Sunday, December 22

Tag: Pauline Garland

Nell Gwynn – Neston Civic Hall
9May By Bev ClarkNo Comments
North West

Nell Gwynn – Neston Civic Hall

A strong cast and brilliant costumes make this a funny, colourful and very watchable show. The historical character of Nell Gwynn is famous for being an orange-seller, an actress and of course mistress of Charles II and in Jessica Swale’s comedy-drama we certainly see her as a witty, outspoken and independent woman.  Swale brings together a mix of bawdy, carry-on comedy, some good storytelling and the injection of songs, to make an entertaining piece of theatre, which beyond the titillation and double-entendre, is actually saying something about theatre generally and women’s place in the theatre and society. Neston players, probably more used to presenting drama than comedy, have taken on the play under the leadership of new director Shannon McMullan.  As a vibrant group th...
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The Tempest – Royden Park
25Jun By Ezzy LaBelleNo Comments
North West

The Tempest – Royden Park

Staging their first production since the pandemic, The Hillbark Players transport the audience to a magical, timeless place in their interpretation of The Tempest by Shakespeare. With the bard's magical play being set on a beautiful natural island, where better to see it than outdoors in the natural open-air arena? The setting is serene. Surrounded by historic woodland, the theatre is a rectangular area of grass that has stands around it on three sides. This setting adds a lot to The Hillbark Players somewhat steampunk performance because it places the audience both within the play setting generally and, with the movement of the actors coming in from all areas, within the 'island' itself. There is an immersive element to this production. Directed by Martin Riley, The Tempest provides...
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