"Private Lives" by Noel Coward

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

This is only the second time that I've seen this Noel Coward play; the first being quite a few years ago at the Nottingham Playhouse.

This production stars Patricia Hodge as Amanda and Nigel Havers, whose production company is behind the play, as Elyot.

Nigel Havers is perfectly cast as he looks as if he could have been born to an era harking back to Noel Coward with his smooth and sophisticated gentlemanly style. From the way he wears the immaculate dinner suit and holds his glass, to his vocal delivery of Coward's witty script, he fits the era and play with perfection and ease. That is until his superbly preened feathers are ruffled by the appearance of Amanda!

Elyot and Amanda, who were once married, find themselves in adjoining rooms in the same hotel on the French coast, both on honeymoon with their new partners, Sibyl (Natalie Walter) and Victor (Dugald Bruce-Lockhart), respectively. Elyot and Amanda's initial horror quickly evaporates and soon they’re sharing cocktails and a romantic serenade. Deciding they still love each other they both elope to Paris, leaving their new spouses at the honeymoon hotel.

Their marriage had not been a success, a diet of arguments brought about the divorce, but it seems that their current partners, have not enflamed the passion that once both ignited in each other. It is that passion that this play is all about.

We discover that very little has changed with Amanda and Elyot and the back-and-forth banter between the two is still as meaningly hurtful, but all very typical of a Noel Coward script. Amanda and Elyot also inflict quite a bit of violence on each other! To counter this there's also a very comical scene surrounding a romantic interlude on the sofa with Elyot limping off with arthritis and Amanda complaining of indigestion, as they had only recently eaten.

Then we really meet the new partners, Victor and Sibyl, who turn up at Amanda's private flat in Paris looking for the pair, and more than match Amanda and Elyot in the argumentative stakes. It's nice to watch Amanda and Elyot take an onlooker's seat, viewing the spectacle of Victor and the fireball Sibyl's meltdown scene which closes the play.

 Aïcha Kossoko as Louise, the French Maid, who was formidable; I even understood most of what she said as all of her script was in French!

The set is gorgeously classy, which is what you'd expect for a play set by Sir Noel Coward. In Act One we see the exterior of a high-class French hotel, complete with patio doors and balconies, you can see why that Compare The Market Meerkat ad received its' inspiration from!

We then see the interior of the apartment with its' lavish decor and decadence in Act Two. This, for me has to be one of the best and sumptuous set designs I've seen. I'd be very happy to reside in this particular flat, with its' rich red walls, piano, floor to very high ceiling drapery and enormous double entrance doors.

Coward was always one for witty repartee, and this play, written in 1930, just shows how great comedy can transcend the decades, and still be funny nearly a hundred years down the line. We still find stereotyping of what is expected from males and females comedic, especially when Amanda calls Elyot out for his hypocrisy regarding his adulterous behaviour, and he retorts that he can, "because I am a man".

The chemistry between the four main actors is wonderfully believable and the delivery of the lines, as well as the script is of that certain time. We would not speak in such a way nowadays, and that is what makes the script, and story, so much fun to receive.

A wonderful farce that should be taken as entertainment and not too seriously, but a wonderful evening of classy acting with a sharp and wonderfully witty script, as well as a guideline to meter how far we have come - or maybe not come - both comedically and stereotypically in the last century.

"Private Lives" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 23 April.

 "Red Ellen" by Caroline Bird

Nottingham Playhouse.

This play is the true story of an inspiring and brilliant woman, Labour MP Ellen Wilkinson. A woman who fought for a better world as more of a revolutionary as opposed to a politician.

She battled to save Jewish refugees in Nazi Germany; campaigned for Britain to aid the fight against Franco's Fascists in Spain; led two hundred workers in the Jarrow Crusade against unemployment and poverty, all causes she pursued with a passionate, reckless conviction. This was one woman who was not afraid to tackle big issues.

She knew Einstein and Hemingway, served in Churchill's cabinet and had affairs with communist spies and government ministers.

Not having a great deal of interest in politics, Wilkinson's name is new to me, although I do remember vaguely the mention of the Jarrow marches from school history lessons; a piece of history also encapsulated by Alan Price in his hit "The Jarrow Song". With this in mind I viewed this piece of theatre as a learning curve as well as an entertaining evening out, discovering all about the woman, her life and her causes and great strength in what was a male dominated industry. Sometimes things never change. I also discovered that you don't have to have a knowledge, or even a love of politics, to enjoy this play.

