REVIEWS Archives - Page 31 of 406

Mary Mary Quite Contrary – The Space On The Mile

8Aug

By Beth EltringhamNo Comments

Scotland

Mary Mary Quite Contrary – The Space On The Mile

Mary Mary Quite Contrary is a new comedy musical surrounding Mary Whitehouse and her prudish war against sex and sexuality being shown on the BBC. When Mary is told that her next job involves documenting swingers she is mortified, but as she learns why and how a swingers club works she begins to open up to the idea. After all every swingers club should end with a happy ending. The songs in this show are simple but enjoyable, the cast talented if a little nervous and the exclusivity is off the rails. Be prepared to learn something new about yourself and embrace the world of kink and self expression. We explore trans identity, a love of leather, obedience and dominance and that giving yourself over to pleasure is not in fact a fast track to the gates of hell. The show is witty and ...

Ania Magliano: Forgive Me Father – Pleasance Courtyard

8Aug

By Greg HolsteadNo Comments

Scotland

Ania Magliano: Forgive Me Father – Pleasance Courtyard

Magliano is moving up the roster at the Pleasance, last year she was in a container, today she is in a proper raked auditorium with 3x the capacity, and it is full. I see a real progression, a maturity, in her material, and her delivery. Last year she braided a lightweight tale about getting a haircut. This year she has knitted a gorgeous monologue, about life, forgiveness and moving on, as fine as the olive green waistcoat she wears: perhaps a bit baggy and saggy in places, but quirky, stylish and unique. Magliano’s fresh face and natural colour choices, down to her russet cords, have led some to assume she is a Vegan, but as she explains, she left that dietary choice behind 12 years ago when she came out as bi-sexual. She is not a fussy eater anymore! Magliano’s ‘nice girl’ who...

8Aug

By Marcelina KruczyńskaNo Comments

Scotland

(Dis)honest – theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall

(Dis)honest by St Catherine's School, Twickenham is an energetic and relatable play. This drama comedy would be especially appealing to fans of podcasts and true crime. This originally written piece poses many thought-provoking questions about honesty and identity in an enjoyable and lighthearted way. These concepts are challenged through the character Amy Bock and her not so honest life choices. Naturally, in true podcast fashion Amy’s crimes are discussed and dissected by various presenters and spokes persons that feature in the podcast. However, in an innovative way the play also includes the comments and views of the podcast’s audience. Although confusing at first, the audience and presenters' opinions merge like an endless conversation showing the connection they all share. ...

Lorna Rose Treen: Skin Pigeon – Pleasance Dome

7Aug

By Greg HolsteadNo Comments

Scotland

Lorna Rose Treen: Skin Pigeon – Pleasance Dome

Surreally great!! I have a theory that environment can create comedy, that some spaces are just inherently funnier than others. So here, upstairs at Pleasance Dome, where the equally brilliant Crizards stood last Fringe, rising star Lorna Rose Treen rises from the mound. It is a small space, hot ‘intimate’, as they say, and, unsurprisingly, it is full. Treen, emerges from a pile of laundry, reminiscent of a student’s bedroom. The ‘mound’ plays a central role for quick clothes changes, prop retrieval and another brilliant use, which will have you creased up - but no spoilers here!. Almost Pythonesque in her humour, she plays many characters in this quick-fire sketch show, but chief among them is the tough talking nine-year-old brownie, who appears several times, surely a cypher...

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...