“Sleighed To Death” by Tabs Productions
Nottingham Theatre Royal

Just as most local theatres are winding down their season, along comes the Colin McIntyre Classic Thriller Season to fill that gap. It’s definitely one season that I personally look forward to.

The first of the four week run of classic thrillers starts with “Sleighed To Death”. The prequel of the Inspector Pratt stories, written by Peter Gordon, where Pratt sets about solving an attempted murder. And provides comedy as well as thrills.

1920s England, it’s Christmas Eve in the manor house of the bumbling aristocrat, Sir Walton Gates (Andrew Fettes) and his wife Grace (Karen Henson). His daughter Emma (Emma Vickery) from a previous marriage arrives from town with her new companion in tow, the dashing James Washington (David Martin) and added to the mix is Sir Walton’s estranged brother Archie (Jeremy Lloyd-Thomas), recently returned from years spent in Australia, bringing with him an appetite for mischief.

Enter England’s most confused police officer, Sergeant Pratt (David Callister), who unwittingly kicks a hornet’s nest of English gentility and the evening soon descends into chaos. Pratt, together with his assistant, Constable Mary Potter (Susan Earnshaw), is on a fund-raising mission with his magic show.

Magic tricks will fail miserably, shots will inadvertently ring out and identities will be confused but can Pratt identify the individual with murderous intent before a body is found? Probably not . . .

“Sleighed To Death” takes us back to the start of Inspector Pratt’s career and we discover that his early life as a policeman is no less hilarious than his later exploits into sleuthing!

As Pratt stated in the play, this is a case of Who - didn't - do it -dunnit... and that's enough of a spoiler alert from me!

As to be expected from Tabs Productions, the cast is first rate, the comedy is delivered with split second timing, and while I wasn't intending to single any actor out, I must say that David Callister's part was superb!!! To deliver his script with the fluidity and naturalness and with his comedy timing was just a masterclass in comic theatre.

Being a fan of accents, there were several in this play but are they all as they seem?

A wonderful comedy thriller to kick off this 30th season off, with some marvellous 1920's costumes and wigs (Geoff Gilder), Expertly Directed by John Goodrum and a brilliant set design by Sarah Wynne-Kordas.

“Sleighed To Death” is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 4 August 2018.

Photos by Simon Cooper.

"Around The World in Twenty Musicals" by Your Chance Productions.
Bunkers Hill, Hockley, Nottingham.

Sitting back and being entertained by these seven talented people was like listening to one of those Greatest Hits Of the Musicals compilation CDs, but knowing every track and loving every one of them.

It never fails to impress me when, and especially in such a small venue as the upstairs room of Bunkers Hill, the clarity and quality of a singer shines through, and these seven have both of these qualities in abundance.

I would imagine performing, and that is exactly what they did, they performed the songs, they didn't just sing them, in such an intimate place, could be quite alarming, after all you can see the whites of the punter's eyes and feel and hear their breath. That mattered not to them as they took us on a trip around the world with this cleverly compiled mini concert.

John Gill started the evening with one of my favourite songs from "Jekyll & Hyde", "This Is the Moment", taking us through "Anthem" (Chess) and another powerful song "One Song Glory" (Rent). A wonderful performer of songs as you can see that he feels the words he sings. It's important to me for a singer to believe what they are trying to get us to believe, and John does just that.

Maddie Walker has such a powerful voice and she was not afraid to let us know it. From the wistful "Wouldn't It Be Loverly" (My Fair Lady) through "Cabaret", "I Know Him So Well" (Chess) with Eliza Hill, and "All That Jazz" (Chicago), Maddie also dressed for the parts. I love the ability to belt out a song and Maddie was not the only one to be able to do that.

Alison Sheppard made me sit up and really take notice as I've not heard a woman sing "Bring Him Home" (Les Miserables) before, but what a lovely surprise.Alison also gave a cracking, emotionally dripping version of "I Don't Know How To Love Him" (Jesus Christ Superstar), "Take Me Or Leave Me" (Rent) with Maddie Walker, "Hey Big Spender" (Sweet Charity), and an amazingly soulful version of "I Know Where I've Been" (Hairspray).

Eliza Hill also brought the emotion with "As Long As He Needs Me" (Oliver), "Change In Me" (Beauty & The Beast), plus a lovely whimsical "Pulled" (The Addams Family).

