"Dial M For Murder" by Frederick Knott.

West Bridgford Dramatic Society.

The Studio, West Bridgford.

This is one stylish thriller which isn't so much a murder mystery, as we all know who was murdered and by whom and why, but the enjoyment from this play comes from the unravelling of the plot by Inspector Hubbard.

In short, Sheila Wendice and Max Halliday have met up after Max has been in New York for a year, and we discover that they have just come out of an affair with each other which Sheila's husband, Tony Wendice, an ex tennis pro, is actually aware of after blackmailing Sheila over a love letter sent from Max, which neither Max or Sheila are aware of Tony's involvement.

Tony then plans an elaborate murder plot to have his wife killed while he and Max are on a night out, but after blackmailing his old school friend, Captain Lesgate, to commit the murder, things don't quite go as planned and it's Lesgate who ends up in the bodybag and Sheila is sent to prison with the death penalty hanging over her. All is working out just fine for Tony but Max throws a spanner in the works which leads to the unravelling of the attempted plot by Inspector Hubbard and Max.

Sheila Wendice is played by Kristina Russell. What I liked about this presentation of Sheila is that prior to the murder, Sheila is as nervous as anything, knowing that she has been blackmailed, not knowing by whom, but there's every chance of her affair becoming apparent to her husband. After the murder the stage might well have been strewn with eggshells as Sheila seemed to be walking on them every step she took. The nervous stuttering grew and she looked and sounded as if that nervous breakdown was just a stammer away. All of this a far cry to the fun role that Kristina played last in "Orlando" at the back end of last year.

Tony Wendice is played by Tim Farrow, and another over confident character portrayed by Tim. Don't you just love seeing characters who think that they have everything planned out, only to witness their sudden downfall? Well, that is what we get here with Tony Wendice. Even though you know that he is going to get his collar felt - there's no spoilers with that storyline, you still feel like thumping the air when that moment comes, but it's the bit in between the initial plan and the final scenes that keep you hanging on, and Tim almost makes you feel that there is a possibility that he may wriggle off the hook.

Max Halliday is played by Charles Andrews. What a smooth character Halliday is and just when he thinks that he has the answer to everything, he leaves a few little holes for the audience to see through, making the full explanation just out of reach until later on. A very different character from his last performance with West Bridgford Dramatic Society in the play "Eight" last year, and also shows his flexibility as a character actor.

Captain Lesgate, aka Charles Swann, is played by Craig Russell. The name change becomes apparent just after the Captain pops round to sell Tony a flash car, but how does the high flying ex tennis pro know Lesgate to be Swann? Like a cornered animal Lesgate feels that he has to do Tony's bidding, and what a mistake that was! Watch and listen out for the moment that Lesgate reverts back to his original persona. Smoothly played by Craig.

Chief Inspector Hubbard is played by Nik Hedges. We all know that Hubbard is going to get his man, but it's how he puts all the pieces of the jigsaw together that is fascinating, as well as those humoresque little comments. A more stylish Columbo, as you can almost hear his clever brain ticking away, and there's a significant moment to watch for when you realise that Hubbard knows exactly what has gone down. Nik is one of those actors who you just know is going to be brilliant in whichever role he takes on.

It's really intense at times and the tension created by Hitchcock's film transcends wonderfully to the stage, a testament to the director Robert Dixon ability to build suspense with his cast.

Set Designers are Rosie Farrow, Annie Haley & Candice Gush and I love the way that they have created a set that really takes you back in time.

Take a look at the set and take note of all the wonderful props on show, thanks to Barbara Seymour. The classy drinks trolley, the cabinet with tennis trophies in and that wonderful wireless, which I noticed a few audience members taking a closer look at in the interval.

Sound design and operation is by Jem Woolley. With the intimacy of this theatre, there's no need for mics so the sound is all effects. These are all delivered with split timing.

Lighting design is by Alex Wardle and operated by Calum Sharp. There are several moments when the lights are faded to night light effect, and again the timing when the actors operate the light switches or the lamp is timed by Calum, as well as all the other light effects in this production.  

