Paul Downham, Author at North West End UK

13Apr

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

REVIEWS

Vigil – Mechanimal and Pound Arts

Vigil is a poignant one-man show that urges you to consider the impact of humanity on the world around us. Created by Bristol-based devised theatre company Mechanimal and presented in a new ‘online’ version with the support of The Pound Arts Centre in Wiltshire, Vigil blends physical theatre, projection, sounds and poetry to create a unique, deeply reflective journey focused on the devastating relationship between humans and nature. The original stage piece was supported by Bristol Old Vic Ferment, University College London, Arts Council England and Pound Arts, but was unable to tour in 2020 due to the pandemic. The show has the performer, played by Tom Bailey, encounter twenty-six thousand species from the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s ‘Red List’ within the space of ...

The Last Five Years to Transfer to the West End

12Apr

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NEWS

The Last Five Years to Transfer to the West End

After a critically acclaimed run at Southwark Playhouse last year and a highly successful worldwide stream with stream.theatre, Jason Robert Brown’s Drama Desk Award-winning musical, The Last Five Years, will play a limited season at the Vaudeville Theatre, previewing from 17th September, with an opening night on 23rd September and running until 13th October 2021. Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, Molly Lynch and Oli Higginson will reprise their roles as Cathy and Jamie. This will be the first time the musical will have had a significant run of length in the West End. The production at Southwark Playhouse was nominated for eight Offie Awards and won two for Best Director and Best Musical Production. Oli Higginson was nominated for a Stage Debut Award for his performance as...

Birmingham Hippodrome have announced two new productions for autumn 2021

12Apr

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NEWS

Birmingham Hippodrome have announced two new productions for autumn 2021

Pack up your wigs, heels and all the glitter you can find, because Priscilla is back, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert drives into Birmingham from Monday 30th August – Saturday 4th September. Based on the Oscar-winning movie, Priscilla is the hilarious and heart-warming adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for the Outback to put on the show of a lifetime. Two worlds collide on this fabulous journey of self-discovery and friendship, and along the way our trio discover the true power of love, acceptance, and sass! With more glitz and glamour than ever before, this show-stopping musical features spectacular dance routines, a dazzling array of eye-popping costumes, and a scintillating, sing-a-long soundtrack full of your favourite dance-floor classics. Including,...

Charley’s Aunt – Proud Haddock Productions

12Apr

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REVIEWS

Charley’s Aunt – Proud Haddock Productions

Who doesn’t love a good farce? Double entendres and mistaken identity ahoy are the order of the day with ‘Charley’s Aunt’, the acclaimed farce by Brandon Thomas (adapted by Paul Thain). This virtual table reading (not a production) presented by Proud Haddock gives the audience great insight into how this play could be/ would be on the stage, through the power of Zoom. Gyles Brandreth and Gary Wilmot MBE are just a couple of the well-known names in this all-star cast who the audience get a chance to be up close and personal with. ‘Charley’s Aunt’ follows two Oxford undergraduates, Jack and Charley who, in an attempt to woo two girls, invite them over for lunch to meet Charley’s aunt. However, when they learn that her visit has been postponed last minute, they persuade their fellow...

HOME launch purpose-built Manchester outdoor theatre for the Summer

11Apr

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NEWS

HOME launch purpose-built Manchester outdoor theatre for the Summer

• HOME announces Homeground – a brand-new temporary outdoor venue on First Street offering the best in live entertainment across two stages. • Featuring a 400-seat socially distanced outdoor theatre, and second stage with free live performance. • Productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Alice in Wonderland with tickets just £10 for adults and £5 for children. HOME, Manchester’s largest multi-arts venue, are launching a massive temporary outdoor arts space this Summer. The new space, named Homeground will be located on an 80,000ft2 future development site on First Street, just next to HOME. It will feature a 400-seat socially distanced theatre space: the specially designed and purpose built, Covid-safe outdoor theatre. At the heart will be two magical, musical productions of cl...

