Latest Articles - Page 314 of 645

I Work in Customer Service but I’m Actually a Pop Star – Blunderbus

4Aug

By Amy HolsteadNo Comments

Scotland

I Work in Customer Service but I’m Actually a Pop Star – Blunderbus

Glaswegian Barbie on a bus. Amelia Bayler (Scottish Comedy Awards' Best Newcomer) takes the BlundaBus for an energetic combination of stand-up and singing. The venue was the perfect spot to see Bayler who turned the old-style bus into a party bus with her high energy performance. The show was not meticulously put together, but it wasn’t trying to be. Instead, it was a chaotic look into the creative mind and life of Bayler. The moments of scripted comedy, such as her re-enactment of her Skype interview, were funny and relatable, especially to those who have worked in customer service. Whilst spur-of-the-moment conversations with the audience enhanced the enjoyable chaos of the show. Her unhinged songs, about anything from Tupperware’s to Greggs, were lively and original. A favo...

Gaslighting is my Love Language – Just The Tonic at The Grassmarket Centre

4Aug

By Ben PearsonNo Comments

Scotland

Gaslighting is my Love Language – Just The Tonic at The Grassmarket Centre

Fielding Edlow’s Gaslighting is my Love Language is a brutally honest, unapologetically explicit, and immensely entertaining hour of comedy. The premise is simple; Edlow has recently divorced her husband of thirteen years and wants to share her new perspective on the marriage with the audience. What results is akin to a farcical therapy session, where the audience plays the role of the therapist. While they don’t often get involved, with one notable exception you’ll have to discover for yourself, Edlow regales them with the ups and downs of the marriage, pinpointing exactly where it all went wrong. Spoiler alert, it was when they first met. While most comedians bring in elements of truth to their performances, Edlow takes it to a whole new level. She makes a point of informing the audie...

3Aug

By Stewart Who?No Comments

London

Macbeth – Shakespeare’s Globe

The Shakespeare’s Globe hit the headlines recently, when a man in a full latex gimp suit and face mask rocked up to a performance of The Comedy of Errors. It prompted a few complaints, but Globe staff shrugged off the furore and were largely worried that the rubbery punter might overheat. He was stood in front of the stage at a matinee on a warm day. Fetish enthusiasts were less visible on the night we attended Macbeth at the Globe, but one of the venue’s strengths is to render the audience as almost another actor in the proceedings. The shape and design of the Globe means that in the summer months when it is light, the full range of humanity is on show, whether that’s in the cheap ticket pit or one of the galleries. At one point, Macbeth (Max Bennet) exited the stage through the aud...

3Aug

By Kathleen MansfieldNo Comments

Scotland

Coffee Kid – Underbelly Cowgate

If you have a free afternoon this Fringe ditch the overpriced coffee and indulge in Coffee Kid. Nominated for Best Performer and the Spirit of Wit award at the Dublin Fringe Festival 2022, Coffee Kid is a one-woman play exploring the absurd character Beanie Clooney (Síomha McQuinn) the love child of George Clooney and a Nespresso machine. The show was unsurprisingly whacky but also relatable: the familiar coming-of-age themes of identity, love and belonging were revitalised by the originality of the protagonist. It also brought together classic Fringe comedy and new ideas in a refreshing way: satirical jokes towards Womanhood, Hollywood and patriarchy were complimented by more niche puns about the unique character and plot. Despite moments of depth the storyline was kept light-hearted ...

This Girl: The Cynthia Lennon Story – Upstairs at the Gatehouse

3Aug

By Michelle KnightNo Comments

London

This Girl: The Cynthia Lennon Story – Upstairs at the Gatehouse

The Programme description: The play is also a musical featuring original songs and music arrangements by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Frankie Connor, Billy Kinsley and Alan Crowley and depicts the emotional journey of Cynthia (CIN’s) life before, during and after Beatlemania. THIS GIRL features eight brand new songs making it a must see musical for theatre lovers of original and contemporary theatre. THIS GIRL tells a story of Cynthia Powell a shy student from Hoylake, who fell in love with a young musician called John when they met at Liverpool Art College in 1957. She became Cynthia Lennon and mother of their son Julian. This play has been created it seems to showcase their love and affection for each other, her struggles and the challenges she faced in her relationship with John Lenn...

