"The Crucible" by Arthur Miller.

Nottingham Lace Market Theatre.

Written in 1953 and based on the Salem Witch trials of Massachusettes between 1692 and 1693. In a small tight-knit community, personal grievances clash with lust and superstition, fuelling widespread hysteria. Miller’s classic story attacks the evils of mindless persecution and the power of false accusations.

The play isn’t wholly about supernatural happenings that may, or may not have happened in this period of history, but also about human manipulation of the mind of their fellow man.

Making someone believe in something non fact based can be a very dangerous thing, which is also why there are so many comparisons with the political world since and currently. The power of the mind is a dangerous thing!

It’s also about power, lust, respect and love as well as unfounded belief; an intoxicating blend. Fact is swirled with fiction and it’s well documented that Miller did his research well before writing this literary classic, which still stands up with the best of today’s theatrical works.

This has always been one of my favourite plays; it is in my mind a literary classic, but I will state now, before I go on, that I have one regret about tonight's production.

David Field is John Proctor, the play's tragic hero. Honest, upright, and blunt-spoken, Proctor is a good man, but one with a secret, fatal flaw. His lust for Abigail Williams led to their affair (which occurs before the play begins), and created Abigail’s jealousy of his wife, Elizabeth, which sets the entire witch hysteria in motion. You could not have wrung more passion out of David if you'd have put him through a mangle, and his passion as Proctor is completely insane and off the scale.

 

Kareena Sims plays Elizabeth Proctor, faithful in every sense of the word to husband John, as well as deeply caring and sensitive, if still hurting from what has happened to her. John had an affair with Abigail when she was a servant in the Proctors’ household. That sereneness, and love for John is brought out perfectly

 

Francesca Short is Abigail Williams, the villain of the play, more so than Parris or Danforth: she tells lies, manipulates her friends and the entire town, and eventually sends nineteen innocent people to their deaths. Throughout the hysteria, Abigail’s motivations never seem more complex than simple jealousy and a desire to have revenge on Elizabeth Proctor. 

 

Jack Leo is Rev. Parris, the minister of Salem’s church. He is a paranoid, power-hungry, but self-pitying figure. Many of the Salem townsfolk, especially John Proctor, dislike him, and Parris is very concerned with building his position in the community.

 

Fred Baker is Rev. John Hale,  a young minister reputed to be an expert on witchcraft, is called in to Salem to examine Parris’s daughter Betty. Hale is a committed Christian and hater of witchcraft. His arrival sets the hysteria in motion, although he later regrets his actions and attempts to save the lives of those accused.

 

Joe Foster plays Judge Hathorne, a judge who presides, along with Danforth, over the witch trials.

 

Nik Hedges is Dep. Gov. Danforth, the deputy governor of Massachusetts and the presiding judge at the witch trials. Honest and scrupulous, at least in his own mind, Danforth is convinced that he is doing right in rooting out witchcraft. 

Chloe Davie is Betty Parris, Reverend Parris’s ten-year-old daughter who falls into a strange stupor after Parris catches her and the other girls dancing in the forest with Tituba. Her illness and that of Ruth Putnam fuel the first rumors of witchcraft.

Maureen Nwabueze is Tituba. Reverend Parris’s Barbadian slave. We first see this quite scary character in the first scene where Abigail's friends and Tituba are in the forest and Tituba performs a voodoo ritual.

 

Jane Pyke plays Rebecca Nurse. Rebecca is a wise, sensible, and upright woman, held in tremendous regard by most of the Salem community. However, she falls victim to hysteria when the Putnams accuse her of witchcraft and she refuses to confess. 

David Dunford plays Francis Nurse. Nurse is an aged but wealthy, influential man in Salem. He is well respected by most people in Salem, but he is an enemy of Thomas Putnam and his wife. 

Adam Worton is Thomas Putnam. Putnam uses the witch trials to increase his own wealth by accusing people of witchcraft and then buying up their land. 

Emma Rayner plays Anne Putnam, a bitter, grief-stricken woman who has lost seven children in infancy and is convinced they were murdered by supernatural means. As the wife of Thomas Putnam, she is a key figure in the Salem witch trials, using her grief and jealousy to accuse others, notably Rebecca Nurse, contributing to the town's hysteria and paranoia. 

Eden Silk plays Mary Warren, the servant in the Proctor household and a member of Abigail’s group of girls. She is a timid girl, easily influenced by those around her, who tried unsuccessfully to expose the hoax. 

Ally Saunders is Mercy Lewis, one of the girls in Abigail's group.

 

Charlotte Thomas plays Susannah Walcott. Susannah is a young, nervous and frightened member of Abigail’s group.

