“Blood Brothers”

Nottingham Theatre Royal

Anybody who knows me, even reasonably well, knows that Willy Russell’s "Blood Brothers" is my all-time favourite musical. It has been since I first saw it many years ago and remains to this day, for me, the perfect musical. A mix of happy and sad, light and heavy, emotional on every level.

The tale is one of twins separated at birth and the superstitions that are held with the separation of the twins. They grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, meeting again, their lives intertwining resulting with the most tragic of endings, but not knowing until the end that they were twins.

You see Mrs Johnstone's journey from the highs of getting married to the lows of her possessions being repossessed through to the high of realising that she was again expecting, this time twins, only being forced into having to give one of the twins away to Mrs Lyons who was unable to have children. And that is where everything started to go terribly wrong.

Lyn Paul returns to the iconic role of Mrs Johnstone, and for me my favourite of all the wonderful actors I have seen play this role. Lyn pours every bit of emotion into the role as she carries you with her culminating in a tsunami of emotional outpouring, richly deserving of the standing ovation the cast always receive. Lyn, I'll miss you when you finally say farewell to Mrs Johnstone.

Josh Capper (Mickey) had big boots to fill when he took over the role from Sean Jones and Alexander Patmore but these characters are so well written that as long as you keep the characteristics, and in Mickey's case, the physicality of the character, you can't go far wrong and Josh did exactly that. With all the characters you could visibly see the aging process form the young lad of seven, nearly eight years old, up to the man, shuffling around the stage, dependent on the pills he has been told he has to take. I must mention one of my favourite scenes with Josh as at the start of act two when he shows off his "dancing" skills! Classic comedy.

Daniel Taylor (Sammy) is as wonderful as ever. As far as I can remember I have always seen Daniel play Sammy, and I for one will never tire of seeing this flexi-faced actor gurn his way through the ten-year-old Sammy, resplendent with dead worms and the ability to gob in anyone's face with remarkable accuracy. He is like a chameleon as he goes from the ten-year-old, bullying his younger brother, to the small-time gangster who is the catalyst of Mickey's downfall.

Danielle Corlass (Linda), again makes an incredible transformation from sexy school girl to slightly dowdy wife and mother, but boy she has a hell of a lot to put up with, with Mickey. It's in the second act that Danielle really pulls out the emotional acting card, and WOW!

Joel Benedict (Eddie) is another new actor in this part, well to me he is new anyway, and again that aging process from slightly awkward posh boy to his position at the Council is impressive, and literally seems to grow before your eyes.

Paula Tappenden (Mrs Lyons) also has that ability to age on stage. Now I have seen Paula play this role previously but this time I really noticed the change from a slightly neurotic woman to full on paranoia, knowing that at any time, the slightest nudge could push her fully over the edge.

Tim Churchill (Mr Lyons), again an actor I have seen several times playing this role and you never get tired of seeing someone who know their role inside out and presents the character with such ease, like all of these actors in the show.

Robbie Scotcher (Narrator) brings the unease and edge to the show, always there when things seem to be going well to dampen and darken the atmosphere, reminding the characters of the pact that was made on the bible. Weaving in and out of the story and the scenery like a shark stalking its' prey. What makes this role so dark is that you never really know if Mrs Johnstone and Mrs Lyons can actually see him, a bit like the devil on your shoulder, or is it just the whiff of superstition that keeps coming back to haunt the two women?

Hannah Barr, Grace Galloway, Andy Owens, Nick Wilkes and Graeme Kinniburgh complete the cast in various roles.

The soundtrack is one of the best, with great songs like the whimsical “Marilyn Monroe”, the upbeat and hopeful “Brand New Day”, the warning song “Shoes On The Table” and that final song that gets the hairs on my neck standing up every single time I see this musical, “Tell Me It’s Not True” among them.

