Friday, December 5

Tag: Jonathan O’Boyle

Cruel Intentions The ‘90s Musical – Hull New Theatre
Yorkshire & Humber

Cruel Intentions The ‘90s Musical – Hull New Theatre

Although an avid movie-goer, the 1999 cinema release of Cruel Intentions, passed me by, so when the musical of the same name came to the Hull New Theatre, I had no clue of what to expect. The theatre was filled far from capacity on Tuesday evening, which was a shame, but those of us who did attend were in for a treat. The many trigger warnings in the press release hinted at themes that may upset some folk, and although “explicit sexual language and behaviour, racial discrimination and drug usage” did raise their ugly heads, I can honestly say they didn’t overshadow proceedings, meaning such events came and went and then we were on to the next scene. That’s not to minimise such gross deeds, but they were so cleverly interwoven as to seem unimportant, if that makes sense. Based o...
Peter James: Picture You Dead – The Lowry
North West

Peter James: Picture You Dead – The Lowry

Opening night at the Lowry Theatre’s Lyric Theatre welcomed a full house and a palpable buzz of anticipation as the stage adaptation of Peter James’s Picture You Dead took to the stage. Known for his 20 gritty, pacey crime thrillers about Detective Superintendent Roy Grace and the spin off TV series Grace - James has  built a devoted following through his Roy Grace novels, and this latest adaptation brought that dark, intriguing world vividly to life. I have been an avid James ‘ … Dead’   book reader for years and was excited to see it on the stage as I am not a lover of the TV series finding it flat and lack lustre. The plot is of a struggling couple (the Kiplings) buying a painting from a car boot which turns out to be a lost old master from the 18th century.  ...
Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical – Palace Theatre
North West

Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical – Palace Theatre

Having not seen the source material for this production - the 1999 hit teen film Cruel Intentions - I had limited understanding of what was in store for me with the theatrical production of Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical. The stage adaptation had been met with a lukewarm critical response since its debut in 2015, and understandably so. It’s clear to see what the intention of this production was, but the execution left a lot to be desired. Let’s start with the storyline: the story follows vindictive stepsiblings Kathryn and Sebastian, who have somewhat of a Freudian infatuation with each other. This dangerous duo makes a cruel pact that Sebastian must seduce fellow classmate - the virginal Annette - which triggers a series of dark and dangerous events that foreshadows the rest of the ...
White Christmas – The Mill at Sonning
London

White Christmas – The Mill at Sonning

Jonathan O’Boyle’s production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at the Mill at Sonning offers a delightful escape into festive cheer, perfectly defying the post-lunch slump. The story follows Bob and Phil, two old army buddies and successful performers, who join forces with the charming Haynes Sisters, Betty and Judy, to save a struggling Vermont inn owned by their former General. Together, they plan a spectacular Christmas show to boost the inn’s finances, enlisting their old army division for support. It’s a classic tale of friendship, love, and the magic of the holidays. Gary Lloyd’s choreography truly stands out, featuring a fabulous tap dancing sequence that leaves the audience wanting more and the performers a bit breathless—in the best way possible. Jason Denver’s luscious set d...
Calendar Girls – Winter Gardens, Blackpool
North West

Calendar Girls – Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Based on the 2003 film by the same name Bill Kenwright Ltd brings us Calendar Girls - The Musical, Written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth. An evening of nostalgic British humour with a true story centred around a real group of Yorkshire ladies creating a controversial calendar with their WI group to raise money for cancer research. Director Jonathan O’Boyle brings us a star-studded cast and a witty interpretation of the tale, cleverly scripted and warm, natural believable characters. Even if like me you have already seen the show before, this is not the same musical score or script, it has gone under some changes for this tour and in parts is unrecognisable. The set remains the same for the entire show, with a few additions to change it from the Women’s institute hall to the hospita...
Calendar Girls The Musical – The Lowry
North West

Calendar Girls The Musical – The Lowry

Sunflowers aplenty, Calendar Girls: The Musical has arrived at The Lowry in Salford Quays with an updated production that beautifully blends humour, heart, and a touch of poignant storytelling. Crafted by the talented duo Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, the musical resonates with a perfect harmony of Yorkshire wit and emotion, transferring the show from the big screen to the stage by being different. Under the skilful direction of Jonathan O'Boyle, the cast's chemistry shines through, drawing the audience into the world of the WI in Yorkshire. Laurie Brett as Annie delivers a stellar performance, capturing the essence of her character's journey with sincerity and grace. Each member of the cast, including Liz Carney as Marie, Maureen Nolan as Ruth, Lyn Paul as Jessie, Helen Pearson as Celia, ...
The Last Five Years – Garrick Theatre
London

The Last Five Years – Garrick Theatre

Jason Robert Brown's musical The Last 5 Years comes to the West End a year after its sold-out London premiere at the Southwark Playhouse. The show originally premiered at Chicago's Northlight Theatre in 2001 and has been produced in Northern America and internationally ever since. The musical takes us through five years in the relationship of New Yorkers Jamie and Cathy, an emerging author and actress respectively, and the toll their demanding professions take on their lives as they fall in and out of love. The action follows a non-linear approach with Jamie's story told in chronological order, starting at the first encounter between the two, whilst Cathy’s story plays out in reverse chronological order, starting just after their marriage has ended. Their individual timelines play out i...
Full Casting Announced for World Premiere of Looking Good Dead
NEWS

Full Casting Announced for World Premiere of Looking Good Dead

As rehearsals begin this week, Peter James and producer Joshua Andrews are delighted to announce full casting for the World Premiere stage production of the Peter James best-selling novel “LOOKING GOOD DEAD”. Joining the previously announced award-winning EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt as Tom Bryce and TV and Stage star Gaynor Faye as Kellie Bryce will be Harry Long as Roy Grace, Ian Houghton as Jonas, Leon Stewart as Branson, Gemma Stroyan as Bella, Luke Ward-Wilkinson as Max Bryce, Mylo McDonald as Mick and Natalie Boakye as Janie. With rescheduled dates confirmed, “LOOKING GOOD DEAD” is now set to open at the Leicester Curve on 1st July 2021 ahead of a major UK tour. www.peterjames.com   Adam Woodyatt is the longest serving cast member in “EastEnders” having appeared continuously...
The Last Five Years to Transfer to the West End
NEWS

The Last Five Years to Transfer to the West End

After a critically acclaimed run at Southwark Playhouse last year and a highly successful worldwide stream with stream.theatre, Jason Robert Brown’s Drama Desk Award-winning musical, The Last Five Years, will play a limited season at the Vaudeville Theatre, previewing from 17th September, with an opening night on 23rd September and running until 13th October 2021.  Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, Molly Lynch and Oli Higginson will reprise their roles as Cathy and Jamie.  This will be the first time the musical will have had a significant run of length in the West End. The production at Southwark Playhouse was nominated for eight Offie Awards and won two for Best Director and Best Musical Production.  Oli Higginson was nominated for a Stage Debut Award for his performance as...