Boeing Boeing

Boeing Boeing 

Devonshire Park Theatre

Eastbourne

9th-13th October 2018

Cast (alphabetical)

Katy Dean

Alan Drake

Polly Lister

Polly Smith

Phil Stewart

Rebecca Wheatley

9 years have passed since I last saw this comedy by Marc Camelotti, but it's lost none of it's flair.

This version, directed by Ben Roddy, is a hilarious production which literally has you laughing from beginning to end.

For those unfamiliar with the plot Bernard is a successful architect, living in Paris. He is "playing" 3 pretty air hostesses by having relationships with all of them at the same time. With all on different airlines and schedules he is relying merely on the airline timetables running on perfect time to keep them apart.

It doesn't take a genius to work out that this is the perfect recipe for disaster and mayhem. When an old school friend, Richard, turns up out of the blue he does his best to help his mate out of a crisis but just adds to the bedlam. Meanwhile Bernard's despairing maid, Bertha, tries her best to keep everybody fed and watered ,with a cuisine appropriate to each hostesses homeland. At the same time she tries to keep all the love-struck mistresses apart.

I've seen plenty of farces over the years. But Boeing Boeing has to be one of the finest for constant hilarity using the simplest of sets.

It really is one of those plays you want to see again simply because of how funny it is.

It has to be said the whole cast are amazing, providing laughs galore. But I think its only fair to say that Alan Drake should get an award for stamina as Bernard's role is incredibly demanding. Remembering which woman is behind which door in addition to recalling a complex script must take some doing. He does a superb job and it's not surprising that at the end he is dripping in sweat !

I always listen out for comments in the audience though. The runaway favorite acting performance (and I am in complete agreement here) was Rebecca Wheatley's superb portrayal of Bertha the maid. Rebecca turns in a simply hysterical performance.

If you want to escape all your troubles for a couple of hours and just want a really good laugh this Boeing Boeing comedy by PhilBen productions really is a first class, top flight farce. Laughs aplenty!

The Nightmare Room, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

The Nightmare Room

Devonshire Park Theatre

Eastbourne

Tue 26 Jun 2018 to Sat 30 Jun 2018

(show seen 26 June)

Cast

Catherine - Sarah Wynne Kordas Paisley

Helen - Angie Smith

A simple set is seen : 2 small white plastic chairs, 1 small white plastic table, 2 glasses, 1 glass jug filled with water, 1 small bottle of poison and a room with plain white panelled walls 

A simple scene is set : 2 women, 1 locked room and 1 bottle of poison. Basically Helen has betrayed her best friend Catherine by stealing her fella and Cathy is apparently now out for the ultimate revenge

As you may have gathered from the above this is not your average play. It is contemporary and very different from any murder mystery you may have seen before.

In fact you're not even sure there is going to be a murder... that's the mystery.

It is minimalist in every sense. I'm guessing the production team must have been delighted with the cost of the set? It goes to show you don't have to spend a fortune for all dramas. Once you know the background to the story you can actually understand why such a simplistic set works well in this case. 

This play is more about the relationship and interaction between the two characters than the set itself. With the background not being over complicated you are somehow drawn more into what is actually going on with the cast.

As the play progresses we see scenes not only from the present day in the nightmare room but also flashbacks from the past so that we can establish how the women got themselves into their current predicament.

If you are of a very nervous disposition, especially if you have health problems such as heart issues, which may be exasperated by being made to "jump" regularly you should be aware this happens a LOT. It's not down to any on stage action but each scene finishes with a very loud, no VERY LOUD, noise and the theatre being plunged into darkness. With a mainly elderly Eastbourne audience I know this part wasn't to everybody's liking. A voice behind me heard to say "If that happens one more time I'm going go $*!!£@# mad !"

I know why this is done and it does work given the modern nature of the play, but I'm not convinced it needs to be quite as loud as it is.

I preferred it when Catherine and Helen were moving about rather than sitting at the table. In front of me, sitting half way back in the central stalls, a big guy with a seemingly overly large head eclipsed my view of the table. His ears covered the chairs, obliterating the actors. I must have irritated the person behind me because my head was swinging from side to side continuously to see what was going on. I found this quite amusing in an irritating sort of way.

Acting wise I thought it was excellent. These 2 actresses have to switch between multiple scenes in an instant. These have not only continuous extremely involved and complicated scripts but also dramatic changes in emotion and personality to portray. It can't be easy to switch from raging anger to angelic niceness in the blink of an eye whilst still trying to remember your lines but both the cast deliver this flawlessly.

As with all good murder mysteries there are twist and turns aplenty as we get to the final outcome. I found myself with many theories of the ending as it progressed... all useless of course.

What did the audience think? Well that's the odd thing, I really have no idea. At the end of a play you can usually here comments such as "that was great" or even "never again". One word I did hear describing the production several times over though was "weird".

Well if weird means different then I'm on the same wavelength here. Weird didn't necessarily mean a criticism, but that they had just seen a production different from anything they had seen in the past. But if my partner is a good example of your average non regular theatregoer, well she said it was good to see something different (or weird perhaps) for a change.

I agree with those sentiments. Productions like this do make you think and talk more more than the run of the mill stuff, often long after the show. I'm glad I got to see it.... Weird and wonderful !

Des O'Connor and Jimmy Tarbuck, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne 2018

Des O'Connor and Jimmy Tarbuck 

Devonshire Park Theatre 

Eastbourne

20th June 2018

If , like me, you've grown up with either of these 2 monumental legends in entertainment on your TV screens this isn't an experience you want to miss.

