Forum Theatre Archives - North West End UK

14Nov

By David S ClarkeNo Comments

North West

The Graduate – The Forum Theatre

I’m pleased to see Richard Parker getting another opportunity to direct a production at the Forum Theatre, Romiley, having made his directorial debut with NK earlier this year with what was probably my favourite show that I have seen this year, namely “Teechers” by John Godber. It was always going to be a difficult task to bring to the stage an adaptation of such an iconic and well known film with amazing stars (Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft and Katherine Ross) but I must say that the director and cast have done a great job with the interpretation of the characters. The Graduate premiered on stage in London 25 years ago and is the story of young Benjamin Braddock and his seduction by the infamous Mrs Robinson and his falling in love with her daughter Elaine, which leads to all sorts of ...

Ghost the Musical – The Forum Theatre, NK Theatre Arts

22May

By David S ClarkeNo Comments

North West

Ghost the Musical – The Forum Theatre, NK Theatre Arts

This musical is based on the famous film of the same name which starred Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg. It is such a well-known story that I guess it is pointless of me to go over the storyline, so I will concentrate instead on describing this production by the cast and crew of NK Theatre Arts who have put together a highly entertaining version of this story. Kerry Day (ably assisted by Nickie Simms) has put together a highly entertaining production which was enjoyed by a capacity audience on this opening night. The music (Dominic Stannage and Scott Mitchell) and choreography (Helena Davies in her debut as lead choreographer after many years performing on stage) all did an excellent job with the roles they had to undertake. Mention should also be given to the contributio...

One Man, Two Guvnors – The Forum Theatre

11Apr

By David S ClarkeNo Comments

North West

One Man, Two Guvnors – The Forum Theatre

This has to be one of the funniest productions I have seen in a long time. Once I got around the complexes of the plot (which took me until half way through the second act before I could fully comprehend what was going on) it was a joy to watch. The minimalistic scenery and props only added to the overall ambience of the play. I liked the way the scene changes were accompanied by the cast members taking turns at singing songs from the period in which the play was set (early 1960’s) and I was particularly taken with Mike Lamont and Terry Halliday’s vocals. I will do my best to come up with a resume of the plot, but as I’ve said previously, there were many twists and turns in the storyline, but much of this was deliberate and I must apologise to the directors (Jake Martin and Terry Hallid...

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time – Forum Theatre

31Oct

By David S ClarkeNo Comments

North West

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time – Forum Theatre

Well, where do I start with this review? Being a Stockport lad myself I am quite familiar with the work of Simon Stephens, but I have to admit this is the first time I have come across this particular play. There were definitely times during the production when I struggled to comprehend what was happening, but that was more due to my lack of understanding rather than anything lacking in the production. Once I got into the characters and began to realise what the story was about I found myself thoroughly absorbed. This play was first presented to the public a mere 12 years ago in London and this production is the Stockport premier of this play. For others like myself who are not familiar with the storyline, I think a brief synopsis would be appropriate. The lead character ...

My Fair Lady – The Forum Theatre, Romiley

22Jun

By David S ClarkeNo Comments

North West

My Fair Lady – The Forum Theatre, Romiley

This production is based on the book and music by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, which were adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion. The original musical production of 1956 took place on Broadway before transferring to the West End and starred Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews in both productions. I have to confess a soft spot for this show as it was my first introduction to musical theatre as I can remember sitting on my auntie’s knee as a pre-school toddler with her singing “I could have danced all night” to me and from then on I was hooked! The storyline is based around a cockney flower-seller, Eliza Doolittle, who is taken under the wing of Professor Henry Higgins, a phonetician, who undertakes a wager with his linguistic colleague, Colonel Pickering, that within six mo...

26Apr

By David S ClarkeNo Comments

North West

Guys & Dolls – Forum Theatre, Romiley

This production is based on the stories and characters from the 1950 books written by Damon Runyon. These stories centred on the underground crime scene of the 1920s and 1930s and was written by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows around the already established music and lyrics of Frank Loesser. The original Broadway production premiered in 1950 and has enjoyed numerous revivals over the years. The show is set in Times Square in New York City but moves along to Havana in Cuba and eventually into the underground sewers of New York, but by the end everybody ends up where they belong. The show was complimented with a live band conducted by the excellent Ed Nurse as Musical Director with, for me, a particularly impressive female reed section, although all the musicians played their parts to perfection...

Sit down and stop rocking the boat at the Forum Theatre

23Apr

By NewsdeskNo Comments

NEWS

Sit down and stop rocking the boat at the Forum Theatre

Returning to The Forum Theatre following their 'flawless' and 'incredible' 5-star production of 'Sister Act', the East Cheshire Musical Theatre Company are excited to bring you their spring 2023 production of the Broadway classic, 'Guys and Dolls'! With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows the show is directed by Thom Copestake, Musical Direction by Ed Nurse, and Choreography by Sally Hilliard and Heidi Fletcher. Set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls is an oddball romantic comedy featuring unforgettable songs such as ‘Luck Be A Lady Tonight’ and ‘Sit Down You’re Rocking The Boat’. Gambler Nathan Detroit tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck; meanwhile,...

School of Rock – The Forum Theatre, Romiley

23Mar

By David S ClarkeNo Comments

North West

School of Rock – The Forum Theatre, Romiley

Based on the film written by Mike White. Directed by Dominic Stannage. For those few who don’t already know the story of School of Rock, the show follows Dewey Finn, a struggling musician who longs to be a rock star. After being kicked out of his own band, Dewey is penniless and jobless. To meet his rent obligations, he disguises himself as a substitute teacher and lands a job at a prestigious private school. Totally out of his depth, Dewey ignores the usual curriculum and focuses on developing the musically talented children. He forms a rock band with the 10-year-olds in the hope of winning the upcoming Battle of the Bands competition – all the while attempting to hide his true identity. There was a considerable buzz in the foyer in anticipation of the start of the show, a very nice...

Bouncers and Shakers – The Forum Theatre

11Mar

By David S ClarkeNo Comments

North West

Bouncers and Shakers – The Forum Theatre

Written by John Godber. Directed by Jennie Davies and Pete Curran. The first version of “Bouncers” was written in 1977 by John Godber and premiered at the Edinburgh Festival that same year. Originally a two-hander, this play was expanded into its current version by Godber and Jane Thornton in 1980, when it became the piece which we now know and love. The pair of what I would describe as “mini playlets” were well performed by all the cast. Act 2 saw the male bouncers take to the stage whilst the first half was devoted to the cocktail waitresses, the “Shakers” who spend their time on stage observing and commenting on the people who patronise the bar in which they work and share insights into their own lives as they express their personal thoughts and feelings delivered by monologues from ...

27Apr

By David S ClarkeNo Comments

North West

Sister Act – Forum Theatre

This production is based on the 1992 motion picture originally starring Whoopi Goldberg. The music was written by the prolific Alan Menken with lyrics by Glenn Slater. The original setting of the film was San Francisco in 1990s and for this production it has changed to Philadelphia in the 1970s, which enabled the musical score to develop particularly in the gospel and disco eras. The show was blest with a live band of very technically competent musicians which certainly enhanced the overall experience. A nice touch before the show started was having the nuns hand out the programmes. The storyline is based around gangster’s moll, Deloris Van Cartier (played admirably by Karina Thomlinson) who attempts to audition for a spot in her boyfriend’s nightclub. She fails at this and decides to b...