Every vocal performance was spot on, from every cast member. I will never tire of hearing this soundtrack, but I would love there to be a cast recording from this cast as, after searching everywhere, I've never found one that Lyn Paul has done. as this is her farewell tour, it would be brilliant to have Lyn record these wonderful songs along with the rest of the cast.

This show has an incredible sound design (Dan Samson) which really creates atmosphere in this show. It is crisp, clear and the echo chamber really gives a spooky feel.

As I started off saying, this musical is my favourite musical, and over my previous reviews I've lauded this musical and the incredible cast members. for me it gets better every time I experience it, and still get just a bit choked up with Mickey's scenes post-prison and that final scene still blows me away, even though I know exactly what is to come. Danielle's wail and Lyn's emotional scenes really do get me every time, especially when she tenderly kisses both sons on their heads and joins their hands together.

This show really ought to be sponsored by some paper hanky company because in act one you'll be crying with laughter, and in act two, they will just leave you crying.

“ Blood Brothers” is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 18 September.

 "Matilda Jr" by The Young Performers Summer School

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

Here's a musical that I've not seen before so i was pleased when I was asked along to review The Young Performers' production of this Roald Dahl classic.

Rebellion is nigh in this gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This is a story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires and has the audience rooting for the "revolting children" who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.

Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence... and special powers! She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the loveable Miss Honey. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace, as well as changing the life of Miss Honey!

It never fails to astound me the level of quality produced in such a short space of time that this large group had to pull everything together. They are the equivalent of human sponges, soaking up everything that they are taught. I have every respect for everyone on that stage for the quality, energy and professionalism.

There were a few stumbled lines but what impressed me was the way these young actors recovered and even helped each other out, especially when one character said the wrong character name, and the other actor corrected her; where it could have become an uncomfortable silence, it became an act of support for their fellow performer.

Avaani Babra was wonderful as our hero Matilda, and a lovely voice as well. Very confident and I hope we will see Avaani in future Young Performers shows in the future.

The nasty Mr Wormwood, Matilda's dad, was played with such ease and energy by Emily Wilkins, as to was Heidi Parsons, who played the self-obsessed Mrs Wormwood, who even had her own personal dance teacher in tow, Rudolpho, again played with great comedy overtones by Gracie Foster.

Ella Charlesworth fitted the character of the lovely Miss Honey well, as I know that she isn't as shy or reserved as the character she played, she displayed some lovely character acting.

James Pedrick, could well be the next big panto dame for Long Eaton as he played an absolute blinder as Miss Trunchbull, wonderfully sadistic, and it looks like he relished the character's nastiness and also playing such a deliciously evil part. No wonder he received a massive wave of applause in the final bows.

One scene from the film that always stuck with me was Bruce Bogtrotter's devouring of the famous chocolate cake, as a punishment by Miss Trunchbull. Playing the wonderful Bruce was Isobel Pickering.

I must also mention Alex Povey, as Nigel. When there is only a couple of young lads in a cast of many, many girls, I imagine that this can be a little overwhelming, but Alex made sure that he stood out with a brilliantly energetic performance.

A large cast of 25, they made sure that they filled the Duchess Theatre stage with energy and excitement, as well as irrepressible fun, and while I have only mentioned a few of the main characters, every single actor and singer on stage gave 110% tonight. This was also recognised by the packed theatre who showed their appreciation in a Tsunami of applause at the end.

A multi-faceted set created and built by Roydon Charlesworth. Simple but affective making parts of the set easily converted into several different scenes throughout and easy to handle and place on stage.

There were a few sound issues at the start but don't forget the size of this cast, I imagine you'd need to be an octopus to be able to make sure all mics were on when they should have been. That octopus was Harvey Tavener.

