THE BUGLE BOY by Den Stevenson
Nottingham Playhouse

This is the story of a man who created a very special sound throughout the second World War, a sound that is instantly recognisable, a man whose life was cut tragically short when the plane he was travelling in went missing when he was just 40 years old.

Den Stevenson created this mini masterpiece and the only musical world wide about the icon that is Glen Miller. It traces his rise from college to his heyday via radio interviews with his wife, Helen and Glen, played out on stage. The music is performed by a live eight piece who create the mood of the era well.

It's a piece of musical history that was attended not just by people who can remember this music first hand, but by teenagers and children who have been brought up with this music by their parents, and a history lesson that ended far too early.

There's a lot of information that I was unaware of here and featuring many of his biggest and well known tracks, "In The Mood", "Kalamazoo","String Of Pearls", "Elmer's Tune", "Moonlight Serenade", "Pennsylvania 65000" and many more big band classics as well as some very talented vocalists, all of which creating a very special atmosphere.

"Bugle Boy" is on at the Nottingham Playhouse until Thursday 12 June 2014

ROCK OF AGES
Nottingham Theatre Royal

It'll come as no surprise to find out that this is one of the best musicals featuring classic rock songs, possibly ever. It will also not be a surprise that this is one very entertaining piece of theatre that will have you on your feet at the end. What may come as a surprise is the power and strength of Noel Sullivan's voice!

Noel Sullivan, I hear you scream in a rock God kind of way? Why yes! once known as part of ITV's Pop Stars manufactured band, Hearsay, who had that number 1 hit "Pure & Simple" years ago with Kym Marsh, Suzanne Shaw, Myleene Klass and Danny (the one that looked like Shrek).

Well Noel has carved out a very successful career in musical theatre and, boy can he belt out those rock tunes, and hold a note, probably longer than Bill Wither's in "Lovely Day". I, for one was very pleasantly surprised with his role as Drew, the wannabe rock singer.

Anyway, it's a love story about girl who moves to a new city (Sherrie), girl falls in love with boy (Drew), boy loses girl to sexy rock star (Stacee Jaxx) in a toilet fumble, boy rejects girl, girl turns to the dark side and becomes a stripper (aka an exotic dancer), boy rock star turns turn the dark side (well joins a boyband), boy and girl meet again by accident and then fall in love all over again! Aaaah. Oh there is another plot as well about The Bourbon Club being shut down to make way for redevelopment and the owners (Lonny and Dennis) put on a last ditch attempt to make revenue by holding the last ever performance by Stacee Jaxx, which is where we came in.

Ben Richards (Strictly Come Dancing, The Bill, Footballer's Wives, Holby City) plays rock God, Stacee, most of then time with not many clothes on, ladies, but can also expose a good pair of lungs and tonsils as well. Then again he has been doing musical theatre since he was about seven years old!

Cordelia Farnworth plays Sherrie and when she and Noel get together for the duets and mash ups, they truly melt together vocally.

Keeping the story flowing as narrator as well as working the audience is club co owner Lonny, played with some excellent comic tones by Stephen Rahman-Hughes, who, we discover has a secret crush on someone, but you'll have to see the show to find out who he reveals his love for in song! Lonny that is not Stephen.

Another brilliant stroke of excellence in the comedic casting field is Cameron Sharp, who plays Franz, the German son of the renovating boss, Hertz Klineman. Again there is one part which has the audience in stitches with Franz's revealing storyline, but I couldn't possible tell you what it is!

This is one very entertaining show with stacks of comedy, some brilliant rock songs, a live rock band on stage, brilliant lighting and an excellent sound system. Great vocals from every actor and just a wonderful feel good show, maybe not for all the family though as there are parts that may shock little eyes and ears.

"Rock Of Ages" is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 14 June 2014

DANCE TILL DAWN

Nottingham Theatre Royal

Featuring Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace from Strictly Come Dancing and the follow up to last year's "Midnight Tango". Last year was brilliant but this year was just amazingly good.

There is comedy, characterization, drama, song, dance and a storyline as well. Set in 1940's Hollywood glamour Flavia plays Hollywood starlet Sadie Strauss. Sadie is one half of a golden couple with the fictional Barry Burns, who just happens to get bumped off early on, when photos of him in a compromising position with Lana Clemenza, the blonde bombshell bimbo, played by the luscious Abbie Osmon.

Private Eye Tommy Dubrowski (Teddy Kempner) tells the story in the style of the old American gangster movies and provides most of the comedy moments, along with Lana. With Barry out of the picture, quite literally, there's an opening for a new leading man, and who better to take his place than budding actor, Tony Deluca, played by Vincent Simone, but first he has to prove that he didn't kill Barry Burns.

The dancing by everyone, not just Vincent and Flavia, was absolutely amazing, including many different styles, but we had to wait for their trademark Argentine Tango until near the end. Style, class and energy is stamped all over this show and boy does the time fly as quick as those dancing feet.