Tom Keetley brought the comedy into play with "Master Of The House" (Les Miserables) with Maddie, and "Hakuna Matata" (The Lion King) with Christian Oliver-Bates. It's about time Tom was given a main part in a comic musical role, possibly something like The Producers?

Emily Wilkins has one of those voices that I could listen to all night and her smile lights up the whole room. "Think Of Me" (Phantom Of The Opera), "Lay All Your Love On Me" (Mamma Mia) with Christian, "Jacob and Sons" and "Joseph's Coat" (Joseph),and "Good Morning Baltimore" (Hairspray), gave her and us plenty to smile about.

Christian Oliver-Bates, aside from his duets, gave us a couple of solo successes with "It Takes Two" (Hairspray) and "Oh What A Beautiful Morning" (Oklahoma), showing leading man tendencies.

Rounding off the evening was a collective cast performance of songs from "The Wiz", and I didn't see the audience in a rush to pop those ruby slippers on to transport them back home.

Our guide for this global trip around the musicals was Jessie Meg who was the perfect compere and host.

If I had been a talent scout tonight, I would have not known which of these to scout, I'd have had to have taken the lot on because any one of these could appear in the musical of their choice. Their voices are so varied and they are performers of songs, not just singers.

I've had the pleasure of seeing most of them perform before and I'm looking forward to seeing them all again, hopefully.

A wonderful evening of such talent should though be supported by a bigger turnout, which was a bit of a shame, but it was other's loss who missed their chance, and definitely this small audience's gain in experiencing Your Chance..

“She Stoops To Conquer” by Oliver Goldsmith
Lace Market Theatre.

The latest season at the Lace Market Theatre closes with a belter of a play and an absolute classic and one of the few plays from the 18th Century to still be performed.

I read this play just a few months ago and found it, in play form humorous. On stage, the wonderful script just explodes into life.

Our hero, Marlow, mistakes a private house for an inn, thanks to the mischievous Tony Lumpkins. He also mistakes the woman he is supposed to be wooing for a barmaid, and his future father-in-law for the landlord, and this raises all kinds of questions about class and snobbery. Confusion and comedy are the results which also results in a lovely journey of self realisation for more than one of these characters.

David Dunford (Mr Hardcastle) straight away makes a big impact with his wig. Hardcastle is just one of a group of characters who are comedic without being overtly funny, but his reactions and asides are what makes this character joyful to watch.

Cynthia Marsh (Mrs Hardcastle) really brings the comedy of this character alive and the physicality of Mrs Hardcastle is just one more reason to see this play, and I loved her script, delivered with, at times, an almost tongue in cheek delivery.

Ellie Searston (Miss Kate Hardcastle) was just an incredibly good watch. Everything from the looks breaking the fourth wall to her giggles and her dual role as the "barmaid" and the "woo-ee" for Marlow with the change in accents as part of the deceit. A brilliant role for any woman to play which showed off Ellie's lovely comic side.

Charlie Bailey (Miss Constance Neville) was a wonderful pairing with Ellie for this girlie pair. Another lovely and believable coupling of friends, who, if in another century, would be the sort to have sleep overs and watch "Grease" on repeat.

Bertie Black (Tony Lumpkin) is like the naughtiest school boy you can imagine and reminiscent of Dennis the Menace. Excitable with a wicked sense of humour who relishes the situations when his plans come together. I imagine Bertie is having great fun playing Tony, because we were having fun watching him.

Steve Mitchell (Charles Marlow) delivered a classy but haughty performance as the man who was comfortable chatting up ladies below his class stature but floundered when in the presence of his own class. A wonderful vision of embarrassment in Act Two as the whole deception became apparent. His soft spoken approach with this character really suited the part.

Paul Spruce (George Hastings) is an actor I don't think I have seen before gave a very confident performance and a very comfortable relationship with Marlow; the sort of lads around town, best buddy type of 18th Century mate.

Bob Wildgust (Sir Charles Marlow) makes an appearance in Act Two as young Marlow's father.

Linda Croston also made an appearance as Kate's servant, Pimple.

