Antony N Britt (calls himself Nick, to be awkward) is the author of horror novels: Finding Jessica and Dead Girl Stalking, plus, short story collection: Ghost Stories. All page-turning tale that slaps you in the face when you least expect it. He lives in Walsall in a house full of CDs, videos, books and many unread pieces of paper which may hold the secret to eternal life, but are most probably pizza menus.
Finding Jessica
Finding Jessica
Jessica, Jessica, who were you? And what brought you to that bar last night?
Rob Devlin. Former TV investigative reporter, former alcoholic, formerly alive. The experience in an afterlife of near-death ends when Rob’s soul returns to the body. The wrong body.
Jessica Davies was the stranger Rob died trying to save; the reward is to live her life. But was it more than chance they met? Rob needs answers and unable to resume his old life, one option remains. She must become Jessica. First, Rob needs to know who Jessica was and in order to put things right, Rob must set about finding Jessica.
From the author of Dead Girl Stalking and Ghost Stories: Tales From The Dead of Night.
I only discovered As December Falls after the Happier Tour had finished last year so when they announced a return to the Institute2 in Birmingham, I was straight in the queue for tickets.
An independent band, they really do everything themselves: Recording, merchandise, publicity and being on the road. So, sell out tours are a much-deserved result of this and it’s only a matter of time before being rewarded with the right deal to take the band further.
From Nottingham and founded in 2014, As December Falls have in the past cited Kanye West as one of their major influences. I must admit, this shocked me. How can a band liking something so dire be this bloody good? There is a freshness about them but most of all, hard rock with excellent, catchy tunes. In addition to early offerings, the band released a self-titled album in 2019 followed by the excellent Happier last year. Reading up, they have been likened to Paramore (Obvious comparison) and Fall Out Boy (Better than Fall Out Boy, in my opinion).
Fronting is Bethany Curtis who engages well with the crowd while delivering powerful and distinctive vocals. On lead guitar, Ande Hunter displayed stunning chord progressions that Slash would be envious of while Timmy Francis (Bass) and Lukas James (Drums) contributed equally to make As December Falls the complete outfit. Some bands have weak areas; this one doesn’t.
The set at The Institute2 opened with 2022 release, Go Away followed by Afterglow from the most recent album. We also had the title track from the same in Happier, plus the outstanding Tears (My favourite). Other highlights of the first album included More to You and Ride. Both top drawer and there was even a cover of My Chemical Romance’s I’m Not Okay which brought the house down early on. Other numbers at the Institute2 were: I Feel Like Feeling Great, Break Your Heart, Nothing on You, Everything You Say, Mayday, You Say When and No Money, which featured audience interaction in which I was more than eager to take part. There was not a bad track during the entire set which could explain why this band have grown such an audience.
At present there is a family feel to the fandom; this deserves to expand further. Therefore, when As December Falls are next in your area, get in without delay. Witness a giant in the making.
There is nothin’ like a dame. Nothing in this world.
Well, there is … actually. Nothing like having women regarded as more than aesthetic creatures, which is a fault of the original script. But I can’t be too hard on Rodgers and Hammerstein and the sexism in South Pacific as it was ground-breaking on opening more than 70 years ago for another reason of equality.
South Pacific tells the story of the US Navy stationed on a Pacific Island during World War II. The main plot focuses on the romance between an American nurse and a French plantation owner with the subplot of a US Marine’s flirtations with a Tonkinese girl. The topic of racial prejudice is included in both, way ahead of its time and thankfully, addressed.
The term iconic is not one I use often but the fact that most of the numbers are instantly recognisable says how big this musical is. A Cockeyed Optimist, Some Enchanted Evening, There is Nothin’ Like a Dame, Bali Ha’i, I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair, I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy, Younger Than Springtime and not forgetting Happy Talk. That’s eight straight off that I knew before I saw it for the first time a few years ago. Admitted, the 70-year-old script and score is dated but this production induced a new freshness with a stark but simple backdrop of corrugated panelling. Here shadows were projected with basic scenery wheeled on and off when necessary. It worked. Good use was also made of a rotating stage, especially in numbers, giving two different perspectives.
Julian Ovenden gave a superb performance as a somewhat younger Emile than I have seen in the past and was well matched with Gina Beck (Nellie Forbush), equally excellent, particularly in vocal numbers.
