Gladstone Theatre Archives - North West End UK

12Jun

By Damian RiverolNo Comments

North West

The 39 Steps – Gladstone Theatre

For their final instalment of their centenary season, Bebington Dramatic Society have brought the hilarious The 39 Steps to the Gladstone theatre and what a treat it is. Originating as a novel in 1915, it then inspired the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film, which in turn was turned in to a play. The set, to start, is rather bare, with a covered chair, a table with a few props on, a window and 2 step ladders at the back providing the set up for the play and with clever use of different pieces such as a lamppost, a door and numerous suitcases, we are transported through many scenes from the theatre, a train, to a hotel room and everything in between. The story follows Richard Hannay (Richard Dodd) as he goes on the run after being falsely accused of murdering Annabella Schmidt (Danielle Jones...

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – The Gladstone Theatre

29May

By Lou SteggalsNo Comments

North West

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie – The Gladstone Theatre

Taking on a musical like Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the true story of a young man who dreams of being a drag queen and wearing a dress to prom, can be an ambitious project requiring a strong, triple-threat cast, clever staging and the energy to send the show strutting into the audience’s hearts in glittery heels. Thankfully D&S Productions have achieved this in spades. Under the assured direction of Donna Dale, the company have delivered a sassy and sparkly show that brings all the right notes of humour and humanity to a hugely enjoyable performance. Donna has honed her ensemble into a very high standard, with smart blocking and some lovely directorial touches. Similarly Musical Director Grace Harman leads her band with a solid showcase of Dan Gillespie Sells’ fizzy musical...

9Dec

By Bev ClarkNo Comments

North West

Cinderella – Gladstone Theatre

It’s that time of year again… oh yes, it is! And Dreamworld Entertainment returned for the nineth year with a fabulous Cinderella, to a full house of laughter and appreciation. Everyone loves a panto with its upbeat songs, glittery costumes, corny jokes and audience participation and this has it all in abundance. Director Laura Newnes and Choreographer Jamie-Leigh Christian, also producers, have assembled a tight professional cast and slick technical team to give us the wow factor and a jolly good entertainment. We all know the story, but writer Fortina Stone gives us a little bit extra with an amusing dynamic between the Prince and Dandini (who frankly are usually a bit wet) as well as all the usual slapstick and “it’s behind you” we come to expect. Some excellent si...

Beauty and the Beast – Gladstone Theatre

7Nov

By Bev ClarkNo Comments

North West

Beauty and the Beast – Gladstone Theatre

West Kirby MTC always turn out an excellent, entertaining show and after recent successes with A Christmas Carol and Betty Blue Eyes, this year they take on the well-loved story of Beauty and the Beast. It was evident that a lot of hard work and dedication had gone into this production, and we all know how much fun it is for all the participants, especially the youngest, for some of whom it may be their first performance. This ’Tale as old as Time’ is indeed a big challenge for director Sharon Henderson, as the show demands big sets, big costumes and big musical numbers and the Gladstone theatre is far from a big stage. Sensibly they have scaled down the scenery to include back projections and minimal pieces of set. In the main this worked well as the wonderful costumes really make thei...

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – Gladstone Theatre

7Mar

By Bev ClarkNo Comments

North West

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – Gladstone Theatre

High energy last night at Bebington Dramatic Society’s production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, starting its run at the Gladstone Theatre until Saturday. Many will still remember the famous Oscar-winning film, but it was originally a novel (1962) by Ken Kesey, which was adapted for the stage the following year by Dale Wasserman. The play continues to be performed around the world after 70yrs. This story of rebellion against authority, instigated by the anarchic, time-bomb that is McMurphy, has a lot to say about mental health in a US psychiatric ward, showing both the brutality and humour of the ‘therapeutic community.’ Director James Kay has brought together a strong local cast to recreate these unforgettable characters. An excellent set which uses the stage well, wit...

