"Christmas Cheer"

Nottingham Arts Theatre.

I have had the absolute pleasure of reviewing some amazing shows throughout 2023, and here we are at the final theatre show of the year, for me.

This year I've seen musicals old, new, obscure and classic. I've seen plays, classic, comedic, mystery, horror, panto and drag cabaret. I've enjoyed every single one of them and this year have exceeded the amount of shows reviewed annually since I first started reviewing, twenty three years ago; "Christmas Cheer 2023" being the 167th show this year.

This show is the equivalent of the 1970's tv advert for Ready Brek. For those who aren't quite as old as myself, the commercial dubs the milky breakfast cereal as central heating for kids because it leaves you with a warm cosy feeling inside, and that is how I felt when I came out of this Christmas show.

Not only did I reconnect with friends that I've not seen for a long while, but I got to be entertained by people who believe in sharing; sharing their immense talent and sharing the joy of Christmas.

This is not going to be one of those long deep dives into a theatre show, it'll be more of a thank you to the cast and everyone involved at the Nottingham Arts Theatre, not only for the great work they've done over the last year, but for igniting a festive spark in me.

Christmas, for most people, is the most wonderful time of the year, and this Christmas song was re-iterated by the company at the start of the proceedings. The abridged story of the Nativity was retold in sections by some of the cast with festive favourites like "Mary's Boy Child", "Mistletoe And Wine", "Jingle Bell Rock", "Merry Christmas Everyone" and ending with a tribute to Shane McGowan and Kirsty MacColl with a rousing version of "Fairytale Of New York" which had everyone singing along.

A selection of hymns and carols were also interspersed into the proceedings including "O Little Town Of Bethlehem", "Hark The Herald Angels Sing", "Once In Royal David's City", "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" and "Ding Dong Merrily On High" among them.

There was a section of Christmas Cracker jokes, poems, readings, a comical audience inspired improvised version of "The 12 Days Of Christmas", a boozy cookery section that I am sure Mary Berry wouldn't have approved of, but maybe Fanny Craddock would have, and a powerful version of "Stars" from "Les Miserables", one of the shows the Arts Theatre are staging in 2024, performed by Preston Nash.

There were familiar voices as well as fresh voices, making for a really interesting mix and there were faces both old and new, all welcomed by an audience who were all set to welcome in Christmas 2023.

So here is where I get the pleasure of thanking the stars of "Christmas Cheer 2023" who bought exactly that, Christmas cheer.

Shantanu Bhumbra, Roy Smith, Barry Hobbs, Arlo Perrons, Marie Rogers, Bertie Black, Kate Russell, Erin Atlas, Glenise Ellis, Sophie Benner, Olivia Bonham, Preston Nash, Isobel Munden, Daisy Donoghue, Hannah Enderby, Hermione Cumbers, Harriet Campion and Amy Rogers-Gee.

The Nottingham Arts Theatre Youth Group selection consisted of Amelie, Betsy, Elizabeth, Esmie, Flo, Imogen, Isobel, Lennie, Mia, Thomas and Zilpha.

Lighting for this show was by Oliver Read and the sound was by Evanne Webster.

As with all local theatre productions, the staff who work offstage are just as important to the success of a show as the performers on stage and behind the stage, so thank you to the Front Of House staff tonight who were Alannah Knight, Rachel Faulkner, Tilly Wishart, William Russell and Zoe Carter. Thank you for being the welcoming face of the Nottingham Arts Theatre.

To everyone involved in this magical night of music and comedy, thank you, and have a wonderful and peaceful Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all again in 2024.

 "Outlawed"

Nottingham Nonsuch Studios.

Billed as a Drag and Cabaret Spectacular, we were made aware that the show contained adult content beforehand. I'd never been asked to review anything like this before, although reviewing Drag Cabaret isn't new to this reviewer, so I was all up for it when the offer came my way.

The name of the show itself gives rise (ooerr!) to the fact that it involves Robin Hood and Maid Marion, taking us from Nottingham all the way up The Brian Clough Way (double ooerr!!) to Derby and back again. The audience are invited to a Cabaret Night at the Royal Oak in Sherwood Forest by hosts Robin and Marion, complete with stage side cabaret tables and a glittery red backdrop. There we are treated to Friar Tuck'd drag personas and we discover The Sherriff of Nottingham's love of burlesque!