Wilkinson lived from 1891 to 1947 and entered politics when she was just 16 years old in 1907, but what a life she had and what a difference she made to many people's lives on the way.

Bettrys Jones who plays Red Ellen, is on the stage for virtually all of the performance time, which also meant that all the costume changes, and there were a few, were performed on stage. I imagine Bettrys to be absolutely shattered by the end of each show due to the speed she covers the stage and the time spent on stage.

The rest of the cast are Mercedes Assad (MrAnsley/Einstein), Sandy Batchelor (Otto Katz), Laura Evelyn (Isabel Brown), Helen Katamba (Annie Wilkinson), Jim Kitson (David) and Kevin Lennon (Herbert Morrison). All these actors double up for several other roles throughout.

Wils Wilson's Direction is fast paced and brings out all the humour of politics, plus the frustration with Wilkinson's plights. The scene where Ellen dies is particularly touching as she still had so much to complete in her hectic life. The close of Act One is excellent with the Jarrow March including the whole cast, headed by Ellen, as well as eight other "ghostly" walkers, rising up from the stage.

Camilla Clarke's set design is as manic as some the action with sections being dropped in and out, burning buildings and rubble to show the bombing from the war as well as the domestic abodes and the entertainment haunts. Camilla is also responsible for the costume design which shows both ends of the spectrum, from the poor bomb victims to the high fashion of Otto's bow tie and suit.

Music and Sound Design is by Jasmin Kent Rodgman. As well as the haunting sounds of the war and bombings, complete with some of the songs from the victorious era, Vera Lynn's "We'll Meet Again" etc, there's also other music snap shots and sound bites from the particular time line covering Wilkinson's life.

Lighting Designer is Kai Fischer, and a play like this must be a joy for the Lighting Designer, due to the burning, smoking effects for the crushed buildings, as well as all the other effects for war. Brilliantly and evocatively executed.

I have probably learned more about this period of politics, and history in the two plus hours this play covers than I'd have done in a classroom, so tonight I've received quality entertainment as well as gaining quality knowledge. I actually enjoyed the story and the play more than I had anticipated, and with a cast who you can see have given everything to this fast-paced play.

I was aware that after the first act, there were a few seats that were not refilled, which is a loss to the audience members who missed an excellent part two.

"Red Ellen" is at the Nottingham Playhouse until Saturday 30 April.

Photos by Pamela Raith.

 "Mamma Mia!"

Nottingham Royal Concert Hall.

You just can't beat a really good feel-good piece of theatre, and this is one that I wouldn't take a chance on missing. I don't need to have a dream to predict how successful this show is going to be over the next couple of weeks.

This 2022 tour also celebrates 22 years since "Mamma Mia!" first appeared on the London stages, and it's still as much fun and irresistible as ever. You can feel the warmth of the Grecian sunshine emanating from the stage.

20-year-old Sophie is about to say I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do to the love of her life, Sky, and be his Dancing Queen. The invites have been sent out and the stage, quite literally, is set to host the most idyllic wedding ever on a fictional Greek island, in the sun. But Sophie is also on a mission to discover who her real father is, as she wants him to give her away at the ceremony.

At the moment there seems to be a showcase of local talent on stage and this show features the lovely local lady Sara Poyzer, who I've had the pleasure of seeing on stage in several productions locally.

Sara Poyzer (Donna Sheridan), is Sophie's mother. Sara's vocals are spot on, and her great range is on show in this jukebox musical. From the tender "Slipping Through My Fingers" to the powerhouse of a ballad, "The Winner Takes It All". In any other circumstances, this rendition would have had the audience on their feet, but as it was part of the musical, we had to wait until the bows to show our appreciation of Sara's vocal ability until the end. For me, Sara is Donna as no one, in my head would be able to top her performance.

Nicky Swift (Rosie) and Helen Anker (Tanya) play the former band members of the band Donna & The Dynamos; Donna being the third of the trio. What a pairing! Brilliant comedy, Great timing and wonderful voices, especially with Tanya, who combines all three in "Does Your Mother Know".

