"Pride & Prejudice (Sort Of)" By Isobel McArthur after Jane Austen

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

By the title, I had the idea that this would not be a straight forward version of the Jane Austen novel. A novel that I have read once and was completely indifferent to the romantic classic. What I hadn't expected was for this to have a string of pop classics interwoven as its' soundtrack, or for it to be as comical as it is.

The plot follows the Austen novel, in a contemporary setting with modern, and fruity language. The all-female cast play multiple characters, both servants and gentry, re-telling the novel's events through the servants' eyes while also performing well-chosen karaoke songs at pivotal moments.

Now, while I was not a fan of the book, there have been several versions of "Pride & Prejudice" in film and play form, even one that involves zombies, so it shows that the ingredients of this recipe has many flavours. This production now may make me revisit the book, you never know!

Leah Jamieson, Lucy Gray, Emma Stonelake, Megan Louise Wilson, Dannie Harris and Laura Soper are the sextet of multi talented actors who sing, dance, act and play instruments on stage, As you can imagine, by the length of the Austen novel, the action is very pacy.

Directed by Isobel McArthur and Simon Harvey, they have created a comic masterpiece from a romantic classic, beloved by so many. I have a feeling that the book might be revisited by a few more people than I, even if it were to make a comparison. Not only was the whole stage used, but even entrances through the auditorium in to the stage, as well as audience participation as the cast constantly smash that fourth wall, creating a lovely, warm connection with their audience.

Set Design by Ana Inés Jabares-Pita, a multi levelled set incorporating a sweeping staircase which was purely majestic. Classy set with modern touches, and look out for the in jokes with some of the props.

Musical Supervision by Michael John McCarthy, combining karaoke with musical intervention using real instruments, as previously stated, played by several cast members. What versatility!

Choreography by Emily Jane Boyle. There's a lot of dancing in here, most of it typical of what you'd see on the dancefloor at Prizm (other nightclubs are available) by a group of hen night members. This in itself provides many comic moments with the moves that are bust. It really is great fun.

The costumes are fantastic as well, just take a look at the photos.

If an evening out partly extracting the urine from a classic piece of literature with some classic karaoke songs like "Holding Out For A Hero", "Dedicated To The One I Love", "Every Day I Write The Book", "Lady In Red" and "Young Hearts Run Free", then this show is for you. It was definitely for me because I loved it to bits.

"Pride & Prejudice (Sort Of)" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 1 April.

 "Matilda Jr" by Spotlight Theatre Company.

Nottingham Arts Theatre.

I've had the pleasure of seeing many, many touring productions that have had children involved, and have marvelled many times at the talent the groups of young actors have. Their confidence and stage presence have wowed me. Spotlight Theatre's cast of young actors are on a par with any of the touring productions that I have seen which have children as leads and ensemble. Who needs Sylvia Young or Italia Conti when you have Amanda Hall and her group of  tutors?

On several occasions you can spot a young actor looking to another for guidance or for what the next dance step is, and that's fine as everyone has to learn, and looking to their peers, whatever age, is good. The cast of "Matilda Jr" did not look once to any other and every single young actor knew what they needed to do and when to do it. That not only showed me that they were absolutely loving what they were doing, but also that they have enjoyed the whole process of being taught this musical inside out; a credit to the adults who directed, choreographed and taught this insanely talented bunch of stars.

Anyway, for anyone who doesn't know the story, here's a quick taster of what it's all about. 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.

This is a big class, so I am only going to pick some of my highlighted characters and actors, but I was so impressed by every single person on that stage, and as I always say, the only difference between professional and amateur productions is the cost of the ticket.

Matilda is played by Grace Moroziuk. This young lady is full of energy, has oodles of stage presence and has a wonderful voice, and she even performed a bit of magic with Trunchball's beaker - I still can't work that bit out. Playing the lead role has not affected her confidence; Grace is the perfect choice to play Roald Dahl's magical and witty character.

Finlay Tomlinson, who I've seen now a few times on stage and just grows on me more and more, plays Bruce Bogtrotter; he's the character you may remember who has to eat the whole of Trunchball's chocolate cake. This young man has such a growing talent; his singing just gets better and better and he is developing such a strong voice, especially in the opening of "When I Grow Up", and he can really do comedy. I was looking, during the scene where he has to eat the cake, as to where the cake actually went to, and it really did just seem to disappear. Finlay could have another string to his bow as an illusionist!

