"The 39 Steps - A Radio Play" by Riverside Drama Company.

The Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

I love theatre that is different and I've also been lucky enough to see several plays that have been performed as radio plays, and great fun it is as well. It's like going back in time and watching the way they did things on the radio back in the heyday of radio plays.

Inspired by Hitchcock's classic tale, this romantic thriller is a fast-paced ride through the signature world of the Master of Suspense. Richard Hannay is visiting 1940s London when he meets Annabella Smith, who is on the run from foreign agents, after a disturbance at a music hall. Later that night, Annabella is murdered and Hannay must then try to break the spy ring and prove his innocence. From an epic train chase to a feisty love interest, Hannay has his work cut out for him as he searches for the truth about "The 39 Steps".

Even before the play starts you're greeted by the MC for the recording, Mr Mike Roe-Fone (Jonathan Greaves), asking how you are and generally chatting. Mike then introduces us to the live sound effects lady, Coco Nutts (Moya Magee), and she demonstrates some of the effects that we hear in the play. Then we are introduced to Dave (Dave Martin) on sound and lighting.

This is an immersive radio play so we are told, and shown what to look out for, when to applaud, boo and jeer, murmer, cheer and perform the "dun dun duuuun" - you know the thriller sound when there is danger afoot. All with a generous helping of parmesan, and all adds to the enjoyment of radio play we are about to experience.

We are then introduced to the radio actors, plus the actors who perform the live radio commercials and sponsors - yes, back in the day the radio "ads" were all performed live.

The actors all dress up for the parts, even though they weren't seen - well it is radio - and we also see how all of the live sound effects are created.

The set is how you'd expect a radio station recording studio would look, complete with those wonderful old chunky mics, and also creates a feel of the 1940's.

Let's get on to the main actors and their roles, several actors play various roles, with various accents. Some accents sound stereotypical Scottish and Cockney, and that adds to the fun of the evening.

Richard Hannay (Dan Bates), a dapper English gentleman, is bored—until Annabella Schmidt (Liz Turner) comes into his life and starts him on an heroic and hilarious journey from London to Scotland and back again. I love the clipped, effected, RP eccent that Dan provides the role, and how a simple moustache can change the way an actor can look. Tirribly tirribly good.

Annabella Schmidt, an exotic secret agent, is in dire need of Hannay’s help, but her life is in danger. Another wonderful accent - I do love a good accent, I've never heard "haddock" pronounced like that, nor the name "Scmiiiiidt". Wonderfully fun.

Pamela Stuart (Lizzie Norris), a beautiful woman who is lured into Hannay’s adventure but is sceptical of his claims of innocence. Pamela - or should that be "Pimela" is a really fun character for an actor to get to play. All Hooray Henry but with that underlying sexiness, and Lizzie brings that out spiffingly!

Margaret Crofter (Jenni Wright), the farmer’s wife, is a shy young woman who dreams of life and adventure in the city. Jenni gave you the impression, through Margaret, that Margaret was slightly in awe of the posh Southerner, which is why she helped Hannay to escape.

Mr Crofter (Dave Wilson), a deeply jealous and suspicious Scottish farmer who houses Hannay for a night while he is on the run. Love that archetypal Scooorts accent.

Mr Memory (Bob Baron), a stage performer who has the ability to recall thousands of facts on command. His death scene probably shouldn't be as funny as it is, but it is.

Professor Jordan (Rob Osmond), Surrounded in mystery and may hold the key to learning what and who “The 39 Steps” are. Ooh you can tell he is a nasty, can't you. Anyone with a section of his finger missing has to be a bit devious and dark, and explains his connections with the Northern constabulary.

The smaller parts are also played brilliantly by John Sully (Music Hall Manager/ Policeman #1/Butler/Scot #1), Dave Wilson (Milkman/Cockney #1/Scot #2/Detective), Samantha Badman (Mrs Higgins/Waitress), Rob Osmond, Donna Osmond, Gail Roy and Amy Cannon (The Music Hall Questioneers), Rob also played the Ticket Inspector, Jenni Wright (Cockney #2/Usher), Bob Baron (Policeman #2), Donna Osmond (Doctor/Mrs Jordan), Amy Cannon (Mrs McGarrigle) and Gail Roy (Stage Manager).

Providing the live adverts on air for the sponsors, Lux Soap, were Gail Roy, Samantha Badman, Amy Cannon, Donna Osmond, Jenni Wright and Bob Baron.