Lighting wise, I am not sure if the lighting spots may have been a bit out, or whether the actors didn't get to the right spots on stage but there were a few times when there was an empty spotlight with an actor just off from the spot and some lines were delivered in shade or darkness. Apart from that minor notice, the lighting design, by Dave Martin, was as exciting and colourful as the show itself

Packed with energetic dance numbers, choreographed by Vicky Byrne, and catchy songs, "Matilda Jr" is a joyous girl power romp. This is a musical for all age groups who will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

Directing this show I imagine would not have been an easy task, but Zak Charlesworth has pulled it out of the bag. No wonder he was relaxed when I spoke to him tonight, he had every faith in all of his performers, a faith that was returned with these performances.

"Matilda Jr" is at the Duchess Theatre until Saturday 11 September with tickets selling fast at just £10! If you don't get a ticket, you may just end up in Trunchbull's "chokey", and we wouldn't want that, now would we?

 "Little Shop Of Horrors" by BJW Productions

St Mary's Church, Nottingham.

This production is a one-off performance but it could easily have run successfully for a week, it was that good.

BJW Productions are a fairly new theatre group but they have not slacked on getting productions out there in the short time that they have been in operation. They have also not slacked on the quality and talented performers they have used for their shows.

If you don't know the story, seen the stage musical, the film version or any other production of "Little Shop Of Horrors", you must have been hiding under a stone for the last fifty years or so.

The story follows a nerdy florist shop worker, Seymour Krelborn, who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh. Up until then the shop was on the skids, well it is located on Skid Row, and on the verge of closing down, but this new, exciting and rare plant was going to save the day as it attracted new customers to the shop. Rapidly the new plant, Audrey 2, transforms Seymour from zero to hero, but what a cost to Seymour, the flower shop owner, Mr Mushnik and his other shop worker, and Seymour's secret crush, Audrey.

What I was not expecting with this production was the new twist that was given! More of that coming later.

Set in the wonderful surroundings of St Mary's Church in The Lace Market in Nottingham, the acoustics are perfect. Having seen a production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" a few years' ago in this very church, I knew this would be an excellent choice for this musical.

Owen Jones (Seymour) is a perfect piece of casting, not only for the physicality of the character, but for Owen's ability to transfer from the nerdy character who jumped at Mushnik's raised voice, to gaining the strength to take control of his life, all by way of the love for and from Audrey. I also got to experience Owen's singing ability up close and his range, from a tender whisper to a full on belting was mighty impressive. His duet with Emily in "Suddenly Seymour" really made the hairs on the back of your neck stand to attention.

Emily Bridge (Audrey) really delivered a character filled performance. She acted with every part of her being; from her frightened persona being bullied by Orin to the adoring and sweet puppy-eyed devotee of Seymour. Again a cracker of a voice that send the shivers through your body. Emily has the whole package nailed with Audrey.

Eoin Callaghan (Mr. Mushnik) had the Jewish side of Mushnik's character nailed as his eavesdropping on Seymour's possibility of leaving the shop with the plant prompted him to propose adoption of Seymour. This in turn also showcased the control and power in his vocals in "Mushnik & Son". Having seen Eoin previously, I already knew that he has a great voice for musical theatre, but hearing his vocals so close cements the fact.

Tom Noyes (Orin) is yet another excellent casting choice as the manic, sado masochistic dentist, a role and character many miles away from who I imagine Tom is away from the stage. I can imagine Tom had great fun playing this part, because the audience sure had fun watching Orin, especially when he got his comeuppance!

Emily Knight (Chiffon), Jessica Bridge (Ronette) and Daisy Hinde (Crystal) provided the close-knit harmonies for the Sixties style, trio straight out of a Phil Spector production studio. These three provided the first set of tingles for the evening with their well-blended vocals with just a few well-placed vocal acrobatics. All three also added to the ensemble.