It was nice in this production to see the character of Bloody Mary less of a stereotype in grass skirts, but quirky instead with individuality. Superb by Joanna Ampil. Also strong was Rob Houchen in the role of Lt Cable with an equally stong voice as were all the principals. Then there was Luther Billis, played wonderfully by Douggie McMeekin, giving a huge helping of comic relief to the show.
Supporting well was Sera Maehara (Liat) who excelled in individual and company dance, plus David Birrell (Capt. Brackett) and Stephen John Davis (Cmdr. Harbison) who made an amusing double act at times.
In this production, choreography was by Ann Yee with musical direction from Jon Laird. The director was Daniel Evans.
One thing to note, particularly for amateur societies thinking of doing this show when available, the audience seemed mostly 70+. Even so, the auditorium was still full, showing there is life in South Pacific yet.
The show is still touring in the next few weeks at Edinburgh, Canterbury and Leeds. Well worth an evening out.
Sun is shinin’ in the sky. There ain’t a cloud in sight. It’s stopped rainin’, everybody’s in the play and don’t you know it’s a beautiful new day, hey! hey!
Words familiar All Over the World, but the faces here are a little different. That’s because this band is a tribute; a tribute to the wonderful sound of Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra.
I have previously said that I only do tributes when the real thing is not around anymore, but although you can get Jeff Lynne’s ELO (at exorbitant prices) when he tours, the chance for a little Blue Sky at short notice was too good to pass up.
Formed several years ago by the Lownes Brothers, The ELO Encounter give you just that. Not simply a performance of numbers, but encountering the original band with a loving feel as if this were them on stage. Straight into the opening of Standin’ in the Rain, I was transported back to 1978 and listening to side three of Out of the Blue on vinyl. Then came hit after hit: Sweet Talkin’ Woman, Turn to Stone, Shine a Little Love, Hold on Tight, Horace Wimp, Telephone Line, and many, many more. I was hooked, as were the rest of the audience in this wonderful experience of time-travel. We even had an appearance of one the earliest ELO hits in 10538 Overture … brilliant.
The band is led by Jack Rownes on keyboards and vocals, taking the Jeff Lynne role with a delivery so like the man himself, close your eyes and it’s real. Then you have younger brother, Harry Rownes on Bass, but also supporting vocals, as do the entire band. However, Harry has the added task of replicating the awesome (and too soon departed) voice of Kelly Groucutt, particularly on Rockaria! Lead guitars are provided by Martin Donald with Dacre Peck on drums. On Violin we had Jasmine Ali who also delivered lead vocals on Xanadu, one the best numbers of the night. Rounding off the band was newest member on acoustic guitars, Karl Younger.
The show was split into two sets ending with an encore of ELO’s biggest hit, Mr Blue Sky. By now, everyone was long on their feet and ELO Encounter departed to a massive flow of applause. It was nice to see some of the band in the foyer afterwards to thank the audience. A nice touch and familiarity which goes down well.
ELO Encounter are touring the UK throughout the remainder of 2022 and all next year. There are alternative tributes to ELO, but these have my recommendation. Look no further if you’re thinking of seeing one.
The biggest surprise on seeing Beautiful is just how many Carole King songs you know. Sure, I’d heard of Tapestry, and It’s Too Late, You’ve Got a Friend and Beautiful itself, and I also knew she was one half of the iconic writing duo of Goffinand King. But what I didn’t count on was hearing classics from The Shirelle’s, The Drifter’s, Bobby Vee and Little Eva, then realising who wrote the songs in the first place. To be honest, as well as being an excellent show, it was an education.
From humble beginnings, King (with Goffin lyrics) wrote for the best. The show is based predominantly in the recording studios within an almost claustrophobic set which works well. There is also no intent on hiding rear and side stages with performers often seen moving with props and scenery. This too is effective as along with the enclosed studios, it gives the feel of a busy environment outside. Then, with all the music played onstage by the performers themselves, you really do feel you are in the studio as history was made.
Beautiful is a Jukebox Musical and that description is perfect because it is like hit after hit on the jukebox, with a story added for good measure. It Might as Well Rain Until September, Some Kind of Wonderful, Take Good Care of My Baby, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, The Locomotion, One Fine Day, and Chains (Made more famous by the Beatles). All of these were showcased in Beautiful.
