Gill Lewis, Author at North West End UK

15Mar

By Gill LewisNo Comments

North West

Animal – Hope Mill Theatre

A hilarious, laugh out loud comedy which at the same time punches you straight in the gut. Animal is an unapologetic portrayal of a young gay man’s sexual expression and exploration as a person with a severe physical disability. David (Christopher John-Slater) is 'gay, disabled and profoundly horny'. Cerebral palsy affects his mobility and co-ordination which hampers his enjoyment of his 'auto-suck' sex toy, leaving him unfulfilled, frustrated and annoyed. David's friends/carers, Jill, brilliantly played by Amy Loughton, Mani, pitched perfectly by Harry Singh, and Derek, splendidly portrayed by Matt Ayleigh, who David refers to as ‘his arms and leg’ as they assist with all elements of his care needs. The differences in approach by Jill, Mani and De...

1Mar

By Gill LewisNo Comments

Wales

The Shawshank Redemption – Theatr Clwyd

A strong visual greets us at the Shawshank Prison followed by authoritative narration which quickly spirals into an uneven and often questionable production based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella, ‘Rita Heyworth and The Shawshank Redemption’. Bill Kenwright’s production attempts to rejuvenate the charm which has made this a remarkable tale of hope, friendship and injustice, sitting firmly within the canon of popular culture. Recognised as one of the greatest films ever made, the 1994 film ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ is considered a cult cinematic masterpiece, historically and aesthetically significant. The bulk of the story sits on the shoulders of its two protagonists Ellis ‘Red’ Redding (Ben Onwukwe) and new inmate Andy Dufresne (Joe Absolom). Unfortunately, this friendship lacked warmth...

Rock of Ages – Winter Gardens, Blackpool

21Feb

By Gill LewisNo Comments

North West

Rock of Ages – Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Are you ready to rock? Buckle up for this jukebox musical, belting out nonstop 80s classic soft rock riffs which will leave you fist pumping and head bobbing well after the final guitar crunch. 1980’s USA is a country still recovering from the post-Vietnam war conflict which caused economic and political uncertainty, creating an anxiety which led to an American identity crisis. Bands such as Journey, Europe and Starship were making music and writing lyrics which talked to the disenfranchised youth of the day with messages of hope, fighting for what you believe in and pursuing your dreams. These messages resonated with young people who admired the flamboyant, long haired rock gods, their vitality representing freedom and liberation in contrast to the condescending voices of a...

Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show – Grand Theatre, Blackpool

14Feb

By Gill LewisNo Comments

North West

Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show – Grand Theatre, Blackpool

Delivering Friday feels on a Monday night, the legendary rock n roll musical full of frisky frolics and plenty of laughs smacks onto the shores of Blackpool like a pelvic thrust. Before curtain up the audience was buzzing with excitement which was truly infectious. Being familiar with the original 1975 movie, I wondered how the stage version would compare, and this did not disappoint. Newly engaged, sweet couple Brad and Janet are perfectly played with heart by Richard Meek and Hayley Flaherty. They are the 'Barbie and Ken' of Denton on their way to visit their friend and mentor Dr Scott (Superbly played by Joe Allen who also doubles up as 'Eddie') when their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere during a miserable storm. Through this treacherous weather, they see "a light over at...

The Verdict – Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

9Feb

By Gill LewisNo Comments

North West

The Verdict – Floral Pavilion, New Brighton

A thought-provoking timeless courtroom drama questioning the value of a human life. The audience as the jury has to spin the moral compass, judging the ‘playground of the rich’ where class, status and money attempt to hinder values and honesty. Margaret May Hobbs adaption of Barry Reed’s ‘The Verdict’ is brought to life by Middle Ground Theatre Company as part of its National UK/Eire Tour. Hard-drinking, ambulance chasing, Lawyer Frank Galvin (strongly portrayed by Jason Merrells) is given the chance to resuscitate his fledging career by taking on the biggest case of his life: the Catholic Church, St Catherine’s hospital and their ‘blue blooded’ representatives. Galvin rejects temp...