"Apple Of Discord" by Chronic Insanity.

The People's Hall, Heathcote Street, Nottingham.

Ever been invited to a wedding where arguments and a fight breaks out, especially after the wine has been flowing a bit? Of course you have. Well this is a wedding of great historical importance, and you have been invited.

Even before entering the building, all of us "mortals" are asked to read the T's and C's, scan a QR Code to sign a special waiver, and are given a speech about what we were to expect once we walk through those doors of The People's Hall.

Eris, the goddess of strife, has been omitted from the guest list from the wedding of Peleus and Thetis She of course retaliates by chucking a golden apple into the celebration, inscribed with “to the fairest.” That kicks off a massive dispute between Aphrodite, Hera, and Athena, each wanting to claim the crown of "the fairest", which ends up with Paris of Troy making a fateful decision that ultimately spark the Trojan War. And the rest is history as they say!

This is a very special piece of theatre because the action takes place simultaneously over three floors of the People's Hall, so you'll never see everything, unless of course you have been on three different days. That said, you still won't see the same thing as anyone else.

On the ground floor you'll be able to see the wedding venue and all of the action that goes on in any type of wedding reception as well as all of the cabaret entertainment thereafter. I must say, some of those tunes performed are definitely older than I first thought! There's also that legendary scene from William Shakespeare's "Midsummer Night's Dream" with The Mechanicals to take in as part of the cabaret entertainment.

You have the choice to stay on this level throughout, and enjoy the entertainment, or visit the other two floors, or simply tour the three floors as and when you feel, where there's entertainment going on at the same time.

On the first floor, The Realm Of The Gods, there are three rooms, Athena, Hera and Aphrodite's rooms, all with different entertainment where you can stay as long or as little as you wish, taking in the various scenes. I'm not going to spoil it by telling you what happens within these three rooms, but then again I have a feeling that the entertainment will not be exactly the same every performance, so every performance will be completely unique to every audience member. You will feel as if you've been invited to an actual wedding reception where something is happening in every room you move to.

Aphrodite's room has a music and dance with some very clever lyrics performed almost in an Eminem style, Athena's room has a more interactive element built in and Hera's room has a traditional theatrical vibe.

The second floor up, which is the Top Floor is another space where every audience member who wishes to visit this part of the experience will receive something very unique entertainment wise. These spaces are where you can have a one to one interaction with members of the cast. I've probably made this sound quite seedy but it's not at all like that, but as you can imagine, with something so very different, it's not that easy to explain without giving out quite big spoilers, and that would take away a lot of the fun and excitement for the individual. My "quest" was a simple one to deliver a letter.

As you can imagine, the behind the scenes work is very different to any other theatrical event, but it is remarkably well stage managed by Olly Francis and Matthew Cordon, who obviously have so much trust in this group of actors who have a script to work from but also have the talent and ability to improvise while keeping to the theme of the story.

Directed by Joe Strickland, and as with stage management, projects the vision to their cast, but also places great faith in each and every actor to create something special for their audience, and again giving everyone a unique experience that they probably will not have access to for a long time. Assistant Director is Chris Sims.

Lauren Brady, Doug Deans, Esther Warren, Joe Strickland, Lauren Brady, Laurie Owen, Nat Henderson, Nicki Morley, Sam Marshall and Ben MacPherson are the writing team and have created a piece of theatre that is pure entertainment.

One thing that I guarantee will take your breath away are the costumes. Haydn Rhys Cawley, who also plays the role of Dionysus, and Sarah Todino have very clearly researched the style and materials required to bring this era to life. Every costume you see is a work of art.

Esther Warren is also the Lighting Director for this show. You can see the fabulous job done in the photographs below.

The Props Designers and Constructors are Katie Mitchell and Sarah Todino.

Phebe Chan is the Sound Op, Stage Manager and Cabaret Compere.

Back in these ancient times there was no order of service for this wedding and evening's entertainment, but here are a list of the cast members.

