Latest Articles - Page 32 of 724

1Aug

By Eleanor HallNo Comments

London

Cleansed – The Almeida

I have heard Cleansed be described as unreviewable. Is this owing to its explicit, horrific imagery? Or its polarisation of audiences into the enthused and the disgusted? Tinkler, a doctor-drug-dealer, acts as puppeteer to lovers Rod and Carl; to siblings-turned lovers Graham and Grace; and to the juvenile Robin. Set in a university - although deeply unclear until spelled out by Dan Rebellato’s poignant programme notes - the trios and pairs of people are stretched to their limit. The initial scenes take on surreal stakes. The smallest of choices bear the greatest of consequences. The question of why these choices are made seem to be the play’s very pulse. The choreography was captivating, unsurprising given it is a recognisable Frecknall feature. Muscular contractions are reminiscent...

1Aug

By Michelle KnightNo Comments

London

Tao of Glass – Sohoplace Theatre

Philip Glass born in 1937 is “celebrated as one of the most influential and prolific American composers of the 20th and 21st centuries, and he was a pioneer of musical minimalism”. His repetitive musical style is very different. Glass went on to write dozens of operas; such as Satyagraha and Akhnaten, symphonies, concertos, and chamber pieces. Tao of Glass—is the inspiring collaborative work of composer Philip Glass and writer/director Phelim McDermott This production delves deeply into the theatrical artistry of imaginative storytelling and hypnotic concert of musical theatre. With a touch of comedy and paper puppetry, beautifully performed with style and grace. Photo: Johan Persson It touches on an emotional journey through life, reflection and wonder portrayed through the eyes an...

Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical – Evolution London

30Jul

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical – Evolution London

Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical is a hugely entertaining experience that transports audiences straight into the world of Rydell High. Rather than simply watching the story unfold, you become part of it from the moment you arrive. Before entering Rydell High, guests are welcomed by a vibrant funfair set within the beautiful surroundings of Battersea Park. There are classic fairground games, including hook-a-duck and bean bag tosses, alongside rides that can be enjoyed using purchased tokens. It is a fantastic way to set the atmosphere before the performance begins and immediately captures the carefree spirit of Grease. The experience opens with the iconic film introduction projected onto a large screen, allowing audiences to relive Danny and Sandy's unforgettable summer romanc...

Wilder! – The International Anthony Burgess Foundation

30Jul

By Lou SteggalsNo Comments

North West

Wilder! – The International Anthony Burgess Foundation

In ‘Wilder!’ writers Thomas Billiouw and Dany Van Brabant have cultivated an entertainingly twisted world, where manicured lawns conceal murderous intent and the local gardening club is the beating heart of suburban paranoia and gossip. Imagine Hot Fuzz’sNeighbourhood Watch transplanted into the pristine neighbourhoods of a British Desperate Housewives and you’re somewhere close to the show’s gleefully madcap and macabre tone. At the centre is Gloria, played with wonderful commitment by Dany Van Brabant, who channels the clipped elegance and commanding poise of a homicidal Katharine Hepburn. Every smile feels calculated, every perfectly delivered line hints at barely contained violence, making Gloria both magnetic and deeply unsettling. Opposite her, Thomas Billiouw provides a...

The Ballad of Johnny and June – Grand Opera House York

29Jul

By Adam CraddockNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

The Ballad of Johnny and June – Grand Opera House York

Last night I had the privilege of being invited down to the stunning Grand Opera House York to review the latest leg of the UK & Ireland tour of “The Ballad of Johnny & June”, self described as being possibly the greatest love story in all of country music and I have to say I can’t argue with that! The plot follows the famous “man in black” Johnny Cash through his career from young church going boy to world famous country star and the ways his life crosses over with the possibly more famous (at least initially) June Carter. The show is cleverly narrated by their son John Carter Cash and he actually tells us different perspectives of different periods of their life, sometimes from Johnny’s side, sometimes from June’s and even sometimes from somewhere more true in between the two. I ...

