"Peter Pan"
Nottingham Theatre Royal

Boy-cie did that two hours fly by - literally! Nottingham Theatre Royal's panto this year stars John Challis and Joe Pasquale as Captain Hook and Smee, respectively. Two comedy geniii (is that the plural of geniuses?) prove why they are National treasures in the world of comedy.

Everyone knows the story of Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, Tinkerbell his fairy friend and Wendy, Michael and John, the children who flew away to Neverland with Peter and Tinks.

Keeping the story concise, there were no Mr and Mrs Darling and the action started practically straight away with the arrival of Tinkerbell and Peter Pan into the Darling children's bedroom and then straight off to Neverland to battle Captain Hook.

Jack McNeill was a brilliant casting as Peter Pan as you could believe that he was of that age, well he is only 22. He has great energy, which is what is needed for the part of Peter Pan, and his smile is infectious. All this and a talented vocalist as well.

Lucy Evans plays Tinkerbell, and I love the sass in this character - a rude fairy, great fun. Lucy even managed to win over the audience when Tinks was dying after having her wings cut off by the evil Captain Hook.

Talking of whom, John Challis as the nasty Hook was the perfect baddie. Not too frightening as to scare the kids but just nasty enough to get them all boo-ing him. Classic panto villain.

Starkey, Hook's aide, was played by Paul Gabriel, a regular face in TV. Another fun role to watch.

Directed, and choreographed by Jonny Bowles, I really liked the trimmed back version of the story, getting straight into the action and grabbing the kids attention straight away.

What also seemed to be trimmed back were the songs, there didn't seem to be as many songs featured as in previous years, and no real "big" songs. the highlight for me was "Rewrite The Stars" from "The Greatest Showman", but if you didn't know the soundtrack, you wouldn't know the song, so music wise, I didn't feel this show had as much musical impact as the other two pantos in the area this year. And no "Baby Shark" which would have been apt as part of the story line is dependent on the sea.

Talking of which, the 3D section of this panto this year was an under water trip around a wreck, which I loved. 3D is now quite over used in shows but I really did feel that this piece was quite spectacular.

A couple of other high lights for me were the "12 Days Of Christmas" section, which again is becoming a staple part of panto, but still remains comical, especially when the people sitting next to year to decide to leave their sense of humour at home and left their seats when they got sprayed by the water gun, and didn't return. "Boooooo" bring your sense of humour with you nest time!! It's only water after all.

The other part which I enjoy is the kids on stage participation bit. Joe again showed what a supreme ad lib comedy star he is with kids.

The sets are, only to be expected, lavish, which is what Qdos do so well.

I loved the giant crocodile which completely filled the stage and loomed over the orchestra pit, glaring at the audience and swaying it's giant hungry jaws from side to side.

The ensemble, again something that you grow to expect from panto are timed to perfection in the choreography.

The orchestra, I felt were just a tad too loud, very slightly swamping the vocals on some of the songs.

The comedy is a mix of old stuff with a few new, and funny gags thrown in, and there is nothing wrong with old stuff being in there because it still remains to be funny. The seat which Joe sits on is still worthy of an eye watering giggle, as is the pitch change on his voice straight afterwards.

What is there not to be loved about buckles being swashed, flying fairies, pyrotechnics, water guns, giant crocodiles and a very entertaining bunch of actors. Oh yes they arrrrr ( to be said in a piratey style voice).

All in all this is another classic panto with stars who are guaranteed to create big, (me) hearty laughs. It does make me wonder how much of the ad lib is ad lib but that doesn't matter because the kids loves it, as well as the adults, Everyone left with smiles on their faces, which is the aim of a pantomime, so a job well done by all involved.

"Peter Pan" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Sunday 13 January 2019.

“Grant Meets Death” by Säm Mörris
Nottingham New Theatre.

Another new piece of theatre from the Nottingham New Theatre, this time written by Sam Säm Mörris.