It's naughty and saucy, in fact everything you'd expect from an adult show. The jokes are likewise saucy but come on, we're all grown ups here.

Lucinda B Hind as Friar Tuck'd started us off with a performance of "Like A Prayer" that Madonna would love to perform, through several music choices including an hilarious version of Vikki Carr's "It Must Be Him", dressed as a nun, and the obligatory Shirley Bassey performance with my favourite remix of "Big Spender" from the "Get This Party Started" album. There's also an eye popping section of chair choreography by the Friar as well. And those shoes!!!

The Sherriff of Nottingham, PMBC, likewise, puts in an amazing performance. This is unlike any Sherriff of Nottingham that I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, but I think may be my favourite Nottingham Sherriff. With hair and make up that looks a cross between French chanteur Marielle Matthieu - look her up on Google - and Paul Stanley from Kiss, this Sherriff was busting out all over.

Robin Hood, portrayed by Lottie Manning under the drag name of Hunter Gatherer, has ambitions to go it alone after Robin gets a call to perform solo work in Derby, which of course does not go down well with Maid Marion. This means that this dynamic duo who run The Royal Oak Cabaret Club could be split up, which would mean financial problems for the club, but more importantly........ Derby? Could there be intervention to make the Derby debut disastrous? We also get to see Lottie's musical talents on the ukelele as an extra treat.

Maid Marion, portrayed by Solaya Sang, has several businesses on the go, but what would happen if Robin made a success with this solo venture, all Marion's hard work would be put in peril, so she makes a desperate deal with The Sherriff Of Nottingham. But was the decision that Maid Marion made, made in haste or did she have a little something tucked away?

Music wise there was a wide range, with songs from Madonna, Beyonce, Blondie, Elvis, Britney, 50 Cent to keep the party mood bopping along nicely.

There are some very clever, incredibly funny and silly interpretations and miming to hits like "I Know Him So Well", "I've Had The Time Of My Life", and another one of my favourite party tracks to close the whole show in "Shake Your Groove Thing". Everything musical, including the sound effects was operated by Little John.

Choreography wise there's also a lot to offer, especially with the Dirty Dancing favourite.

Directed by Edward Boott, this is one of the most outrageously funny Christmas shows in Nottingham this Christmas. The humour comes thick and fast and is completely original. There's audience participation but it does not involve any embarrassment to the chosen member of the audience. The show rolls on as smoothly as if it were on castors and I really did not want it to end, but if you're going to end, finish on a big note, and this show definitely ends with an explosive finale.

Drag is a very special form of entertainment, and I know the amount of work that goes into creating a Drag persona; I have several male and female friends who perform this art form. The make up, the costumes, the wigs, the personality all go into the mix for creating a successful Drag character, and I for one have loved seeing the rise in this performance art.

The Vivienne appeared in "Emmerdale" and was a contestant on "Dancing On Ice" and is due to tour with "The Wizard Of Oz". Baga Chipz and Ceri Dupree have toured and appeared at the Nottingham Arts Theatre in their own shows. Rupaul has grown from being underground to now being one of the most successful and recognised Drag artists, and "Drag race" now tours venues like the Nottingham Royal Centre.

"Outlawed" is a show that is naughty but very, very nice, and if you're all panto'd out with taking the kids to Christmas shows, come to the Cabaret and see this one with friends and partners for some frolicking festive fun. It's different and I loved it.

"Outlawed" is being performed at Nottingham's Nonsuch Studios until Friday 22 December. Go on, treat yourself.

 "Rock Of Ages"

Gilly Archer Theatre, Bilborough College.

I’ve seen this jukebox musical many times over the years, so here we go again, and celebrating a decade of reviewing at Bilborough College, because I could not fight the feeling to release my inner rocker anymore. Incidentally my first review for the college was "We Will Rock You" in 2013.

Set in the mid to late 1980s and centring on music club The Bourbon, on LA's Sunset Strip, where Drew is working while waiting for that elusive big break as a rock star, we meet wannabe singer/actor Sherrie - 'just a small town girl' from Kansas, and Drew's love interest.

