Saturday, February 28

North West

2:22 A Ghost Story – Blackpool Grand
24Apr By Rebecca CaseyNo Comments
North West

2:22 A Ghost Story – Blackpool Grand

I don’t usually sign up to review performances that aren’t musicals, but something about this one drew me in. Coincidentally an article written by ‘The Stage’ popped up today, talking about the West End transfer of this production, so already I was expecting good things, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. I was so pleased to see such a full venue this evening at The Grand Blackpool. Written by Danny Robins, 2:22 has a very small cast featuring only four principles and two supporting cast members. All of the action takes place on the same set, a living room/ dining room open plan downstairs of a house, the events take place over the period of one evening. I don’t want to give too much away, because I really don’t want to spoil anything; But I can say that the cast members were e...
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Derek’s Mojo: Questionable Behaviour – Unity Theatre
22Apr By Andrew LeeNo Comments
North West

Derek’s Mojo: Questionable Behaviour – Unity Theatre

A much more adult addition to Liverpool Improv festival than the shows that had come earlier in the day, Questionable Behaviour was performed by the comedy duo Derek’s Mojo, made up of Monica Gaga, and Jodyanne Richardson. If I’m honest, I didn’t really understand what was going on, but the story did not seem to matter too much when there were two such likeable, funny performers on the stage. The improv work here was outstanding, the ability to take dialogue in one direction, and then another, and another, but do it with such synchronicity is a skill that only two people who have worked together for a long time can achieve. Gaga and Richardson have a chemistry that is simply unmatched, they clearly have so much respect and love for each other. They maintained a sense of realism even in ...
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The Oickers: Fruit Smoothie – Unity Theatre
22Apr By Andrew LeeNo Comments
North West

The Oickers: Fruit Smoothie – Unity Theatre

The Oickers performed a ‘Who’s line is it anyway?’ style game show as part of Liverpool Improv Festival. There is something truly remarkable about this kind of improv. You are not a character, you are yourself, and you are exposed. Hats off to The Oickers, who were brave and bold, and put it all on the line whenever they go out and do this. The performance was a resounding success. The audience spent 40 minutes in stitches, and such a huge percentage of the jokes were well received. Even the ones that fell flat were followed through, and the ability to laugh at yourself is absolutely crucial in this scenario. If anybody gets the opportunity to watch The Oickers at a future event, I would strongly recommend it. There is something extremely recognisable and likeable about them. We ...
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The Story Forge: Make your own myths – Unity Theatre
22Apr By Andrew LeeNo Comments
North West

The Story Forge: Make your own myths – Unity Theatre

Performed by a frightening pedigree of silliness, from Silly History Boys, Rubbish Shakespeare company, and Wing It Impro, The Story Forge is a family show, where myths and legends are improvised based on topics given to the actors by the audience. Historical experts (though I suspect not) Dr Professor Lee Hithersay, and Professor Doctor Robert Bond led us on adventures through time and space, educating us on the definitely accurate history of things like dog poo bags, and ointment. The performance was great fun, perfectly pitched, and exactly what one would expect from an improvised piece of theatre. The clown work is fantastic, and whilst the show was a family one, the focus was where it ought to have been, which was on the kids. There was a great understanding of the audience and ...
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BOUND – Hope Street Theatre
22Apr By Paddy Darnell-WalshNo Comments
North West

BOUND – Hope Street Theatre

Theatre placing LGBTQ+ characters front and centre is still a rarity, even in 2024. In times where representation and equality are increasingly important, it is refreshing to come across new theatre centring on a same-sex relationship. BOUND, a new comedy by Phoebe Edmonds, and presented by Grapevine Theatre, follows lesbian couple Dani and Charlotte as they become engaged. What is seemingly a simple tale of wedding planning takes a twist when it becomes apparent that Dani is only willing to marry when The Church of England allows same-sex marriage. Edmonds’ One Act script offered great potential, particularly in its comedic elements. Along with Caitlin Newman, Edmonds directed her own piece and thus was able to fully realise her vision for the play. As the play only had two characters,...
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Boss New Plays – Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool
22Apr By Gill LewisNo Comments
North West