Ali Lit (Cassandra), Amanda Mitchell (Eris), Ben Macpherson (Zeus), Clare Louise Moss (Thetis), Dan Webber (Cabaret Compere and Aesop), Emma Carlton (Nick Bottom), Emma Webber (Athena - Mon - Thurs), Esther Warren (Tiresias), Ken Ogborn (Peter Quince and Poseidon), Tim Ralphs (Phemius and Cabaret Compere), Francesca Short (Persephone as well as Athena on Friday), Jake Turner Evans (Ares), Jack Dillon (Hephaestes and Robin Starveling), Tom Pluse (Hades - voice only), Laurie Owen (Atlas Tues - Fri), Katie Mitchell (Demeter), Lucy Hallam (Orpheus and Amethyste), Ria Ashcroft (Hestia), Haydn Rhys Cawley (Dionysus), Prof. Helen Lovatt (Homer), James Kaye (Snug The Joiner), Joe Strickland (Charon), Kat Engall (Hermes), Katie Mitchell (Demeter), Lachlan Charles (Francis Flute), Lauren Brady (Thallo), Marilyn Bird (Hera), Matthew Cordon (Argus), Michelle-Louise Wright (Mechanicals Director and Tom Snout), Olly Francis (Carpo), Phebe Chan (Auxo), Reece George Soar (Peleus), Sam Marshall (Apollo), Sarah Todino (Arachne), Nicki Morley (Artemis) and Eden Silk (Aphrodite).

Where else are you going to get the chance to, and I keep using the word "experience" something like this? This is an experience, not just another piece of theatre, it's immersive theatre at its' finest, and your entertainment is, quite literally, in the hands of the Gods, especially when it comes to discovering who is "the fairest of them all".

"Apple Of Discord" is at The People's Hall, Heathcote Street in Nottingham until Friday 24 July.

 "Operation Mincemeat"

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

Possibly the most anticipated show for a long time, especially after listening to the soundtrack for many months now. I can reveal that everything that you may have heard about this show, are all correct.

It's one of the zaniest, cleverest, fastest moving, beautifully timed shows on stage, and these five actors really earn their money. They race about, change characters on stage and have rapid fire costume changes to work into the show. God, It's Brilliant!

The music reminds me of a mix between "Hamilton" and "Six" with plenty of hip hop tunes with very clever lyrics. The book, music and lyrics by David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoe Roberts.

This show started off at the Edinburgh Fringe back in 2019 and by 2024 they had received the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, as well as three Tony nominations for Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical in 2025.

The plot is based on a World War Two British deception operation named "Operation Mincemeat". Now, I'm not going to go into the detail of the storyline or the characters because, as in all the best spy stories, secrets shouldn't be revealed, a bit like the conclusion of "The Mouse Trap". Believe me though, this show is a proper belter and must be seen to get the full and utter enjoyment from this show.

Just five actors play over fifty roles, which straight away promises a rapid paced and chaotic, but brilliantly funny show; and it did not disappoint.

Charlotte Fleming is Jean Leslie, the glamorous MI5 typist. Jean wants so much more than what women are given in the 1940s. She wants to make a difference.

Jordan Pearson plays Hester Leggatt, the formidable secretary to Charles Cholmondeley. Hester is an older woman who has been working for a long time, and understands how females are perceived in the workplace. Jordan is one of the understudies but obviously knows this role back to front and inside out.

Ahmed Hamad is the socially awkward scientist and Air Force Officer, Charles Cholmondeley.

Chloe Hart plays flamboyant spy Johnny Bevan. He is the first to explain the premise of the operation; the British government requires a strategy to convince the Nazis to leave Sicily. He is the big boss of the gang.

Katy Ellis, one of the other understudies, plays Ewen Montague, a brilliant Naval Intelligence Officer.

Apart from these main characters, the stage is a revolving door for the above to play various other characters....

Ian Fleming: A naval intelligence officer who narrates parts of the show and serves as the mastermind behind the alter-ego James Bond.

Admiral Godfrey: The strict, demanding chief of Naval Intelligence.

Bill / Glyndwr Michael: The homeless man whose body was used by MI5 to carry the fake documents.

The Typing Pool: Including characters named Meryl, Beryl, and Cheryl who help manage the clerical work and gossip in the office.

German Officials & Spies: Including Nazi figures and the German spy Haselden, who operates in Spain.

Various others: Submarine crews, cabaret singers, and seaside locals.

