THE SNOWMAN
Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 1 February 2014
We all know the song "Walking In The Air" taken from the film of the same name directed by Dianne Jackson and based on the book by Raymond Briggs, but seeing this production just brings everything to life.
"The Snowman" is pure magic, and although we may be just outside the Christmas period, the mood created by snowy opening set the precedent for the rest of the show, all the way to the snowy end of the performance.
The story is one of The Boy who builds a snowman who then comes to life and they have several adventures which include flying, meeting Santa Claus and overpowering the evil Jack Frost, but was it really all a dream?
There are some additions to the film version with the introduction of Jack Frost, but it's not detracted from the book or the film one iota. At times it reminded me of Beatrix Potter with the balletic prancing of the reindeer, penguins and woodland animals which also showcased the talents of choreographer Robert North, and told the tale beautifully through dance, especially as there was no script, but no script is needed.
Archie Durrant plays "The Boy", and I think he's in for a big and successful career in the theatre. Not only is he as cute as a button, he's likeable too! Archie is very confident and a natural performer and his varied dance training is brought to the fore throughout the whole time he was on stage, which was for the majority of the play.
This production by the Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company is essentially a ballet for all ages to enjoy, but do not let the word ballet put you off because the dancing and musicality is jaw droppingly enchanting and you'll find yourself being drawn further into the story with every step and pirouette.
It's a play you can take your five year old to and get as much enjoyment and wonderment as taking your ninety five year old to. It'll melt your heart as fast as the Snowman melted at the end and I guarantee that you'll leave the theatre with a warm fuzzy feeling.
Tuesday, 28 January 2014
Wednesday, 15 January 2014
THRILLER LIVE
Nottingham Theatre Royal until Sunday 19th January
This show is very similar to the Cirque de Soleil Michael Jackson Experience but with live singers performing the hits of Michael Jackson, The Jacksons and the Jackson 5 with separate dancers replicating the dance moves and routines to his hits.
There are some excellent digital backdrops, one of which has an enormous glitter ball for the Jacksons disco era. The lighting also enhances the sharpness of the dance routines and punctuate the rhythm of Jackson's amazingly foot tapping hits.
The show opens with a medley of Jackson 5 hits and works it's way through the 70s disco of The Jacksons epic hits, paying tribute to all of Jackson's great solo albums, "Off The Wall", "Thriller", "Bad" and "Dangerous", blending in the big ballads like "Man In The Mirror", "I Just Can't Stop Loving You", "She's Out Of My Life" and "I'll Be There" with some of the best dance music from the last five decades and all time party hits like "Blame It On The Boogie", "Can You Feel It", "Rock With You", "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough", "Bille Jean" and of course "Thriller".
A lively group of backing dancers complement the different faces of Michael Jackson through the years and the routines that accompanied the hits making this one of the best "tribute" musical shows around today. Combine these ingredients with an excellent live band and this will be the closest you'll get to experiencing the real thing that was the Michael Jackson phenomena.
An absolute must for all fans of Jackson and great dance, soul, r 'n' b, or music in general which had me on my feet moving to the music, well I blame it on the boogie myself!
Nottingham Theatre Royal until Sunday 19th January
This show is very similar to the Cirque de Soleil Michael Jackson Experience but with live singers performing the hits of Michael Jackson, The Jacksons and the Jackson 5 with separate dancers replicating the dance moves and routines to his hits.
There are some excellent digital backdrops, one of which has an enormous glitter ball for the Jacksons disco era. The lighting also enhances the sharpness of the dance routines and punctuate the rhythm of Jackson's amazingly foot tapping hits.
The show opens with a medley of Jackson 5 hits and works it's way through the 70s disco of The Jacksons epic hits, paying tribute to all of Jackson's great solo albums, "Off The Wall", "Thriller", "Bad" and "Dangerous", blending in the big ballads like "Man In The Mirror", "I Just Can't Stop Loving You", "She's Out Of My Life" and "I'll Be There" with some of the best dance music from the last five decades and all time party hits like "Blame It On The Boogie", "Can You Feel It", "Rock With You", "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough", "Bille Jean" and of course "Thriller".