It is certainly a production I will never forget for so many reasons. But primarily, if I'm completely honest, because I couldn't help but feel that this may be one of the last chances we will get to enjoy Des O'Connor on tour.

Comedian Jimmy mainly dominates the first half of the show with singer and entertainer Des owning part two after the interval. On occasions, in both halves, these great friends work together.

I'll therefore cover 78 year old "Tarby" first. 78 !! Really ?? I thought he looked and performed as well as a man approaching 80 as he did back in the 80's when he was a regular on the box. 

Fitness wise, well if golf keeps you as fit as Jimmy looks for his age I can see many a wife packing her hubby off to a local club to see if 18 holes works wonders for him !

His wit is as sharp as ever. Like Des, one of those comedians who can have you in stitches without resorting to swearing or gutter level humour. How refreshing that was to see and hear !! 

In addition to entertaining the capacity Devonshire Park Theatre audience with his jokes Jimmy also reminisced about his career with the aid of a big screen on stage. Of course a lot of his memories and indeed Des's involve massively popular entertainers no longer with us. Tarbuck wasn't actually joking when he said most of his days out recently have been funerals. 

Probably everybody in the Eastbourne audience has grown up watching celebrity legends like Morcambe and Wise, Cilla Black, Eric Sykes, Bruce Forsyth, Tommy Cooper, The two Ronnies, Spike Milligan and even Rod Hull and Emu

It isn't until you see somebody like Jimmy or Des discussing so many late, great entertainers you realise just how much talent we've already lost and it does make you very conscious of your own age and mortality. 

Although to try to keep this lighthearted, as I'm sure Des and Tarby would want, one does hope that Emu has been adopted following Rod's early death, is alive and well and hopefully tamed and calmed down a lot by now (at least muzzled if nothing else).

There is probably some sort of script for this show but both of these entertainers are experts and old hands in quips and ad-libs so every performance is going to be completely different on this tour.

Jimmy is one of the few entertainers who I haven't had the privilege of meeting before. Sadly this was no exception as he had to leave very quickly at the end. So that's one autograph which still escapes my collection ! There were actually many hopeful people at the stage door disappointed that Tarby had to escape quickly. But, as always, it's very understandable when performers need to be elsewhere after a show. I attend the stage door with an open mind. If it works, great. But go on the basis that it probably won't happen and then you can't be too disappointed when it doesn't.

I had really looked forward to this experience of seeing Jimmy live for the first time and he was as amazing as I hoped he would be. I hope he continues to tour. Not just because I am still lacking that meeting experience and autograph but because I think he still has so much laughter to deliver to a lot of people who enjoy being cheered up by a genius in his field.

And then there's dear Des O'Connor. One of the nicest guys in show business you could ever wish to meet. I've had the privilege a couple of times. He always has time for anybody who has waited to see him. A lovely, down to earth, perfect gentleman  who just happens to be a gifted singer, entertainer and presenter.

Des is 86 years of age as I write this review. Unfortunately Des's health isn't what it was when I last saw him perform in Eastbourne in 2014. 

Speech wise he realises he struggles a little now and he does need to sit down for most of his performance. All of which is completely understandable for a man of his age.

That didn't stop me having a lump in the throat and indeed a tear in the eye for the second half of this wonderful show. Whilst Des still had the audience roaring with laughter and thoroughly entertained by a few songs I couldn't help but feel that this might be the last time I see this lovely man on tour. He looked as if he was finding it completely exhausting.

I have so much admiration for Des doing this tour with Jimmy. But no matter how entertaining it was I couldn't help but feel that after this tour he should take things a bit easier and put his feet up at home enjoying the love and company of wife Jodie and his family.

Let's not miss Jodie out of this show review either. I don't know if it will be part of every performance but her rendition of Whitney Houston's "I will always love you" was nothing short of perfect. So perfect it got her a well deserved standing ovation ! Only the brave take on the Houston classic. You need to do it justice. In that auditorium she was vocally incredible. The observant would also have noticed the tears in Des's eyes as she belted that out (and I am sure with Des in her heart). I think that is one, very humbling, moment in a show I will never forget.

Like Jimmy, Des uses the on stage screen to talk about his career memories covering both the funny moments and the artists he worked with over the years. As with Tarby, some are still with us, most sadly not. This really is a touring production which will make you laugh, yet want to shed a tear too.

Please, please see Jimmy and Des on this tour if you get the chance. It is live entertainment at it's best from two TV legends. They received what is quite possibly one of the longest and most enthusiastic ovations I have ever seen in Eastbourne. These great entertainers hold great respect from so many.

Incidentally there was a big crowd at the stage door to meet Des. Now I'm normally the first one to hang around in all weathers and for as long as it takes for a meeting and autograph/photo. But in view of Des's health and lack of energy I felt that it was more respectful to give him some peace so he could return to his hotel. I'm not telling anybody what to do in this respect but I do think that there are times when even celebrities need their own space. This was one such moment.

Thank you Des and Jimmy for a fabulous night's entertainment in Eastbourne. You have my complete respect.