Music aside, what Beautiful also offered was a well-written script from Douglas McGrath which moved at a good pace. Obviously, words and music to most songs came from King and Goffin, but there were also numbers from contemporary composers, Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, who featured heavily as a side plot. And the education was there as well as I did not know much about them, but they also delivered fine songs, notably You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling, We Gotta Get Out of This Place and On Broadway.
All the performers were outstanding, including Molly-Grace Cutler (Carole King), Tom Milner (Gerry Goffin), Seren Sandham-Davies (Cynthia Weil), Jos Slovick (Barry Mann), Claire Greenway (Genie), Sorrel Jordan (Betty) and Garry Robson (Donnie Kirsner).
The director for Beautiful was Nikolai Foster with Choreography by Leah Hill and Musical Direction from Sarah Travis.
After the breakup of King’s marriage to Gerry Goffin, she embarked on a new career as a performer in her own right and (as depicted in the show) the rest is history. Such an impact this show made on me, I immediately went out and ordered Tapestry (as I did not have it in my music library.
Beautiful is still currently touring the UK until the end of November. I recommend it highly.
If I became you, and you became me, and we became one another.
It’s unusual to give my overall impression in the first paragraph of a review, but the fact I went to see Identical twice in two days will let you know how much I enjoyed this brand new, feelgood musical.
George Stiles and Anthony Drewe are probably the best song-writing team currently in Musical Theatre and with a book by Stuart Paterson and direction in the hands of Trevor Nunn, Identical was always going to exceed expectations.
Identical is based on Erich Kastner’s 1949 novel, Lisa and Lottie which was more famously adapted into a treasured movie of mine and many other childhoods in Disney’sThe Parent Trap. However, set in Munich and Vienna, Identical follows Kastner’s original plot closely.
Of course, unlike the Disney films with Hayley Mills (1961) and Lindsey Lohan (1998), to have actors in a dual role on stage is near impossible. That is why production auditioned over 100 sets of identical twins (now three years ago, before Covid occurred) resulting in the successful trio in this premiere run at Nottingham and Salford.
Kyla and Nicole Fox – Friday August 12 2022.
Lisa and Lottie meet at summer camp (“She’s got your face!”) and realise they are twin sisters during the beautiful, tear-jerking You’re My Sister. Working out they were separated at birth, their parents taking one each, the girls swap places in an excellent number of punch the air proportions in If I Became You.
Once the girls return from camp, the changes are noticeable. Lottie has forgotten how to cook, gets in a fight at school, and becomes a terrible student, while Lisa will no longer eat her favourite food, becomes a model student and can now miraculously play the piano. However, no one suspects the girls are not who they claim to be, and the situation complicates when Father announces he is to marry a famous ballet dancer.
The first thing to notice is the wonderful set with video projections creating a magical stage, complete with rustling leaves, flying birds and later, moving cars in the city. So much credit, therefore, must go to Douglas O’Connell (Video Designer), Robert Jones (Set Design) and Johanna Town (Lighting). However, it is an all-round combination that makes Identical so good. Script, songs, musical direction (Caroline Humphries), choreography (Matt Cole) and especially the performances. And none more so than the leading twins.
I have already mentioned that me and my partner liked it so much, we returned for a second helping at the Saturday Matinee. Therefore, we saw two out of the three Lisas and Lotties: Friday was Kyla and Nicole Fox while Saturday saw the roles played by Eden and Emme Patrick. Not only could I not separate the twins on stage, but it was also likewise with their respective performances as both sets were excellent. Out of this world in every number. Obviously, I didn’t get to see the third (Savannah and Sienna Robinson) but having viewed a West End Live Performance on YouTube, I know they would have been of an equally high standard.
Eden and Emme Patrick – Saturday 13 August 2022
But there were also top performances from the adults. Emily Tierney was magnificent as Lisalotte, especially during the title track, Identical while James Darch was equally so with Tierney during Fear Only Makes the Wolf Bigger and Safely Back Home with You.
Supporting well though were Louise Gold (Roza/Miss Muthesius) and Michael Smith-Stewart (Dr Strobl) who duetted in a lovely number, It’s Not for Me to Say. And there was David Bardsley (Franz) and Ellie Nunn (Miss Ulrike), the latter opening the show with In the Summer. A massive shout out, though, must go to Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson as Miss Gerlach. Her duet/argument with Lottie in What He Doesn’t Need was for me, the best number. And I kind of felt sorry for Miss Gerlach as unlike the films, her character isn’t as scheming, and she really doesn’t do an awful lot wrong. Still, a happy conclusion it will be and for that to happen, both parents must reunite, along with the sisters.