Directed by Jonathan Greaves, who also is MC for the play, and does the raffle in the interval - still in character. You can tell that Jonathan must have had fun with this production, because the production exuded fun. Although there was nowhere near a full house tonight, everybody joined in with the jeering, cheering, animal noises, Lambeth walking, Pennsylvania 65000-ing, and seemed to be having a jolly old evening of it all.

Close your eyes and you could imagine the smoke filled streets of London and the dark Scottish fens, the old fashioned train compartments of the old steam trains and the old news reel music, the excitement of Dick Barton, all with that added comedy zest provided by audience participation prompted by Mr Mike Roe-Fone. Hurrah! Now where did I put those cucumber sandwiches Mater?

"The 39 Steps - A Radio Play" is being performed at The Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton until Saturday 25 June. Go on luv, treat yerself, ya know you want to dahling!

 "Dreamboats and Petticoats - Bringing Back The Good Times"

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

Jukebox musicals can be pretty light on plotlines, this is one of them; that aside, the music far makes up for the tissue paper storyline. Fortunately, I've seen "Dreamboats" before, so I remember the characters, and that is half the battle in any play or musical; you already have a foot in the door. This is the third instalment of the "Dreamboats" ongoing escapades. "Bringing On Back the Good Times", and they did!

Bobby and Laura used to perform together, Due to "creative differences" they no longer perform as a duo and Bobby has gone back to the band that he used to perform with, Norman and The Conquests. Laura has taken the solo route and is a rising star on the scene. they are though still a couple and the split, musically is causing all kinds of issues with the couple. That basically is the plot.

Elizabeth Carter (Laura) has a gorgeous voice, which sounds heavenly on "You Don't Own Me", winning her a standing ovation from a few people in the audience, mid-way through the show. Her voice blends so well with Bobby's, and there is a lovely chemistry between the two sweethearts, which shows even more when they duet on several of the musical numbers.

Several times this year we have witnessed local actors returning to Nottingham with touring productions, and again, tonight we were so pleased to see Jacob Fowler (Bobby) grace the stage in this lead role. I've known Jacob for several years now, so I know what a great soul voice he has. I've reviewed him in local productions and seen him perform his own original material live. We also saw him win through on TV when Little Mix were looking for a support band, and Since September was born. Now we get to see Jacob perform songs that were hits decades before he was born and make them sound like they were his songs. He is well within his comfort zone with this show, playing guitar, acting and we also get to hear his wonderful falsetto. Where we sat, there were echoes of people complementing his voice and the show itself.

It's always wonderful to see original legends on stage and Mark Wynter plays Larry, Laura's controlling manager. There is absolutely no doubt that this man still has it. Acting ability, stage presence and that smooth voice. We are also treated to a medley of Mark's greatest hits, "Venus In Blue Jeans/Go Away Little Girl/It's Almost Tomorrow". He presented a lady in the front row with a rose, and looked like he may have had trouble getting up, but no, he rose, with a wobble. And the only reason why I add this is that I am 20 years younger than Mark, and his knees work better than mine. He obviously keeps himself fit, and he looks in great shape.

Another brilliant casting is David Benson as Kenneth Williams as the host of the Eurovision. This scenario comes into play because Bobby makes one final bid to save his career, as well as his relationship: a wildcard run at becoming Britain’s entry in the Eurovision Song Contest. David had the audience in the palm of his hand with his Kenneth Williams mimicry, which included the "Ma Crepe Suzette" monologue/song. David also played the parts of Old Bobby, which is where the musical starts, and Mr Croft.

Joseph Lukehurst (Norman), like Jacob, was drafted in at short notice for this role, but you wouldn't have guessed it due to the confidence that oozed from this character onstage, and some pretty powerful vocals as well.

The rest of the cast are as follows, Lauren Anderson-Oakley (Sue), Samara Clarke (Donna), David Luke (Ray). Mike Lloyd (Percy/Frank), David Luke (Ray), Benji Lord (Colin/The Kellys), Joe Sterling (Richard/The Kellys), Rob Gathercole (Richard/The Kellys), Sheridan Lloyd (Andy), Chloe Edwards-Wood (Daisy/Betty), Daniel Kofi-Wealthyland (Barry), Alan Howell (Eric) and Lauren Chinnery (Babs/Sue/Tania Thomas).

