Wednesday, 24 April 2019
The House on Cold Hill (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
The House on Cold Hill (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 23rd April 2019 by Natalie Parsons
★★★
Ollie Harcourt and his family have bought the house of their dreams in the
country, but it is not as idyllic as it sounds!!
This old mansion has a chequered
history which explains why it has been empty for forty years. It is not long
before the Harcourt family begin to realise that they are not the only residents of the house.
The House on Cold Hill has the chill of the usual ghost story, such as Woman in Black but with a modern twist. It’s set in the present day in a house packed
with modern technology – laptops, WIFI and leading lady Alexa. The modern influence makes the show feel more relatable, however, at
times the suspense and thrill becomes overshadowed by the comical
intervention of the script.
Credit must go to the cast for portraying a modern professional family with Joe McFadden
as Ollie, the former advertising man who's now setting up his own web design
company; Rita Simons as his wife Caro, the practical and factual Solicitor and daughter Jade played by Persephone Swales-Dawson as the petulant teenager.
Joe McFadden delivers a solid transition from joyful Ollie as his bubble is burst. From being exuberant about the move and the opportunities the house
provides he is sent into disbelief as he accepts that there may be something
sinister going on and the realisation that his family may be in terrible danger.
Rita Simons, his wife Caro, is the more practical of the two when things go
wrong and more willing to believe what she’s experienced. There is good
chemistry between the cast and they all support each other well, to deliver a
solid delivery of the plot. At times the suspense is broken by a
change of direction to light heartedness so you aren’t sure if it is a thriller or
light comedy.
I think fans of Peter James may be slightly disappointed with the
adaptation of the book to stage and may find that the transition to stage
has lost a certain amount of the thriller element. But The House on Cold Hill does
create some spooky moments, with some good stage effects.
The play is
performed well by the cast with special mention of Persephone Swales Dawson
performance. The use of Alexa in this modern thriller was ingenious!
The staging, lighting, costumes and scenery were excellent. I enjoyed the play
but can’t say I loved it.
photo credit: Helen Maybanks
Wednesday, 17 April 2019
Rock of Ages (UK Tour), Bristol Hippodrome | Review
Rock of Ages (UK Tour)
Bristol Hippodrome
Reviewed on Tuesday 16th April 2019 by Isobelle Desbrow
★★★
Rock of Ages is a jukebox music which lacks any storyline but makes up for it through the use of humour and performance. Featuring such songs such as ‘We Built this City’, ‘I Wanna Know What Love Is’ and ‘Don’t Stop Believing’, the music is really stand out. Without these well know songs, and the musicianship of the actors the show wouldn’t have been worth watching.
Jodie Steele leads the cast wonderfully as Sherrie, her voice perfectly in sync with the rock genre. Steele's command of the stage is fantastic, with highlights being when she ran over Lonny’s foot with a toy tractor and her vocals in song like ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ and ‘High Enough’ along side Drew played by Luke Walsh. Both performers provide outstanding vocals which you can't fail to be impressed by. However, they are unfortunately plagued by a one dimensional love story.
Lucas Rush plays the charismatic Lonny, who also also narrates the show. His shenanigans with the audience often breaking the forth wall, really keep the audience involved. His enthusiasm and characterisation, are well needed in this dry at times show. Overall his acting and singing utterly brings the house down in tears of laughter and he also keeps the pace of the show going.
Regina played by Rhiannon Chesterman is a hilarious and spectacular singer, who often left me jaw dropped while singing such numbers like ‘We're Not Gonna Take It’ and ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’. Dennis is played by the rocking Kevin Kennedy who’s rockstar voice matches the music well. Zoe Birkett plays the sultry Justice who owns the Venus Gentlemen’s club, and is a mother like character for Sherrie during the second half. Her soulful singing is a well cast addition to the show.
While this musical lacks a notable storyline, the interaction with the audience and jokes make it worthwhile and the performances all round are fantastic.
Rock of Ages runs at the Bristol Hippodrome until 20th April before continuing its tour.
photo credit: Richard Davenport
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake (UK Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake (UK Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 16th April 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake premiered in 1995 and has since received critical and audience acclaim. Bourne's Swan Lake which replaces the female swans with an ensemble of skilled, menacing men, is one of the most groundbreaking ballet retellings and remains fresh and innovative today.
