"Lucky Sods" by John Godber.

Riverside Drama Company.

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

John Godber is probably one of the nation's most prolific writers; a writer who observes all humankind and makes the foibles and nuances of the man in the street, however banal or eccentric, and creates entertainment out of everyday situations. That is just one reason why I am such a fan of Godber's many works. This is one play that I have not seen before, and it did not disappoint.

The year is 1995. When Morris and Jean win the National Lottery to the tune of two million pounds - they can't believe their luck. But the cracks in their 32 year old marriage widen, their past catches up with them and their relatives become increasingly resentful. Jean keeps winning and Morris takes off to Amsterdam with an old flame, but will his prophecy that bad luck always follows good turn out to be true?

Morris is played by Dan Bates. The opening scene of this bittersweet comedy is proof of Godber's observational comedy skills, which got all the right reactions from the Friday night audience. A masterclass in gross human habits. Morris gets to run the whole gamut of emotions throughout this play, but on his final return home from Amsterdam comes something that I didn't expect.

Jean is played by Donna Osmond. This is a fabulous character showing the ecstasy of being a winner, a multiple winner, of how decisions she makes change thanks to becoming financially secure for life. But money can't always buy happiness as Jean finds out to her cost. When Morris leaves her, her world implodes and her passion explodes. A lovely comedic performance in part, with some fiery passionate explosions with her sister and brother in law in respect to Morris's decisions.

Norman, the brother in law is played by David Round. Norman comes across as being fairly happy with the lot he has, even though he does mention a few times that he feels that he and Annie could be treated a bit better by the millionaire family members, but doesn't really seem that bothered. He is happy to help out Jean in her new mansion and garden, and even when bad luck strikes the couple, he is still upbeat, and even more so right at the end with the news that he and Annie receive. 

Annie is Jean's sister and is played by Lizzie Norris. Annie is not afraid to confront Jean about her tightness with her winnings after only receiving a soap on a rope, along with Norman, and this explodes into a big argument, all over money and family. Annie's not afraid either to read the begging letters that Jean and Morris have been receiving, and that also drives another wedge between Jean and Morris. I love all of the accents in this play but Lizzie's accent was brilliantly funny and melodic.

Molly is Morris's Mother, a proper cantankerous woman who loves to remind Morris of his downfalls. She is bedridden and loves to have control over her son, probably knowing that he won't say anything negative about her and will take what she has to give out. There's a part of the only scene with the Mother/Son scene which really indicates this relationship when Morris seems to lower his head, almost in defeat, a scene that really makes you feel for Morris. Liz Turner plays Molly, I couldn't imagine anyone else playing this role because Liz is so perfect as these kind of characters.

Connie, Morris's old flame with whom Morris rekindles that flame and runs off with her to Amsterdam, is played by Emjay Sadler. We get to see the high side as well as the side where the cracks start to show between the runaway lovers, but there's a lovely scene with Connie and Morris during a drunken argument which suddenly diffuses the arguing. In typical Godber mode, the mood turns from laughter to a saddened seriousness. In these scenes there's a nod to John Godber's love of Northern Soul music.

The Vicar, a cameo part who we meet after the death of Morris's Mother, is played by Celia Billau. A nice slice of dark comedy as the Vicar asks Jean for any numbers that maybe she could use for her weekly lottery numbers, as she has never won in all the time that she has been secretly playing. 

John Sully plays the Waiter in the LA hotel where Jean and Morris have their first big holiday after their first win. This scene shows the difference in language between the UK and America when Jean asks for a Shandy, and then has to explain exactly what a Shandy consists of. When the drink is delivered, there's a slice of lemon as well.

Directed by Jonathan Greaves, he has brought out every element of a John Godber piece of work, not once telegraphing the big twist, which makes the reveal such a jaw drop moment. The comedy is laugh out loud and the pathos moments really hit home. Perfect casting with all roles bring all of these things out wonderfully.

Sound is by Keith Salway and all of the sound effects are naturally placed throughout. The music soundbites that you hear while the scenes are changed are all from the 1990s and keep the flow of the story going.

Lighting is by Charlotte King, who also provided the costumes. 

