UK Theatre Network

The Lady Vanishes

The Tyne Theatre & Opera House

ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S classic 1938 film of lies, lost ladies and locomotives has been brought vividly to life in a new adaptation of The Lady Vanishes by Mark Simpson.

Stylishly staged, with an ingenious revolving set, designed by Maurice Rubens, that doubles as a hotel on the Swiss border and a steam locomotive, it is bursting with intrigue, espionage, romance and drama.

Stranded in a hotel after an avalanche, a cosmopolitan group of eccentric characters are desperate to return to London. They embark on a potentially perilous journey aboard a trans-alpine express train.

Having suffered a bang to the head at the hotel, Iris (Penelope Rawlins), a society beauty, is befriended by an endearing elderly governess, Miss Froy (Jane Evers). But, when the old lady mysteriously disappears and none of the other passengers acknowledge that she ever existed, Iris decides to investigate.

She manages to persuade Gilbert (Darrell Brockis), a handsome young musicologist that she is not hallucinating, despite the diagnosis of the sinister Dr Hartz (Terry Molloy), and he assists in the search for Miss Froy.

The ensuing events are a sophisticated mix of action, deceit, comedy and mystery. There are no weak links amongst the stellar cast, many of whom are required to double-up as other characters.

Mark Sterling’s direction ensures that the momentum is maintained throughout and that the audience are kept guessing right until the very end. The Lady Vanishes is a production that entertains and enthrals in equal measure.

Steve Burbridge.

Night Fright: The Nightmare of Your Life

The Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage

Ian Dickens and Chris Moreno have joined forces, gathered together a talented cast, and produced a spine-tingling thriller that takes you down more blind alleys and dead ends than a dysfunctional sat-nav.

Night Fright, by Roger S. Moss, tells the story of newly-married Frank and Jenny Gilman. Having found the home of their dreams in an idyllic country village, they look forward to their future together. However, all is not as it seems and their dream soon becomes a nightmare.

Returning from their exotic honeymoon a day earlier than expected, they are thrust into the middle of a macabre secret enterprise that is going on all around them. As they attempt to discover what is happening, they are attacked by intruders, lied to by locals and forced to fight for their very lives.

Paul Opacic and Helen George play Frank and Jenny to perfection. The sexual chemistry between them is palpable and they are a convincing couple. Ben Roberts is brilliant as the evasive and slightly untrustworthy estate agent, Mr Watson, but it is Louise English, as the Lesley Joseph-esque Jacqui Henderson, who absolutely steals the show as she prowls around in black knee-length stiletto boots and a black leather mini.

The script is tight and the direction is slick as the tension builds to its nerve-jangling crescendo. Several ingenious red herrings and plot devices throw you off the scent, and the revelation of what has been happening under the Gilman’s noses drew gasps of breath from the audience.

Night Fright is a top-notch thriller that has been beautifully staged and is superbly performed.

Steve Burbridge.

Jump!

Live Theatre, Newcastle upon Tyne

To market a play as being ‘played out like a Tarantino movie’ seems a tad egotistical and a rather tall order to fulfil. A quote like that should be used when it can be attributed to a rave review rather than little more than speculative wishful thinking.

That said, Live Theatre is synonymous with producing high-quality drama laced with strong local connections and I was looking forward to a tense, psychological black comedy.

Assembling a cast of extremely talented local actors, including Vicky Elliott, Laura Norton and James Baxter, the ‘English premiere’ of Jump! follows the lives of seven desperate characters during New Year’s Eve on Tyneside.

Good time girls Marie (Vicky Elliott), Dara (Laura Norton) and Hannah (Bronagh Taggart, making her professional debut) knock back the bevvies and bitch while waiting for another girl friend to arrive.

Johhny (James Baxter) and Ross (Harry Hepple) are a couple of guys who have got themselves in too deep with a local heavy and now have to carry out a contract killing to write-off a gambling debt that they cannot repay.