 

Max Bromley returns to the Lace Market stage as Giles Corey, an elderly but feisty farmer in Salem, famous for his tendency to file lawsuits. Giles’s wife, Martha, is accused of witchcraft, and he himself is eventually held in contempt of court and dies an uncomfortable death due to sticking to his guns.

 

Joe Downing plays Marshall Herrick. There's not an awful lot of comedy in this play, but Joe, as Herrick, brought the light relief.

 

Tom Pluse is Ezekiel Cheever, a clerk of the court. Cheever takes testimonies, serves warrants, arrests people who are accused, and transports people to jail.

• Directed by Matthew Huntbach, assisted by Charlotte Thomas there was absolutely nothing more that Matt and Charlotte could have done to retain that "classic" label for this production. The cast really put you through the emotional wringer, especially David Field, and especially in the second act. That could be said though of all the actors on stage The final scenes with Proctor and his wife are absolutely gut wrenching. The "exorcism" scene with Abigail, Susannah and Mercy could not have been more unnerving, and especially when Mary Warren was dragged into the scene. An incredible ensemble piece of character acting from all.

  

  
  
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• Lighting Design and Operation is by Philip Hogarth. Keeping the majority of the lighting down to shadows and low lighting helped to promote the doom and darkness of the story and the acting.
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• Sound Designer and Operator is Darren Coxon. The creeping menace of a soundtrack worked very well at intensifying the supernatural elements of the storyline.
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• Stage Managed by Jae Marriott, assisted by Alex Hayball. With such a large cast, probably one of the largest that I have seen on the Lace Market Theatre stage for a very long time. Entrances and exits made from and around the wooden beams at the back of the stage, giving that feeling of a wooded area, as well as a corridor style entrance/exit for the actors. 

Set Design is by Guy Evans and is rather different to any that I've seen. A wooden, circular stage with the imposing wooden uprights towards the back giving that effect of the woods may look simple but is incredibly effective to look at.

The props are brilliant with nothing omitted from what you'd imagine a household from the 1600s to have, and so many of them as well.

Costumes by the Warddrobe Team of Sue Drew and the Team. Straight away you are immediately transported to the 17^th Century with every costume for every actor being perfect to place the actors and the scenes historically.

I've seen a few productions of this Arthur Miller classic over the years but this has to be the best production that I have seen. The raw power and energy from the stage is like being hit by an emotional fireball, leaving you at times quite breathless, and I did mention that there was just one regret with the production, and that was that I didn't stand up at the end because this is one show that deserves a standing ovation, and I can't remember the last time that a standing ovation was seen at the Lace Market... maybe I need to stand up and start that trend again.

If you can get a ticket for this production, get one as soon as you can because you will not see a production with as much stage presence and passion as this one.

"The Cruicible" is at the Nottingham Lace Market Theatre until Saturday 29 November.

Photography by Grace Eden Photography.

 "The House Among The Willows" by Robert Scott

Beeston Players.

Round Hill School, Beeston.

This play is something a little different from most of the other plays that I have seen performed by the Beeston Players. Normally, and they are very well known for producing some excellent comedy plays, but this time around they have gone full on thriller.

This play is one that has eluded me until now; the last time it was in the area was when it was performed at The Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton, and I was away, but this time around I did not miss out.

Fletcher Davidson is taking his new fiancée to the holiday home of his late fiancée's parents to meet them. Straight away this would ring a few uneasy bells, especially for his new fiancée, Sadie, especially as she seems to be receiving messages from the previous, late fiancee. The house itself would hold memories for Fletcher, but also for the parents, Erin and Paul Berkley, so straight away there's that tension in the air simmering away. If that's not enough for any new fiancée to deal with, up pops another of Fletcher's exes, Kirsty, just to stir the pot even more!

Memories are rediscovered and brought to the surface and hidden truths start to emerge, Fletcher's murky past starts to swirl around his feet, and then up pops another old friend of Fletcher's, ex policeman Josh. All this, and staying in the middle of nowhere in a house among the willows! Who would you trust to be telling you the truth about what really happened to Fletcher's late fiancée?

Fletcher Davidson is played by Callum Scott, who had made his adult debut in Beeston Players' May production. This role is very different and shows even more acting talents from Callum. Very slowly we start to unravel Fletcher and his personality and the mental health issues he has, but if you think that the first act Fletcher is dark, wait until the second act when his demeanor and image takes a very different turn. As I said, in this production, Callum becomes a very different and interesting beast, so be prepared for the change.

