Richard Parker Review by Rick Allden 

An hour long play consisting of two actors and two benches might sound like the typical small scale, wry-smile, nice but forgettable production that theatre is so often deluged with.   Not so.  Richard Parker is a genuinely stand-out work that shows us how theatre should really be.

A play concerning the nature of coincidence and one man’s absolute faith in it, Owen Thomas’ script is absolutely first rate.  His skilful crafting leads the two characters a merry dance between light and shade with never a word wasted.   The ability to flit between hilarity and tragedy is not an easy one to master, but with Richard Parker Thomas has proved himself extremely adept.

The actors, Alistair Sill and Gareth Bale (who also directed) make up the happy triumvirate, and both delivered exceptionally believable, and comic, performances; Alistair as the increasingly agitated victim, and Gareth as the menacing force controlling their fate.  The writing is skilful but that is not to do away with the complete knowledge and power with which these two actors wield it.

A palpable wave of excitement washed over the privileged audience at Richard Parker’s conclusion, and it would be folly to expect him to disappear. 

”Three of the Best from 24:7” to land in London!

 For six years now our annual 24:7 Theatre Festival has been a springboard for new writing and acting talent in the North West.

Just last week the Octagon Theatre, Bolton, hosted “Three of the Best from 24:7” to appreciative audiences.

Now, supported by The Co-operative (and for one day only: Thursday, 15 October!), the Three will transfer to London’s Young Vic as part of our drive to put regional work on a national stage.

These shows are guaranteed to delight, excite, entertain and provoke. Written by Alistair McDowall, the compelling, sometimes terrifying 5:30 is set on a train and charts the unlikely friendship between aggressive, manic Rob and the quiet, reserved Tim.

In Lub You, writer Eve Steele inhabits the mind and body of a two year old, as Charlie’s world is turned upside down by the birth of his baby brother.

Rounding off the Three is Richard Vergette’s memorable and moving As We Forgive Them. The writer himself plays an American Congressman who controversially saves his daughter’s murderer from the death penalty in order to educate the man on his wrongdoings.

A bit of background...

This showcase is the latest exciting development of an initiative that began in January 2004 as an unfunded showcase for undiscovered, under-resourced or under-utilised theatre-related talent. We persuaded bars, nightclubs and other non-traditional theatre venues to let us stage 17 premières of new one-hour plays.

Just six years later – having received industry awards and now supported by the Arts Council, Manchester City Council and The Co-operative – the Festival has showcased 113 plays by 89 writers, and around 20,000 people have seen a performance.

Scripts for 24:7 are selected by a panel of industry professionals and each writer invited to participate is regarded as executive producer – a system which has built the Festival’s reputation as a showcase for the highest levels of new talent.

A number of productions have gone on to perform at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton, Manchester’s Library Theatre and on tour across the country. Writers have won awards in the UK and Ireland and commissions from national and regional producing companies.

Showcase details:

Date: Thursday, 15 October 2009

Venue: Young Vic, 66 The Cut, London SE1 8LZ (near the Old Vic and Waterloo Station)

 Running order: 1pm 5:30, 2:15pm Lub You, 3:30pm As We Forgive Them; 6:30pm 5:30, 7:45pm Lub You, 9pm As We Forgive Them

 Tickets: £5 per performance from the Young Vic box office on 020 7922 2922 or book online at http://www.youngvic.org/whats-on

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 Click here to see a video montage of the 2009 Festival: There were 21 original 1-hour shows:

 5:30 • As We Forgive Them • Blinded by the Light • CELL • The Coffee Hour • Dancing to the Sound of Crunching Snails • Detaining Mr K • Donal Fleet: A Confessional • Exit Salford • Freshers • Frontline • The Last Chair • Lub You • Maine Road • No Wonder • Out of Dead Air • The Person Without • Phys-Ed • Remember Me • Temp/Casual • Working Title

 Click here to go to the 24:7 website. There are masses of reviews and videos. This year there was more coverage than ever!

Steve Burbridge In Conversation With . . .

GARY WILMOT STAR AS ‘BILLY FLYNN’ ALONGSIDE EASTENDERS STAR EMMA BARTON AS ‘ROXIE HART’

LET THE KING’S THEATRE RAZZLE DAZZLE YOU WITH “CHICAGO”!

