SHOW: A BRITISH SUBJECT, Pleasance Theatre
By Douglas McFarlane
SHOW: A BRITISH SUBJECT, Pleasance Theatre
12 August 2009 - £9.50
Mirza Tahir Hussain, a British subject, travels to Pakistan where he kills a taxi driver in self-defence. The young man is sentenced to death by hanging. He spends eighteen years on death row before a British journalist visits him to tell his story.
Nichola MacAuliffe’s play is the true account of this case and a scathing critique of the criminal justice system in Pakistan, the British authorities who would not save their own subject because their efforts might jeopardise British-Pakistani relations and the inhumanity of the death penalty. This poignant drama is extremely well acted and the relationship between MacAuliffe – who plays herself – and the condemned man is very touching. Both are deeply religious and although MacAuliffe is a Catholic and Tahir a Muslim there is a true understanding between them.
There will be a Q&A session on the production on 18 August at 2.20 pm.
Review by Carolin KopplinVisit the official Edinburgh Fringe website for more details and tickets:-
http://www.edfringe.com
SHOW: THE SHAPE OF THINGS by SPL, C, Chambers Street
By Douglas McFarlane
SHOW: THE SHAPE OF THINGS by SPL, C, Chambers Street
12 August 2009 - £9.50
The Shape of Things is a comedy with a vicious twist.
Neil LaBute, one of the most intriguing American playwrights
today, is a moralist who indulges in polarising his audience and
he often succeeds. Adam works in a museum in a small college town
where he meets Evelyn, an art student, who wants to make a
statement by spray painting a penis on a statue – her point being
that the sculpture is already ruined because a vine leaf was
plastered over the genitalia six years ago to placate the
outraged town folk.
Two people could not be more different that the shy, insecure
Adam and the self-confident artiste. As Adam and Evelyn become
closer Adam changes in more ways than one. The dialogues are
snappy and the action is fast paced – a most enjoyable production
with impressive performances by the four young
actors.
Review by Carolin Kopplin
Edinburgh Fringe Website http://www.edfringe.com
SHOW: CRY FROM UNDERGROUND (TELL ME YOUR NAME)
By Douglas McFarlane
SHOW: CRY FROM UNDERGROUND (TELL ME YOUR NAME)
New Town Theatre
11 Aug 09, £10.00
Thorston Manderlay adapted Dostoevsky’s novella “Notes from the Underground” and successfully transferred it to the 21st century. The themes of the novella – isolation, alienation and disgust with a self-obsessed society are as relevant today as in 1864.
The protagonist, an educated and intelligent man, finds himself in a culture of mediocrity where “brainless action men” suppress “clever mice”. The very people he despised at school and university have become high/flying lawyers and successful businessmen while he - who is far superior in intelligence - is rotting away in a hole, tormented by his landlord. Retired at the age of 40 because he had enough of working in a stupid, mindless job to pay the rent he has no prospects and little hope. After a particularly unpleasant evening the protagonist finds himself in a brothel where he meets the Russian prostitute Lisa. Having escaped from a miserable life in a nondescript rural town Lisa now finds herself trapped as an illegal sex worker. Will they be able to find a way out?
Thorston Manderlay gives a brilliant performance as the tormented
protagonist who hides his sensitivity and capability for love
behind the veneer of a sociopath. Anne Burns Walker is impressive
as the young woman.
Review by Carolin Kopplin
Visit the official Edinburgh Fringe website for more details and
tickets:-
http://www.edfringe.com
King Arthur by Siege Perilous
By Carolin KopplinKing Arthur by Siege Perilous
The Edinburgh based company Siege Perilous, well known for high quality adaptions of classical text as well as new writing, presents Lucy Nordberg's interpretation of King Arthur. The play is written in blank verse while using contemporary language, an intriguing combination.
King Arthur is an enlightened leader who decides to impose
democracy on his people. Yet they will have to learn to rule
themselves, and who will train them? Furthermore, a successor
must be found as his marriage to Guinevere has remained
childless. The Christian Arthur hopes to achieve peace with
Morgan Le Fay who rules a Pagan border state by accepting his
illegitimate son Mordred as heir to the throne. Mordred is
trained for the role of a traditional king but in a democracy he
would only be a figurehead. The confused teenager falls under the
influence of power hungry factions in court who want the crown
for themselves.
