Posts with the label play
Showing posts with label play. Show all posts
Showing posts with label play. Show all posts
Tuesday 24 January 2017
Gaslight (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
"Gaslight is full of suspense and has palpable moments of edge of the seat tension"
Gaslight
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 23rd January 2017 by Melanie Mitchell
★★★
Written by Patrick Hamilton, Gaslight, which places its roots firmly in melodrama, was first performed in 1938 and has been revived frequently since. The story of power, control and manipulation in a relationship, is as relevant now as it has ever been. Anthony Banks' production which relies heavily on the small cast is well staged and Banks manages to bring humour to this otherwise bleak drama.
The events unfold in the eeriness of the gas lit drawing room in Jack and Bella Manningham’s Victorian house. The set and lighting are amazingly atmospheric, adding perfectly to the sense of fear and anticipation felt by the audience. With only one room used throughout there is not the usual impact brought along by scene changes but the well dressed set provides a wealth of new and exciting things to look at.
Kara Tointon is perfectly cast as Bella, playing the part of the emotionally abused wife, with an absolutely believable fragility and vulnerability accompanied by moments of innate feistiness. It is clear why Tointon is becoming the star of stage she is destined to be and it is very enjoyable to watch her in such a dark drama compared to her recent, lighter role of Maria Von Trapp in The Sound of Music Live.
Rupert Young gives an outstanding performance. He is completely despicable as Jack Manning the coercive, cruel and calculating husband. His manipulative, menacing character is truly hateful.
Charlotte Blackledge is completely believable as Nancy the conniving, jealous maid who has her sights set on something better.
Elizabeth the loyal Housekeeper is played by Helen Anderson who brings a sense of warmth and humour to the part.
Keith Allen is a triumph as Inspector Rough, bringing just the right amount of wit and humour to the role without making it farcical.
This psychological thriller, with palpable moments of edge of the seat tension is a real must see production.
Friday 13 January 2017
The Kite Runner, Wyndham's Theatre | Review
The Kite Runner is a heartfelt, compelling and painfully beautiful story of betrayal, guilt and redemption.
The Kite Runner
Wyndham's Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 12th January 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Based on the 2003 novel of the same name, The Kite Runner is a story of family, friendship, betrayal, guilt and redemption, told beautifully in a brutally honest and poetic way.
Set in Afghanistan on the brink of war, The Kite Runner follows friends Amir and Hassan as they discover the cost of betrayal against the backdrop of a kite flying competition which tears their friendship apart and leaves both forever changed.
The story itself is very simple to follow but there are a number of intricacies within it, such as the turbulent relationship with Amir and his father as well as the ins and out of Hassan and Amir's loyalty to one another. The simplicity with which it's told on stage creates an authentic feeling and allows the focus to remain on the characters and their complex lives. Barney George's set manages to enhance the script whilst creating a visible flow on stage.
The piece is more of a series of events rather than one story from beginning to end but it still manages to flow in a poetic and beautiful way. Matthew Spangler has created a truly stunning adaptation. Each moment is extremely powerful and the audience could be felt physically holding their breath; especially when Hassan is terribly and violently attacked by Assef.
Played chillingly by Nicholas Karimi, Assef is the embodiment of darkness. He initially appears to be your normal, taunting bully but it soon becomes clear how twisted and evil he is. Karimi gives a horrifyingly realistic performance.
Ben Turner's performance as Amir is painful but beautiful to watch. It is easy for the audience to feel his every emotion as he struggles through dealing with his grief and guilt. Andrei Costin as the naive and loving Hassan works perfectly with Turner and the story feels like watching real life play out in front of ones eyes.
The Kite Runner will certainly leave a mark on everyone who sees it. It really is a lesson in dealing with the consequences of our actions. This play, lasting almost three hours is worth every second. Truly provoking, emotional and powerful.
Saturday 3 December 2016
Peter Pan, National Theatre | Review
The Olivier Theatre, National Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 2nd December 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Reviewed on Friday 2nd December 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
The story of 'The Boy Who Never Grows Up' is one which we all know. Since J.M Barrie's original story and production there have been countless re-imaginations of Peter and Wendy's adventures in Wonderland, each trying to add their own spin to the story. With a such a Classic it can be hard to make the distinction between a play and a panto but the National Theatre's production has done that perfectly and created a fresh and exciting version of Peter Pan which is sure to be enjoyed by children and adults alike!