One night Grant McKenzie wakes up and finds Death standing over his bed, wanting to take Grant’s life. Now obviously Grant isn’t too keen on this idea ,and Death is desperate for a lunch break, so he is no rush either. he has a watch that will stop time for 90 minutes and gives Grant these 90 minutes. The story takes us back over Grant’s life to determine if he should live or die through his memories and actions over the years.

One thing we learn is that "Death" himself is really only the delivery man because he is just responsible for transporting the chosen one from the one place to the next. No matter how much we try to stop the circle of life (and death), it will happen!

This may sound pretty grim but I'll tell you what, this is one of the best new pieces of writing I have seen this year. It has everything in there - laughs, emotion, sadness, music, dance, the Turtles, Fleetwood Mac - both play an integral part in the story - life, death, love, hate, physical theatre, mime, it's all in there. There's even a touch of magic.

Sam's writing belies his years with a lovely air of solemnity in places and throughout a delicious amount of black comedy.The script is a very clever one and because of the 140 wonderful minutes of theatre, I can only imagine the physical script took a long time to produce. Apparently, the idea for the story came from listening to a Johnny Cash song.

Ethan McCrystal (Grant) is wonderful as the 53 year old who faces death in the face. Ethan shows his comic side off and nearer the end also his more serious acting side as the inevitable dawns on him; his time is up! The play is a very physical one and Ethan is on the receiving end of a lot of that physical side. His scene as he is with his wife as she dies is quite simply beautiful as well as immensely sad.

Miguel Barrulas (Death) plays a blinder, and possibly the best performance I have seen him give. Very droll and relaxed performance. Great make up as well. From his "matter of fact" approach as Death to a more empathetic ending via some wonderful comedy lines, Miguel mastered this part, and I hope that when Death comes to greet me, I hope that he is like this portrayal. It'll make going such fun.

Flo Avis plays Lucy and Hugo Minta plays Marcus. Both wonderful character actors. Flo making her NNT debut in this role, and very confident she is as well. I've seen Hugo before and this part compounds what a talented and comic actor he is.

Boo Jackson plays Eleanor, and like all of the above (and below) an excellent character player with a great range of emotions to show.

Arthur Mckechnie and Eloise Dooley play Multi-roles throughout, fleshing out the character list. Talking of flesh, we see another side of Arthur in a fetching green evening gown and heels among his roles.

The choreography is used to good effect ranging from ball room to contemporary, both working well with the slow motion sections of the play.

There is another very novel section of the play which involves a game show with Death as the host.

Co Directors Säm Mörris and Lillian Race have done an amazing job on this multi-pace piece of theatre that never falls into a lull at any stage of the show. Your attention is demanded at every second of this play.

Francis Simmons is the hard worked Producer for this play, which I could see as a film if anyone were to be brave enough to take on the story.

The technical side of this show is superb with the graphics - Technical Director is Martin Tomlinson. the video design is by Zoe Smith

The excellent lighting is designed by Andrew Houghton, assisted by Zoe Smith and the equally excellent Sound Design is by Tara Prasad. The mix of the ticking clock to The Turtles song "Happy Together" is an inspired choice as we never know how long happiness with loved ones will last - only time will tell.

If you love new writing which is clever and intelligent coupled with an incredible bunch of talented actors with the ability to bring a character to life, a great set which was not as simple as it first appeared, and a whole host of technical wizards, then this is the play for you,

Not only will it have you laughing out loud, but it will also get you thinking as well, and possibly make you question many things about yourself and your life. It may even get you to rethink your life to live every minute as you never know when you may be waking up and staring death in the face!

“Grant Meets Death” is at the Nottingham New Theatre until Saturday 8 December 2018.

“Urinetown” by BIlborough College Drama
Bilborough College, Nottingham

In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company, the Urine Good Company, that profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs.

Amid the people, a hero, Bobby Strong, decides that he's had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom with the choice to pee “wherever you like, whenever you like, for as long as you like, and with whomever you like”

Things get a bit complicated though when Bobby falls in love with Hope Caldwell, the daughter of the UCG boss, Caldwell B Caldwell.

