REVIEWS Archives - Page 170 of 545

After Shakespeare: Richard III – the Space Triplex

7Aug

By Caroline WorswickNo Comments

Scotland

After Shakespeare: Richard III – the Space Triplex

We have heard many tales of Richard III, not many of them are favourable, and Shakespeare wrote the play Richard III casting Richard in a bad light too. Theatre and film company Slade Wolfe Enterprises Ltd wish to look at Richard through a kinder lens, he had much to contend with, but was he the villain that he was made out to be by Shakespeare. This play analyses the period between 1464-1485 charting the period of boyhood, through to his death…he was only thirty-two years old when he died in 1485, when fighting as King, he died at the Battle of Bosworth Field. This period is history was remarkably busy for coronations, as the monarchy changed five times, Edward IV, Henry VI, Edward IV (again), Edward V and then Richard III himself. The War of the Roses ensur...

Witch? Women on Trial – Greenside @ Riddles Court

7Aug

By Caroline WorswickNo Comments

Scotland

Witch? Women on Trial – Greenside @ Riddles Court

The Edinburgh Storytellers tell the stories of our past, in this case, the witch trials in Scotland which began in the early 16th century. Our storyteller is Natalie, who enthusiastically draws us into the world of witches. Just to give you a taster of some of the material spoken about, Natalie told us about Janet Cock, who was sent to jail for drunken behaviour, but was then released due to her daughter’s efforts, but a couple of months later she was re-arrested on new charges and was convicted and sentenced to death for witchcraft. Between 1590-1662 executions took place for witchcraft, and many trumped up charges were used to suppress women’s vitality, to quieten those who were outspoken or would not conform. The prosecutors were men, and we see this theme...

7Aug

By Beth EltringhamNo Comments

Scotland

RIPPER – C-Arts Aquila Temple

It's 1888 and the infamous killer Jack The Ripper is plaguing the streets of White Chapel murdering ladies of the night and harvesting their organs, and with no clue as to who jack is a local female journalist has decided to investigate the murders herself. After coming face to face with the killer she embarks on a dangerous game of cat and mouse and begins to question how far she will go to get the scoop. The history of Jack the Ripper has always been an area of interest for many people, so there is always a certain risk when it comes to giving the killer a face and dramatizing the gruesome murders. Ripper takes a new route with the story, giving Jack a face and personality yet still managing to skilfully keep his identity hidden and establish the fact that no one truly knew who ja...

Beauty and the Beast – Greenwich Theatre

7Aug

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Beauty and the Beast – Greenwich Theatre

"Beauty and the Beast" is a beloved classic cherished by families across the globe. However, this new adaptation offers plenty of twists, new characters, and fresh plots, taking us on an entirely new spin of the well-known production. The cast was extraordinarily talented, not only acting, singing, and dancing but also providing the melodies for the show using various instruments, from guitars and accordions to even the small triangle. Each cast member's musical contributions enriched the performance, adding a unique charm for this whacky adventure. The story began by immersing us in the familiar tale of Beauty and the Beast. However, the Beast's character development felt lacking. He was immediately kind to Belle and, besides instructing her to clean, did not exhibit the loud or...

Spring Awakening – The Space @Surgeons’ Hall

7Aug

By Torya HughesNo Comments

Scotland

Spring Awakening – The Space @Surgeons’ Hall

Based on an 1891 German play by Frank Wedekind, “Spring Awakening” deals with themes of teenage sexuality, oppression and abuse. Despite its historical influences, the story feels relevant and timeless, and young company Selkie Theatre bring this production to the airy space of the Grand Theatre at Surgeon’s Hall. The musical uses a rock score to tell the story of Wendla Bergmann, played with delightful innocence by Shannon Hood. She longs to find out about the facts of life, but her mother is unwilling to talk of anything other than love and marriage. Wendla soon falls in love with Melchior Gabor, a rebellious boy who is keen to share the information that he’s learned from books. Joe Gill shows Melchior’s frustration and determination, but also lends him an endearing teenage awkwar...