The Importance of being Earnest

The Importance of being Earnest

Devonshire Park Theatre

Eastbourne

 24-28 April 2018

Show seen 24th April

Cast

(Speaking Order)

Thomas Howes as Algernon Moncrieff

Simon Shackleton as Lane / Merriman

Peter Sandys-Clarke as Jack Worthing

Gwen Taylor as Lady Bracknell

Hannah Louise Howell as  Gwendolen Fairfax

Judith Rae as Moulton

Susan Penhaligon as Miss Prism

Louise Coulthard as Cecily Cardew

Geoff Aymer as Rev. Canon Chasuble

For me an Oscar Wilde play has always been one of those productions that has always received the Marmite response "I don't like it!". When what I actually mean is "I've never actually read it, or seen it... and it's very old so I probably won't like it."

It's all a bit ignorant really knocking something you've never tried and I'm glad I got the opportunity to see something a  bit different for a change. Yes with flamboyant vintage costumes and comedy devoid of inuendo filled humour we have become accustomed to these days it is very different to modern comedy. 

But this is comedy that came from a much more reserved, refined era. In that sense you have to appreciate just how much skill had to go into the writing to keep an audience laughing. So, no smutty innuendo, no swearing, no nudity, no sex references whatsoever. Instead a total reliance on unique characters, great acting, a well designed wardrobe and a humorous storyline to hold the attention and to keep us all amused. 

The Importance of being Earnest delivers all that from a very accomplished cast. 

Gwen Taylor and Susan Penhaligon give the totally convincing performances you'd expect from two well known names from our TV screens. But nobody disappoints in this production. In fact Louise Coulthard appears to be the actor with the fewest acting credits of the lot and yet her portrayal as Cecily Cardew I found to be incredibly funny.

This entertaining 3 act, 2 interval, play deserves to have more audience members who are willing like me to try watching a comedy from a bygone era. I have to admit I tried unsuccessfully to recruit a couple of friends to see this play tonight and both declined that they would not like it. 

I hope by writing this review at least a few people will consider giving a play they have never seen a chance. If we all take this blinkered view on older plays theatre as we know it now will gradually die. That would be a tragedy when writers like Wilde actually had to put so much work into getting laughs without causing offence to anybody. That took real talent.

Please enjoy this lovely Original Theatre Company production if you get the chance.

Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em

Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

17th-21st April 2018

Cast

Joe Pasquale as Frank Spencer

Sarah Earnshaw as Betty Spencer

Susie Blake as Barbara Fisher

Moray Treadwell as Terry Luscombe/David Worthington

David Shaw-Parker as Father O'Hara

Chris Kiely as Desmond James/Constable

(Understudies Leoni Kibbey & Peter F Gardiner)

Even in 2018 Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em remains one of the most iconic TV Comedies this country has ever produced. The 1970's production, which ran for 5 years (73-78) consistently topped the viewing figure ratings with hapless Frank Spencer's farcical escapades. Michael Crawford CBE is of course best known for starring in the side-splitting sitcom and famed for undertaking all his own stunts.

Joe Pasquale and Sarah Earnshaw

It takes a brave and talented man to bring such a well known role to the stage and I can't think of anybody better (and crazier) than Joe Pasquale to portray such a well known character.

I do have to say it was great , and I heard others saying likewise, that Joe didn't try to just impersonate the TV character. It has worked far better with the comedian just being virtually his normal stage self and transferring his own traits into this show.

I honestly don't think I have seen a funnier stage play and this sets a new benchmark on which I shall judge stage comedies. I have never heard so much constant laughter in the Devonshire Park Theatre.

Joe is utterly brilliant but the rest of the cast are equally as impressive. Sarah Earnshaw (who I believe I last saw in the musical Jekyll and Hyde in Tunbridge Wells back in 2011) is a wonderful, despairing but devoted Betty.

Meanwhile Susie Blake has us in stitches as she turns to alcohol for salvation as the farce develops. Susie is no stranger to Eastbourne theatres having been at this same venue back in 2009 starring in another comedy Boeing Boeing.

The remaining cast members may not be as well known as the aforementioned trio but they are just as talented and funny. All credit goes to Emily Jones for a great casting on this tour.

But there is a final non-living star of this great production and that is the set itself. It is extremely innovative, functional and technologically impressive. For one, relatively small, set to be able to effectively and convincingly recreate an actual episode of Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em is quite an achievement.

But that is what this set achieves. Every part of this multi function set seemed to work flawlessly. You never quite knew what surprises it could reveal next. You are left until the very end for it to perform its magnificent finale.

It even provides an opportunity for Joe to perform his best stunt of the night. I won't spoil the surprise here but lets just say if you thought Joe has a higher than average voice well this stunt may just be making it a tad higher on each performance.

Well done to Simon Higlett for designing such a great set !

To sum up if you love your comedies this is one you really should not miss. It is a totally hilarious masterpiece.

Joe Pasquale and this magnificent cast truly bring the house down !

Monty Python's Spamalot

Monty Python's

Spamalot

Devonshire Park Theatre

Eastbourne

6-10 Feb 2018

(performance seen 6 Feb)

Cast

Bob Harms

Sarah Harlington

Rhys Owen

Johnathan Tweedle

Norton James

Stephen Arden

Marc Akinfolarin

Matthew Pennington

Shane McDaid

Grace Eccle

Gleanne Purcell Brown

Joel Benedict

Ryan Limb

7 years after it's last visit to Eastbourne the Monty Python search for the Holy Grail returns to Eastbourne.

However, the 2011 production was a much bigger budget production with numerous famous TV celebrities adding to the cost. It was also shown at the much larger Congress Theatre (currently closed for refurbishment).