Gary Wilmot, star of West End musicals including “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”, “Me And My Girl”, “Carmen Jones” and “Copacabana”, has played major UK tours with “Oliver!”, “Half a Sixpence”, Willy Russell’s “One For The Road”, Alan Ayckbourn’s “Confusions”, and “Travels with My Aunt”. More recently, Gary has appeared in “HMS Pinafore” at the Open Air Theatre Regent’s Park and as ‘The Lion’ in “The Wizard of Oz” at the Royal Festival Hall.

Emma Barton is best known for her role as ‘Honey Mitchell’ in BBC1’s “EastEnders”. Her other television roles include “Spooks” on BBC1 and “Secret History” on Channel 4. Previous stage roles include ‘Peggy’ in “The Secret Garden” (RSC), ‘Norma Cassidy’ in “Victor/Victoria” (Bridewell) and ‘Marty’ in “Grease” (Victoria Palace Theatre).

"CHICAGO", which is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.  Scenic design is by John Lee Beatty, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting by Ken Billington and sound by Rick Clarke.  Musical supervision is by Rob Fisher.  "CHICAGO" is choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse and directed by Walter Bobbie. 

 “CHICAGO” opened at the Adelphi Theatre in London on 18 November 1997 to rave reviews, winning the 1998 Laurence Olivier Award for 'Outstanding Musical Production' as well as the 1998 Critics Circle Drama Award for 'Best Musical', and immediately became a sell-out hit.  The show in London, now at the Cambridge Theatre, has just entered its twelfth year. “CHICAGO” currently plays in New York, Japan, Denmark and on tour in the US, with forthcoming productions in Australia, Korea, Holland and Spain.

The National UK Tour of “CHICAGO” is produced by David Ian Productions in association with the Broadway producers Barry and Fran Weissler.

www.chicagothemusical.com/uktour.php

UK Theatre Network - Packed with entertainment around the UK

Elvis! On tour - Review

by Ryan Bennett on Friday 7th August 2009 01:08pm | View all blogs by Ryan Bennett

Richmond Theatre – Tues 4^th 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. 

READ MORE »

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:  

READ MORE »

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.

READ MORE »

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:

READ MORE »

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. 

READ MORE »

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.

READ MORE »

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. 

READ MORE »

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.

READ MORE  
 

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/

IN THIS UPDATE:-
THEATRE NEWS AND REVIEWS
FILM NEWS AND REVIEWS
INDIE FILM NIGHT
EDINBURGH FRINGE 

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THEATRE NEWS AND REVIEWS

Keep up to date with what’s on at the Edinburgh Fringe with a selection of what our reviewers will be checking out this month. To receive this newsletter regularly in your inbox, send a blank email to subscribe@uktheatre.net

We’re also expanding our film and theatre reviewer base all the time, so if you’re interested in becoming part of the voluntary team around the UK, send an email to editor@uktheatre.net

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine   

FILM NEWS AND REVIEWS

Check out first-look images of stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton and Sir Ben Kingsley in what’s set to be one of 2010’s biggest blockbusters

http://www.ukfilm.tv/magazine  

INDIE FILM NIGHT

I'm delighted that the first film is British Independent Film Award winner, Zebra Crossings by Writer/Director Sam Holland.

Tickets are £5 to UK Film Network readers

Click to use any card on paypal (paypal account not needed):-

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7162597

Full event details at @

http://www.ukfilm.tv/events/profile/9
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Luv - "I just feel it in my body"

Published by: Douglas McFarlane on Saturday 1st August 2009 11:08am

Fingerprints and Teeth Productions present

the UK premiere of the hit New Zealand play

LUV

'I just feel it in my body . . .' 

LUV, a pitch black comedy, drags us through the suburban subcultures where texting, clubbing, internet dating and stalking help us stumble towards what we want most – Love.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/luv----andquot;i-just-feel-it-in-my-bodyandquot;_267.html

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RICHARD O’BRIEN WRITES AND STARS IN THE SCOTTISH PREMIERE OF PULP FICTION [MUSICAL] THRILLER

Published by: Douglas McFarlane on Saturday 1st August 2009 11:08am

THE STRIPPER

Book by Carter Brown

Lyrics by Richard O’Brien

Music by Richard Hartley

California 1961, and there’s trouble in Pine City

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/richard-o%EF%BF%BDbrien-writes-and-stars-in-the-scottish-premiere-of-pulp-fiction-[musical]-thriller_266.html 

