"The Show Must Go Online" by Darley Dance.

Darley Dance had to raise £10,000 to get this online show online, and I 'm sure that, once you've seen this presentation, it was worth every single penny.

The quality of the camerawork and the sound is one of the most professional quality I've seen and heard. It's like watching a professional show.

The make up and costumes are excellent and the locations have been sought out to enhance the music and choreography for each piece.

From the opening piece, a wartime remembrance medley performed on stage at Derby Theatre, to some beautiful ballet at Shottle Hall. From Derby County Cricket Club to a night time view over the City location and within Derby Cathedral; these locations are perfect.

Reminding us of the Covid times we're living in at the moment, as well as the hard times that local theatre and performing arts are going through, Steve Jordan reads the poem "Don't Quit" by John Greenleaf Whittier, giving us hope and urging everyone to keep calm and carry on and not to quit. A sobering piece.

The Christmas Show takes us back to the uplifting and empowering music of the war years with the opening medley before swiftly moving on to a 1950's section of "A Teenager In Love" and a wonderfully sharp jive to Jackie Wilson's "Reet Petite".

Next to the serene setting of Derby Cathedral for one of my favourite Christmas songs "O Holy Night", made all the more humbling by the surroundings. I must mention that the lighting for this section is also really beautifully done and the camera work matches the lighting.

There is a brilliant lock down version of "The 12 Days Of Christmas" medley, completely socially distanced of course, and a tap version of Dermot Kennedy's "Power Over Me".

"The Show Must Go On" performed at Shottle Hall is sung with passion and Megan Smith's ballet makes this piece just like a music video.

I love the comic inserts in this show, like the North Pole Newbies speech and a new socially distanced re write of Cinderella made me chuckle.

There's even a touch of comedy, as well as video magic, in the Christmas classic "Let It Snow"

Santa Claus recites "Twas The Night Before Christmas" just before some more wonderful ballet set at various locations in Derbyshire to the stripped back version of "Somewhere Only We Know".

The Christmas vibe is then ramped up for some seasonal salutations, which also gives you the chance to sing along to "Jingle Bells" complete with lyrics on screen.

Directed and Choreographed by

Abbi Burns

, Musical Director is Georgia Harris, assisted by

Sarah Towle

and the excellent sound by

Harry Greatorex

. The online production is by Bob Rushton of Bob On Arts, and to borrow a Northern saying, this whole show is "bob on".

Entertaining us in such fine form are

Abbi Burns

, Rob Harris, Georgia Harris, Chelsea Boyes,

Sarah Towle

, Jade Lee,

Megan Smith

, and Ellie Tatham.

Filmed by Goldbox Productions, the scenes inside and out were of the highest quality, making each section look like a music promotional video.

This show is available to see online by visiting Darley Dance website or Facebook for more information and by making a donation to their Crowd Funder and is available until Thursday 31 December 2020. Any donation of any size will get you the link to the show.

Great entertainment for a night in on New Year's Eve or anytime before. And if that's not proof enough of what a brilliant show this is, just ask Gareth Evans of Smooth FM!

 "A Virtual Christmas Concert"

Nottingham Arts Theatre Youth Group.

It has been almost a year to the day that I was last at the Nottingham Arts Theatre to see the Youth Group, and how I miss sitting in the Arts Theatre for a show.

This is a virtual production so you get to see the performers up close and personal so to speak. What doesn't change is the talent you discover from this showcase of songs, dance and readings.

You even get an interval to pop off and make yourself a quick drink!

This is jam packed with the first part showcasing musical theatre songs and readings from the stage with the second half bringing the Christmas cheer.

"Don't Stop Believing" started us off in a lively vein with a group performance and it was lovely to see that some of these children unable to keep still, even online.

Let's have a look at the stars of this online extravaganza.

Lucy Heatham-Lee, Phoebe Mossop, Eloise Reese, Chloe Chapman, Freya Bird, Jonah Williams, Charles Beckett, Rosie Morgan, Florence Eventi, Lucia Lockley, Jack Symington, George Young, Sarah Nicholls, Isobel Farr, Charlotte Fisher, Olivia Grace-Tiley, Zach Silcock, Leah Wrigglesworth, Megan Holder, Caitlin Young, Esme Smith-Cockayne, Sky Douglas, Hattie Campion, Kate Russell and Myla all gave everything, especially in some of the group performances.

I was really impressed with Chloe's rendition of "Burn" from the musical "Hamilton", and while the subject matter of the song may have been not quite right for a younger person to sing, I thought Chloe delivered the song with real emotion.

