REVIEW|Nativity the Musical

Sunday, December 18, 2022

Photo Credit:Pamela Raith

Nativity the Musical
Birmingham Rep
★ ★ ★ ★★

We all have our favourite Christmas films, for some it's Elf, for some others it's Die Hard, for me, hands down it's Nativity.  The musical version, which had it's premiere in 2017 in Birmingham, has all the beloved songs from the film alongside additional songs written by Debbie Isitt and Nicky Ager, who are the people behind the music in the film. The show, which has been on a few tours since its initial run, has returned to the Birmingham Rep for this festive season and I returned to St Bernadette's Primary School for a little Christmas Joy.

The creative team for this production remain mostly the same as previous productions including David Woodhead's set design and Tim Mitchell's lighting design, which gives the show the feel of a well warn warm Christmas jumper to a repeat viewer like myself but to a new watcher it still has it's surprises and new exciting places to explore with your eyes.

The cast themselves are excellent. Firstly the real stars of the show, the children-from both schools Oakmoor and St Bernadette's, were amazing. Very impressive, super cute and talented to boot. The "big kids" in the show (the adults) were a great ensemble too. From the return to Jamie Chapman and Jemma Churchill who played Patrick Burns and Mrs Bevan respectively. It was a pleasure to watch both take on their roles again especially Jamie in his various role in the show including my current personal favourite of dancing Christmas Tree which caused me a good titter in my seat.

Photo Credit:Pamela Raith

The key duo of Mr Maddens and Mr Poppy with played by Billy Roberts and Ben Lancaster. "Paddens" were the perfect duo as their energies and characters worked so well against each other. Ben took the role of Mr Poppy to just the right level of funny, leaving me laughing and was a very talented roller skater and Billy played Mr Maddens in such a way that endeared you to him wanting to get on a plane to bring home his long lost love back for him to right the Christmas wrong.

The "villian" of the show, Mr Shakespeare, a teacher at a rival school was played this year by Matthew Rowlands and he was brilliant. I have had the joy of watching Matthew perform in a few shows over the past few years but this role is something different from him with him playing the "bad guy" and I really enjoyed seeing him take this role on.

Jennifer, Mr Madden's lost love and Hollywood's own, was played by Daisy Steere who was an absolute delight to watch and her work alongside Cameron Johnson as the Hollywood boss was lovely to watch as she helped to make him more kind...a Christmas Miracle.

The entire cast were excellent and a joy to watch and love Tom Hext who played the hilarious Mr Rye as well as working with the other teachers and adult ensemble and swings Ralph Bogard, Sydney Isitt-Ager, Callum Train, Eliza Waters and Louie Wood who were absolutely fantastic and truly looked like they were having the best time on the stage.

Photo Credit:Pamela Raith

As I'd hoped this production has all the joy, happiness, sparkle and shine that I could shake a tinselled stick at, it is the perfect way to enter the Christmas season with and if you want the festive feeling to keep going past the 25th, you can catch Nativity the Musical at the Birmingham Rep until 7th January 2023.






REVIEW| The Commitments UK Tour

Saturday, October 29, 2022

 

Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz

The Commitments (UK Your)
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
★ ★ ★ ★


Originally Written for Theatre and Tonic.


The Commitments, based on the book by Roddy Doyle and directed by Andrew Linnie (former Commitment member from the London West End Run) brought me many surprises. I had not seen the show in its last tour or when it was in London and I hadn’t even seen the 1990s film of the same name but I really enjoyed my evening at the theatre.

The underdog story of a group of “nobodies”, oddities and misfits, who under the caring and passionate arm of their manager, self-professed music fan Jimmy, played brilliantly by James Killeen in this production to become one of “the hardest working bands in Dublin”. The story is humorous but heartfelt. It’s a show of great soul music, with 20 soul classics including Mustang Sally, Try a Little Tenderness and I Heard it Through the Grapevine to name a few. It will leave you dancing in your seats and a warm feeling in your soul.

The Commitments in the show are played by an excellent team, each playing their own instruments live on stage, from guitar and bass to saxophone and trumpet. Each character has their moments in the plot, from the middle-aged horn player (Jimmy the Lips played by Stuart Reid) who makes his way through the backing singers to the saxophone player (Dean played by Conor Litten) who strikes fear in the band with his new love of jazz.

Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz

Vocals of the band come from the “backing singers” The Commitmentettes Imelda, Natalie and Bernie (Ciara Mackey, Eve Kitchingman and Sarah Gardiner respectively) and the “lead singer” Deco. The girls have amazing vocals singularly and together, the harmonies they create are stunning. I’m so grateful they get their time to shine throughout the show like Deco, played in our performance excellently by alternate James Deegan, leads the band brilliantly with his powerful, soulful voice…even if he isn’t their favourite person in the band at times.


The rest of the cast blends brilliantly with the band, the ensemble is small but mighty and performs many roles and tasks throughout the show. Nigel Pivaro plays Jimmy’s Da and brings his own version of dad humour to the role, being supportive to his son and the band from his armchair and finally Mickah, the band’s security played spectacularly by Ronnie Yorke had me laughing probably more than it should have with his hard man character, complete with a bald head and bright red Doc Martins, ready to take out anyone at any moment.


Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz

I had a great time watching the show, the set was brilliantly designed by Tim Blazdell with lighting design by Jason Taylor and sound by Rory Madden, which truly came into their element in the finale of the show where it becomes more of a concert.

This show has the lot..a great and talented cast, fantastic music and a good amount of laughs. If I had one negative it would be that the ending to the story is very sudden after a lot of great storytelling, it is suddenly over. But maybe that is just the thing, I enjoyed it so much I didn’t want to end. 


If you want a great evening of excellent entertainment and a good time, I would definitely recommend grabbing a ticket to see this show, whilst it is out on tour until July 2023. Tour dates and tickets are available through the website.

REVIEW|The Color Purple UK Tour

Thursday, October 27, 2022

  

Manuel Harlan

The Color Purple, UK Tour
Birmingham Hippodrome
★★★★★


Written originally for Theatre and Tonic.

Every so often a show comes along that will remain with you for a while, whether in the mind or soul it is always there to give you comfort and hope. For me, one of these is The Color Purple is one of these. I was lucky enough to see this show in 2019 as part of the collaboration between the Birmingham Hippodrome and Curve, Leicester. When it was announced that the same production, with most of the original creatives would be returning for a seven venue UK Tour, running until early November 2022 I jumped at the chance to be reunited with this production.

The show, based on the novel by Alice Walker, was created by Marsha Norman, Allee Willis, Brenda Russell and Stephen Bray and tells the heartbreaking, hard-hitting but empowering story of the central character Celie, who goes through so much during her journey in the show including childhood pregnancy, rape and abuse from her father and later husband, known mostly as Mister. 

However, she discovers the power she has within thanks to the amazing women she finds in her life, from her sister Nettie to the fiercely independent Sofia and through the love she finds with the glamourous singer Shug Avery and also in herself.

Me’Sha Bryan takes on the role of Celie this time and was incredible as she takes the audience along with her, making you feel all that she is going through culminating in her big moment in Act Two “I’m Here”, which left the audience with goosebumps and teary eyes.

Bryan is joined by other new cast members Bree Smith as Shug Avery, Aaliyah Zhane as Nettie, Ahmed Hamad as Harpo and Jimand Allotey, who is making her professional stage debut as Squeak.

Manuel Harlan

Manuel Harlan

Completing the cast was the amazing ensemble of Kyle Birch, Kayla Carter, Joshua Clemetson, Esme Laudat, DeeArna McLean, Monifa James, Nathaniel Morrison, Alex Okoampa and Neil Patterson who all shone. The talent on stage was clear to see and you can see how much it truly means to each and every cast member on that stage as demonstrated in the movement during the finale of the show The Color Purple (Reprise).


Creatively, a lot of the names from 2019 production return. Direction by Tinuke Craig wih revival direction by Lakesha Arie-Angelo and Musical Supervision by Alex Parker. The wonderful choreography by the amazing Mark Smith shone out again, with big numbers such as Push the Button making you want to get up and join in. 


Alex Lowde’s cleverly simplistic set design worked perfectly alongside Joshua Pharo’s lighting and video design, which uses clever projections help to move the story through Celie’s life.


