UK Theatre Network

The latest UK production of Kander and Ebb’s early work Flora The Red Menace, at Ye Olde Rose And Crown Theatre Pub, Walthamstow, provides an evocative night of musical theatre that is not to be missed.  

Last seen professionally in London over 15 years ago, and written in 1965 by the team that later had smash hits with Cabaret and Chicago, the show originally starred Liza Minelli as Flora, and won her a Tony award for Best Actress in a musical. This production has a few new numbers added from an 1987 update, and it’s theme of austere times seems to be just as relevant today.

It’s the 1930’s, and Flora Mezaros is a headstrong fashion designer who is struggling to find work during the Great Depression. She is a member of an artists' co-operative, and is as broke as her bohemian peers when she is stunned to get a job for $30 a week for a top department store. She falls in love with struggling designer Harry Toukarian, who successfully converts Flora to his Communist ideals. She tries to set up a union in her anti-union workplace, and eventually has to deal with a conflict of ideals and heart, as she tries to hold onto both job and boyfriend.

Possibly due to some flimsy plot devices and songs that are not always as memorable as Kander and Ebb’s later work, the 1965 production closed after just 87 performances.  Nevertheless this musical is a bit of a lost gem, and has an integrity that makes this show uniquely special.

The very capable ensemble cast work well together, with Katy Baker holding centre stage as Flora, giving an amazing powerhouse performance that reflects both brilliant acting and vocal skills. Ellen Vereniekes is fabulously vampy as Comrade Charlotte, and Sam Linscott is hilarious as the quirky Harry. Aaron Clingham’s musical direction is as passionate and spot-on as always, and Kate McPhee delivers some very ambitious choreography in the limited  upstairs theatre space.

Flora The Red Menace was never was a financial hit, but seems destined to keep returning as one of those ‘rediscovered works.’ All Star Productions, gives this surprise gift of a musical  the high quality platform it deserves.

OLIVER VALENTINE

Runs until Friday 1st Jun 2012

http://www.allstarproductions.co.uk

 

 

 

Whether you know Nicholas Parsons from radio’s ‘Just a Minute’ or as the irrepressible host of ‘Sale of The Century’, it cannot be denied that he is an icon.  How many other artists would still be performing a one-man show at the grand age of 88 and be able to keep us all fully entertained for 2 hours?  I can’t think of many current stand-up comedians who could achieve that, but Nicholas’s ‘Laugh a Minute’ really does deliver and there’s not a swear word for the whole time!  He is the consummate professional with an ability to mimic and portray the myriad of characters who have crossed his path during a long and varied career.

Nicholas was born in Grantham and went to the same primary school as one former lady Prime Minster!  She was obviously very bossy even then, but Nicholas saved her from some school bullies and is still waiting to be rewarded for his chivalry!

Starting from the disadvantage of dyslexia, he went on to become top of his class and a good sportsman.  He learnt early on how to make others laugh and knew that he wanted to become an actor, but his parents were set against it and he was sent to Glasgow to become an engineering apprentice.  Some of his funniest anecdotes were about his time there and the oddball people and situations he found himself in.

Thankfully for us all, he broke free and became an actor learning his craft in the weekly rep system, which sadly no longer exists.  He then went on to work in cabaret and revue, eventually at the world-famous Windmill Theatre, before getting his first big TV break.  He became the stooge for Arthur Haines and the shows were a huge success, resulting in summer seasons together and even an appearance on the Ed Sullivan show in the States! 

Nicholas went on to star in the West End in ‘Boeing Boeing’ for 15 months and then in 1967 became the Chairman for a new radio show called ‘Just a Minute’.  The pilot show wasn’t going to be picked up, but fortunately David Hatch saw its potential and the rest, as they say, is history!

Another show that wasn’t going to be picked up until Anglia TV decided to run it was ‘Sale of the Century’.  It’s the show that really made Nicholas a national icon and household name and it became the most successful quiz show of all time.  At its peak the audience figures reached 20 million!

After TV hosting though it was difficult to be taken seriously again as an actor, but when Nicholas was offered the role of Narrator in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show', he was able to re-invent himself again.  It was his idea to have the Narrator make a final entrance wearing his jacket on top, but with stockings, suspenders and high heels!  This has now become a tradition for most, if not all, of the actors who now play the role.