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 “Mary Stuart” – a riveting political thriller about the Scottish Queen’s challenge to Queen Elizabeth I

By Lucy Komisar

Janet McTeer and company, photo Neil Libbert

The fusion of women in 16th century clothes and men in suits in this stunning political thriller underlines the eternal reality of struggles for power. Director Phyllida Lloyd has used the device to enrich her staging of Friedrich Schiller’s play, which premièred in Weimar, Germany, in 1800. It has been adapted by Peter Oswald for a memorable production.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/%EF%BF%BDmary-stuart%EF%BF%BD-%EF%BF%BD-a-riveting-political-thriller-about-the-scottish-queen%EF%BF%BDs-challenge-to-queen-elizabeth-i_265.html 

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Singing In The Rain

Published by: Douglas McFarlane on Saturday 1st August 2009 11:08am

UK Productions proudly presents:

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN

From the producers of touring hits such as 42nd Street, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, South Pacific and many more, comes a brand new production of Singin’ in the Rain, which arrives at theatres nationwide as it commences a UK tour, starring the Olivier Award winning West End and Broadway star, Tim Flavin.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/singing-in-the-rain_264.html

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The Mountaintop - Ticket Offer

Published by: Douglas McFarlane on Saturday 1st August 2009 10:08am 

TOP PRICE TICKETS REDUCED TO £25.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/the-mountaintop---ticket-offer_263.html
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 24:7 Theatre Festival, Manchester - Friday

Published by: Caroline May on Sunday 26th July 2009 12:07am

24:7 Theatre Festival, Manchester

Friday 24 July 2009

As We Forgive Them - Pure/Blue

Writer/performer Richard Vergette returns to 24:7 after his acclaimed one-man show An Englishman’s Home in 2007.  This year he is joined by powerful young actor Joe Sims in an intense three-act drama which is perfectly suited to the claustrophobic space in Blue.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/247-theatre-festival-manchester---friday_262.html

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The Comedy Theatre Company presents Victoria Wood’s –dinnerladies

Published by: TREMAYNE (Potter) on Saturday 25th July 2009 11:07am

The Comedy Theatre Company presents Victoria Wood’s –dinnerladies, Richmond Theatre on 13th July 2009.

Who can resist a good love story?  There is a fine line between comedy and tragedy. What may appear, at first sight, a tragedy, may be taken as comedy by other characters and by us , the audience.  Bren and Tony’s story in dinnerladies is made up of all of these elements.

http://www.uktheatre.tv/magazine/read/the-comedy-theatre-company-presents-victoria-wood%EF%BF%BDs-%EF%BF%BDdinnerladies_261.html

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TICKETS FOR ALL THE FOLLOWING EVENTS CAN BE FOUND @

http://www.edfringe.com

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FRINGE FIRST: MERMAN ON BROADWAY

Dominic Mattos delivers stunning tribute to Ethel Merman

A fine tribute to the show-business legend, Ethel Merman, is due to feature at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2009 in the show Merman on Broadway… performed by none other than a man.

Oxford Theology graduate Dominic Mattos, a publisher of religious books by day, dons his kaftan and stilettos, borrows his girlfriend's eyeliner, and continues the recently resurrected Merman's 100th Birthday Tour fresh from sell-out shows in London, where additional dates had to be scheduled due to demand.

 ‘The wildly talented Dominic Mattos… pays mind-blowing tribute’ 

- TIME OUT LONDON (CRITICS’ CHOICE)

 Merman on Broadway is performing daily at 21.50 at C-Venues, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, from Sunday 23 August to Monday 31 August.

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The Wild Goose Chase

By John Fletcher

Directed by David Brown

Lighting Design by Nigel Lewis

Last performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe six-years ago the acclaimed ensemble, Ealing Shakespeare Players return to stage a rarely performed Jacobean play that both anticipated and influenced the Restoration Comedy of the 17th century.

Virtually unperformed for over 300-years THE WILD GOOSE CHASE by John Fletcher is to make its debut Edinburgh Festival Fringe appearance this August with a limited run at The Quaker Meeting House between 17 and 29 August 09 (excludes 23 August).

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The Regina Monologues

Written and Performed by Robert Inston

Robert Inston’s Reduced Tudor Company is to make its debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with a brand-new, one-man comedy show, THE REGINA MONOLOGUES which is set to perform for a limited run between 16 and 31 August at Spotlites @ The Merchants’ Hall.