Jamal Franklin (Audrey 2) is an actor who I have not seen before but what an eye opener this man is. Now this is where the surprise came for me as there is no Audrey 2 plant as such. What we see is Jamal adorned as a toddler would be, complete with dummy, depicting the smaller Audrey 2. Slowly Jamal increased in stature to replicate the growth of the plant. In doing so, he also managed to grow the menace as well as the comedy element of the talking plant. We saw the plant expand until Jamal appears at the end in a green suit to show the plant had reached adult hood. Jamal has one of those voices that sounds like the equivalent of melting chocolate. basically this man is Mr Smooth in the vocal department!

What was also very cleverly done was the digestion of Audrey 2's victims. We see them enter Audrey 2's portal and then, in a way that reminded me a bit of some of the scenes from the movie "Ghost" when the victims were grabbed by the underground demons, lifted aloft and carried away. Very ghoulish and very effective.

Hattie Kemish and Billy Sweet provided the additional ensemble along with playing several of the characters on the outer edge of the story.

Directed by Jessica Bridge, who obviously has an eye for doing things slightly different and her risks have paid dividends as I loved seeing a new take on a story that I have seen several times.

One thing I did note was the speed of the costume changes with the ensemble pieces. Boy, were they swiftly carried out! I must also note that the costumes were brilliant. From the classy 1960's styles for Chiffon, Ronette and Crystal to Orin's dentist outfit and the costumes for Jamal's Audrey 2. Oh and then there are the different costumes for Audrey herself. Brilliantly created for maximum impact.

Ben Ward was the Musical Director, heading the nine-piece band consisting of Dave Adey on keyboards, along with Ben, Reuben Savage on guitar, Barney McNamara on bass, Ryan Thrupp on drums, Tim Rabbitt and Steve Bennett on trumpets and Dawn Bratby and Diane Grebby on reeds.

The soundtrack includes some truly memorable songs, such as "Suddenly Seymour", "Somewhere That's Green", "Skid Row (Downtown)", "Feed Me" and the wonderfully catchy and comic "Dentist".

The choreography for this production was by Hattie Kemish, and looks like she has really worked some kind of magic here. I can't remember this level of choreography for this production. Also what really made me sit up and take note was the snappiness of the dance, every beat was matched with a specific movement. The fluidity of the dance to the music was pure magic. The combination of Hattie's choreography and the actor's obvious abilities to carry out the choreography so well made this a musical delight where the dancing was concerned.

Sound Design was by Harry Greatorex, and again it is obvious that a lot of work has gone into this area of the production. Not only is the performance area excellent acoustically, and the natural echo worked well in this sixties style musical. I heard every word from the actors and the mix between the band and the singers was practically perfect.

Light Design was by Jamie Vella and you still received the same full affect in this reduced staging as you would in a theatre where there would be so many more lighting rigs. The lighting was bright with the brilliant red and green hues within Mushnik's shop to show the greenery as well as the danger of Audrey 2. Aside of that, when there were the big ensemble numbers, they too were matched with big bright white lighting, making this production seem bigger than it was physically.

This was a one night only performance, but what a night it turned out to be. possibly the best production I've seen of this musical.

 "The Grand Reopening Night"

Nottingham Arts Theatre.

It's always the best news when I hear of a theatre re opening again, and it was so good to hear that the Nottingham Arts Theatre tonight re opened its' doors for their first public performance since Covid forced them to close last year. The arts, as we all know, have been hit hard by the pandemic, and local theatres have been hit hardest as they depend on the paying public to keep their heads (sometimes) above water.

Tonight was an evening of songs from the musicals, dance, comedy and poetry, and a chance to see faces, both old and new, singing and dancing for our entertainment, and reminding us all, just how talented local theatre folk are, and also what we have been missing for so long at the Nottingham Arts Theatre.

We were treated to performances from the Arts Theatres staff and volunteers, Rhythm Nation Studios, The People's Theatre Company, the Nottingham Arts Theatre's Summer School, as well as cast performances of upcoming musicals, all to whet our appetite for the coming season.

We were invited to be their guest from the off as they started with the "Beauty & The Beast" classic Disney tune, and then we were into the promotion of the People's Theatre Company November show "Jeff Wayne's War Of the Worlds" with Sam performing "Forever Autumn".