In this fine production the actors are present on stage all the
time. The stage design is minimalist with a circular chequered
floor and only few props. There are outstanding performances
throughout, especially Jim Byars as Arthur, Paul Crommie as his
antagonist Kay, Anne Kane Howie as Morgan Le Fay, and Allan
Scott-Douglas as the scheming Breunor.
(Carolin Kopplin)
For tickets visit the official Edinburgh Fringe website http://www.edfringe.com
SHOW: DAVID BENSON SINGS NOEL COWARD
By Douglas McFarlaneSHOW: DAVID BENSON SINGS NOEL COWARD
Assembly Rooms, 6-21 Aug (and 12 Aug), 15.20 – 16.30
10 Aug 09 £12.00
David Benson once again demonstrated his versatility in this
delightful show celebrating the great Noel Coward. He transformed
himself from a glamorous diva to a middle-aged businessman
lamenting that he is Mad About the Boy within a second
using little more than a pearl necklace, a feather band and a
pair of glasses.
Accompanied by the charming Stewart Nicholls Benson presented
Coward hits like Don’t Put Your Daughter on the Stage
and There are Bad Times Just Around the Corner – quite
relevant today - but he also included songs from the rarely
performed show The Girl Who Came to Supper. David Benson
conducted a good deal of research for this show. He included
forgotten lyrics that even my friend who is a Coward connoisseur
did not know. A highly enjoyable afternoon!
For tickets, visit http://www.edfringe.com
Almost 10 - Pleasance Courtyard
By Carolin KopplinClearly Rachel is not the most popular girl in school her mother calls her "Little Mowgli" because of her unruly hair and her art teacher won't let her draw her own picture for Mother's Day, she has to give somebody else's work to her mother who promptly adds it to the growing collection of paintings in the toilet. In this outrageously funny and touching show Rachel talks about her life and the poeple in it, aptly impersonating every single character to great comic effect - her vicious teachers, her obnoxious Bulgarian nanny, her overbearing mother, even He-Man!
(Carolin Kopplin)
For tickets visit the official Edinburgh Fringe website http://www.edfringe.com
THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK NEW END THEATRE
By OLIVER VALENTINETHE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK NEW END THEATRE
The Great American Songbook at the New End theatre, Hampstead, delivers a delightfully slick night of music that is hard to fault.
The show features songs from 1920 to 1960, written by the classic composers of the time such as Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Rogers and Hammerstein. It was period that saw an new style of music grounded in the structures of Tin Pan Alley, and relying heavily on jazz. Much of it was originally written for Broadway musicals or Hollywwod movies, and became the pop of the time as the songs were picked up by legendary singers such as Ella Fitzerald, Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra.
With a simple but highly effective set by Ioan Havard, this piece works perfectly in intimate space of the New End. Andy Rumble’s orchestrations are beautiful and superbly played by a lively four piece jazz band. Heather Simpkin’s direction ensures the pace and energy of the show is relentless, and it happily bounces along with lovely performances by all three vocalists. Ray Caruana gives a heartfelt rendition of Skylark, and there is an stirring performance of If I Loved You between Paul Roberts and Louisa Parry. Despite being dangerously close to being upstaged by several dress choice disasters, Ms Parry shines in this show, with impressive scatting in Blues Skies and a stunning interpretation of Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.
As someone vaguely knowledgeable with this period of music but never having ever seen it actually come to life with a jazz band, it was a very exciting live introduction to this period of song writing. I was the youngest member of the audience that night, but this show is a must for anyone of any age who simply appreciates great musical craftsmanship. This is a treat not to be missed.
OLIVER VALENTINE Box Office 0870 033 2733
UK Theatre Weekly Newsletter
By Douglas McFarlaneElvis! On tour - Review
by Ryan Bennett on Friday 7th August 2009 01:08pm | View all blogs by Ryan Bennett
Richmond Theatre – Tues 4th August
Iconic ‘Elvis’ – a name, a face and a brand that will continue to span generations. Tribute shows for Elvis will keep rolling out for years. The latest force to hit Richmond Theatre, Lee ‘Memphis’ King, had the crowd on their feet wanting more at the end of his show.
suddenlossofdignity.com
Published by: Saskia
Green on Wednesday 5th August 2009
08:08am
Comedy in theatre is usually a path to make the sad, dirty and cruel aspects of life more approachable. In suddenlossofdgnity.com, The Bush Theatre’s second commission for Latitude Festival, it is our very own, sad, and dirty aspects of life that are revealed.