Nicholas really is the most wonderfully entertaining raconteur.  He has enormous warmth and kindness and is very generous to other entertainers.  For anyone considering a career as an actor or comedian, you’d do well to go along and watch a master perform his craft, but for everyone it’s a hilarious and uplifting night out.  He’ll be taking his shows to Edinburgh again this year and for more details of further tour dates visit:
http://www.allelectricproductions.co.uk/comedy/nicholas_parsons_laugh_a_minute.htm

To book tickets for the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury click on:
http://uktheatrenet.ambassadortickets.com/whatson.aspx

Reviewed by:
Yvonne Delahaye
18.5.12

 

After a period of long, cold and wet weather we are all in need of the warmth of the South Pacific and a night at the Waterside is probably the nearest most of us will come to tropical climes!  This revival of the Rogers and Hammerstein musical is teeming with memorable songs we all know and love from Some Enchanted Evening, There is Nothing Like a Dame, Bali Ha’I, Happy Talk, Younger Than Springtime and, my personal favourite, I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair!

With the number of upbeat songs you might think that the show is just a fun-filled fantasy, but it deals with the very serious topic of war and racial prejudice set on a South Pacific island during World War II. The 1949 musical delves into the roots of American prejudice through the story of a Navy nurse, Nellie Forbush,  from Little Rock, Arkansa, who falls in love with a suave French plantation owner with a dark past who doesn't tell her about his two mixed-race children from a previous marriage to a Polynesian woman. With a colourful mix of characters from marines and officers to Bloody Mary, the story leads up to a massive mobilization of forces against the mighty Empire of Japan.

Bartlett Sher’s production, which opened in 2008 at The Lincoln Centre Theatre in New York and won 7 Tony Awards, was the first revival on Broadway since the show’s premiere in 1949 and the reason, surely, is its contentious subject matter.   The show features 40 cast and a live orchestra of 18 and the entire creative team from the Lincoln Centre, including director Bartlett Sher, brought the show to the UK.  This production was recently nominated for 3 Oliver Awards including Best Musical Revival and Best Costume Design (Catherine Zuber). Sher directed this production, which opened for a short season at the Barbican in August 2011 and has been touring since November 2011.

Eastenders actress Samantha Womack plays naive and innocent Nellie Forbush, which is a particularly challenging role as she is on stage virtually the whole time.   Sam works hard in the role and had the southern drawl down to a tee, though perhaps could have toned it down a bit for the songs as it occasionally made them sound a little harsh.  Sam is no stranger to musical theatre and played Adelaide in Guys and Dolls opposite the lovely Patrick Swayze.

Matthew Cammelle plays the French plantation owner Emile de Becque.  With an exceptionally strong baritone voice, he sings the wonderful Some Enchanted Evening to express his feelings to Nellie, though I didn’t feel there was much genuine chemistry between them. 

Australian actor Danny Koek plays Lt Joe Cable and described his role as ‘a bit screwed up! Cable has come from the frontline in battle and seen awful stuff.'  This dark side startlingly manifests itself when he deflowers the beautiful young Liat, who is the daughter of Bloody Mary and then rejects her as Mary tries to get him to marry Liat.

For me, Jodi Kimura as Bloody Mary stole the show as she portrayed the wheeling-dealing, mercenary, grotesque who is prepared to pimp out her own daughter.  Alex Ferns adds some comic light relief as Luther Billis, along with Cameron Jack as Stewpot.

This production is co-produced by The Lincoln Centre Theatre, The Ambassador Theatre Group, Genesius and Promenade Productions, Bill Kenwright Productions and Rupert Gavin for Incidental Colman UK.  The atmospheric lighting is designed by Donald Holder and the set cleverly designed by Michael Yeargan.  Dance and incidental music arrangements by Trude Rittmann.

There’s still time to warm up with a cocktail or two for an enchanted evening in the South Pacific and the show runs until Saturday 26th May, so book your tickets now on:

http://uktheatrenet.ambassadortickets.com/whatson.aspx

After which the tour continues to:
NOTTINGHAM THEATRE ROYAL CONCERT HALL
29 May, 2012 – 9 June, 2012

THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH
12 June, 2012 – 23 June, 2012

LEEDS GRAND THEATRE AND OPERA HOUSE
26 June, 2012 – 7 July, 2012

NEW VICTORIA THEATRE WOKING
10 July, 2012 – 21 July, 2012

SHEFFIELD LYCEUM THEATRE
24 July, 2012 – 4 August, 2012

BORD GAIS ENERGY THEATRE
7 August, 2012 – 18 August, 2012

Reviewed by:
Yvonne Delahaye
15.5.12

It’s very rare to see a musical that truly breaks the mould. Glasgow audiences are given just such a treat this week as Avenue Q finds a home at the King’s Theatre.