Madeline Worrall captures Wendy Darling's character wonderfully, with moments of childishness as well as of maturity and practicality. Wendy, is this production is much more free spirited than I've seen previously; she doesn't just follow Peter's every whim but seems to weigh up every decision she makes. She's independent whilst still having childlike qualities; a lovely contrast to Peter himself, played by Paul Hilton.
Peter is not the charming, sweet boy we usually think of. He is much darker and more frantic; a mix between Drop Dead Fred and The Mask (maybe that's because of all the green though!) At first I was unsure of this portrayal but Hilton's Peter really grew on me and I understood why he had such a cocky and arrogant side and was able to sympathise with him much more in his moments of despair than if he had been sweet throughout.
Of course motherhood is a key theme in the story of Peter Pan but in this production it is really magnified, especially through the choice of having Captain Hook played by a woman (Anna Francolini who replaced an injured Sophie Thompson.) Francolini is dark and menacing as Hook. Her gold teeth glistening like knives, her gothic get-up and of course her hook, all create a truly threatening character. The character of Hook is deconstructed slowly throughout the play, with snippets of her humanity showing all through, making her somewhat melancholy. I got the feeling that Hook would have liked to be a mother but as she is stuck in Neverland and evil has been drilled into her, she knows she never could be. This was a revelation to me as I had never seen Hook as anything other than the evil antagonist.
The stand out scene of the whole show for me was when she was roused up and dressed by Smee in a revealing scene where she transformed from a frail, balding lady to the strong, menacing Hook she shows the world. Although Hook was suitably scary, I found myself drawn to her and wanting to know more and more about her.
Another stand-out character was Tiger Lily played by Lois Chimimba. Tiger Lily is a feisty girl who's been raised by wolves and knows her way around. The wolves themselves would have terrified a 10 year old me- they're very reminiscent of The Wheelers in Return To Oz coming onto the stage erratically with masks and crutches.
The only character I didn't feel attached to was Tinkerbell, played by Saikat Ahmed. He was too aggressive and not at all likeable. Although it was heartbreaking when he drank the poison, there was just something about him which made me feel uneasy. I loved the made up language used for Tink and the whole premise felt very solid but I personally was not a fan.
I loved the theatricality of the production. It was wonderful to see how all the 'magic' was being done. Seeing the counter-weights and 'fairy strings' on stage didn't distract from the magic at all but made the whole thing even more enjoyable to watch. The use of music is another highlight of the production. Whilst it is clearly not a musical, it is also not just a play. The songs added are not randomly thrown in for decoration but to add to the characters and emotions, the duet/vocal duel between Hook and Wendy was raw and rich and exciting to hear.
Overall this production is lively, colourful, exciting and rich. It takes the classic story and elevates it to a new level of wonder and fantasy without taking it anywhere near the pantomime realm. This is a creative and refreshing production which is magical for children and touching for adults. The whole production is a visceral spectacle which is not to be missed!
Peter Pan is playing at the National Theatre until the 4th February. Tickets can be booked at: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/peter-pan
A huge thank you to #LDNTheatreBloggers for having me at the show; make sure you check them out on twitter @TheatreBlogs and their website: http://theatrebloggers.co.uk/!
Wednesday 16 November 2016
Curl Up and Die, Questors Theatre | Review
Curl Up and Die is a fabulous farce which will grip and thrill you.
Curl Up and Die
Questors Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 15th November 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed on Tuesday 15th November 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★½
Until fairly recently I was quite unaware of all the fringe theatre on offer in and around London but since I've discovered this thriving community I've witnessed some top-notch productions. Curl Up and Die was one of them. Admittedly I don't see that many plays but the ones I have seen have ranged from absolutely fantastic to downright dismal and although I'm not the most seasoned play reviewer I think I know how to spot a good one when I see it! Curl Up and Die is witty, well thought out and clever, all things which in my books, create an admirable play.
Curl Up and Die is set in the antiquated salon Ruth inherited from her aunt along with the ageing clientele who pay a mere £5 per appointment. Struggling to keep the salon open, Ruth's only hope is to win a £50k hair dressing competition run by Fab Hair Magazine.
The plot-line although somewhat simplistic, is intriguing and has a steady pace throughout keeping us invested and giggling throughout. There are a number of humourous moments throughout expressed by each lively cast member, especially the ditzy Bryony (Rose Edwards) who delivers some hilarious one liners! My personal favourite character was Gonky Blatent-Severs played hilariously by the beautiful Abigail Ribbans, she embodied the over the top, rich daddies-girl perfectly and had me laughing throughout.
