REVIEWS Archives - Page 340 of 548

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – The Zodiac, Frodsham Community Central

23Mar

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

North West

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – The Zodiac, Frodsham Community Central

If we ever needed a reminder of just how much the world of theatre was tipped on it’s head by Covid, then the fact that it’s taken three years for Zodiac’s production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels to reach the milestone of opening night will do just that. Retaining many of the original cast, it’s clear from the opening number, Give Them What They Want, that the cast, under the direction of Neil Silcock, are thrilled to finally immerse the audience into the French Riviera, where we meet the debonair Lawrence (Seb Farrell), a sophisticated swindler who charms and disarms several of the female holidaymakers each year, aided by his ‘bodyguard’ (and the town’s Chief of Police), Andre (Phil Murray). He soon takes the vulgar, young upstart Freddy Benson (Chris Doyle) under his wing to teach hi...

School of Rock – The Forum Theatre, Romiley

23Mar

By David S ClarkeNo Comments

North West

School of Rock – The Forum Theatre, Romiley

Based on the film written by Mike White. Directed by Dominic Stannage. For those few who don’t already know the story of School of Rock, the show follows Dewey Finn, a struggling musician who longs to be a rock star. After being kicked out of his own band, Dewey is penniless and jobless. To meet his rent obligations, he disguises himself as a substitute teacher and lands a job at a prestigious private school. Totally out of his depth, Dewey ignores the usual curriculum and focuses on developing the musically talented children. He forms a rock band with the 10-year-olds in the hope of winning the upcoming Battle of the Bands competition – all the while attempting to hide his true identity. There was a considerable buzz in the foyer in anticipation of the start of the show, a very nice...

Puccini’s Il trittico – Festival Theatre, Edinburgh

23Mar

By Kathleen MansfieldNo Comments

Scotland

Puccini’s Il trittico – Festival Theatre, Edinburgh

Puccini’s Il trittico is part of Scottish Opera’s 60th Anniversary programme. The company aims is “to lay the treasures of opera at the feet of the people of Scotland”. It certainly succeeds with this triple treasure of shorts. Death unites this triptych, but the mood of each showcases Puccini’s inventive mind and creative breadth: aching thwarted love (Il Tabarro); misguided penance and cruel inhumanity (Suor Angelica); the delicious absurdity of human relationships (Gianni Schicchi). If one piece doesn’t touch your sensibility, then the others must, surely. This Scottish Opera team is creative. Director, Sir David McVicar, houses Puccini’s music in stunning sets (designers Charles Edwards), costumes to delight (Hannah Clark), perfect lighting (Ben Pickersgill) and a fantastic orche...

23Mar

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

London

Turandot – The Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House’s latest revival under director Jack Furness of Andrei Serban’s 1984 production is an epic on every scale and a true delight for all of the senses as it delivers the perfect synthesis of music and drama. In legendary Peking, a Mandarin (Blaise Malaba) advises that any prince seeking to marry Princess Turandot (Anna Pirozzi) must answer three riddles: if he fails, he will die. Among the crowd Calàf (Yonghoon Lee) discovers his long-lost father, Timur (Vitalij Kowaljow). As the latest failed suitor goes to his death, the crowd implore the princess to spare him, but she orders the execution to proceed. Calàf is transfixed by her beauty and decides to win her heart. Timor and the slave girl Liù (Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha) as well as the ministers Ping (Hansung Yoo),...

Charlotte and Theodore – Richmond Theatre

22Mar

By Marita MatarNo Comments

London

Charlotte and Theodore – Richmond Theatre

‘Is this so bad if they see their mother succeed?’ – Charlotte In the wake of movements related to feminism, LGBTQIA+, disabled bodies, protected groups, hegemonies and systematic inherited structures, Charlotte and Theodore written by Ryan Craig, directed by Terry Johnson, performed by Kris Marshall (Theodore) and Eve Ponsonby (Charlotte) addresses the intricating and the strenuous gaps, that exist between people of different identities and age when talking about inclusivity, gender, pronouns, dilemmas of cancel culture, and dominant groups, etc. The 90 minutes long play proposes solutions, perhaps? Not in the same way Billy Wilder did in Some like it Hot but rather by following the evolution of conversation between two lovers and two professors, at different points in their lives. ...