OVERSPILL
by Douglas McFarlane on Friday 7th August 2009 07:08pm | View all blogs by Douglas McFarlane
OVERSPILL
You witness a mugging … You’re forced to decide … You’re pushed to the edge … What do you do?
OVERSPILL is the story of the Jenkins, a family struggling with moral dilemmas and the unforeseen consequences. Watch as one chance event threatens to tear the family apart as the line between right and wrong blurs and their lives begin to spill over.
Stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption heads to the West End
Adapted by Owen O'Neil and Dave Johns, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION will open at the Wyndham's Theatre on 4 September. Based on Stephen King's short story, Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, this iconic story inspired the hugely popular film.
Billy Elliot Grabs 10 Tony Awards on Broadway's Biggest Night
London favourite BILLY ELLIOT became the toast of Broadway when it took home an amazing 10 awards at 2009's Tony Awards ceremony. Competing with new musicals like Shrek, Rock of Ages, Next to Normal and 9 to 5, BILLY ELLIOT won the following awards:
James Earl Jones & Phylicia Rashad Headline Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Starting in November
Tennessee Williams' classic play CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF will get a starry run in the West End this fall, headlined by Oscar nominee and Tony winner James Earl Jones and Emmy and Tony winner Phylicia Rashad. They will be joined by Adrian Lester and Sanaa Lathan as Brick and Maggie.
Stars Come to the West End this Summer: Springer, Barrowman, Triplett, Williams & More
A host of stars will brighten the theatres of the West End this summer! Take your pick from the following list, but be sure to book soon as these are sure to be hot tickets. You can see:
Anna Friel to star as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's
Anna Friel, well known to British audiences for her roles in Brookside and Pushing Daisies, will star as Holly Golightly in Samuel Adamson's new stage adaptation of Truman Capote'sBREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S.
La Clique will return for festive run at Roundhouse
The award-winning cabaret sensation LA CLIQUE, which ends its successful run at the Hippodrome on 27 June will return to the London stage this Christmas for a special nine week run.
Sheridan Smith and Duncan James to star in Legally Blonde
Award-winning stage and TV actress Sheridan Smith is to lead the cast as Elle Woods inLEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL which will preview in the West End from 5 December. She is joined by ex-Blue member Duncan James who will play heartbreaker Warner.
Dirty Dancing's New Johnny Castle Wins National Dance Award
Martin Harvey, the newest dancer to step into the starring role of Johnny Castle in the West End's hit production of DIRTY DANCING, has won a major ballet award at 2009's National Dance Awards.
INDIE FILM NIGHT
Supported by Raindance
Host: UK Film Network
Date: Wednesday, 02 September 2009
Time:19:30 - 21:30
Location: Shortwave Cinema
10 Bermondsey Square, London, SE1 3UN
London, United Kingdom
Email: editor@ukfilm.tv
UK Film Network and Raindance have teamed up to bring you
the best in independent film.
The opening night will be 2nd September at a venue which is
near London Bridge/Tower Bridge, so easy to get to if you are
London based.
I'm delighted that the first film is British Independent
Film Award winner, Zebra Crossings by Writer/Director Sam
Holland.
Entrance fee: £5
Click to use any card on paypal (no need to
register):-
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7162597
Here's a link to the venue website:
http://www.shortwavefilms.co.uk/
OVERSPILL
By Douglas McFarlaneOVERSPILL
You witness a mugging … You’re forced to decide … You’re pushed to the edge … What do you do?
OVERSPILL is the story of the Jenkins, a family struggling with moral dilemmas and the unforeseen consequences. Watch as one chance event threatens to tear the family apart as the line between right and wrong blurs and their lives begin to spill over.
A mother imposes contradictory rules. A father’s misguided choice could change the family’s life forever. And the siblings try to find their own answers in the ensuing confusion.