A lively group of backing dancers complement the different faces of Michael Jackson through the years and the routines that accompanied the hits making this one of the best "tribute" musical shows around today. Combine these ingredients with an excellent live band and this will be the closest you'll get to experiencing the real thing that was the Michael Jackson phenomena.
An absolute must for all fans of Jackson and great dance, soul, r 'n' b, or music in general which had me on my feet moving to the music, well I blame it on the boogie myself!
Tuesday, 14 January 2014
A CHURCHILL EVENING
by Caryl Churchill
Lace Market Theatre until Saturday 18 January 2014.
For those expecting large cigars and speeches about fighting on the beaches, you'll be disappointed. Instead you can see two plays, "The Blue Kettle" and "This Is A Chair".
The Lace Market Theatre are relatively well known for producing new and different plays and these fall into both of these categories and may not be for everyone but is definitely thought provoking and will divide audiences, as it did tonight.
The storyline for "The Blue Kettle" is a man, Derek, who is meeting his mother for the first time after being given up for adoption when he was a baby, but when the second scene evolves, and he is meeting up with another mother, the confusion starts to creep in but we soon learn that Derek is pulling a scam, making believe to five mothers that they are all his mother. This is almost unravelled when Enid, Derek's girlfriend gets a little tipsy and blurts out his plan to one of the mothers, Is Derek's deceitful dalliances done and dusted? Well.........
So where does the Blue Kettle come into play? Well the odd word is replaced by either "Blue" or "kettle" until near the end there seems to be more "blues" and "kettles" and shortened versions of both peppering the script, which grew to be, not only confusing, but detracting from an interesting storyline. Maybe I was missing the point somewhere down the line but looking round at some of the other audience members I could see that they also seemed to be having the same problem of understanding why!
"This Is A Chair" was a short set of scenes which look at different aspects of current day to day occurrences that happen behind some suburban closed doors and explore them slightly differently. Again a very interesting concept which really got the old mind working quickly, mainly due to the quick succession of the scenes and the subject matter.
Both are thought provoking and that's what theatre should be all about. Whether the theatre is good or bad (in the eye of the viewer) as long as it can cause a reaction of some sort, then I feel that it's done it's job.
All of the actors, some better than others, I thought deserved a pat on the back for performing in the very close proximity of the upstairs studio. Brave indeed but also highlighted some slight timing issues that may have gone unnoticed if it had been performed on the stage downstairs.
Interesting and quirky but may be a little too off the wall for some.
by Caryl Churchill
Lace Market Theatre until Saturday 18 January 2014.
For those expecting large cigars and speeches about fighting on the beaches, you'll be disappointed. Instead you can see two plays, "The Blue Kettle" and "This Is A Chair".
The Lace Market Theatre are relatively well known for producing new and different plays and these fall into both of these categories and may not be for everyone but is definitely thought provoking and will divide audiences, as it did tonight.
The storyline for "The Blue Kettle" is a man, Derek, who is meeting his mother for the first time after being given up for adoption when he was a baby, but when the second scene evolves, and he is meeting up with another mother, the confusion starts to creep in but we soon learn that Derek is pulling a scam, making believe to five mothers that they are all his mother. This is almost unravelled when Enid, Derek's girlfriend gets a little tipsy and blurts out his plan to one of the mothers, Is Derek's deceitful dalliances done and dusted? Well.........
So where does the Blue Kettle come into play? Well the odd word is replaced by either "Blue" or "kettle" until near the end there seems to be more "blues" and "kettles" and shortened versions of both peppering the script, which grew to be, not only confusing, but detracting from an interesting storyline. Maybe I was missing the point somewhere down the line but looking round at some of the other audience members I could see that they also seemed to be having the same problem of understanding why!
"This Is A Chair" was a short set of scenes which look at different aspects of current day to day occurrences that happen behind some suburban closed doors and explore them slightly differently. Again a very interesting concept which really got the old mind working quickly, mainly due to the quick succession of the scenes and the subject matter.
Both are thought provoking and that's what theatre should be all about. Whether the theatre is good or bad (in the eye of the viewer) as long as it can cause a reaction of some sort, then I feel that it's done it's job.
