Bradley Walsh The Wife's New Shoes Tour 2010 Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

Bradley Walsh

The Wife's New Shoes Tour 2010

Congress Theatre

Eastbourne

30th June 2010

Eastbourne represented the penultimate venue for Bradley's latest tour. Only The Lighthouse in Poole was left to play the next day.

Before I get to Mr Walsh I must pay credit to Bradley's  support act, Tucker. Tucker is a local lad being from Eastbourne himself.

He too is a comedian, very much along the lines of Bradley Walsh. For a show where stand-up-comedy was the theme this was a good choice, especially as he was very good. It would have been awful to see a bad comedy warm up for a well known artist. But this was not the case and funny Tucker (took care to spell those two words correctly!) was well received by the Eastbourne audience.

That just left Bradley Walsh to try and entertain us for the remaining hour and a half or so.

And entertain the Eastbourne crowd he did. In many places following the script he had planned beforehand and in just as many other moments doing the completely unpredictable. As an actor Bradley is great. As a stand up comedian, like his best buddy Joe Pasquale, he has the ability to keep an audience laughing from beginning to end.

OK it was nowhere near a sell-out, so few shows are these days, but I heard nothing but good things muttered about Bradley Walsh's performance when the curtain came down at the end.

This was the first time we had seen Bradley Walsh but it won't be the last. If the current tour hadn't been ending I'd have even been tempted to see this show again.

I am sure my good lady won't mind me saying this but it takes a very good comedian to keep her entertained? As she raved about the complete show afterwards being so incredibly funny throughout (and continued to laugh long after) Bradley Walsh has made a fussy comedy critic very happy! She assures me this praise has nothing to do with the kiss she got from Bradley after the show.

Perhaps, in the future, Bradley and Joe Pasquale may consider doing a combined comedy tour together? It would make a great show. You can see how many years (25+) Bradley has known Joe by the superb impressions he does of him.

Many people try to do a take on Joe's 'squeak' but Bradley for me has his it spot-on. It is clear from this show that they have shared many hilarious times together - it seems a shame not to do a comedy tour sometime.

I hope you enjoy the clips below. When Bradley suddenly whipped my wife's crutch onto the stage I had to grab the camera quick - I've tagged a couple of clips after it to make a sort of mini Bradley Walsh promo video.

Incidentally Bradley has a great official web site at www.bradleywalsh.co.uk/ which is kept well updated with his latest projects both theatrical and on TV.

If you would like to see more of my pictures of Bradley at the Congress Theatre you can view them here fdpt.org.uk/bradley-walsh-wifes-new-shoes.htm

For a show that kept us laughing there is only one appropriate score.

It's Never Too Late Devonshire Park Theatre Eastbourne Review

It's Never Too Late

Devonshire Park Theatre

Eastbourne

29 June- 3 July 2010

(performance seen 29 June)

Cast (appearance order)

Susan Shaw - Joanna Van Gysegham

Linda Bridges - Judy Buxton

Peter Bridges - Jeffrey Holland

Henry - Stan Pretty

Thomas - Michael Shaw

Richard Shaw - Ian Saynor

The story of It's Never Too Late by Ron Aldridge essentially revolves around the character of Susan Shaw (Joanna Van Gysegham). Her husband Richard (Ian Saynor), as part of a mid-life crisis, has left her for a younger woman.

Starting off as an emotional, somewhat downtrodden, wreck it is time for Susan to make changes to improve her life and well being.

Her friends are by her side to help (and hinder) her in her seemingly impossible quest.

Her girlfriend Linda Bridges (Judy Buxton) is there both as a shoulder to cry on and as fitness instructor to try to get her back in shape. Linda's husband Peter (Jeffrey Holland) is there to poke fun at just about anything Susan Shaw says or does as she tries to convert from frumpy to fit.

Henry and Thomas (Stan Pretty and Michael Shaw) try to win the affections of Susan now this middle-aged 'fish' has apparently been thrown back in the sea.

Meanwhile her estranged husband, Richard (Ian Saynor), battles his own conscience as to whether he has done the sensible thing in trading her in for a younger model.

The set is simple but effective with all the action taking place in Susan's living room.