Costumes are by Kristina Russell & Jo Sharpe. Very glamorous with the men's suits and Sheila's evening, day and nightwear. 

"Dial M" is a wonderful thriller that has certainly stood the test of time and is well worth a viewing for all fans of theatre and excellent thrillers. Sophisticated and brimming with class.

"Dial M For Murder" is at the Studio Theatre, West Bridgford on until Saturday 8 February.

 "Act One Spectacular" by Nottingham Arts Theatre Youth.

Nottingham Arts Theatre.

Apologies for the lateness of this review but when I got home, I had to have a lie down as I was exhausted by the energy and talent that i had experienced this afternoon from the above amassed talents.

I'll also apologise that I can't possibly mention what every one of the seventy-eight young performers did on stage on Sunday afternoon, else I'd still be writing this time tomorrow night. What I can say though is that this group is one of the best, and most enthusiastic NAT groups I've seen, but then again every year gets better and better. Thirty-three performances  over about two and a half hours, back to back.

What I will also add is that these performances and pieces have been really well thought out and are completely appropriate for the ages performing them, and that I think is another reason why everything just fell into place and why these groups looked and sounded so at ease with what they were performing.

The performance groups have been separated into a few groups Groups 1, 2 and 3, Songsters and Songbirds.

I'll just mention some of the standout pieces for me on a personal level.

The show started off with "Bikini Bottom Day" from "Spongebob The Musical" and featured Group 1 and Fergus Hillery. A lovely fun piece to set the tone.

One of my favourite films has to be "Grease" and I love the stage musical as well, so following Spongebob was the scene from "Grease" where Sandy and the Pink Ladies meet and Danny and the Thunderbirds are reconciled at High School and they talk about what they did over the holidays. This of course leads into "Summer Nights" with Charles Beckett playing Danny and Amelie Burgess playing Sandy.

"Poositivity" from "The Little Mermaid" came next which is a brilliant fun piece to sing and featured Leo Capaldi and Harry Merrick.

"Seasons Of Love" from Jonathan Larson's "Rent" is a lovely ensemble piece and performed by The Songsters featuring lead vocals from Roxy Smith and Jack Kent, both singers I've seen a few times on the Nottingham Arts Theatre stage.

"When I Grow Up" from "Matilda" was an energy fuelled routine performed by Songbirds featuring the talents of Darcey Orwin, Leo Capaldi, Polly Sibley and Atia Morrell. This was followed by "Naughty", performed by Isabel Pullen.

Closing Act One was a piece from "Peter Pan the Musical" called "You Gotta Believe" by Group 1 featuring Rosie Jones.

Also featured in the first half were pieces from "Cats", "Tangled", "Barbie the Film", "High School Musical" and "13 the Musical" as well as a smattering of other extracts and devised pieces.

Act Two opened with the bouncy "I Love To Boogie" which was featured in the film "Billy Elliott" by T Rex, and performed by Group 3.

One of the youngsters who I have watched grow on stage as a performer is Elizabeth Kenny who performed a solo monologue called "Tar Beach". One thing I love about Lizzie's acting is that she looks to really feel the piece that she is doing and becomes the character in the monologue. Visually and in her face she seems to make sure that you feel every word that she is delivering. Lizzie is a wonderful little performer, singer and dancer and even as part of a group, you seem to gravitate towards her. 

Another really fun piece was "Zero To Hero" from "Hercules" performed by Group 1 featuring Varvara Ivanauskaite, Betty Metson-Scott, Isobel Burchell, Adliegh Chappell-Royce and Rupert Shaw.

Another young performer who I've noted over the years is Seth Burgess, who I last saw in "School Of Rock" last year at the Arts Theatre,  performed "When I Get My Name in Lights" from the musical "The Boy From Oz". Even with what sounded like a bit of a sore throat, Seth managed to belt out this song brilliantly.

Darcey Orwin performed "I Cain't Say No" from another of my favourite musicals "Oklahoma".