There are projection scenes making it very clear to the audience where that particular scene is supposed to be. Whether that be in Amsterdam or a rambling English Country Garden, the projections transported us to wherever we were meant to be.

Loads of props in this play as well. Pushbikes, hospital bed, sitting room chairs, gardening apparatus, picnic items etc. The props are sourced by Bob Baron, Janet Whyatt, Sandra Read, Alison Lihou and Moya Magee.

There were not many empty seats available on Friday night, and I have a feeling that Saturday will be the same, so check online, where you can also buy tickets via the Duchess Theatre website, and don't let the weather put you off because this show will brighten up your weekend.

"Lucky Sods" is at the Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton until Saturday 15 November.

 "Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat"

Derby Youth Musical Theatre.

Derby Theatre.

Oh! Deep joy, my second favourite Rice/Lloyd-Webber musicals, now performed by a cast of some of my favourite young local actors. How many times have I seen this musical and why does it never get boring? I still love seeing this show which is a testament – if you’ll pardon the pun – to the wonderful writing of Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Sir Timothy Rice.

By now there surely must be no one who does not know the story and at least a few of the songs from this incredible soundtrack, so I do not need to outline the plot about Joseph, sold into slavery by his scheming and jealous brothers and his rise to fame.

Oscar Drake takes on the lead role of the Dreamer, Joseph. You could say that he was born to this role because Oscar's middle name is Joseph, because his Mum is obsessed about this very musical! His voice is strong, powerful and precise; his stage presence is as brilliant and bold as the colours of the Dreamcoat itself and his confidence is off the scale. 

There are two Narrators for the show, Hope Lo Monaco (Thursday evening, Saturday Evening and Sunday Matinee) and Isla Spencer (Friday Evening, Saturday Matinee and Sunday Evening). Hope's voice soars to the theatre's rafters and, as with the role of the Narrator, also has to sing, dance and act all at the same time as she is the glue that pieces the scenes together and keeps the story moving on nicely.

Pharoah is played by Billy Sweet, who also doubles up as Jacob, but it's Pharoah that scene-steals with "Song Of The King" as he releases his inner Elvis. What I liked though about Billy's Pharoah is that he didn't lean too heavily on being an Elvis soundalike, which allowed us to hear more of Billy, rather than Elvis.

Potiphar is played by Ben Mather. Love the characterisation in this role and a nice clear set of vocals.

The Baker is played by Lilliana Simons-Clark, also doubling her roles by playing Jacob's wife as well as Potiphar's Servant.

Simeon is played by Taylen Brodsky and Simeon's wife is played by Phoebe Litherland.

The oldest of the brothers Reuben is played by Ben Mather, in his other role in the musical, and Reuben's wife is played by Tia-Louise Shaw, who also plays one of Potiphar's Dancers.

Issachar is played by Teddy Osborn and his wife is played by Daisy Hamilton, who is making her Derby Youth Musical Theatre debut. Daisy also doubles as a Potiphar dancer.

Naphtali is played by William Hall, who makes his debut with DYMT, and his wife played by Connie Thomas.

Levi is played by Riley Chambers, also making his debut with the group, and his wife played by Kara McDermott.

Zebulun is played by Finley Williams with his wife played by Katie Kirk. 

Dan is played by Daniel Pimperton, his wife played by Millie Dalziel.

Asher is played by Stevie Kirkham and his wife is played by Caitlin Smith. Caitlin also doubles up as the seductive Mrs Potiphar, who is caught in a tricky situation with poor Joseph, which results in Potiphar throwing Joseph into prison.

Benjamin, the youngest brother is played by Quillen Parker, who makes his debut with DYMT, and also appears with his real brother Findlay. Benjamin's wife is played by Emilia Shapcott, as well as being one of Potiphar's Servants.

Judah is played by Eddie Clarkson and Judah's wife is played by Trinity Hramkova.

Gad is played by Findlay Parker, with Gad's wife played by Bella Syson, who also doubles as The Butler as well as Potiphar's Servant.

The Brothers as an ensemble group are incredibly good. Their harmonies, especially on one of my favourite songs from the score "Those Canaan Days", are insane, and their group choreography with "One More Angel In Heaven" is one of my favourite pieces from the show.