A funny exploration into the internal workings of a London family, OVERSPILL will challenge and confront you, and allow you to see the story behind the headline.
OVERSPILL is a fusion of drama, dance, and original live music, written and performed by young people. A collaboration between the Cochrane Theatre, DreamArts and the University of the Arts London, Street 2 Stage’s fifth production enables young people from around London to participate in creating a new musical.
OVERSPILL
Producer
Street 2
Stage
Venue information
Cochrane Theatre
Southampton Row
London WC1B
4AP
Nearest tube station
Holborn
Performances
Friday 4th
September at 3.00 pm and 7.30 pm
Saturday 5th September 3.00 pm and 7.30 pm
Sunday 6th September 3.00 pm
only
Box office
Online:
www.cochranetheatre.co.uk
Telephone: 020 7269
1606
In person: Tickets
can be purchased on the day from one hour before the beginning of
each performance
Ticket prices: £8
full price or £4 concession (Over 60, 16 and Under, Full-time
Student, Unwaged,
Equity)
For groups (10+) and special offers contact the Box Office on 020 7269 1606
Street 2 Stage is a collaboration between the Cochrane Theatre, DreamArts, and the University of the Arts London.
“raw and hugely ambitious… the seven-strong band played a fantastically eclectic score of blues, reggae, hip hop, rap and street sounds…while the design team came up with an impressive cityscape. Not only were the individual roles all well taken, the dance company really set the stage alight” Michael Coveney, Theatre Critic (Street 2 Stage 2008).
Elvis! On tour - Review
By Ryan Bennett
Richmond Theatre – Tues 4th August
Iconic ‘Elvis’ – a name, a face and a brand that will continue to span generations. Tribute shows for Elvis will keep rolling out for years. The latest force to hit Richmond Theatre, Lee ‘Memphis’ King, had the crowd on their feet wanting more at the end of his show.
Memphis has won a few accolades through his career impersonating ‘the King’ and was even ‘Voted best Elvis in Europe’ on BBC1’s Worlds Greatest Elvis. Slipping in and out of character, he happily provided the audience with historical facts about Elvis and his achievements.
While the first half came across as a bit subdued there were still some crowd pleasers in ways of request. ‘Lawdy Miss Clawdy’ was a golden oldie that warmed the crowd up and a familiar set of Hound Dog, Little Sister and That’s’ Alright Mama wetted the crowds appetite. Also thrown in was Elvis’s first number one hit ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ to the delight of the female contingent.
Memphis played with the audience’s jovial heckling and allowed his own personality to come through with good humour. However, it was the more tender tributes in the likes of ‘Memories’ and ‘Are you Lonesome Tonight (manager Colonel Parker’s favorite) that really showed off Memphis’s soulful vocal range which resonated Elvis to the core.
The second set held the most energy and was a pleasure to watch. Having formally introduced his band ‘The Brass Monkey’s’ and his two talented female back up singers, Memphis belted out a selection of Elvis ‘Vegas Years’ songs with a booming voice that all Elvis fans would be proud of. ‘In the Ghetto’ stapled the respect from the younger male audience while ‘The Wonder of you’ had the entire theatre singing along in good spirits.
Memphis nailed Elvis’s moves – not overly accentuated in any way, but approached with a sense of form and style of someone who has studied Elvis for years. He clearly has a passion and there is no doubt that he is blessed with a great vocal range. This is a talented soul with a serious fan base – there were many in the audience who had seen the show many times before.
Elvis has one of the best catalogues of music a tribute show could hope for. ‘There goes my everything’, ‘Love me tender’ and ‘Softly, as I leave you’ were the tear jerkers of the show. Memphis introduced the latter in spoken word, taking a backseat throughout whilst allowing his back up singer to take lead. This was quite a special and dignified turning point of the show.
Turning up the heat with ‘Burning Love’, the tributes kept coming and just when the disappointment started to creep in that the show had ended, Memphis was back out for an encore of the much loved and demanded ‘Suspicious Minds’.
Overall, an entertaining and somewhat intimate show which would also be great to see on a bigger scale. He plays at London Indigo2 Arena on Sunday August 16th – good clean fun you can even take your Nan to!
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