Sadie Cooper, the latest fiancée, is played by Helen Nankervis, a name that I had not come across before. Sadie comes across as quite under the thumb, but we soon find out that she will not stand for the sort of scare tactics and manipulation that someone is putting her through. Sadie also knows Josh the ex policeman, and that small town friendship sparks a hint of jealousy from Fletcher, even though Josh and Fletcher have known each other for a long time, so is there reason for Fletcher to believe that something may be going on between the two?

Josh Russell is played by Sean Knowles. I've seen Sean a couple of times with Beeston Players and is one of those very natural actors who has really good projection, so I knew that the casting of this team was going to be a solid one, especially with Callum's confidence and Helen's nervous version of Sadie already in the bag. Nice chemistry between this trio which makes you believe that these three characters have been friends for a length of time.

Erin Berkley is played by Sarah Nicholson, and you really feel that there may be something just not quite right with this character and maybe Erin has an unhealthy protective side for her daughter's ex husband. But then you are drip fed a few clues that proves that line of thought to be not so accurate, so who is behind the notes left for Sadie?

Paul Berkley is played by Rob Jackson. I am a big fan of Rob's and have seen him in many productions with Beeston Players. He makes me smile but he shows that he can play the serious role just as well as the comedy role in this production.

Kelly Vines, another of Fletcher's exes that he picked up in Paris, is played by Meghan Southan. Ooh, Kelly is a nasty piece of work; talk about a woman scorned! As soon as Fletcher and Sadie settle in with Erin and Paul, Fletcher gets a mysterious call, who we straight away assume is from Kelly, but that is what we are led to believe, and then Kelly turns up at the House amongst the willows with unsettling revenge in mind. Kelly's second act performance will be one to mess with your mind.

Directed by Gary Frost, this is a thriller that keeps giving twists all the way through to the very last line spoken in this production, and just when you get your head around what you think is the ending, Gary presents another twist. A brilliant cast in a very different genre of theatre Beeston Players are used to presenting, showing the versatility of the Players. There was no telegraphing from the actors of the outcome of the story which made my first vision of this brilliantly uneasy story a very satisfying one.

Set Designer and Sound is by Sam Williams. The set is split in two showing the living room and the dining room. Not having seen the play before, this straight away threw up several questions about certain things, which as the play went on, suddenly became evident to me; more than that I will not say because I do not want to give anything away.

The props involved are many and apt for a village holiday home, including a lovely old style record player. Props are thanks to Ali Parnham and Margaret Jones.

Costumes are thanks to Barbara Barton, and it's not until the second act, and one scene of this act that a certain relevance of costume becomes apparent and starts your mind working overtime to understand that one certain costume.

Hair and Make up by Maxine Taylor.

Lighting is by Tom Jenkins, who flicks the lighting focus from room to room to highlight where the story requires you to focus on.

Stage Managed by Paul Langston. Normally I would mention the length of time in between changing the scenes, but I was actually quite pleased about the slightly longer scene change times because it allowed me time to try and work out a few things about what I had just seen. Didn't make much difference to the eventual outcome, I still didn't guess what the finale held.

Production Mangers are Barbara Barton and Sue Frost.

I must not forget to mention as well the wonderful Front Of House team, Kevin Fairbrother, Ian Greatorex, Karen Livesey, Nick Livesey and Nina Tunnicliff, for always providing such a warm and welcoming first vision of this theatre group. And also to the members for running the bar and the complimentary tea and coffee station.

"The House Among The Willows" is at Round Hill School, Foster Avenue, Beeston for one more performance, on Saturday afternoon at 2.30pm.

I can't wait to see what their May 2026 production brings after this show!

 "Elf The Musical"

Blind Eye Productions.

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

Ah yes! Christmas is on the horizon and one of the most beloved of Christmas films comes to Long Eaton in the form of the musical version.

Buddy, a young orphan "elf" mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities causes him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his Father is on the naughty list, and his step-brother doesn't even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Buddy is played by JJ McCormack in a role that I am sure JJ is absolutely relishing because JJ has an inner child trying to break out, and has had, possibly for as long as I have known him. That child-like fun bursts forth as Buddy matures, only slightly, before our eyes on stage, and that "immaturity" just makes you feel like recessing back to being a kid without the feelings of guilt. Another positive of JJ's inner child is the energy that Buddy has is a complete natural ability of JJ. Brilliant fun to watch JJ cavorting, and you can see and hear the reaction from the packed audience as they audibly express their feelings at the more sad moments.

Gill Cook is Mrs Claus, only a cameo part but Gill looks exactly as I would like Mrs Santa Claus to look like. There's also another cameo part for Gill as the lady who carries the bells, allowing Buddy to display his campanologist skills.