Stevie Parker: Big Bloke with Big Jokes – The Eagle Inn

28Jul

By Lou SteggalsNo Comments

North West

Stevie Parker: Big Bloke with Big Jokes – The Eagle Inn

You’ve always got to admire someone willing to stand alone on stage for 90 minutes armed with nothing but a microphone and the hope that strangers will laugh. Stevie Parker is undeniably likeable company, and his enthusiasm for comedy never wavers, but unfortunately, he struggles to deliver. Built around the conceit that Parker will attempt to tell 1,001 jokes in a single show – a “non-contractually binding” world record attempt – the set rattles along at a reasonable pace. Yet quantity rarely translates into quality. Many of the jokes are groan-inducing dad jokes and puns, sometimes feeling a bit archaic in their occasional crudeness, while observational routines often wander off into tangents that are never quite brought back together. There are flashes of promise, but the deli...

28Jul

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

The Rocky Horror Show – Palace Theatre

The Rocky Horror Show has arrived at Manchester Palace Theatre with all the sass, sparkle, and outrageous fun that audiences could possibly wish for. Richard O’Brien’s iconic cult musical continues to delight generations of theatre-goers, and this latest tour proves exactly why it remains one of the most beloved musicals of all time! From the moment the curtain rises, the production immediately feels energetic, complete with humour, and an infectious sense of mischief. The simplistic set design perfectly captures the eccentric world of Frank’n’Furter, while the lighting and slick direction create a thrilling experience that keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end. Every technical element works seamlessly together, transporting the audience into the wonderfully bizarre universe ...

Ordinary Elephant – Edinburgh Traverse Bar

28Jul

By Roger JacobsNo Comments

Scotland

Ordinary Elephant – Edinburgh Traverse Bar

There are Banjo jokes too numerous – and withering – but after an evening with Ordinary Elephant, in the apt setting of the Traverse bar, erstwhile gag-writers might be forced to revise their material. In the hands of Pete Damore are revealed hitherto unknown sensitivities and tasteful textures, a perfect complement to the soaring vocals and gentle guitar strumming of Crystal Hariu-Damore. It’s atmospheric and dreamy yet with an edge courtesy of insightful, well-observed lyrics, reminding one instantly of The Delines. ‘…born to be a bigot… don’t mean that I am one…’ from ‘Scars We Keep’ appears to hit home with every member of the audience. And the thing one quickly forgets is that it’s just them, husband and wife, with lushly matched vocals and a stringed instrument each. There’s nothing ...

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold – The Lowry

24Jul

By Helen JonesNo Comments

North West

The Spy Who Came In From The Cold – The Lowry

John Le Carre’s original novel The Spy Who Came In From The Cold was first published in 1963 and was his third novel, the plot very much triggered by the building of the Berlin Wall in 1961. Alec Leamas works for The Circus, a British intelligence organisation who are running spies between the West and the communist East. The Cold War issues are very dominant in the story. Leamas is trying to get his last agent out of East Berlin but as he makes his escape across No Man’s Land he is shot by the German counterintelligence officer Mundt. Back in the UK Leamas is keen to retire from service but the head of The Circus, a man known merely as Control has one last job for him which will silence Mundt forever. In order to do so, Leamus must appear to be out of The Circus...

23Jul

By Jackie FoottitNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

Lord of the Dance – Hull New Theatre

Michael Flatley, creator of the legendary Lord of the Dance, says his “job in life is to make people happy”. Well, all I can say, Sir, is job very well done. On Wednesday evening, the crowds flocked into the Hull New Theatre to watch Flatley’s 30th anniversary tribute show to his creation with Lord of the Dance 30 amazing years of standing ovations. This was my third time of seeing the super-talented Irish man’s show and, each time I think it can’t get any better, it bloomin’ well does. The 30th Anniversary Tour promises brand-new choreography, stunning costumes, state-of-the-art special effects and cutting-edge lighting, ensuring an “unforgettable experience”. At curtain up, I was about to see if it would live up to its promise. A first look at the stage setting and it was ...