The talented touring cast of Spamalot 2018

So with no famous names and a much smaller stage does this mean the current show is any less enjoyable than its more costly predecessor? 

Not in the slightest is the simple answer to that question. The cast may not be household names but they are all supremely talented West End performers with a plethora of famous productions adorning their previous credits.

I had forgotten just how funny Spamalot is and this cast had the huge Devonshire Park Theatre audience laughing from the moment the curtain was raised on Act 1. 

It was interesting listening to the thoughts of others. In particular those who weren't too sure they would enjoy it because they "weren't all that keen on Monty Python".

Those same people all said after the show that they were surprised just how much they enjoyed it  

I would urge anybody with similar fears about watching Spamalot to take the plunge and enjoy 2 hours of hilarious madness with incredible vocals throughout. I thought the acoustics were amazing throughout this show. The sound levels of the live band and the cast seemed to be perfectly adjusted for the auditorium.

For such a talented cast it does seem harsh to highlight any one individual but there was one performer who seemed to be first on the audience's "star of the show" list. Sarah Harlington's portrayal of the Lady Of The Lake is pure genius in every sense, from the superb vocals to her brilliant comedic mannerisms.

This is a very well booked show this week with very few seats remaining. If you need to "look on the bright side of life" with a really good laugh I can really recommend you snap those remaining seats up.

Murder by Misadventure , Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

Murder by Misadventure

Devonshire Park Theatre

Eastbourne 

14th July -13th August
show seen 19th July

Cast
appearance order

Harold Kent - Norman Pace
Paul Riggs - Gareth Hale
Emma Kent - Sabina Franklyn
Inspector Egan - Tony O'Callaghan

Any drama that has to attract an audience for a month, even in a popular seaside tourist resort in the height of summer, has got to be worth seeing and be good enough for recommendations to be passed on.

Fortunately Murder by Misadventure is well worth getting yourself out of a hotel room or b&b for. Overhearing a well known Eastbourne theatre critic saying he enjoyed it so much he was thinking of going again made me realise I wasn't alone in my feelings.

In fact, if we can afford a second viewing ourselves, we are thinking of taking an elderly friend who would absolutely love this superbly entertaining play.

From the phenomenal applause, cheers, screams and whistles at the end of this production I'd be surprised if anybody in the very large audience did not enjoy this great thriller penned by Edward Taylor.

On that subject this was quite a special night for everybody involved in the show as Edward Taylor was actually present for the night's performance. He must have been delighted to see his play get such a rapturous response.

Harold Kent and Paul Riggs are writing partners specializing in murder mysteries. Their aim is always to come up with a tale that has the perfect, seemingly unsolvable, murder. Their working relationship is however showing considerable signs of strain with one partner doing far better than the other both financially and in love.

With the under performing partner refusing to go quietly the murder motive is in place. But as you may be able to imagine if we are talking about a murder plot involving writers on the same subject the opportunity is there for many a twist in the tale.

All the action takes place in a luxury penthouse on the top floor of a high rise apartment block, overlooking the sea.

It has to be said that despite the fact production budgets must be tight at the moment the set is marvellous. A luxury penthouse needs luxury gadgets. As a result it seems there is a lot of scope for 'gadget failure' here but as far as I could see everything worked perfectly on the night.

This is an 'in house' production by Eastbourne Theatres under the supervision of Chris Jordan their artistic director.

With comedy duo Hale and Pace leading the cast Jordan hasn't missed the opportunity to ensure the story proceeds with plenty of laughs throughout. Gareth Hale and Norman Pace have, despite doing some solo work, continued their longstanding partnership with tours abroad including being incredibly popular in Australia.

As a double act the two still feed off each other brilliantly. Although I guess with 10 UK series of Hale and Pace under their belts you wouldn't expect them to have lost their touch. This was a brilliant casting. Using a well known duo to play an on stage partnership just seems right.

But we mustn't forget this really is an all star cast in every sense. Renowned and respected actress Sabina Franklyn plays a wonderful Emma Kent. Tony O'Callaghan ,who had 12 incredible years starring in The Bill, completes the cast perfectly in his impressive role as the seemingly hapless, hilarious, but none the less ruthless Inspector Egan.

This is a play which could have you thinking from beginning to end as you try to guess who will die? How? When? Who will be responsible for the deed? Take it from me you may as well not bother with wasting brain power. There are so many clever deviations built into the tale the odds are stacked well against you guessing correctly anyway.

You are better off sitting back comfortably and just appreciating what is an ingenious piece of writing and a very impressive show for Eastbourne's summer season.

See it, enjoy it and then tell somebody else how entertaining Murder by Misadventure actually is.
Or go and see it again !!

My Dog's Got No Nose, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

My Dog's Got No Nose

Devonshire Park Theatre

Eastbourne 

7-9 July 2011
performance seen 7th July

Cast
Damian Williams

I'm glad I didn't read any of the reviews on this before seeing it as I think any form of write-up covering the story could have detracted from the enjoyment of this comedy/drama. Perhaps this is one of those occasions when just glancing at a rating alone is of some benefit?

Seeing the words "Damian Williams" and "comedy" on the advertising literature I had just assumed this was just that - a comedy.

Having seen Damian numerous times now , a guy who never fails to make you laugh, I think I just associated him with humour alone.

It was a surprise then that this 'Comedy' by Ron Aldridge and staged by Bruce James production turned out to be very different than expected.