Music wise the songs ranged from "Big Noise From Winnetka" through "Moon River", "Stand By Me" to Bruno Mars' "Runaway Baby" and Caro Emerald's "That Man". Vocal wise Abbie Osman belts out Peggy Lee's "I Am Woman" with gusto and the male vocals are from Oliver Darley who has an amazing voice. And what a fantastic orchestra as well under the management of Andy Barnwell and Pete Harrison.

This really is Top Notch class from a charismatic pair of dancers at the top of their league, and energetic as most of the dances are, the pair never seem to break into a sweat or look the slightest bit out of breath.

You can catch "Dance Til Dawn" all this week until Saturday 7 June 2014

JUKEBOX by Beeston Musical Theatre Group
Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton

"Jukebox" is a celebration of music from, and influenced by the 50's and 60's, which have been featured in musicals from the last few decades. There were medleys from "Hairspray", "Summer Holiday", "Forbidden Planet", "Jersey Boys", "Shout", "Dreamboats & Petticoats" and "All Shook Up", featuring all the songs destined to get you singing and clapping, At times it was almost like surround sound!

Loved the set, which was a 50's style coffee bar, very bright and colourful and the obligatory Wurlitzer style jukebox taking pride of place.

The BMTG are a big group and with all large groups there are varying levels of singing ability and this showed, but hey, everyone up there looked like they were having fun,and as one who can't sing or dance, I have no place to criticise the odd bum note. I am in total awe of anyone who has the guts to get up on stage in front of a room full, and I do mean FULL, and perform.

There were several very strong performers though. I absolutely love the song "Timeless To Me" from the "Hairspray" medley, a song where you need to draw out the comedy element, which is what was achieved.

Loved the "Summer Holiday" section, such fun, and also Steph Gray-Blest who was truly blessed with a lovely voice, singing Connie Francis' "Who's Sorry Now". You can't go far wrong with a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons medley and "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" really got the audience singing along, just in time for the closure of Act 1.

The 60's themed musical "Shout:, which for those who don't know it uses music from the female singers from that era, kicked off Act 2 in great style and what a voice Andrea Nicolaou has; her version of Dusty Springfield's "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself" brought rapturous applause from the audience, and rightly so, as did the final song in that section,"Shout".

Loved every song from the "Dreamboats" section especially the accapella version of Ritchie Valens' "Donna", led by George Lamb, who has such a strong voice, and ably backed by "The Diner Staff", and what a great bass vocalist as well.

And finally, :All Shook Up", the musical which uses the songs made famous by Elvis and everyone was on stage for a vocal slice of the pie, and again a showcase of some of the stronger vocalists. Craig Butterworth not only showing off his talented choreography for "Jukebox",but surprisingly his soulful vocal chords as well in "It's Now Or Never". There's also an amazing version of "Can't Help Falling In Love" which will send tingles down your spine.

Apart from some technical issues with the mics and at times the cast battling with the orchestra, the show achieved their celebration of some great pop classics and they had no problems getting the audience singing, clapping and swaying with every song. The scenes flowed smoothly from one musical tribute to the next and the cast were full of enthusiasm, so what's not to like?

"Jukebox" is on at the Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton until Saturday 31 May 2014, when they will all be looking for volunteers to rub lots of ointment into their aching muscles no doubt!

SISTER ACT at Nottingham Theatre Royal
by Carlton Operatic Society

"Sister Act" is the story of Deloris Van Cartier , a nightclub singer who witnesses her boyfriend, gangster and nightclub owner Curtis,shooting one of his henchmen and decides to squeal to the police. She is then hidden within a group of nuns, for her own protection, and teaches them to sing, So well in fact that they are invited to sing in front of the Pope which attracts the attention of the media,and of course Curtis and his henchmen.

And so to my favourite bit...let there be praise!

OMG! This was as good, if not better than the professional production that was doing the rounds a few years back, but when I say professional, there is no lack of professionalism here.

Deloris is played by Monique Henry and you wouldn't know that this is her debut on stage as an actor as she oozed, flounced, sashayed and belted out the songs like a seasoned pro that I have every expectation she will become. Great stage presence and exuberance swept us all along with her story. Forget Whoopi Goldberg there's a new sister on the block and she has attitude in abundance! Monique has everything you would want from a leading lady including an amazing soul/gospel set of pipes on her. I can't wait to see where she goes from here.

The whole cast were just fantastic. Loved the comedy from Curtis's flunkies, Joey (Liam Hall), TJ (Mark Coffey-Bainbridge) complete with 70's "fro", and Pablo (Nigel Newton), all regular Nottingham stage regulars.Curtis was played by Lyndon Warnsby, even managed to receive a few "boos" aimed at him at the curtain call.

The "sisters" were such a wonderfully talented bunch that regularly brought a smile to my, already Cheshire cat type face, so thank you, Jenny, Lisa-Marie,Sarah, Jackie, Hannah, Laura, Rosie, Jayne, Katie etc etc. What moves n grooves for sisters of the cloth.

