Tag Archive: Writing


Frozen Jr — The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham — 2 December 2023

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December 8, 2023

I have become a great fan of Script Youth Musical Theatre Company in recent times; therefore, I had no hesitation going to see this short junior version of the West End hit, Frozen. We were in the smaller, Ron Barber Studio at The Crescent and with a company of 50, it was inevitable the four performances would be split into two casts. On my visit I saw Cast Anna with Cast Elsa being the ones I unfortunately missed. However, having been to a few shows by Script now, I am certain the Elsas would have been as equally amazing.

Frozen Jr — The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham — 2 December 2023

I am not going to dwell too much on the story. Princess with magical freezing powers flees her land to safeguard her people and is followed by her sister and friends who want to save her, plus enemies who are out to destroy her.

In the role of Elsa was the wonderful Evie Rice who never disappoints and excelled in Let it Go. As Anna, we had the equally amazing Aimee Whillis who duetted well with Evie during For the First Time in Forever. Aimie also shared the excellent Love is an Open Door alongside the marvellous Sam McCormack who played Hans. Elsewhere, we had a great rendition of Reindeers are Better than People from Finlay Laidlaw (Kristoff) and Lewis Ward-Bygrave (Sven) who also successfully undertook the task of working the reindeer puppet. Similarly, Ruby Edmonds did a fantastic job at the helm of everybody’s favourite snowman, Olaf and performed In Summer well. I also want to mention the younger Elsa’s (Poppy Kerr and Lilah Edmonds) and Anna’s (Matilda Cartwright and Maddie Howard).

Frozen Jr — The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham — 2 December 2023

With such a large amount of people involved, it’s impossible to give everybody the credit they deserve, so I shall simply scan the cast list of both groups. Producing Frozen Jr on my visit was Louise Farmer while choreography was shared between Molly Chamberlain and Maddie Fleming. The dancing had an especially high standard and in particular, Francesca Roberts stood out in flair and skill. Production for Team Anna, on other performances, was Louise Sall and Tim Rice (Producers) and Erin Mooney (Choreography).

Frozen Jr — The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham — 2 December 2023

The show was a short one at an hour, but that did not lessen the experience as you were taken to a magical land in such an intimate venue. It was also interesting to note that many on production and backstage were pupils past and present, and that some of the senior members attend the prestigious BOA Academy in Birmingham. A sign of this youth company having a high standard indeed. Script are back next summer with We Will Rock You at the Highbury Theatre in Sutton Coldfield. I recommend you check them out.

Frozen Jr — The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham — 2 December 2023

Cheers.

Antony N Britt 

*All photos taken from social media. 

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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang — Wolverhampton Grand Theatre — 8 November 2023

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November 12, 2023

You’re sleek as a thoroughbred. 

Your seats are a feather bed. 

You’ll turn everybody’s head today.

Several years back I watched a professional performance of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Reviewed on this site) and was extremely underwhelmed by the interpretation of one of the classics from my childhood. However, after seeing Bilston Operatic Company in Peter Pan twelve months ago, I attended this one with optimism for something special, and was not disappointed.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang — Wolverhampton Grand Theatre — 8 November 2023

It’s always a good benchmark when time flies through a show, and this was the case here. I didn’t think about anything else with other thoughts forgotten.

I am not going to go over the plot. If you don’t know Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, where have you been all your life? Adapted by Jeremy Sams from the 1968 film written by Roald Dahl, Ken Hughes, and Richard Maibaum, itself based on Ian Fleming’s 1964 novel, the show features both original film and new songs from musical legends, Richard and Robert Sherman.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang — Wolverhampton Grand Theatre — 8 November 2023