All of the actors, some better than others, I thought deserved a pat on the back for performing in the very close proximity of the upstairs studio. Brave indeed but also highlighted some slight timing issues that may have gone unnoticed if it had been performed on the stage downstairs.
Interesting and quirky but may be a little too off the wall for some.
Thursday, 9 January 2014
MEN OF THE WORLD by John Godber
Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.
Performed by Magpie Drama until Saturday 11th January 2014
What better way to warm up your cold January evenings than with an evening of warmth and humour, with just a touch of melancholy, from one of our best loved playwrights, John Godber.
The one liners, observational humour and characters are typical Godber and the three actors from Magpie Drama Rachel Bates, Gary Lever and Howard Mackintosh bring to life about 18 characters between them. Meet The Beverley Sisters, The Marx Brothers, Mack and Mabel among the many elderly regular bus travellers, all with their many colourful tales to tell, and Dolly, the nightclub entertainer who performs the same act for the sixth year running...ah but is that a new joke tonight? The camp guest house owners and the 46 year old who still goes away on holiday with his mum, oh and then there's the one that dies en route.
Rachel plays Frank (don't ask -it'll only shock you) the only female bus driver of the three; Larry, played by Gary, the elder driver and Mario Lanza fanatic and Stick, played by Howard the one that moans about all of his passengers and thinks that they should all be shot and wants to do the Spanish run with all of the totty.
With just three actors on stage, bare bones scenery and about 18 suitcases to manoeuvre around the stage, this play really relies on the wonderfully funny script and the talents of the actors to paint pictures in your mind, and they succeed in doing just that. It's quite amazing how when the flat caps and the spectacles go on, or the headscarves, Rachel, Mark and Howard not only become different people, they look and sound so different as well.
The characterizations are excellent, and how the actors can remember all of those words, and which character they are and who says what is a tribute to all three. A mention to the sound and lighting technician, Simon Birchall for his part in creating the sectioned areas of the play, giving each scene a different feel, and also for the well executed sound effects is also due.
This is only the second play for the newly formed Magpie Drama, formed by Rachel and her husband Dan, who's also a fine actor himself, and with this standard, and inspired choice of plays, I predict many more full houses to come and a successful future for Magpie.
And what makes it all more of a great night out is that tickets are from 5 -7 quid. Absolute bargain if you ask me!
Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.
Performed by Magpie Drama until Saturday 11th January 2014
What better way to warm up your cold January evenings than with an evening of warmth and humour, with just a touch of melancholy, from one of our best loved playwrights, John Godber.
The one liners, observational humour and characters are typical Godber and the three actors from Magpie Drama Rachel Bates, Gary Lever and Howard Mackintosh bring to life about 18 characters between them. Meet The Beverley Sisters, The Marx Brothers, Mack and Mabel among the many elderly regular bus travellers, all with their many colourful tales to tell, and Dolly, the nightclub entertainer who performs the same act for the sixth year running...ah but is that a new joke tonight? The camp guest house owners and the 46 year old who still goes away on holiday with his mum, oh and then there's the one that dies en route.
Rachel plays Frank (don't ask -it'll only shock you) the only female bus driver of the three; Larry, played by Gary, the elder driver and Mario Lanza fanatic and Stick, played by Howard the one that moans about all of his passengers and thinks that they should all be shot and wants to do the Spanish run with all of the totty.
With just three actors on stage, bare bones scenery and about 18 suitcases to manoeuvre around the stage, this play really relies on the wonderfully funny script and the talents of the actors to paint pictures in your mind, and they succeed in doing just that. It's quite amazing how when the flat caps and the spectacles go on, or the headscarves, Rachel, Mark and Howard not only become different people, they look and sound so different as well.
The characterizations are excellent, and how the actors can remember all of those words, and which character they are and who says what is a tribute to all three. A mention to the sound and lighting technician, Simon Birchall for his part in creating the sectioned areas of the play, giving each scene a different feel, and also for the well executed sound effects is also due.
This is only the second play for the newly formed Magpie Drama, formed by Rachel and her husband Dan, who's also a fine actor himself, and with this standard, and inspired choice of plays, I predict many more full houses to come and a successful future for Magpie.