George Young performed one of my all time favourite pieces from "Jekyll & Hyde" with "This Is The Moment", showing he has the potential to be a wonderful musical theatre performer in the future.

Jonah Williams' version of the classic "White Christmas" shows a crooner in the making.

There were some nice choices for the readings as well including Lucia Lockley's reading of "All The World's A Stage" and Iris, Cleo and Rebecca's "Twas The Night Before Christmas" and the comedy piece called "I Want To Be Joseph" from Zach Silcock. Jack Symington's "Making A Difference" gives a hint at a budding classical actor in the making.

A couple of ballet pieces to vocal performances by Isobel and Charlotte and Hattie and Kate were so relaxing to hear and see.

I also loved the group pieces and especially "I'm A Believer" where the one boy dancer in this group really matched the girls with his moves.

A mention must go to

Stephen Greatorex

for the video editing. He made sure that, even though these pieces were filmed separately, they were all slotted together perfectly.

With less than a week to go before the big day, this show really satisfied my musical theatre yearnings as well as got me in the mood for the run up to Christmas.

Thanks also to

Jessica Royce

the Youth Group and Production co-ordinator for getting this all together, along with

Mike Pearson

and creating a Christmas Cracker of a show.

Let's hope next year we'll be able to see this Youth Group live on stage and not on Zoom!

 "Accelerate" by Bill Hayes.

Nottingham New Theatre Online Season.

This is the final film in the NNT Online Season and so very different to the others in the season.

Mason and Sadie are two friends who are about to travel to Birmingham for what I imagine is some kind of rave, if the music is indicative of their destination.

We travel, like a fly on the wall, with them from their digs to the train station and to the rave, where they split up after an argument, fuelled on Mason's part by something a little stronger, and exciting than Ibuprofen. This means that we follow only Sadie back home, leaving to our imagination what happened to her friend Mason.

The visuals are colourful but for me bear not a lot of resemblance to the story, apart from the animation of the train, but really interesting to watch.

It is the script, which is naturally comical and flows naturally as well, and the stereo splitting of the soundtrack, effects and script that is really enhanced by the use of headphones. If you can imagine a Pink Floyd album aurally, with scenes from "Trainspotting" - but only in your mind, then this is the effect this film could have on you, well maybe not but that is what came to my mind.

The banter - or is that "bants" - between Mason and Sadie creates the comedy, and you just know that this pair really have a strong relationship, because there are parts of the film script that you just know Sadie must have a strong friendship bond to put up with some of the comments, and rantings from Mason.

The cast are Mason - Jake Levy, Sadie - Daisy Miles and Piig - Pete Rouse with multi roles being played by Rachel Coussins and Demi Idowu.

There's a large crew behind this production.....

Director - Jack Titley

Producer - Caitie Pardoe

Assistant Director - Helena Hunt

Assistant Producer - Jesse Rough

Shadow Producer - Erin Verlaque

Writer & Creative Assistant - Bill Hayes

Script Editors - Rosie Thackeray & Callum James

Visual Editor - Max Nichols

Sound Editor & Designer - Cae Capurro

Assistant Editor - Skylar Turnbull Hurd

Caption Writer - Tara Anegada

Publicity Manager - Ace Edwards

There's also thanks to be given to Dualvoidanima for their artistic contributions to this film and also to Brad Wilson for his musical contributions.

A very different but very interesting film to close the season, which I can honestly say I have really enjoyed, highlighting the incredible talent within Nottingham New Theatre.

Here's to 2021.

 "What Could Be Worse Than Jumping?" by

Olly O'regan

Nottingham New Theatre Online.

This is the penultimate piece of work in the NNT's online season and possibly, for me, one of the hardest to watch, although one of the most fascinating to listen to.

A combination of characters inspired by Fyodor Dostoevsky’s 'Demons' and David Foster Wallace’s 'Infinite Jest', the three characters discuss depression and addiction.

Katherine Gompert (Ace Edwards) relates what depression and addiction is to her and what she feels will rid her body of the depression. Katherine is a modern take of the male character, of whom I will come to shortly. She is open with her body language and has a very relaxed aura, as is her language. Her outlook has a more simplistic way of getting rid of her inner ills, offering up sedation and ECT as a remedy to what she feels.

Nikolai Stavrogin (

Charlie Catmur

) comes across as the opposite. His body language is closed and forever seems to be troubled, his hands clenched and wrung with a nervous and often frightened look. He is less animated than Katherine.