The cast, many of whom play instruments as well as singing and dancing, all work their little Bobby Sox off to create a really good, feel-good vibe, and that makes up for any serious lack of story. If only life were as simple as this, but theatre is supposed to take us away from our humdrum life and transport us to a feel-good place, so it does its job. it's not opera and it's not Shakespeare, and it wasn't produced to be either and there is room for all on the big stage.

Written by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, there is plenty of comedy which is at most, seaside humour saucy, and sometimes you just want to go out and not see something too deep with a complicated story, you want to see something light and entertaining that makes you feel all fuzzy when you leave the theatre. And on these levels, this show ticks every box!

Choreographed by Carole Todd and all of the dances that go with the songs are there performed with gusto.

There are so many hits from the 50's and 60's, it's almost like a K-Tel/Ronco compilation, or maybe any one of the many "Dreamboats and Petticoats" CD compilations. "Mony Mony", "Baby, Now That I Found You", "Oh Pretty Woman", "Keep On Running", "You Don't Own Me", "C'Mon Everybody", "Where The Boys Are", "To Sir With Love", "Blue Moon", "Come Softly To Me" - both of these performed accapella style. 37 songs, and then there was the Megamix at the end. It was like being at a "Now That's What I call A 50's/60's Dreamboats and Petticoats Party".

A brilliant set design, by Sean Cavanagh, which took in The Palace in Torquay, St. Mungos Youth Club and Butlins.

The sound (Chris Whybrow) and lighting (Nick Richings) design was everything that I would have expected a successful touring show to present. It was nice and loud; I'd expect no less from a live band and, although Norman was caught without a full spot on him only once, the lighting was big, bold and beautifully done.

I loved the costumes; the male costumes were mainly sharp suits and the ladies' dresses were just as sharp.

People who book for a show like this should not expect anything more than a brilliant escape from their everyday life, combined with a wonderful soundtrack that you know every word of and can sing along with (in your head only please!). It is light and fluffy entertainment and there is never anything wrong with light and pink and fluffy onstage in my eyes!

"Dreamboats and Petticoats - Bringing Back the Good Times" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 25 June.

 "Sailor Beware" by Ravenshead Theatre Group.

Ravenshead Village Hall.

Here's a play that I'd not heard of before, which dates back to 1955 and is one of a trilogy of plays concerning the Hornett family, written by Phillip King and Falkland Cary. The other two were "Watch It sailor" and "Rock A Bye Sailor".

King had previously written the 1945 farce "See How They Run". Ravenshead Theatre Group were to have performed this in 2020 but due to the dreaded "C Word", it was postponed until now. I popped over to Ravenshead on their second performance.

The Hornett household is dominated by Emma, the tyrannical wife of Henry, sister-in-law of Edie, and mother of Shirley. Able Seaman Albert Tuffnell is in love with Shirley, but he views the prospect of marrying into her family with concern, and well he might! He is an orphan and has never known home life. He decides to shock Mrs Hornett into recognising how badly she behaves to other people.

By jilting Shirley on their wedding morning he sets off a chain of events that lead family, neighbours and even the vicar to tell Emma what they think of her. She is duly chastened and all ends happily, though not without a hint that Shirley has the potential to become as formidable a wife as her mother has been.

Emma Hornett is played by Mandy Buckley, and for me the star of this show. What a brilliant character, and Mandy absolutely shines as Emma, the matriarch of the family. She bosses and cajoles absolutely everyone, and she has trouble stopping herself even after the epiphany. Mandy probably has an absolute ball playing Ma Hornett, almost as much fun as we had watching her.

Shirley Hornett, played by Sarah Tryner, and you can't help but feel just a little bit sorry for Albert, IF Shirley takes after her mother! Another fun role for Sarah that she has well and truly got her teeth into.

Albert Tufnell is played by Rob Hurst, and as I have always said, he delivers, and he does again with this part. Emma thinks she knows what sailors are like but she does not know Albert as well as she thinks she may.

Henry Hornett, played by Terry Cox. Oh, how brow-beaten Henry is, but his revelation of his true feelings towards his wife at the end is a really lovely touch by the authors, and Terry is just the man to bring out these two sides of Henry.

Edie Hornett, played by Julie Cox, and another brilliant character driven role. Edie was jilted at the altar and any little reminder causes the tears and the wailing to start. Bearing in mind that this play covers the eve of and the day of the wedding, you can imagine the emotions from Edie. Julie plays a blinder in this comedy role.