I like comedies that entertain from the outset and that is what this one does. The background to the Shaw's separation is clear within the first few minutes. With all the characters apart from Richard being on set from the beginning it's a quick introduction to their characters too.

Joanna Van Gysegham is great in the lead role, there's probably many a middle-aged woman that can sympathize with her dislike of the aerobic routines she attempts to undertake to get in shape.

Real life husband and wife team Jeffrey Holland and Judy Buxton work so well together on stage. They are also very familiar with the Devonshire Park theatre where they have appeared in several plays over the years. To be fair Jeffrey's role in this play may not be the biggest but his mickey-taking of Susan is both witty and believable. Judy meanwhile has a very big role (and script!) in this show and she is excellent in demonstrating the patience of a saint whilst trying to get Susan out of the emotional hole she has dug herself into.

Ian Saynor may have a fleeting appearance compared to the rest of the cast but when he does appear he fits the bemused and confused part of Richard Shaw very well.

Then there's 'gentleman' Henry. Stan Pretty is great in his efforts to impress Susan, a woman he has apparently  always had a 'thing' for.

That just leaves Thomas (Michael Shaw) who is more than a little strange. A total contrast to gentleman Henry, Thomas is somewhat of a loner - a bit of a geeky, Mr Bean-ish, trainspotting type (sorry trainspotters).

I know the rest of the cast won't mind me saying this but Michael is the most hilarious star of this show. I know from Joanna that whilst he had the original script at casting Michael made the role his own and made many adjustments to it. I'm also aware that he has been known to change things he has done from show to show so the cast are never quite sure what he's going to come out with next!

The resulting character is so incredibly funny as he tries to win Susan's heart by impressing her in any way he can. By being more confident, more macho, by buying gifts - he tries the lot, each attempt keeping the audience in stitches.

To sum up this was a nice, consistently entertaining, comedy played by a believable, warm and friendly, cast which I would gladly see again in the future.

If I Were You Devonshire Park Theatre Eastbourne

If I Were You

Devonshire Park Theatre

Eastbourne

21st-26th June 2010

(Performance seen 21st)

Cast

Jill Rodale - Liza Goddard

Mal Rodale - Jack Ellis

Chrissie Snaith - Lauren Drummond

Dean Snaith - Ayden Callaghan

Sam Rodale - David Osmond

Only 8 months after appearing in the Grass Is Greener at the same venue Jack Ellis and Liza Goddard return to the Devonshire Park in the comedy If I Were You.

Liza's stage and screen career is a long and varied one having been given a huge kick-start in her childhood by playing Clarissa 'Clancy' Merrick in the long running TV series Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. A popular childrens' series, produced in Australia, about a boy and his intelligent 'talking' kangaroo the programme lasted an incredible 91 episodes. Whilst I would love to claim I'm not old enough to remember the series I'm afraid I can't and like most kids of that era I probably saw most of those episodes, and enjoyed them.

Jack Ellis, on the other hand and according to Wikipedia, entered acting and show business later in life. The first production is reported as a 1985 movie (again an Australian production) Unfinished Business.

Young Lauren Drummond's last appearance at the Devonshire Park was in Billy Liar (fine acting by all, with Lauren's orange-munching role the best, but not one of my favourite productions).

For Ayden Callaghan and David Osmond I believe this was their first visit to the DPT. However David has been in Eastbourne before having appeared in The History Boys at the Congress Theatre. Incidentally Ayden couldn't make the Friends Of The Devonshire Park Theatre's reception, hence he is not pictured.

The Devonshire Park marks the final touring venue of If I Were You in 2010.

Essentially this comedy is a role switching comedy with husband and wife switching roles. For those that are familiar with the movie it bears similarities to Freaky Friday (Lindsay Lohan, Jamie Lee Curtis) although that was a same sex swap.

However, whilst this is an Alan Ayckbourn comedy, it is no Bedroom Farce. It's a comedy with a quite serious underlying story and even at the end you are left wondering if the ending was ultimately happy or not.

In a nutshell, Mal Rodale is a middle aged self-centred, ignorant pig. Ignorant not just in that he is having a long running affair but also that he truly believes his long suffering wife, Jill, knows nothing about it.

Foul mouthed and bit of a slob he works alongside his equally bullish son-in-law Dean Snaith in a furniture showroom. During the day they criticize their 'other halves' and treat their employees like dirt, with Mal popping out for a 'quickie' with his bit-on-the-side Trixie now and then.

