"Romeo & Juliet" by William Shakespeare.

Nottingham Shakespeare Company

St John's Church Carrington, Nottingham.

I've never seen any production performed in St John's Church in Carrington, but what a beautiful setting for one of Shakespeare's most beautiful tragedies. Shakespeare wrote many of his plays to be performed in non-theatrical based surroundings, often from the back of a dray in the 1500's, and the Nottingham Shakespeare Company revel in performing in venues that are not the standard.

Performed in the way that Shakespeare intended the majority of his plays to be performed, straight through without a break. The only reason intervals were first introduced were when plays were moved from outdoor stages to indoors, and the only lighting was by candlelight; the interval was incorporated to trim the candles so that the audience could adequately see the performers on stage. see you can learn something from my reviews!

"Romeo & Juliet" is the age old story of boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, girl fakes death to be with boy, boy discovers dead body of lover so kills himself, only to be revealed that girl’s death is fake and so overcome with grief, girl kills herself for real. The story itself may be old but the production has a contemporary feel and look.

This feel is via the staging, which is minimal, but works well for the balcony scene. For me I didn't need any other scenery because the story telling is so good, as anyone who has seen the Nottingham Shakespeare Company before will attest to.

The look is with the costumes. Leather trousers with just a hint of steampunk influence and a sniff of The Matrix.

The cast are hypnotising and I really can't choose any actor over another. It would be like complimenting one ingredient in a tasty recipe, you know that together that cake tastes salivatingly delicious and to dissect the importance of any ingredient would be impossible because the overall taste would not be the same. that is what this cast is like. It's what the Nottingham Shakespeare Company are like on every production.

Romeo, and Abraham, one of the loyal servants of the Capulets' household, is played by Harriet Cadman.

Juliet, and Samson, another of the Capulet family, is played by Emily Ashberry.

These two, and especially in the scene where Romeo, unknowing of the plan, finds Juliet's lifeless body and decides that he can't live without her, and then when Juliet comes round and finds Romeo, rightly left the audience in complete silence with the intensity of the scene. Emily's musical talents can also be heard at the end of the show as she wrote and performed the music you hear at the end.

Benvolio, Lord Montague's nephew and Romeo's cousin, and Watchman, is played by Elliot Mattingley. Breaking the news of the loss of Mercutio to Romeo was intense, the opposite of Benvolio's match-making with the two lovers where everything was more playful. Elliot is also responsible for the set.

Cat Prescott makes her directorial debut with this production as well as playing Lord Montague, Friar John, Peter and gives the Prologue. What I loved about the Direction was that the pace of the story was kept up and as soon as one scene was done, the next characters were making their way to the set; no waiting about, which kept the intensity and build of the story ongoing.

Friar Laurence is played by Toni Tailor-Bird, as well as playing Rosaline and Gregory. Laurence is responsible for the idea to get Juliet out of the arranged marriage of Juliet and Paris by sourcing and providing Juliet with the drug. The look that Toni gives when she has found out that the intended good deed has gone awry is really heart-breaking.

Nurse is played by Alex Chalk and also plays Apothecary and Watchman. Alex makes his NSC debut in these roles but I remember seeing Alex as Tom Snout in The Arcade Players production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" last year. Alex provides a lot of the comedy as Nurse, as he did previously as Snout.

Capulet is played by Michelle-Louise Wright. For me, one of the highlights of Capulet's role is when he is telling Juliet, in no uncertain terms, that she will be marrying Paris. The passion, and then anger in this particular speech is almost like a virtual slap in the face for the audience.

Olivia Newton plays Lady Capulet and Balthasar. Olivia is also responsible for the choreographed fight scenes. Olivia brings out the dutiful wife, turning her back on her daughter's pleas.

Mercutio, and Prince Escalus, is played by Laurence James-Davis, who makes his debut with the Nottingham Shakespeare Company, although not his first Shakespearian rodeo! There's a lovely light and shade with Laurence's acting. Very playful and flirty but his death scene was very realistic, even having oozing blood from his wound for realism. A fine addition to the NSC family.

Tybalt is played by Ken Ogborn, who also doubles up as Paris. Ken has been acting for well over twenty years, his debut being in the year 2000, and obviously knows Shakespeare inside out.

I've now seen several productions by the Nottingham Shakespeare Company, in several different performance areas, and I've never been disappointed. They present Shakespeare in a simple to understand and fun way, accessible to all ages, proving that absolutely everyone can enjoy Shakespeare. It's not cheap putting on these wonderful, colourful pieces of theatre, so all ticket sales help keep this troupe performing. Some of their shows are even free to attend, so check out their web page and Facebook page for future productions.