Mrs Lack is played by Karen Hall, and the neighbour who just happens to pop over, just as the tea is being brewed! Mrs Lack is also supposed to be putting up Albert, and his best man, fellow ship-mate Carnoustie. But this all goes awry which just piles the pressure on for Emma Hornett.

Daphne Pink plated by Catherine Buckley, and from the off, can I say what a gorgeous polka dot costume Catherine gets to wear. Daphne is Emma's relation who is there as Bridesmaid and to help Shirley on her big day. She also has a bit of a roving eye when it comes to Albert's best man! But does she get her man and is it more than her eye that is roving?

Carnoustie Bligh is played by Adam Nayar. Carnoustie is a Scot, but sometimes the accent travels South. Adam reminds me of a young Adil Ray with his looks, and I think that with a wee bit more projection in his voice, he is going to be a cracking comic actor because he has that twinkle in his eye, and a nice sense of timing.

Timing is a big thing with this production as there is a lot of fast delivery lines, which has been timed really well.

John Birch plays The Reverend, Mr Purefoy, and I am sure that everyone called him "Pureboy", or that may have been my hearing, who knows? John looks and even sounds like he should be a man of the cloth; or it could just be that he is a fine actor!

I loved the set design with its' wide-open front room design, which is where all the action took place, so the only changes were when the teatime props were removed from the table. And there was actual food on the table, no pretending to eat or drink; actual tea in the pot and actual meat and salad with bread and butter on the plates. Realism at its' best and a tick from me for the Director.

Talking of whom, Andy Cook has given us a wonderful matched cast to character as well as a brilliant set design. perfectly fast-paced timing. Can't fault it. Although, something that was out of anyone's control, I did notice that in the second act, the neighbours across the road, through the window seemed to have had a slight problem with subsidence. You probably won't get to see this though.

Sound is by Daniel Andrews with Lighting by Iain Walton.

I must also mention that the programme, which I'd advise to buy (£1) has some wonderful cartoons included, and drawn by Catherine Buckley, and designed by John Birch.

A wonderful piece of comedy with some very witty lines and some brilliantly written, and performed characters.

"Sailor Beware" is at Ravenshead Village Hall until it sets sail on Saturday 18 June.

 "High School Musical on Stage" by the Young Performers.

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

Disney’s "High School Musical on Stage" centres on the blossoming relationship between Troy, a good-looking high school jock, and Gabriella, the new girl at school. They meet on a family vacation and become attracted to each other while singing in a karaoke competition. Rediscovering each other at East High school, their relationship and their decision to audition together for the school show are thwarted by the school’s current leading lady, Sharpay, and Troy and Gabriella’s well-meaning friends. Finally, Gabriella and Troy find a way to be themselves and are rewarded with the lead roles in the school show. This is of course Disney, so there are happy endings all round.

Troy Bolton is played by Louis Dexter and Gabriella is played by Ella Charlesworth.  Although for me it took a bit of time for the chemistry between Troy and Gabriella to show, they eventually got there and by the end you could see that they had settled into their roles - possibly first night nerves, even for a pair of seasoned young pros like Louis and Ella. Loved their duet of "I Can't Take My Eyes Off You" as I think this is where they started to relax a bit.

Another pairing I loved, this time from the off as the chemistry was there straight away was that of Sharpay Evans and her brother Ryan Evans, played by Emilia Buxton and Finn Boswell. It was the eye contact between the pair that made this brother/sister relationship so good. I loved the attitude that Emilia gave Sharpay, and I loved the honesty that Finn brought out of Ryan.

Kelsi, the pianist, is played by Jasmine Hutchings, and it was not until a slight delay in stage management where Kelsi's keyboard was brought on slightly after the music from the keyboards started that I realised that Jasmine was not actually playing the instrument. Before this, she made me believe that she was actually playing. Nevertheless, a good solid performance from Jasmine.

Jack Scott is the High School's P.A. man, announcing everything that was going on inside East High, and I loved this character. Freddie Cutts, who played Jack, was brilliant with the American fast talking radio jockey style delivery. I could see him playing Vince Fontaine in "Grease" with his patter.

Ms Darbus, the drama coach was also wonderfully played by Scarlet Hutchings. A wonderful sense of authority in her voice and actions.

Coach Bolton, the basketball coach and Troy's overbearing and dominating father was another stand out performance for me. Played with a lovely mature attitude by Drew Boswell. The whole attitude given to the character belied the tender age of Bolton's actor.

