Anthony Banks Archives - North West End UK

15Feb

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

North West

The Gap – Hope Mill Theatre

The small (but perfectly formed) Hope Mill Theatre in Ancoats has firmly established itself over the last decade as the place to see innovative and exciting musical theatre productions, their ability to produce consistently excellent shows during this time has seen this Mancunian gem showered with deserved praise and awards galore. That success looks set to continue into 2024 for owners William Whelton and Joe Houston, as in something of a theatrical coup they have secured the premiere of a new Jim Cartwright play ‘The Gap’, featuring bravura performances from two very familiar faces from stage and screen. Matthew Kelly and Denise Welch may be known to a large percentage of the population for their presenting roles on television shows such as ‘Loose Women’ and ‘Stars In Their Eyes’, but...

20Oct

By Tracey BellNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

Dial M for Murder – Sheffield Lyceum

Dial M for Murder is billed as ‘The Genre Defining Thriller of All Time’. The play originally written by Frederick Knott in the 1950’s and made famous by Alfred Hitchcock in the 1954 film with Grace Kelly and Ray Millard. The play was first performed in 1952 and has since become a nationally, regular repertory production. This new production is eventually on tour after being on hold during the Covid times of 2020, the cast of 4 familiar faces from stage and television deliver a wordy, yet clever crime thriller littered with comedic moments to add just the required juxtaposition to this detective thriller. The First Act is a mammoth task of dialogue but is handled well, it is the Second Act that this play grips the audience. Thanks to Director Anthony Banks there are some surprisin...

28Sep

By Paul WilcoxNo Comments

Wales

Dial M For Murder – Theatr Clywd

The 1954 film adaptation, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, will always cast a long shadow in any staging of of this Frederick Knott penned masterpiece. It was a huge favourite of mine growing up, evoking Proustian memories of rainy, Autumnal Sunday afternoons in front of the family television; the film poster still adorns the wall of my study. Therefore, I was both excited and apprehensive making my way across the Welsh border to the beautiful and welcoming 'Theatre on the Hill' in Flintshire, to see the latest incarnation of this taut psychological thriller. For those unfamiliar with the plot, Knott created more of a 'Howdunnit' than a 'Whodunnit'. The audience are privy from the outset to the plan by suave ex tennis professional Tony Wendice (Tom Chambers), to murder his rich and beautif...

16Sep

By Jenn McKeanNo Comments

North West

Dial M for Murder – Liverpool Playhouse

It sure is a tangled web we weave and more so for Tony Wendice, the leading man in Dial M for Murder, made famous in 1950 by a film of the same name from Alfred Hitchcock. Wendice is an ex-tennis pro, who has given it up for his wife Margo. When he discovers that she’s been having an extra-marital affair, he starts to plot his revenge, but will his tangled web be found out or will he get away with the perfect crime? Tom Chambers was ideal to lead the cast as Wendice, taking us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. From laughing with him, to feeling for him, to disgust, Chambers was really able to take us on the full character’s journey throughout the piece. Diana Vickers as Margo portrayed her as away with the fairies and whilst it worked well through act 2, it didn’t quite feel right...

21May

By Caroline WorswickNo Comments

London

Herding Cats – Soho Theatre

As I was not able to make the live performance, this review was conducted virtually. Even though I was not in attendance at Soho Theatre, it was thrilling to hear the buzz of the audience as they found their seats, with a feeling that live theatre is once again possible. To enhance this experience, Soho Theatre have used new technology to deliver the first of its kind, a transatlantic theatre experience with two actors performing live on Soho Theatre’s stage, while a US based actor performs live in a studio in LA. To prepare us for this modern age experience, the staging has a backdrop of a large screen which will be used to beam actor Greg Germann (Saddo), virtually onto the stage. The play begins with Justine (Sophie Melville) unpacking her shopping, onto...