Blythe Jandoo Archives - North West End UK

The 39 Steps – Pitlochry Festival Theatre

17Jul

By Jessie MartinNo Comments

Scotland

The 39 Steps – Pitlochry Festival Theatre

Based on Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 film, Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s revival of The 39 Steps features femme fatales, a runaway convict, police chases, and a healthy number of sheep. The film and the play both share an almost identical narrative structure and much of the dialogue has been lifted straight out of the film and into the play - however they couldn’t feel more different to each other. The play is a spoof of the classic film, and while it still maintains the dry, sarcastic humour of the film, it relies heavily on slapstick comedy. I was especially pleased to see the iconic train scream being absolutely nailed because nothing is more camp than that. With only four actors, but about 150 characters, it was a marvel to watch the cast rapidly battling with jac...

This is a Gift – Pitlochry Festival Theatre

30Jun

By Jessie MartinNo Comments

Scotland

This is a Gift – Pitlochry Festival Theatre

In a continuation of Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s 2025 Summer programme, This is a Gift brings a fresh contemporary take on the legend of Midas. Rather than a King being the one granted with the gift of the midas touch, it is a working class shopkeeper from Leith - the Father of Zoe, the narrator of this one-woman show. Written by Kolbrún Björt Sigfúsdóttir, This is a Gift subverts from the original tale and puts the gift in a position where it is wanted out of need not greed. But is money the root of all evil - is it worth the sacrifice? This play asks us how far we will go to provide for the ones we love. The one hour-and-twenty run time flew by thanks to Sigfúsdóttir’s fast-paced writing and Blythe Jandoo’s (who plays Zoe) punchy performance. And with th...

6Jun

By Abigail PendleburyNo Comments

North West

Grease The Musical – Blackpool Grand

Grease is back in Blackpool, and it's bringing all the nostalgic charm and infectious energy that fans adore. This co-production between Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Blackpool Grand Theatre delivers a fresh take on the classic, blending dynamic performances with a live on-stage band to create an immersive experience. From the very first announcement the audience were transported back to the 1950s world of Rydell High. The cast's enthusiasm is obvious from their smiles and energy as they take the stage, with standout performances that breathe new life into beloved characters. Blythe Jandoo shines as Sandy, showcasing the character’s innocence throughout the show, delivering a beautiful and heartfelt rendition of "Hopelessly Devoted to You," while Alexander Service's portrayal of Danny ...

The Testament of Gideon Mack – Traverse Theatre

7Mar

By Tom ScottNo Comments

Scotland

The Testament of Gideon Mack – Traverse Theatre

‘The Testament of Gideon Mack’ tells the story of a Church of Scotland minister who doesn’t believe in God. However, his dismissal of the supernatural is challenged, particularly when his life is saved by someone Gideon believes is the Devil. This is a fascinating play based on James Robertson’s acclaimed novel, published in 2006. Matthew Zajac’s stage adaptation is enthralling: a captivating piece of theatre which is often moving, sometimes funny and occasionally very painful to watch. Moreover, profound questions are asked about faith, belief, the suppression of feelings, love, grief, death, hypocrisy and the meaning of life. And the play also throws light on the dramatic way religious beliefs in Scotland have changed in a generation. The play is intriguing, leaving some unanswe...

Sunshine on Leith – King’s Theatre, Edinburgh

9Jun

By Nazaret RaneaNo Comments

Scotland

Sunshine on Leith – King’s Theatre, Edinburgh

Just before closing for renovations, the iconic King’s theatre is lifting its curtain to David Shrusbsole’s latest version of Sunshine on Leith, an essential musical by Scottish playwright Stephen Greenhorn which was first performed in 2007 and subsequently adapted to the big screen in 2013. Directed by the harmonious tandem of Elizabeth Newman & Ben Occhipinti, this time it is the well established Pitlochry Festival Theatre in collaboration with Capital Theatre to bring this renovated version of the play to the Scottish capital. In essence, Sunshine on Leith is an open love letter to Edinburgh. By using memorable songs from the Proclaimers-Scotland’s most beloved twins-it manages to tell a universal story of belonging and finding your place in the world. In Newman’s words: “[Sun...