Paul Duffy is Santa Claus, and if you're a very good boy or girl, you may even get to say "hello" to Santa before the show as I bumped into Santa in the theatre foyer before the show. This svelte Santa also looks just how you'd expect Santa to look in modern society. Still with the red costume but the usual ermine fur shows the toils of going up and down dirty chimneys, as does the beard. Paul plays a very modern Santa with a tablet and, due to emails or DMs from PETA, the sledge is no longer pulled by reindeer. 

Jovie, Buddy's love interest, is played by Eloise Lowe. It doesn't take Buddy long to break down the dating barriers erected by Jovie, and proving that it is fun to fall in love with an Elf. We have to wait a while before we get to hear Eloise's gorgeous voice, but it's well worth the wait, especially in "A Christmas Song".

Kevin Jones plays Walter Hobbs, the grumpy, work obsessed writer at Greenway Press, and  natural Father to Buddy. Even Walter can only keep up the grumpiness for so long, and with a little help from Walter's family, he gets to almost win over his boss, Mr Greenway. 

Beccy Burgess plays the long suffering wife, Emily Hobbs, who just wants to have some Christmas time with her husband and son, Michael. Beccy has a gorgeous voice and there's a lovely duet between Michael and Emily called "I'll Believe In You" and then in the second act called "There Is A Santa Claus", highlighting just how smooth their voices mix. Beccy is also the Musical Director, so no wonder those duets sound so good!

Sharing the role of Michael Hobbs, Walter and Emily's son, are Seth Burgess and William Curtis; it was William I saw on Thursday night. I've seen Seth in previous productions and can guarantee that whoever you see in this role, you won't be disappointed both acting and singing wise.

The boss with no Christmas spirit, Mr Greenway, is played by Ben Bradley. Love the accent and nice to hear Ben singing.  How Ben keeps such a straight face while acting next to JJ and the others beats me. Ben also doubles as one of the depressed Santas at the Chinese eating establishment for Santas that Buddy finds after being kicked out by Mr Hobbs.

Walter's secretary Deb is played by Andrea Caulfield-Smith.

Emme Gunn is the Manager of the store, Macy's, where Buddy is sent to help out by his Father.

Gabriella Tilley and Carys Windibank are the Store Elves.

Tilly Ebanks plays Tiara the Elf, Roman Nicol and Emily Radliffe share the role of Charlie the Elf.

James Rodgers is the Store Santa, who is revealed as not being THE Santa by Buddy, as well as the role of Jim.

Caitlin Rodgers, Lucie-Mae Wright, Lacey Bramley, Alex Michael, Orla Gunn and Lily O' Toole as Santa's Elves

Danielle Rodgers plays Charlotte Dennon and Ann Colgan plays the Saleswoman, plus several other roles.

Isobel Munden plays a woman and Steve Webb and Alex Wright are the New Yorkers.

Emily Hudson plays the Office Queen Bee.

Harriet Shaw-Browne is one of the several ice skaters.

Greenway Press Office staff members Jim, Sam & Sara are played by James Rodgers, Jackie Cooper and Lindsey Hemingway.

Alexandra Sjoberg-Weekes and Emma Nicol play Chadwick and Matthews.

Directed by Adam Chapman, assisted by Beth Duffy, this production really brings a feel of the film and all of the magical festivities to the stage, and as I told Adam after the show, it made me feel like breaking out my Michael Buble Christmas CD out and fetching the Christmas Tree down from the loft.... well maybe at the weekend!

Choreographed by Ashleigh Wilkinson, there are some real fun  dance numbers in this show, as well as a big tap number later in the show.

Kirsty  Smith is the Stage Manager and Deputy Stage Manager is Izzy Tilley, keeping the scene change timings down to the minimum.

Sound Designer and Operator is Nick Elliott. On a personal note, I would have liked the music backing track just a little louder, but that's my personal preference; apart from that, I found no real issues apart from a few missed mic cues.

Lighting Design is by Manda Joyce with Associate Lighting Design by Nick Elliott and Operation by Alan Betton.

Costumes are by JJ McCormack and Adam Chapman. When you take a look at the size of this cast, you can see the amount of hard work that JJ and Adam have put into these costumes

Set Design is by JJ McCormack which looked so good with the Projection Design by Paul Duffy.

Plenty of props for this show, managed by Kirsty Smith and Lisa Wilde.

You'll feel in the Christmas spirit even before you get into the theatre because the whole of the theatre box office area and foyer is like walking into  Santa's grotto with the decorations and Christmas trees. It makes you feel warm inside, even though the weather outside is frightful, so if you have no place to go.......

"Elf The Musical" is at the Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton until Saturday 22 November, but you may have to check just in case any tickets have been returned because at the last check, there were no tickets available. Let's face it, who in their right mind would not want a ticket for this Sparklejollytwinklejingley show.