And for anyone who still believes that Shakespeare is too difficult to understand, or is not for them, come see Nottingham Shakespeare Company, and their productions, because they will prove you wrong.

For details of the full tour of "Romeo & Juliet", please see the flyer below.

 "Showcase Spectacular" by Nottingham Youth Group.

Nottingham Arts Theatre.

I love showcases and when the showcase features such insanely talented young actors and performers as this, it's like being at a Royal Variety Performance, although the standard at the Arts Theatre is way above the recent Royal Variety Show!

These young people have put in so much work in so little time and with the help of one incredible team of Jessica Royce, Keira Dormer-Hazell, Jonah Williams, Eleanor Carty and Charlotte Barrington. There's also the Student Tutors Kate Russell, Chloe Chapman and Hattie Campion to thank for their input, both on and off stage.

I've had the pleasure of seeing many of this group in previous productions, so had an idea of the standard to expect, and while I'll highlight several of them, they were all just incredible performers.

Watching the ensemble numbers some performers just shone so bright, and there were others who I saw as seedlings who you just know will bloom into gorgeous, bright sunflowers in time, and I didn't spot one person who looked as if they did not want to be there on that stage tonight. Every face had a smile and the roar from the stage at the closing bows was as loud as a lion, in fact a pride of lions.

First off, here's the cast of 2024 who entertained to such a high standard.

Abigail McGregor, Adleigh Chappell-Royce, Alex Walker, Alexander Michael, Amelia Barrington, Amelia Scurfield, Amelie Adams, Amelie Burgess, Arlo Perrons, Bethany Ashdown, Betsy Stevens, Billy Kielty, Bluebell McEntee-Burton, Caitlin Young, Charles Beckett, Charlie Barr, Charlie Clay, Charlie Merrick, Charlotte Fisher, Chloe Chapman, Chloe Crofts, Cleo Sims, Connie, Hatchett, Daisy Hillery, Darcy Barr, Edie McKenzie, Eliza Szejda, Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Elizabeth Kenny, Ellie Strong, Emelia Pound, Esmie Smith-Cockayne, Fergus Hillery, Flossie Bailey, Harry Merrick, Hattie Campion, Imogen Pullen, Isabel Pullen, Isabella Tattersall, Isla Douglas, Izzy Marsh, Jack Kent, Jamie Adlam, Jasper Duff, Josie Leigh, Julian Magda, Kate Russell, Lenny Brady, Liam Brown, Libby Thompson, Lillian Tattersall, Lottie Robinson, Louis Dickson, Lucy Wilson, Mack Afzal, Maisie Fletcher, Maisie Shelley, Mia Woodward, Morgan Spencer, Moriah Lindo, Niamh Corah, Niah Shaw, Oliver Sheard, Olivia Bott, Patrick Brannigan, Rebecca James, Sara Nicholls, Stella Walker, Thomas Martin, Zach Silcox and Zilpha Chisholm.

Unfortunately Teddy Hunt was ill so was unable to perform which meant that last minute understudies for Teddy's parts were taken by Patrick and Fergus, who only learnt one of the parts today. Get better soon Teddy.

The showcase certainly provided customers with money value, lasting just under three hours with forty performances which took in musical numbers, drama pieces, readings and comedy pieces.

The evening started off with a bang with "Big Fun" from the musical "Heathers", and that set the tone for the evening, because we all had big fun!

There were musical offerings from "Spongebob", "School Of Rock", Addams Family", "Wizard Of Oz", "Hamilton", "Seussical", "Mary Poppins", "Kiss Me Kate", "The Lion King", "Shrek", "Come From Away", "Rent", "High School Musical", "Copacabana" and "Chicago".

Harry Merrick was brilliant as a pirate and he really got into character.

Cleo Sims and Liam Brown created a lovely couple with their duet "Sixteen Going On Seventeen", giving the audience a reminder to get their tickets for the upcoming "Sound Of Music" at the Arts Theatre.

Lenny Bradley's "Giants In The Sky" from "Into the Woods" was one of my many highlights.

Eliza Szjeda's voice gave me the tingles with a pitch perfect and emotional version of "Burn" from "Hamilton", a rendition that belies her young years and indicates that Eliza is someone to watch out for on local stages, and with that voice, she is destined for great things.

We were treated to a wonderful version of "I Know It's Today" from "Shrek" by Elizabeth Kenny, Amelie Adams and Lucy Wilson, all three excellent vocalists, and I absolutely adored the feeling and character Elizabeth put into the youngest of the Princesses.