Following this was Group 1 performing "I Wanna Be Like You" from "Jungle Book".

"Bugsy Malone" is such a wonderful film and musical which is the perfect vehicle for young actors and was brilliantly entertaining when Group 2 performed a scene from the musical as well as "Fat Sam's Grand Slam".

There was a piece called "Houses Of Parlyament" which was great fun and performed by Fergus Hillery, Louis Dickson and Adleigh Chappell-Royce.

Showing that as well as fun pieces, these kids can also deliver emotive scenes and "The Letter" from "Billy Elliott" was done just right by Abigail Newman, Leo Capaldi and Evie Dickens.

One of the highlights, among many from the musical "Matilda" is the one where Miss Trunchball makes Bruce eat his way through a whole chocolate cake as penance for stealing a slice of her cake. This scene was re enacted with such fun by Group 2 featuring Noah Shaw, Seth Burgess, Teddy Hunt, Moriah Lindo and Martha Kemp. Noah as Bruce was wonderful in his role.

One musical that isn't performed that often is "The Prom" and one of the best songs from that soundtrack is "It's Time To Dance" and Group 3 featuring Isabel Pullen, Flossie Bailey, Josie Hollingworth, Alex Michael and Jasper Duff. This was a great vehicle to show off Alex's groove because this young man has rhythm which he got to highlight throughout the evening.

The closing number was a complete ensemble number with all groups on stage and singing "This Is Me" from "The Greatest Showman", an apt closing number hitting home that these performers are some of the greatest young show people locally.

Also featured in the second act were pieces from "Amelie", and "Cars" as well as extracts from various other shows.

Group 1 were Adleigh Chappell-Royce, Annie Shepherd, Asger Dobbs, Betty Metson-Scott, Fergus Hillery, Isobel Burchell, Lillian tattersall, Louis Dickson, Reuben Clarke, Rosie Jones, Rupert Shaw, Sophia Smith, Theo Clarke and Varvara Ivanauskaite.

Group 2 were Abigail McGregor, Benjamin Green, Darcey Orwin, Ellie Strang, Elizabeth Kenny, Francesca Atwell, Harry Merrick, Imogen Pullen, Isabella Tattersall, Josie Leigh, Leo Capaldi, Martha Kemp, Mia Woodward, Moriah Lindo, Noah Shaw, Polly Sibley, Scarlet Stewart, Seth Burgess, Stella Walker and Teddy Hunt.

Group 3 were Abigail Newman, Alex Michael, Alisia Carolea, Amelie Burgess, Bluebell McEntee-Burton, Charles Beckett, Daisy Kemp, Edie McKenzie, Emelia Pound, Evie Dickens, Florence Everitt, Flossie Bailey, Heather Beardmore, Isobel Pullen, jasper Duff, Josie Hollingworth, Lottie Robinson, Maisie Fletcher, Maisie Shelley and Neve Boyles.

The Songbirds were Atia Morrell, Darcey Orwin, Elizabeth Kenny, Elizabeth Rhodes, Fergus Hillery, La-Mai McKenzie, Lauren Turley, Leo Capaldi, Louis Dickson, Mia Woodward, Orla Donohue, Polly Sibley and Sophia Smith.

The Songsters were Charles Beckett, Connie Tegerdine, Ebony Smith, Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Emeila Pound, Evelyn Byfield, Flossie bailey, Florence Everitt, Jack Kent, Maisie Fletcher and Roxy Smith.

Behind this massive constellation of stars is a great deal of hard work by Jessica Royce, Keira Dorma-Hazell, Jonah Williams, Eleanor Carty, Charlotte Clay, Jack Kent, Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Gareth Morris, Evie Webster (Lighting), George Wilson (Sound), Kate Russell, Oliver Sheard, Arlo Perrons, Alison Russell, Amanda Warriner, Esther Coleman-Smith, Christopher Surridge, Kath Cumbers, Alexandra Stewart, Zoe Turton and Sean Ince in their various roles behind the scenes.