The first thing I must highlight was the absolute quality. Bilston Operatic are the best amateur company I have seen to date. Sure, their budget must be huge; you could tell this by the fact the entire chorus were Mic’d. But they obviously reclaim costs by filling the impressive Wolverhampton Grand for seven performances with shows people (particularly families) want to see. It is unusual for amateur companies to do midweek matinees, but the house was sold out, partly due to several classes of children on trips. How lovely. An enjoyable school outing and a way to get children on mass immersed into the experience of musical theatre. Hopefully, many will have sat and thought, “I want to do that,” and join a youth theatre company as a result.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang — Wolverhampton Grand Theatre — 8 November 2023

Leading the cast as Caractacus Potts was the incredibly impressive Alec White. Perfect for the role, commanding the stage and outstanding during Me Ol’ Bamboo, You Two and Hushabye Mountain. As Truly Scrumptious we had Issy Checketts, instantly at home in character and marvellous during Lonely, Lonely Man and Doll on a Music Box.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang — Wolverhampton Grand Theatre — 8 November 2023

I was also overly impressed with the children playing Jeremy and Jemima (Daniel Webley and Eden Owen). Both were excellent and looked easily at home on stage, working well with the adult cast, especially in the song and dance with Grandpa Potts (Mike James) during Posh! The child actors were split into two groups for alternating performances in this production, therefore I should credit Oliver Rudge and Lara Maguire who I didn’t see but am sure were equally as good.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang — Wolverhampton Grand Theatre — 8 November 2023

Supporting well in the cast were Stacey Lovatt (Baroness Bomburst) and Jon Ranwell (Baron Bomburst). Both were excellent in Chu-Chi Face and captured the spirit of the roles well. Equally so was Ally Burkett as The Toymaker and Nicholas Sullivan, The Child Catcher who adopted the familiar and best guise used by Robert Helpmann in the original movie. Two of my favourites, though, and used expertly were the Vulgarian spies: Boris (Olly Derham) and Goran (Ben Evans). These are roles expanded in the musical, full of comic relief and both worked well during Act English.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang — Wolverhampton Grand Theatre — 8 November 2023

This is the second time in a few weeks Simon Pugh has been at the helm of a production that I have seen, and both have been excellent. And the direction of Tye Harris was superb with lots going on in the background and a good flow to proceedings. Equally so, from Gareth Howard, musical direction led to an all-round wave of top tunes and sound. These included Toot Sweets, Truly Scrumptious, The Roses of Success, Teamwork and of course, the title song itself. And then there was the dance. With Martyn Davies in charge, we saw energy and precision throughout, even a dance ignoramus like me taking note. Particularly in The Bombie Samba, which when I saw the professional show, was a huge bore fest. However, here I was captivated, and it was a highlight. Just goes to prove what you can do with the right people.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang — Wolverhampton Grand Theatre — 8 November 2023

One of my favourite childhood films, badly let down a few years ago but now with faith restored by the wonderful Bilston Operatic Company. Peter Pan last year, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang now, and Nativity in 2024. Bilston certainly know the formula to bring in revenue to make such splendid productions.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang — Wolverhampton Grand Theatre — 8 November 2023

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

* Photos blatantly taken from social media.

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Calamity Jane — Stourbridge Town Hall — 3 November 2023

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I just blew in from the windy city. 
The windy city is mighty pretty 
but they ain’t got what we got, no sirree.

First time seeing Calamity Jane for me and first time watching Cradley Heath Amateur Operatic Society (CHAOS).

Calamity Jane — Stourbridge Town Hall — 3 November 2023

Somewhere, in the black mining hills of Dakota, there lies a town called Deadwood – home to Calamity Jane. A whip-cracking, sharp shooting and tall-story telling stage driver who runs the route between Deadwood and Chicago. Also in town lives Wild Bill Hickock, Lt. Danny Gilmartin and failing saloon owner, Henry Miller. When Miller books the wrong singer in male, Francis Fryer, Calamity goes to Chicago to find star singer, Adelaide Adams. However, she is duped into bringing novice, Katie Brown instead. All works out, despite the complications of love. It’s a lively, funny show with a book from Ronald Hammer and Phil Park, plus music and lyrics by Sammy Frain and Paul Francis Webster. Yes, some of the lines are dated, especially those relating to sexual equality, but otherwise the script holds up well in 2023.