Glenn Murphy(Landlord Diggory) and the Servants, Maids and Drinking Companions are played Anne Mccarroll, Molly Wright, David Watts and Arnd Korn opened the scene with a raucous bar scene which set the tone for fun throughout

Directed by Marcus Wakeley he made sure that the pace was kept sharp at no time was there an empty stage, and this really made this play fly by. The comedy was wonderfully out there, Marcus making sure that the actors delivered in such a way that it would be impossible to miss any of Goldsmith's wonderfully comic script. This is a play that was written to break the fourth wall and with the actors making entrances from everywhere, he made sure that the whole of the theatre was used to expand the stage.

The set was designed by Milly White and it really gave you an insight into the lifestyle of Goldsmith's era. Lush furniture and furnishings and a reflection of the well to do lives these characters led.

Brilliant wardrobe and wigs by Max Bromley and the LMT Wardrobe department.

This season at the Lace Market has been varied and wonderful and this was a fine way to close the season. It was also lovely to see, as in most productions this season, a practically full first night, and I have every expectation that the rest of the week will be just as packed, because it really deserves to be.

A wonderfully talented cast and a wonderfully written piece of comedy theatre, and when you get those two spot on, then you have theatre magic, and that I can bear witness to!

“She Stoops To Conquer” is at the Lace Market Theatre until Saturday 28 July 2018.

“The Tempest” by Oddsocks Productions
Lakeside Arts Centre, Nottingham.

The second of two nights at Lakeside following on from last night’s excellent Mods V Rockers re-telling of Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet”. Tonight “The Tempest” gets the science fiction make over; boldly taking Shakespeare where no other Shakespeare play has gone before!!

In this production Prospero is marooned in a galaxy far, far away from his daughter, Miranda. Years later a spaceship, containing his enemies passes nearby and Prospero gets his chance to wreak revenge. He conjures up the force to bring his enemies to him and a meteor storm causes them to crash land, leaving them at the mercy of Prospero. It’s like Star Trek meets Star Wars meets Shakespeare with a nod to "Alien" on the way!

Even more like panto than last night but just as much fun with crazier costumes and a disappearing Ariel in Act Two.

Andy Barrow gets the lead role as Prospero in his Obi Wan Kenobi style outfit and also doubles as Scottie from Star Trek... and another accent!

Matt Penson gets to play Captain, Ferdinand as well as Ariel 3 - the disappearing one, and I love the little attention to detail as he gets the pose of Captain Kirk in his chair spot on. You can tell, as with the others, that Matt is an avid Shakespeare fan just in the way that his Shakespearean lines are delivered.

Alice Merivale plays Miranda as well as Ariel, and another cracking pair of parts she portrays with boundless energy and fun.

Amy Roberts, again gets three parts in Alonsa, Stephanie and Ariel 2.

Dom Gee Birch gets to play the fishy monster Caliban and Sebastian.

Gavin Harrison plays Antonio and Trinculo.

These actors work so well together, it's impossible to pick any particular actor, or role, to highlight over the other, so i won't even try.

As with last night, the cast also perform all of the songs live and play the instruments and we were treated to some more pop classics. Hits like Fat Larry's Band's "Zoom", Chumbawumba's "Tubthumping" and a great finale with Take That's "Rule The World".

What i also find good about this group is that they mingle in the interval with the crowd, which really makes you feel part of the gang, breaking down any barriers between the actor and their audience.

If you want to introduce your kids to Shakespeare then take them along to one of Oddsock's shows and I guarantee they will want to learn more about the man, and want more of Oddsock's unique and out of this world productions.

I for one can't wait for their winter shows.

"Romeo & Juliet” by Oddsocks Theatre Company
Lakeside, Nottingham

I’d heard of Oddsocks Theatre Company but had never had the joy to see this innovative theatre company actually on stage. What had I missed?

Friday night in the open air of Lakeside’s grounds the Capulets and the Montagues clash, but these hearts beat to the sound of a different drum and beat as Oddsocks have time travelled these two warring families to the Mods and Rockers era.

The Capulets own a rock bar and the Montagues a pizza restaurant and we, the audience are asked to join in the fun with several activities which really make you feel involved, a little bit like in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show".

The members of the cast also make up a band who play music live on stage, something you would not expect from a Shakespearian classic. Hits from the 1950’s and through some well-chosen party/rock classics are performed throughout. "Black Betty", "Rhythm Of The Rain", "Sweet Child Of Mine", "Be Bop A Lula", "Every Breath You Take/Chasing Cars" mash up and many more.