Another brilliant little role was played by Ray McLeod as Officer "sweaty" Eddie Souther, the saviour of the piece, if you'd pardon the expression!

A lovely sound from the orchestra under the guidance of musical director, Chris Rees, energetic choreography from Lisa Lee and some really good sets, quickly placed, which were effective but at times slightly noisier than they needed to be, but I'm sure that this is something that will be reduced over the run. Another great success story as well from director, Amanda Hall.

The songs will get your hands clapping, your toes tapping and on your feet at the end of the night. Brilliant rousers like "Take Me To Heaven", "Raise Your Voice" and "Sunday Morning Fever" and some lovely tender moments like "I Haven't Got A Prayer" and "The Life I Never Led" along with some very funny songs (just listen to the words and remember The Floaters "Float On") from TJ, Pablo and Joey with "Lady In The Long Black Dress".

If you're not on your feet and clapping at the end of this show you must be deaf, daft or dead, or all three. I loved it and was proud to say that I was first to my feet (as far as I could see anyway). Thank you Carlton Operatic Society for a heavenly show.

"Sister Act" is on at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 31st May 2014

HAUNTING JULIA by Magpie Drama
Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

When you're looking forward to something, there's a danger of your expectation being too high and getting let down, Not so with this production from Magpie Drama.

Alan Ayckbourn's spooky story of a 19 year old music genius, Julia Lukin, who committed suicide 12 years previous to when the play is set. Julia's father, Joe Lukin, has brought ex boyfriend Andy, to see the Julia Lukin Music Centre, a public music facility and shrine from Joe to his daughter.

Joe has many questions that he still wants answers to, and since his wife, and Julia's mother, Dolly, died, this quest has become almost an obsession to Joe. Joe has also invited a psychic, Ken, along but this psychic is not quite what he seems and has a secret reveal half way through Act 1.

By the end of the play, you're still left with some unanswered questions and still not 100% sure just how and why Julia died. Was it really suicide? If not who was responsible for her death?

There are a couple of parts that will make you jump and this play holds just the right amount of suspense, in the same way that "The Woman In Black" theatre production did.

I'm not going to give away the ending but let me just say that it may leave you feeling a little uneasy if you have to walk from the theatre on your own.

The three actors, Mike Evans (Joe), Rick Law (Andy) and Dan Bates (Ken) put on a suspense filled performance which really kept you on the edge of your seat and cast doubts in your mind over what really happened to Julia. But there's a lot to laugh about as well in this play with some classic Ayckbourn comic lines, more than I had expected there to be.

Some good effects and a believable set, the play was played out in real time and I don't know if the heating was turned down for effect but there was definitely a chill in the air...or was that Julia making her presence felt?

Magpie Drama are building up a solid catalogue of great plays, this one following on the heels of John Godber's "Men Of the World", and the next one in July being "Punk Rock" by Simon Stephens.

"Haunting Julia" is on at The Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton until Saturday 24 May 2014

A BECKETT EVENING
Nottingham Lace Market Theatre

All this week there are two plays for the price of one again, and this time spotlighting Samuel Beckett's lesser known plays "Not I" and "Happy Days"/ The Lace Market are renown for producing slightly off the wall productions and these two avant garde plays certainly fall into that category.

"Not I" was my favourite of the two and was considerably shorter and the most interesting of the two, both visually and aurally. Set in pitch black with just a spotlight on a mouth (and a lovely set of teeth), owned by Maeve Doggett, about eight feet above the stage, This is a monologue about a woman of about 70 years old who was abandoned after birth and it seems suffered some trauma in her life which is not clarified, containing random sentences, some often repeated. In the darkness there is also "The Auditor" who is a shadowy figure who makes four movements only.

"Happy Days" is a two hander with the majority of the script being performed by Cynthia Marsh as Winnie, with just a few sentences from Daniel Bryant as Willie, and is one of Beckett's happy plays! Winnie is buried in the sand up to her chest, in the second half it rises to her neck, and is in the mode of a seaside postcard.

As in "Not I" there are lots of jumbled ramblings, although not as frantic, and again many terms and phrases are repeated,and also again quite difficult to get the gist of what the theme of the play was. Beckett though has stated that "strangeness was a necessary condition of the play". Maybe a little too strange to keep focused and I found my mind wandering at times. In the second act of the play it gets decidedly more depressing and the image of her disappearing further into the sand (well I assumed it was sand) could well be a visual image of her life, sinking ever deeper.

This I think is my first taste of Beckett, although I knew of his "Waiting For Godot", so didn't really know what to expect, but they are odd little plays and you have to applaud the Lace Market Theatre for daring to be different. The problem with "different" though is that theatre goers are always a little reserved with "different" and this showed with the amount of audience members in attendance.

"A Beckett Evening" is on at The Lace Market Theatre until Saturday 24 May 2014