It's the tale of a former furniture salesman who's aim has always been to be a successful stand up comedian. He now has his debut looming and we hear all the trials and tribulations, the highlights and lowlights of how he got to this stage. Our potential new comedy star also tells us how his wife Judy, her sister Sarah and his brother-in-law Roger all come into the equation in affecting his career.

To say any more would simply ruin the experience for those who will see this tale played out on stage in the future. It is a very clever piece of writing by Aldridge. Yes the great comedy is there and there are plenty of ad-libbing opportunities with audience interraction, something which Williams has always been a complete master of. But in equal measure to the comedy there is serious drama. It's much more of a 'Comedy with substance' than a comedy alone.

It's a really good play actually. A much lighter first half compared to the more serious, darker, second half. A play which pleasingly let's us see Damian, who to me is a brilliant comedy actor, be seen acting in a far more serious role and doing a mighty fine job of it too.

There's even some murder mystery type twists and turns thrown in. Just when you think the story is over there's another chapter to be told.

A thoroughly enjoyable play with Damian Williams once again delivering a wonderful performance.

Showstopper The Improvised Musical, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

Showstopper!
The Improvised Musical,
Devonshire Park Theatre,
Eastbourne 

22-23 June 2011
show seen 22 June

 

Touring Cast
(names in bold are the actors I believe were in this show)

Ruth Bratt
Julie Clare
Dylan Emery
Pippa Evans*
Sean McCann

Adam Meggido
Philip Pellew
 Nigel Pilkington
Andrew Pugsley
Oliver Senton
Lucy Trodd

Sarah-Louise Young

Touring Musicians

Duncan Walsh-Atkins

Chris Ash

Rachel Perrin

*Pippa acted as the narrator in this musical.
She also collated and formulated the audience input.

Magic Tabletop - The story of Media, a story of love
and a young woman's desire to climb one last mountain.

Over the years there have been many TV and theatrical improvisational hit shows. The Channel 4 series Whose Line Is It Anyway, which ran for 10 years from 1988, was probably the most iconic. Clips from the series, which was presented by Clive Anderson, continue to receive a massive number of visitors on You Tube.

Theatre wise Paul Merton's Impro Chums and Jack Dee's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue have regularly attracted large audiences in recent years. Like the hit Channel 4 programme both shows get their laughs from short, entertaining scenes.


Showstopper, The Improvised Musical is as it sounds. A genuine off-the-cuff creation of a full, unique, 90+ minute musical.

The setting is decided by the audience as are the musical and acting styles employed throughout the tale. Any characteristics specific to characters are also chosen in this random manner. The challenge for the cast is made even more difficult by the narrator coming up with additional tasks during the performance.

The only items the actors have to assist them are those that are seen on stage at the beginning of the performance. Essentially these consisted only of a selection of different coloured hats and jackets and a few props including some sticks, a couple of pieces of cloth , an umbrella and a couple of padded stools.

This type of show can also give rise to something quite unique when your friends ask what you are going to see at the theatre. You can honestly say "I don't know" because until the audience have decided the type of musical they want to see and its content not even the cast have any idea what is in store for you.

In fact every element of this show is made up on the fly. None of the cast know what their fellow actors will do or say next. Lyrics have to sound as though they were rehearsed beforehand and group numbers have to sound harmonious. Dancing has to appear as though a choreographer has been involved somewhere in the planning. But no choreographer exists because there is no such planning.

Each cast member has to pay close attention not only to what they are going to do next but what they have just done also. Why? Well this was demonstrated when the narrator cleverly decided to add an additional part to a scene and asked the cast to "rewind" to where they were a minute or two before in their improvised script.

That's all hard enough but it's also got to come across as a seamless production, without pregnant pauses and with a story that makes complete sense.

It's all a recipe for complete disaster.

But, for me at least, this is one of the funniest, most creative, clever pieces of theatre I have ever seen. I know Showstopper has received good feedback from public and press everywhere it has visited. Everybody involved in this show deserves every one of those positive comments.

I know many purists would prefer a traditional musical and I know I've got a sense of humour which many wouldn't share. However, I could watch every show these talented people put on just to see what they come up with next.

I wasn't the only one enjoying this by any means. The laughter, encouragement and appreciation came forth from the Devonshire Park Theatre audience from beginning to end.

If anybody has seen Showstopper and wondered if the suggestions are from audience 'plants' they are most definitely not. No, with one of my suggestions being used for the stammering God of speech I can confirm this is certainly not the case. I did like the touch that the narrator (Pippa Evans) even asked if anybody in the audience would be offended by a stammer being used.

And so we had our story with our heroine Media (Ruth Bratt) and her companions heading to South Africa to climb Table Mountain. Given a lucky charm to protect her from the demons of the flat topped mountain she eventually reaches the peak. Exhausted she finds she cannot descend until she has appeased the Gods including our Stammering God of speech (Philip Pellew) who handled his speech impediment sensitively but with very humorous lines. There was also the sexy juggling God (Lucy Trod) and the pregnant man God too! (Sarah-Louise Young)

I mean where else could you get a musical with characters called Tungsten and Lumbago?

Having appeased the Gods with an offering of her choice Media then heads back to the UK having to decide whether she was still in love with her, stay at home, agoraphobic lover (Adam Meggido) or whether she preferred her rugged climbing companion (Dylan Emery).

