Josh Kemp's Christmas Get Together.

Dagfa House School, Beeston.

Josh Kemp presents a whole lot of talented people to entertain with some brilliantly atmospheric songs could be the longer alternative title to the evening. Josh is the perfect host for these sort of nights. He laid on free drinks and mince pies and even lit the tea light candles to create just the perfect Christmassy relaxed vibe.

There was a serious side to the night as it highlighted the plight of the homeless and all monies raised went to Framework who support the homeless. A great cause and a wonderful evening of amazing music and talent.

Josh, as well as playing master of ceremonies and arranging the music, provided keyboard support, played guitar and sung a few of the songs, including his latest song "Leap Of Faith", also showcased generously his students, family and friends.Tom,Graham, Meg,Chloe,Erin, Adam,Mitch, Becky, Martin and several others.

The evening started off with a song from the musical "The Full Monty" called "Scrap", just to bring a slight uneasiness to the opening. The theme of the evening was "home" and the different aspects of home, or not having a place to call home, the longing for home and finding out where home is.

I apologise for not giving a name check to everyone in the company, mainly because I don't, as yet, know your names, but what a united class act presented to the eager audience.

Josh's brother, Tom Hopcroft, sang lead on several songs including "Only Home I Know" from the musical "Shenandoah", "Make Them Hear You" from "Ragtime" as well as a beautiful version of John Lennon'a "Imagine". Tom's voice is absolutely perfect for musical theatre, strong, powerful and controlled.

Graham Buchanan performed beautifully "Someone To fall Back On", written by one of my favourite musical composers, Jason Robert Brown, followed by a newcomer, Meg with the song "People Live Here", a song that I'd never heard before but with wonderful lyrics.

That's the great thing for me, coming to one of Josh's musical get togethers, as I get an education in music that I take away with me to discover back at home. An introduction into little gems that lie undiscovered by most, but unearthed by Josh.

There were songs from musical theatre like his duet with sister Chloe on "For Good" from "Wicked', Adam Guest paying tribute to Josh's songwriting prowess as Adam sung one of my favourite Josh Kemp's songs, "Coming Home To You". There was also a wonderfully touching version of Josh Groban's "To Where You Are" which sent the shivers down your back, sung by George. Sorry I don't know your surname George, but you have an incredibly emotive voice.

There were new compositions written by Josh in the form of "Grimm Duet", sang by Tom and sister Chloe and the highlight, nay one of many highlights, was "A Winter Lullaby", written and arranged by Josh and sung by the entire ensemble. It created just the most incredible Christmas mood over the audience. Truly magical.

Mix in these with some classic Christmas numbers like "Carol Of The Bells" and a stripped back "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" sang with just guitar and backing singers by Cibele, and topped off with an apt "Home" made famous by Michael Buble.

All in all an amazing night of classy songs for a wonderful cause presented by some incredible talented people who gave their time for free.

It's a tribute to what a well respected man Josh is when you see members of several theatre groups and musical societies come to support his causes, as was the case tonight.

"Neverland"

Djanogly Theatre, Lakeside, Nottingham.

Quite a few people have asked why I love the theatre so much and I start to enthuse that the theatre is a magical place that can take you places that you can only imagine. 

This is the case with "Neverland". From the very start to the end the magic is there and is all around you. from disappearing apples to the magical theatrical technology which takes you from a magical island with mermaids to the deck of Captain Hook's ship. It's like being a kid again and you are drawn into a wonderful world of make believe, or maybe it isn't!

There's a new and modern twist to the story which starts with Wendy going down to London to visit her dad, who is separated from Wendy's mother, his wife. he works in a care home looking after wayward kids and, on the day that he should be looking after Wendy, one of the kids breaks out, robs a shop and escapes. well you can guess who that character might be in the story!

The story remains true to the original Barrie classic but brings it up to date to relate to a modern audience, but while modernising the story it also manages to keep the original magic that millions have people have fell in love with.