It was also lovely to see the Arts Theatre packed out for this showcase, all enthusiastically appreciating every young person on stage. Hopefully the capacity will be matched in April when NAT Youth put on Act Two Spectacular. I personally can't wait and have my tickets already for even more star spotting.

 "Gedling's Got Talent"

Bonington Theatre. Arnold.

Well, I must have done an OK job last year as one of the judges for Gedling's Got Talent because they asked me back again this year to judge another set of acts.  Don't let anyone tell you that it's easy to be a judge in a talent contest; how do you deem that a singer is better than an instrumentalist or a dancer, as there are a different set of talents and traits for each genre of entertainment.

Myself and judges Loreto Murray (Voice Coach/Lecturer in Voice/Actor/Theatre Practitioner), Georgina Saunders (Founder of Next Door Dance Company and Freelance Dance Teacher/Artist/Performer) and Andy Dawson (Inspire Youth Arts Manager (Retired)) witnessed twenty talented, and very different acts, which is why dwindling twenty down to just four winners was so difficult, but great fun.

Let's go through the acts......

1. Free Roam are a four piece band, Gabe, Ben, Dexter and Sam (I hope that I managed to hear those names correctly) kicked the evening off in fine form, and right up my street. They came on dressed as clowns; the four fifteen year olds playing drums, bass and two lead guitars and played a brilliant version of the Arctic Monkeys' song "Florescent Adolescent". I especially focused on the twangy guitar sound as well as the confident lead vocals.

2. Lily O'Toole was in the 12 and under category and sang the Rolf Harris song "I've Lost My Mummy". Nice characterisation and a relevant costume which was pink and glittery.

3. AJ School Of Dance (Junior) from Ravenshead performed "A Place Where Love Goes". Eleven girls and one boy, aged between ten and fifteen, all dressed in eye catching purple and silver costumes.

4. Maryann Townsend is an eleven year old singer who sang Olivia Rodrigo's "Wondering". We were told before hand that Maryann was suffering with a bit of a sore throat, and there were a couple of times only that this showed in her performance, but for me it actually provided a really nice raspy edge. Was not a big fan of the song, but I liked Maryann's version of it.

5. Take 5 School Of Dancing (Inter) danced to a dreamy stripped back version of Rozalla's "Everybody's Free". Good musicality and their ribbon work and blue costumes all matched the video backdrop of being in the sky with the clouds.

6. Sienna Holmes is a seven year old singer who performed "How Far I'll Go" from "Moana". You could see that Sienna was a bit nervous to start with - let's face it I'd have been surprised if she wasn't being only seven! But as the performance built up, so did her confidence.

7. Emma Price and Evelyn Parker performed a comedy duet to "Anything You Can Do" from the musical "Calamity Jane". These two have real chemistry, but I felt that having to act and dance while holding hand held mics impeded the performance. This pair though have bags of attitude and comic timing, but while Emma and Evelyn are going to be great in musical theatre, I also felt that the song choice was not quite right for them.

8. Kennedy Mason is an eleven year old young lady who gave us her version of Gnarls Barkeley's big hit "Crazy", completely stripped down and very chilled.

9. Tyen Tailor-Bird, who last year gave us a very funny double act performance with his brother Romeon, is back solo and performing "I Just Can't Wait To Be King" from "The Lion King". For me this was a perfect and age appropriate choice for this ten year old. Full of character, a wonderful costume and make up and showed off his gymnastic skills as part of his lion cub persona. He even continued his performance when the lights disappeared near the end of his performance.

10. Emmy Rose is a twelve year old singer who took on Keane's "Somewhere Only We Know". Imagine Billie Eilish covering Keane and this could be the result.

11. Closing the first half are The Academy Dance School who gave a gorgeous ballet performance of a piece called "La La Land". All nineteen dancers radiated dressed in sunshine yellow costumes that added to the warmth inside Bonington Theatre.