The musical parts were impressive to say the least including numbers based on 42nd Street, Les Miserables and Chicago amongst others. We even had a scene in the style of Alan Ayckbourn thrown in for good measure (of course another audience suggestion). If you thought improvisation meant a lack of singing ability these performers would have surprised you with their vocals. With the most involved role, leading lady Ruth Bratt delivered a wonderful vocal performance.

If you look at the biographies of the touring cast you will find that these are some of the most experienced stars of improvisation in the business. Philip Pellew, for example, has been improvising for over 20 years.

I think good improvisational skills are a gift, especially when it comes to staging a full length production.

I am so glad we booked to see Showstopper and I look forward to it making a return to the South-East. It was a show that made me laugh yet also impressed me in so many ways.

Innovative, clever, different, impressive and above all very, very funny! This should be seen by everybody who has a sense of humour!

The Ghost and Mrs Muir, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne 14th-18th June 2011

The Ghost and Mrs Muir, 

Devonshire Park Theatre, 

Eastbourne 

14th-18th June 2011 

Show seen 14th June

Cast

Lucy Muir - Anna Brecon
Miles Fairley - Marcus Hutton
Daniel Gregg - George Telfer
Martha/Eva - Julia Binns
Mr Coombe/Pawnbroker/Cyril - Ben Roddy

The year is 1900. Lucy Muir, a strong willed widow, is determined to live in the haunted Gull Cottage. The ghost is that of the former property owner Captain Daniel Gregg . He refuses to leave the house he is so proud of and which he built with his own hands.

Unlike previous occupants, Lucy is not frightened by grumpy Gregg and in due course they become close. But what will happen when a handsome, charming and living man appears on the scene? Will she fall for the dashing gentleman or will she have the strength to resist?

So is this a chiller of a spooky ghost story ? No not at all. If it fits any genre it's that of a romantic comedy.

An original story by R A Dick (pen name of Josephine Leslie) the original 1947 movie starred Gene Tierney (Lucy) Rex Harrison (Daniel Gregg) and  George Sanders (Miles Fairley).

This version is directed and was adapted for the stage by Patric Kearns.

A fabulous job Karns has done as I thought this to be a brilliant production from curtain up to the very end.

Perhaps I am just getting old but I thought the story was sentimentally charming. Yes it is like so many 'romcoms' in that the ending is somewhat predictable. However, getting to that finale is a total pleasure.

Anna Brecon is probably best known for her long stint in Emmerdale playing "posh totty" Lady Tara  Oakwell/Thornfield (nee Cockburn). Now I'm not a huge TV watcher but, for me, Anna was one very good reason to watch the soap. Yes, as a bloke, I admit she is very easy on the eye (actor Stephen Beckett has a lovely, friendly wife) but for me Anna was always so effective in the role bringing a believable "Tamara Beckwith" like "IT Girl" character into the rural village setting.

I have waited some 9 years or so to appreciate this actress live and it was fully worth the long wait. It is Lucy Muir that graces the stage first and I can think of nobody else who could have played this not-so-grieving widow better. In fact Lucy's determination to live in the haunted property is not unlike the ruthless 'Lady Tara'. She was used to getting her own way too!

Marcus Hutton who plays Lucy's tempting love interest, Miles Fairley, is known to TV viewers for numerous roles including parts in Doctor Who, Love Hurts and Lovejoy. But he will be recognized most often for his portrayal of Nathan Cuddington in Brookside.

Although he took a break from acting (theatre and TV) from 2002-2007 he continued his 'second career' as an established and respected voice over artist.

Hutton's time on stage as smarmy charmer Miles Fairley is nowhere near as long as Anna's and George Telfer's. But he's a gem to watch for the time he does appear as he tries to impress Lucy Muir with his suave manner, slicked back hair ,pass the sick bucket inducing chat-up lines and some controversial suggestions on how he can make their life together perfect.

The other main role, the ghost of Captain Daniel Gregg ,is played by George Telfer.

George who? Well George may not be the household name that the previously mentioned artists are but he equals them in theatrical talent. Most of his time on stage he is, understandably, accompanied by Anna Brecon. It's a pairing that works so well and you can truly believe how Mrs Muir would be impressed by the headstrong, eloquent, handsome naval man even if he is, literally,  just there in spirit. I loved George's portrayal of the ghost and his delivery of the mammoth script that goes along with it!

Actress Julia Binns takes on two roles. Firstly that of Martha, Lucy's very loyal housekeeper. Martha always has her employer's well being at the forefront of her mind. In total contrast she also plays Lucy's obnoxious domineering, patronising, interfering sister-in-law Eva. She tries to control Mrs Muir's life because it's apparently what her late husband would have wanted.

Last, but definitely not least, is Ben Roddy. Ben is no stranger to the Devonshire Park Theatre. In fact he appeared at the venue only 7 months ago (November 2010) in the excellent comedy Don't Dress For Dinner.

Like Julia, Ben also undertakes multiple roles. There's Mr Coombe the estate agent who does his hapless best to try to persuade Lucy Muir why she doesn't want Gull Cottage and should look elsewhere for a property.

He's also a less than generous pawnbroker and also a man of the cloth in the shape of Cyril, Lucy's son.

Ben and Julia, our multi-taskers, complete this impressive cast of five.

Whilst I'd love to find fault with something I can't. The single location set - the lounge of  Gull Cottage works perfectly. On the odd occasion a scene takes place elsewhere it is performed on the 'apron'. Being short scenes this works well. Besides, I think the quality of the acting is such that you are more engrossed in the characters and the story than the set.