But the young rock wannabe is not the only one lured by Sherrie and when Stacee Jaxx, lead singer of stellar rock band Arsenal, sets his sights on her, it seems Drew's romance, and the search for paradise is over.

In the tradition of all good musicals though, true love finds a way.

The tongue is firmly in the old cheek with this show. Big hair, glam rock costumes and larger than life personalities are everywhere in this heart-warming story about saving the community’s rock joint from the developers who may have built this city , but the citizens just wanna rock!

Lonny, the part time narrator of the show, is played by a young man who I've seen in several productions in the area, Evan Fretwell. Just two and a half years ago I reviewed "Cats" for Copper Studios and remarked of Evan that he is "a young man whose future really lies in musical theatre as this boy can dance".

Evan choreographs "Rock Of Ages" as well as playing Lonny. Every time I see Evan on stage I see a different side to him and as Lonny you get to see a more comedic side to him. His face telegraphs humour well and he knows how to deliver the humour in the script.

He is also really saucy, and not only in his script delivery but with every part of his being. And if we get back to his dancing, those hips must be detachable, because if not they were certainly very, very loose!

A brilliant character actor who gets into the whole character. He scorches the floor with his dancing, strutting around like a cross between Mick Jagger and Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, and he can sing like an angel, or in this fun rock show, a Hell's Angel. The epitome of the "triple threat" label.

Dennis Dupree, the owner of The Bourbon Lounge, is played by Noa Hart, another one of my favourite actors. She has one of those voices that stand out as being different. Her deeper, husky tones are just what her character needs, and a complete contrast to Evan's, especially when they duet on "Can't Fight The Feeling". Dennis and Lonny are a great double act and that's brought out by these two actors.

Justice Charlier, who is the owner of the Venus "Gentleman's Club" is played by Nakiaya Francis-White. A really strong character who took Sherrie in when she needed a job. Justice has a heart of gold and this is shown by Nakaiya, who also has a great voice.

Drew Boley, the main male lead character and guitarist for the band Wolfgang Von Colt, is played by Thomas Markwick. A strong leading man whose voice grew, not only with confidence but with power throughout the musical. It's not easy to deliver falsetto but Thomas did a great job.

Sherrie Christian, the lead female character, is played by Holly Hughes. Holly has a voice that surprised me, as I wasn't expecting such a mature singing voice, especially with the ballads. Sherrie really came out of shell when she met Stacee Jaxx and there's a saucy comedy scene with both characters which Holly delivered with great aplomb.

Stacee Jaxx is played by Samuel Onwuteaka. Now, I've seen a few people play this role, including Kevin Clifton from Strictly Come Dancing, but I have never seen anyone play this role like Samuel. Imagine a cross between Rick James and James Brown with a touch of Lenny Kravitz and you'll be somewhere in the area of sex symbol rock star that is created by Samuel. I am sure that the temperature in the Gilly Archer theatre went up a few degrees when Samuel strutted on the stage.

Regina, who is played by Lily Essex, plays the rebel with a cause who's not gonna take the take over from the Germans, but discovers that that one of the German pair has been waiting for a girl like her to come into his life. Some nice comedy moments with Lily.

Hertz Klinemann, the developer who wants to tear down The Bourbon Lounge, is played by Samuel Brown. Hertz is one of those panto style villains that you love to hate and then turns it all around and you start to love him, well Hertz is, while Samuel is a brilliant comic and character actor.

Franz Klinemann, played by Tom Star is wonderfully camp as the son of tough talking German developer, Hertz, but just wait for his big reveal though in Act Two. Tom is a Star by name and also as this character.

The Mayor is played by Bethan Moore, Holly Chippendale plays Sherrie's Mother as well as a waitress, Gabriel Chamberlain plays Sherrie's Father and Joey Primo who apparently "poops money", Jack Forth plays Agent Ja' Keith Gill who wants to change Drew from a rock star to a boy band member. Constance Sack, the reporter for rock mag Rolling Stone, is played by Jazmin Lockwood who feels the heat caused by Stacee Jaxx.

Hannah Mayarara plays the Strip Club DJ, Katie Chamberlain is the Producer, Bartek Kacica plays the riot cop, Tinaya Edinburgh Miller and Anna Clay play Protestors and Ellie Adey plays a High School Girl.

