Bare Productions Archives - North West End UK

7Aug

By Jessie MartinNo Comments

Scotland

Into the Woods – Paradise in Augustines

When an amateur theatre group announces they will be performing a Sondheim musical, usually I brace myself for the worst. Bare Productions however, completely defied my expectations with their rendition of the classic, Into the Woods - it’s no wonder they have a sold-out show. The cast were exceptional - manoeuvring around the complex rhythms with ease and creating a real sense of emotion in their performances. The numbers in which the whole cast sang together were incredibly powerful – it was clear a real focus on the musicality was made – the emphasis on the dynamics of the song truly packed a punch – kudos to the musical director. Everybody in this cast showed the potential to go on to work professionally. I do have to give a special mention to the ugly...

No Spray No Lay – St Augustine United Church

Bare Productions exists for its local and accessible approach to theatre, with its “Bare Academy” doing the same for dance, vocal and acting skills. It therefore only makes sense that No Spray No Lay is a musical. Written by new writers Kat Dobell and Lara Dunning, who were also creative directors on the project, the show takes place in the ladies bathroom of a night club in 2005. It was intended as an ode to the female experience, with the female toilets creating a micro-society, one notorious for the bonds it creates. And with alcohol known for the drama it can cause (not to mention excusing some first night flubs, such as two characters getting their own names wrong), this club toilet quickly becomes both the eye of the storm and sometimes the storm itself, a centre for all the drama of...

Little Women: The Musical – Paradise at Augustines

Little Women was the first novel I ever read, and this story holds a special place in my heart. This delightful production of the musical brought back all the joy and sorrow that I shared with these characters, all those years ago. For a fraction of the price of the big venues, this show has everything you could possibly want. The vocal performances, acting and staging are stellar, and the performers are right there in front of you. Hannah Childs dazzles as everyone’s favourite March sister, Jo. Her hyperactive enthusiasm is intoxicating, and she owns the stage, leaping and swirling around like a tiny tornado of purpose. Her performance of Jo’s signature song, Astonishing, blew me away, and received rapturous applause. Jo’s tender scene with her dying sister Beth (Charlotte Smi...