Starring as Calamity we had Liz Compton whose self-inflicted attack on the throat must have earned her shares in Vocalzones. An outstanding performance and equally so from Richard Probert as Wild Bill Hickock. And that level of excellence went all through the entire company. Top notch singing and fine character acting. Supporting well were Emma Newton (Katie Brown), Thomas Lloyd-Price (Lt. Gilmartin), Adam Partridge (Francis Fryer), Bek Millward (Susan) and Salli Gage (Adelaide Adams). Then, I loved J. Paul Murdoch in the comic role of Henry Miller with a characterisation reminiscent of silent actor, James Finlayson.

Calamity Jane — Stourbridge Town Hall — 3 November 2023

I’m never a huge fan of musicals in Town Halls like Stourbridge as I find the sound gets lost in these cavernous venues. Fortunately, I was on the front row and heard everything perfectly.

There are several instantly recognisable tunes in Calamity Jane. Most notably The Deadwood Stage, Windy City, The Black Hills of Dakota, and Secret Love. All were delivered with excellence, as was Love You Dearly and It’s Harry I’m Planning to Marry, all under the musical direction of Edd Caine.

Calamity Jane — Stourbridge Town Hall — 3 November 2023

An impressive set worked well with slick movement between scenes and the direction of Steve Humpherson always had the cast busy with facial expressions and interactions. And there was a high quality of dance as well, choreographed by Emma Newton making this an all-round excellent production. One thing I did notice was CHAOS do not appear to have many younger members, but this did not reflect negatively on the performance. Overall, the entire team of Calamity Jane were up there with the professionals, and I look forward to their next production.

Calamity Jane — Stourbridge Town Hall — 3 November 2023

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

* Photos blatantly taken from social media.

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Birmingham Hippodrome — 25 October 2023 

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Who can take a sunrise, 
sprinkle it with dew, 
cover it with chocolate and a miracle or two?

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Birmingham Hippodrome — 25 October 2023

I don’t think I have come across a musical so divisive as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Having spent a while reading comments on social media relating to the tour, I find myself frustrated at the ignorance of many. 

“Why were the Oompa Loompas 6ft tall silver cybermen?” 

“Charlie Bucket is a boy and should not be played by a girl.” 

“Hardly any of the songs from the films were in the show.” 

Those are just a few comments which irritated me. It makes me wonder how many of those nigglers have ever been to musical theatre before, and that maybe this medium is not for them. It’s theatre, and if creativity interprets Oompa Loompas as silver, then so be it (And they were not all 6ft tall, they were the dancers). Similarly, there is no reason Charlie cannot be a girl and finally, if people wanted a carbon copy of the film, then they are best sticking to watching the film and not a musical theatre interpretation. But that does not mean I didn’t have a gripe of my own. Although, excellently performed, the casting of adults in child roles (The four naughty Golden Ticket Winners) made me cringe. There are some fantastic child performers in the UK, so use them. There … rants over.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Birmingham Hippodrome — 25 October 2023

I’m not going to dwell on the plot because if you’re reading this, you will know the ins and outs of the story anyway. Let’s face it, it’s on TV most Christmases. The show stays faithful in the main to both original book by Roald Dahl and the movie versions which followed. And going back to silver Oompa Loompas, Dahl’s original vision was them being black pygmies. Ouch!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Birmingham Hippodrome — 25 October 2023

Although Willy Wonka is billed as the chief character, I am going to differ and give top spot to Jessie-Lou Harvie as Charlie Bucket. Let’s face it, Wonka does not appear until the end of what is a rather slow Act One. I had no issues with Charlie being female and it did not cross my mind otherwise until I saw negative feedback afterwards and needed to defend. Jessie-Lou was magnificent (Loved the accent, as well), excelling in acting, song, and dance. Particularly during Almost Nearly Perfect.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Birmingham Hippodrome — 25 October 2023