The Girls Chorus are made up of Maddie Gillham, Holly Gooding, Amelia-May Olivier, Amelie Aldridge, Hannah Lake, Isabella Cooke, Libby Bestwick, Autumn Quach, Ava Hicklin, Aila Hussain and Isabella Olivier.   

The Boys Choir is made up by Henry Williams, Casper Martin, Evan Gore, Jack Baker, Ethan Adamson, Ralph Garnham, Louie Drake and James Bailey.   

Directed by Caroline Green and Chris Moss. There are so many things that I could mention about this musical that I love and preserved in this show, and then there were other things like the camel puppets that were like the Bernie Clifton style emu act that he used to (and still does) do. The musical is only a short one but it seemed to fly by even quicker on Thursday night. Brilliant casting and some excellent character pairings.

Choreographed by Caroline Green and assisted by Ellie Beech. Practically everything choreography wise in this show are highlights for me. Love the hoe-down of "One More Angel In Heaven" which has such energy and spread from one side of the stage to the other. I also loved "Those Canaan Days" routine, and especially one section involving an upside down female dancer and the facial reaction of her dance partner which caused a wave of belly laughs from the packed Thursday night audience. That whole routine was brilliant and to inject even more comedy into the section was beautifully done. And I must not forget that Massive Megamix right at the end; a cracking piece of choreography.

Dance Captain is Caitlin Smith.

Musical Director and Conductor is Charlotte Daniel. With a musical that is sung through, the Conductor is working for the whole show, as well as playing the piano as well. I did enjoy the small changes in musical arrangements in some of the songs, as that gave a fresh sound to a soundtrack that I practically know back to front.

The soundtrack to this musical is one of the most recognised with classic pop songs like "Close Every Door", "Any Dream Will Do", my absolute favourite "Those Canaan Days", "One More Angel In Heaven", "Go Go Joseph", "Benjamin's Calypso" and more. My toes were tapping all night long.

You can see just how big the cast is and keeping everything behind the scenes running smoothly is Stage Manager Pete Roberts and Deputy Stage Manager Izzy Longson and Assistant Stage Managers Reece Bland, Kate Borrington, John Howarth and Lauren Wells.

Set Design is by Chris Moss and Lianne Sheridan with various entry and exit points allowing the large cast to either enter or exit quickly when needed and on various levels.

Completing the set visuals is Scenic Artist Rachel Chester.

Sound Design is by Harry Greatorex. There was a couple of mic issues near the start, especially with the Narrator's sound, but that seemed to be cleared up pretty swiftly. It is opening night so if anything is going to go not quite as planned, it'll be then. Other than that we got the sound quality and clarity that I always expect from Derby Theatre. Sound 2 and Sound 3 are Simon Birchall and Jack Clark with Trainee Sound Technician being Eddie Burton.

Lighting Design is by Jamie Vella. The lighting is as vibrant and colourful as that Dreamcoat. The scene for "Song Of The King" was like a scene from a Vegas show with all of the excitement visually of one of The King's shows in his heyday. Trainee Lighting Technician was Sam Jackson.

Head of the Wardrobe Department is Georgia Cooper. I was really pleased to see that Joseph's Dreamcoat replicated the same style as worn in the West End versions.

This really is a musical for every age, and I spotted quite young children in the packed auditorium, as well as Grandparents, and possibly Great Grandparents, all enjoying the same show; there's not many nights out that can cover that age range, but this certainly does.

"Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat" is at Derby Theatre until Sunday 16 November.

 "The 39 Steps"

Belper Players.

Strutts Centre, Belper.

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

I've seen the play a few times over the years but I think that I can honestly say that this production is possibly the best stage presentation in play form that I've seen.

Richard Hannay is played by Mik Horvath. A typically English gentleman with an accent that reflects that but with a softer RP and that knowing twinkle in the eye. Breaking the fourth wall on several occasions, there's a mixture of cad and fop in there, and on the very occasional need to ad-lib, Mik manages to inject even more comedy. On several occasions, like when the radio announcer is giving a description of Hannay, Mik gets to play up to roguish but good looking description at every word, and I loved the running joke about Hannay's age. If Mik doesn't strike lucky in next year's Eagle Awards with this role, I'll be extremely surprised.