The Shadows Of The Night are played by Bethan Moore, Anna Clay, Bartek Kacica, Ellie Adey, Grace Sims, Isabella Streets, Kacey Wardle, Katie Chamberlain, Kyra Fowler and Samara March.

Directed by Edith West, co-directed by Maeve Naismith this show is tight and pacy, packed with humour and energy.

Musical Director and guitarist is Charlie Turnball. I've seen several productions where the sound from the band has sometimes drowned the singers, often with the band being behind the audience and in the air. This show has the band on the stage and the sound quality is so much better. the rets of the band are Chris Knipe - drums, Anna Thornton - guitar, Rachel Ayree-Brown - keyboard and Dominic Watts on bass. A great sounding band who can rock out when required but can also produce a lovely ballad backing.

What I love about having a live band is that if a cue is missed and someone does not come in on time, the band can cover that up and get in time with the singers. I only heard this happen once, something probably no one else even noticed, but the band covered and within a second or two, both band and singer were back on track. Something that the Musical Director quickly picked up on and resolved which for me deserves credit for.

The costumes and wardrobe are by Udo Ejorh. All the cast look incredible in these outfits, completely looking the part. Many of the outfits for the ladies are the sort that your parents would say "You are not going out dressed like that!!!" so you can imagine what they were like!

Lighting and sound technicians are Megan Whitmee, Fly Rolfe, Asia Turnbull and Aiva Cooney-Hossack. Great lighting but the sound at the start was slightly muffled on some mics, especially Lonny's, and was a little low in the mix. What I did notice that, by the start of Act Two, these issues were completely resolved and the sound was so much better, so someone was taking notice throughout the first act.

Everything backstage was managed smoothly by Sita Augustine. Just how smooth it was backstage may not have been the image that I saw from my seat, but everyone was on and off stage with swiftness and ease.

Another highlight for me were the hair and make up because both were extremely good at reflecting the fashion of the era.

As you'd expect, the songs were all classics, from the gorgeous "More than Words", "Every Rose Has It's Thorn" and "I Want To Know What Love Is" to the out and out rockers like "Anyway You Want It", "The Final Countdown" and the explosive final number "Don't Stop Believin'". Expect nothing but a good time, Bilborough, we are gonna take it so come on, and feel this noize!

This is a real team effort, and this is a large team, but the hard work from all the team - on and behind stage - shone, which made for a rocking evening of fun.

"Rock Of Ages" is at Bilborough College's Gilly Archer Theatre until Thursday 14 December.

 "Sweet Charity" by Kristian Thomas Company.

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

To quote a phrase from one of the songs... "All I can say is WOW!" This musical will blow your socks off!

Based on the 1969 film starring Shirley MacLaine and the book by Neil Simon with music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields.

Charity is an unlucky in love gal who makes a living from dancing in a seedy dive in New York called The Fandango Ballroom.. Having just been dumped by her latest boyfriend, she decides that enough is enough and she is going to change her life. A chance meeting with the shy Oscar in a broken down lift kick starts her turnaround.....or does it?

Alana Fay Moran is Charity Hope Valentine, and not only can she belt out a song, but she sustains that Noo Yoik accent throughout the musical. Charity has a wonderful personality and Alana makes you virtually punch the air when things are going good for her and when things aren't so good, you really feel like giving her an hug. The comedy with Charity feels very natural, and that is all thanks to Alana's acting.

Charity's fellow dancers and close friends Nickie, played by Helen Perry and Helene, played Lydia Thacker are great fun, taking the mickey out of Charity whenever she tells them that she has fallen in love again. There's also that sisterly love shared by these three which is also lovely to see.

Dave Covey plays Vittorio Vidal, Oscar Lindquist and Charlie. Charlie, her married boyfriend, dumps Charity, quite literally off a bridge in Central park after relieving her of all of her savings. Vittorio is a famous movie star who has just split with his girlfriend, Ursula, played by Shannon O' Donnell. The split however is not permanent, leaving Charity, yet again alone. Late she meets Oscar who is quiet and shy, and also claustrophobic!

Three very different characters, who all look very different as well. Dave's voice has a lot of power, as shown when playing Vittorio.

