REVIEWS Archives - Page 150 of 339

<strong>The Importance of Being Earnest – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse</strong>

17Jan

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

North West

The Importance of Being Earnest – Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

The third week in January traditionally brings 'Blue Monday', reportedly the most depressing day of the entire year. So, in an attempt to pull the audience away from the warmth of hearth and home in the depths of Winter, Altrincham Garrick Playhouse have updated Oscar Wilde's enduring masterpiece of misunderstanding and deception for a modern audience. First staged on Valentine's Day 1895, the plot of 'Earnest' revolves around the wooing of Gwendolen Fairfax (Antonia Whitehead) and Cecily Cardew (Lauren Robinson) by John Worthing (Jamie Sloan) and Algie Moncrieff (Chris Shoop Worrall), abetted by the usual farcical misunderstandings and enough outrageous plot twists to make Charles Dickens blush. What lifts the play above mere buffoonery is the quality of the writing, the genius 'bon m...

<strong>Fedora – Metropolitan Opera Live in HD</strong>

16Jan

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

REVIEWS

Fedora – Metropolitan Opera Live in HD

All artistic organisations need to make money to survive, and New York’s Metropolitan Opera is no exception, with its more recent challenge being that of an audience turning from the renowned classical productions to newer, more modern operas, despite these often lacking the depth in both libretto and orchestra of the established repertoire. The return of Giordano’s exhilarating Fedora – a new production directed by David McVicar rather than a revival – after a 25-year absence may reflect the perfect balance in its appeal to audiences old and new; it was certainly one of the most enjoyable productions I have seen and which at the time of its own writing would have been considered very modern and radical. Princess Fedora Romazoff (Sonya Yoncheva) has only just arrived at the home of her...

<strong>Nerubashenko Ballet presents Swan Lake – Richmond Theatre</strong>

14Jan

By Zoё MeeresNo Comments

London

Nerubashenko Ballet presents Swan Lake – Richmond Theatre

I should start this by qualifying up front that while I enjoy the ballet, I am by no means a seasoned or knowledgeable audience member. I find ballet staggeringly impressive in terms of the talent and physical/athletic demands and beautiful as an art form while still thinking things like “I wonder if her feet hurt” and “I hope he doesn’t drop her”. With that in mind, we continue… The story of Swan Lake is the stuff of fairy tales – prince falls in love with enchanted swan-woman, is tricked by evil magician into falling for an evil look alike; it’s all very Disney. The musical score will be recognisable event to those who have never been to the ballet before, so it’s one of my ‘entry level’ ballet suggestions for people who are keen to go. I’ve always thought of a trip to the ballet ...

<strong>Snow White – The Atkinson</strong>

14Jan

By Rebecca CaseyNo Comments

North West

Snow White – The Atkinson

Once upon a time in a lovely little fishing village called Southport, Snow White and the seven…..elves took to the stage at The Atkinson, in an all singing, all dancing spectacular pantomime. All Souls Dramatic Club have once again taken a classic tale and added their own modern spin, bringing together a wealth of local talent and an eclectic musical score. Writer and director Cliff Gillies, alongside choreographer Katie Palfrey and Musical Director Chris Rimmer, together are a dream team. If anything, it was a little long, particularly the first half, this wouldn’t matter so much on a matinee, but it was a school night and I had brought along my nephew. The show opened at 7.30 and the interval didn’t happen until 8.50pm, I saw from the programme song list that a song had actuall...

<strong>Iphigenia – The Hope Theatre</strong>

14Jan

By Riana HowarthNo Comments

London

Iphigenia – The Hope Theatre

This take on a Greek classic directed by Elsie Yager focuses on how a woman may submit herself to a brutal ending. Set in a bedroom designed by TK Hay with all white props, against a red and black floor, it hints at the drama and tragedy, but the intimacy conveys the feeling of a lived experience. We enter the space with Iphigenia (Karen Barredo) sat incessantly brushing her hair solemnly. The chorus members manifest as real people in video interviews projected onto the bed and wall. Without an introduction to the people in the videos, I searched for the link between them and Iphigenia. I eventually understood that those interviewed were foreshadowing and reflecting upon Iphigenia’s experiences as a woman but throughout different eras. Alongside these, Iphigenia passes through the stag...