12. Sebby Caulton is a twelve year old violinist, who was accompanied on keyboards by Nadia Hinson (again apologies if Nadia's name was misheard by myself). I love the sound of classical violin and Sebby, who is a member of the Nottingham Youth Orchestra, played a piece called "Elfentanz" by Florence B Price. A clever choice as it's not one that most people will know and there were a couple of pauses in the work, which the audience took opportunity to applaud, meaning that Sebby received three rounds of applause! It was also nice to see this smartly dressed young man acknowledge Nadia at the end.

13. Salvatore comes from Sardinia and has been in the UK since 2010 and is part of a band called the Zenith Collective Covers Band. We were treated to another lively piece of classical music by Salvatore, this time on the piano, called Libertango, which I did know. This is a piece that sounds so good on a grand piano, so the impact of the piece was lessened played on the small piano that was on stage, in my opinion, but a really good solid performance no less.

14. AJ School Of Dance (Senior) was an interesting dance act as they told the story of the Cluedo board in dance, complete with all the usual suspects, instantly recognisable by their costumes. This group of 14 - 17 year olds danced to piece called "The Last Clue" choreographed by Alice Marshall. A clever use of video backdrop, which at times had me paying more attention to the backdrop than the choreography and dancers on stage.

15. Michael Franklin performed "Why God, Why" from the musical "Miss Saigon". I love this song from this musical but, even though it's one of Michael's favourite musical theatre songs, I didn't think the song was right for him, especially knowing where the song comes in the musical, it didn't seem an appropriate choice for such a young man. That said, I love Michael's voice and that note near the end made me tingle, and I love the control that he has over his vocals. I remember him from last year when he sang "On My Own" from "Les Miserables".

16. Ash Byrne sang another musical theatre classic, this time from the musical "Hamilton" called "You'll Be Back". Complete with crown and sceptre, they had given thought to their appearance. despite seeing a few nerves at the start, they got the audience "la la la-ing" along at the relevant parts.

17. The Academy Dance School danced to a piece choreographed by Sam Riley, called "Dead In The Water". Loved their black to white fade costumes which added even more class to their hypnotic and very technical performance.

18. Poppy Willow treated us to another modern musical theatre classic, this time "Heart Of Stone" from the musical "Six". I don't know why but Poppy sounded just a little like Ellie Goulding. Technically, I felt that this song choice was just a little too big for Poppy, at this moment, but I did like her vocal tone.

19. Hunny Beez are back from last year's show with another folk inspired performance called "How Should I Your True Love Know" which is a melody from Shakespeare's "Hamlet". This performance is very different to any of the other performances on Saturday night, and they do say that variety is the spice of life, don't they?

20. The final performance was from Take 5 School Of Dancing (Senior) from Bulwell who performed a piece called "Hell Hath No Fury" choreographed by Amanda Hart. I loved their Peaky Blinders inspired routine last year, and this year I also loved the routine danced to stripped back versions of "Wicked Game" and "Look What You Made Me Do". This was a very powerful and dark dance which was lit by illuminated red fans which reminded me slightly of something from "Stranger Things" or some TV show similar.

So, after seeing all twenty acts, the judges retired to a cubby hole, down in the depths of Bonington Theatre to decide to whom we should make the winner and the runners up. Not an easy job as I have said but we did all agree, by the end, on the four supremos.

The twelve and under winner was violinist Sebby.

In 3^rd place was the four piece band Free Roam.

in 2^nd place was Maryanne Townsend.

And in 1^st place we voted The Academy Dance Group who performed "Dead In The Water".

The evening was hosted by Rachel Bird, who by the way did a brilliant job.

Danny & Jack were on hand for all backstage duties with Carrie Bird.

Peter Hodgkinson (who I didn't get time to say a proper "hello" to) sorted all the tech with Finlay & Daniel operating the lighting and sound.

And last, but by no means least, Deputy Mayor and Councillor, Kyle Robinson-Payne awarded the prizes to the worthy winners.

Another brilliant night of talent spotting was over, and I look forward to seeing these four winners go on to great things in 2025.

Thanks to Carrie Bird for asking me back.