Taylor McKessie is Gabriella's best friend, and also one of the smartest girls in school, is played by Neve Saxton and Martha Cox, Gabriella's other bestie, is played by Polly Snape.

The Brainiacs were Kratnoff (Alex Povey), Archie (Lucie Artiss), Pete (Carly Gaunt), Lacey (Sophie Dexter) and Kristie (Iris Applegate). These are the smartest people in the school with their ability to do maths and science questions in under 30 seconds.

Troy's besties were Zeke Baylor, played by Joe Stewart and Chad Danforth, played by Lewis McDowall. the other Jocks in Troy's posse were Jason (Will Mellor), Drew (Dillan Brookes), Ace (AJ Chamberlain) and Kyle (Erin Gell).

The Thespians are James (James Pedrick), Susan (Millie Weston), Cathy (Keira Roberts), Alan (Sophie Longcroft), Cyndra (Isobel Pickering) and Clare (Myah Reppe-Jackson).

The Skaterdudes were Ripper (Evan del Gaudio) and Mongo (Keeley Rickerby).

The Cheerleaders were played by Neve Johnson, Avaani Babra, Lucy Coulson-Jones, Emily Wilkins and Jess Henshaw.

And last but not least in this large cast were The Adults; Karaoke MC (Dillan Brookes), Ms Tenny (Millie Weston) and The Moderator (Keeley Rickerby).

A more energetic cast you could not have wished for.

You'll have more than a couple of earworm tunes from this musical when you leave the theatre. Songs like "We're All In This Together", "Breaking Free", "Start Of something New", "Getcha Head In The Game" and "Stick To The Status Quo". Every track performed live by the six-piece band under the Musical Direction of George Parkinson.

Directed by Vicky Byrne obviously has a place in her heart for this musical because you can feel the love and energy that she has obviously channelled through to the cast. especially showing in the energy that comes from the stage.

Loved the choreography due to the energy shown by all the cast. I am sure that choreographer Erin Hill is extremely proud of each and every one. What I must just single out is the beautiful armography from Emilia Buxton (Sharpay). Right through to the tips of her fingers, the extension in her hands was worthy of any ballet dancer.

The Lighting by Dave Martin was almost perfect except for one scene in Act two when the lights were all dimmed and left the stage almost in darkness while the actors were doing what they do best. Maybe a slip of the hand there? Apart from that it was bright and colourful. I'm not sure if Dave himself designs the lighting, but whoever does design it, did a brilliant job in adding to the exciting staging.

The set design was probably one of the best designs for this particular musical that I have seen, and I've seen this performed a few times. Then again, knowing that it was designed by Roydon Charlesworth, means that the design standard does not come as a surprise!

So now we come to what has been for a while my bugbear at The Duchess, the sound. The sound operator, in my opinion has a really difficult job as you need to have been born part octopus. Not only do you need to have several faders all working at the same time but you have to know every character, their cues and have split second timing. I've seen cues missed in professional productions, and just looking at a sound desk is confusing enough. 

Designed by Dave Dallard and, as you can see form the amount of cast members above, there are a lot of cues and characters you need to have in your brain at one time. Operating the sound desk on opening night was a new young man, and when I say "young", he is, if my memory serves me correctly, only 14 years old. You don't get many 14-year-old part octopii (plural of octopus), and this was a baptism of fire for Jack Clark. saying that, even though there were cues missed, I think he did a really good job. 

Getting everything right, and balanced, sound wise is never easy. I've ran mobile discos which have incorporated karaoke in my past and making sure just two mics are balanced to the music and on when they are supposed to be, and sound good all at the same time fried my brain, so I know how hard it is to do what both Dave and Jack and sound ops all over do. Jack has a wonderful mentor in Dave where the sound desk is concerned so any missed cues etc from tonight should be forgotten, as tomorrow is an opportunity to absolutely nail this art form. I know that sound desk operatives in several theatres in the area have all had me grumble about missed cues and levels not being correct, but it's something I feel passionate about, working in radio. By the way I sometimes get sound cues wrong live on air as well - but don't tell anyone as I just blame it on the machinery!

That said, the energy, passion and enthusiasm really carry this show through. It's like a triple dose of e-numbers washed down with fizzy drinks and will have you bouncing off the walls with fun.

"High School Musical on Stage" is at the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton until Saturday 18 June.