Boss New Plays – Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool

How well will a playwright’s words, ideas, and concepts land as they’re writing is brought to its feet. Boss New Plays finds out, by bringing to life the work of four of Liverpool’s local playwriting talents, as the Lantern Writers present the final part of their 2-night showcase. Eat, Sleep, Repeat written by Brian Mutton introduces us to retired married couple Ted (Derek Cross) and his wife Jessy (Linzy Boden), reminiscing on times gone by and the loss of familiarity as they watch on as another new neighbour moves in.  Ted’s sudden waves of emotion signal something isn’t right, which becomes clear upon a visit from their new giggly neighbour, the widower Grace (Emma Hind). Directed by John Michael Rooke, the play deals with the process of grief, love, and the struggle to move on,...
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Rubbish Improvised Shakespeare: The Incomplete Works of Shakespeare – Unity Theatre
22Apr By Miranda GreenNo Comments
North West

Rubbish Improvised Shakespeare: The Incomplete Works of Shakespeare – Unity Theatre

If it were done, when ‘tis done, then t’were well it were done wittily. Alack, ‘twas not. For prating merely “thee” and “thou” dost not the bard emulate. I could probably do this whole review in cod Shakespeare, but it’d soon become tedious, would’st not? Which pretty much describes last night’s performance of the allegedly improvised Rubbish Shakespeare: The Incomplete Works at the Unity Theatre. The audience were given the illusion of directing the action here but in fact were instructed to pick a year within Shakespeare’s lifetime (1550.) We had wider remit over location (Venice) and plot-hurdle (woodworm in the gondolas.) A chap near the front was awarded a circlet and crowned King James (anachronistically but lapses in history I can forgive) before being swiftly decoronated i...
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Sing The Musicals – Floral Pavilion
20Apr By Jenn McKeanNo Comments
North West

Sing The Musicals – Floral Pavilion

If you are one of those people who wishes they could sing along to a musical, then you need to make sure you add this show to your list. Massaoke’s Sing The Musicals is an evening of fun, laughter and above all else – musicals! With a cast of five singer-musicians, you’d think each one would be under more scrutiny from the audience, but for the majority, they were just happy to be led in the sing along. Luckily, however, the three lead vocalists are good at what they do and have the vocal ranges to fit the songs selected. Nicholette Chew especially, has vocals to die for and with a range from ‘Oom-Pah-Pah’ to ‘Defying Gravity’ and Disney in between, you are left wondering if there is anything she can’t do. And she plays the keys too! She is definitely a talent to watch out for. Josh Tay...
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Lantern Writers: Boss New Plays – Royal Court Studio, Liverpool
20Apr By Kiefer WilliamsNo Comments
North West

Lantern Writers: Boss New Plays – Royal Court Studio, Liverpool

The Lantern Writers originally formed in 2011 is one of Liverpool’s foremost creative playwriting groups. The group was established to showcase the writing talents of local creatives and to give the important opportunity for their individual works to come alive on the stage. Boss New Plays is an annual festival of short plays written by members of the Lantern Writers and its always exciting to welcome new works to the stage. Tonight’s performance (part one of two) featured four plays. Love Target is written by Mark Davoren and directed by Alex Carr. This black comedy centres around a blind date that clashes with a planned euthanasia “date” – in fact, all a case of mistaken identities. It’s an interesting and unusual farce which allows the actors to exercise their considerable c...
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Hardy and Webb: Mystery at the Museum – Unity Theatre
20Apr By Miranda GreenNo Comments
North West

Hardy and Webb: Mystery at the Museum – Unity Theatre

There were a couple of mysteries surrounding this production for children. Part of the Liverpool Improvisation Festival, hosted at the excellent Unity Theatre, the first poser was: where was Becky Webb? The second: where were the children? No matter, the audience of adults thoroughly enjoyed this detective romp played with enthusiastic elasticity by Jen Hardy and Mike Burton, in place of Becky Webb. Improv for a beginner audience, the interaction was light but nonetheless introductory to the genre. An audience stooge was asked to play the role of the Chief who informed the detective duo that they were due a day off, whether they wanted it or not, and that they were to visit a museum. Mavis (possibly her real name) came up with the concept of a postal museum; my mate Jane came up with...
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