The scene with the submarine crew is hilarious as the scene switches from the submarine to a dance scene in a club, using a quick change of costume and lighting design each time. The rapidity of this scene in particular has the ability to leave you feeling out of breath.

Directed by Robert Hastie. This man must have one of the best jobs in theatre to bring such a theatrical musical masterpiece to an audience.

Choreographed by Jenny Arnold, these moves are insane. There are echoes of Beyonce and Rihanna videos - don't worry you'll easily spot which ones, as well some extremely energetic groove moves. Some scenes have such fast character changes which bring along slightly different choreography for the various characters, it's like being caught up in a whirlwind of dance.

The Set and Costume Designer is Ben Stones. Let's start with the set. If you've ever seen "Curious Incident" the set is a little bit like that with sections of the back wall revealing doors, windows, electronic lighting designs etc. Props are brought on and off, often revealing character entrances and exits from behind large props like roller boards. Desks convert into other items, and the final glitzy finale is breath takingly Hollywood with a BIG illuminated staircase and...... no, I've said too much, I can't reveal anymore about this amazing set.

The costumes are wonderfully wacky, especially the glitz involved in one particular character where instead of blood there are hundreds of red, shiny sequins on several jackets in this wardrobe. Take a look at the photos and you'll get an idea of the full breadth of the costumes.

Lighting Designer is Mark Henderson. This area is yet another big hit with me - to be honest every area in this show is a big hit with me - It's like experiencing a big American Busby Berkeley Hollywood style musical with every colourful light used. 

Sound Designer is Mike Walker. I love musicals that don't hold back on volume and with several of these musical numbers, the volume of the boogie beats bombard you, and I love the power you get from these blasts. Nicely blended with the vocals, and with a lot of the songs including rap sections, it's important that the words are heard, to get the full comedy effect from them, and I heard every word and extracted every ounce of comedy and satirical lyrics from them. I already have the soundtrack, but seeing them performed on stage just adds an additional comedy skin.

Musical Director is Ben Cox with Musical Supervisor being Joe Bunker.

The orchestration and vocal arrangements are by Steve Sidwell. You may have gathered how much I love this soundtrack, and the vocal arrangements, especially for the rap tracks and the faster songs were delivered by the cast with speed and accuracy. It's this ability that reminded me a bit of the "Hamilton" soundtrack with songs like "My Shot", but with even more pace. One song in this show, "Dear Bill", though is a beautiful love letter, sung by Jordan Pearson.

Do you get the idea that I love this manic musical? Does a newt have a tail?

"Operation Mincemeat" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 1 August.

 "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying"

Nottingham Lace Market Theatre.

I can't remember ever seeing this musical performed anywhere in the East Midlands, at least in the last twenty six years, so this may be the premiere of this musical in the East Midlands. A fantastic premiere and an even more fantastic close to the current season.

"How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying" follows the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch, who uses a little handbook called "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying" to climb the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high-powered executive, tackling such familiar but potent dangers as the aggressively compliant "company man," the office party, backstabbing coworkers, caffeine addiction and, of course, true love.

An irreverent and tuneful romp, jam-packed with sly, swift and sharp jabs to the funny bone, this musical is a surefire hit, as bore out by the standing ovation at the final bows; a rare sight at the Lace Market Theatre. This show requires a large cast, and a great opportunity to showcase the Lace Market Theatre's male members.

Bara Erhayiem takes on the lead role of J Pierrepont Finch, energetic and endlessly ambitious. This role has to have excellent comic timing, which is why Bara has the role, because he has this attribute in bucket loads. I love the way that, at certain stages of the story, Finch turns to face the audience with a cheesy grin, to let us all know that his plan is working out just as planned. Anyone who knows Bara knows that he is an experienced and charismatic song and dance man, having performed in many musicals in various venues over the East Midlands, again making him the perfect choice for the role of Finch.

 

Matthew Thomason  is Bud Frump. When we meet Bud Frump, he is a mailroom clerk at the World Wide Wicket Corporation, a job he has been given because he is nephew to the company President, J.B. Biggley. He is an arrogant sycophant who tries to advance his career by exploiting his family connections. Matthew has that wonderful ability to act with his face, think Jim Carrey, and is wonderfully animated in his movements. This is a brilliant comedy vehicle for Matthew which he slams into fifth gear all the way to the end.