George Young, who has only just finished playing Ren in "Footloose" at the Arts Theatre, plays Mr Wormwood, Matilda's father. I loved the comedy, the accent, the characterisation, his timing. There really was nothing there not to like, and George's acting CV is showing some excellent parts, and this is just another one to add to the list.

Mrs Wormwood, the mother, is played by Connie Tegerdine, who I'm not sure if I've seen before. What a wonderful little actor she is, and will be as the years go by. She completely lived the part of Matilda's mother and I loved her facial expressions as well as her brilliant Southern accent. What a talented little star she is shaping up to be.

Preston Nash is another young actor who always seems to impress me. Preston plays Michael Wormwood, Matilda's hippy-esque brother. He doesn't have a lot of lines to learn but those he has hit home spectacularly. Just saying "backwards" in several ways caused eruptions of laughter from the audience.

Mrs Phelps, the librarian, and Matilda's great friend is played by Emily Holder. A low key character in some ways but Emily plays the part wonderfully. When Mrs Phelps and Matilda are on stage you're drawn into the story related by Matilda.

The story in question, as told by Matilda is about an acrobat, played by Hemi Lewis and and escapologist who is married to the acrobat and their daring feat. Lucy Horton plays the escapologist and between the pair of them, they keep us on tenterhooks with their escapade.

Miss Honey is played by one of the sweetest of young actors, Sophie Benner. I've seen Sophie many times and watched her grow into the performer that she has turned into. I know that this part is her biggest, especially script wise, but she absolutely nailed the paty. Her voice is also as sweet as anything, and when she holds those long notes they are strong and pure; a beautiful voice.

Agatha Trunchball is a real piece of work and playing this nasty character is Tom Blakey. He has the ability to magnetise and hypnotise you all at the same time, you really can't take your eyes off of him when he is on stage. His delivery of Trunchball's nastiness is wonderful. he takes his time as he circles the stage, pacing his part perfectly. I am sure that I have seen Tom somewhere before but could not remember, with this role, I know I won't forget him.

Rudolpho is Mrs Wormwood's dance instructor, but Zach Silcock who plays this role is brilliantly funny. He plays it just this side of camp and his dance moves and narcissism are so funny to experience on stage. Yet another young actor who is building a pretty good acting CV, and shows that he can play various roles. the young ladies in the audience especially seemed to appreciate his gyrations. Those hips don't lie!

I could comment on every young person but I'll be here forever and you'd need an interval half way through, but I do want to mention them all.

Emily Taylor (Eric), Etta Stevens (Erica), Holly Towley (Tommy), Betsey Barnett (Amanda Thripp), Caitlin-Rose Robinson (Lavendar), Lyla Callandine (Alice), Brooklynn Coleman (Hortensia), Lyla Wilkinson (Nigel), Darcey Adama (Sergei) - who by the way Darcey, I loved that accent.

And to the vast ensemble of Caitlin, Dan, Hermione, Jason, Erin, Tilly, Lois, Mia-jay, Scarlett, Alice, Jack, Charlotte, Megan, Lottie - who looks set to follow in her sister's footsteps - Stephanie, Lacie, Sophia, Ella-Mae, Lizzie, Isla, Bria, Chloe, Megan, Sophie, Lottie, Hatty, Ruby, Eliza, Kiera, Lalita, Rory, J.S., Clara, Edward, Isla - who is an absolute whizz on blades by the way - , Bea, Tessa, Freya, Martha, Larin, Hemani, Willow, Bea, Martha, Evie, E.P. and Alan.

Directed by Amanda Hall; well what can I say, I'll soon be changing her name to Midas, as everything she touches turns to gold. One of the most professional and entertaining shows for a young cast that I've had the pleasure of seeing.

Choreographed by Beth Wear. Once more, the way that these young stars carried out the choreography is testament to the teaching they received. The dancing was timed perfectly and there were some lovely gentle touches to bring the light and shade into the choreography.

The Musical Director is a man who is perfection himself, Ray McLeod. As with the choreography, the vocals and timing of these young singers and actors show that they listened to everything that ray has taught them. ray really knows his stuff and when you have  ateacher/musical director with his wealth of knowledge and know how, you learn, and you enjoy learning.

The Lighting Design was by Oliver Read, who unfortunately was off with Covid - get well soon mate. The application of the design was done impeccably, especially when we learnt of the additional "chokies" from Trunchball.

The Sound Design was by Rob Kettridge, again I think I remember being told that there was another person who operated the design this afternoon. Whoever it was, the sound was spot on; I heard every word and not one missed cue as far as I remember.

The set design was simple but very effective with multi-level staging by Sptlight, Roydon Charlesworth and The Young Performers.