Savannah and Sienna Robinson – The twins I didn’t get to see.
Identical is a wonderful show of magical proportions which not only appeals to audiences of today, but also captures the spirit of musicals of old. Next to me on one performance was a man twenty or so years my senior (and that does not happen often these days). He laughed and enjoyed as much as the kids who filled a good percentage of the auditorium. And it is those kids who are so important.
Theatre in the 21st Century needs shows like Identical, as well as similar in School of Rock and Matilda. Children will go along with families and enjoy them so much, they will come back. And there you have your musical theatre audience for the next generation.
As I have said, this was an all-round smash for me, as you can tell by the fact this review is double the length of my usual. Therefore, credit to all adult ensemble members: Rico Bakker, Hannah Cauchi, Paige Fenlon, Rosie Glossop, Dominic Adam Griffin, Jordan Isaac and Rutendo Mushonga. And the young cast: Parrine Long, Kirsten Muzvuru, Poppy Pawson andHelena Middleton who were on show for me with Winter Jarrett Glasspool, Daisy Jeffcoat, Saffia Layla and Isabelle Larrey at other performances. And well done to the Nottingham Ensemble of children, plus Louby as Pepi the Dog.
I really hope Identical becomes the hit it deserves as in my opinion, it’s up there with Mary Poppins and Annie in terms of magical family entertainment.
The show has now finished at Nottingham but moves to The Lowry in Salford. Friday 19 August to Saturday 3 September 2022. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Well, at least another musical off the tick list. I’m a massive fan of Queen, and a musical theatre fan, but I’d never seen We Will Rock You until this showing. Okay, I was supposed to see it two years ago, then Covid came calling. Finally, though, I got to experience what it’s all about.
I have never witnessed a show like We Will Rock You before. Or rather, never been faced with two extremes. On one hand, the cast and band with their musical performances were outstanding. As good as anything I have ever seen or heard. Then on the other, you have the book by Ben Elton. I can honestly say, it is awful. I’d compare it to a low-grade GCSE project, but that would be unfair to the students. Little or no plot, terrible script, and contrived that many lines are only there as an excuse to wring out another Queen number. Many of the songs are irrelevant to the plot as well: Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Flash, The Show Must Go On and Fat Bottomed Girls. All fillers which do not move the (tenuous at best) story along. Not only that, many are not even great Queen songs. No One But You (Only the Good Die Young), These are the Days of Our Lives and Radio Ga Ga are average at best. Even the title number, We Will Rock You, is vastly inferior to the fast live version from Queen gigs of old. At least we got a cameo of that in the bows.
And then there were the characters as written. Little to them and only made good by the excellence of those in the roles. We are introduced to Meat and Brit, whose characters are built up to be major influences on developments, then both are discarded, having served their purpose.
The dialogue was filled with song puns, like “I’ll tell you what I want, what I really, really, want,” then “I can’t get no satisfaction,” and the comment that the truth is “Blowin’ in the wind.” One or two maybe, but when you’re on the 30th pun, you want to scream. And that was just Act One. Similarly, did we really need four Covid references? Less is good; no chance of overkill. But you didn’t need to kill Ben Elton’s script as it was dead already in an act of suicide by the writer.
But I still enjoyed the show. Well, mostly. This was because, as I have mentioned, the cast were phenomenal. I can’t give them enough praise. In the role of Galileo was Ian McIntosh who was out of this world. I Want to Break Free, in particular. Similarly, Elena Skye gave one of the best vocal performances I have ever seen. Let’s face it, unless you can deliver with power, sass, and stage presence, don’t even try to sing Somebody to Love. Skye was brilliant. Best number of the night.
Michael McKell played Cliff and he gave a good rendition of These Are the Days of Our Lives. Likewise, Martina Ciabatti Mennel (Meat) and Edward Leigh (Brit) were on top of their game, the former, excellent in No One But You (Only the Good Die Young) and together with I Want it All.
The villains of the piece were Jennifer O’Leary (Killer Queen) and Adam Strong (Khashoggi). Both were superb. O’Leary with Don’t Stop Me Now and Strong giving us Seven Seas of Rhye, plus together on A Kind of Magic.