"Me And The Sky" from the musical "Come From Away" is a very serious song and Caitlin Young pulled out a really mature version with such feeling.

Zach Silcock is a young actor I've seen several times before and have watched him mature as a performer and singer. This was proven in his lead in the group number "Too Darn Hot". This young man is going to be a stage heartthrob if the volume of screams were anything to go by.

Likewise Oliver Sheard is another young actor I've seen in a few productions and will make an incredible leading man in musicals in a few years time. He's already got the singing and dancing in place and I know he is a talented actor, and a few year's down the line, he's also going to be a name to watch. His lead in "Razzle Dazzle" was musical showbiz at its' best.

Normally there's a lack in male performers in theatre groups, and I hope that all of these lads, as well as the ones that I've not highlighted will continue because Nottingham's theatre scene needs the talent you have, and I think that if these young lads want to perform on stage, the stage is there for them and so are the many theatre groups in the region.

There's another young man that I would like to bring to your attention and that is Arlo Perrons. This young man has a real feel for dance. You just have to watch him to see that he loves dance, and dance loves him. I watched his hands and arms and he has fluid arms and he always finishes off any arm movements so neatly. Arlo is a pleasure to watch dance.

There weren't just musical numbers though with vignettes designed by the company and extracts from plays. I loved the original piece titled "Female Shakespeare", written by Keira Dormer-Hazell, and the scene from one of my favourite films, book and stage play "The History Boys" by one of my heroes, Alan Bennett, was done with great aplomb.

Jamie Adlam as Irwin, and the pupils played by Lenny, Jasper, Zach and Jamie made my night. Chloe Chapman showed a flair for writing comedy in the scene entitled "The Toy Box" and praise for Fergus who learned the role of the Evil Villain, just hours before the show start.

There were some fantastic group numbers, "When You're An Addams", "The Jitterbug", "Too Darn Hot", a beautifully atmospheric dance performance of "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" and the two numbers that closed the first act and the show closer were mind-blowingly good, "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and the stomper "Shut Up And Dance".

There were also so many costume changes I lost count.

The whole show was stage managed by Louis Barnes-cupit, and that is one massive task, so well done for keeping the show flowing. Deputy Stage Manager was Nigel Newton.

I could readily comment on every section and on every performer but, as you can see, from my highlights this was a night showcasing just some of the very best young performers Nottingham is nurturing. The quality of Nottingham's future actors, singers and dancers are in very good hands.

A brilliant light design and operation by Evie Webster and College Street Technical Services CIC and sound by George Wilson, also from College Street Technical Services.

I know that all of the adults involved in this show are incredibly proud of these kids, and they have every right to be, because the talent is insane, and I hope that every young person on stage tonight are as proud of themselves as we all are of them. You are all stars.

 "Snoring Beauty" by Erewash Musical Society Youth Group.

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

Written and Directed by Richard Dawson, actor, writer and legendary presenter on Erewash Sound who, starting on 25 February, will be broadcasting live for 50 hours from the Duchess Theatre to raise money for various charities - just thought I'd get that plug in there!

The story is similar to the normal "Sleeping Beauty" storyline but there's a slight difference with the person who breaks Malificent's spell over the Princess. At just under three hours long, it could be tightened up a smidge, but there's so much content in here, as well as an absolute abundance of cheesy jokes - jokes that could only be imagined by a radio presenter (trust me on this one!). They will make you groan, they will make you smile and they will also make you laugh out loud.

There's also a lot of music involved in this pantomime as well, with a whopping eighteen songs performed live. From classic songs from musicals such as "Matilda", "Hairspray" and "Dear Evan Hansen" to big pop hits from Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson, plus a couple of guilty pleasure favourites of m m m m m m mine (that's a clue to one of them!)

Izzy Cole plays Princess Aurora, the Snoring Beauty of the panto. Izzy, who I've seen before, I knew had a great voice and can dance, but as the Princess, she also shows a lovely comedy side of her acting.

Sky Stacey plays Prince Charming and, like Izzy, delivers a wonderfully comic role, and I can only repeat the above comments; great voice and dancing. Both Izzy and Sky contrasting with their previously quite serious roles in "Footloose" from last year.

Drew Boswell plays Dame Charming and for one so young, he completely gets panto and plays a fabulous Dame. He shows an ability to ad-lib when required and completely won over the packed Duchess Theatre with his charm, singing, dancing and especially the splits at the end of Act One.

I've seen young actors playing Dame, but Drew seems to really understand what is required to play this integral role; a role that is in no way easy to play, which is why there are only a few actors, of any age, make a career from playing this panto stalwart. And I don't know if he'll thank me for saying this, but he does suit the role and looks good as a panto Dame. A triple threat and a boon to any theatre troupe. Oh, and I love the accent!