 

This show is just such FUN!  Avenue Q is set in a world where humans and puppets live and work together.  People think nothing of walking down the street, saying “hi” to a neighbour and getting a response in the form of a friendly, yet furry, wave!  Apart from that, things are fairly normal on Avenue Q, with the exception that people (or puppets) express their feelings through song.  So, kind of like Sesame Street then, only you couldn’t broadcast these songs to anyone under the age of 16!! 

 

The first thing that grabs you is the skill of the puppeteers.  Many of the characters are operated by more than one person and this requires precise delivery of intricately choreographed actions to make every movement look convincing.  This was executed flawlessly throughout.  On occasion, a performer responsible for the voice of more than one puppet character would hold a conversation in two distinct voices while a separate puppeteer animated the mouth and actions of the puppet in perfect synchronisation. This was amazing to see happening live!  And then there was the puppet sex scene …!!

 

In my imagination, I am convinced that the whole show concept began with the question “What if one of Bert and Ernie was gay?”  After that, the mind can run riot with question like “What if someone on the street was racist?” or “What is puppet sex like?” or “How would you explain Schadenfreude to kids?”.

 

Performers who played the human characters were not left behind.  High energy delivery of songs, dance and hilarious dialogue ensured that the puppets didn’t steal every scene.  But when a supremely talented actor and singer like Katharine Moraz (Kate Monster / Lucy The Slut) combines those skills with flawless and comedic control of her animated avatars, the audience cannot help but be captivated.  Ironically, I don’t think I have ever experienced such an animated audience!  There were gasps and sighs and “aaww”s all around me as the story unfolded onstage.

 

Performances were enhanced by a cleverly designed set and atmospheric music (sounding spookily reminiscent of my formative years).  If you haven’t seen Avenue Q you really won’t want to miss out.

BOOK TICKETS:  ONLINE BOX OFFICE
 

Listings Info:

 

AVENUE Q

Mon 14  – Sat 19 May

Mon – Thu eves 7.30pm

Wed mat 2.30pm

Fri 5.30pm & 8.30pm

Sat 4pm & 7.30pm

 

Tickets: £14.50 - £29.50

Box Office 08448 717 648 (Bkg fee)

West End stars Dave Willetts (Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Cats, Ragtime, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers) and Marti Webb (Blood Brothers, Tell Me On a Sunday, Evita,Cats) will join forces to headline the legendary Broadway musical 42ndStreet as it embarks on a national tour of the UK from 1st June 2012, playing 23 venues to the end of the year.



From the producers of hugely successful touring hits including Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, 42ndStreet is the timeless, inspiring tale of small town Peggy Sawyer’s rise from chorus line to Broadway star.

Winner of the 1980 Tony Award for Best Musical and the 2001 Tony Award for Best Revival, 42nd Street is a true classic. The tour is directed by the show’s author and Broadway director Mark Bramble, and features the stunning sets and costumes from the Broadwayrevival.

The memorable score of hit songs includes ‘Lullaby of Broadway’, ‘We're In The Money’, and one of the great showstoppers, ‘42nd Street’, danced down a flight of steps that light up as bright as the faces of the cast. Audiences are taken to musical comedy heaven with breathtaking routines and glorious choreography. 42nd Street remains the greatest tap dancing musical of all time.

Dave Willetts (Julian Marsh) has headlined countless musicals in the West End and on tour. He has played leads in shows such as Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables. He headlined Seven Brides forSeven Brothers both on tour and in the West End as well the tour of South Pacific. He recently starred inAndrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevardin the West End.

Marti Webb (Dorothy Brock) is one of Britain’s most popular leading ladies, whose extensive West End credits include lead roles in shows such as Blood Brothers, Tell Me on a Sunday, Song & Dance, Evita, Cats and Thoroughly Modern Millie, to name only afew. She recently headlined the UK tour of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! across the country.

Produced by Martin Dodd for UK Productions, 42ndStreet has music and lyrics by Harry Warren and Al Dubin and book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, who also directs. Choreography is by Graeme Henderson and Musical Supervision by Gareth Williams. Set design is by Douglas W Schmidt, with costumes by Roger Kirk, lighting design by David Howe and sound design by Ross Portway and Jon Higson.