As the narrator tells us though, this is not a happy musical. Never has such a tragic musical been so much fun. That's satire for you!

As soon as you take your seats you're involved with the play as the actors mill around in character and interact with the audience.

Edward Turner plays the people's hero Bobby which not only highlights his leading man status but also a pretty powerful singing voice as well.

Emily Wilkins plays Hope, a brilliant vehicle for her comedy side and, goes without saying, another wonderful vocalist in this musical. Emily is a busy lady at the moment as she is also appearing at the Nottingham Arts Theatrein "Beauty & the Beast".

Fiona Kinsella plays Penelope Pennywise, the woman in charge of collecting the money from people wanting to pee. Not only is she a lovely little comedy actor she has a wonderful voice with great range and power.

Eleanor Carty is another brilliant comic actor ans as Little Sally is an integral part of moving the narration on via the fourth wall.

Ellie Mai Jackson is the baddie in this piece and plays Caldwell B Caldwell, looking like Kid Creole with the slick suit and the moustache. A brilliant fun role for Ellie and a fun role to watch.

Lydia Messam, as Officer Lockstock, also doubles as the narrator in the most revealing police outfit I have ever seen and as a double act with George Le Blond James - what a great name - who plays Officer Barrel. If you watch Barrel carefully he's a bit of a letch, which may have been missed by many of the audience members as I don't think it received the comedy reaction it deserved . This pair are well matched as characters because the comedy shared between the two is often subtle at times but always smile inducing.

The rest of the cast/ensemble are just as brilliant as the leads and carry the comedy well, both through the script as well as the musical numbers.

It would be easy to mistake the soundtrack music as being recorded but no, the six piece band are excellent under the baton of Jack Bratby and the Musical Direction of Jack and also Will Huxtable.

The soundtrack itself is catchy and is laced with some very funny lyrics which you mat have to listen to, to get the full extent of the comedy. At times not the easiest of soundtracks to perform but this cast did a cracking job, and, having not seen this musical before, they brought the soundtrack to life for me.

The musical is well directed by Izzie Gatford-Ball and Sam Hamilton and the pace of the musical is kept up really well.

There's some very good choreography thanks to Luke Rouse and this is well carried out by the whole cast.

Produced by Sharon MacInnes.

I've had the pleasure of reviewing Bilborough College Drama for the last five years and every year they get better and better, which isn't easy when I think of the incredible shows they have put on like "Cabaret", "We Will Rock You", "Our House" and "Les Miserables".

“Urinetown” is being performed at Bilborough College, Nottingham until Friday 7th December 2018.

“It’s A Wonderful Life- A Live Radio Play” By The Festival Players
Loughborough Town Hall

This festive American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve, but then he experiences Divine intervention. For anyone who has seen the original film, starring James Stewart, you’ll know what a slightly dark but wonderfully heart-warming story this is.

“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”, written by Joe Landry, is exactly what it says it is. Five radio play actors, supported by a sound-effects man, deliver the lines of all the characters from the movie, and is very different to any other theatre play that I have seen before. For anyone who has listened to plays that have been performed on the radio, i.e. “The Archers” this brings the sounds and sights of what happens within a live radio play performance to life.

As soon as I walked into the Victoria Room upstairs at the Town Hall, that in itself took my breath away. It is a gorgeous room and so very apt for this play. It's almost of ball room proportions

The room created an atmosphere in itself which really spilled over for the feel of this play. Now I know that this may be a sweeping statement but this may be the best I have seen from the Festival Players and I have seen some really excellent plays by them.

Directed by Jez Malpas, who is also responsible for the Sound Design as well as operating the sound simply transported me to another place altogether with the incidental music.

If you shut your eyes it would just be like listening to the film, but why on earth would you want to close your eyes when there is so much radio magic unfolding on stage.

Nick Grainger (Freddie Filmore), Tom Grainger (Jake Laurent),
Simon Page (Harry ”Jazzbo” Heywood),Persephone Leafe (Sally Applewhite), Victoria Price (Lana Sherwood), Jessica Hannah (Trixie Devine), Chris Marshall (Foley Artist) who provides all of the sound effects for the radio play and Valerie Schmitt-Li (Assistant) were just mesmerising. You really could not take your eyes off this cast the whole time they were on stage.