And I must mention the band: Zachary Fils, Matt Herbert, James Barber, Simon Croft, Neil Murray, and Dave Cottrell. All delivered a sound of pure rock genius and it was wonderful to see them invited into the bows and take front stage at the end.
So, a standing ovation for the performances, they were excellent. Shame about the script, though. It says it all when there are only seven named principals in a show and half of them only used when needed. Ben Elton — Could have done a whole lot better. Perhaps he was Under Pressure when he wrote this book.
At least that’s what I think the lyrics are. I performed We Go Together in panto and I don’t think I ever got the words right.
At short notice, I went to see Grease (School Edition) by Script Youth Musical Theatre Company, and I was so glad I did. Always a supporter of local companies and youth theatre and from the moment the show began, I knew I was going to enjoy the evening.
I’m not going to go over the plot of Grease (Book, Music and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey) and this was the first time I have seen a junior edition of any show. Shorter and more suitable for younger cast members, this edition keeps the fun and spirit of the original version. To be honest, I’ve only seen Grease once before and apart from the removal of the pregnancy plot and alternative version of Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee, I didn’t notice many more differences. I’m sure there were but the fact I was so immersed in the show is a credit to a wonderful performance by all on stage.
In the role of Sandy was Erin Mooney who was superb in her headline number (and my favourite Grease song), Hopelessly Devoted to You. Likewise, Ollie Roberts as Danny channelled his best Travolta with Sandy, and both captured their roles perfectly.
Unless living on a deserted island for the last 50 years, everyone has heard of You’re the One That I Want, Summer Nights and Greased Lightening, but there are many more feelgood songs in this show. One not just for principals, but a large ensemble as well of which there was plenty of talent. Shakin’ at the High School Hop, Born to Hand Jive, Mooning and Freddy My Love are all good numbers and certainly had the audience full of applause after each.
In addition to the main two, Grease is full of excellent supporting characters and to be successful you need the right people in the roles. Now when I watch a youth production, one person often registers with me more than others and on this occasion, it was Evie Rice as Rizzo. Yes, it’s an iconic role but you need excellence to fulfil its potential. Evie was in character right from the go, full of sass and attitude, facial expressions, and reactions consistent throughout. Evie tells in her programme biography that Rizzo is a “Strong character, so unlike herself,” which made the performance even more remarkable. And superb in There are Worse Things I Could Do. Well done.
Another great moment was Beauty School Dropout with Finlay Laidlaw doubling as Teen Angel alongside his T-Bird, Doody. It is one of my guilty pleasures, partaking in OTT performances and Finlay was on top of his game in this number; the audience showing its love and appreciation as deserved.
Grease is a great show by the fact there are plenty of principal roles in which to shine. Harry Robbins (Kenickie), Aimie Whillis (Frenchy), Josef Hammond (Sonny), ReanneWitheridge (Marty), Zachariah Scrivens (Roger) and Bethany Sall (Jan) all gave so much.
And there were a further 23 on stage in terms of excellent dancers and ensemble. Amature Theatre is for everyone with each as important as the lead. This is a nice company which showed enthusiasm throughout, the reaction to the deserved applause appreciated. Script Youth is also managed well. I felt welcomed on arrival and throughout the experience.
In charge of Production and Choreography was Louise Farmer who can be immensely proud of her cast and crew. Assisting, though, on Choreography was youth member, Molly Chamberlain, who also figured in a principal role as Patty the Cheerleader. Musical Direction was in safe hands with stalwart of Midlands Theatre, Chris Corcoran overseeing an excellent band.
A Lovely, enjoyable evening out and I look forward to more from Script Youth Musical Theatre Company. They prove youth and theatre do go together.
With a “Shoo-bop sha wadda wadda, yippity boom de boom.”
Almost three years since I bought tickets for the Hella Mega Tour, I finally got to see Green Day. Two postponements due to Covid lockdowns later, was it worth the wait?
It wasn’t just Green Day on the bill, though, but also Weezer and Fall Out Boy, neither whom I had seen before, despite having several albums. There was also Amyl and the Sniffers with a short set, which I was unfortunately unable to see due to the staff at The John Smith Stadium being unable to cope with a large crowd on the pitch.
