Guest Lists- Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One Before
May 16, 2007
As a reviewer of theatre and music, I am very lucky - in that I get free CDs, gig and theatre tickets in both Manchester and London. Most of the time reviewing is a joy - as you turn up - collect your tickets and in you go, pen at the ready. But there is the odd time when the old “your name is not on the list, so you are not coming in” scenario crops up. Tonight was one of them. I was reviewing ‘king of covers’ Mark Ronson at the Life Cafe tonight for the Manchester Evening News.
Getting the tickets is a long process; once you have traced who has the tickets - you have to trust that they will put you on the list. Then you reply and print off the email confirming you are on the list. You are all set, you arrive and queue in the rain, as members of the cast of Coronation Street slink past you. As you get to the front, you produce your printed email, explain what list you should be on, the company you represent and your name. Then you wait. Tonight there was envelope shuffling, list swapping, phone calls and much to-ing and fro-ing.
Any Dream Will Do: Recap 3 and more
May 13, 2007
I have had a really busy and varied weekend so far. On Friday I went to see Edward Norton’s new film, The Painted Veil. I wanted to watch something old fashioned, as a complete opposite to Spiderman 57 or Shrek 38. What a treat it turned out to be. Edward Norton and Naomi Watts star and it is a really mesmerising study of unrequited love via an ‘arranged’ marriage. It has deceit, comedy, romance, and elements of a thriller. It really is a beautiful film. Whilst watching Norton’s measured performance, it occurred to me that he would make a great stage actor.
On Sat afternoon, I went to review The Gruffalo’s Child at the Lowry. This is a delightful family show, ideal for toddlers. Many of them cried as soon as they clapped eyes on the title creature. But they soon stopped when the comedic elements came to the fore. If you have kids, the show is on a long tour, so check out the dates. My review will appear on the main site tomorrow.
Bedroom Farce, Queer Corrie, Gruffalo
May 10, 2007
Hello!
It’s a been a hectic and varied week so far. The joy of reviewing and teaching is the sheer variety that one week can bring you. On Saturday I wrote my second piece on the TV show Any Dream Will Do. I have received emails from people either agreeing with my views or totally opposing them, which is nice - because it means someone is reading them!
On Monday I braved the crowds and went to see Spiderman 3 and soon wished I hadn’t bothered! On Tues I reviewed the new touring production of Bedroom Farce. Natalie Cassidy (Sonia from EastEnders) was the surprise for me as she displayed great comic ability. She proved that there is life after soap. Last night I attended the opening of Queer Up North which began with Queer Corrie. Cast members, producers and writers gathered at Manchester’s Cornerhouse Cinema to discuss all things Corrie, in terms of gay representation. It was fascinating to learn about how Elsie Tanner was a cypher for Corrie creator Tony Warren to use as a gay character in all but name.
Barbra- Is She Worth It?
May 5, 2007
Yesterday the BBC reported that Barbra Streisand’s first UK gig in 13 years sold out in just 20 minutes. So what, you might be thinking. But bear in mind that the tickets range from £100 to £500. This begs the question, is she worth it? Is anyone worth this price, for that matter? True, Babs is a legendary performer, a Hollywood superstar as well as an underrated director. If you listen to the much maligned soundtrack to Yentl , you realise what power and range this woman has. Also, think about what she has done with Stephen Sondheim’s work; nobody can do “Putting It Together” quite like she does.
Her Jewish ’schtick’ and comedic talents go unchallenged and true, seeing her on stage would be a great experience. But, is it worth the top price of £500? Consider what you can buy with £500; a holiday, a car (albeit a shed), 50 Babs CDs, a trip to New York even. Yet, fans have clambered to snap up the tickets.
Terre Haute Review
May 4, 2007
Terre Haute @ The Royal Exchange Studio
Terre Haute wowed audiences at the Edinburgh Festival and right from the opening scenes, you can see why. This powerful and thought provoking two-hander is a scintillating piece of theatre. Like Nixon’s Nixon, it features a meeting of minds. The two characters are loosely based on Oklahoma Bomber, Timothy McVeigh and writer, Gore Vidal.
The writer has a story to print and the terrorist wants to put across his side of the story. These two opposites meet over a period of time, but the clock is ticking as Mc Veigh is to be executed. In order for this play to work, you need to believe these fictional conversations. Due to the solid writing and superb performances, this is never in any doubt.
Peter Eyre paints wealthy James as a sympathetic, driven but ultimately sad homosexual. He attempts to understand the killer but once he faces his wrath, retreats into a corner, like a scolded dog. Arthur Darvill is at times menacing, lost, and deeply troubled as the bomber with the story. Once his character loses his grip on reality, you can imagine him committing atrocities.
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