Blind Eye are raising monies for their chosen charities this Christmas of "When You Wish Upon A Star" and Hayward House, so please get those raffle tickets and support these two amazing causes this Christmas.

 "La Boheme" by Puccini.

Opera North.

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

This is the perfect piece if it's your first opera show, not just because the music you will undoubtably recognise, plus the story is such a brilliant one, especially if you've seen the musical "Rent" by Jonathan Larson.

In a draughty Parisian garret on Christmas Eve, four young friends make the best of what little they have, determined to keep warm and cheerful. 

When Schaunard the musician arrives with funds from his latest commission, the group celebrate their good fortune. The landlord Benoît arrives, demanding rent but the group get him drunk instead. They all head out to celebrate but Rodolfo stays behind. Whilst alone, his neighbour Mimì knocks at the door asking for a light, as hers has gone out and she cannot find her way in the dark. Rodolfo, instantly infatuated, invites her to the café and they leave together.

Months later, Rodolfo and Mimì, though now a couple, are weathering tough times. Rodolfo is driven to despair by Mimì’s illness, which he fears is slowly killing her. Knowing that he can do nothing to help in the abject poverty in which they live, he has taken to being jealous and unkind in order to drive her away.

When Mimì discovers this, she confronts Rodolfo and the two agree to separate but are unable to do so right away. They agree to wait until spring.

Spring has come and gone, and Rodolfo and Mimì have separated. Marcello tells Rodolfo that Mimì has since started seeing a wealthy viscount and is living like a queen.

However, Musetta arrives later that day with a desperately ill Mimì, who she found wandering the streets. Together they help her to bed and each rush off to sell their belongings for medicine. Rodolfo and Mimì both declare their love for each other. Mimì is overwhelmed with a violent coughing fit, after which she drifts off to sleep. Shortly after Schaunard announces that she has died and Rodolfo weeps by her side…

There are two sets of performers and on Wednesday 19 November, the following were the ones on stage....

Josef Jeongmeen Ahn (Marcello)

Joshua Blue (Rodolfo)

Han Kim (Colline)

Sean Boylan (Schaunard)

Jeremy Peaker (Benoit/Alcindoro)

Isabella Diaz (Mimi)

Katie Bird (Musetta)

Kamil Bien (Parpignol)

Simon Grange (Bouncer)

Campbell Russell (Plum Seller/Milkman)

Richard Mosley-Evans (Chef)

Miranda Bevin, Hazel Croft and Charlie Drummond (Showgirls)

The Chorus of Opera North play  various Nightclub Girls, Students and Parisians.

Along with the adults we are also treated to  seeing the Children of the Opera North Youth Company; they are Cordelia Boyd, Sophie Butterworth, Scarlett Clutterbuck, Toby Dray, Lucy Eatock, Evie Farmer, Cliodhna Kelly-Edwards, Oonagh Kelly-Edwards, Angela Lombardo, Joni McElhatton, Abigail Maltas, Raffaele Modena, Emma Parkin, Samuel Pridden, Maisie Probert, Anabella Runceanu, Jennie Sapiro, Grace Shipley, Eleanor Suckling and Martha Woodhead.

It was lovely to see as well as hear the wonderful Orchestra of Opera North, tonight conducted by Garry Walker. The whole show seems to have a different feel and sound when there's a live orchestra, and that was felt tonight.

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd and the Revival Director is James Hurley. A couple of lovely nods to the pop art of Andy Warhol and that iconic Marilyn Monroe scene!

There's a wonderful set which goes from the barest, to show the depravity that the friends are surviving in, to the wonderful Cafe Marius scenes which show a more opulent and classy surrounding. Both Set and Costumes are designed by Anthony Ward, the costumes again range from the Bohemian lifestyle all the way to the class of the cafe workers and well to do patrons.

Lighting Designer is Rick Fisher, who aptly manages to shine a light on the differing lifestyles of these Parisians. from the dimness and shade of when Mimi visits Rodolfo to ask that he light her candle, to the sparkling street scenes of the glamorous. Richard Moore is the Revival Lighting Director.

Choreographed by Quinny Sacks, and another area of excellence within Opera North. Maxine Braham is the Revival Choreographer.

The opera is sung through in Italian and there are English subtitles, or as the screen says "surtitles" on the two screens at the side of the stage. The story and production is split into three acts, the third act due to getting the stage scenery back to how we first see the stage.

You really do not need to fully understand Italian because the story telling, as with every production Opera North bring to the stage, is excellent and you are able to follow the thread of the story very easily. I didn't really need to watch the subtitles on the screen, mainly because I know the story and also being such a fan of the musical "Rent".