Annabella Schmidt, an exotic secret agent, is in dire need of Hannay’s help, because her life is in danger, is played by Abbie Evans. There are so many characters in this zany story that most of the actors play several roles and Abbie also plays a Salesman and a Heavy.

Pamela Stuart, a beautiful woman who is lured into Hannay’s adventure but is sceptical of his claims of innocence. Pamela - or should that be "Pimela" is all Hooray Henry but with that underlying sexiness. Jo Petch is brilliant as Pamela and that "will they/won't they" moments keep that sexual anticipation flowing throughout. There's a wonderfully funny scene with Pamela and Hannay in the bedroom where Pamela is taking off her stockings to dry by the fire at the hotel, but of course they are still handcuffed to each other. Classic comedy moment.

Margaret Crofter, the farmer’s wife, is a shy young woman who dreams of life and adventure in the city is played by Kat Foxx-Booth. Mrs Crofter helps Hannay to escape the hands of the law by allowing him to climb out of the "rear window" - a nice nod towards Hitchcock's film of the same name. Kat also plays a pilot as well as the Magician's Assistant.

Mr Crofter, a deeply jealous and suspicious Scottish farmer who houses Hannay for a night while he is on the run. Nick Mothershaw typical Scottish accent just adds to the over the top comedy element of the show. Another lovely scene also involves a window frame and some comic visuality. Nick also plays The Professor plus Mrs Higgins and Mrs McGarrigle, in a style that reminded me so much of how Graham Chapman of Monty Python fame played female characters so brilliantly.

Mr Memory, a stage performer who has the ability to recall thousands of facts on command, and who holds the secret to what The 39 Steps mean, is played by Megan Russell. Another wonderfully comic character, especially in the run up to recalling the answers to the questions asked of him. Megan also plays the other Pilot.

Linda Ball plays one of the spies who is chasing Annabella, as well as playing Chief Inspector Allbright.

Diane Churchill plays a Paperboy and a Heavy.

Jeremy Crane plays the other spy chasing Annabella - Loved the way Jeremy and Linda moved crab-like at the back of the stage as if they didn't want to be spotted. Jeremy also played the Magician and a Porter.

Martin Drake played The Sherriff to whom Hannay went to, to report the dealings of Professor Jordan.

Ria Harvey played the role of the Radio Announcer as well as Mr McGarrigle. With the roles of the McGarrigles being gender swapped added yet another layer of zaniness.

Alyson Koe played one of the Policemen, alongside Kirsty Williams.

Sophie Mander plays the Compere, a Salesman and McQuarrie.

Gwen Murray plays the part of Dunwoody.

Jane Robertson plays Mrs Jordan.

Roger Whiting plays the Milkman who helps Hannay get away unnoticed near the start of the play, and again another lovely piece of physical comedy involving the milkman's jacket. Roger also played the part of the Chief Inspector.

Oliver Hallam also played various ensemble parts.

Directed by Louisa Jenkins. There has been so much, as far as I could tell, added to create the level of craziness and comedy. This production really brings to life the feel of the old Ealing Comedies and the pace at times leaves you quite breathless. The scene in the LNER train compartments is very fresh and very funny. As I said at the start, probably the best, and funniest versions of this play I have seen.

Keeping the pace up on stage is partly due to stage management and Josh Hall as Stage Manager really saw to it that the pace was set just right.

I loved the projections that we saw throughout the show. From Pathe style news reels of planes, images of London nightlife, visions of Scotland, interiors of rooms and many others really moved the show along, keeping that pace going and was the work of Pete Watson.

There are so many costumes in this show, well there are so many characters, and these are thanks to Patricia Church and Sheena Lawrence.

What there's also a lot of as well are props, sourced by Megan Russell.

Set Design is by Nick Mothershaw with the cast and crew. There are some very clever pieces of set created for the show, especially at the McGlarrigle's lobby desk. 

The Choreography in the show is by Sarah Henderson.