Wonka himself was played on this occasion by Ewan Gillies, the second understudy in a lead role I had seen in a week, but no less amazing. A top draw performance capturing the magic, mystery, and eccentricity you would expect of Willy Wonka.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Birmingham Hippodrome — 25 October 2023 

In the part of Grandpa Joe, we had Michael D’Cruze who fitted the role and delivered Charlie, You and I very well. I must have missed the reasoning, but I couldn’t fathom why Joe went to the factory tour dressed as a Bus Conductor. As usual, though, the lazy bugger, having spent 20 years in bed, jumps up in song and dance when there’s a chance of free chocolate. At least he didn’t persuade Charlie to steal Fizzy Lifting Drink.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Birmingham Hippodrome — 25 October 2023

Mrs Bucket (also Mrs Teevee) was portrayed by Leonie Spilsbury and sang Candy Man. I was also impressed with the signing by Spilsbury throughout. The other parents shared roles with the bed-ridden grandparents: Morgan Scott (Grandpa George/Mr Salt), Kate Milner-Evans (Grandma Josephine/Mrs Gloop) and Emily Winter (Grandma Georgina/Mrs Beauregarde).

I have already said my opinion about adults in child roles (Bleugh!) but cannot fault Kazmin Borrer as Veruca, particularly in the ballet sections. Equally well done to Robin Simoes Da Silva (Augustus Gloop), Marisha Morgan (Violet Beauregarde) and Terry Hinde (Mike Teevee). Rounding off the principals we had Victoria Nicol (Mrs Pratchett), Ty-Reece Stewart (Jerry) and Lucy Hutchinson (Cherry).

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Birmingham Hippodrome — 25 October 2023

Numbers and dances I liked especially were Pure Imagination, Strike That! Reverse It, Veruca’s Nutcracker Suite, and The View from Here. It was all spectacular with energetic dance and good choreography from Emily Jane Boyle. Simon Higlett’s set was also impressive, as was musical direction by David Shrubsole. The director of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was James Brinning. The production was adapted by David Greig with musical composition from Mark Shaiman and lyrics, Scott Wittman.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Birmingham Hippodrome — 25 October 2023

This is a spectacular show and as long as you do not expect a carbon copy of a 50-year-old film, you will be transported indeed, to a world of pure imagination.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — Birmingham Hippodrome — 25 October 2023

Cheers

Antony N Britt

* Photos blatantly taken from social media.

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Pretty Woman — New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham — 20 October 2023 

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Pretty woman, walkin’ down the street. 
Pretty woman, the kind I like to meet. 
Pretty woman, I don’t believe you, you’re not the truth. 
No one could look as good as you. 

So … Pretty Woman, a musical based on the 1990 film which followed a trend of being named after songs to boost popularity. I have never seen the film but am told the 2018 musical follows the plot closely. It centres on the relationship that develops between Vivian Ward, a free-spirited Hollywood prostitute, and Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessperson who hires her for a week to be his escort for several business and social functions.

Pretty Woman — New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham — 20 October 2023

With a book by Garry Marshall and J.E. Lawton, plus music and lyrics from Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, Pretty Woman draws heavily on the nostalgia and popularity of the original movie but also has a sound script which flows with decent songs. My only criticism would be that the plot is too simple with apparently less conflict between Vivian and Phillip Stuckey (Stuart Maciver) than the movie.

Pretty Woman — New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham — 20 October 2023

In the title role of Vivian, we had Amber Davies. I like Amber Davies. I recall going into 9 to 5 a few years back, only hearing second-hand of the Love Island connection and being wowed by the fully theatre trained talent she is. An impressive performance in acting and voice, excelling particularly in Anywhere But Here and I Can’t Go Back. Edward, on this occasion was played by understudy, Ben Darcy but (as I have found on many occasions of seeing the understudy) was outstanding, including perfect renditions of Something About Her and You and I.