There’s an enormous amount of energy brought to this production along with some brilliant comic slapstick and comedy accents. When can you ever remember a Capulet – played by Director Andy Barrow - having a Birmingham accent? Andy also doubles up as Tybalt.

Playing Romeo is Matthew Penson, on his first tour with Oddsocks and Juliet is played by Alice Merivale.

.Juliet’s nurse is played by Amy Roberts who also debuts in this tour.

Dominic Gee Burch played Mercutio, Officer Prince and and Friar Lawrence

Completing the line-up is Gavin Harrison as Benvolio and Paris.

All of these actors make this production something very special and unique with smatterings of ad libbed sections while reacting to the activities of the audience. A warning - don't get up and go to the toilet and be seen by the cast!!

There are some brilliant fight scenes in here, Directed by Ian Stapleton.

Shakespeare’s plays have been performed in various ways and it’s great to see the classics viewed from a very different perspective through the eyes of Oddsocks Theatre company, making it all fresh and new again.

You can’t beat the classics and the way that they were originally written to be performed; but why try to beat them when you can show a different slant and make them just as interesting as the original.

It’s also a wonderful introduction to the Bard’s scripts for people who may not have discovered the glory and richness of his work.

Oddsocks are unique and great fun to watch,and they certainly make Shakespeare fun and relevant for a new and younger audience, as well as open minded bard fans like myself.

If you want to experience Oddsocks for yourself, they are back at Lakeside on Saturday evening for a science fiction version of "The Tempes

“The Museum Of Tat” by Milk Bottle Productions.
The Old Library, Mansfield.

It's always interesting when you're asked along to see something brand new because you have no preconceptions of what you're about to see, and as a reviewer that is fresh and very exciting.

This piece of theatre follows on from the podcast series “The Museum of Tat”, This is a send up of all of those antique programmes you see on TV where you take a piece you think is worth thousands to be told it’s worth 50p.

It pokes a gentle finger at how serious people can be when they think there may be a fortune loitering in their attic, cellar of bottom drawer, as well as the “experts” valuing the objects

Simon Nader co stars in this production, ahead of its relocation relocation ( no that’s another TV show) to the Edinburgh Fringe, and plays the Presenter, Derek Knowless, desperately trying to keep the online show going, and by the end he is quite literally at his wits' end.

Robert Crighton plays Professor Jeffrey Collins, the specialist who gets to value tat from audience members, who are asked to join in and bring their favourite pieces of tat for a professional evaluation. This pre-empts the main feature and also carries on after the theatrical performance ends.

At times it borders on organised anarchy as Collins works out the last minutes of his contract and Knowless appears to have a secret bottle of something to get him through the live staged podcast.

All great fun and the audience are only too willing to take part in the show. there was also an auction for a piece of tat which went for much more than both Collins and Knowless expected.

This is one of those productions where it's very hard to work out if this show is a scripted one or if it's improvised; maybe a bit of both. I say this because the comedy seems instant and anarchic, and sometimes this style of comedy is better off the cuff, especially when the two actors are well tuned in with each other.

This show is going to go down a storm in the Fringe, for a couple of reasons.

One: It's funny and it's fun and it's novel.

Two: The antiques TV show format is watched by many students and has a cult status; a bit like "Supermarket Sweep" was a massive hit for students. The Fringe is the place for students to get to see a wide host of great entertainment, ergo It's a hit!

Cleverly conceived and recognised as being a gap in the market that needs filling - let's face it I have never seen a play based on this theme before, have you?

Spotting that gap to fill in theatre is not easy but that has been well spotted and well developed into an hour show which not only includes comedy, but has audience participation, an auction and a sing along with choreography. Not only that but you can see this show several times and never see the same show twice. Clever!

"Legally Blonde" by Spotlight Theatre Company.
Nottingham Playhouse.

It may give you an incite to how successful this production was when I say that this audience on Sunday night were the most appreciative and excited audience that I've seen in a while.

Legally Blonde is the story of Elle Woods who is completely smitten with Warner Huntington III when he tells her that she is dumped as he is off to Harvard to study law, and feels that he needs someone more "serious". Elle decides to show him that she is serious by enrolling in Harvard to win him back, unbeknown to her, he has already found his someone serious in Vivienne.