ONLINE TICKETS:  BOX OFFICE

LISTINGS

Martin Dodd for UK Productions presents

42ND STREET

starring Dave Willetts& Marti Webb

www.ukproductions.co.uk


   Rhyl Pavilion

   Fri 1 – Sat 2 June

   01745 330 000

 
   New Theatre, Oxford

   Tue 5 – Sat 9 June

   0844 871 3020

 
   Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

   Tue 12 – Sat 16 June

   0114 249 6000

 
   Grand Opera House, Belfast

   Tue 19 – Sat 23 June

   028 9024 1919

 
   King’s Theatre, Glasgow

   Tue 26 – Sat 30 June

   0844 871 7648

  New Victoria Theatre, Woking

   Tue 3 – Sat 7 July

   0844 871 7645

 
   Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

   Tue 10 – Sat 14 July

   0844 847 2291

 
   Sunderland Empire

   Tue 17 – Sat 21 July

   0844 847 2499

 
   Blackpool Grand Theatre

   Tue 24 – Sat 28 July

   01253 290 190

 
   Theatre Royal, Plymouth

   Tue 31 July – Sat 4 Aug

   01752 267 222

  Eastbourne Congress Theatre

   Tue 4 – Sat 8 Sept

   01323 412 000

 
   New Wimbledon Theatre

   Tue 11 – Sat 15 Sept

   0844 871 7646

 
   Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

   Tue 18 – Sat 22 Sept

   01274 432 000

 
   Cardiff New Theatre

   Tue 25 – Sat 29 Sept

   029 2087 8889

  
   Southampton Mayflower

   Tue 2 – Sat 6 Oct

   02380 711 811

 
   Theatre Royal Norwich

   Tue 9 – Sat 13 Oct

   01603 630 000

 
   Churchill Theatre Bromley

   Tue 16 – Sat 20 Oct

   0844 871 7677

 
   Palace Theatre, Manchester

   Tue 23 – Sat 27 Oct

   0844 871 7660

 
   Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

   Tue 30 Oct – Sat 3 Nov

   01902 429 212

   Edinburgh Playhouse

   Tue 6 – Sat 10 Nov

   0844 871 3014

 
   Liverpool Empire

   Tue 13 – Sat 17 Nov

   0844 847 2525

 
   Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

   Tue 20 – Sat 24 Nov

   0844 871 7607

 
   Theatre Royal Nottingham

   Tue 27 Nov – Sat 1 Dec

   0115 989 5555

YES, PRIME MINISTER – DARLINGTON CIVIC THEATRE

The stage version of the much loved BBC hit TV series, ‘Yes, Prime Minister is now touring in a hilarious, award winning new version written specifically for the theatre by original writers Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn. Following a fantastic season in the West End and at the Chichester Festival Theatre, Jim Hacker (Graham Seed) and Sir Humphrey Appleby (Michael Simkins) have arrived at Darlington on the last stop of the production’s tour and they face a country in financial meltdown.

Heading the coalition government, the PM is staring disaster in the face. The country is on the brink of economic crisis and there is just one grain of hope – a morally dubious deal with the Foreign Minister of Kumranistan - but great institutions have a way of riding punches and bouncing back unscathed – will it prove so for Jim Hacker and his team of close advisors?

Much like its original television counterpart, this stage version takes a satirical sideswipe at what goes on behind closed doors in the corridors of power at Chequers. A sumptuous set, designed by Simon Higlett, provides the backdrop for an evening of biting wit and topical humour. Yet, although the decision to contemporise the piece is, on one hand, its greatest strength, on the other, it is the biggest flaw of the piece.

Rather than subtly integrating modern inventions and issues, including the BlackBerry and the global warming debate, they are almost introduced with cue-cards. Add to that constant references to politicised pop stars, such as Bob Geldof, Bono and Annie Lennox, phone-hacking fiascos and Bill Clinton’s extra-marital activities with Monica Lewinski, and the production begins to feel that it has been written in much the same way as a housewife writes a shopping list.

This is a real shame as it detracts from the consummate performances given by a cohesive company of actors. Graham Seed’s Jim Hacker is brimming with Blairisms and his characterisation is compelling. Michael Simkins, as Sir Humphrey, is understatedly smug and Laura Murray is suitably abrasive as the Special Adviser (or SPAD if you prefer the Whitehall jargon). Supporting roles are delivered with aplomb by Sam Dastor, Tony Boncza, Simon Holmes, Angus King and Sarah Baxendale.

Jonathan Lynn’s direction sometimes allows the pace to flag and, inevitably, the attention begins to wander. I couldn’t help feeling that if the direction had been slightly sharper and a couple of lengthy monologues had been trimmed, then we might have been bestowed with a production that did something more than just walk in the shadow of its televisual predecessor.

Ian Cain.

Runs until Saturday 12 May, 2012