Herman, the part played by Stubby Kaye in the film, is played by Sandy C Lane. Now I had to look several times at Herman because it didn't look like Sandy. The wig and costume seemed to make Sandy morph into this character, and I am sure that sandy has disguised her speaking voice; no wonder I didn't recognise Sandy - she is quite chameleonic. Sandy's voice though could not be hidden and I love Herman's big song "I Always Cry At Weddings" which retains the fun and energy of the film version.

Lauren Rose Stirland plays Big Daddy Johan Sebastion Brubeck, the leader of The Rhythm Of Life Church. Lauren also gets to belt out another of the show's big numbers, "The Rhythm Of Life". There's no disguising that this musical is a 1960's musical, especially in this scene, and it just oozes nostalgia with the costumes, lighting, choreography and the arrangement of this tune. The multi-layered harmonies are recreated perfectly and sounded simply superb.

The ensemble, who by the way are incredibly hard working as they play every other role in the show, consist of Ella Greenwood - who also played a Fandango Girl, Bethany Neville, Betsymae Kirkland-Ball - who also played the Lead Frug Girl, Becky Pearcy, Aimee Fardell Willson - who also played Suzanne, Eva Sheppard - who also played a Fandango Girl, Francesca Foster - who also played Betsy, Bethany Wear, Katie Lawson - who also played Frenchy, Amy Wicks - who also played Carmen, David Page, Ben Hale, Max Fuller, Alice Cammell - who also played a Fandango Girl, Megan Singleton, Nadia Potter, Reema Frost and Stephen Mura, who also gets to show off the higher part of his register in "Weddings" with Sandy C Lane.

Directed by Alysha Gomes, assisted Tom Samuels. From start to finish this was a smooth show. The decision to not have any kind of static set was inspired with illuminated frames to create windows for the girls to advertise their business, as well as frames for shops, eating houses, the lift, dressing rooms and everything else. Not only is this a very slick decision but it makes for swift positioning and removal of the various scenes.

Samuel Holden choreographs one of Bob Fosse's most famous musicals; Bob Fosse, for those who don't know, is one of the most famous Director/Choreographers with a particular style in choreography. Sam has brought this style to life with these moves, especially the armography, which I always associate with Fosse. The big dance numbers like "Rhythm Of Life", "I Always Cry At Weddings", "Big Spender", "Rich Man's Frug" look spectacular.

Musical Director is Charlotte Daniel. This show has the most exquisite soundtrack with big belters like “Big Spender”, “If My Friends Could See Me Now”, "I Always Cry At Weddings" and the infuriatingly catchy “Rhythm Of Life” and oozes style and glamour. I noticed what an integral part of this soundtrack the drums are, and Helen Shelton made sure that this sound packed a punch. The whole band sounded fantastic creating that wonderful Sixties vibe.

In charge of the lighting design and operation is Stephen Greatorex, and I know that I give sound and light a hard time in my reviews, but apart from one spotlight that was not on the actor - maybe the actor was in the wrong place, I loved this lighting design. It was exciting and colourful, creating a true psychedelic look and feel.

The sound operation is down to three people, Rob Hill, Phil Simcox and Jack Clark. I can't remember any missed sound cues and any actors not mic'd up gave a depth to the sound from the stage, so I'm very happy to say I couldn't find anything negative to report about the sound operation.

There are three large screens at the back of the stage which are used to great effect, the design of which is by Kristian Cunningham and Alyshea Gomes.

Set Design is by A Stage For Hire, Kristian Thomas Company and Stephen Greatorex. Visually uncomplicated but really effective.

Wonderfully retro costumes with plenty of monochrome designs side by side with vivid splashes of colourful outfits. These are by Kristian Thomas Company led by Deborah McPherson, Megan Singleton and Jan Brockhurst.

The show's technical crew are Millie Gilks, Carol Lawson and Damon Pipes

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Produced by Kristian Cunningham.

Every piece of this musical theatre jigsaw was in just the right place on opening night, and the picture these pieces created was something extremely enjoyable to the eye and ear. My toes could not stop tapping all night.

"Sweet Charity" is at the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton until Saturday 16 December.

Photos by Betty Gamble Photography