Bethan Moore plays Malificent, who is very different to how this character is normally depicted in panto, she is really posh! And boy, is she really good, swanning on and off-stage oozing evilness, even to her sidekick, Mini Malificent, played by Yasmin Aldous. A deliciously nasty coupling who have really good chemistry, especially when Mini Mal starts to come out of her shell. Both competent singers and both really good dancers, and both have that ability to command the stage in their scenes.

Playing the good fairies are Kate Chamberlain (Flora), Eleanor Cooper (Forna) and Lauren Hazeldine (Merriweather) who bless the young Princess with nice attributes. Merriweather provides the comedy as the fairy who is nice quite as sharp as the other two.

Joel Dawson plays Prickly, Princess Aurora's best friend in her first sixteen years, before she returns back to the King and Queen's castle. Joel is consistent in his performing ability. Playing a hedgehog also gives rise to some unexpected comedy moments in the script, so watch out for them. I raved about his performance of Ren in last year's "Footloose", and the same applies to this role. Great fun role performed by a cracking young actor.

Oliver Nolan is the King. I can't remember seeing Oliver in any previous productions, so unsure how new he is to acting, but if this is his debut, I can see that he will go far. A brilliant character driven performance showing confidence in his acting ability. What I loved about this particular King is that normally the character is under the thumb of the Queen, these roles are reversed and the King is the more dominant role.....to start with.

The Queen is played by Jessie Gatehouse and we don't get to see too much of the Queen's character until Act two when she climbs out from under the King's thumb to take charge. Jessie is a slow burner of an actor, thanks to this role, but the wait is well worth it.

Noah Hickling plays The Fresh Prince, and here comes another of my guilty pleasure bits from this panto. The Fresh Prince, as you may have guessed is a real cool and streetwise character who gets to perform the rap from The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air, which he does with swag. A little guy with a big talent for entertaining.

Toby Wykes plays Prince Prancer, one of the other Princes who take part in a TV inspired contest to win the chance to awaken the Princess. Another Prince who had a lovely comedy role with his horse, and I loved Toby's accent and physicality for Prince Prancer. As part of the ensemble he also showed that he could bust some moves as well.

Producing a panto allows a writer/director great scope to have a big ensemble, and that's no difference in this one. There's so much talent in this group, and every time I looked at the ensemble members, they were giving their all. The energy they put into the choreography was a real credit, not only to themselves, but to their choreographer.

The ensemble are Rosey Malins, Elis Moore, Evan Hagan, Kai Hagan, Sophie Foreman, Rose Staniford, Gabriella Tilley, Lowri Moore, Grace Sims, Eloise Chamberlain, Lacey Swinburne, Livvi Hickling, Blake Hagan, Harry O'Boyle, Jessie Jerram, Martha Smart and Clarissa Armitage.

Choreographed by Abbi Burns. With eleven musical numbers, as well as the extra incidental music, there's a lot of dancing on show. I especially loved the full cast and ensemble numbers because this highlighted the musicality and synchronicity within the group, especially in numbers like "You Can't Stop The Beat", which ended the show on a real high.

Set Design is by Bill and Mark Robbins, who also had the mountainous job as Stage Manager. The projected back scenes looked great and created even more of a fairy-tale feel about the show.

Musical Director is Gabryl Oleshko and it's very obvious that a great deal of hard graft has been put into this show by Gabryl with the cast. Not only that but as part of the five piece band with Martin Lewis (keys), Chris Renshaw (guitar), Jeff Widdowson (bass) and Andy Shelton (drums), they provided a solid backing to the cast.

Lighting design and operation is by Richard Chamberlain and Dave Martin. The start of the show had the house lights up and down, but only I'd notice that, right? Everything else about the lighting design was marvellously operated.

Sound design and operation is by Dave Dallard and Jack Clark, and with so many mics, there was just the one missed mic cue, right near the end when Prickly's mic cue just missed, so I certainly can't complain about that, especially on opening night.

The costumes are brilliant, especially inventive is Joel's costume and I loved Malificent's. the King and Queen's and of course all of Dame Charming's, in fact they were all excellent, and all sourced by the Committee along with Friends and family members.

The show is great fun, full of brilliant characters, packed with jokes and songs that everyone will know, some of the lyrics have been changed very cleverly to match the storyline, which I really enjoyed acknowledging. Richard Dawson has made sure that patrons to this show definitely get their money worth. Which you really do!

"Snoring Beauty" is at The Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton until Saturday 3 February.