The Doctor / Tikhon

Danial Ahmer

flips between the two and while he deals with both forms of script - the Doctor's being easier flowing while Tikhon the Monk's is not written with a natural flow, so if you are used to Shakespeare or Dickens rhythms of script, you will find this of a similar pace. And the differences also make this piece of work such an interesting one.

The characters flip-flop and both offer points of discussion concerning depression and what may be the remedy.

The piece is beautifully filmed in black and white, which adds to the bleakness and the original music complements the cinematography and overall feel.

My only negative, and it's only a little one, is that the sound at times needs enhancing so we can hear the beauty of the script.

Written and directed by Olly O Regan who also co-directs with

Beth White

. Beth also produced the piece.

Barney Hartwill

,

Ellie Harding

and

Jesse Rough

were the Video Editors.

Caption-Writer is Cecillia Alexander, Creative Assistant is Holly West and Publicity Assistant is Abie Whitehead.

What Could Be Worse Than Jumping? can be viewed online from 7.30 tonight via the Nottingham New Theatre site

 "The Little Mermaid" by Mike Kenny

Derby Theatre Online.

Derby Theatre has an excellent record for producing and presenting alternative Christmas entertainment, not only for young people but for any age, and this is another classic piece of theatre, this year though available online.

The story of The Little Mermaid is told by Flotsam and Jetsam and while this does not have a happy ending, there is enough comedy to cover the sadness through so as not to upset any sensitive young viewers.

The Little Mermaid has always wanted to rise above the waves but, as told by her Grandmother, she can only do this on her 15th Birthday and while she hears the wondrous tales related by her sisters, she can't wait to see what life is like above the waves.

Her time finally arrives and she sees a marvellous party on board a ship for a Prince who is celebrating his 16 Birthday. She falls madly in love with him but the a storm wrecks his ship and he plummets to the bottom of the ocean. The Little Mermaid carries him to the surface and leaves him on the shore, saving his life.

She is absolutely smitten with the handsome Prince and seeks advice on how to woo him from her Grandmother, but as she can't live on land, and the Prince would drown in the sea, the romance looks failed from the start. The answer though lies with the Sea Witch, but there are consequences and prices to be paid!

Let me first mention the wonderful set, designed by Ali Allen, who also designed the costumes. You get a real feel of being underwater, which is enhanced by the lighting design by Jamie Vella. Also creating that special feel is the sound design by Ivan Stott, who also composed the original music, which is so relaxing.

Written by Mike Kenny and directed by Sarah Brigham, this has a lovely child friendly feel about it. And when I say child friendly, I mean children of any age.

The Sea Witch is quite scary, well witches are supposed to be aren't they? Created and Directed by John Barber and voiced by either Oliver or Jordan - there are two sets of actors alternating.

Talking of the actors, the online pair I saw were Oliver Ashworth (Jetsam) and April Nerissa Hudson (Flotsam). the other pair who I know will be just as entertaining are Joelle Brabben (Flotsam) and Jordan Laidley (Jetsam).

The story telling is magical and you could just shut your eyes and let the story wash over you, the descriptiveness painting pictures in your mind.

The show lasts about 48 minutes long, so this would be a perfect treat for anyone who wants a Christmas treat guaranteed to keep the kids quiet and mesmerised.

"The Little Mermaid" is online from Derby Theatre until 2 January 2021 so please go to the Derby Theatre website to make sure that you secure your chance to see this Watery Winter tale.

 "Cinderella"

Nottingham Playhouse.

Ay Up Me Ducks! If it is one thing that I really look forward to at Christmas it is Nottingham's pantomimes. This year is very different but the Nottingham Playhouse panto is here and apart from not being sat in the audience, this show is as full of fun as any other year, even if there are a few differences, brought about by Covid.

A really traditional panto with some modern touches, thanks to the script, written, as well as directed by Adam Penford. Adam has kept the trademark Kenneth Allan-Taylor lines and feel, and blended it with some fresh corny jokes. Watch out for the boomerang gag!

Everything you have come to expect from the Playhouse pantos is there. Great sets, designed by Morgan Brind, choreography by Rachael Nanyonjo, and what would we do without Uncle Johnny Morton as Musical Director. There is a sectio which is orchestrated and reminded me of all of my favourite instrumental sections of every old Christmas film I can remember. Lovely and lush.

There is just the one bunny though and no swathes of young dancers to open the show.

The mix of songs is well balanced with more than a couple of nods to Sara Poyzer's recent "Mamma Mia" West End and touring production.