Peter is played by Andrew Linnie as a hoodie wearing "bad boy" who is responsible for Wendy disobeying her father and being led astray, but only for a short while. He's instantly likeable with his cheekiness, just right for Peter Pan's character. Now as this is a musical you have to have someone who can not only act but sing, well it does help, and Andrew keeps his lovely Irish twang in with the songs. I don't know if it's because Andrew is Irish that he makes this fairy story even more believable.

Wendy, the initially naive daughter of Mr darling, is played by Bethan Nash. Another new name to me but, again, instantly likeable and has a good strong voice on her as well, especially in the musical numbers.

Mr Darling and Captain Hook are played by Robin Simpson. It's description of Mr Darling as grumpy, for me, couldn't have been farther away from the truth with Robin's portrayal, because he made the father figure fun and in touch with his younger self; quite unlike other portrayals seen in the past, and I think this works well as an updated version.

His Captain Hook was also fun and not as scary as I've seen some panto-esque versions of the baddie and Peter Pan rival. He gave enough kudos to the part to make him on the evil side but also gave him a more comical side that wouldn't frighten the younger members of the audience. It's a fine line sometimes and I thing Robin's version was done really well.

The musical pieces were all original, and there's plenty of catchy tunes here as well, which I was quite surprised with. Written and composed by Julian Butler, I loved the song about being a kid and not growing up, sung by Mr Darling and Wendy near the start. But all the songs were good anyway.

The technical effects in the theatre nowadays really push the boundaries and combined with the wonderful lighting, Richard Statham was a wizard as the lighting designer with Barrett Hodgson in charge of the magical digital design.

The set was simple but with the technical work on show, that's all it needed to be because the transformations were created through technical know how of Mr Statham.

Directed by Martin Berry who is renowned for his brilliance in every thing he touches, and this is no different. You almost forget you're in a theatre because , through the clever direction of the work, you are swept up and took on the journey, and then returned to your seat, all in one piece. At just under an hour in total, this is just one of the most magical pieces of theatre around at the moment. Just long enough to keep the little kids attention, as well as the bigger kids like me spellbound.

"Neverland " is on at the Djanogly Theatre at Lakeside on the Nottingham University campus until 31 December 2015. Take your kids and grand-kids, and granddads and grandmas along to see this as a special Christmas treat.

"Aladdin"

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

Starring the Grand Dame of panto, Christopher Biggins and ex Blue member Simon Webbe and Ben Nickless this show is big, bright reflects every penny that has been spent on producing this year's Theatre Royal panto in Nottingham.

There's a giant snake which hovers menacingly over the audience, flying carpets which zoom over our heads bearing Simon Webbe as Aladdin, who makes his entrance in a rather clever and magical way, which I won't tell you how, but I was impressed by that part of the show.

There are sumptious sets which bring the feel of the Orient to life and some flashy costumes, especially for Christopher Biggins and Aladdin. The music tracks and orchestra, for me , was just a tad loud as it sometimes covered up the singing, and there were some good singers here.

Simon Webbe (Aladdin) actually carried off the role quite well, and I say that because, with not being an actor and known for his vocal abilities with the band Blue and his solo work, he brought the cheeky and fun element of Aladdin out. His voice suited the soul songs and he looked comfortable with the choreography.

Christopher Biggins (Widow Twankey) showed why he is one of the best dames in panto at the moment. What I found just slightly off putting though was laughing at the delivered jokes by those telling them. I'm sorry it didn't come across as naturally funny if you laugh at the jokes you're telling. Maybe I've seen too many pantos, I don't know, but taking nothing away from Chris's ability to perform a great panto role. Where Chris did excel over everything else was the section where the kids are brought up on stage as he has years of this sort of ad-libbing experience and was naturally funny.

