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.
Workin’ 9 to 5. What a way to make a livin’. Barely gettin’ by. It’s all takin’ and no givin’.
Friday 24 May at 1930 marks the end of the 9 to 5 week for many, and what better way to wind down than with a trip to 1979 and the music of Country Legend, Dolly Parton.
Based on the film of the same name and with a rip-roaring score, 9 to 5 is the ultimate feelgood musical which tells the story of three women pushed to extremes. Concocting a plan to turn the tables on their sexist, egotistical boss, will they manage to reform their office, or will it all go wrong when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?
The Arcadians Musical Theatre Company have been delivering quality productions for over 50 years and 9 to 5 will be no exception. Therefore, expect lots of laughs with great vocals and harmony combined with excellent dance and acting of the highest order. One thing is sure, an Arcadians audience always goes home happy and with mainstream theatre so expensive, this is a great alternative.
9 to 5 is on at The Crescent Theatre, Brindley Place, Birmingham. Friday 24 May (1930) and Saturday 25 (1430 & 1930).
**Apologies for the delay with this review. Personal issues have put me behind.**
Tumble out of bed and stumble to the kitchen. Pour myself a cup of ambition , and yawn and stretch and try to come to life.
In the Gods for this one and the Upper Circle as prices for the front stalls were outrageous for an amateur society. Over £40 a head, which is double what I have ever paid for a similar standard of company.
Got that major niggle out of the way. So, it’s 9 to 5, the Dolly Parton musical with tunes and lyrics by the legend and based on the 1980 film of the same name, plus, a book from Patricia Resnick, co-writer of that original film. It’s an excellent show which I’ve enjoyed previously at the same venue as this outing. Full of great numbers and excellent, funny dialogue. It should always be a winner. My only downside of the script is that male characters, bar one, are only there as plot devices.
The story is one of a fight for equality against a misogynistic regime and on this occasion, it was BMOS Musical Theatre Company delivering the message. And the first thing I experienced was the strength of the leads. Michelle Worthington (Violet), Jo Smith (Doralee) and Rachel Richards (Judy) were all excellent in characterisation and song. Numbers which impressed from these were Backwoods Barbie, One of the Boys and the top one for me, Get Out and Stay Out.
Having performed the song myself, Here for You will always have my attention, and James Gordanfair was on top form in his rendition. Strong performance with just the right amount of OTT sleaze. Another outstanding song was Heart to Hart, sung in this show by Beth Hunt as Roz. Not as visually risqué as I have seen in the past, but excellent all the same.
However, as I have mentioned, I was in the Upper Circle and for a lot of the time I did feel detached from proceedings. Probably due to the fact the Upper Circle was pretty much empty. The sound didn’t travel and while I like to feel as if I am part of the show in terms of experiencing it, it was like watching a bootleg upload on YouTube. Difficult to follow and if I didn’t already know the plot, I would have found it hard to understand what was going on. And then the show itself also lacked a bit of oomph! What would have improved things for me was having a faster pace as it did seem slow at times. Lessons to be learned maybe by watching more contemporary styles of production. It was the same with the orchestra where the tempo could have been racked up a notch. All the above contributed to a lower enjoyment rate than other company shows. And maybe BMOS should consider performing in a smaller venue if they can’t do justice to one such as The Alex.
Directing 9 to 5 was Stephen Duckham with musical direction from David Easto and Callum Thompson, plus choreography by Aaron Gibson and Shannon Lee.
Family and friends probably loved it in the prime seats but for some of us up in the cheapies, it was a struggle.
Before going to see 9 to 5, I only knew three things about the show: Two songs and the fact it’s famous for Country and Western songwriter, Dolly Parton. And as the show kicks off, we get to see two of those with a video intro from Dolly before launching the title song, 9 to 5. A nice touch, but not needed as the cast straight from the start have the audience’s full attention with excellent song and dance, full of energy and perfected skill.
I had a special interest in this show, however, as Here for You was one of the first numbers I ever sang solo in my own stage exploits during a concert. Sitting centre of the stalls on row B, I got almost as good a view of Doralee (Ahem!) as when I was on stage.
Now, twenty minutes into the show and with both songs I was familiar with having already gone, I wondered if it had peaked for me. Not a chance. It does always help if I know songs, but such was the calibre of delivery, it didn’t matter. Around Here, Backwoods Barbie, Heart to Hart, Change It and Shine Like the Sun were all amazing. Great vocals with equally matching choreography.
Set in the 1980s, 9 to 5 is the tale of three women fighting their boss for equality, and leading the pack, former Eternal star, Louise Redknapp was outstanding as Violet. Then we had Amber Davies playing Judy and I have to say, what a shining performance, especially during Get Out and Stay Out. But how can anyone fit into the heels of Dolly Parton? Well, Georgina Castle did, and Dolly would be proud. The trio really worked well together and looked a close-knit team
Supporting well, though were Lucinda Lawrence as the devoted assistant, Roz, to the sexist Franklin Hart Jnr (Sean Needham). And we also had Christopher Jordan Marshall (Joe), Jemima Loddy (Missy), and finally, Laura Tyrer as the gloriously alcoholic Margaret.
9 to 5 is simply a fantastic feelgood show, full of laughs included in a
a script from Patricia Resnik. Admitted, the script left a bit to be desired at times, particularly as men are only used as plot devices, then discarded. But credit to the production on this tour who made the whole experience unforgettable. Jeff Calhoun (Director), Lisa Stevens (Choreographer) and Mark Crossland (Musical Director) led a great team.
A good indicator of how much I enjoy a show is if I immediately purchase an original cast recording. And I have (Well, streamed it, at least). This is a show not just for fans of Dolly Parton, but everyone. One of the best I’ve seen and appreciated by the entire audience on my visit.
Yearning for a trip to the theatre? Can’t wait to see Mary Poppins on stage? Well Step in Time as memories of Broadway and the West End hit the region this month.
A spectacular concert of song and dance, Musical Memories is the latest offering from the awesome Aldridge Musical Comedy Society(AMCS). For almost 50 years, AMCS have been delivering quality productions, and this is no exception.
Numbers draw from a variety of shows with something for everyone. If it’s classics you’re after, you will not be disappointed with segments from Cats, Les Miserables, West Side Story, Miss Saigon and Evita. Then there are more contemporary with songs from Spamalot, Avenue Q, Sister Act, All Shook Up and The Little Mermaid. Plus, huge pieces hailing from Wicked, Jekyll and Hyde, Chess, Little Shop of Horrors and many more including a teaser for AMCS’ Spring 2016 production, Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Performed Wednesday 25 to Saturday 28 November 2015 at the Rugeley Rose Theatre, Rugely, tickets can be obtained from the AMCS box office on 01543 480626 with full details on websites – www.aldridgemcs.co.uk or www.musicalmemoriesshow.com.
Don’t miss out on this magnificent experience.
£12/adult, £10/Concessions and £6/Under 16s.
You can follow AMCS on Facebook for news of current and future productions.
Antony N Britt - Author 