In typically Bourne fashion, the storyline is dark but with many injections of humour and fine attention to detail (the adorable Corgi which crosses the stage is just one example). The set is extravagant and luxurious enough to make you forget you're watching a touring production. Equally, Lez Brotherston has done an outstanding job with the delicately designed costumes which conjure up the atmosphere of each scene and setting wonderfully. Particularly impressive are the glamorous ballroom scenes where everything sparkles and shines; and the sinister hospital scene where masks bring a nightmarish world to life against stark white.
The entirety of this ballet is fantastically nuanced, with every emotion interpreted perfectly. The balance between dance, comedy and drama is exquisite and there are often so many brilliant things happening at once that you don't know where to look. This production is truly a feast for the eyes.
Tchaikovsky's score also provides a feast for the ears. The Swan Lake Orchestra's lush, virtuosic recording shines and soars exactly as one would wish. The recognisable music, accompanied by masculine dance has the audience transfixed from open to close.
Max Westwell as The Swan is outstandingly multi-faceted. At times he is menacing as he rears up, but equally calm and regal as he defensively bows down. The contrast is amazing to watch as is the way the Price (Dominic North) complements him. The pair are both strong and delicate as they create a thrilling union on stage.
Nicole Kabera is suitably regal as the queen, with Freya Field a complete contrast, constantly stepping on toes and causing laughs as the Girlfriend. Both ladies are highlights of the production.
Swan Lake is a sumptuous production full of glorious moments which you'd be hard pressed not to revel in. A powerful, intricately choreographed and danced show, this is a must see for ballet regulars and newbies alike.
Swan Lake runs at the New Wimbledon Theatre until April 20th, before continuing its tour.
photo credit: Johan Persson
Saturday, 6 April 2019
Warner Bros Studio Tour: Gringotts Wizarding Bank Review
Harry Potter may have first hit shelves over twenty years ago but the love is still real and fans are able to keep the magic alive through Warner Bros. Studio Tour which features the actual sets and props from the film franchise and transports you to Hogwarts.
This week I was invited to a special event to celebrate the opening of the new Gringotts Wizarding Bank (officially opens today!) addition to the tour and it was really wonderful. My only previous visit was in 2012 and since then, the expansion has been exceptional. You now get the chance to explore the Forbidden Forest, Privet Drive, Platform 9¾ and so much more, and whilst you know you're on a set, the presentation is wonderful and every inch is photo worthy (watch our vlog of the tour here and see my instagram posts here.)
Whether you're a Potter Super Fan or just like a bit of magic in your life, you're sure to find treat upon treat in this tour. Not only do you see the sets and probs, but you get a behind the scenes look at how everything came to be. There's an entire section dedicated to the creation of the goblin prosthetics as well as a close up look at the intricate designs for every aspect of the Wizarding World. It's truly amazing to see the detail that went into making this such a successful franchise.
Gringotts itself is luxurious and elaborate. Epic chandeliers dangle overhead stern looking goblins who man the desks. Wizarding cheque books and quills are scattered around just waiting for a witch or wizard to make a deposit.
After seeing Gringotts in all its glory, you get to see it destroyed... and the dragon that destroyed it (menacing indeed)! The Lestrange Vault is also open to the public and is a magpie's dream, full of glittering coins and glistening jewels.
Throughout the tour the Harry Potter score is playing and will really make you feel as though you're going to see Ron round any corner or accidentally find yourself at a game of Quidditch. The atmosphere is mystical enough to make you really believe in magic.
If the tour is not enough of a feast for your eyes, there's also the new and improved gift shop at the end which is an experience of its own. Perfectly curated, it feels like an adventure in itself. Whilst it is quite pricey, there's a selection of amazing items to feast your eyes on.
Gringotts and the entire Studio Tour is a must see for all wizards, witches and muggles. Leave yourself a lot of time to explore this magical world and allow yourself to revel in the wonder of Harry Potter.
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Thursday, 4 April 2019
Going Through, Bush Theatre | Review
Going Through
Bush Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 3rd April 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
The UK premiere of Estelle Savasta's play (translated by Kirsten Hazel Smith), Going Through is a story about the journey's child migrants take, and the people they leave and meet along the way. The play combines English, British Sign Language and Creative Captioning to create a visceral production for both deaf and hearing audiences.