Sound is by Rob Snell. Now I am not sure if during the section where the Professor and his wife were having a Birthday party for their daughter and the sound of partying rose when the door opened and disappeared when the door closed was maybe a slip but the partying was heard when the door was closed. I found it quite funny, especially in this parody form, and if that was an accidental slip of the finger, I think it should be kept in. If it was deliberate, I appreciate the comedy element of it.

Lighting is by Josh Hall and Nick Mothershaw.

Nikky Rowe and Sara Noble-Nesbitt are in charge of Production Co-Ordination and Alex Libby heads up the Production Team.

If you're looking for a production that is jam packed with comedy and rolls along at a spiffing pace, then this is the one for you. That is of course providing that there are any tickets available, as last I heard the whole week is a sell out, and I can tell you this for nothing, if you have a ticket, you're in for an award winning production.

"The 39 Steps" is at Strutts Centre, Belper until Saturday 15 November and has a Saturday matinee at 2pm.

There's also a BSL Interpreted performance on the Friday evening.

 "Here And Now - The Steps Musical"

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

You can't beat a good old cheesy pop tune and this jukebox musical is absolutely packed with them, and when the songs are by one of the best pop groups of the 1990's, what's mot to love about this show?

All of your favourite hits are here “Better Best Forgotten”, “Tragedy”, “Deeper Shade of Blue”, “Story of a Heart”, “One For Sorrow”, “Summer of Love”, “After the Love Has Gone”, “Last Thing on My Mind”, “5, 6, 7, 8” and many more.

The story is based around four of the shop assistants who make a promise to follow their dreams and their ambitions before Caz, one of the shop assistants' 50th Birthday. This pledge is done with all hands on a pineapple. Pineapples are very important in this story by the way! They discover that Better Best Bargains is due to be shut down to make room for executive condos, which would really be a tragedy for all involved.

Lara Denning plays Caz, and having seen Lara earlier this year in "& Juliet", I knew vocally that this role was going to produce powerhouse vocals; and Lara didn't disappoint. What makes a good jukebox musical is where the songs are placed within the storyline and the arrangement of the song. "Heartbeat" is beautifully arranged and comes at a time in the musical where we discover part of Caz's past.

Jacqui Dubois plays Vel. All the main vocals are stupendously gorgeous but Jacqui's has that old school Motown vibe running right through its' core, and what power. Vel is Caz's best friend, they've known each other for 25 years, but there are some things that have stayed hidden but is revealed later in the musical.

Rosie Singha is Neeta who has trouble finding the man of her dreams, but does she need to look a little closer to home? Another powerhouse set of vocals to add to a vocally excellent cast.

Blake Patrick Anderson is Robbie on most of the nights but on Tuesday night, opening night Dean Rickards stepped into the role. Another big voice and such energy in every scene. Robbie is looking for love but is afraid of commitment, until he meets a certain someone, and after a few false starts, Robbie gets his happy ending.

River Medway completely steals the scene as Jem, the Drag Artist who performs "Chain Reaction" on a washing machine with a glitter ball in its' drum. River we saw last year in "Unfortunate" as Ariel and is just as wonderful in this role as he was last year.

Finty Williams is Patricia, the superstore's boss. This is a brilliant role as when we first see her she is bossiness personified with a penchant for using the French language in the same way as Del Boy from "Only Fools" used to. Why? Caz discovers that she has a French lover, but even that is not as it first appears. Wonderfully funny role.

Ben Darcy plays Ben, who has a secret admirer in store, but who could that be?

Lauren Woolf is Tracey.

Chris Grahamson plays Gareth, Caz's partner who drops a bombshell on Caz before her birthday. We get to hear two sides of Chris's voice; first is an almost classical set of vocals as he drops his serious bombshell, but then later on we hear the looser style vocals which also sound great.

Edward Baker-Duly is Max. Max is the devious one who will do anything and promise anyone anything to get what he wants, but fails to deliver, stepping on toes all the way. The twist in the story was not seen until right at the end, and the results of an action that I certainly didn't spot coming.

John Stacey plays Leslie, who used to operate the car park at the Superstore. After he quit that job his new role at the airport was a major lead in the turn around of the whole plot.