Meanwhile Jill and their daughter Chrissie are at home finding it difficult to discuss with each other that they both have men problems.

Stuck in the middle somewhat is their teenage son, Sam, an aspiring actor who can't even follow his love of Shakespeare without his father interfering because it's not what hard men do.

The first half of this production is very much background building. I know that other reviews have remarked that this part it is somewhat slow and not particularly funny but that the second half is worth waiting for.

I have to admit this is fair comment and as the interval arrived like others in the audience we were left wondering whether some of the four letter swear words used in that half were really justified?

Whilst If I Were You finishes its current tour in Eastbourne this week do not let this put you off seeing this production sometime in the future.

The second half is not only very well acted and absolutely hilarious, with Goddard and Ellis adopting their spouse's traits perfectly, but everything you saw in part 1 makes perfect sense in part 2.

You really need to appreciate Liza Goddard's transformation into her vile other half and equally to see Jack Ellis bring out his feminine side.

'Mal' tries to fight off the desire to flounce around dusting and washing up whilst thoroughly confusing his son-in-law as he shows a new love for 'woosy' things like flowers, cleanliness, love and good employee relations.

'Jill' stays at home swearing blue murder and learning that doing simple things ,like vacuuming, aren't as easy as they look. Now with time to spend with his children, Mal entrapped in Jill's body, learns more than a few home truths about how obnoxious he has actually become.

How does the story end? Well I'd thoroughly recommend seeing this in the future to find out. Just go in the knowledge that this is a comedy but with a serious story rather than an all out farce and you won't come away disappointed.

For those who, like us, have appreciated Liza Goddards varied career I have found a few recent interviews and nostalgic highlights below. Just scroll using the side arrows to change clips.

Two Sisters Devonshire Park Eastbourne Review

Two Sisters

Devonshire Park Eastbourne

Performances only on

10,11 and 17th June

(performance seen 10th June)

Cast (alphabetical order)

Rika    Paola Dionisotti

Edith       Anita Dobson

Two Sisters is part of The Devonshire Park Theatre's New Play Festival. The festival of 4 new plays Reeling, Joe Ho Ho, Two Sisters and Swimming at the Ritz is from 8-19th June. With each play only getting a few performances there's not much time to see those that interest you.

I'll be honest here. My reason for wanting to see this particular play was not so much the plays content but more for the quality and reputation of the actresses performing it.

Italian born Paola Dionisotti has a massive list of acting credits to her name, both in the theatre and on TV. I could be typing forever but First Among Equals, Forever Green, Midsomer Murders and Peak Practice are just a few of the TV shows she has appeared in. Her history on the stage is equally as impressive with the emphasis being on the more serious side of acting such as Orpheus, Richard II and King Lear. Whilst Paola has appeared in a few movies, either by fate or preference, she has spent far more of her time on the stage or small screen. She is an incredible actress with an equally incredible history.

And then there's the lovely Anita Dobson. The last time Anita appeared in Eastbourne was back in 2008 at The Congress Theatre in the musical "Hello Dolly". In that production she played Dolly Levi impeccably. Like Paola, Anita has a formidable list of TV, movie and film credits to her name however she will always be primarily associated with her role in Eastenders as Angie Watts, long suffering wife of "Dirty Den" (Leslie Grantham). Anita has another incredible talent though and that is being a profoundly friendly person. I am sure anybody who happens to read this who has met Anita in the past would agree that she is one of the most down to earth, genuine, people in the public eye you could ever wish to meet.

So we went to this play not knowing whether we would actually enjoy it or not - to be honest we didn't even read what it was about, apart from the blatantly obvious, Two Sisters.

The story itself isn't at all complicated. Two sisters, both in their 70's finally get to know each other better and to learn the full truth about their past. Anita plays Rika ,the younger sister, aged 71 (I hasten to add that's the character's age not Anita's!), Paola plays a very fit 75 year old named Edith. As you may guess, to make the story more interesting, both these Jewish sisters differ greatly in their opinions and traits, their likes and dislikes and their views on life. Or do they?

The music for the play was composed by Anita's husband, Brian May, who came to support his wife on this opening night (one autograph I certainly didn't expect to get that night!).