Yes, this is a gig review, but I must also mention the venue, this being the worst stadium experience I have ever had. Where on earth did John Smith’s organisers do their research … Hillsborough? Inadequate toilets, about a dozen burger vans and beer tent with hour-long queues to cater for thousands, then the entire pitch’s spectators directed in and out of the same narrow entry/exit. This was a disaster in the making, which thankfully did not happen.
On with the music.
I love Weezer, have always wanted to see them so although I bought tickets primarily for Green Day, Weezer were a delightful bonus. And I was not disappointed. From the moment Rivers Cosmo launched into Hash Pipe, then the brilliant Beverley Hills, the audience were entranced. Pork and Beans and Undone (The Sweater Song) soon followed among many more until ending with Say it Ain’t So and the classic Buddy Holly.
There were also two strange choices of covers. Question. Should anyone cover Metalica’s Enter Sandman? Some songs are sacred. Then we had the horror of a cover of Toto’s Africa, a tune second only to Broken Wings by Mr. Mister for its ability to induce projectile vomiting.
But Weezer are a fun band. And a good band. What they do is entertain, and I certainly felt that at The John Smith Stadium.
Then came Fall Out Boy. I can’t say I’m a massive fan. I’ve listened to them but there is always a niggle over what they want to be. A pop band pretending to be rock? The music seems too manufactured for rock audiences at times. And it doesn’t help when your lead singer lacks the stage presence that bassist and chief songwriter, Pete Wentz has.
But it was a harmless set, with numbers including Sugar We’re Going Down, A Little Less Sixteen Candles, a Little More “Touch Me,” This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race and Thnks Fr Th Mmrs. One thing of curiosity; halfway through we had a needless interruption for Fall Out Boy to change their already OTT set for a smaller one with a second drum set on a wobbly wooden house surrounded by cheap picket fencing which looked like a full-size version of a Year 7 Show and Tell Project. FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER! Then they changed it back after a couple of songs. Bizarre.
But at least we had Green Day to come, although even with them being one of my top bands of all time, I felt short-changed. I’m used to getting nearly three hours of Green Day. Heck, you normally can’t get them off stage. What we had instead was a streamlined 90 minutes which was over before you knew it. I’d have preferred to have Fall Out Boy kicked into touch and give Green Day the extra hour.
But what they did was epic. You had the traditional Drunk Bunny beforehand and then what better opener than American Idiot? Holiday, Know Your Enemy and Boulevard of Broken Dreams followed before an interrupted Longview when Billie Joe Armstrong saw people struggling in the crowd. This was not an isolated incident as I saw evidence of several panic attacks in a poorly segregated arena. There was a further incident which led to an impromptu version of Ziggy Stardust by Billie Joe. It seemed like that anyway as the Bowie song didn’t make an appearance anywhere else on the UK leg of the tour.
Welcome to Paradise, Hitchin a Ride, Brain Stew, Basket Case,When I Come Around, the hits kept coming. And there was still room for titans such as 21 Guns, Minority, Jesus of Suburbia and Wake Me Up When September Ends. We also had the staple live outing for King For a Day into the Isley Brother’s Shout. As is normal, a Green Day gig ends with Billie Joe solo for Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) before tickertape and pyrotechnics herald the return of band members Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool alongside touring musicians Jason White, Jason Freese and Kevin Preston. One thing that did disappoint, though; there was nothing played post 2009. Pity to ignore the last five albums.
A great showing from the stars of the show, even if it did leave me wanting more for valid reasons this time. But still, Green Day at least know how to put on a gig. Here’s to many more.
*** Apologies for the lateness of this review. Covid came calling. ***
It’s hard to describe Billie Eilish’s musical style: Ethereal, gothic, pop, dark pop. I can’t label it, and I don’t think you should. If anything, the correct term would be unique.
I came across Billiein 2019 after hearing a recommendation from Dave Grohl, and who was I to question the judgement of a rock god. So, I purchased the Don’t Smile at Me EP (All but an album itself) and after an eager wait, the first full release; When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? And I secured tickets for her first arena tour. Brilliant. Then Covid came cancelling and a huge wait. Since then, a Bond theme (and an Oscar), plus a further album, Happier Than Ever, has established the still 20-year-old as one of the biggest acts on the planet so when tickets went on sale again for 2022, I was first in the queue.
The set was simple. Huge stage with just brother/song writing partner, Finneas O’Connell, plus drummer, Andrew Marshall present; it gave more focus to the star of the show. There were some backing track vocals, but this was always going to be the case as many of Eilish’s songs are double tracked and more. But the main force was live to profound effect.