The ensemble are made up of Georgia Christofi, Kade Ferraiolo, Albert Green, Harry Jack, Casey Jay, Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah, Genevieve Taylor, Jessica Vaux with On Stage Swings being Charlie Jay Johnson and Markus Sodergren.

The musical is produced by Steps themselves, ROYO and pop legend Pete Waterman.

Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh and written by Shaun Kitchener. This musical is as camp as candyfloss and I couldn't have loved it more. The songs were woven into the storyline as if they had been written for a musical and sounded natural in their placings.

Choreographed by Matt Cole. High energy choreography throughout with cast members and ensemble leaping around as if they had springs in their shoes. It would have been so easy to just take the choreography from the original Steps videos, but while there were certain moves we'd all expect to see, there were also a lot of original choreography to see.

The Set Design is by Tom Rogers. Every inch of that stage was covered with scenery, lighting and props, all with that Steps flavour running through. For example, the waste skip around the back of the Superstore was managed by Trash-Edy! A more exciting and colourful design you could not wish to see for a story like this one. And of course, the aisles we could see were aisles 5,6,7 and 8.

The Costume Designer is Gabriella Slade. From the sort of overalled style shop worker style to Jem's drag queen costumes, every one was superb.

Wigs and Hair Design by Sam Cox.

The Musical Supervisor, Orchestrator and Arranger is Matt Spencer-Smith and Musical Director is Georgia Rawlings. Big sound from that orchestra pit, a sound that made you want to get up and stomp all night.

Lighting Designer is Howard Hudson. Steps are big, bright and flashy and the lighting design reflected their look perfectly, at one stage the whole stage set seemed to throb with light.

Sound Designer is Adam Fisher. Big and flashy and with those big voices on stage it was like attending one of the best New Years Eve party where only Steps music is allowed. Possibly the best party ever?

I've been looking forward to this musical for ages and it did not disappoint. If ever there was a party on stage, this is it, so get your tickets while you can otherwise your neon blue may turn a deeper shade of blue. Don't let buying a ticket for this be the Last Thing On Your Mind this week.

"Here & Now The Steps Musical" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 15 November.

 "The Yeoman Of The Guard" by Gilbert & Sullivan.

Christchurch Gilbert & Sullivan Society.

Iveshead School Theatre, Shepshed.

Not the most performed of all of Gilbert & Sullivan's works, which is why it's so nice to catch this production, performed by this wonderfully talented society who are celebrating 60 years of the society this year. This is an example of taking a chance on a production that you may not know about, or have not seen performed, because that gamble will pay off with this one, but there's not happy endings for everyone in this one! 

"The Yeoman Of The Guard" also known as "The Merryman and His Maid" is the eleventh of the fourteen operettas written by Arthur Sullivan and W S Gilbert.

Colonel Fairfax has been falsely accused of sorcery by a jealous relative who covets his estates and money. The Colonel is condemned to death for his "crime" and waits in the Tower of London for his execution. Fate, however, steps in - in the form of Sergeant Meryll (who owes his life to Colonel Fairfax) and Elsie Maynard, a beautiful strolling singer who has just arrived at the Tower to entertain the people in the company of a strolling jester, Jack Point.

There's some wonderful comical bits, some brilliant phrases used and part of the storyline reminds me of "Four Weddings And A Funeral", and the music is typical Gilbert & Sullivan, all in all proving that this show is well worth watching.

Needless to say the acting and singing by everyone is of the best quality, as is the characterization of the roles, so let's get on with telling you who is who because the cast size is one of the biggest for a Gilbert & Sullivan production.

Colonel Fairfax, the romantic lead, is played by Dan Magnone, who makes his debut with the society, and what a way to do so. Fairfax is a prisoner in the Tower of London, falsely accused of dealing with the devil, and is scheduled for execution. Dan's voice is so clear and carries well, especially in his solo songs "Is Life A Boon?" and "Free From His Fetters Grim".

Jack Point, serves as the Fool and falls in love with the singer Elsie Maynard, and is played by Richard Craggs. Richard gets to sing some of the best songs in this operetta, "I Have  A Song To Sing O", "I've Jibe And Joke", "Oh! A Private Buffoon Is A Light Hearted Loon" and "When A Wooer Goes A Wooing", all highlighting the comic wordings of W S Gilbert fantastically.