Actually this Israel based play is extremely good. It gives both these extremely experienced actresses the chance to display every conceivable emotion. There's plenty of laughter balanced by an equal amount of sadness. As truths of the present are revealed, lies from the past are exposed.

You can never be sure until the finale whether it has a happy or sad ending and I'm not going to tell you here either.

Two Sisters has the mother of all scripts for both actresses to try and remember. I have to say for opening night not a single line appeared to be forgotten or stumbled on. It just goes to show how professional these two artistes are.

Is there a downside to this play? Yes and from others in the audience muttering in the interval they agreed with us.

The first half is painfully long. An hour and a quarter just seems to be 15-20 minutes too much. No matter how good the script and acting is you seem to be conscious that it is time for a break. I hate that moment in a play when you just feel you have to look at your watch.

As my wife pointed out there is an opportunity in the first half when Rika goes off to bed. This would actually have been the ideal time for the safety curtain to fall. There are too many plays where the first half appears to drag and this does detract from the enjoyment of the production, no matter how good it may be.

One other minor point is regarding the set which is a simple set based on an Israeli apartment. Theres nothing wrong with the set in itself but I did find the lack of "glass" in the large balcony doors distracting. It reminded me of that carry on film (Carry on abroad?) where Sid James is in the apartment where the whole hotel is still being built. I kept thinking "Why bother opening the door when you can step straight through it?". Investing in some cheap perspex would make a huge difference.

These are the only points I can pick up on in this Ninon Jerome directed play. Both these well known actresses deliver the superior performances you would expect and they make the sisters' stories very believable.

By the time I've written this you haven't got long to see Paola and Anita during their short stay in Eastbourne. So if you want to see two brilliant actresses deliver two incredible performances from a mammoth script don't miss that final performance on Thursday 17th June at 7.45pm (Box Office is 01323 412000).

The Sound Of Music Congress Theatre Eastbourne Connie Fisher Michael Praed Review

The Sound Of Music

 Congress Theatre

 Eastbourne

1-19th June 2010
(performance seen 2nd June)

Cast (appearance order)

The Mother Abbess Marilyn Hill Smith

Maria Rainer Connie Fisher

Sister Berthe Jane Quinn

Sister Margaretta Vivien Care

Sister Sophia Alison Guill

Frau Schmidt Jenna Boyd

Captain Georg Von Trapp Michael Praed

Franz Tony Kemp

Liesl Claire Fishenden

Friedrich Oliver Harper *

Louisa Kirsten White *

Kurt Arthur Byrne *

Brigitta Georgia Daltrey *

Marta Lauren Lee / Ruby Bridle / Summer Emery **

Gretyl Lydia Baker *

Rolf Gruber Jeremy Taylor

Baroness Schraeder Jacinta Mulcahy

Max Detweiler Martin Callaghan

Ensemble

Kate Batter, Clara Beauchamp, Callum Coates,

Neil Moors, Sam Newman, David O'Dell, Jennifer Owen,

Suzanne Richardson, Dominic Ridley, Simone Sauphanor

Swings

Emily Banister, Sophia Millard, Annabel Turner

Peter Dukes, Adam Galbraith, Kirk Jameson, Emma Sewell, Zoe Doano

* For this performance (2nd June)  I have tried to get the correct young actor/actress who played the part. As 3 actors (and swings) cover these young roles please advise in a comment if I've picked the wrong artist.

** I've put all 3 actresses who cover Marta as I cannot identify who played the part with complete certainty. Again please advise in comments if you can help me out.

Being honest I wasn't too sure about whether I'd enjoy this or not. The Julie Andrews movie, which we are all familiar with, I don't think I've ever managed to endure all the way through. When it is repeated at Christmas and Bank Holidays, given the choice, I would watch something else.

However, I don't think musical movies always work on the small screen. Combined with the fact that this show has had many good reviews, has a super cast, and that we were taking an elderly friend celebrating her birthday there were still good reasons to go.

I'd have been happy to come home with the opinion that it was good. I still can't believe that I'm going to say this about The Sound Of Music but I thought it was an absolutely awesome production in every aspect.