Two strangers, Pearce (Neil Grainger) and Greta (Frances McNamee) are both intent on leaping from Newcastle’s High Level Bridge but, after accidentally discovering each other, they proceed to try to talk one another out of it.

As the story unfolds it becomes apparent that the lives of these seven characters are already intertwined and that each of their lives are about to change forever.

Writer Lisa McGee seems to have ‘borrowed’ some of her ideas – didn’t Helena Bonham Carter and Sam Neill have a similar encounter on a bridge in Alan Ayckbourn’s 1998 movie, The Revengers’ Comedies?

The storyline has a strictly ‘thriller-by-numbers’ feel to it and the twists and turns are easy to anticipate. The script is littered with gratuitous bad language that adds nothing to the development of the narrative and the dialogue is rather clichéd.

There are also some glaringly obvious geographical gaffes that must have been the result of the decision to change the setting of the play from Belfast to Newcastle. These should have been picked up by the production team from the outset – or at the very least during the rehearsal process.

Performers of the calibre of Vicky Elliott and Laura Norton are worthy of a better vehicle to demonstrate their abilities than this. If I were to offer Miss Elliott a cautionary word of advice, it would be: ‘Watch out! Be careful that you don’t become typecast as the slightly cynical tart with a heart and the witty one-liners.’

James Baxter’s attempt to instil a degree of believability into the one-dimensional role of Johnny, combined with his stature, hairstyle and facial expressions, resulted in a performance that made him seem like Sonic the Hedgehog with a severe case of haemorrhoids.

The audience on press night, aside from theatre critics, seemed to comprise of family and friends of the writer and performers, plus a sprinkling of invited local celebrities, and there was a fair amount of over-enthusiastic, sycophantic laughter which smacked of desperation more than anything else.

When the only line in the play that I could really engage with was ‘I just want to get home and pretend tonight never even happened’, it leaves little more to say.

Steve Burbridge.

‘Jump!’ runs at Live Theatre, Newcastle until Saturday 5^th December 2009.

This celebration of Michael Jackson’s music and unique dance style has become something of a tribute in light of his untimely death last week.  Topical issues aside, the quality of this performance is good enough to turn your socks white and blow one glove off your hand!

Thriller Live delivers the MJ magic in spades with a loosely chronological review of his music from the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” through to his 1995 release “Earth Song”.  The presentation style was unusual for a stage show, delivering a documentary of Michael Jackson’s musical history and record breaking achievements rather than a more traditional biopic.  This lent itself to a focus on the music and dance rather than the star’s controversial live story.  With such a rich back catalogue of music to choose from over a 30 year period, the delivery did not disappoint the audience.  The deceptively simple fixed set proved to be incredibly dynamic as a huge movie screen featuring dazzling effects, movie clips and photos became transparent on several occasions to reveal the live onstage band.

The unique Jackson 5 sound was authentically reproduced from the off, but the glove (quite literally) came off in the second act as tens of millions of pounds of the worlds most expensive music promotion videos were reproduced live on stage!  The choreography, styling and effects of “Smooth Criminal” were just mind blowing with particular emphasis on the astonishing talents of Michael Anthony Duke.  A short, dedication was made to the ‘King of Pop’ before a very moving performance of “Man in the Mirror” by fellow lead vocalist Ian Pitter – the song likely to top the UK charts next week (it reached number 11 back in 1988).  Other MJ high notes were hit by TV’s Popstars finalist Hayley Evetts and talented fellow vocalists Peter Murphy and Dwayne Wint.  The signature fedora hat should also be tipped forward in recognition of the amazing talents of 11 year old Tyler McLean who played young Michael.

This production was so slick it had my “click track” senses tingling (particularly in reference to the backing vocals), however I was won over by astonishing solo vocals and high energy dance routines that followed the unique MJ style flawlessly through three decades of hits.  This show will have you moonwalking in the aisles.  Shamone!

