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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...

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...

22Apr

By Phoebe Olivia Sian HobsonNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

The Syndicate – Leeds Grand Theatre

The Syndicate, what a treat! The most upbeat performance portraying the troubles of real life in a new light, a simple but extremely sweet storyline that keeps you fixated to your theatre seat. The anticipation drives no intention for an ice cream break, as soon as the curtain fell for the interval, the audience wanted nothing more than to be back in the presence of Jamie. Oliver Anthony captured the character of Jamie perfectly, his performance was relatable in so many ways, it’s fair to say that everyone knows someone as charismatic as Jamie and he established that cheeky chap so well. Kay Mellor took the shop in everyone’s daily routine and made it into a fascinating show, having Yorkshire locals thirsty for cash because of their working-class lives, and providing an insight into what ...

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...

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 ...

La rondine – The Metropolitan Opera Live in HD

20Apr

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

REVIEWS

La rondine – The Metropolitan Opera Live in HD

Initially commissioned to be a Viennese operetta before receiving the full operatic treatment, Puccini’s bittersweet love story is one of his lesser-known works: as a result of Austria and Italy being on opposing sides in World War I, it opened quietly in Monte Carlo in 1917 and never established a permanent place in the repertoire. Too easily dismissed in comparison to other works, when judged on its own merits it is a fascinating work featuring an abundance of exuberant waltzes, an intoxicating lightness of tone, and a romantic vision of Paris and the French Riviera as its three acts take us on a journey of love in Nicolas Joël’s 1920’s Art Deco-themed production. Opening to the backdrop of Ezio Frigerio’s rich and sumptuous set, matched by Franca Squarciapino’s costumes and elegantl...

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 Ta...

20Apr

By Kira DanielsNo Comments

London

1884 – Shoreditch Town Hall

What makes a house a home? What makes a hall a theatre and what makes a game play? Conceived by theatre-maker Rhianna Ilube and brought to life by immersive game-theatre makers Coney, 1884, is a hoot and a half. Split into two parts, the first running around two hours that go by in a flash and the second making less of a second full act than a stunningly complex coda, this experience doesn’t waste a minute of the time it takes from you. Intriguingly complex, Jacob Wu’s set design is as functional as it is whimsical and establishes the playfulness of the environment being curated right from the get-go. Audience members self-select seatings of seven to begin the game and from these small pods communities are born. Each activity is thoughtful, engaging, and accessible. Sound designer, Mwen, ...

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 ...

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 wit...