Ralph Fiennes and Julie Hesmondhalgh star in York Theatre Royal’s reopening season

11Apr

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NEWS

Ralph Fiennes and Julie Hesmondhalgh star in York Theatre Royal’s reopening season

Bond star Ralph Fiennes and Corrie legend Julie Hesmondhalgh both star in one person shows as part of York Theatre Royal’s reopening Love Bites season. Fienne directs and stars in the world premiere of T S Eliot’s Four Quartets from 26-31 July. This solo theatre adaptation features Burnt Norton, East Coker, The Dry Salvages and Little Giddings which were published together in 1943. The quartet ranges across themes of time, nature and the elements, faith and spirituality, war and mortality. BAFTA-nominated Julie Hesmondhalgh stars in The Greatest Play in the History of the World from 1-5 June. The Broadchurch star is touring northern venues after a sell-out Edinburgh Festival run that transferred to Manchester and London’s West End. The play was written for Hesmondhalgh by her Brentwo...

10Apr

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North West

West End In Blackpool – Winter Gardens

That entertainment mecca of the Lancashire coast, the Winter Gardens, Blackpool celebrates its star studded heritage with the sparkling streaming event: West End In Blackpool. Described by its director and choreographer, Ashley Luke Lloyd as a “docu-concert stageavaganza”, this combines performances from West End artists with commentary detailing the history of the iconic building. It features Blackpool born Jodie Prenger (Oliver!) with former on screen Emmerdale siblings, Tom Lister and Kelsey-Beth Crossley. Others appearing include Top Hat co-stars, Charlotte Gooch and Alan Burkitt along with Luke Lloyd himself. Prenger breathes new life into Sondheim’s evergreen Send In The Clowns whilst Lister pays admirable homage to Frank Sinatra (who appeared at the venue) with All Of Me. ...

10Apr

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REVIEWS

Sitting – BBC4

Originally written for the stage, ‘Sitting’ finds itself in the new home of television, courtesy of BBC4. The three merging highly naturalistic monologues really do find a home here. In fact, they are just as home here as they would be on stage. The concept of sitting for a portrait is somewhat a little laboured. Indeed, we are led to believe that a painting is one of the most intimate depictions of a human soul. The ‘sitting for a portrait trope’ is used throughout literature, film, plays and television. Thus, the trope no longer feels as revolutionary as it once did. Perhaps the original Fringe run revelled in the novelty, but here, the concept feels a little stale. As you can imagine with a portrait scene- nothing much happens. Nothing apart from the occasional munch o...

Talking Gods V: Icarus – Arrows and Traps Theatre

10Apr

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REVIEWS

Talking Gods V: Icarus – Arrows and Traps Theatre

The final episode of Talking Gods from Arrows & Traps Theatre, tells the story of Icarus, his father and the deep, dark secret which haunted his life. Written and directed by Ross McGregor, this is story family, and what happens when something alters your view of your closest relatives. Icarus (Adam Elliott) is a well-spoken journalist and new father. The piece opens with him reminiscing about his scientific and loving father, who recently passed away. The funeral was busy, and Icarus spent much of it ensuring his mother didn’t become overwhelmed. Wanting to be a part of the real world, Icarus goes straight back to work, reporting on Zeus’ trail for various sexual assaults. Interviewing Hestia, he is discomfited by her omniscience. As she hints at the dark secret Icarus’ father k...

ABBA MANIA returns to the West End for first time in 19 years

10Apr

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NEWS

ABBA MANIA returns to the West End for first time in 19 years

After a year of silence on the West End, audiences are invited to dust off their flares to become a Dancing Queen and say ‘Thank You For The Music’ with ABBA MANIA. Last seen in the West End nearly two decades ago, the world’s number one touring ABBA tribute concert is back by popular demand this May. Coming to the Shaftesbury Theatre, it’s the perfect party as we head out of lockdown! ABBA MANIA brings to life ABBA’s last ever concert in an exhilarating two-hour production celebrating the timeless joy of their songs. Featuring the Swedish supergroup’s irresistible music, fantastic costumes and electrifying staging, this concert is perfect for life-long ABBA fans and newcomers alike. Dig out your platforms and enjoy all your favourite hits including Mamma Mia, Voulez Vous, Dancing Queen...