Sara Poyzer

doubles up as Fairy Godmother as well as the nasty Baroness Kim, who when we first see her bears a striking resemblance to Glenn Close in "Sunset Boulevard", and in one number sounds a cross between Beyonce and Julie Andrews. Love the Nottingham accented Fairy Godmother but I am also a sucker for a powerful nasty woman!

The Ugly Sisters are wonderfully brought to life by Nottingham panto legend John Elkington as Kourtney and Nottingham panto newcomer

Tom Hopcroft

, who looks completely at ease in heels and a frock, as Kylie. Some brilliant scenes with these two including Bolero on wheels and a mad tongue twister, plus of course those crazy costume designs! Just clock what they wear for the wedding scenes at the end.

David Albury plays the handsome Prince who of course falls for the gorgeous Cinderella, played by Gabrielle Brooks. These two are well matched in every way, and especially when they duet during the Prince's Ball... I won't give away the song they sing but it's amazing. And you will gasp as Cinderella's rags turn into that magical ball gown.

Jessica Lee is so cute as Dandini, and is also blessed with a lovely set of vocals.

Back on the Playhouse Panto stage is Tim Frater, this year as Buttons. Tim is the equivalent of opening a bottle of fizzy pop when shaken. He explodes onto the stage and must be powered by some copper topped battery as his energy levels are never ending.

We still have the kids from the audience but socially distanced with their own bit of stage and microphone, so abiding by all the rules put into place, and there is still the audience sing song, so much of the traditional panto fare we have come to love is still in there, just carefully positioned.

Needless to say there are several topical jokes about Brexit and Covid as well as the Big Fat Man with the ruddy complexion with the sack, yes Donald Trump even gets a mention.

"Cinderella" is at the Nottingham Playhouse from Saturday 19 December 2020 - Saturday 16 January 2021. There will be the chance to see the show On Demand as well as Live Streamed on Saturday 19 December and a very special Christmas Eve production with bonus bits! Oh and you can always enjoy it at the theatre as well, so this year there is absolutely no excuse not to see this wonderfully festive, frolic filled and fantastic family fun fest.

 "faces". by tara anegada & rosiella sutherland.

NNT Online Season

The latest addition to the Nottingham New Theatre Online Season is a quartet of mini films highlighting some of the worst traits in people.

"baptism" narrated by laura garvin-gomez shows the affect that the death of her character's family members have on her life as a she looks back at her childhood and how this dramatic and life changing event affects her in her adult life.

"half *****" narrated by ella seber-rajan is all about racism. It highlights some of the things that some people say that, while at times they may not realise may be rascist, possibly due to their age, that comments can hurt. Comments like "where do you come from, no, where do you really come from".

I recently was listening back to an interview I did with a big 1960's singer and he used the "coloured" adjective to describe black people and I felt so uncomfortable listening back to this, While this may be how people from this particular age see no wrong in this, I can see that this is wrong and can be deeply hurtful.

ella relates several examples of rascism, all of which would be embarrassing to hear as well as being insulting and hurtful to the black community in this passionate and heartfelt monologue.

"first" narrated by emily rule is all about a young woman falling in love with her school friend and we automatically think that the object of her desire is male. This particular monologue shines a spotlight on homophobia and biphobia. I personally have never understood why parents can change the way they feel about their children just by the choices that they make in who they decide to love. It should change nothing and it is sad to find out that people can reject their own blood due to this.

I feel very strongly about homophobia and this particular piece of film really is important. What a shame we have no vaccine to inject homophobics with. Again this phobia may be something that is residual from decades gone by but is still here today, and this film shows this.

The final film in this quartet is called "reclamation" and narrated by eleanor rickenbach. We see some wonderful descriptive passages about the visual affects from drink and drugs on the user, as well as a sad routine of life that the drinker and drug taker can fall into.

All four separate monologues within this film are delivered with passion and I found myself closing my eyes and listening to the voices and the words as opposed to watching the films, ironic as the film is called "faces".

Unlike the previous pieces in the current online season, this delivers serious messages throughout which is at times difficult to watch and listen to.

Let's mention the people who are behind the scenes of this important film.

written & directed by tara anegada & rosiella sutherland

produced by alice zelenka martin

shadow director & dramaturg: joseph holmes-milner

publicity assistant: libby horobin

creative assistants: nadia elafi & japneet matharu

video editor: jesse rough

assistant video editor: charlie finney

caption writer: skylar turnbull hurd

"faces" can be seen on Wednesday 9 December at 7.30 via the NNT Facebook page link.