Paul Higgins Archives - North West End UK

This Is Memorial Device – Riverside Studios

29Apr

By Riana HowarthNo Comments

London

This Is Memorial Device – Riverside Studios

Capturing an art induced euphoria and a sense of estrangement, we are shown the meaning in the small, contained world of fictional band, Memorial Device. Graham Eatough brings to life David Keenan’s novel that merges an imagined world and the 80’s music scene in Airdrie. The set and concept was intriguing and provoking. The mannequins on stage was such a beautiful idea (slightly absurd and eerie nonetheless) - enlivening the way the band and the music made the speaker feel. Deeply poetic, lyrical words were woven in between the candid. The running thread through the script was of feelings; of awe and searching to reconnect to an ecstatic moment, and a feeling of mourning. In ways, it felt like an ode, and a eulogy. Actor Paul Higgins took us on a journey in this strange suspended time, ...

L’elisir d’amore – Royal Opera House Live Transmission

6Oct

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

REVIEWS

L’elisir d’amore – Royal Opera House Live Transmission

L’elisir d’amore is a bel canto comic opera in two acts by Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti with libretto by Felice Romani. Written in 1832, today it is one of the most frequently performed of all Donizetti’s operas. Naïve country boy Nemorino (Liparit Avetisyan) is determined to win the heart of the coquettish Adina (Nadine Sierra) but this assured young woman doesn’t even bother to give him the time of day. When the parochial life of the village is thrown into disarray by the arrival of the dashing Sergeant Belcore (Boris Pinkhasovich) at the head of his troops, the lovesick peasant boy is forced to turn to other means in his Tristan-like pursuit of his Isolde, and the arrival of wheeler-dealer Doctor Dulcamara (Ambrogio Maestri) promises much with his so-called ‘elixir of love’. As...

The Meaning of Zong – Liverpool Playhouse

11May

By Donna M DayNo Comments

North West

The Meaning of Zong – Liverpool Playhouse

The Meaning of Zong, written and directed by Giles Terera, is an extraordinary reflection on slavery, its effect on society then and now, and today’s climate of performative allyship, protest and privilege, and their role in today’s racism. Incorporating music, dance and unique theatrical techniques, along with traditional stagecraft and storytelling, to create a mesmerising show which shines a light into a bleak and often sanitised history, and creates a spark of hope that, while we aren’t there yet, we are moving towards a better world. Before the play opens, some members of the cast greet audience members, with each of them looking excited and hopeful. This is followed by the onstage Musical Director, Sidiki Dembele performing a brilliant drum solo with audience participatory clappin...

18Apr

By Roger JacobsNo Comments

Scotland

The Meaning of Zong – Edinburgh Lyceum

This play is only part of the story. The central character Olaudah Equiano (the leading 18th century black campaigner for the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade) is played by originator and author Giles Terera and at points we feel like we’re watching him, not Olaudah. It’s a play about struggle(s) and a quest for truth and Terera’s journey in writing and researching it involved both. As Bristol Old Vic’s artistic directors Tom Morris and Charlotte Geeves write in the programme, he ‘battled the British theatre establishment’ in order ‘to get it on its feet’. Having taken six years to develop, its debut performance was delayed from early 2020 by the Covid pandemic, so what we’re seeing tonight is almost brand new; the first performance was at the Bristol Old Vic on April 2, 2022, a ...

Donizetti’s Don Pasquale – Liverpool Empire

4Dec

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

North West

Donizetti’s Don Pasquale – Liverpool Empire

To finish their touring run for 2021, Glyndebourne have saved the best for last with Donizetti’s great comedy serving as a masterclass in pretty much everything with Mariame Clément’s eye-catching production brought back to life under revival director Paul Higgins. Elderly bachelor Don Pasquale (Ricardo Seguel) is fussed over by his servant (Anna-Marie Sullivan) as he awaits his friend, Dr Malatesta (Konstantin Suchkov), who has arranged a marriage for him to the beautiful and innocent Sofronia, who just happens to be Malatesta’s sister, and even has the Notary (Tom Mole) lined up to seal the deal. Yet, Don Pasquale reminds his nephew, Ernesto (Konu Kim), this is not how it’s meant to be, giving him one last chance to wed a wealthy young lady on pain of disinheritance if he declines....