22Mar

By Tracey BellNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

The Great Gatsby – Sheffield Lyceum

The Sheffield Lyceum hosts former Artistic Director of the Northern Ballet, David Nixon’s, The Great Gatsby this week. Nixon’s creation, with his responsibility for the Choreography, Direction, Scenario and Costume Design, co-directed by Patricia Doyle, has been ten years since its premier in 2013. With its lavish sets and its Chanel inspired sumptuous costumes you are transported back into F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Jazz era, the Roaring 20’s and his thematic novel of human follies, love, desire, hope and the struggle with time and fate. And for those unfamiliar with the 1925 novel or the cinematic version starring Leonardo DiCaprio, the story is told from the unreliable narrative viewpoint of Nick Carraway (Daisy’s Cousin) danced superbly by Filippo Di Vilio. We follow the protagonist Jay ...

22Mar

By Nazaret RaneaNo Comments

Scotland

Annie – Edinburgh Playhouse

What a show! The sun may come out tomorrow, but you should go see ‘Annie’ today! It follows the story of an optimistic young orphan trying to find her way in New York’s Great Depression. Based on a 1924 comic script “little orphan Annie” by Harold Gray, the Ambassador Theatre Group really brought the performance to life with catchy songs, cheeky humour and captivating choreography. All performers had a lot of chemistry and really brought the characters to life - we all had a particular sweet spot for the kind Mr Warbucks whose kindness really moved the audience. Paul O’Grady was captivating as Miss Hannigan with sass and his own particular brand of humour. All the child actors were extremely talented and surely have a bright future ahead of them and hit all the complicated choreography. Ho...

22Mar

By Alice RoseNo Comments

London

Black Superhero – Royal Court

Danny Lee Wynter’s debut play at the Royal Court questions queerness, open relationships and loving your idols. David (Danny Lee Wynter) is unsettled by the route of his life. An actor occasionally auditioning, occasionally sleeping around and still recovering from a traumatic event that brought his life to a halt. Living with his sister Syd, (Rochenda Sandall) he can’t help but question his motive especially when comparing himself to friend and popular superhero in a movie franchise, King (Dyllón Burnside). However, when King reveals that he and his husband have decided to try an open marriage, David is plunged into something he might not be ready for. The action in the piece is highly driven, particularly in the first act. David, who is already vulnerable, creates chaos for himself by...

22Mar

By Anisha PucadyilNo Comments

London

Ophelia Rewound – Applecart Arts

Honest and vulnerable exploration of the artist's experience and reflections on attempted suicide. The piece has evolved over the three years of lockdown, and writer, director & performer Antigoni Spanou starts at that moment of transformation and reconsideration of 'Ophelia' choosing to reflect and hold on to her breath. Superbly supported in projection mapping, sound and lighting design by Joseph Thorpe. The character's imaginations and reflections get projected, transporting the audience from spirals of the mind to a meditative waterfall. The one-act play moves the audience from passive observers to actively recreating characters on stage, playing games and drinking tea parties! Even if you are not on stage with the actor, you are thinking through what you would reply to that...

Titanic the Musical – Grand Theatre, Blackpool

22Mar

By Hannah WildeNo Comments

North West

Titanic the Musical – Grand Theatre, Blackpool

The story of Titanic is a timeless one, one that most people the world over are familiar with. The ship that they called “unsinkable” did just that on its maiden voyage, killing over 1,500 souls on board and sending the world’s most luxurious liner to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean without a trace. But still, even 110 years later, it’s a story that fascinates, horrifies and titillates modern audiences. Many would think that this performance is a musical adaptation of James Cameron’s 1997 motion picture masterpiece - part of the reason that the story of Titanic has gained legendary status in the modern subconscious - but that would be wrong. Titanic the Musical is a unique retelling of its namesake, without a Jack Dawson or Rose Bukater in sight. And for that, I am thankful. This perfo...