I thought that there was just enough humour to give that romantic comedy feeling without it masking the fine dialogues and emotions delivered by the cast. Director Kearns even has an almost constant musical underscore playing throughout the production. Now I'm not normally one to get sentimental about things like this but this musical score fits both the haunting and romantic aspects of the play perfectly.

I will mention that somebody in the grand circle said some of the dialogue was a little difficult to hear over the music.From the stalls I had no such issue but should somebody from the production team see this they may wish to check this out.

This is one of a minority of plays I could quite easily have watched again in the same week I thought it was a beautifully presented production and deserves to be appreciated.

If you can catch this before it leaves Eastbourne I think it's well worth a visit. Otherwise try to catch The Ghost and Mrs Muir if it's in a town near you.

See and enjoy!

From back left (lady partly hidden unknown)
Patric Kearns (director)
Marcus Hutton (left) and Ben Roddy
Front row from left Julia Binns, Anna Brecon, George Telfer

Who Killed 'Agatha' Christie? Devonshire Park Theatre Eastbourne

Who Killed 'Agatha' Christie?

Devonshire Park Theatre

Eastbourne

24-28 May 2011

Starring (appearance order)

Stephen Rashbrook
Neil Roberts

Performance seen 24 May

This is a thriller that has had very good reviews as it has toured the UK. However there has been a lot of talk about the title of the production.

On the occasions when audiences have been small it has been questioned whether the production has lost avid Agatha Christie fans when they find out this is actually nothing to do with their favourite author. It is in fact just based on the nickname of one character, Arthur Christie.

I don't actually think it's anything of the sort. Firstly just about every type of production is struggling to fill a theatre at the moment. Musicals, dramas, musicians, comedians - they all have their work cut out to fill seats. A year ago 400-500 would have seemed a reasonable sized audience (about half full) for a theatre the size of the Devonshire Park. Today 200 is almost a crowd. With the current high cost of living and fuel prices being extortionate a night at the theatre is looking more and more like a luxury item.

Besides if the Agatha Christie fan theory were true there would probably be an equal number of people, aware of all the Agatha Christie storylines, who would like to see a production where they don't know the ending or just fancy something different. There may even be some who can't abide Christie's work.

So no, I don't think low numbers have anything to do with the production's name. It's just a sign of the times and it's just down to the theatre industry itself to come up with ideas about how more bums can be put on seats in these challenging times. Like so many other theatre goers I believe the price of tickets and lack of incentives (like buy one get one free) and loyalty schemes would be good starting points. I have lost track of the number of actors I have spoken to about dwindling audiences for them all confirm it's the price of tickets that is inhibiting. If prices are set fair people will go. A full theatre with people paying less is a better advert for live entertainment than 200 people paying high prices. But is anybody listening?

Anyway what exactly is Who Killed Agatha Christie? (WKAC) Is it a murder mystery? Is it a comedy? An intense drama?

Well, in truth, it ticks all those boxes and should really have a category all of its own. It is quite unlike any other murder mystery I've seen before.

I will try and be constructive here but to be too informative would be a spoiler for those who are to see this.

It takes a great writer to produce any play that can hold the audience's attention throughout with just 2 actors. The author in this case was Tudor Gates and a terrific job he did too. He not only came up with a script that holds attention but the writing is such that you can actually picture in your mind others in the plot who are never seen on stage.

For a thriller the humour is unusually plentiful- but it works here. Jokey humour, sarcastic humour even humour of the macabre type is present. It really is somewhat unusual that you can laugh so much during a play and still leave feeling you've watched a really intense thriller.

If the title of this was ever changed Truth or Lies is a good alternative. One reason this play remains gripping is that you are constantly wondering whether the characters, John Terry in particular, are quoting fact or fiction.

By doing this the viewer just starts believe they know which way the tale is going and perhaps how it's going to end only to have the rug pulled out from under them as they are sent right back to the beginning of their deliberations.

But with this particular thriller try as you might, unless you already know the story, I think it highly unlikely you will guess the eventual ending.

The stars? Stephen Rashbrook and Neil Roberts both deliver incredible performances of their very different characters.

Rashbrook as John Terry is required to start strong and get more deceptive and evil by the minute. Back in the days when the likes of Joe Sugden, Amos Brearly and Henry "Mr' Wilks were in Emmerdale Stephen was playing God loving Rev Tony Charlton for 40 episodes. God would certainly not approve of John Terry though. Rashbrook who has also been in TV productions like 'Allo 'Allo and Doctors also has a formidable theatrical CV dating back many years and covering the UK, including the West End. 

Stephen never falters from his marathon script and the man who used to play a man of God is thoroughly convincing playing a gift from the Devil.

In complete contrast we have Neil Roberts playing Arthur Christie. Christie starts off a confident, somewhat cocky, figure but his confidence is required to diminish as the role progresses. Requiring every type of emotion available we see theatrical reviewer Christie doing everything possible to try to compete with the manipulative power of John Terry.

It was only a year ago that Roberts was at the Devonshire Park Theatre in another great thriller Nighfright (the nightmare of your life). That was great but WKAC is better! (refer to my Nightfright review here).

On TV there are thousands and thousands of fans of Aaron Spelling's Charmed who will remember Neil's performances as Rex Buckland in the first series. In fact he spent several years in the States with more credits in popular programmes like Diagnosis Murder and Beverley Hills 90210.