Pretty Woman — New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham — 20 October 2023

As Happy Man/Mr Thompson, we had TV Presenter and Strictly Come Dancing winner, Ore Oduba who many in the audience had come to see. Happy to say he was excellent in the role although I do have to draw issue with the unnecessary references to Strictly. Come on, this is musical theatre, not panto, and it wasn’t all about one principal. Equally strong was Natalie Paris as Kit De Luca, also giving a good showing with Oduba and Ensemble during Never Give Up on a Dream. And I must give a special mention to Noah Harrison who stood out strong in many scenes featuring his comic character, Giulio.

Pretty Woman — New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham — 20 October 2023

Other good numbers included You’re Beautiful, Long Way Home and Together Forever. Finally, after the bows, we got the full cast rendition of the title song, which has no relevance to the plot whatsoever, other than feelgood factor but was welcome and well-delivered.

Pretty Woman — New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham — 20 October 2023

Pretty Woman was directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell with the UK tour responsibilities in the hands of Dominic Shaw and Matt Jones. Global Musical Supervisor was Will Van Dyke while Griff Johnson led an excellent orchestra.

A decent enough show. Not sure I would see it again for a while but overall, a good night out, especially due to Amber Davies.

Pretty Woman — New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham — 20 October 2023

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

* Photos blatantly taken from social media.

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Looking Good Dead – New Alexander Theatre – February 25, 2022

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March 12, 2022

Tom Bryce finds a USB stick on a train and brings it home to try and find its owner to return it. However, on viewing, he witnesses the murder of a young woman in an online snuff video. Tom is then threatened by the perpetrators to keep silent otherwise it will be bad for him, wife, Kellie and son, Max. However, Max fails to do so and Kellie is taken to be the next star performer.

I’m a huge fan of Peter James, although I only started reading him with the Roy Grace novels. I guess that makes Looking Good Dead the second book of James’ that I read many years ago. I’ve since read them all and am now going through the standalones’ back catalogue.

Looking Good Dead, like many stage productions, had a small cast so roles from the book were reassigned. In fact, Grace wasn’t the main character on this occasion, the Bryce family instead receiving the focus. However, it was nice for a fan to hear references to off-stage police persons like Norman Potting, Cleo Moray, EJ Bountwood and Alison Vosper, among others. It brought a bit more of the books to proceedings.

In the roles of Tom and Kellie Bryce we had Adam Woodyatt and Laurie Brett duplicating their Eastenders soap marriage and the chemistry between them was obvious. Woodyatt had been in Eastenders for 35 years until recently and although Tom was similar in character to Ian Beale, he was different enough to be a person in his own right. Both Woodyatt and Brett delivered strong, believable performances on the night and the same can be said for Luke-Ward Wilkinson as Max. There were some lovely scenes which portrayed the typical lack of communication between parent and offspring.

On the police side were Harry Long as Roy Grace with Leon Stewart in the role of Glenn Branson. Completing the trio of detectives was Gemma Stroyan as one of my favourite Grace characters – Bella Moy. However, I didn’t see any Maltesers on this occasion (You need to read the books to get that one). Supporting, also was Ian Houghton (Jonas Kent), Mylo McDonald (Mick) and Natalie Boakye (Janie).

Looking Good Dead looked good indeed with a main set of the Bryce’s living room with occasional illuminated cellar backdrop behind a gauze and pop-up police station. Transition between scenes were smooth and you did have the feel of everything being bigger than it was.

It was probably good that it has been 15 years since I read the novel as I couldn’t remember many details. I’m now intrigued to learn the differences but will wait for the ITV adaptation as this tale is next in line to air, then I may re-read the book. I’m pretty sure, though, the brains behind the kidnapping differed in the book.

Looking Good Dead was adapted for stage by Shaun McKenna and directed by Jonathan O’Boyle with Joshua Andrews as Producer.

Overall, an enjoyable evening and I look forward to further theatre outings for Roy Grace and Co.