Going Through is not only a fantastic theatrical piece because of the realities it is bringing to the forefront of our minds; but because the story-telling itself is so superbly done. You almost forget these are not in the moment, real life actions being carried out in front of you. Simplistic and well defined, this two person show is enough to warm and break your heart at once.
Nadia Nadarajah and Charmaine Wombwell give utterly enchanting performances that are engaging and rarely give up. The use of sign language cleverly highlights how language can both involve and isolate. It's also extremely moving to see how Nour (Wombwell) must dress up as a boy to make the journey from her troubled homeland to the UK. This act of masculinity where she comes face to face with the male traffickers on her tough journey, is in fact, what characterises her journey into womanhood.
Whilst it certainly glosses over the real hardships of both Nour and Youmna's journeys, this play is a delicate study of human emotion and relationships. Both performers do particularly well at showing their internal emotions through slight movements. As Youmna, Nadarajah is expressive and magical. Providing warmth and puppetry, she is a heart-warming character who celebrates love. Wombwell creates a wonderful emotional arc as Nour as she envelops us in her story. The pair perfectly interact with one another in this story which thrives on communication.
A touching and compelling 75 minute piece of theatre, there's not much you can fault with Going Through. The journey and thoughtfulness of this production is truly something special and it deserves to be appreciated and acclaimed.
Going Through runs at the Bush Theatre until 27th April 2019
photo credit: Ali Wright
Wednesday, 3 April 2019
Abigail's Party (UK Tour), Orchard Theatre | Review
Abigail's Party (UK Tour)
Orchard Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 1st April 2019 by Holly Bridges
★★★★★
I am a huge fan of Mike Leigh’s classic play Abigail’s Party, therefore it is difficult to imagine any current touring production doing it justice. However, upon entering the Orchard Theatre auditorium, and being transported back to the Seventies via an impressive set, complete with brown décor and cheese plants, any apprehensions regarding Sarah Esdaile’s version quickly subside.
As our hostess with the ‘mostess’, Beverly Moss sashays into the room to the sounds of Donna Summer, complete with long, printed maxi dress and a drink in hand, it is clear she is out to impress. This role was famously played by the inimitable Alison Steadman in the original, and whilst these are gold heels which are impossible to fill, Jodie Prenger is excellent as Beverly.
We watch as Beverly’s stressed husband, Laurence (played by Daniel Casey) deals with yet another business matter on the telephone whilst she looks on irritably; just one of many fractious moments which go on to scatter the evening. It’s as her guests arrive that Prenger really comes into her own, with Beverly flitting between the sofa, cocktail cabinet and nibbles, all the while her shoulders arched and ready to schmooze.
Vicky Binns plays Angela, the slightly naïve and very eager to please nurse, who is new to the area and neighbour of Beverly and Laurence. She is joined by reluctant husband Tony, who sits sullenly in a chair as ‘Ange’ chatters on. Binns nails the role, with the audience darting between feelings of slight annoyance at her inane conversation, to those of pity as Tony belittles her.
Thrown into the mix of this farcical soiree is the fifth character, Sue. A middle-aged, intelligent divorcee, and now single mother, we are led to believe that Sue has been invited over by Beverly in order to ‘save’ her from her fifteen-year-old daughter’s (Abigail) party in a neighbouring property. Rose Keegan plays the part of Sue extremely well, all soft tones and worrying nods, this is a woman who is clearly out of her depth in this environment.
There is no doubt that Beverly is awful, yet she is also completely enthralling as we see her try to flirt up a storm with ‘Tone’ and attempt to haul herself up the class ladder as she makes constant comparisons between herself and her guests, whilst also force feeding them cheese and pineapple!
It is the fraught and somewhat uncomfortable moments between each of the warring couples which occasionally give the play a slightly unhappier tinge, as the sometimes-awkward laughter from the audience suggests. Beverly’s withering put-downs of Laurence, however, cannot help but draw genuine chuckles. Casey’s performance as her long-suffering partner is excellent, but let’s face it, who could ever win when up against the force of nature that is Beverly?
Abigail's Party does not disappoint, and whilst nothing could ever match up to such a classic piece of work as the original, this production is full of laughs, perfect details and moments that will leave you squirming in your seat (in a good way!) Little top-up, anyone?
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