Returning cast from the 2019 run include Ako Mitchell as Mister, Anelisa Lamola as Sofia, KM Drew Boateng as Pa, Rosemary Annabella Nkruma as Darlene and Karen Mavundukure as Doris/Alternate Celie. It was lovely to see them perform again, some in different roles but all brilliant just the same.

This show is one that stays with you for a long time, leaving you with a warm heart and a teary eye. A must-see over the next seven weeks in Plymouth, Northampton, Salford, Cardiff, Southampton and Norwich.



REVIEW|My Son's a Queer (But What Can You Do?)

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Photo Credit:Mark Senior


My Son's a Queer, But What Can You Do?
Garrick Theatre, London
October 2022
★★★★★

Like many people, I was reacquainted with the wonderful Rob Madge in the glory days of lockdowns, in which he made many a funny video on social media or with their excellent Leave the Light On streamed concert. During 2020, Rob also started writing this hit autobiographical one person show called My Son's a Queer, But What Can You Do? in which they tell their own story growing up in the West Midlands, complete with costume changes, songs and projected home movie clips on a large screen at the back of the stage.

The show, which is set in Rob's childhood living room and follows their journey through childhood, weaving each story with humour, laughs and emotions leaving you gripped for the entire sixty five minutes. The show also features songs written by Rob and Pippa Clearly that will stay in your head and hearts for long after the show has ended.

Photo Credit:Mark Senior

Everyone has the ability to take something from this show, you will laugh, cry and want to be an honorary Madge. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to see this show during it's run at the Garrick Theatre, after past runs at Turbine Theatre and also the Edinburgh Fringe. 

The show runs at the Garrick until 6th November and I would 100% recommend the show to everyone, maybe pack a tissue or two. Hopefully this show will not end here, it needs a tour or stream so that everyone has the chance to see this excellent show. 









 

REVIEW|Fisherman's Friends the Musical (UK Tour)

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Photo Credit:Pamela Raith

Photo Credit:Pamela Raith

Fisherman's Friends the Musical (UK Tour)
Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
17/09/2022
★★★★★

Every once in a while there is a show that is everything you need in a show form, a warm hug in musical form. Fisherman's Friend is a fine example of that, this new feel good UK based and written classic is definitely a new favourite, just after one watch.

Based on the true story of the chart topping vocal group Fisherman's Friends and the 2019 movie of the same name name, it has a heart-warming feel mixed in with all the acapella sea shanties that you could wag a heaving line at. 

Written by Amanda Whittington and Directed by James Grieve, this show brings the story to life alongside toe tapping music under the direction of James Findlay and with line heaving choreography by Matt Cole.

The versatile set design and excellent costume by Lucy Osbourne, works so well especially the versatile set, which has many a hidden storage compartment or secret double life and works wonderfully alongside lighting and sound designed by Johanna Town and Dan Samson respectively.

Having not seen the film or known the story prior to seeing the show, it was all a surprise and I really enjoyed it all unfold in front of my eyes and the cast were all amazing, a proper community just like the show would want. 

Photo Credit:Pamela Raith

 If there's one thing I like in a show it is an actor/musician and this show has eight of them, playing over fifteen different instruments between then, filling the theatre with the gorgeous folk sounds as well as playing various other roles through the show.

The fishermen themselves, Hadrian Delacey, Dakota Starr, Pete Gallagher, Anton Stephans, Robert Duncan, James Gaddas and Dan Buckley were all brilliant to watch, with voices that blended spectacularly together and with great characters that made you want to take the journey to Port Issac itself to visit The Golden Lion for a drink with them all. The best bunch of men, truly.

Photo Credit:Pamela Raith

My ultimate love of the show however was Parisa Shahmir,who plays Alwyn. Her voice throughout the show was stunning to listen to, especially during the song Village By The Sea (written for the show by James Findlay, that I have become mildly obsessed with). Her chemistry alongside Danny, played by Jason Langley, and the rest of the cast was beautiful to watch and I really enjoyed her characters journey throughout the show and Parisa's portrayal of it.

This show is so feel good, home grown and perfect. I recently heard it called the "English Come From Away" and I can really agree with that. If you are looking for a show, all about the power of community and togetherness then look no further than Fisherman's Friends. Currently touring up and down the length of the UK as well as a brief stop in Toronto, Canada over Christmas, it is a show for all to see and I recommend that you do.