Patti Harrison: My Huge Tits Huge Because They Are Infected NOT FAKE – Pleasance Courtyard

7Aug

By Greg HolsteadNo Comments

Scotland

Patti Harrison: My Huge Tits Huge Because They Are Infected NOT FAKE – Pleasance Courtyard

I really wasn’t ready for this. I thought this was just another comedian. How wrong I was, and how old this made me feel! In the packed 250-seater, all are welcome Patti tells us as she races frantically up and down the aisles, bi, trans, binary and those with allegations. America’s most famous trans comedian, the 33-years old Ohioan veers between a school teacherly persona with a Mall girl drawl to a self-obsessed and terrifying monster involved in a bizarre sexual relationship with children’s character, Stuart Little. Yes, you heard that right! Whilst also giving us a sneaky peek of her ‘in progress’ side hustles, her theatrical masterpiece-in-the-making about growing up biracial, complete with thrash metal song, or her ‘Emily In Paris’ remake that is nothing like the origin...

7Aug

By Greg HolsteadNo Comments

Scotland

Shantify! – Assembly Rooms

Fishy fun never sounded so good! The six likely lads that make up Shantify are off to a winning start. The sold out tent does not lie! Six because they get to call themselves a sextet, which is way cooler than a quartet or a quintet! Anyway, it’s all blue jeans and brown leather boots, stripy tops and Fairisle sweaters (looks hot!) and neckerchiefs as they drop anchor (well, they started it!) in George Street, Edinburgh for the duration of the fringe. Folks are going to be clambering for tickets for this one. Seriously though, like all great ideas, this one is so simple, but is so well executed! Combining six of the West End’s leading men creates some dreamy harmonies, as a selection of popular songs from stage and chart are turned into sea shanties. First up for the Shanty...

Isobel Rogers: How To Be Content – Pleasance Courtyard

7Aug

By Greg HolsteadNo Comments

Scotland

Isobel Rogers: How To Be Content – Pleasance Courtyard

Former Camden Roundhouse resident artist, writer, composer and comedian Isobel Rogers makes her much anticipated Edinburgh Fringe debut, with her existential musical comedy show How To Be Content. I’m Not Really That Intense, she jokes at one point, when of course she actually is. Mini powerhouse, Rogers, in deep-soled open-sided sensible shoes, rattles through a musical Odyssey rolling from Weddings to Polygamy, To living with my mum, (with my boyfriend!) and on to To baby or not to baby. With guitar in hand and a head full of condensed clever lyrics the delivery is safely professional, but hardly ground-breaking. Maybe if you are a thirty-something woman with your eggs on a timer this will strike just about the right chord. However, in reality this is a music show with some ...

7Aug

By Jessie MartinNo Comments

Scotland

Into the Woods – Paradise in Augustines

When an amateur theatre group announces they will be performing a Sondheim musical, usually I brace myself for the worst. Bare Productions however, completely defied my expectations with their rendition of the classic, Into the Woods - it’s no wonder they have a sold-out show. The cast were exceptional - manoeuvring around the complex rhythms with ease and creating a real sense of emotion in their performances. The numbers in which the whole cast sang together were incredibly powerful – it was clear a real focus on the musicality was made – the emphasis on the dynamics of the song truly packed a punch – kudos to the musical director. Everybody in this cast showed the potential to go on to work professionally. I do have to give a special mention to the ugly...

Here There Be Dragons: A Musical Quest – Greenside Venues @ Riddles Court

7Aug

By Beth EltringhamNo Comments

Scotland

Here There Be Dragons: A Musical Quest – Greenside Venues @ Riddles Court

Playing Dungeons And Dragons may make you uncool to some, but to others it’s the coolest thing you can ever do: exploring new worlds, fighting dragons, having a project with your friends that can span for years! The only issue is, the D&D life style doesn’t always suit those around you and eventually real life is going to threaten to get in the way. For this group of soon to be graduates that’s exactly what’s about to happen. Here There Be Dragons: A Musical Quest is a brand new musical centred around a group of young adults who are all about to graduate college and play their final game of D&D together. We get to see the true thrill of the game and the undeniable cringe that can come with it from an outsiders point of view. We get to see the confidence playing another...