It's also the first time in a very long while I've walked into the foyer of The Congress Theatre with over half an hour to go to the start to find it heaving with people. Looking around the auditorium it appeared that only seats with a restricted view hadn't been sold. At a guesstimate that must be about 1500 people in this 1700+ capacity venue. If those figures continue daily until the show has it's last performance in Eastbourne on 19th June this musical could prove a huge success and bode well for the forthcoming Oklahoma and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang productions at the same theatre.

The set has to get a mention. The Sound of Music is the production which puts in place the set quality benchmark that all future musicals will be judged against. This totally automated scenic masterpiece really needs to be seen to be believed. No stage hands or cast here wheeling props on and off. No props large and small apparently wheel themselves on to the stage and off again. The rest of the set is equally as impressive with everything from the convent to Von Trapp mansion being recreated in believable detail. I'd like to know if these amazing regular automated changes have always worked as flawlessly as they did tonight?

 In fact the only visible blooper I saw tonight was the delightful Connie Fisher tripping over a mountain just after curtain-up. However with the grace of a true professional she avoided falling flat on her face carried on with "The Hills are Alive....." beautifully. (how apt!)

I may as well stay with Connie at this point. Having won Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's TV audition show "How do you solve a problem like Maria?" back in 2006 she went on to star in the West End at the London Palladium. Taking into account the number of times she has played Maria Rainer since she could probably play the role with her eyes shut if there wasn't the need to run up mountains!

Reviews on Connie have been mixed over the past 4+years with the official paid critics unable to decide whether she is awesome, just sweet, or cloned by Sir Andrew into a Julie Andrews lookalike? Whether she is too unlike Julie Andrews, too much like Julie Andrews or trying too hard to be Julie Andrews?

Actually those people aren't really the official critics are they? The official critics are the ones who pay to see the shows. They are the ones who tell others about the shows and they are the ones who ultimately decide whether an artist and a show is any good. There were around 1500+ critics in attendance last night and I did not hear a single negative comment on any aspect of this show. All I heard was praise and lots of it!  

My thoughts on Connie? I thought she was incredible. The role of the confused, sweet, singing nun suits her perfectly. The acting was great, the vocals were lovely and that's all that matters. I feel I should mention here that at certain performances Maria is played by Kirsty Malpass. I expect Kirsty is just as impressive as Connie but if it is Connie you want to see I would check with your venue that you have a Connie Fisher Performance.

Connie's main co-star is Michael Praed who I must admit I used to thoroughly enjoy his starring role as Robin of Loxley in Robin Of Sherwood back in the early 80's (doesn't time fly when you're getting old?!). The role of Captain Georg Von Trapp is about as far removed from Robin Hood as you are going to get. I don't remember Robin bursting into song, although "Edelweiss" may have entertained his Merry Men.

Actually I was really impressed with Michaels vocals and although I jested in the previous sentence the gentle song, Edelweiss, was performed beautifully led by Michael who strummed happily on the guitar at the same time.

I am sure anybody who has seen this cast can appreciate I could rave on about all of them. I honestly couldn't fault a single one. Where would I start? Marilyn Hill Smith's vocals? Martin Callaghan's comedy? The excellent acting of Claire Fishenden and Jacinta Mulcahy? Then there's the younger children. They were all utterly brilliant actors and singers. Although I really ought to mention tiny Lydia Baker who melted the hearts of a complete audience as she gave a formidable performance as the youngest, sweetest and cheekiest child, Gretl.

Of course underneath all the sweet songs in The Sound Of Music there is a serious story about the Nazi's planned invasion of Austria. It is a clever production that can leave you on a complete high at the end of what is, after all, based on very serious times in world history.

It was lovely to see that both Connie and Michael were happy to take time meeting those who stayed to see them. Signing autographs and happily posing for photos with everything from little children to middle-aged theatre going amateur reviewers!

Would I now watch the movie in full having seen this show? No. It still doesn't appeal. Given the chance would I watch this show again? Too right I would. So don't discount this musical just because you think the movie is a sickly irritating repeat, the show is nothing like it!

By the way the programme is excellent value (£5) compared to most others. It is an extremely high quality publication with plenty of factual information.

An impeccable cast, an outstanding show and a set that is probably the most talked about in recent times.

Judging by the numbers going to see this show on it's tour the success is set to continue.