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

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The Chinese Labour Corps – The Blue Orange Theatre Birmingham – February 4 2022

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February 12, 2022

“One of the least known stories of the First World War.”

That was the opening blurb of the advert, and I was intrigued. I’m no fan of the British Empire; its atrocities make modern day Isis and Al Qaeda look like beginners in the human rights stakes: The Boer concentration camps, the massacre at Amritsar, the famines in India during 1940 and the subsequent partitioning years later. All are now known but still little talked about. But who were the Chinese Labour Corps?

Towards the end of the First World War, the British Government needed a workforce to continue its campaign. Therefore, the Chinese government, wanting to establish itself as a world power offered its own labour to help the shortages. Over 100,000 men from the Northern Chinese Provinces travelled to Canada, then onto Europe to help in a war they knew little about. Most worked as unskilled labourers in appalling, dangerous conditions near shellfire and were terribly malnourished. At the end of the campaign, up to 20,000 had died and for a hundred years, mostly forgotten.

I am therefore indebted to the author of The Chinese Labour Corps, Walsall poet and playwright, Ian Henery, for illuminating me on a subject I now want to know more about. An excellent story (additionally adapted by Emma Cooper) where the audience went on an eye-opening journey of life one hundred years ago.

Although only a cast of four, the story moved seamless from one scene to the next and was almost immersive with a feeling of being a part of proceedings. Fully rounded characters who you believed in, felt empathy for, and got to know intimately.

The Chinese Labour Corps – The Blue Orange Theatre Birmingham – February 4 2022

Our cast were Nathaniel Tan (Sun Gan – a teacher), Amanda Maud (Chinn An Chu – a woman pretending to be a man to enlist), Tao Guo (Lin Cheng – who leaves his family to earn money) and Ali Taheri (Liu Den Chen – the loveable rogue who does his best to make money in other ways).

The stage movement, courtesy of Director, Marcus Fernando worked well, particularly the drowning of workers during the sinking of the Canadian ship. Poignant and emotive. And the knowledge that when Chinn An Chu returned home, her father had died, having spent none of the money she sent back to him. But there was also humour, especially the sending up of a British Sergeant. Then you had both humour and sadness mixed. The beautiful scene where Lin Cheng recovers in a Field Hospital and befriends a young English nurse, Miss Alice. They play music together, badly, before life is cut short amidst the jollity when Alice falls prey to the horrors of war when the area is bombarded by opposition fire. Notice I do not use the word, enemy fire. For me, especially in this war, there was no enemy, only different sides. It’s something we could all learn.

The Chinese Labour Corps – The Blue Orange Theatre Birmingham – February 4 2022

A highly entertaining and informative evening at The Blue Orange Theatre. Not only did I enjoy the production, I also learned something too.

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

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School of Rock – New Alexander Theatre, Birmingham – February 3 2022

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February 10, 2022

Failing guitarist, Dewey Finn, takes a job under false pretenses in an exclusive and expensive private school. He then teaches his class to play rock music and forms a band with them to win a prestigious competition.

Yes, I love rock, and I love musical theatre, therefore it is no surprise that I adore School of Rock. Closely based on the 2003 film of the same name, this is the best feelgood musical going these days. The notion that dreams come true, and you really can do anything if you try. It lifts the audience to their feet, and not just in the finale. With a cracking script from Julian Fellowes, lyrics courtesy of Glenn Slater and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, you have the instant recipe for an outstanding show.

I first saw it in the West End but this UK tour for me was even better. Perhaps knowing the songs so well, I was singing and moving in my seat throughout. Also revelling in admiration for the kids who do play their own instruments. Such talent from all.

In the title role, and totally at home as the hapless Dewey Finn was Jake Sharp. Outstanding with the strongest of performances and excelling in all numbers. Alongside, playing school principal Rosalie Mullins was Rebecca Lock who delivered Where Did the Rock Go? and Queen of the Night in great fashion. Supporting well, though were James Bisp as the much put-upon Ned Schneebly with Amy Oxley portraying the domineering Patty.

