scotland

What If They Ate The Baby? – theSpace @ Niddrey Street

An absurd blend of queer quirky clowning mashed with vaudeville style moves makes for an infatuating piece of physical theatre.   We meet Shirley and Dotty who appear as 50s Stepford wives, with their airbrushed interactions they could have stepped straight off the pages of Good Housekeeping magazine. This happy well-kept housewife persona slowly comes apart at the seams and upon closer inspection, their pretty dresses are smeared with strange green smudges and garish clown make up, unmasking the reality of beauty standards put upon them. This is physical theatre at its finest, the precision in movement and attention to detail is a delight to watch. Peculiar and fast movements, like quirky tics, beautifully compliment the narrative which is interspersed with creepy, unnervin...