And what makes it all more of a great night out is that tickets are from 5 -7 quid. Absolute bargain if you ask me!
Monday, 16 December 2013
THE FIREBIRD
Lace Market Theatre,Nottingham
THE Firebird, by Neil Duffield, is not so much a pantomime as a classic fairy story in the style of Hans Christian Anderson and the Brothers Grimm.Although there are moments throughout the play where typical pantomime audience interaction is required, the play itself is a magical story - a true family Christmas experience.
The play is a fantastical tale set in Russia, of handsome Prince Ivan (Martin Pikett) shunned by his father, the Tsar (Richard Fife) because of his sister's evil deceitfulness (Michelle Smith). The bird has been stealing golden apples from his father's tree! After catching The Firebird, (Hannah Lily) but then releasing it, after the Firebird gave up one of it's feathers in return for it's freedom, the young prince is eventually banished from the Tsar's Kingdom.
The prince roams the woods looking for the magical Firebird - the only way he can regain his father's love and respect. On his travels he meets an evil sorcerer (Richard Fife), a friendly wolf (Damian Frendo), a cannibal witch (Lorna McCullough) and the beautiful Princess Vasilisa ( Francesca Lawson).
The show is interwoven with marvellous songs and incidental music. composed by Piotr Wisniewski, which give the play a real atmosphere and are a delight to young and old. The Firebird has all the elements of a traditional Christmas show for all the family - laughter, romance, baddies and goodies, friendship, jealousy, some audience participation and last, but definitely not least, a happy ending.
The whole cast throw themselves into the play with great gusto, great lighting effects and a well utilised stage make for a very enjoyable piece of Christmas fare.
The Firebird is roosting at The Lace Market Theatre until Saturday 21 December 2013
Lace Market Theatre,Nottingham
THE Firebird, by Neil Duffield, is not so much a pantomime as a classic fairy story in the style of Hans Christian Anderson and the Brothers Grimm.Although there are moments throughout the play where typical pantomime audience interaction is required, the play itself is a magical story - a true family Christmas experience.
The play is a fantastical tale set in Russia, of handsome Prince Ivan (Martin Pikett) shunned by his father, the Tsar (Richard Fife) because of his sister's evil deceitfulness (Michelle Smith). The bird has been stealing golden apples from his father's tree! After catching The Firebird, (Hannah Lily) but then releasing it, after the Firebird gave up one of it's feathers in return for it's freedom, the young prince is eventually banished from the Tsar's Kingdom.
The prince roams the woods looking for the magical Firebird - the only way he can regain his father's love and respect. On his travels he meets an evil sorcerer (Richard Fife), a friendly wolf (Damian Frendo), a cannibal witch (Lorna McCullough) and the beautiful Princess Vasilisa ( Francesca Lawson).
The show is interwoven with marvellous songs and incidental music. composed by Piotr Wisniewski, which give the play a real atmosphere and are a delight to young and old. The Firebird has all the elements of a traditional Christmas show for all the family - laughter, romance, baddies and goodies, friendship, jealousy, some audience participation and last, but definitely not least, a happy ending.
The whole cast throw themselves into the play with great gusto, great lighting effects and a well utilised stage make for a very enjoyable piece of Christmas fare.
The Firebird is roosting at The Lace Market Theatre until Saturday 21 December 2013
Wednesday, 11 December 2013
"WE WILL ROCK YOU"
Bilborough College until 13th December 2013
The students of Bilborough Sixth Form College follow up last year's Madness fest "Our House - The Musical" with the Queen musical, written by Ben Elton, "We Will Rock You" and the large cast did just that. A packed auditorium clapped, stomped and applauded 21 of Queen's best known hits weaved into a futuristic image of life 300 years into the future where music and musical instruments have been banned.
But there's hope in the guise of Galileo, Brit (short for Britney Spears), Scaramouche and the Bohemians in their battle against the Killer Queen and Commander Khashoggi to bring back live rock music to the planet.
Bilborough College have an impressive record of producing talented music and theatrical students like recent Les Mis star, Andy Coxon, who recently returned to the college to give a Masterclass in musical theatre.