Opera and ballet for me is a real treat to see on stage; it's like  slipping into one of those baths that bubble and massage you, it makes you feel so at ease and you can close your eyes and just let the whole experience cover you, and you end the experience feeling relaxed and soothed. and you get a great story thrown in and some amazing vocals. What more could you wish for from opera?

"La Boheme" by Opera north is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 22 November.

 "Tom Hiccups Well" by Free Roam Theatre.

The Studio Theatre, West Bridgford.

There's something quite hypnotic about story-telling which feels one to one, and although there were many people in The Studio Theatre last night, it seemed as if the story of "Tom Hiccups Well" was being related to just me.

There's the feel of Celtic folklore, myths and mystery surrounding a the spirit of Tom Hiccup and his well. Set within Grendel Wood a man murders a young woman who he has been seeing and has to choose a method of disposing of the body, so he decides to chop up the woman's body and dump the body parts down a well in the wood. Tom Hiccups Well.

We don't know what kind of evil spirit Tom Hiccup is, but folklore around the village states that you don't upset this particular spirit and the villagers keep right away from the well, and leave Tom alone, and he will leave you in peace. What a pity that this murderer didn't heed the folklore of Tom Hiccups and his well!

Shortly after the deadly deed is done, the man returns to the local hostelry where he sometimes hires a room, if he is too drunk, or it's too late for him to travel, and on this night, that's what he decides to do, but the spirit of the murdered woman is not happy, nor is Tom Hiccup, and events take a decidedly dark turn in the hired room that night!

Written by Charlotte Ball and performed by Ellie Ball, you can see why it was the "Winner of Best New Writing and Best Performer" at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Spookies Awards. Ellie's story-telling is akin to painting pictures in your mind, allowing you to create your own visualisation of Tom, and the horrific image that visited the man that night.

It's the sort of story that you'd tell at Christmas by candlelight, but let it also serve as a warning to respect folklore and leave well alone, and not to upset the old spirits.

"Tom Hiccups Well" was at The Studio Theatre, West Bridgford for a one night only experience.

 "Lucky Sods" by John Godber.

Riverside Drama Company.

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

John Godber is probably one of the nation's most prolific writers; a writer who observes all humankind and makes the foibles and nuances of the man in the street, however banal or eccentric, and creates entertainment out of everyday situations. That is just one reason why I am such a fan of Godber's many works. This is one play that I have not seen before, and it did not disappoint.

The year is 1995. When Morris and Jean win the National Lottery to the tune of two million pounds - they can't believe their luck. But the cracks in their 32 year old marriage widen, their past catches up with them and their relatives become increasingly resentful. Jean keeps winning and Morris takes off to Amsterdam with an old flame, but will his prophecy that bad luck always follows good turn out to be true?

Morris is played by Dan Bates. The opening scene of this bittersweet comedy is proof of Godber's observational comedy skills, which got all the right reactions from the Friday night audience. A masterclass in gross human habits. Morris gets to run the whole gamut of emotions throughout this play, but on his final return home from Amsterdam comes something that I didn't expect.

Jean is played by Donna Osmond. This is a fabulous character showing the ecstasy of being a winner, a multiple winner, of how decisions she makes change thanks to becoming financially secure for life. But money can't always buy happiness as Jean finds out to her cost. When Morris leaves her, her world implodes and her passion explodes. A lovely comedic performance in part, with some fiery passionate explosions with her sister and brother in law in respect to Morris's decisions.

Norman, the brother in law is played by David Round. Norman comes across as being fairly happy with the lot he has, even though he does mention a few times that he feels that he and Annie could be treated a bit better by the millionaire family members, but doesn't really seem that bothered. He is happy to help out Jean in her new mansion and garden, and even when bad luck strikes the couple, he is still upbeat, and even more so right at the end with the news that he and Annie receive. 

Annie is Jean's sister and is played by Lizzie Norris. Annie is not afraid to confront Jean about her tightness with her winnings after only receiving a soap on a rope, along with Norman, and this explodes into a big argument, all over money and family. Annie's not afraid either to read the begging letters that Jean and Morris have been receiving, and that also drives another wedge between Jean and Morris. I love all of the accents in this play but Lizzie's accent was brilliantly funny and melodic.

Molly is Morris's Mother, a proper cantankerous woman who loves to remind Morris of his downfalls. She is bedridden and loves to have control over her son, probably knowing that he won't say anything negative about her and will take what she has to give out. There's a part of the only scene with the Mother/Son scene which really indicates this relationship when Morris seems to lower his head, almost in defeat, a scene that really makes you feel for Morris. Liz Turner plays Molly, I couldn't imagine anyone else playing this role because Liz is so perfect as these kind of characters.