 

Nik Hedges plays J B Biggley, the President of the World Wide Wicket Corporation. He is often the most powerful man in any room. Biggley is a gruff, impatient person, used to commanding a lot of respect, but shows to be quite malleable when Finch wraps him around his finger. 

 

Steph Jones is the office secretary Rosemary Pilkington, the love interest for Finch. Rosemary is a sweet, domestic woman who hopes to leave the office, find a husband, and settle down in a comfortable suburb. I've seen Steph in several musicals, most recently in "Kiss Me Kate" for West Bridgford Operatic Society, so I was very well aware of what an excellent voice she has.

 

Rosie Poesl is Smitty, the Human Resources, or Personnel, secretary with a dry sense of humour, and best friend to Rosemary. She is a cynical “working woman” who is on the lookout for a man. Another lovely singer who avid musical theatre goers will know from various musicals over the last few years. That dry sense of humour is perfectly delivered by Rosie as Smitty.

 

Danielle Easter plays Hedy La Rue, and it's lovely to see Danielle back on stage as it's been a while since I last had the opportunity to see Danielle acting. Hedy is a voluptuous, sexually charged woman adored by all of the men. She may appear dim-witted, but she knows how to manipulate men to get what she wants. Think of a cross between Dolly Parton, Marilyn Monroe and Betty Boop and you have an idea of what Hedy looks and sounds like. Love the vocal characterization that Danielle brings to this role, and she has some gorgeous costumes to wear as Hedy as well.

 

Will White is Bert Bratt, the Executive in charge of Personnel at the World Wide Wicket Corporation, and the most trusted man in the company.

 

Billy Bamberger plays Milt Gatch, an Executive at the World Wide Wicket Corporation, a sleazy executive with a penchant for the ladies. I will admit that I didn't recognise Billy and it wasn't until I took a proper look at the programme at the interval that I saw that Billy was in this show. The power of make up is a wonderful thing.

 Sally Eaton is Miss Jones, the formidable, feared secretary to J.B. Biggley, the President of the World Wide Wicket Corporation. She is a dignified and commanding woman, with a strict, businesslike demeanour that gets her heckled and gossiped about, but is soft and kind to those who are good to her. Another brilliant comic role; just look at the timing of her entrances and exits when Biggley's wife is on the phone to her husband. Also wait until the second act when we also get to hear that belter of a voice, as well as the powerful choreography for Miss Jones.

 

William Radford  doubles up as Benjamin Overton and the TV Announcer. I love what the wardrobe department have created for Will in the role of the TV Announcer, so much so I want one in my size!

 

Anne McCarroll is Miss Krumholtz, one of the girls in the offices. A nice cheeky little role which shows that she holds respect from the other younger office girls.

 

Gareth Morris plays Mr Twimble. Mr. Twimble is an extremely faithful employee of the World Wide Wicket Corporation. He is proud to be a “quarter century man,” who has worked for the company for over 25 years. He is a fussy, old-fashioned, and a loyal employee at the company. Supervisor of the mailroom, he believes his success is due to his lack of ambition and ability to remain unnoticed. Always great to see Gareth on stage because he is always so watchable, whether that be in a musical or a play.

 Max Bromley is Wally Womper, the company’s Chief Executive Officer and a really tough boss. We don't get to see Max until near the end of the show, but a memorable role this is, with one of those twists that you half expect but not quite sure what it'll be until it arrives.

 

Ian Smith is The Voice of the Book, letting us know what Finch is reading, and also acts as narrator for the show, guiding us along the path of Finch's success. Almost like an audio book on stage.

The Ensemble consist of Henry Binder, Aaron Connelly, Sorcha Garavan, Eva Martinez, Charmaine Mayeto-Medina, Andrea Pykett, Tom Sneed and Holly Wilson. This wonderful ensemble really flesh out the choreographed parts as well as adding even more comedy to the acting and providing a wave of vocals.

Directors Linda Croston and Alison Hope - two of my favourite theatrical ladies - have created a whopping massive success of a show, which they didn't need a book to advise how to succeed in this business called show. Everything was spot on in every area, and having an almost sold-out show on opening night - only a couple of empty seats were visible, plus that standing ovation for the final bows shows that the hard work that they have invested in this musical has more than paid off.