This tale of treachery, charts the Tudor dynasty’s remarkable rise through sole survivor Elizabeth Tudor.  Dare we trust Elizabeth’s bawdy, irreverent spin on the politics of power and did this ‘virgin’ fare better than modern-day leaders and celebrities in protecting herself from disfavour, condemnation and scandal?

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One Man Show-off

By Dave Florez

Following the acclaimed, sell-out Edinburgh Festival Fringe 08 comedy sketch show, ‘The Art of Dating & Dumping’ at the Assembly Rooms, Dave Florez returns once more with his latest comedy, ONE MAN SHOW-OFF which has been performing to rave reviews and full-houses in London and is now due to make its Edinburgh premiere, performing daily from 16:15 at the Gilded Balloon between 5 and 31 August 08.

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A Longhardt Look at Love with Chad Longhardt

Written & Performed by Brianne Berkson

Directed by Daniel Kutner

Marking its UK Premiere at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a show unlike any other, a show that challenges the true meaning of love in the style of a spoof ‘Big Brother’-cum-‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’-cum-‘Blind Date’ reality TV competition.

Presented by Steadfast Productions and described by the New York Post as a ‘promising offering’ to the Ed Fest Fringe from its ‘East to Edinburgh’ preview in July, A LONGHARDT LOOK AT LOVE WITH CHAD LONGHARDT is an original comedy creation by emerging talent Brianne Berkson who will be making her debut UK appearance in the show which will perform for a limited run between 21 and 31 August at The Bongo Club.

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A Fête Worse Than Death

By Helen Godfrey

Emerging performer and playwright Helen Godfrey’s debut comedy play A FÊTE WORSE THAN DEATH is to make its World Premiere at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe where it will perform between 8 and 30 August excluding 17 August (previews 6 & 7 August) at Laughing Horse @ The Hive.

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UK Productions proudly presents:

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN

From the producers of touring hits such as 42^nd Street, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, South Pacific and many more, comes a brand new production of Singin’ in the Rain, which arrives at theatres nationwide as it commences a UK tour, starring the Olivier Award winning West End and Broadway star, Tim Flavin.

One of the best-loved musicals of all time, Singin’ in the Rain will open at the Nottingham Theatre Royal on Friday 27 February 2009, following which it will visit twenty-eight cities and towns throughout the UK until Saturday 10 October 2009. Tim Flavin plays Don Lockwood, the famous part immortalised by Gene Kelly in the unforgettable film version.

Singin’ in the Rain exudes all the style and spectacle of the MGM golden age and features some of the best loved comedy routines, dance numbers, and songs ever written, including ‘Good Morning’, ‘Make ‘em Laugh’, ‘Moses Supposes’, ‘You Were Meant For Me’ and the most famous song and dance number of all time, ‘Singin’ in the Rain’. It’s a show guaranteed to lift your spirits and send you out singing and dancing, whatever the weather.

Tim Flavin recently starred as the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz at the Theatre Royal Brighton, which he also directed. He won an Olivier Award for his role in the West End production of On Your Toes and received best actor nominations for his parts in My One and Only and Crazy For You. His other musical credits include Kiss Me Kate, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, White Christmas, Chicago and 42^nd Street, in a long and distinguished career.

Following its opening dates at the Nottingham Theatre Royal, this brand new UK tour of Singin’ in the Rain visits Manchester, Oxford, Cardiff, Wimbledon, Blackpool, Stoke, Liverpool, Woking, Sunderland, Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Rhyl, Southend, Bromley, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Lowestoft, Eastbourne, Malvern, Plymouth, Glasgow, Darlington, Wolverhampton, Southampton, High Wycombe and Derry.

Produced by Peter Frosdick and Martin Dodd for UK Productions, Singin’ in the Rain is directed by Alison Pollard, choreographed by Graeme Henderson with Musical Supervision by Gareth Williams. Set design is by Charles Camm, with costumes by Elizabeth Dennis, lighting design by David Howe and sound design by Ross Portway and Jon Higson. Based on the MGM film, Singin’ in the Rain is adapted for the stage from the original screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, with songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed.

Listings:

Singin in the Rain
Tue 1 - Sat 8 Sept
Tue - Sat eves 7.30pm
Thu and Sat mats 2.30pm

Tickets: £12 - £30
Box Office: 0844 871 7647 (bkg fee)
www.ambassadortickets.com/glasgow (bkg fee)