Ben Nickless (Wishee Washee), was again as funny as ever with his clever impressions of TV celebrities like Alan Carr, Keith Lemon and a slightly dated Louis Spence, but again some of the "ad-libbed" and "off the cuff" sections just seemed a little too rehearsed. Maybe not though to a first time audience.

Abanazar was a class act and relished the "boos" and "hisses" from the enthusiastic audience. James Barron, who played the evil Abanazar, was in fact one of my favourites in this panto. He also has a really strong voice shown to great effect on the opening number of Act Two.

Princess Jasmine was played by Emile Du Leslay and a lovely bit of eye-candy for us to blokes to look at. She also has a pretty good voice herself.

Paul Gabriel played Emporer Ming. No stranger to the Theatre Royal panto stage as he has appeared here several times in the past.

Seheherazade, the spirit of the magical ring, is played by another gorgeous lady, Kimberley Blake and once more a lovely easy on the ear singing voice.

An ensemble of very capable dancers and singers beef up the background to the main characters well and compliment the young performers (The Theatre Royal Babes).

There are many more plusses than negatives here with some good choreography by Paul Robinson and lighting design by Matt Clutterham, creating an exciting visual atmosphere to the show. Directed by Ken Alexander, who in fact can almost be classed as a local lad, being brought up in Leicester, albeit being born in Glasgow.

An enjoyable show that will bring the money rolling in with the big names headlining, but are big names a guarantee for a great panto? For me this was above standard panto fare. Enjoyable, definitely, and I didn't leave the theatre without being entertained but maybe I was expecting just a wee bit more. Either way it's another success to help celebrate the theatre's 150th Birthday.

"Aladdin" is on at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Sunday 10 January 2016.

"Cinderella" by The People's Theatre Company.

Nottingham Arts Theatre.

Written and directed by the award winning Amanda Hall there's just one word that comes to mind after seeing this show. "Perfect".

Amanda has an amazingly talented production team with Tom Mowatt designing the lighting, Amy Rogers-Gee in charge of choreography as well as stage managing the show, Ray McLeod handling the music and Mike Pearson as producer. A powerhouse of a crew.

From start to end this show was slick, pacey and professional and I can't put my finger on what is different this year, or what Amanda has done but she has yet again raised that panto bar again. And I thought it would be difficult to top last year's, but she did.

Cinderella, in the performance I saw was played by the lovely Lauren Stephenson, in other performances Cinders is played by the equally lovely Eva Sheppard. Lauren has a beautiful voice and she is so believable in her scenes with Buttons and Prince Charming.

Buttons, played by Sean Goodwin, straight away won over the female sector of the audience with his good looks and cheeky disposition. Ever smiling with a twinkle in his eye, he also showed off a voice that could match any of the boy bands around, especially with the boy band songs that were sprinkled throughout the show. Buttons' role was also to chat to the kids who were brought up on stage and he carried this role really well. Not the easiest of jobs for an actor as you never know what will happen and it's not scripted, but Sean managed this really well.

The lovely Laura Thurman played the Fairy Godmother, or "FG" to her homies. It's always a pleasure to see Laura in PTC productions as she is always smiley which straight away melts hearts of even the hardest audience member.

Loved Marie Rogers as Baroness Hardup, the baddie of the piece. just the right amount of evilness mixed in with comedy to make the character unlike-able but with a comedy element. Loved the facial expressions from Marie which reminded me at times of June Brown who plays Dot Cotton in Eastenders. A lovely characterization role.

There was comedy gold with the two ugly sisters and a casting made in heaven, the two sisters, Susperia (Mike Pearson) and Mellifluous (Rob Goll) were wonderful in the traditional "sisters" roles but were bang up to date with their comic retorts and their working of the audience. Pure class!

Prince Charming and his right hand wingman, Dandini were played by Hannah Rogers-Gee and Catherine Cunningham respectively and the pair were electric in their vocal duet. Both have brilliant voices which were showed off wonderfully in their solo and joint sections.