And then there were the pupils of the School of Rock. What can I say? The twelve on show during this viewing were out of this world. Harry Churchill (Zack on Lead Guitar), Angus McDougal (Lawrence on Keys), Chloe Marler (Katie on Bass) and Eva McGrath (Freddy {Fredrica} on drums). I’ve only ever known Freddy as the male originally intended but Eva was brilliant as the student who struggled to achieve. I had great empathy for her.

Leading the vocal section was Angel Lucero as shy Tomika and she delivered a powerhouse of a performance in Teacher’s Pet supported well by Lily Rose Martin (Marcy) and Elisha Kerai (Shonelle).

As a huge fan of The Voice Kids, it was a surprise and joy to see 2019 finalist Keira Laver as school swot, Summer. And Keira was amazing leading the class during one of my favourite numbers, Time to Play. Completing the class of excellence were Riotafari Gardner (James – Security), Ava Masters (Sophie the roadie with the killer pigtails), Alex Shotton (Mason on Lights) and Logan Matthews (Billy the costume drama queen).

Credit is due to a fantastic production team including Laurence Connor (Director), Joann M. Hunter (Choreography) and Michael Riley (Musical Direction).

In addition to the songs already mentioned, there are others of top-drawer quality: When I Climb to the Top of Mount Rock, the beautiful If Only You Would Listen, You’re in the Band and the awesome Stick it to the Man.

I have favourites in musical theatre which change constantly. I can honestly say, though, leaving The New Alexander, I have never enjoyed myself in a theatre as much as I did on this occasion. Buzzing madly and still on a high days later. School of Rock is touring the UK until the end of summer and if you only go and see one musical in 2022, make it The School of Rock.

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

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Jack and the Beanstalk – The Old Rep Theatre Birmingham – January 13 2022

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January 16, 2022

First show of the year and what better way to start than a panto. Now I’m a huge fan of Birmingham Youth Theatre, especially after last summers’ brilliant Disco Inferno. Therefore, I had no hesitation in attending Jack and the Beanstalk at The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham.

Yes, we all know the basic plot of Jack and the Beanstalk, so I won’t bore you with the details. However, each production needs an original take and Director, Joe Logan delivered that with his own script. As a writer of pantos myself, I admired magic moments on the night that I wish I’d thought of in mine. The character of Alexa was a touch of genius; the way she slipped into the Amazon Information Device when asked a question. And kudos to Ruby Blount for a superb performance, especially in the opening barrage of facts which must have been extremely hard to learn.

As our hero, Jack, Charlie Bland was in fine form and excelled equally with Blount, duetting in Human Nature. And in Jack’s sibling (Silly Billy), Megan Allsop equally delivered the laughs and performed well during Dance Monkey.

Of course, a panto needs a Dame (which I believe needs to be convincing as a female and played with respect). I’m happy to say Harrison Doherty did just that with a gorgeous but funny Dame Dolly. Likewise, there is room for a fairy and Maddison Clarke’s glorious Fairy Hiccup was a booze-fuelled character with unfortunate contractions of the diaphragm. It worked well. And portrayed equally as lackadaisical was Dylan O’Connor’s King Snoozy who teamed up with Dame Dolly for a wonderful Take a Chance on Me.

And we come to the baddies. As I say, I like pantos which differ from the norm and the Princess, who traditionally ends up with the hero, was this time the villain of the piece. Lily-Mae Nicholls was wonderfully evil as Princess Jill. A nice twist and Material Girl entertained the audience well. Alongside Jill in the evil stakes was Rhys Bishop as Baron Stuck Up Johnson, getting boos in the right places and leading an ensemble well with an extremely modified version of Heathers, Candy Store, renamed Behind the Door.