Information on where the tour goes next and to book your tickets, you can click here.

PoliNations, Birmingham

Saturday, September 3, 2022



September in Birmingham City Centre just got a whole lot more colourful. As part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival, alongside the amazing Commonwealth Games this summer, a whole new wash of colour has sprouted in Victoria Square right in the centre of the UK's second city.

PoliNations is "a super-natural wonderland celebrating the natural diversity in our gardens and culture" a magical playground for all the senses created and produced by Trigger Collective and is commissioned as part of UNBOXED:Creativity in the UK that shows the wonder of nature but also the beauty and natural diversity around every corner. Complete with areas to sit, relax and recharge, listen to a talk by creatives, experts and intellectuals as part of their lunchtime talks or take part in a variety of activities in the Wondersphere in the adjacent Chamberlain Square.



The whole event is completely free and in place from 2nd-18th September, with different activities happening throughout the whole run, all available to view through the PoliNations Website whether you spend a while at the Teatime Tuk Tuk enjoying a free cup of Chai (available every day twice a day 11am and 3pm) or watching a performance at the Mother Tree Stage, the range of activities is so vast that I can't list them in one post.

Open from 8am to 10pm daily, with all paths around the installation wheelchair accessible and many events and talks having a BSL interpreter and audio description, it is a must visit for all over the next three weeks.

REVIEW| The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at Gillan Lynne Theatre

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Photo Credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
 


Photo Credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Gillian Lynne Theatre, London
10/08/2022
★★★★★

Some shows out there are destined for big things, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe currently playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London's glittering West End is one of those shows.

I first saw this show during its UK Tour and I fell in love with its magical feel and nostalgic story. The show is based on the original story by C.S Lewis and is directed by Michael Fentiman and immerses you into the magical world of Narnia complete with full sized amazing lion puppet that has been designed by Max Humphries and directed by Toby Olie.

The stage's set design and costumes by Tom Paris alongside Lighting design by Jack Knowles and Sound design by Ian Dickinson and Gareth Tucker gives the show its magical feel, complete with illusions and magic created by Chris Fisher so excellent that even after two watches I still can't figure out. Creatively this show has been finished to the highest order in all aspects.

The cast complete with many actor-musicians, moving with choreography by Shannelle "Tali" Fergus is no mean feat, moving both actors and their instruments around the stage with great ease as well as creating some brilliant large group moments including the start of act two, with its very special guest.


Photo Credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

Photo Credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

The cast was full of new faces and tour faces. The Pevensie children Robin Sinclair, Ammar Duffus, Shaka Kalokoh and Delainey Hayles worked brilliantly of each other, you would not have guessed that Delainey only started this show when it began in London as their family chemistry is second to none.

Other new faces in this London production include Emmanuel Ogunjinmi, Myla Carmen, Jasmine Colangelo, Julian Hoult, Ashlee Irish, Sean Lopeman, Micha Richardson, Ciaran Roger and Charlotte-Kate Warren who work wonders alongs the tour performers Scott Brooks, Rachel Dawson, Oliver Grant, Matthew James Hinchcliffe, Shaun McCourt, Christina Tedders, Johnson Willis, Jez Unwin, Chris Jared and Samantha Womack who were great to watch again.

Samantha Womack returns as the White Witch, verging just on the right side of scary for a family friendly show, and remains one of my favourite performances in the show alongside Oliver Grant's Head Cruel character and the two work brilliantly well.

The collective quartet behind Aslan, Oliver Grant, Sean Lopeman and Shaun McCourt as the puppeteers and Chris Jared as the actor and voice of Aslan. How they all work together to create one character is very clever and excellently portrayed by the four actors.

The beavers played wonderfully by Christina Tedders and Julian Hoult are two of the stars of my show, two characters who are on the outskirts of central characters but that lighten the stage with every appearance, they are always a joy to watch work together and some of their lines have become some of my new favourite catchphrases to say in day to day life.

This show is one for anyone and everyone, a tale that all know told in a magical and exciting new way. 1000% recommend for all the family, a perfect first show for any new theatre go-er young or old. Currently showing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London until 8th January.

Tickets can be bought straight from the LW Theatre Website. Get your tickets now, you will not be disappointed.

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