Cliff Hart played the "under the thumb" Baron and Roy Smith played Major Domo.

A brilliant ensemble of regular faces were so tight in the choreography pieces. The enthusiasm showed by every dancer and singer in that group was just brilliant to see. So many times you spot the odd one who looked like they were just in there to bump the numbers up but not here. A posse of brilliantly executed talent who lived up to the old adage of "eyes and teeth". They looked like they were loving every minute on that stage.

Great sets and exciting lighting and more than a touch of panto magic, especially when Cinders old rags just seemed to disappear and her ball gown appeared as if by Fairy Godmother magic. A wonderful piece of theatre and great costumes from Jules Sheppard and Jason Pollitt.

A brilliant script and some very funny and topical jokes made this a fresh show with great energy for all ages. When your job is to look out for errors and mistakes and there are none, you really very quickly settle into enjoying the show as an audience member, and I did this very quickly. This is as close to perfection as you're going to get. Great group of actors, wonderful singing, great music choices, spanning several decades and genres, pyrotechnics and a wonderful script all result in the best panto I've seen this year.

"Cinderella" is on at the Nottingham Arts Theatre until Sunday 20 December 2015.

"Macbett" by Eugene Ionesco.

Nottingham New Theatre.

Two generals, Macbett and Banco, foil a rebellion. In payment for their heroic service, Archduke Duncan promises to bestow on them land, titles and cash, but he reneges on the deal. Encouraged by the seductive Lady Duncan, Macbett plots to assassinate the Archduke and crown himself King. He tries to maintain his grip on the throne through a vicious cycle of murder and bloodshed. Meanwhile, he is haunted by the ghosts of his victims, Duncan and Banco, and discovers that his new wife is not all that she seems.

This production is weird, but that's not a bad thing because it's "good-weird" not bad -weird. Imagine Shakespeare's classic Scottish play performed by a combined team of Monty Python and The Comic Strip and put on at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival and that's the kind of vibe you get here.

It's over the top, loud and at times by being OTT and loud, comes across as quite amateurish. But that, I think, is what it was meant to be like, be4cause that's what gave a lot of the comedic touches. Don't get me wrong, the script by Ionesco, translated by Charles Marowitz, is very funny. A satirical doffing of caps to Shakespeare.

There's a wonderful line about the audience walking out of the on stage play because the play was boring, and then the cast collectively turn to the audience, as if checking they were all there still. A masterpiece line of comedy which drew the audience into the action. Not the first or last time the audience were brought into the play.

The fight choreography was brilliantly designed and directed by Hayden Ashby, and the staged face slapping was some of the best that I have seen. the timing of the slaps were spot on and really effective.

The costumes and props were also really good. Too many people to credit for those. Which brings me to say that there was a massive production and technical crew behind this production, and it shows.

Laurence Cuthbert played Macbett and I was so surprised to see in the programme that this is his first production for NNT because he is a comedy acting genius. So natural at presenting the comedy lines and the physicality of the role.

Duncan McGillivray played Banco, again a brilliant piece of casting in the role as the two were like a brilliant comedy act... that is until Banco got killed off by Macbett!

Emilie Brittain transformed from Raven (one of the witches), to the gorgeous Lady Duncan/Lady Macbett, marrying Macbett after much teasing and seduction techniques, many not on the subtle side!! A natural performance and very believable as the seductress.

Duncan was played by Tom Toland, and a bit of a highlight for me, plus a great comedy accent.

There were several NNT first-timers in this production and I was so impressed by their performances as you wouldn't have realised unless you looked in the programme.Apartr from Laurence there were stand out performances from the newbies Beth Angella, who had me smiling in the first few minutes of her performance, and Bethany O' Brien who had dual roles.

Someone else who also made me smile was Cameron Walker who was great as the lemonade seller and was part of the ensemble. he was also on the receiving end of several staged pieces of violent behaviour.