They all stayed in character from before you walked in to when they left the stage, and even in the two ten minute intervals, Nick (Freddie) would provide the countdown to being back "on air" again.

This play just goes to show the hard work that radio actors put in to bringing the emotion of their characters to life when you can't see them.They paint pictures in the listeners minds, and even though you couldn't see the settings from the film, with the wonderful sound design and the way the scripts were delivered, you could picture where the characters were at any particular stage of the play.

The excellent set design is by Andrew McGowan.Never having been in a radio play studio I had only imagined what it would look like and this set was just what I would have imagined it to be

While being entranced by the actors, I was also captivated by Chris Marshalland the timing he has for slotting in those sound effects which was so smoothly done. Who would have thought just using an empty glass to talk into could emulate the sound of a telephone caller. As a radio person myself I was absolutely fascinated and enchanted by this whole play.

Costumes are so important in period pieces and as this is set in 1946 the costumes are of the era and very classy and in charge if this area is Liz Berrisford. This is after all the era when radio announcers wore tuxedos to present the news in. The nearest I get to this level of class is wearing a shirt and tie for my radio guests.

Keeping the reality for these kind of radio plays for this era, they all had promotional songs as jingles to promote the show's sponsor. All of these jingles, unlike today's 30 second jingles were all performed live on air and by the actors themselves, and this also was the case her. An education for a radio nut like myself.

This is a play for all ages and who wouldn’t fail to be affected in some way at this tale of despair being turned around by the help of another, and we learn that “no man is a failure who has friends”. A mantra for all ages and for any year.

If you aren't yet in that Christmas mood, go and see "It's A Wonderful Life" because "It's A Wonderful Play" which is not to be missed. It's truly magical.

The Festival Players are also supporting Rainbows Hospice for children and young people with this production.

“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”, is at Loughborough Town Hall until Thursday 6 December 2018. You can also see this play on 12th and 13th December 2018 at the Century Theatre in Coalville, Leicestershire performed by The Festival Players.

"Robin Hood & The Babes In The Wood"
Nottingham Playhouse.

Kenneth Alan-Taylor has done it again by writing and directing another very slick slice of Seasonal fun. He always manages to keep that traditional feel of the panto with the running jokes that we can all look forward to and join in with. It's like seeing a family member that you've not seen for years and you're able to slip back into the comfy shoes syndrome by resuming where you left off from the last time you met.

Mixed with that traditional feel Kenneth has sprinkled a very modern feel with a really broad mixture of songs including a Queen medley, Take That, the song that every panto will be doing this year - which i won't give away do do de do de do - and selections from some classic musicals.

The dancing rabbits are back as well!

It's the classic tale of the Sherriff Of Nottingham getting his henchman, Arnold from Clifton, to collect the taxes from the village people, sorry people from the village, but, not happy with this Robin Hood and his band of merry men and women decide to put a stop to this and take back the money from the rich and give back to the poor. Hurrah!

Tim Frater plays our hero, Robin. Tim has been part of the panto family for a few years now and he always comes back with even more fun and exuberance than the year before, Tim has a great voice which we get to hear on several numbers, and boy can he dance as well.

Kelly Agredo is a lovely Maid Marian and also gets to show off her lovely voice, especially in her duets with Tim.

Adam Pettigrew plays Will Scarlett, who has a new running gag in this panto which I won't give away, but is quite amusing!

Tina Tuck - a nice twist on Friar Tuck, is played by a real little fireball in Clarice Julianda, and is a lovely addition to this particular family. Clarice also has a separate running joke within this panto, which certainly isn't the worst running joke I have seen in panto - that's a clue by the way.

Team Clarice up with Kinden Singh Uppal as Alan A Dale and you have a lovely little twosome of fun. Kinden is a very lithe dancer who gets to bust out some great moves on stage.