Connie, Morris's old flame with whom Morris rekindles that flame and runs off with her to Amsterdam, is played by Emjay Sadler. We get to see the high side as well as the side where the cracks start to show between the runaway lovers, but there's a lovely scene with Connie and Morris during a drunken argument which suddenly diffuses the arguing. In typical Godber mode, the mood turns from laughter to a saddened seriousness. In these scenes there's a nod to John Godber's love of Northern Soul music.

The Vicar, a cameo part who we meet after the death of Morris's Mother, is played by Celia Billau. A nice slice of dark comedy as the Vicar asks Jean for any numbers that maybe she could use for her weekly lottery numbers, as she has never won in all the time that she has been secretly playing. 

John Sully plays the Waiter in the LA hotel where Jean and Morris have their first big holiday after their first win. This scene shows the difference in language between the UK and America when Jean asks for a Shandy, and then has to explain exactly what a Shandy consists of. When the drink is delivered, there's a slice of lemon as well.

Directed by Jonathan Greaves, he has brought out every element of a John Godber piece of work, not once telegraphing the big twist, which makes the reveal such a jaw drop moment. The comedy is laugh out loud and the pathos moments really hit home. Perfect casting with all roles bring all of these things out wonderfully.

Sound is by Keith Salway and all of the sound effects are naturally placed throughout. The music soundbites that you hear while the scenes are changed are all from the 1990s and keep the flow of the story going.

Lighting is by Charlotte King, who also provided the costumes. 

There are projection scenes making it very clear to the audience where that particular scene is supposed to be. Whether that be in Amsterdam or a rambling English Country Garden, the projections transported us to wherever we were meant to be.

Loads of props in this play as well. Pushbikes, hospital bed, sitting room chairs, gardening apparatus, picnic items etc. The props are sourced by Bob Baron, Janet Whyatt, Sandra Read, Alison Lihou and Moya Magee.

There were not many empty seats available on Friday night, and I have a feeling that Saturday will be the same, so check online, where you can also buy tickets via the Duchess Theatre website, and don't let the weather put you off because this show will brighten up your weekend.

"Lucky Sods" is at the Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton until Saturday 15 November.

 "Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat"

Derby Youth Musical Theatre.

Derby Theatre.

Oh! Deep joy, my second favourite Rice/Lloyd-Webber musicals, now performed by a cast of some of my favourite young local actors. How many times have I seen this musical and why does it never get boring? I still love seeing this show which is a testament – if you’ll pardon the pun – to the wonderful writing of Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Sir Timothy Rice.

By now there surely must be no one who does not know the story and at least a few of the songs from this incredible soundtrack, so I do not need to outline the plot about Joseph, sold into slavery by his scheming and jealous brothers and his rise to fame.

Oscar Drake takes on the lead role of the Dreamer, Joseph. You could say that he was born to this role because Oscar's middle name is Joseph, because his Mum is obsessed about this very musical! His voice is strong, powerful and precise; his stage presence is as brilliant and bold as the colours of the Dreamcoat itself and his confidence is off the scale. 

There are two Narrators for the show, Hope Lo Monaco (Thursday evening, Saturday Evening and Sunday Matinee) and Isla Spencer (Friday Evening, Saturday Matinee and Sunday Evening). Hope's voice soars to the theatre's rafters and, as with the role of the Narrator, also has to sing, dance and act all at the same time as she is the glue that pieces the scenes together and keeps the story moving on nicely.

Pharoah is played by Billy Sweet, who also doubles up as Jacob, but it's Pharoah that scene-steals with "Song Of The King" as he releases his inner Elvis. What I liked though about Billy's Pharoah is that he didn't lean too heavily on being an Elvis soundalike, which allowed us to hear more of Billy, rather than Elvis.

Potiphar is played by Ben Mather. Love the characterisation in this role and a nice clear set of vocals.

The Baker is played by Lilliana Simons-Clark, also doubling her roles by playing Jacob's wife as well as Potiphar's Servant.

Simeon is played by Taylen Brodsky and Simeon's wife is played by Phoebe Litherland.

The oldest of the brothers Reuben is played by Ben Mather, in his other role in the musical, and Reuben's wife is played by Tia-Louise Shaw, who also plays one of Potiphar's Dancers.

Issachar is played by Teddy Osborn and his wife is played by Daisy Hamilton, who is making her Derby Youth Musical Theatre debut. Daisy also doubles as a Potiphar dancer.

Naphtali is played by William Hall, who makes his debut with DYMT, and his wife played by Connie Thomas.