24Dec

By NewsdeskNo Comments

NEWS

Best Amateur Production of 2023

We have been thrilled to be invited to review a huge number of amateur productions in 2023, but which was the most popular with our readers. Below are the top 5 shows, we are looking forward to visiting even more amateur shows in 2024. You can request reviews for your society by emailing info@northwestend.co.uk with at least 4 weeks notice. NUMBER 5 – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse. “one of the strongest opening nights of a show I have seen in a long time” https://northwestend.com/chitty-chitty-bang-bang-altrincham-garrick-playhouse/ NUMBER 4 - Betty Blue Eyes at Gladstone Theatre. “a great family show – charming, funny, uplifting and memorable” https://northwestend.com/betty-blue-eyes-gladstone-theatre/ NUMBER 3 – The Wedding Singer – Grange Th...

16Nov

By Bev ClarkNo Comments

North West

Billy Liar – Gladstone Theatre

BDS’s latest production of Billy Liar is a great night out. Director Adam Comer presents a super cast, who bring Waterhouse and Hall’s hit play and film from the 1960’s to life. It still has humour and appeal as a northern working-class classic of its time, even if perhaps a few references are a little dated, which could have easily been cut for contemporary audiences, without losing any flavour of the period. Billy Fisher tells lies which get him into hot water. His wild imagination and storytelling mean his exasperated family don’t believe a word he says and the three young ladies in his life are all being led a merry dance. In the title role, Danny Myers, making his DBS debut, shines as Billy. His natural exuberance and energy was there from the first moment. His cheekin...

4Nov

By Bev ClarkNo Comments

North West

Betty Blue Eyes – Gladstone Theatre

A pig, a chiropodist and a lot of SPAM might seem unusual ingredients for a musical but WKMTC’s Betty Blue Eyes is a charming, funny and heart-warming show that delighted the packed house at the Gladstone Theatre last night. Adapted from the Alan Bennett play and film A Private Function, this was another great choice for the Wirral musical society. Like last year’s Christmas Carol, these character musicals suit them so well, not only showcasing their superb singing but also some gems of character acting. Set in 1947, the town are celebrating the Royal wedding but only the well-connected folk of the town council are invited to the private function like the doctor, the lawyer and the accountant. Poor chiropodist Gilbert Chilvers and his aspiring wife Joyce are not included. There’s lit...

8Jun

By Bev ClarkNo Comments

North West

The Crucible – Gladstone Theatre

A bold, original attempt at this classic, which ascends to a powerful ending. The Crucible is one of the seminal and most popular plays of the mid 20thcentury. Miller’s chilling parable of mass hysteria parallels the Salem witch-hunt of 1692 against The McCarthyism of 1950s America, and it is still examined in school rooms, as well as being performed by amateurs and professionals. It is a play which should feverishly bubble and burn, as it builds from what was a girlish prank, to a community that destroys itself from within with its frantic frenzy of accusations. It is a claustrophobic, intense ‘wailing’ of a play that can fall victim to overflowing and reaching boiling point too soon. The alchemy is in getting the temperature and consistency right as the plot thickens. It is a bo...

<strong>A Christmas Carol – Gladstone Theatre</strong>

11Nov

By Bev ClarkNo Comments

North West

A Christmas Carol – Gladstone Theatre

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without ‘A Christmas Carol’ whether you read it, rewatch an old film or better still see it live at a theatre! There are many versions, but West Kirby Musical Theatre Company is presenting one I haven’t seen before at The Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight until Saturday. Book and lyrics by Chris Blackwood and music by Piers Charter-Robinson, who give us the same familiar Dickens’ story but with lots of new tunes and a few additional characters. In the main the songs are very good, reminiscent of Oliver! Scrooge! and others – some with lyrics so fast and furious it was like a Gilbert and Sullivan libretto and a challenge for any performer. Yet others were melodic and memorable. Perhaps, as the show lasted nearly three hours, there could have been a few less...