Well, there's more talent of the future here in WWRU. Sam Gosrani (Galileo) has a really strong voice and looked to really enjoying playing the saviour of 2313's rock music scene, along with his "chick" Scaramouche (Emily Newsome). To start with I didn't realise (because I'd never seen this musical before), that Galileo had a stutter and it wasn't Sam with the stutter. A tribute to Sam's acting.
Brit (Gomolemo "Hummer" Nyakale), is another one with a really strong, soulful voice with a natural acting ability. When I met him earlier this week, he came across as quite a quiet kind of guy but he really comes alive on stage.
Loved the arrogant Khoshoggi, played by Tom Boyden and Khoshoggi's boss The Killer Queen, very reminiscent of The Acid Queen in "Tommy" , played with great attitude and swagger by Natalia Brown. And this wasn't the only strong female role in WWRU, the aforementioned Scaramouche and Meat (Brit's love interest) portrayed by Hannah Lewis.
Must also mention the role of "Pop" ( Ben Rose - another really strong vocal on "These Are The Days Of Our Lives" ), who was the key to Galileo and Scaramouche saving the day by locating the Hairy One's axe.
A more than able chorus and dancers backed the main roles, with a few recognisable faces, (Hi Curtis), and a live band completes this very enjoyable evening of future talent. A hit for directors Ben and Tadek and a great showcase for choreographer Beth Ross-Wadell. A great script as well which is packed with miscellaneous lyrics and name checks of some of the greats in music...and the Teletubbies!
I started the review by saying that the place was sold out tonight, so I suggest you get those tickets fast, while you still have the chance!
Bilborough College until 13th December 2013
The students of Bilborough Sixth Form College follow up last year's Madness fest "Our House - The Musical" with the Queen musical, written by Ben Elton, "We Will Rock You" and the large cast did just that. A packed auditorium clapped, stomped and applauded 21 of Queen's best known hits weaved into a futuristic image of life 300 years into the future where music and musical instruments have been banned.
But there's hope in the guise of Galileo, Brit (short for Britney Spears), Scaramouche and the Bohemians in their battle against the Killer Queen and Commander Khashoggi to bring back live rock music to the planet.
Bilborough College have an impressive record of producing talented music and theatrical students like recent Les Mis star, Andy Coxon, who recently returned to the college to give a Masterclass in musical theatre.
Well, there's more talent of the future here in WWRU. Sam Gosrani (Galileo) has a really strong voice and looked to really enjoying playing the saviour of 2313's rock music scene, along with his "chick" Scaramouche (Emily Newsome). To start with I didn't realise (because I'd never seen this musical before), that Galileo had a stutter and it wasn't Sam with the stutter. A tribute to Sam's acting.
Brit (Gomolemo "Hummer" Nyakale), is another one with a really strong, soulful voice with a natural acting ability. When I met him earlier this week, he came across as quite a quiet kind of guy but he really comes alive on stage.
Loved the arrogant Khoshoggi, played by Tom Boyden and Khoshoggi's boss The Killer Queen, very reminiscent of The Acid Queen in "Tommy" , played with great attitude and swagger by Natalia Brown. And this wasn't the only strong female role in WWRU, the aforementioned Scaramouche and Meat (Brit's love interest) portrayed by Hannah Lewis.
Must also mention the role of "Pop" ( Ben Rose - another really strong vocal on "These Are The Days Of Our Lives" ), who was the key to Galileo and Scaramouche saving the day by locating the Hairy One's axe.
A more than able chorus and dancers backed the main roles, with a few recognisable faces, (Hi Curtis), and a live band completes this very enjoyable evening of future talent. A hit for directors Ben and Tadek and a great showcase for choreographer Beth Ross-Wadell. A great script as well which is packed with miscellaneous lyrics and name checks of some of the greats in music...and the Teletubbies!
I started the review by saying that the place was sold out tonight, so I suggest you get those tickets fast, while you still have the chance!
