Jon Culshaw Archives - North West End UK

Jon Culshaw: Imposter Syndrome – Debating Hall, Teviot Row House

10Aug

By Greg HolsteadNo Comments

Scotland

Jon Culshaw: Imposter Syndrome – Debating Hall, Teviot Row House

This was – A tour de force by an expert impressionist! Jon Culshaw twice in one day, I am getting spoiled! Earlier on I had the pleasure of reviewing Lena (****) at Assembly, George Square, in which Jon takes the starring role as Hugh Green. And it goes without saying that he was brilliant. They say it takes 10,000 hours to accomplish ‘expert’ status in your chosen field. Jon’s 30+ years as one of the UK’s top impressionists certainly puts him in the expert category, and he shows no sign of slowing down. This brand new show was sure evidence that he is still current, still growing and right at the top of his game. Treating a packed house to a show that spotlights his vast impression library and phenomenal memory for tone and intonation and timing. This may have been expected, what wa...

Les Dawson: Flying High – Assembly George Square

10Aug

By Caroline WorswickNo Comments

Scotland

Les Dawson: Flying High – Assembly George Square

Before I begin the review, I must comment on the handling of the audience at the venue on my visit. This is one of the larger venues at the festival, and the show began almost 30 minutes late. Many people attending the Fringe Festival book shows quite close together, and this delay could have been the cause of people leaving the show part way through. Not good for the artist and disturbing for the remaining audience. Assembly, this must be improved! Les Dawson was a favourite of mine, and I have childhood memories of watching his numerous shows on TV. This play follows Dawson’s life, beginning with his childhood and moving through his career’s ups and downs. Dawson is played by Jon Culshaw who needs no introduction, as his mimicry is legendary.&nbs...

Barnes’ People: Billy & Me – Perfectly Normal Productions

21Feb

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

REVIEWS

Barnes’ People: Billy & Me – Perfectly Normal Productions

This is a piece written by Peter Barnes, one in a series of monologues going under the title of Barnes People. The lead character of Michael Jennings in this is taken by probably the best impressionist in the country at the moment, Jon Culshaw, and relies less on his impressionist skills and more on his taking on the role of a ventriloquist. Set on the stage of an empty theatre, the “cast” consists of Culshaw and four of his puppets; the Billy of the title, the Major, Aunt Agnes and Uncle O’Pat, all voiced by Culshaw making use of his myriad voices. The characters of the different puppets are well developed as the narrative proceeds, as is the complex relationship between the puppeteer and his dummies, in fact you begin to wonder who is manipulating who? Are they really 2 sides of the same...

Robin of Sherwood: Fitzwarren’s Well – Spiteful Puppet

17Jul

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

REVIEWS

Robin of Sherwood: Fitzwarren’s Well – Spiteful Puppet

Fully capturing the atmosphere of a story can be very difficult to do in audio dramas, especially when that story is set in the great outdoors, but in this new audio adventure from Spiteful Puppet, Robin Hood is given a new lease of life. Based on the world created in the 1980’s TV show from Richard Carpenter’s, this is a brand new adventure written by Jennifer Ash and directed by Barnaby Eaton-Jones, and features original and new cast members. From the opening of the piece the forest atmosphere is beautifully created with excellent sound effects. However, we’re not actually with the Merry Men in the depths of Sherwood, who have all been cursed with a deadly and serious illness, but with Marion (Judi Trott) as she asks the mysterious shaman Herne The Hunter (Daniel Abineri) for help. ...