It is always lovely to see another little bundle of dynamite of stage in Rebecca Little as Tilly The Tomboy. What energy this woman has and who can not smile when you see her constantly smiling face.

The gorgeous Kelly Edwards plays Milly.

Arnold, The Sheriff's henchman is played by Darren Southworth. Another very energetic performer who is good to see back in panto at the Nottingham Playhouse. Running jokes are rife in this panto and Arnold also gets his own running joke, which after the first time you can see coming, whcih is no bad thing as it breeds familiarity, and in panto that's good.

Robin Kingsland gets to play the baddie who recesses back to his youth at the end thanks to his former nanny - more of that later - a running audience participation part for the Sheriff which the kids, and adults really got into.A classic panto baddie role, which we all love.

Nurse Nelly Noggins, which I'm sure that name has been used in then past for panto, is played by the one and only Mr John Elkington. Now Nottingham's number one professional Dame, taking the mantle from Sir Kenneth Alan Taylor ( well it should be). John is so naturally an entertainer and a master of the ad-lib. There was one part when one of the kids came up for a chat on stage which just made me roll with laughter about a young girl whose hands were permanently held together all the while she was on stage, - well you just had to be there! Kids are great for providing naturally quick- witted comics like John with bullets and John took those bullets and fired them into the audience with marksman like accuracy.

The costumes for Nelly are also worth taking heed of as they get progressively more outrageous as the panto goes on.Wonderful.

The sets, designed by Tim Meacock, were wonderfully lavish, which is what we have come to expect from the Playhouse.

Wonderful exciting choreography by Adele Parry. Crystal clear sound designed by Adam P McCready and a wonderful quartet band - was there really only four people making all of that sound? - musically directed by Mr John Moreton, who never seems to age at all over the years.

Another wonderful and fun show which will have you dancing out into the streets with that warm festive feeling in your heart and tummy.

"Robin Hood & the Babes In The Wood" is at the Nottingham Playhouse until Saturday 19 January 2019.

"Beauty & the Beast"
Nottingham Arts Theatre.

Okay Christmas has now officially started and my bells have never felt so jingled, What a brilliant way to kick start Christmas but with the Nottingham Arts Theatre pantomime, "Beauty and the Beast".

You know the main story of Belle who is captured by The Beast who was really Prince Henri after he was not very nice to the Enchantress and it is through the love that develops between Belle and The Beast which breaks the spell. In the mean time though chaste Belle is being chased by the hunky and muscled Gustave. OK got the story? Now add an additional sprinkle of panto magic from writer Amanda Hall and assistant writer Matthew John and you've got yet another wonderful family fun pantomime. Another NODA winning pantomime I predict!

Belle is played by Laura Ellis, an absolute delight to watch in this role and her relationship with The Beast is very natural - wonder why that is? Instantly likeable and like every cast member, a wonderful clear voice.

Patrick McChrystal plays Henri/The Beast. Now personally I thought that Patrick is too much of a nice person to play such a nasty character, but there were parts that almost changed my mind. The nice thing about this "Beast" is that he wasn't too scary as to upset the younger kids, but was believably beastly for him to pull it off. I'm also impressed how fast Patrick can grow his facial hair for this role! A cracking end to a busy year for this talented actor.

Kimberley Allsopp (Camille) consistently delivers in her theatre roles and this is another lovely role for Kimberley.

Lizzie Fenner (The Enchantress Carlotta) I think is new name to me, but what stage presence this lady has. Last year Patrick gave me the tingles with "This Is The Moment" in panto; this year Lizzie did it with one of my favourite songs from this year "This Is Me" from "The Greatest Showman". The shivers went up my spine faster than a turkey at the mention of the word "stuffing". It takes a powerful voice to do that song justice but Lizzie nailed it. What a way to close Act One.

Sean Goodwin returns to panto as Idles Jacques. Another fun role which, I thought, the audience should have got behind him more with the audience participation sections. You deserved better reactions from them, Sean, but what a lovely pacy and fun character. Sean is also responsible for the fight co ordinating in this show.