Choreographed by Arthur Jones, and look out for those signature Bob Fosse dance moves (Fosse was the original choreographer for this show when it opened in 1961), especially in one of the earlier pieces. To choreograph so many people on a smaller stage and to not make it look overcrowded is genius, so I suppose I should say that Arthur is a genius! Dance Captain is Holly Wilson.

Musical Director is Sam Griffiths. I have known Sam now for many years and know that whenever his name is in a programme, the results will be quality. Was I wrong? Course not. Sam has worked all over the world practically; on cruise liners - and we all know how good you need to be to work on cruise liners. The singing and music were just fabulous, which is testament to Sam's experience and ability with working with vocalists. Be prepared for some proper earworms in this show.

Wardrobe by Linda Croston and Maddie Gould. So slick and smart, and that red outfit for Hedy is to die for.

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• Lighting Designer is Matthew Allcock, who along with the Lighting Assistants Amy Bermudez, David Billen and Allan Green gave us an artist's palette of colour, splashed before our very eyes. A colourful musical deserves a colourful lighting design, and that is what we got.
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• Sound Design is by Simon Carter, another expert in his field. The sound was balanced perfectly, and to say that the Lace Market do not normally use vocal amplification, the mix between the music and vocals was a dream.
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• Stage Managed by Helen Sharp, assisted by Rosie Randall. Slick and smooth all the way through.
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There are always  an array of props in any Lace Market Theatre production, and they are all relevant to the period of the shows that they perform, and this is no different. Love those old fashioned telephones. These and the rest of the props were sourced by Wendy Silver and Lesley Brown.

The set design is by Linda Croston with Guy Evans. There's an animated, cartoonish feel to the whole set, which matches the animated, cartoonish physicality of some of the actors. A simple set of doorframes are cleverly utilised to move entrances and exits for the characters, and also double for the office lifts. The design looks simple but at the same time incredibly effective and colourful. Many people were involved in the construction and painting of the set which gives you an idea that, simple it may look, but simple may not describe the construction and painting elements of it.

"How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" is at the Nottingham Lace Market Theatre until Saturday 25 July. To be successful in getting a ticket for this fantastically funny musical, you best contact the box office pretty sharpish as I have a feeling that this is going to be sold out for the rest of the week after word gets out just how brilliant it is.

Photography by Grace Eden Photography..

 "The Secret Garden"

Collaboration Theatre.

Elvaston Castle, The Old English Garden.

Based on the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Book and lyrics by Marsha Norman and the music is by Lucy Simon.

Mary Lennox is a disagreeable, sickly 10-year-old raised by servants in India. After a cholera epidemic kills her parents, she is orphaned and sent to live at Misselthwaite Manor with her uncle, Archibald Craven, a man deeply depressed and changed by the death of his wife ten years prior. 

Left to explore the vast, windswept Yorkshire moors and the manor grounds, Mary befriends a friendly robin who helps her find a buried key and an ivy-covered door. Inside lies a beautiful, walled garden that had been locked away and forgotten after Mrs. Craven's tragic death. 

Mary meets Dickon, a local boy who loves animals and nature, and he helps her secretly cultivate the overgrown garden. One night, following the sound of crying echoing through the halls, Mary finds her cousin Colin, a bedridden, hypochondriac boy convinced he will grow up to be a hunchback and die. 

The children spend their days together in the "Secret Garden". Immersed in fresh air, play, and nature's restorative power, Colin's health miraculously improves, and he eventually learns to stand and walk. 

Mr. Craven, wandering abroad to escape his grief, has a dream of his late wife calling him back to the garden. Upon returning to Misselthwaite Manor, he is quite shocked but overjoyed to find his son running to greet him, completely healed.

Imagine all of this set in the beautiful settings of The Old English Garden at Elvaston Castle and not on the Yorkshire Moors, and you have one of those wonderful evocative classic stories, all with the sun on your shoulders and a breeze ruffling your hair. How simply delicious, especially if you love being in the outdoors and love excellent period drama and a gorgeous soundtrack.

This is one of those productions where everyone was excellent, a real ensemble piece of theatre.