Joe Hincks kept the continuity going, not just in the play but letting us know in his Bunny character that it was time to go into the theatre space, and when the break was. A wonderfully novel move to have this character be part time usher and role player. It definitely set the tone for what to expect.

The stage managers had their job cut out with the props, costumes and various entrances and exits and all did a great job. Again too many to mention here but a brilliant combined effort.

Directed by Chris Trueman, who I've seen his work before and love the "off the wall" approach to his choices. Different and fresh which is what keeps theatre alive.

The other half of the power-house team of production is Emma Kendall, who, again I've had the great pleasure of seeing her previous work in "Rhinoceros" (also written by Ionesco), "Dr Faustus" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream".

If you like your Shakespeare just a little different, a little more manic, a little left of centre, then this is the production to see. Alternatively, if you just want to see a good comedy presented by a very talented group of people, then this is also the production to see. Stick with it because it's worth it!

"Macbett" is on at The Nottingham New Theatre, on the University campus, until Saturday 5 December 2015.

"Dick Whittington"

Nottingham Playhouse.

Written and directed by Kenneth Alan-Taylor, you just know that you're in for a whole lot of fun when the Playhouse panto kicks of the Christmas season, and "Dick Whittington" will not disappoint.

The glitz and glitter is in abundance as we start off with a Tyrolean dance section which brings us into the introduction of the panto family we all know and love, well if you're a regular that is. there are three new faces added to the Kenneth Alan-Taylor roster this year and they fit in like a comfy old slipper.

We all know the story of "Dick" but Kenneth seems to inject a certain freshness in the well worn story as do the wonderful cast of regulars and newbies.

Dick is played by Tim Frater, As usual bouncing with energy and energetic dance moves. Tim brings soul to the show. Instantly likeable, if you've not seen Tim before and a firm family favourite.

The gorgeous Rebecca Little is back as Fairy Bowbells, mixing her pantos up with an accent not unlike Babs Windsor, but that's probably where the Bow Bells come into it.

Sarah The Cook is in the capable hands and corset of regular Grand Dame of the panto, John Elkington. Once more giving his absolute all with that twinkle set firmly in his eye. His ad lib section where he interviews the kids before the big finale is as funny as the wonderful script he works from. He knows how to work the audience, holding them in the palm of his hand to the very end.

Another regular Anthony Hoggard is back as Florrie Fitzwarren. The facial expressions he produces are a dream to watch for. Comedy gold!

The baddie this year is played by Kevin MacGowan. King Rat hits just the right blend of nastiness and comedy. Just right so as not to scare the kids but enough to get them to boo and hiss in all the right places. A proper panto villain, and I love the way that he has a running catchphrase of sorts by adding "for those who don't know" when explaining himself. A nice fresh touch.

And so to the new family members. Alice, Dick's betrothed is played by the lovely Natalie Taylor-Gray. She has excellent theatrical roots as she is a graduate of the Sylvia Young School who has produced many well known faces from TV and film.

Jasmine White plays tallulah the Cat. Never have I looked at a cat and thought "Phwooaaarrr" before, and for those who don't know, that means she is hot stuff!. Lithe and very sexy with a long background of dance training and this really shows in her perfect balletic dance moves.

Last, but not least is Jack, Dick's friend played by Matthew Chase. Matthew, from the reaction he got on opening night, is also a firm favourite with the female theatre going audience. Fresh-faced and cheeky he sings and dances through the panto with ease and gusto.

The newbies take the professional "ad-libs" within their stride, unphased and with true professionalism.

A brilliant set, which never fails to impress. Big, bright and beautiful scenery which has the wow factor, as does the costumes for all involved, not just the dames. Just wait for the finale costumes and wait for your jaws to drop!

We've come to expect great sound and light and no failure there either, thanks to Adam P McCready and Jason Taylor respectively.