There were songs from "Les Miserables", "Miss Saigon", "Seussical", "Avenue Q", "The Greatest Showman", "Shrek", all in the first act, along with beautiful solos of "On My Own" from "Les Miserables" and "Tomorrow" from "Annie", plus a taste of the September production of "Joseph & The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat" from Louis Barnes-cupit and some of the cast.

Come the second act and a rousing version of "Amazing Grace", which is featured in the new musical about Aretha Franklin's life, currently starring Jennifer Hudson as Aretha, paved the way for some wonderful ensemble numbers like "Welcome To The Rock" from "Come From Away" and "Seasons Of Love" from "Rent", through songs from "The Lion King", "Wicked", "Sing", "Oliver", "42nd Street", "Grease" and "High School Musical".

Then there were the emotional music selections for the evening with Mariah Carey's "Hero", Eva Cassidy's version of "Over The Rainbow" and "Starmaker" from The Kids From Fame, a song that is much deeper than the pop world gave credit to, and especially when we reflect over the last 18 months, and the people who have made us all feel like stars in our everyday life, who may now not be with us.

If there is one way to guarantee a standing ovation, it is to get everyone standing up for the final number and the perfect song for this was "Lean On Me", the Bill Withers classic, again a song with an immense meaning for today. We all, even me, rose and sung along with the talent on stage, as a thank you for the entertainment and a promise to support the Arts Theatre, now more than ever. In all honesty, this showcase would have received a standing ovation anyway.

For me, this kind of showcase is a wonderful evening to star spot, and within the young performers there were several who stuck out who I really hope develop the love of performing. And while I am on that note, it was great to see the smiles on the faces of the young kids who looked like they were really enjoying what they were doing, and not just because they were told "eyes and teeth".

I loved seeing the newbies, just starting out, enjoying their first flush of audience adoration, and I know several young performers who I have had the pleasure to see head south to London's drama and dance schools, and have become successful and now have turned professional, from the Arts Theatre.

I also loved seeing the seasoned local performers back on stage again, Mike Pearson, Barry Hobbs, J J Gill, Patrick McChrystal, Laura Ellis, Marie Rogers, Chris Teasdale, Ray Samuel Mcleod, Amy Rogers-Gee, to name a few.

I, for one, am so pleased to see inside the Nottingham Arts Theatre once more, and it reminded me just how much I have missed the people and the productions from this lovely local theatre. It also reminded me of the talent that has lay, for most part, dormant, just waiting for the theatre doors to re-open and to once more, explode into life.

Welcome back, we've missed you.

 "Be More Chill" by BJW ProductionsBJW Productions

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

This is one musical that I have not seen before, although I knew of it and have the soundtrack, and it's probably a brave choice for BJW Productions to choose this lesser-known teen musical to perform. But BJW are no stranger to putting on the lesser-known musical, following on from "Twisted" and "The Mad Ones" and making them successes for the company. This was a choice that paid off because the theatre was pretty busy on their opening night.

"Be More Chill" centres on Jeremy, a sweaty, gawky teen who wants to shed his nerdiness and virginity. Jeremy, and best friend Michael, are the outcasts who no one pays attention to, and while Michael accepts this, Jeremy desperately wants to climb the social ladder and find the courage to ask Christine to go out with him. First, he lines up to audition for drama club, in pursuit of acting-obsessed Christine. Then he takes a magic pill called a Squip, (Super Quantum Unit Intel Processor), which comes from Japan.

The Squip is a pretty seductive concept for nerdy teens; it gives you a kind of personalised chill advisor that only you can see, who tells you how to dress, how to act, and all about the deepest insecurities of the popular kids who seem so normal. Jeremy's squip was channelling Keanu Reeves circa The Matrix era. As soon as it rolls on to the scene it’s also clear that it’s deeply evil.