Clara Carter is Mary Lennox and really brought the two sides of Mary out wonderfully. The initial spoilt child was soon knocked into shape by Colin, and then  became a really lovely young lady who appreciated her new surroundings and the people who she shared the Manor with. 

Ben Riley is Archibald Craven, the hunchback Lord of the Manor who is so consumed with grief over the death of his wife and illness of his son he is unable to move on with his life until he went to Paris and received a very special message that changed his whole outlook and demeanor. And I must say, Ben has a really lovely voice which sounded very good in this open air setting.

Harley Tidy is Colin Craven, Mary's invalid cousin. This young man is a going to be a fine young character when he grows up. How do I know that? Because he is a fine young actor now. Colin is a really bossy piece of work who has that "woe is me" attitude, until Mary puts him right about a few things. Mary and Colin turn out to be very good for each other, after all the shouting has been calmed.

Imogen Wilson plays Martha, the chatty but kind housemaid who supports Mary throughout.

James Sikora is Dickon, Martha's brother and a lad with a talent for looking after animals, plus James plays The Major at the start of the play. I've known James for a few years now and I know what a fun person he is, and the role of Dickon is right up James' street. Love the Yorkshire accent as well.

Grace Howitt plays Bet, the gardener, as well as Claire and Mrs Winthrop. Bet is another fun character who has Mary's back all the way, making her new home just that little bit easier to settle in to, and of course, gets Mary into gardening, which of course leads to Mary finding out about the secret garden.

Kerry Britnell plays the firm "no-nonsense" housekeeper Mrs Medlock. She has rules that need to be abided by, but you can see that she has a softer side.

Paul Webb is Dr Neville Craven, his brother who has given up all of his dreams to care for his nephew and run the estate for his distant brother. Paul is another lovely vocalist, and there are some lovely harmonies with Paul and Ben, as well as some of the other cast members. There really is something about music performed in an outdoor setting, especially one like this one.

Lola Smith is the housemaid Jane. 

Playing the ghosts of Mary's parents are Abbi Pritchard as Rose and Jack Bayes as Albert Lennox. A more delightful pair of spectres you could not wish to see. There are some really lovely choreographed bits for Jack and Abbi to watch out for.

Playing the ghost of Lily, Mary's aunt and former wife to the Lord of the manor is Ellie Mallinson. I know I keep saying how gorgeous this cast's voices are, but here's a wonderful operatic voice that carries beautifully on the breeze. As light and wistful as the ghostly vision she portrays. (And I told you I'd booked the weather for the production).

This is the musical version of the story and the music, as I have already hinted at, is rather lovely, like a fruit sorbet on a really warm day, it goes down a treat. A classical feel tinged with folk and also Indian tones to create that eastern warmth. This soundtrack will really get your senses going. The vocal performances just made everything sound and feel just perfect for  such a warm afternoon.

The sound system by Matt Haslam and his assistants sounded wonderful, but then a few mic pac gremlins came to play and there were a few issues. That said, this is such an intimate space and the projection from all was good, so there was no real missing out of any story line from the actors. 

Lovely costumes but I bet that some of the actors, who had the heavier costumes to bear were feeling the heat inside them, but visually, they looked marvellous.

The Props certainly looked era specific, especially the wheelchair, loaned by Central.

I have only been to Elvaston Castle twice before, and have never seen The Old English Garden, so this was a lovely afternoon treat for me.

The walk from the car park is only about five to ten minutes, depending on what you're bringing with you, but the grounds are absolutely stunning, as are the walled gardens, and the Old English Garden itself. The surroundings are beautiful and my congratulations to the Set Designer, as well as the Lighting Designer; both areas spectacular and faultless!

There are only a few laid out seats in the garden so make sure that you remember to bring your own, maybe with a few cold beverages and a picnic would also go down well, but no umbrellas as you wouldn't want to block anyone else's view of the story, would you?

There's also refreshments and cakes on sale and toilets available just a short walk from the performance area, so everything is catered for.

"The Secret Garden" is at Elvaston Castle's Old English Garden until Sunday 19 July when the final performance is at 2pm. Don't miss this wonderful story in this setting, as well as this excellent cast and soothing soundtrack. A Sunday treat for you methinks.