The stage management was executed brilliantly and completely inobtrusive and with Nigel Newton, Laura Ellis and Alannah Kight, Patrick McChrystal, Maddie Pritchard and Bronwen Webster in charge of stage setting and removal, a smooth transition was always on the cards.

A brilliantly catchy soundtrack with songs like "Naughty", "Revolting Children" and the brilliant "When I Grow Up" will have you tapping your toes and clapping along.

I will also just mention the very young lady who sat on the table when the curtains were drawn back, I'm sorry I don't know her name, but to be the first face seen by the audience and to open with such a strong voice was, not only very brave, but a fantastic introduction to what is the best version of this musical I've seen to date; even better than the UK touring production from a few years ago.

There are so many bright stars shining bright in this show, and with their exuberance and energy they give out, I feel that they have a bright future on stages local and widespread.

"Matilda Jr" is only on at the Nottingham Arts Theatre until Sunday26 March.

 "Seance" by Darkfields

Lakeside Arts.

From the same team that brought us "Coma" and "Flight" here is another sensory piece of theatre from Darkfields.

There is not a lot that I can tell you about this performance, mainly because I do not want to give away exactly what you hear, what you feel and what you experience during the twenty minutes that you are enclosed within the metal container that stages this piece of theatre.

As you enter the container you choose which side of the seance table you wish to sit on. This is important with relevance to your headphones.

Let me tell you, there's not much room in there and when the lights go out, you do get a sense of claustrophobia, which adds to the overall uneasiness.

Once the headphones are on, it's then time for the lights to go out. You are in pitch blackness, unable to see your hands in front of you.

Your hands are on the table, and you are told not to take your hands off the table until you are told to.

After this......well, you'll have to get a ticket to find out what occurs in the darkness.

This show plays on your psychological psyche, therefore everyone will get a different experience. I am positive that the elderly ladies sat opposite me didn't come out feeling as I did. For some reason I emerged feeling very relaxed.

Anyway, more than this I will not divulge what you hear and feel, but that twenty minutes was the quickest twenty minutes in a dark room with other people I've had.

"Seance" is at Lakeside Arts until Sunday 2 April and as the performances only last twenty minutes, there are many opportunities to experience this special sensory show. That said, this last week has sold extremely well, so don't hang around to long before deciding.

 "Assassins" by The Cast

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

The action starts with a fairground vending machine that vends guns, as opposed to drinks or confectionery, and is run by The Proprietor with the sole aim to assassinate a president. Take your pick!

After the guns have been given out, we hear various excuses to use the guns to extinguish a President of your choice, from having a bellyache to family issues. All can be resolved by assasinating a President. There is obviously more to the musical than this, but this is where all the fun starts

I know several of Sondheim's musicals and I know that he loves to write dark, yet comic shows, and this is exactly what was delivered. The lyrics tell the story with delicious black comedy, set to various music styles ranging from rock to country.

It's like having a history lesson about the infamous assassins, and would be assassins, throughout history, From Brutus leading up to Kennedy's killer, Lee Harvey Oswald. I wish my history lessons in school were half as interesting.

We soon discover that history is repeating, and will possibly do so again as the story takes in the lure of celebrity, infamy, gun culture and politics. We don't need to look too far to see that all of these subjects are just as current today.

We see a dissection of the mind of the characters featured, John Wilkes Booth, Emma Goidman, Leon Czolgosz, Charles Guiteau, John Hinckley, Sara Jane Moore, Lynette Fromme, Samuel Byck, Guiseppe Zangara and of course Lee Harvey Oswald.

Simon Theobald plays The Proprietor, and you would not have recognised Simon from the character he played due to the wonderful make up. Think the film version of The Joker and that is what we were looking at on stage. Only when Simon sang did you realise just who the actor was behind this eerie character. A very different role to the ones that he normally plays.

Andrew Buxton plays John Wilkes Booth in Andrew's 50th production. Menacing but in control he is the one who incites the unsure Oswald. Needless to say Andrew's, as well as all of these actor's vocals are spot on, and they deliver with ease. Sondheim's flair for harmonising is well highlighted in this show, and the actors vocals weave in and out of each other at times beautifully.

Graham Buchanan plays Guiseppe Zangara, and what I loved about Graham's performance was, and I know that Graham is adept at accents, is the very natural Italian accent. I was actually asked if Graham was Italian, such was the masterful mimicry.