Tuesday, 10 December 2013
SLEEPING BEAUTY
Nottingham Arts Theatre until Sunday 22 December 2013
Why does Christmas seem just a little closer with the People's Theatre Company pantomime at the Nottingham Arts Theatre I wonder? There are some wonderful performances in Nottingham this Christmas, so strong and all the theatres seem to have upped their game this year. If you want sparkle and glitter then the Playhouse is the place to go. If you want big names then drop in at the Theatre Royal, but if you want fun and endless chuckles then you need to go to the Arts Theatre.
Amanda Hall has written one of the best pantos yet. OK so the scenery is fairly basic but you know what, after the first five minutes you don't even notice because you're swept along with some wonderfully entertaining, and talented actors who give their all for their art. Now, they make it look so effortless, but having just a bit of an insight into these things, I know that, from the lovely and welcoming front of house staff to the actors on stage and the back stage helpers who get no recognition, it's damn hard work!
It's traditional with a slight twist at the end, which I won't reveal, but gorgeous as he may be, it's not the Prince who awakens Sleeping Beauty from her 100 year sleep!
The cast are well known to the regulars of the People's Theatre Company productions and many of the chorus, such as Roy Smith, Glenn Murphy and James Murray have all taken a back seat from featured roles throughout 2013.
So many highlights that I'll give a quick mention to some of my favourites. I loved Gavin Alston as Nanny Nettie Nettle, a "Dame" in the traditional sense of the word, who nailed not only the role but walking and dancing in incredibly high heels. Either a lot of practice and rehearsing has gone into those heels or he's worn killer heels before!
Marie Rogers gave some wonderful facial expressions as Queen Augustine and reminded me a bit of Una Stubbs, and I love Una Stubbs!
King Augustus was played by PTC regular Mike Newbold, and a comical foil for his Queen.
Katie Inglis was no shrinking violet either and definitely not weedy in voice or character, as the gardener, Dandelion, who caught the eye of our Princess "Rose"/Aurora.
It's always lovely to see Hannah Rogers-Gee in any part and was cast as the lead role this year (If I'd have known I'd have auditioned for the Prince).
Talking of which, newcomer Adam Tomas-Monk made his debut as Prince Gorgeous. The Prince with a twist (and we're not talking Chubby Checker here) who has something in common with our Queen, both carry lipgloss and a vanity mirror in their bags! I look forward to seeing Adam in more productions in the New Year as I feel he has more strings to his bow, but what a way to make a debut.
Mike Pearson (Chester The Jester) was the glue in the panto and kept it all rolling along nicely and along with Liam Hall (Heap) and Laura Thurman (Bogweed) formed a brilliant comedy threesome, especially in their rendition of "The 12 days Of Christmas". I'd seen this done a couple of years ago at the Theatre Royal by The Grumbleweeds but Mike, Liam and Laura matched that version easily. Also keep your eye on Heap and Bogweed in the dance routine for "I Only Want To Be With You", as they are very funny.
And in all good pantos there are the "goody" and the "baddie", Fairy Lilac and Fairy Black (Sophie Petruccie and Maggie Andrew). Yes that's right, award winning director Maggie Andrew as a baddie! And boy does she go for it. Itr was great to see Maggie spreading her acting wings again and, in my opinion, something she ought to do more often as she was amazingly boo worthy as the evil Fairy Black.
The jokes were corny but funny, there was loads of audience participation, a lovely variety in music, ranging from musical numbers such as "On A Wonderful Day Like Today", "The Timewarp" and "Timeless To Me" from "Hairspray" to singalong pop like "Knowing Me Knowing You" and McFly's "Love Is Easy" to the ballad "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" by Aerosmith, culminating in a Christmas singalong of "All I Want For Christmas Is You"
Amanda Hall has smashed it again and has surrounded herself with equally talented people like Ray McLeod (musical director), Josh Kemp (Assistant Musical Director), Jessica Royce (Choreography) and a talented group of costume designers with thanks to The Burton Joyce Players and the amazing seamstress extrordinaire, Yvonne Wright who were responsible for Nanny Nettle's costumes.
If you've never been to the Arts Theatre before, then go and see "Sleeping Beauty" as an introduction to the excellent work they produce, and support your local actors and theatre. You won't be disappointed.