Wilfred Shaldbot, the head jailer, is played by Al Jordan. He is a narcissist who fancies himself an artist and poet, and would love to become a jester. Al plays this character perfectly and really brings out the comedy in this role. Shadbolt gets to set out his comedy stand from the off with songs like "When Jealous Torments Rack My Soul", and later on with his duet with Jack Point in "Hereupon We're Both Agreed". Al also has possibly the best make up job in the show!

Sergeant Meryll is played by Howard Pritchett. Meryll is the Sergeant of the Yeomen of the Guard and a retired war hero and widower. He owes his life to Fairfax and is father to Leonard and Phoebe

Elsie Maynard, a strolling singer and betrothed to Jack Point, is played marvellously by Ali Matthews-Savage. Although betrothed, Elsie accepts the chance to earn big money, but that plan goes slightly awry!

Phoebe Meryll is played by Alix Ashurst. Phoebe is an intelligent and resourceful young woman, she is a romantic at heart and has plenty of spirit. Alix's voice is perfect for this character as she has a very light and youthful sound to her voice; a tone that is in complete contrast to Alix's recent role as Miss Hannigan at Loughborough Town Hall.

Dame Carruthers is a formidable presence in this opera, known for her strong opinions and authoritative demeanor and played by Kate King.

Sir Richard Cholmondeley, Lieutenant of the Tower and is in charge of the Tower and all of the people within it, played by Edward Atkin.

Kate is Dame Carruthers' niece and played by Rachel Fitzpatrick. 

Leonard Meryll is played by Toby Ashurst, who also makes his debut with the society. Leonard is a war hero and a new recruit of the Yeomen of the Guard. Proving that Gilbert and Sullivan is not for the more mature male actor, it's also great fun for the younger actor and we get to hear Toby's more classical timbre into the bargain. I've seen Toby in several roles in musical theatre over the last few years and this makes a really pleasant difference to what I normally hear Toby sing.

The Chorus of The Yeoman are made up from Paul Ainsworth, Ray Connelly, John Cousen, Brian Fletcher, Matthew Hammersley, Alan Hobson, Mike Jones, Roger Muggleton, Richard Perkins and Andy Savage, really swelling out that recognisable G&S sound.

Clive Carlin (First Yeoman), Richard Tomlinson (Second Yeoman), Roger Muggleton (First Citizen), Mike Jones (Second Citizen), Alan Hobson (The Headsman) and Matthew Hammersley and Andy Savage (The Villagers).

The Chorus Of Ladies are Brigitte Ainsworth, Lynne Atkin, Mary Barber, Carrie Bareham, Lisa Clifton, Rachel Cousen, Jane Dobson, Laura Gregory, Valerie Hart, Cheryl Hammersley, Christine Hibbard, Amy North, Helen Oliver, Sally Portsmouth, Helen Smith, Rosie Smith, Sue Smith, Helen Tomlinson and Carol Weller. What a gorgeous sound this cast make with so many big voices.

Directed by Cheryl Hammersley and Angela Kilpin. This production simply sweeps along at a real pace. It has that retro/modern feel about it for a reason that I can't quite put my finger on. Maybe it's that mention of noting comments on a "tablet"... surely not in G&S times? This show entertains in fine form and pace, surprising myself to see that the programme is practically a three hour show with interval; it seemed a fraction of the time.

Musical Director and Conductor is Adrian Dobson, so you can always guarantee a quality vocal performance from the performers, as well as a lush and rounded sound from this fourteen piece orchestra.

Production and Stage manged by Gordon Kilpin. With a cast of this size you have to be on your game with the stage management, and Gordon was the man for this big job. The Stage Crew were Luen Banks, Dave Jackson and Mark Smith. Gordon was also responsible for the set design which really made you feel as if you were at the Towers Of London.

Choreography was not credited in the programme but there were some very good choreographed sections, often with the large ensemble all on stage.

Costumes are from Lichfield Costume Hire and looked incredible. The red and yellow Guard outfits really jumped out at you and the costumes for the ladies were beautiful.

Lighting is by Paul Boneham and Sound is Paul Frost, both adding to the class of the production. The sound was round and clear and the lighting really brought the colours in the costumes to life.