Levi is played by Riley Chambers, also making his debut with the group, and his wife played by Kara McDermott.

Zebulun is played by Finley Williams with his wife played by Katie Kirk. 

Dan is played by Daniel Pimperton, his wife played by Millie Dalziel.

Asher is played by Stevie Kirkham and his wife is played by Caitlin Smith. Caitlin also doubles up as the seductive Mrs Potiphar, who is caught in a tricky situation with poor Joseph, which results in Potiphar throwing Joseph into prison.

Benjamin, the youngest brother is played by Quillen Parker, who makes his debut with DYMT, and also appears with his real brother Findlay. Benjamin's wife is played by Emilia Shapcott, as well as being one of Potiphar's Servants.

Judah is played by Eddie Clarkson and Judah's wife is played by Trinity Hramkova.

Gad is played by Findlay Parker, with Gad's wife played by Bella Syson, who also doubles as The Butler as well as Potiphar's Servant.

The Brothers as an ensemble group are incredibly good. Their harmonies, especially on one of my favourite songs from the score "Those Canaan Days", are insane, and their group choreography with "One More Angel In Heaven" is one of my favourite pieces from the show.

The Girls Chorus are made up of Maddie Gillham, Holly Gooding, Amelia-May Olivier, Amelie Aldridge, Hannah Lake, Isabella Cooke, Libby Bestwick, Autumn Quach, Ava Hicklin, Aila Hussain and Isabella Olivier.   

The Boys Choir is made up by Henry Williams, Casper Martin, Evan Gore, Jack Baker, Ethan Adamson, Ralph Garnham, Louie Drake and James Bailey.   

Directed by Caroline Green and Chris Moss. There are so many things that I could mention about this musical that I love and preserved in this show, and then there were other things like the camel puppets that were like the Bernie Clifton style emu act that he used to (and still does) do. The musical is only a short one but it seemed to fly by even quicker on Thursday night. Brilliant casting and some excellent character pairings.

Choreographed by Caroline Green and assisted by Ellie Beech. Practically everything choreography wise in this show are highlights for me. Love the hoe-down of "One More Angel In Heaven" which has such energy and spread from one side of the stage to the other. I also loved "Those Canaan Days" routine, and especially one section involving an upside down female dancer and the facial reaction of her dance partner which caused a wave of belly laughs from the packed Thursday night audience. That whole routine was brilliant and to inject even more comedy into the section was beautifully done. And I must not forget that Massive Megamix right at the end; a cracking piece of choreography.

Dance Captain is Caitlin Smith.

Musical Director and Conductor is Charlotte Daniel. With a musical that is sung through, the Conductor is working for the whole show, as well as playing the piano as well. I did enjoy the small changes in musical arrangements in some of the songs, as that gave a fresh sound to a soundtrack that I practically know back to front.

The soundtrack to this musical is one of the most recognised with classic pop songs like "Close Every Door", "Any Dream Will Do", my absolute favourite "Those Canaan Days", "One More Angel In Heaven", "Go Go Joseph", "Benjamin's Calypso" and more. My toes were tapping all night long.

You can see just how big the cast is and keeping everything behind the scenes running smoothly is Stage Manager Pete Roberts and Deputy Stage Manager Izzy Longson and Assistant Stage Managers Reece Bland, Kate Borrington, John Howarth and Lauren Wells.

Set Design is by Chris Moss and Lianne Sheridan with various entry and exit points allowing the large cast to either enter or exit quickly when needed and on various levels.

Completing the set visuals is Scenic Artist Rachel Chester.

Sound Design is by Harry Greatorex. There was a couple of mic issues near the start, especially with the Narrator's sound, but that seemed to be cleared up pretty swiftly. It is opening night so if anything is going to go not quite as planned, it'll be then. Other than that we got the sound quality and clarity that I always expect from Derby Theatre. Sound 2 and Sound 3 are Simon Birchall and Jack Clark with Trainee Sound Technician being Eddie Burton.

Lighting Design is by Jamie Vella. The lighting is as vibrant and colourful as that Dreamcoat. The scene for "Song Of The King" was like a scene from a Vegas show with all of the excitement visually of one of The King's shows in his heyday. Trainee Lighting Technician was Sam Jackson.

Head of the Wardrobe Department is Georgia Cooper. I was really pleased to see that Joseph's Dreamcoat replicated the same style as worn in the West End versions.

This really is a musical for every age, and I spotted quite young children in the packed auditorium, as well as Grandparents, and possibly Great Grandparents, all enjoying the same show; there's not many nights out that can cover that age range, but this certainly does.

"Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat" is at Derby Theatre until Sunday 16 November.