Nottingham Arts Theatre until Sunday 22 December 2013
Why does Christmas seem just a little closer with the People's Theatre Company pantomime at the Nottingham Arts Theatre I wonder? There are some wonderful performances in Nottingham this Christmas, so strong and all the theatres seem to have upped their game this year. If you want sparkle and glitter then the Playhouse is the place to go. If you want big names then drop in at the Theatre Royal, but if you want fun and endless chuckles then you need to go to the Arts Theatre.
Amanda Hall has written one of the best pantos yet. OK so the scenery is fairly basic but you know what, after the first five minutes you don't even notice because you're swept along with some wonderfully entertaining, and talented actors who give their all for their art. Now, they make it look so effortless, but having just a bit of an insight into these things, I know that, from the lovely and welcoming front of house staff to the actors on stage and the back stage helpers who get no recognition, it's damn hard work!
It's traditional with a slight twist at the end, which I won't reveal, but gorgeous as he may be, it's not the Prince who awakens Sleeping Beauty from her 100 year sleep!
The cast are well known to the regulars of the People's Theatre Company productions and many of the chorus, such as Roy Smith, Glenn Murphy and James Murray have all taken a back seat from featured roles throughout 2013.
So many highlights that I'll give a quick mention to some of my favourites. I loved Gavin Alston as Nanny Nettie Nettle, a "Dame" in the traditional sense of the word, who nailed not only the role but walking and dancing in incredibly high heels. Either a lot of practice and rehearsing has gone into those heels or he's worn killer heels before!
Marie Rogers gave some wonderful facial expressions as Queen Augustine and reminded me a bit of Una Stubbs, and I love Una Stubbs!
King Augustus was played by PTC regular Mike Newbold, and a comical foil for his Queen.
Katie Inglis was no shrinking violet either and definitely not weedy in voice or character, as the gardener, Dandelion, who caught the eye of our Princess "Rose"/Aurora.
It's always lovely to see Hannah Rogers-Gee in any part and was cast as the lead role this year (If I'd have known I'd have auditioned for the Prince).
Talking of which, newcomer Adam Tomas-Monk made his debut as Prince Gorgeous. The Prince with a twist (and we're not talking Chubby Checker here) who has something in common with our Queen, both carry lipgloss and a vanity mirror in their bags! I look forward to seeing Adam in more productions in the New Year as I feel he has more strings to his bow, but what a way to make a debut.
Mike Pearson (Chester The Jester) was the glue in the panto and kept it all rolling along nicely and along with Liam Hall (Heap) and Laura Thurman (Bogweed) formed a brilliant comedy threesome, especially in their rendition of "The 12 days Of Christmas". I'd seen this done a couple of years ago at the Theatre Royal by The Grumbleweeds but Mike, Liam and Laura matched that version easily. Also keep your eye on Heap and Bogweed in the dance routine for "I Only Want To Be With You", as they are very funny.
And in all good pantos there are the "goody" and the "baddie", Fairy Lilac and Fairy Black (Sophie Petruccie and Maggie Andrew). Yes that's right, award winning director Maggie Andrew as a baddie! And boy does she go for it. Itr was great to see Maggie spreading her acting wings again and, in my opinion, something she ought to do more often as she was amazingly boo worthy as the evil Fairy Black.
The jokes were corny but funny, there was loads of audience participation, a lovely variety in music, ranging from musical numbers such as "On A Wonderful Day Like Today", "The Timewarp" and "Timeless To Me" from "Hairspray" to singalong pop like "Knowing Me Knowing You" and McFly's "Love Is Easy" to the ballad "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" by Aerosmith, culminating in a Christmas singalong of "All I Want For Christmas Is You"
Amanda Hall has smashed it again and has surrounded herself with equally talented people like Ray McLeod (musical director), Josh Kemp (Assistant Musical Director), Jessica Royce (Choreography) and a talented group of costume designers with thanks to The Burton Joyce Players and the amazing seamstress extrordinaire, Yvonne Wright who were responsible for Nanny Nettle's costumes.
If you've never been to the Arts Theatre before, then go and see "Sleeping Beauty" as an introduction to the excellent work they produce, and support your local actors and theatre. You won't be disappointed.
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