This production is helping to raise funds and awareness of Sepsis and The UK Sepsis Trust, so if you have any spare cash rolling around in your pocket, free your pocket space and pop it the collection buckets... after you've folded it up of course.

"The Yeoman Of The Guard" is at Iveshead Scholl Theatre in Shepshed until Saturday 8 November.

 "That Good Night" by N J Crisp.

West Bridgford Drama Society.

The Studio Theatre, West Bridgford.

Here's another play that I have not heard or seen before but definitely leaves you with food for thought.

Ralph is a successful screenwriter, charming, cantankerous, rude and a bully and completely selfish. Now is in his seventies and terminally ill; he has two final missions: to be reconciled to his long-abandoned son Michael, and, secretly, to ensure he is not a burden to his younger, devoted wife Anna as he goes "into that good night". But Ralph wrecks all hope of reconciliation when he picks a fight with Michael's new girlfriend, Debbie. Later, alone, Ralph receives the "Visitor" whose services he has hired to provide the painless ending. But the visitor plays a devastating trick......

Ralph is played by Richard Young, and straight away he makes sure that your dislike for the character is plain, but then he makes you feel a kind of sorrow for the situation that he has created, and you feel sorry for the character. There's not much more that I can say about what happens without giving away the ending... so I won't, be let's just say the twist is not one that I had expected, given the visit and what happens at the end of the first act.

Anna is played by Lynn Burges who shows the frustration of living with a man like Ralph, who does not like being fussed over or told what to do. Again, I won't spoil the ending, or anything that happens in the second act, but all I will say is that Lynn's performance really makes you take her side in this relationship, and also makes you empathise with everything that happens due to Anna's actions and reactions.

Michael is played by Calum Sharp. There's a true love/hate chemistry throughout this play between Ralph and Michael, and the softening of the stand off is done very well. Love the symbolism of the weather as a similes for their relationship, which adds to the comedy of the situation that they find themselves in.

Debbie the multi-lingual girlfriend of Michael's is played by Emily Martin, and while only a small part in the story, is part of the U turn in Ralph's emotions, both negative and positive.

The Visitor is played by Malcolm Todd, and delivers the sinister element of the play. After carrying out Ralph's request at the end of the first act, I thought that may be the last we see of The Visitor, but what evolves in the second act brings questions as to the intentions of The Visitor.

Directed by Tony Vokes, and as I had never experienced this story on stage, had nothing to make any comparisons, but what an impact this story has, and how brilliantly it's delivered and performed. The twists come without warning which has the effect similar to being slapped in the face.

The Tuscan villa set design is by Ali and Andy Bakewell and made you feel the heat of the Italian sunshine with the oranges and greens and the mosaics on the tables and chairs. Solidly constructed by Andy and the Society members.

The tidy set was dressed with many props from furniture to flora, both bringing colour to compliment the warmly coloured walls. There's even a noticeboard visible through the blinds of the window that led to Ralph's study. Thanks to Charlie Willcox for this area of the Creative Team.

There are also some pretty quick costume changes in this production and the costumes are so relevant to the climate that the story is set in. Vic Carr and Eleanor Roberts are responsible for the wardrobe side of the play.

Sound Design is by Ritchie Sharpe and operated by Jem Woolley. The distanced sound effects gave spatial awareness of the area outside of the stage. You believed that there was a swimming pool just over the garden wall and the coming and going of the cars.

Lighting Design is by Alex Wardle and operated by Jeff Tullin. This area helped you feel the warmth of the Italian sunshine as it lit up, and warmed up the set.

Production Manager for this play is Barbara Seymour.

Stage managed by Rosie Farrow, assisted by Barbara Seymour.

It's really quite refreshing to see a play such as this because of the content of the story. The talking point is not one that automatically, or easily becomes a subject to discuss, especially with family members. It's well acted by all which perfectly delivers that wonderful awkwardness that N.J. Crisp obviously had intended. I also hope that this may have given just enough away to tempt you into seeing it, without revealing the twists and shocks involved.

"That Good Night" is at the Studio Theatre in West Bridgford until Saturday 8 November.