It was interesting to see such a female led cast and it really epitomises girl power. Each character was very clearly thought out and it was obvious a lot of work has been done during the creative rehearsal process. It was also interesting that nearly all characters were on stage at all times, this created the frantic atmosphere required whilst also keeping the audience on their toes flittering their eyes to see what each character was up to.
Anna Longaretti has done a wonderful job writing and producing this unique play and I really look forward to seeing how it develops and if it will continue to have a long life after its limited run at the Questors Theatre. I certainly enjoyed it and at approximately an hour and a half its a perfect distraction for a short amount of time. If you're around the Ealing area definitely snap up a ticket and enjoy this fabulous production.
Anna Longaretti has done a wonderful job writing and producing this unique play and I really look forward to seeing how it develops and if it will continue to have a long life after its limited run at the Questors Theatre. I certainly enjoyed it and at approximately an hour and a half its a perfect distraction for a short amount of time. If you're around the Ealing area definitely snap up a ticket and enjoy this fabulous production.
Curl Up and Die runs at the Questors Theatre until November 19th, tickets can be purchased at: http://www.questors.org.uk/event.aspx?id=614
Monday 3 October 2016
Pride and Prejudice (UK Tour), Churchill Theatre | Review
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| Benjamin Dilloway and Tafline Steen as Darcy and Elizabeth. Photo: Simon Turtle, Artwork Feast Creative |
The Churchill Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 22nd September 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed on Thursday 22nd September 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." Perhaps one of the most well known openings ever, Pride and Prejudice has a lot of steadfast fans and a lot to live up to on stage. Although this production naturally loses some of the semantics of the original text it is a solid and elegant production.
Simon Reade has skilfully created a production which although condensed, manages to keep the heart and sincerity of Miss Austen's original novel. We follow the Daughters of a country gentleman and a mother all-too-eager to sort their lives out; the five Bennett sisters find themselves in need of securing their position in society in the only way they can, through marriage. We see Jane- played heartwarmingly by Hollie Edwin- as she falls dopily in love with Mr Bingley, played wonderfully by Jordan Mifsud. The other sisters Kitty, Lydia and Mary played by Anna Crichlow, Mari Izzard and Leigh Quinn respectively are all characterised extremely well to really show the dynamic of the Bennet family. Felicity Montagu shines as the over attentive mother, adding moments of hilarity and truly commanding the stage.
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| Pride and Prejudice. Photo Johan Persson © 2016 |
Of course the heart of the story and romance are the headstrong Elizabeth and brooding Mr Darcy. Tafline Steen fabulously captures Lizzy's humour and vivaciousness as well as her deeper self-assuredness. Working alongside Benjamin Dilloway as the stiff gentleman Mr Darcy they make an engaging couple. Their emotions fill the auditorium and their fast paced verbal exchanges permeate the stage with electricity.
Siân Williams' uncomplicated choreography works beautifully to frame each scene and enhance moments of intimacy, such as Lizzy and Darcy's first moment alone, to moments of humour when Mr Collin's hilariously tries to interrupt a foursome dance. The simple staging works wonderfully to frame the piece, with Max Jones' innovative wrought-iron design on a revolving stage allowing a wonderful flow through each scene and to each part of the various settings in the story.
This is a wonderful production with a true and good heart. Its an all round satisfying production which had the audience feeling an array of emotions and truly enjoying Jane Austen's work in a new setting. Darcy and Elizabeth's love are a triumph as great as this production!
To book tickets for the tour and to find out more information about the production look here: http://www.prideandprejudiceplay.com/
Friday 19 August 2016
Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, National Theatre | Review
Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour
National Theatre, Dorfman Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 18th August 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
If you love the feeling of leaving the theatre in a mass of smiling, contented, glowing audience members then this is 100% the show for you. Its an hour fifty minute show with hilarious dialogue and exuberant singing which combines music by Jeff Lynne, Handel and more, all of which contrast and take you on the journey of these girls. The show, an adaptation of Alan Warner's 1998 novel The Sopranos is an absolutely joyous time and a celebration of life and living.★★★★★
Thursday 7 July 2016
Breakfast at Tiffany's, Theatre Royal Haymarket | Review
Lets start out by saying that Breakfast at Tiffany's at the Theatre Royal is not the same as the 1961 film starring Audrey Hepburn.
Unlike the film, this play sticks very closely to the novel by Truman Capote, therefore, the production, adapted by award winning Richard Greenberg is set in the 1940's as opposed to the 60's, automatically creating a different feel to the film we've grown to love.
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