Classy and tight choreography by Adele Parry, and as previously mentioned, very energetic. The tap scenes are sharp and some nice ballet and "strictly" type moves in with the party sections.

Talking of which there's some great musical numbers, as usual something for everyone. Songs from classic musicals, George Formby style section, a few nautical songs, a Caribbean party and a few chart tracks to get the hands clapping and the kids involved.

In short, Christmas has arrived with one big party atmosphere. Full of fun, old and the odd new jokes, topical references from TV shows like "I'm A Celebrity" as well as TV commercials incorporated within. Booing and hissing, heroes and villains, fun music... well for those who don't know, it's a non-stop party for a couple of hours for the whole family that'll leave your face aching with laughter and the palms of your hands red from clapping.

"Dick Whittington" is on at the Nottingham Playhouse until Saturday 16 January 2016.

The Lady Killers" by Riverside Drama Company

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

The classic 1955 Ealing comedy brought back to life on stage is a wonderful piece of comedy theatre and safely stays that way in Long eaton this week.

Five diverse oddball criminal types are planning a bank robbery and their leader, Professor Marcus rents a room on a cul-de-sac from an octogenarian widow, Mrs Wilberforce under the pretext that they are classical musicians. All is well and the robbery goes to plan until the fruits of their labour come to light.Mrs Wilberforce's law abiding ways get the better of her, even though she has been advised that she is an accomplice, and she decides to contact the police. Unbeknown to the five criminals, Mrs W is already known to the police, which turns out to be in her favour, especially after the criminals are dispatched in various and bloody ways!

Mrs Wilberforce is played wonderfully serene by Liz Turner and is an absolute delight to watch as she sticks to her guns without a shred of fear of those nasty men. Liz brings out the character of Mrs W which is depicted from the opening of the curtains.

Professor Marcus played by Paul Norris is again a master stroke of casting as the calm exterior of the leader of the gang slowly peels away to reveal a cold blooded murderer. great fun to watch and he has some wonderful lines to deliver and some wonderful acting, bordering on the ever so slightly eccentric.

Marcus's accomplices are Harry Robinson (James Billington), a brilliant comic character who has a bit of an OCD issue and loves cleaning. Louis Harvey (Dave Whyatt), the Romanian who hates old ladies, and we find out the reason for this just before his dismissal from the story. Louis would rather slit your throat than look at you and has a lovely way with his words with his misunderstanding grasp of the English language. A wonderful darkly comical part for Dave.

Major Courtney played by Mike Evans is one of the old war boys who has a penchant for ladies' clothes and is one of the more level headed of the gang but he does suffer slightly with his nerves.

And then there's the simple but strangely kind-hearted One Round, or Mr Lawson as he is introduced. Played by Martin Holtom, this is another character led role. One bullet short of an ammo round but protective of Mrs W to the end... and we mean the end!! Some brilliant facial expressions from Martin which brings out the comedy from Lawson's character.

The local bobby on the best, Constable MacDonald, who seems to be a regular visitor to Mrs W's home is played by Robert Osmond and the other character here, apart from the swarm of blue-rinse brigade gang, is Mrs Tromleyton, their leader, played by Amy cannon who made her on stage debut on Wednesday night.

Retaining all the great comedy of the original film, this production, directed by Lizzie O' Hara is a masterclass in comedy theatre. A brilliant two tier set also designed by Lizzie O' Hara and Bob Baron, not quite as lop sided as it could have been but it did the job perfectly well. Being very very picky here but some of the sound effects, namely the record scratching when the record player was knocked was slightly mis-timed, which caused the odd titter, but again, being very picky on my part.

Loved the costumes sourced by Mina Machin, (who also was in charge of the sound) along with the cast.

A wonderfully entertaining and fun night of black comedy, some places were really black, especially one scene with Marcus and Louis near the end, but most definitely worth getting a ticket for this classic piece of theatre.

"The Ladykillers" is at the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton until Saturday 28 November 2015.