Saturday, November 23

Tag: Adonis Siddique

Withnail and I – Birmingham Rep
West Midlands

Withnail and I – Birmingham Rep

“We want the finest wines available to humanity, we want them here and we want them now!” You either know this cult film tottering on the brink of its fortieth anniversary or, like me, you’ve remained blissfully unaware of its merits over that period. But as the big 40 approaches perhaps it’s time to acquaint myself with it, doff my cap and say hi. It seems this version, ably helmed by Sean Foley, embellishes and only slightly strays off the beaten path of the film, but this is not a bad thing. In 1987 Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann, both unknowns tottering on the brink of stardom, undertook the roles of two unemployed actors in a tale loosely adapted from the life of writer/director Bruce Robinson. The film found a following which soon coalesced into a cult and has remained so ever s...
The Crown Jewels – Garrick Theatre
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...