Cassie Hall played Phillipe Phlopp, right hand man for Gustave. Cassie always guarantees a reliably solid performance and a gentle humour that is always welcomed in panto.

Danielle Hall (Adrienne) gets to show off her, rarely seen and should be heard more, singing voice in this panto. I've heard Danielle sing before in character but to hear her sing naturally is lovely,and she also does a wonderful job of some of the choreography. It's always a joy to see Danielle on and off stage.

Alex Huntley, as Gustave, may be in fear of becoming type cast. Alex was the UPS delivery man in "Legally Blonde" earlier this year and here he plays the sexy, hunky and muscly Gustave in this, his first pantomime ever! Brilliant casting for Alex and he looked like he was enjoying every single moment on stage. Once more a really good voice and he can dance as well. I think they call actors like Alex a triple threat. You can see that Alex has been to the gym to get ready for this role - and I hope that your back is now all OK.

Alderman Claude is played by one of my favourite mature actors on the local theatre scene, Mike Newbold. On stage his characters are mainly the bumbling type but away from the stage, nothing could be more different, which highlights what a good actor he is.

Mike Pearson is just one of the two brilliant "dames" in this panto. As Madame Yvette Eclair he shows what a wonderful fame he is,and all with a French accent and high heels. There are not many actors locally who have cornered the market playing this kind of role and have done it with the level of success that Mike has had. Il est tres fantastique mes amis.

Hugo, the Beast's gardener, is played by Joseph Jk Smith, another actor who has had a busy year on stage. He has great timing which I'd never really noticed before, and lovely comic timing as well. He has the ability to perform comic routines like this as well as less comic roles like Alan Bennett in "The Lady In The Van" from earlier this year with Spotlight. Another actor who is reliably solid an all of the roles that I have seen him in.

Now what can I say about Matthew Wesson who plays Dame Mimi Macaron? A perfect double act in Damedom with Mike Pearson, and like Mike, he is so very good as the section that invites kids on to the stage. There aren't many local theatre actors who can play this section out with such smoothness and quick thinking ability as Matt and Mike. Matthew just has funny bones and these come natural to him and that is what makes this man such a joy to watch work in roles like the Dame. And boy can he work an audience!

Emily Wilkins has now notched up her sixth panto with this one and another hard working young actor, and dance captain, who I am looking forward to seeing in "Urinetown" at Bilborough College later in December.

The ensemble team were so tight with the main cast and the choreography they delivered was as good as any I have seen on any professional stage, and they all looked as if they loved being on stage, which goes a long way to adding to the enjoyment of the overall show.

Talking of choreography, Amy Rogers-Gee has yet again worked her magic on this cast, and I am so sure that she is really proud for the way that they have showcased, not only their own talents, but Amy's as well.

Tom Mowat's lighting creates a wonderful world of light in this show and I loved the strobing effect he has designed for a particular section. An ocean of lights make this one of the most colourful shows I have seen at the Nottingham Arts Theatre. Nathan Penney is the talent responsible for operating the lighting design by Tom.

Musical Director Ray Samuel Mcleod is a musical magician as he has really pulled a gorgeously rich sound out of a hat. It is so good, and so well mixed, that at times you may mistake this sound for recorded tracks. Rich, clear and well balanced.

Making the sound as good as it was is Rob Kettridge, who was also responsible for the amazing rose which loses its' petals as the panto develops.

Yet again Amanda Hall has created another smash hit panto. Many long hours had been put in to this piece of theatre and all that hard work has been well worth it when you see what a professional and enjoyable show this is, and not just for the kids.

there are many people responsible for producing and putting on a show as good as this one and I could go on forever listing all the names, which i won't do, but everyone from the wardrobe department, which was just so amazingly good, especially Dame Macaron's and Madame Eclair's, to the Front Of House staff, thank you all for one absolutely brilliant show that would get even Scrooge in an almighty Christmas mood.

"Beauty and the Beast" is at the Nottingham Arts Theatre until Sunday 16 December 2018.