<strong>Girl from the North Country – Liverpool Empire</strong>

12Jan

By Ezzy LaBelleNo Comments

North West

Girl from the North Country – Liverpool Empire

As the audience eagerly chatters in anticipation, a scene not unlike a film unfolds, drawing spectators along with it. A lone man walks on stage and begins to sing unexpectedly. The lights gradually dim, both on stage and in the auditorium, as others walk about their business and a set is lowered down. Everyone is cocooned. Everyone is both part of the community in Girl from the North Country and a fly-on-the-wall watcher - it is an experience as much as a performance. Set in 1934, Girl from the North Country transports viewers to a time-weathered guesthouse in Duluth, US and draws them into the lives of its inhabitants for a year. The narrative is creatively conveyed through Bob Dylan songs, making the show unique in its interpretation of a musician's repertoire. Director and write...

<strong>On The Ropes – Park Theatre</strong>

11Jan

By Anisha PucadyilNo Comments

London

On The Ropes – Park Theatre

Justice delayed is justice denied. ‘On the ropes’ is an autobiographical musical of Vernon Vanriel, co-written with Dougie Blaxland. The thought-provoking play recreates the life and hardships faced by Vernon Vanriel in 12 rounds. The play centres on the experience of a charismatic lightweight boxer from his rise to fame to his challenges with poverty, bipolar and coke. Until his painful marooning on the Jamaican Islands due to insensitive and unjust home office rules. It is a testament to the 57,000 people affected by the Windrush Scandal and those ‘whose rights and freedom are denied by arbitrary acts of injustice.’ Amber James and Ashley D Gayle accompanying our protagonist enthusiastically bring the chorus to life. They portray the entire gamut of accents, pathos, kindness and g...

DeathDrop: Back in the Habit – Sheffield Lyceum

11Jan

By Tracey BellNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

DeathDrop: Back in the Habit – Sheffield Lyceum

Directed by Jesse Jones, created by Christopher D Clegg, written by Bob Evans and brought to the stage by Tuckshop; who have become engrained in the West End, bringing true Drag to the mainstream; and Trafalgar Theatre Productions, DeathDrop – Back in the Habit is the second instalment from Death Drop Cinema Universe (DDCU) proving there is an audience for this madcap drag escapism. Described by its creator as a ‘horror-murder-slasher-religious-comedy’ this production is by no means the usual second-rate sister to its 2020 predecessor. This second instalment may be charmingly and intentionally basic, but it doesn’t DRAG-its-heels and goes to show things improve as they grow! The production is a homage to drag gone by, of panto dames, the roster of Drag legends, queer bars and performan...

<strong>SIX – Vaudeville Theatre</strong>

11Jan

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

SIX – Vaudeville Theatre

Divorced, beheaded, live! Bursting with charm, humour and girl power, the modern musical ‘Six’ divulges the untold stories of Henry VIII through his six wives in an innovative and witty concert-style score. A step away from the conventional musical style, the wives of Henry VIII are in sisterly competition to ascertain which one of them had the most tragic end to their story. Each Queen has their time to shine with their solo, the other Queens providing faultless ensemble support. The moments where all six were in perfect unison and harmony were particularly special especially in the final number “Six”, their slick and impeccably timed choreography a joy to experience. Paired with each of their incredible belts, the songs are catchy and full of melodic and rhythmical surprises. T...

<strong>Handel’s Messiah – Liverpool Philharmonic</strong>

8Jan

By Ezzy LaBelleNo Comments

North West

Handel’s Messiah – Liverpool Philharmonic

Hallelujah! Renowned and revered, George Frideric Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah, fills Liverpool Philharmonic Hall to provide a sumptuous evening of music. Led by eminent German maestro Clemens Schuldt, this rousing aural experience is not to be missed. First performed in 1742, Messiah has become one of Handel’s most successful works. Fusing the traditions of Italian Opera, German Passion and English Anthem, it has both a geographical and timeless appeal that often cuts to the core of audiences, and this performance is no different. Featuring four of the finest singers in Europe on the solos – Dorothee Mields (soprano), Anna Stéphany (mezzo-soprano), Caspar Singh (tenor) and Benjamin Appl (baritone) – the marriage between musicians, choristers and soloists is truly harmonic. Mess...