Richard Standing (Sam Carmichael), Phil Corbitt (Bill Austin), Daniel Crowder (Harry Bright), are the three prospective fathers. Sophie had found their names in Donna's diary for around the time of Sophie's conception and had sent them invites to the wedding. Does Her Mother, Donna, Know? No, she doesn't until they are already on the island! What a wonderful trio of actors, and what a performance, and they can all sing better than their film counterparts. Then again, even I can sing better than Pearce Brosnan!

Jena Pandya (Sophie Sheridan), is blessed with a beautiful voice and throughout you find yourself having her back, willing her to tie the knot with Sky. For anyone who has seen this musical, or the film, we all know how that ends, albeit a happy one. There is a real mother/daughter chemistry between Donna and Sophie, and that is thanks to the obvious chemistry between Sara and Jena.  And the wedding dress is gorgeous, by the way!

Toby Miles (Sky), the fiancé. Well let's face it, a lot of ladies in the audience will have gone home very happy tonight for watching Toby in just a pair of pants. It's one of those musicals that everyone is beautiful, a bit like a Grecian Baywatch but without the slow motion running on the beach. But seriously, Toby is another well matched actor and you believe that his character is madly in love with Sophie, and his voice isn't bad either!

Jasmine Shen (Ali) and Mariella Mazzilli (Lisa), play the bridesmaids. What a bundle of fun these two are. They bounce onto the stage, full of energy and cheekiness, injecting their energy, fun and cheek into the first full song of the show, "Honey Honey" along with Jena.

James Willoughby Moore (Pepper) plays Sky's best man. Here is an actor who knows how to have fun on stage and he shows this by always having a cheeky look on his face and a twinkle in his eye. His dance moves are not only athletic and energetic, but amazingly good fun to watch, especially in the "Does Your Mother Know" section, where Pepper gets to be up close and personal with Tanya.

Corey Mitchell (Eddie)plays Sky and Pepper's friend. Another ladies' man, but then again aren't all of these lotharios on this Greek isle? This musical is definitely one for the ladies. Another fun character.

A large ensemble who dance their socks off, if they wore them, they would have been danced off, and creating, when all is said and done,  a Taverna load of fun and energy. You just want to get on that stage and party with them, they are that kind of crowd.

You may have already surmised that the choreography in this show, by Anthony Van Laast, is some of the best on stage at the moment.

We can thank Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus from Abba for the music and lyrics. "Mamma Mia!" is written by Catherine Johnson and directed by Phyllida Lloyd. 

The set is designed by Mark Thompson, simple by design with two main pieces of scenery which is rotated for alternate scenes. Simple but very affective and easily moved into place.

The lighting design by Howard Harrison, and sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, help create this incredible party atmosphere. It's almost like being at a concert.

Musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch. It's these arrangements which bring out the wonderful lyrics of the Abba songs and, unlike many jukebox musicals, the words fit well into the story, whereas some jukebox musicals seem to add the songs for no particular reason, maybe to fill a gap. Here it's different because listen to any Abba song and they tell a story, and that is what is so special in "Mamma Mia", it tells a story. 

Ramping the volume up also made it feel like a concert, and by the end of the show, where we were treated to three Abba classics with all the cast, that is how it felt with everyone on their feet singing and dancing along.

I've seen "Mamma Mia" a few times previously but just adore the music of Abba and this musical story, so for me it never gets old. There was one bit here though that I couldn't recall from the last time, and that is the nightmare sequence to open Act Two, to the song "Under Attack". If it is an addition, it's a welcome one in my book, and if not an addition, it was a lovely surprise, which goes to show that you have to see this musical several times over, as there is so much fun jammed into just over two hours of warm fuzziness.

"Mamma Mia!" is at the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall until Saturday 23 April so exchange your money money money for a few tickets so that you can enjoy this super trouper of a show. Don't let it slip through your fingers, or you may need to call for an S.O.S!

 "Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker" by New Adventures

Nottingham Theatre Royal

A lot of people will have a misconception about ballet. A misconception that it's all tutus and tights and for the middle and upper classes, well it's not! What I love about Matthew Bourne is that he injects so much wit into his productions and smashes all ideas that this art form is not for folk like you or I. A long while ago I never thought that I'd learn to love ballet and it's thanks to Matthew Bourne, and New Adventures that I am now a fully signed up fan to this area of entertainment. It's also not all tutus and tights!