Just when it seems that this evil was about to take over the whole school, a remedy is found, but by whom? How can our hero save the world? And will he be as popular and "chilled" when he is back to his normal nerdy self? Only one way to find out readers!!

Arden Jennison (Scary Stockboy), Harvey Latter (Party Monster), Millen Scrivener (Brooke - who takes a shine to the new Jeremy), Emily Knight (Chloe - who has a brilliant bedroom scene trying to seduce Jeremy at the Halloween Party), Beth Yearsley (Jenna), Robert McAuley (Jake - the object of Christine's affections, but he is an absolute cad where the ladies are concerned), Matt McAuley (Rich Goranski - the bully who introduces Jeremy to the magical Squip), all excellent in their roles as the college kids.

Billy Sweet as Michael Mell - Jeremy's loyal best friend, is the sort of friend that every person should have to stand their corner, whether it is playing video games, or for best friendly advice. Billy is a young actor I can't recall noticing in the past, I may be wrong - I'm getting on a bit now - but what I did notice was his vocals and especially in one of my favourite songs from the soundtrack, "Michael in The Bathroom" which gives Billy to sing with real emotion.

Adam Guest as Mr Heere, Jeremy's Dad, who walked around without trousers - there is a reason, also doubled as Mr Reyes, the drama teacher who reveals that the school play will be "A Midsummer Night's Dream" set in a post-apocalyptic future, re-titled A Midsummer Nightmare (About Zombies). Adam turns in an extremely comic performance as both characters, earning him a large show of appreciation from the enthusiastic audience. I must note as well that I have seen more of Adam in this production than any other that I can remember!

Natalie Webster as Christine Canigula, also turns in a brilliantly comic performance as the likeable and just a little scatty crush of Jeremy's. She oozes friendly warmth and you can see why Jeremy developed the crush on this character, and Natalie brought out and developed the character wonderfully.

Andrew Bould as The Squip shows off his powerful vocals throughout this musical. I have seen Andrew several times over the years but, while noting his vocal capabilities, seemed to find a vehicle for his powerful voice in this one. Exceedingly well cast. I had visions of him playing The Phantom in Phantom Of the Opera because of this menacing, physical performance and his strong vocals. And dressed in that long black Matrix coat and glasses, you would not want to meet this character in a dark alley!

Aiden Carson as our hero, Jeremy, at first was not recognised by me due to the geeky glasses, but as soon as he started to sing, there was no mistaking that clarity. I loved the way that Aiden got under the skin of the character, shoulders stooped, almost beaten down by the bullies and his lot with life. His stature grew physically as his confidence, due to the Squip, also grew. It is a tribute to Aiden's acting that in the past few months I have seen Aiden play several, very different roles and like a chameleon, he fits the skin of the character of every role he takes on. Another excellent character-driven performance.

Directed by Beth Yearsley with Associate Director Andrew Buxton. They have really hit the nail on the head with this show on every level, including the casting.

Conducted by Ben Ward. The soundtrack is full of ear-worm songs that will bug you long after you leave the theatre. High energy dance numbers sit comfortably alongside tender ballads, giving the musical depth and self-awareness.

The Sound Design was by Harry Greatorex and operated by Martin Curtis with Lighting Design and operation by Jamie Vella. All three creating a perfect setting and ambience to the different scenes of this sci fi musical.

Stage Manager tonight was Sophie Slater-Evans, who I imagine was kept on her toes with this fast-moving show.

I don't know who the choreography was by but they did an excellent job.

"Be More Chill" shines a spotlight on youth culture, but much more than this, it's great fun, not only for sci-fi fans, but anyone who loves a good story with a brilliant soundtrack to remove you from the worries and stress from modern life, just the other side of those theatre doors, if only for a couple of hours.

"Be More Chill" is at the Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton until Saturday 28 August.

And by the way, no Eminems were harmed during this performance.