Kicking off with an explosive entrance, we had Bury a Friend, followed by I Didn’t Change My Number and immediately, the audience were captive of the magic and energy Billie Eilish releases. Everyone lapped it up, including me. You could call it hypnotism at times. It was how I like to enjoy gigs, immersed and totally lost in the experience.
There are so many good numbers: You Should See Me in a Crown, My Strange Addiction, When the Party’s Over, NDA, Oxytocin, and not forgetting cameos of older hits like Bellyache and Ocean Eyes. A history of dancing injuries and sporting kinesiology tape, this didn’t stop Eilish giving a massive energetic performance which she seemed to enjoy as much as the audience. Billie Eilish is refreshing. There are no airs and graces, she is not full of herself, and clearly takes no shit, often concerned for people struggling in the crush of an audience.
My top numbers of the night were Getting Older, Bad Guy, and especially the finale of Happier Than Ever, a song which is my current favourite tune of the moment. And there were others that I found a love for which I hadn’t thought of before. In this case, Lost Cause, which I cannot stop singing now.
It’s easy to see why Eilish is so popular with both audiences and peers. There is an honesty and stripped-back approach to the music that makes it pure. And there is something in the lyrics which not only resonate with the young, but also oldies like me. It was also wonderful to relive the experience with an identical set broadcast on TV from Glastonbury a week later. I was still buzzing, and it took me back to that wonderful night.
One of the best gigs I have ever been to. Here’s to many more.
*** Apologies for the lateness of this review. Covid came calling. ***
Young Frankenstein is a musical I have waited a long time to see, and if you’ve read my reviews in the past, you know I don’t care if it’s professional or amateur productions. Masqueraders Theatrical Company fall into the latter category, but there was nothing amateur about this offering.
Always a good indication of a great show is when your partner knows little about it, has reservations, but ends up buzzing at how good it was afterwards. This was the case and even me, who did have high expectations was not disappointed.
Young Frankensteinis based on the 1974 Mel Brooks’ film of the same name and adapted for theatre in 2007 by Brooks (Music and Lyrics) with assistance from Thomas Meehan on the book.
Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (played by Andy Ward) inherits his grandfather’s castle in Transylvania (complete with his ancestor’s deadly experiments). Despite initial reluctance, he soon sees he can succeed where his grandfather failed, to great comic effect. Ward was excellent as the crazed doctor, particularly in The Brain, a number typical of Mel Brooks’ complicated arrangements. It must be so hard for any MD to reproduce.
Supporting well was Chad Fletcher in the role of Igor who duetted well with Ward for the genius that is Together Again for the First Time. Then we had Naomi O’Borne as the very high-spirited Laboratory Assistant, Inga. Combining well with the aforementioned two, Roll in the Hay was superb.
And then we meet Frau Blucher (cue the terrified horse noises), played by Kim Liggins who was simply out of this world in the role. He Vas My Boyfriend is such a good song, but you need a character actor to pull it off and Liggins did just that.
But the principals just go on, and what a sign of a good show it is when you have so many characters of high-quality writing with performances to do them justice. Freja Brabazon shone as the pushy, insufferable, Elizabeth Benning (excellent in Deep Love and Please Don’t Touch Me) while Ashley Blackstock (Inspector Kemp) and Jenny Chappell (Blind Hermit) both supported well with He’s Loose and Please Send Me Somebody, respectively.
Now, every version of Frankenstein needs a monster but until Mel Brooks, none had ever tapped on stage to Puttin’ on the Ritz. It’s the highlight of the film and the same is the result here. You cannot help but laugh, as did the entire audience. Richard Yates was amazing as the creature; great expressions, especially in the scenes with the hermit.
Other numbers of the night from a wonderful ensemble included Transylvania Mania, Hang the Doctor and Hang Him ’til He’s Dead. This looked to be a good company, and everyone seemed to revel in their roles. No airs and graces, either; the cast were even selling programmes and raffle tickets beforehand.
The director for Young Frankenstein was Mike Chappell (assisted by Abbe Shields) with Musical Direction from David Adams and Choreography by Jenny Chappell.
A thoroughly enjoyable night and a brilliant show. Will definitely return to see Masqueraders in the future.
Antony N Britt - Author 