Kheenan Jones is Leon Czolgosz, and again, here is another accent, Polish this time, and yet again spot on with the tone. His deep singing voice also blended so well in the harmonics of the group, creating a full and rounded range of vocals for Sondheim's superb soundtrack.

Jarrod Makin plays John Hinkley Jr. What I marvelled so much at with this production is the way that make up, costumes and wigs can completely alter a person, and with Jarrod I really had to scrutinise this character he played to identify him. I've known Jarrod for a few years now but as Hinkley Jr., I would not have been able to pick Jarrod out of an identity parade. A complete case of the character taking over the actor, as with Simon.

Emily Corner is Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, and there are a couple of scenes that Emily plays with Siân Scattergood Grantham, who plays Sara Jane Morris which are really funny; they make a brilliant comedy act. And to be fair, when I last saw "Assassins" a few years ago, I could not remember that production having as much comedy in as this one does. these two provide some wonderful comedy moments, and I looked forward to when both actors were on stage in the same scene.

Joe Woffindon is Charles J Guiteau, and I am almost sure that Joe is a new face to me, but what a brilliant addition to The Cast's cast. Joe has a really good voice and I loved the comedy, as well as a few menacing moments he brought to this musical.

William Evans plays The Balladeer. Now William has one of those faces that belies his age. Thankfully he is tall, so i don't think he'd need to carry I.D. around with him to be served in a bar. Will has the ability though to somehow change his features to amke him look slightly older, and that comes into play when portraying Lee Harvey Oswald and the anger and frustration really shows in his face. Quite chameleonic in fact. His voice though is well suited to these songs, he has a really easy country style voice, which I imagine he will also be able to change, chameleonically, to match other vocal styles.

Sam Byck is played by Jack Readyhoof Now I was talking to my reviewer friend in the car driving home and we were discussing what we liked most about this musical and who we were impressed with in the show, believe me, that was a hard topic due to everyone being of such a very high standard. Jack is one of those actors that, when you know he is in a show, you look forward to seeing. He did not disappoint at all. His monologues as Byck were epic. If ever you want to scare your kids to sleep with a bedtime story, hire Jack as Byck and they will be guaranteed nightmares, just by his style of delivery. Jack is one of those actors who plays "unhinged" extremely well, and Byck definitely falls into that category. Another role that Jack just smashed out of the ball park with his vocal delivery and visual performance.

A very entertaining ensemble consisting of Neil Ledward (The Sorceror), Owen Patten (The Hustler), Shannon O'Donnell (The Songstress), Emily Owen (The Bearded Lady), Lydia Thacker (the Acrobat), Arden-Caspar Jennison and Becky Morley (Mime), Philippa Buchanan (The Fortune Teller) and Lilia Scattergood (The Kid). Watch out for a very quick but humorous scene with the Arden-Casper and Becky.

Directed by Chris Grantham, who has done everything possible to make sure that this show is the success that it has turned out to be. He has used every bit of the stage as well as the auditorium to bring the actors into play, keeping the audience on their toes. The interaction also starts before the musical begins!

Choreography by Siân Scattergood Grantham. With Sian at the chorographical helm, I knew that this area of the show would be a success, and it was.

Sound Operation by Dave Dallard, so nothing to critique in this area.. Perfect sound mix and operation.

The Sound Effect Design, which was another excellent area of this show, was by Chris Grantham.

The Set design, and I am not going to give anything away but to say "WOW", a definite eye pleaser, is also by Chris Grantham.

I previously mentioned the make up for the actors and just how good it is, and Charlie Buchanan is the person I need to heap praise on for this area of the production.

The costumes are outstanding and sourced by Becky Morley and the cast.

Lighting Design by Chris Grantham and operated by Harry McDonald-Preston. The design and operation is worthy of any professional show.

Musical Director for this show is Martin Lewis. With so many multi harmonic pieces, this is no easy ride but those harmonies were beautifully layered. It also showed sections where Sondheim borrowed parts of this score for later musical pieces like "Into the Woods", as well as borrows from previous soundtracks like "West Side Story". All in all a gorgeously rich soundtrack.

And finally I really must mention the stage management by Rob Corner and Katie Bird. The combination of swift stage management and the lighting operation, sets and people seemed to just disappear, keeping the pace of the show fleeting, and as there is no interval in the production, there was no hanging around for incidental music to cover set moves.

I joked after the show that all i really need to put in this review was the word "WOW" as there were no faults to find in anything to do with this presentation, but you know that would never happen as I love to waffle when a show is as professional and entertaining as this one is.

"Assassins" will be played out at The Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton until Saturday 25 March.