Bourne's image, as always has a darker feel to the story line but still has plenty of fun and comic moments, shoving the character-driven roles to the fore.

This show follows Clara’s journey from a darkly comic Christmas Eve at Dr. Dross’ Orphanage, where Christmas Trees, decorations and presents are locked away as soon as their special guests have left the building. The Dross's daughter and son bully the orphans and have smarter dress than the grey, basic costumes for the orphans. It's almost like Cinderella meets Annie. One of the presents given is a mannequin which Clara gets but is cruelly broken by Sugar, the Dross' daughter and Fritz, the Dross' son.

In a scene resembling Chucky, the doll comes to life and frees the children and defeats Dross, his wife and children. Clara then finds herself at a skating lake for her next adventure. The skating scene on the large frozen lake is straight out of 1930's Hollywood, and the dancers even appear to glide across the stage as if wearing ice skates.

And then when Sweetieland is revealed, the sight and colours practically take your breath away as the set shows a giant wedding cake, only after Clara has managed to get past the Humbug Bouncer, who has already let in a multitude of Allsorts, mouth watering Bon Bons, Knickerbocker Glories, Marshmallows, Gobstoppers - depicting their hardness by being motorbikers, all parading in front of your very eyes. These visions must be what it's like to be on drugs!

But anyway, does Clara get her own Prince Charming? Let me just say that the final scene shows Clara back at The Orphanage with the mannequin on the floor. But also don't forget this is a fairy story!

The set designs by Anthony Ward have to be seen to be believed. They have explosions of colour - mainly pink - and makes you feel as if you are watching a cartoon with its' odd shaped windows and slanting scenery. Complete fantasy. This is a complete contrast to the sets for the Orphange which is practically monochromic.

With every Bourne classic, hair, costume, wigs , hats and make up are paramount to our enjoyment, and this is no different. Wigs that look like whipped cream, good enough to lick, oh and there's plenty of licking, tasting, shoving things in mouths and bottom slapping! Well, it is like a pantomime with the audience being a wide age range. It was lovely to hear the very small audience members giggling and laughing out loud while some of the visual acts of sauciness brought a smile to the parents, and probably the Grandparents in the audience. 

It's fruity with plenty of nutcase moments!

I've always said that ballet dancers are stage athletes, and seeing the energy in these performances, I still back that. What they do looks effortless and they never seem to break into a sweat while performing.

Cordelia Braithwaite plays Clara.

Reece Causton is the creepy Dr Dross; his costume and make up similar to Herr Flick in "Allo Allo" with the long leather coat and slicked back hair. 

Stephanie Billers is his wife, the Matron, equally as overbearing and unmoving. Both actors double up as the King and Queen.

Ashley Shaw plays Sugar, their daughter and Dominic North, their son. Both characters deserving of the beating the orphan kids gave them on their escape. These pair also double up as Prince and Princess.

Harrison Dowzell is The Nutcracker, and just happens to be a local lad, from Radcliffe On Trent, playing on his home turf for just the opening night.

Ben Brown is The Knickerbocker Glory.

And then there is the gorgeous score by Tchaikovsky, which most people will know at least part of, played in all its' splendour live.

"Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 16 April. And remember The Nutcracker is not just for Christmas!

 "The Tempest" by Your Chance Productions

Derby Theatre

It seems like an age since I last watched any Shakespeare on stage and how I've missed it. And I had no issues with understanding the great man's words, so it looks like after all this time Shakespeare is sinking in for me.

The Tempest follows the story of Prospera, who was overthrown by her sister Antonia and banished to a desert island with her young son. Here she befriended island spirits and learned powerful magic, 12 years later, when her sister and other nobles who helped overthrow her pass near the island on their way back from a long voyage, she takes the opportunity to get her revenge and shipwrecks them on her island, where she casts a series of spells and tricks on them. Along the way, Prospera’s son and Alonsi’s daughter start to fall in love, thieving servants get too confident and land themselves in trouble and the island spirits work their magic on all.

 
Will Prospera get her revenge? Will the lovers be able to marry? Will Alonsi find peace? Will the thieves get their comeuppance? and will Ariel finally win her freedom?

Well, for anyone who does not know what happens, best pop along to Derby Theatre to find out! For those of us who know, well it's just great to sit back and be reminded of the wonderful, magical story that Shakespeare hath writ.