Elle discovers that she has a flair for this legal thing by using unconventional methods and manages to win the day by winning the murder case and freeing the accused, the fitness queen Brooke Wyndham.

In the interim she finds herself a new love, an unlikely ally and an enemy in Professor Callaghan when she turns the tables on him and shows what a slimeball he really is.

This production is on a par, if not better than the recent touring production. The energy levels, dancing, vocals and comic skills of this immense cast shows what an incredible talent Nottingham's local theatre has. Something that I've known for many years now.

Playing the iconic Elle is Ella Greenwood. She nailed every single aspect of this character. A cross between Marilyn Monroe sexiness with the powerful vocals of Christina Aguilera. O Mi God was she incredible.

Emmett Forrest, who Elle fell in love with, was played by Patrick McChrystal. he is turning out to be a really credible leading man and his voice is getting better all the time. His pitch and his note holding are absolutely spot on, and he was a big hit with the audience as well.

Laura Thurman was so good as Paulette the hairdresser. Again great vocals and lovely comic timing. Great fun to watch and so nice to see her back on stage again after a bit of a hiatus.

Paulette's ideal man is an Irishman and when she finds out that her new UPS delivery man is not only an absolute hunk, but is Irish as well..... Kyle, the UPS man is played with great twinkly-eyed confidence by Alex Huntley, who I have been told has spent several hours in the gym to get that physique that had the ladies in the audience even hotter under their collars!

The slimy Professor Callaghan was played by Robert Goll. he completely embodied this role and this musical suits his voice so well. I saw Bill Ward play this part in the National tour and much as I enjoyed Bill, I really enjoyed Rob's portrayal.

Warner Huntington III is played by Jacob Fowler. A wonderful leading man and what a voice this man has. I noted his voice in another production earlier this year. In this show we got to hear more from Jacob and he has one of those voices that would sound great on the radio. He has a current sounding tone but also quite old school 90's soul. His voice is made for musicals, as well as recording and his timing is spit on.

Charlotte Howarth plays Vivienne. I have been lucky enough to have seen Charlotte in several parts and shows all over Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and every time I see her, she grows as an actor and that voice is a belter.

Brooke Wyndham, the fitness queen is played brilliantly by Georgia Hodgett-Young, and you have to admire her energy levels as she sings, skips and acts without missing a beat. the skipping scene is one of my favourites, and the timing in this scene alone is one that has to work, and it does.

Elle's best friends are Margot (Bethany Wear), Serena (Grace Hodgett-Young) and Pilar (Laura Ellis). Three very capable actors who again, I've seen grow in their acting roles, and I love the harmonies created by these three. Really well cast.

Enid Hoopes is another Harvard intern who is on the case in Callaghan's team, and a lovely comedy part for Cassie Hall.

Holly Neil, who is a newcomer to me, plays Chutney - who would name their child Chutney? - Wyndham. Holly has been in several productions before making her Spotlight debut, and I look forward to seeing her in the future, especially as she can do accents and sings soprano.

Tano Gangemi is another new name to me but plays Nikos, the man in the dock who works for Brooke as a pool man. A minor comic role where we have to decide if he is gay or European. The truth is out, quite literally when his best friend, or is that boyfriend Carlos, played by Matthew Wesson, a scene they both steal and attracts a massive round of applause for both.

Stan Cook, who I think I last saw in Spotlight's successful "The History Boys" pops up again as Aaron Schultz, as well as other various roles.

Talking of playing various roles, Matty Collins, i think, gets the record for this in this production including Dewey, Paulette's ex who has a disgusting habit of sticking his finger in his naval and sniffing his fingers.

Now we must not forget the two canine lovelies here. So well behaved they are and they seem to have enjoyed their thespian roles as their tales never ceased to stop wagging. Hugo played Rufus and Lady played Bruiser.

I said that this production had a massive cast and there were another 28 in the ensemble and playing other roles.

The production team are Amanda Hall (Director), Jessica Royce(Choreography) and Geoff Burnhill (Musical Director); the dream team.

A wonderfully clear sound by Rob Kettridge and a great lighting design by Tom Mowat.

I knew from just a few minutes in that this show would warrant a standing ovation, and they certainly got one.

It's just a crime that this wonderful production was only on for two nights because it could have so easily have ran for longer.

Photos by Gavin Mawditt