Shrek the Musical – Opera House, Manchester

3Aug

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Shrek the Musical – Opera House, Manchester

Shrek the Musical is mesmerising extravaganza that is a great way to introduce children to the theatre and performing arts. Shrek the Musical has arrived at Manchester Opera House and is an absolute delight that brings the beloved ogre and his endearing companions to life on stage in an unforgettable theatrical experience. The cast is an absolute tour de force, with each actor embodying their iconic character with undeniable charm and flair. Shrek played by Anthony Lawrence has a warmth and energy that the audience immediately connect with and perfectly captures the grumpy yet lovable demeanour of everyone’s favourite ogre. Lawrence has a great on stage chemistry with Joanne Clifton who plays Princess Fiona with a great stage presence. Brandon Lee Sears as Donkey and James Gillan ...

A Greasy Spoon – Liverpool’s Royal Court

2Aug

By Daniel CoxNo Comments

North West

A Greasy Spoon – Liverpool’s Royal Court

A Greasy Spoon started its life as part of the Everyman’s new writing showcase written by Alice Bunker-Whitney. Alice is described by Kevin Fearon (Liverpool Royal Courts Executive Producer) as “a great new writing talent”. So, it’s no wonder the Royal Court has made this production its new home for the next four weeks. A Greasy Spoon is set in ‘Scrantastic’ which is just your completely normal ‘caff’ and takes you on the journey with your completely normal workers Mandy & Shannon. Honestly, it sounds quite bland when you put it like that. But, if you’re a regular at the Royal Court you know their productions are anything but normal and absolutely anything but bland. I wouldn’t want to give too much away but you can expect MURDEROUS laughter from the audience and a lesson that wh...

The Great Gatsby – Grosvenor Open Air Theatre

2Aug

By Ezzy LaBelleNo Comments

North West

The Great Gatsby – Grosvenor Open Air Theatre

Frivolity fans the air as a live band dances an eager audience back to the roaring 1920s for an evening of F Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. It's hard not to immediately be swept up in the decadence as the cast mingle with the audience until suddenly you aren't sure if you're within the production or simply observing it - what part do you play in the party that never stops? Cleverly framed, there is audience participation from the start. All rise as a coroner begins to question the events leading up to the death of a man, a man surrounded by mystery and rumour. Witness testimonies contradict. A cacophony of characters cause calamity. Just as it feels like a judgement has been made, in bursts protagonist Nick Carraway (Thomas Cotran). Clearly upset, he takes command of the sm...

Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors – Garrick Theatre

2Aug

By Ely KingNo Comments

London

Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors – Garrick Theatre

Keeping kids entertained over the school holidays is no easy feat, but the team at Horrible Histories are pulling out all of the stops. After the ‘Orrible ‘Opera at BBC Proms, and alongside the Terrible Thames cruise, comes Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors at The Garrick Theatre London. If you’re a fan of mayhem and murder, excitement and execution, and Terrible Tudors, this show is for you. This 70-minute production runs most mornings/afternoons throughout the holidays and promises non-stop fun for the family. As the name suggests, this production tells the stories of the Tudors with song, dance, puppets and a plethora of jokes to keep the kids entertained as they unknowingly learn British History. In a short space of time they cover various monarchs, William Shakespeare...

2Aug

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

The Crown Jewels – Garrick Theatre

The Crown Jewels has opened in London’s West End this summer for a limited run. With its star-studded cast and satirical comedy, this play is an interesting take on the monarch and the true story of Colonel Thomas Blood’s attempt to steal the Crown jewels in 1671. It is evident from the opening number that this show sets out to mock and provide the audience with humour. Carrie Hope Fletcher opens the show as the Lady of the Bedchamber to King Charles II singing a folk-like song ‘Praise Him’ which draws the audience in. However, it is later unclear whether this show is attempting to be a musical. Fletcher has an undeniable range and belt – the limited songs giving her the opportunity to showcase her impressive talent. Unfortunately, the songs throughout the show felt somewhat misplaced a...