I’m not sure if you should call Tik (Josh Mills) and Tok (Lola Harper) villains, more tools of the Baron and Princess. These two were excellent comic stooges and performed a great slapstick routine in the kitchen. It was a result of these shenanigans that we had one of the moments of the night with the Sausage Roll Medley. Hilarious, although verging on a heinous crime to rock fans with I Love Rock and Roll Sausage Rolls, We Built This City on Rock and Roll Sausage Rolls and Don’t Stop Believing – “Just a sausage roll.” Awesome. And we even had a cameo voiceover from Birmingham Hippodrome panto legend and Youth Theatre patron, Matt Slack as the voice of the giant.

My favourite principal character, however (and getting a huge round of applause in the bows), was Goldie Harper, a singing, out of tune harp, played by one of the youngest talents in Marni Carroll. She had the audience howling with off-key renditions including Lonely, Let it Go and 5000 Green Bottles.

Other numbers of note, overseen by Musical Director, Chris Corcoran, included We Got the Beat, Can’t Stop the Feeling, the haunting Into the Unknown and a humorous costumed performance of Talk to the Animals.

Writer, Joe Logan, also directed and oversaw choreography including an excellent dance troupe consisting of Bethany Gilbert, Olivia Jefferson, Anna Simpson, Ellie Cosgrove, Beatrice Roberts, Emily Denigan, Carter Evans and Luke Griffiths. Assisting Logan in direction was Emily Ewins and you get the feeling of a team effort with the cheers and elation behind the curtain at the end, the results of those endeavours.

Heck, I’ve overrun. By at least 100 words. But that’s what Birmingham Youth Theatre do to you. Give you lots to rave about. And they’re back at The Old Rep Theatre (June 30 to July 2 2022) with High School Musical. I cannot recommend them enough.

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

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Robin Hood and his Band of Merry Men – Studley Sports and Social Club – December 19 2021

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January 7, 2022

Due to a ridiculous schedule with my own production and other commitments these past few months, I’m way behind on publishing reviews, so sorry about that.

*****

It was a last-minute decision to see Robin Hood and his Band of Merry Men, but I’m glad I did. Set in an intimate venue with about 50 in attendance, you were right amongst the action. I often say rather than watch a performance, I like to experience and be part of one, and Robin Hood certainly did that for me.

As well as being in a small venue, Robin Hood only had a cast of six, but such was the quality of the script by Oliver Hume, it made no difference to the enjoyment. Full of jokes, new and old (You have to have them in panto), the script also paid homage to classic sketches of the past, my favourite being, the vessel with the pestle/chalice with the palace routine made famous by Danny Kaye in 1955’s The Court Jester.

Robin Hood was courtesy of Aunty Jen Productions, whose founder, Jennifer Rigby, also played Lidl Jen. The butt of the jokes, Jen’s character was a typical Audiences’ Best Friend and held the show solo on occasions. A job well done.

Playing Robin and Marian we had Annaliese Morgan and Nicolette Morgan, respectively. Both had great singing voices, excellent stage presence, and had those watching warm to them throughout.

There is nothing like a dame, and Mark Jeffries was superb as Nurse Juicy Lucy, having the audience eat out of her hand, and eating any participant for breakfast, if they dared to have a go back. I have views on pantomime dames and loved how Jeffries played Lucy with respect. Some actors use the Dame for cheap laughs at the man in a dress, but Lucy was gorgeous, darling. The character was who you saw on stage.

The baddie in The Sheriff of Nottingham was bad indeed, and I mean that as a huge compliment. Neville Cann had the darkness of villainy, mixed with essential comic moments at the right times. Plus, a wonderful, sinister laugh.

Rounding off our six was wandering minstrel, Alan-a-Dale, performed superbly by Danny Teitge. Opening a show is a huge responsibility and Danny rose to this task, nailing it while setting the scene for more to come. And what a voice!

The sign of a good production is how quick time flies, and Robin Hood flew like an arrow. A thoroughly enjoyable evening from a company whose future productions I highly recommend. Therefore, when at two hours’ notice you have a thought to check if there is anything on that is local, you may find a gem like Aunty Jen.

Cheers.

Antony N Britt

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