Listings Info:

Thriller-Live

King’s Theatre, Glasgow

29 June to 4 July

Mon –Fri eves 7.30pm

Sat 4pm & 8pm

Tickets: £12 - £27.50

Box Office: 0844 871 7648(Bkg)

Write Me A Murder

Reviewed at Darlington Civic Theatre

Two contrasting brothers return to the home of their childhood, Rodingham Manor, to attend their father’s deathbed.

Clive (Paul Opacic), the eldest, is in line to inherit everything – the title of Lord Rodingham and the vast estate made up of the manor, farms and even the local village. With little regard for tradition, he intends to sell the lot to Charles Sturrock (Leslie Grantham), a self-made property developer and former delivery boy for the village grocer.

Younger brother David (Christopher Villiers), a crime writer, values his heritage and wants things to stay the way they are.

Despite being admonished by the formidable family physician, Dr Elizabeth Woolley (Helen Weir), the siblings continue to bicker and snipe, neither of them showing much concern for their frail old father.

Events take a turn when David is asked by Sturrock to coach his wife, Julie (Maxine Gregory), an aspiring novelist, with a view to helping her become published. During their time together, David and Julie become close and the plot that forms the centre of their work of fiction looks set to become a hard and cold fact. Perhaps they have discovered how to perpetrate the perfect murder.

Although the piece itself is fine, several things marred my enjoyment of this production. Firstly, since the demise of ‘Dirty Den’, Leslie Grantham seems to have become something of a one-trick pony, acting-wise, and has entrenched himself in playing spivs, crooks or craggy cockney detectives. He sneers and snarls his way, unconvincingly, through his performance. Secondly, Paul Opacic and Christopher Villiers appear to have been cast the wrong way round – as Villiers is Opacic’s senior by twenty-two years surely it would have made more sense for him to play the older brother. Thirdly, after a long hot day, the auditorium was uncomfortably warm, which made it difficult to concentrate fully on the play.

It’s a shame that these obstacles got in the way of what could have been a much better production. On the other hand, though, there were some factors that are worthy of particular mention: David North’s set is, as usual, a visual treat and Maxine Gregory’s performance was a sheer delight.

Steve Burbridge.

‘Write Me A Murder’ runs at Darlington Civic Theatre until Saturday 27^th June 2009, before touring to Cambridge, Wolverhampton, Colchester, Cheltenham, Swansea and Worthing.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street

A Performers Stage School presentation

The Customs House, South Shields, Tyne & Wear

Stephen Sondheim’s gothic Victorian melodrama, ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’, has been brought vividly to life by the pupils of Performers Stage School.

Under the expert direction of principal David Ducasse, the youngsters skilfully portray the story of the infamous barber who, having returned to London from a sentence of hard labour in Australia for a crime he did not commit, vents his rage upon unsuspecting customers.

While waiting for the opportunity to exact his revenge on Judge Turpin, the man who abused the barber’s wife and appointed himself ward of his teenage daughter, Johanna, Todd enters into a macabre pact with Nellie Lovett, the proprietor of the flagging pie shop beneath his premises.

Danny Emmerson-Ducasse and Lucy Stephenson head an extremely talented cast as Sweeney and Nellie, whilst strong supporting roles are delivered by Michael Mather, Rebecca Hancock, Heather Robinson and Laura Rea. The show combines moments of gore and humour perfectly and the musical numbers are clever and witty.

Special mention must also be made of the fantastic dual-layered set, which allows the audience to witness Sweeney Todd’s victims fall through a trap door into Mrs Lovett’s bake-house to their awaiting fates, having received more than just a ‘short-back-and-sides.’ Well, they say that acting is a cut-throat business!

Lighting and sound effects ensure that the chilling atmosphere of Victorian London’s squalor is almost tangible.

This production must surely be the most ambitious that the stage school has undertaken to date, but their audacity resulted in a show that is an undisputed theatrical triumph.