You may also have noticed that there is already some changes afoot!

Samantha Badman as Prospera, The Duchess of Milan who was shipwrecked on the island where she had time to hone her magical skills to bring about the storm that brought her sister, and her enemies to the island so she could get her revenge. I've seen Samantha in several productions over the years and in this role she really gets to grip with this part; I really enjoyed this performance.

Kate Lewis as Ariel, the favourite spirit of Prospera and carries out all of Prospera's wishes. Kate is one of many new faces within Your Chance Productions, and I hope that I get to see more of what Kate can do as she is literally bewitching. Loved her costume which really made her look like a wispy spirit with long flowing wispy material, and great make up also.

Wahnnetta Williamson as Seba, Alonsi's sister and close friend to Antonia. Another new face to the Your Chance fold, and with so many newbies it really shows how well this group have gelled to produce this quality of Shakespeare.

Harry Marciniak as Stephano, a butler and the other half of the comedy duo with Trincula. Believing his Masters to be killed Stephano makes himself quite at home on the island and his ego gets him caught up in some nasty plots that land him and Trincula in a lot of trouble. Harry is new to Your Chance Productions but I had the pleasure in seeing him in "Pink Mist" at Nottingham's Lace Market Theatre in November. His take on the role is new to me as I've never heard a Mancunian Shakespearian character. Great fun to watch with many comic moments, both physical and in his delivery. Harry also plays a good drunk, which made me think how much method acting was needed!

Molly Gudz as Trincula, who is the entertainer in Alonsi's court and the other half of our drunken duo. The first thing I noticed about Molly is how much she resembles Kylie Minogue in build and looks, so she won me over straight away. A lovely pairing of actors with Harry and Molly as they bounce off each other really well.

Chantelle Ruston as Antonia, the villain of the piece, a manipulative young woman who seized control of Milan, taking it from her sister Prospera. You can tell that Chantelle really got into this villainous part, and looked to have enjoyed being the baddie, and I enjoyed her performance.

Emma Merrey as Caliba. Caliba has a lot of issues and a lot of anger towards Prospera who she believes stole the island from her. Again, Emma slipped into the role really easily. There are so many different character-driven roles within this play and you could really feel the vitriol burning inside of Emma's character.

Sophie Smith as Alonsi, The Queen of Naples and mother to Ferdina. It was nice to see the breaking down of the character from being quite a harsh woman to softening when she learned that Ferdina had survived the shipwreck and had found herself a beau in Mirando.

Oliver Ridgeway as Mirando, Prospera's son. Mirando is only young and completely naive, especially when it comes to how he feels about Ferdina. Oliver is yet another newbie to the group but I don't think he is new to Shakespeare as he is completely fluent in delivering the text as Shakespeare had meant it to be delivered. It was as if it were a second language to Oliver. The scene where he and Ferdina "proposes" was beautifully acted and very tenderly delivered and I am sure that I heard an audience member say "aah" when the scene was over. Oliver also has a great face for acting as he depicts the feelings that his words promote in his face. Some actors, especially with Shakespeare deliver the lines but sometimes you get the feeling that it is just that, line delivery. Oliver totally lives and believes the text and shows us that he does.

Jessica Horsley as Ferdina, daughter to The Queen and a brave warrior. Ferdina thinks that she is the sole survivor of the shipwreck and soon becomes very fond of Mirando. Again, an excellent pairing of actors and the chemistry between these two was electric; you could tell the way that they stared into each other's eyes when they were acting.

Philippa Buchanan as Gonzala who loves all things in nature and sees good in everything and everyone. I love to watch Phillipa because she is what I call a "safe bet" in any cast, whether it be Shakespeare or Sondheim. You just know that she will deliver exactly what is wanted by the Director and what is needed for the role and the play. Need I say more? It's always lovely to see her class and capability.

Directed by Jessica McLean, she has brought out the comedy elements of this play brilliantly, as well as the drama needed to make the production a very enjoyable piece of theatre. Just a shame that it's only on for two nights.

There was a lovely soundscape of waves and bird noises throughout which really places you in an island setting.

A percentage of the ticket sales will also be donated to the charity Inspirative Arts who provide creative arts for children and adults and help them develop emotional resilience and improve self-esteem. 

"The Tempest" is only at Derby Theatre until Saturday 9 April.