Review-Jolson and Co
April 14, 2009
Reviewed: 14th April 2009
Venue: Theatre Royal, Newcastle
A play looking back at the life of Asa Yoelson, born in Lithuania in 1886, at first glance does not seem to be the most riveting of evenings at the theatre, but change the name of the lead character , as the man did himself, to Al Jolson and it is a different story.
Allan Stewart, as Jolson, gives a tour de force in the role, which looks back in detail over the entertainer’s life. His performance alone warrants this production having life after its present tour finishes and he must surely be nominated for an award as he gives one of the best performances I have seen in a theatre for a long-time. But the show does not just rely on him alone as from casting to set design and direction this show is pure class. Read more
Review-Little Shop of Horrors
April 14, 2009
Date Reviewed: 13th April, 2009
Venue: Sunderland Empire
The Menier Chocolate Factory production of Little Shop of Horrors has moved out of the intimate surroundings it had when the revival was first launched way back in 2006. Via way of the West End, the show is now on tour, which includes such large venues as the Sunderland Empire, but I am pleased to say it still works.
Having seen the original London production, then Richard O’Brien (creator of the Rocky Horror Show) appear in the show in Newcastle, playing flower shop owner Mr Mushik, I was looking forward to this revival. In fact I have always felt there are similarities between Rocky Horror and Little Shop, as both are similar in there send up of the 1950s style B Movie. Read more
Review-Le Grand Cirque Fantazie
April 7, 2009
Date Reviewed: April 7th, 2009
Venue: Theatre Royal, Newcastle
The ideal Easter show arrived on the latest leg of a world tour at the Theatre Royal. The Le Grand Cirque Fantazie is two hours of comedy and fantastic speciality acts that leave you wanting more.
There is one clown character who links the acts together, but be warned he does select audience members to assist him with several routines, so if you are in the stalls be ready.
Once the show itself actually starts the thirty strong cast carry out some amazing routines, two of the most memorable are a troupe of girls (balancing eight plates each) who move to the tune of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” . If plate spinning could ever be classed as elegant this is it. Then there were two couple flying high to Bolero. Forget Torvill and Dean, these four performers make the music their own as they gracefully spin, twist and leterally defy gravity. Read more
Cinderella Rocks!
April 5, 2009
DANCING ON ICE STAR Roxanne Pallett is swapping her ice skates for a pair of glass slippers following the announcement she will star as Cinderella in the Newcastle Theatre Royal’s record breaking pantomime.
The 26 year old Carlise-born actress, famous for her former role as Jo Sugden in Emmerdale and her stunning performance on ITV1’s Dancing on Ice, will join the stars of the Theatre Royal pantomime Clive Webb and Danny Adams in the most magical pantomime of them all. Read more
Review- The Maid of Buttermere
April 2, 2009
Date Reviewed: 26th March, 2009
Venue: Theatre By The Lake, Keswick
“The Maid of Buttermere” is set in 1802, in the early days of tourism in the Lakes. The story tells the tale of Mary Robinson, a staggeringly beautiful innkeeper’s daughter from Buttermere. Joseph Budworth, author of the 1792 “A Fortnight’s Ramble in the Lakes”, an early travel guide, says she “looked like an angel and I doubt not but that she is the reigning lily of the valley”. Read more
-
Recent Posts
Advertisement
Other Regional Sites