At curtain call the cast were rewarded with a rapturous applause from the packed auditorium.

Steve Burbridge.

Killing Time

Reviewed at Darlington Civic Theatre

The second production of the 10^th Anniversary Summer Repertory Season at Darlington Civic Theatre is an intense and gripping thriller starring, once again, Hannah Waterman and Huw Higginson.

A chance meeting in a supermarket seems to bring Jane and Rick together and the two strangers discover at Rick’s house that they share mutual interests. However, as the dark truth begins to emerge, we see that nothing is, in fact, a coincidence and that they share a number of deadly secrets and a common enemy. There can be no turning back until the entire story is brought to its own ruthless and chilling conclusion.

Huw Higginson and Hannah Waterman deliver another pair of perfect performances. Richard Stockwell’s psychological thriller is about as different as you can get from Charles Dyer’s sex-comedy, and the two actors seem to relish the challenge that accompanies the contrast.

Higginson’s Rick is all laid-back charm and cocky arrogance, whilst Waterman’s Jane is a feisty power-dresser with killer heels and a ballsy attitude. The connection between the actors is fantastic and, once more, they portray two carefully crafted, three-dimensional characters. The fatal attraction between Rick and Jane is brought beautifully to life as, in turn, the balance of power alternates between the two characters.

The plot is sophisticatedly complex without being too confusing and the audience is kept guessing throughout the duration of the play.

The production values are wonderful, with a fabulous set and direction that never allows the pace to dip. In fact, Killing Time is a well-written thriller that avoids being clichéd and predictable and provides a great evening of murder, mystery and suspense.

Steve Burbridge.

‘Killing Time’ runs at Darlington Civic Theatre until Saturday 20^th June 2009.

Murder With Love

UK National Tour

Reviewed at Darlington Civic Theatre

Murder With Love centres around the lives of David Ryder, a successful lawyer, and Larry Campbell, the man who stole his wife and child and who was responsible for their subsequent deaths.

Consumed by hate and a desire for revenge, Ryder sets out to kill Campbell. So, when Campbell is found dead in his flat the following day, suspicion immediately falls upon Ryder.

The first act of Francis Durbridge’s thriller focuses on introducing the audience to each of the nine characters, before establishing how they each relate to one another. In doing so, I found myself struggling to keep up with what was happening and why.

Nevertheless, my concentration was rewarded when the pace slowed down and I seemed to have grasped the plot.

There are some fine performances in this production. Neil Stacy is well-used to playing rather stuffy, upper-class professional men and he suits the role of Ryder perfectly. Louise Faulkner competently plays a Sunday newspaper columnist, Jacqueline Roberts is wonderful as a vampy television star and Mark Booth excels as slimy blackmailer, Rudd. Supporting roles are played well by Marcus Hutton, Katie Evans, David Callister and Edward Thorpe.

Unfortunately, the ‘star’ performer didn’t really shine that brightly for me. Leslie Grantham, as the working-class detective, Cleaver, seemed to give a lack-lustre performance that was devoid of conviction.

However, the plot soon draws you in as deceit, incrimination and blackmail are woven into a web of crime that has you perched on the edge of your seat. When the final twist is revealed, it takes you completely by surprise.

The action takes place in only two different locations: David Ryder’s study and Larry Campbell’s front room. The split set, designed by Alan Miller-Bunford, is used to good effect as the lighting alternates between the two locations, depending upon where events are unfolding. Simple but very clever, too.

Ian Dickens’ productions are synonymous with the highest standards and Murder With Love is no exception.

Steve Burbridge.

TOUR DATES

24-28 February 2009                          Darlington Civic Theatre

16-21 March 2009                              Theatre Royal, Windsor

6-11 April 2009                                   Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

15-18 April 2009                                 Wyvern Theatre, Swindon

22-25 April 2009                                 The Millennium Forum, Derry