Ezzy LaBelle, Author at North West End UK

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – Liverpool Empire

23Mar

By Ezzy LaBelleNo Comments

North West

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – Liverpool Empire

Striking in its complexity, modern in its production and exceptional in its execution, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time provides a theatre experience like no other. Full of sensory elements and pacy dialogue, the audience is fully drawn into the mindset of the lead character and remain relentlessly so for the whole show. This stage adaptation by Simon Stephens of the renowned best-selling book by Mark Haddon did not disappoint. A National Theatre production, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is centred on Christopher Boone (David Breeds) a 15yr old teenager that is describes himself as having "some behavioural difficulties". It is an emotionally charged journey from childhood into independence; naivety to an awareness of being in the world. Opening...

April in Paris – Birkenhead Little Theatre

2Feb

By Ezzy LaBelleNo Comments

North West

April in Paris – Birkenhead Little Theatre

Imagine winning a prize that whisks you away from the humdrum of life and the everyday. The kind of prize that offers excitement, opportunity and escapism with a bit of romance thrown in. That’s exactly what happens to lead characters Bet and Al in April in Paris. Entrenched in the monotony of existence, we join them as they inadvertently expand their horizons thanks to Bet winning in a ‘Romantics Breaks’ competition. Bet enters them for ‘a new life’. Al was sure she wouldn’t win. John Godber’s short observational play is layered with juxtapositions the audience can identify with - humour and depression, love and loathing, hope and pessimism – making the show a thought-provoking watch. With bags packed and contrasting enthusiasm, Bet and Al head to Paris for their first experience ab...

13Dec

By Ezzy LaBelleNo Comments

North West

The Secret Circus – Unity Theatre

Showcasing local talent and alternative acts, the Secret Circus provides a variety show based on fun. Offering opportunity to local acts, it aims to share originality and diversity in entertainment. With the line-up and acts changing, no two performances are the same, so it is roulette on the experience you’ll get on the night. Compered by The Queen of Heartbreak, Beija Flo and Naffrodite, the audience encountered a selection of the entertainment Liverpool has to offer. Eleven performers took to the stage, many in costume and some appearing to suffer the impact of nerves. First up was Trev Fleming, who gave a reading of three poems. The final one, Christmas Dinner, touched the audience and had a nostalgic poignancy within it. This was followed by some interpretative dance from The...

17Nov

By Ezzy LaBelleNo Comments

North West

Grease the Musical – Liverpool Empire

Fantastically feel good and naughtily nostalgic, Grease the Musical arrived in Liverpool this week with all the right moves and an abundance of exuberant energy. You cannot help but leave this show with a smile. Starring Peter Andre, and debuting several newcomers, it offers a slightly different flavour to what has been done before. Expect to have a good time. This production took a couple of scenes to find their flow but once they were in it there was no stopping them. Directed by Curve’s Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, Grease demands strong dancing from the cast in order to carry out creative sequences and transports the audience back to Rydell High School with ease. Led by Dan Partridge (Danny Zuko) and Ellie Kingdon (Sandy) the dialogue is fast paced with ...

24Oct

By Ezzy LaBelleNo Comments

North West

First Time – Unity Theatre

Raw. Funny. Honest. Tonight, we met Nathaniel J Hall in all his glory and left the theatre better for it. Known for his role in Russell T Davies ‘It’s A Sin’ Hall has already established himself as an actor to watch. With First Time he is also establishing himself as a writer to watch. First Time manages to fit jokes, a re-enacted prom, silly string, and a quiz into the running time without it becoming farcical or cheesy; much of it is delivered with the light-hearted naivety of youth, providing a contrast to the sudden crash into the adult world Hall found himself confronted with. Opening up a topic that doesn’t often reach the mainstream warrants recognition. Doing it in a way that connects and engages a wide audience is to be even more commended. When did you last see a mainstr...

Out of the Narrow Place: A Ritual for Black Descendants of Slaves – Unity Theatre

15Oct

By Ezzy LaBelleNo Comments

North West

Out of the Narrow Place: A Ritual for Black Descendants of Slaves – Unity Theatre

Out of the Narrow Place is an invitation. It may not seem it from the title if you are not descended from a slave, but from start to finish the audience are invited to engage with - and celebrate - black history, black culture and black Britishness. The only pre-requisite is the ability to think. Using the ability to think is a choice. Garnering a standing ovation and very positive comments from a diverse audience, this was an evening to remember. Unity Theatre has given a gem its debut. The most striking thing about Out of the Narrow Place is it traverses being both a story and a statement; both entertainment and a lesson. If theatre is deemed an opportunity to bring people together, an opportunity for sharing, connecting and collective experience, this does it. The audience member ...

8Oct

By Ezzy LaBelleNo Comments

North West

Sirens, Men & Crabs – Unity Theatre

With a title like ‘Sirens, Men and Crabs’ it was hard to know what to expect from the award-winning Teatro Pomodoro and their unique take on Greek tragedy. Would it be funny? How true to ancient myth is it? And how on earth do crabs feature? Prepare to go on a journey like never before. Describing itself as “creating thought provoking, playful theatre for audiences internationally” Sirens did not disappoint Directed by Mark Bell (The Play That Goes Wrong) and produced by the notable RJ Lloyd, this reimagining of a renowned classic story is exceptionally creative and accessible to all. Based in Liverpool but brought together in Paris at Ecole Philippe Gaulier, the company create an environment that makes audience participation feel both edgy and safe. It’s not funny, it’s hilarious. ...