Back in the UK, in addition to many other shows, he was a regular in the popular Privates and has recently appeared in Life Bites, Doctors and Holby (as cardiothoracic specialist Dr Philip Lawlor). True Dr Who fans, especially convention attending regulars, I am sure will know the name of Neil Roberts. He regularly works on the audio versions of the series with the 'Old' Doctors playing the likes of Sylvester McCoy's sidekick in Kingdom Of Silver a Cyberman tale.

Add to all that the West End and regional theatre performances and you end up with another superbly strong actor to team up with Rashbrook for this engrossing play.

I found this to be a brilliant drama with clever humour enacted by two excellent actors.

I really can't fault the acting, the play itself or the drawing-room style set.

If there's anything to find wrong with it the production does seem a little on the short side. Excluding the interval you are looking at about 80 minutes of entertainment. Whilst excellent it does leave you aware that this is shorter than the vast majority of plays.

However, I have to admit I would rather have 80 minutes of excellence than 105 minutes where 15-20 minutes has been dead boring.

Well done to Stephen Rashbrook and Neil Roberts. An excellent production. We hope to see both these fine, amiable, actors again very soon.

Annie by The Eastbourne Stagers Devonshire Park Theatre Eastbourne

Annie

The Eastbourne Stagers

Devonshire Park Theatre

Eastbourne

17-21 May 2011

Performance seen 19th May

You don't get a great oak tree without planting an acorn. Equally, professional performers don't just appear out of thin air. They all have to be amateur performers beforehand. I don't really like the word amateur though. It always has that 'not very good' sound to it even though this is never the case with either The Eastbourne Stagers or The Rattonians.

The price of a ticket to this musical was a maximum of £14. Less than half the price of a comparable 'professional' production. I often wonder if people think the price level is directly related to the amount of enjoyment they will get from a show? If I am being honest up to about 4 years ago I had never seen any 'amateur' production, probably thinking along the same lines. Having now enjoyed so many great musicals staged by Eastbourne's talented 'amateurs' I now feel like I've been theatrically deprived for many years.

I think I raise this subject on every Stagers or Rattonians review. But if you think that amateur in name means a lack of entertainment value what I would say is "don't knock it unless you've tried it". If you miss Annie then the next Eastbourne Stagers show is going to be the music of Madness based musical Our House in September. Anybody who is familiar with Our House and saw what the Eastbourne Stagers did with their previous shows Footloose and Summer Holiday must know this should suit them down to the ground.

So Annie is yet another musical by The Stagers that I had never seen before (that won't be the case with Our House though!). Set in the 1920's, in New York, we have our young cute, curly redhead Annie in her lucky 'escape' from a nightmare orphanage to live in the lap of luxury with a billionaire. Meanwhile a search is undertaken for her natural parents.

This evenings performance was so close to getting a perfect review, but sadly much of the spoken dialogue was drowned out by the orchestra, especially in the first half.

The lead characters all have microphones and these were fine at being heard over the music. Equally the group musical numbers were heard without a hitch. However many of the young ensemble, who had spoken lines, had to rely on their small voices projecting around the auditorium whilst competing with an almost continuously playing band. Even with just a keyboard playing spoken paragraphs were lost in full. The lips moved but not a word could be identified.

This wasn't a case of not enough gain on the microphones, just a case of not enough microphones. I noticed a few cast members trying to share mikes, that didn't work either.

Obviously it all comes down to the funds The Stagers have available for productions together with any goodwill companies can give. If these reviews do happen to be read by anybody in Eastbourne who can help these hard working youngsters be heard better and therefore appreciated more I'm sure they'd appreciate any help.

I know I wasn't isolated in feeling this was the one major issue of the evening. Our elderly guest who we took along mentioned it and from conversations with others I am aware this was raised on the Monday performance too.

I'll get my other, supremely trivial but none the less annoying, moan out of the way now also. Not down to the equipment or cast this time but down to the simple act of a knock on a door. Please when the door is on the far left of the stage could the knocking please not come from the far right? Even the cast member who is due to enter the door could surely knock on something for the sound?

But that's the only things I have problems with - equipment and knockers!

Everything else was utterly excellent entertainment and I have to say the sound issue was far less evident in the second half both because of more group singing or the lead characters, wearing the microphones, were performing the numbers.

Like The Rattonians the Eastbourne Stagers are a huge company yet they made very good use of the relatively small Devonshire Park Theatre stage and even in the most populated scenes it never appeared overcrowded.

As always there are plenty of laughs in this Stagers show and it is always refreshing to hear the huge cheers this cast receives from friends, family and appreciative visitors as the show progresses.

Once again every cast member knows their strengths and weaknesses . Those that wouldn't want a major acting role are quite happy to be dancing and singing in the ensemble. Those who have had lead roles in other productions happily letting others have a turn in this show.

Notable performances? I hate picking out anybody as it really is down to a great performance and sheer hard work by all involved. But this was so well cast I feel duty bound to give a few mentions.

Dave Nicholles is always a star and tonight was no exception as he plays tycoon Daddy Warbucks. He was also all we heard about on the 15 or so mile journey home from our elderly friend. What a nice smile he has, how handsome he is, what a lovely man he is.......... I did wonder if she was actually paying attention to anything else for two and a half hours? But hey she's a happy theatregoer and Dave has at least one groupie!

Jane James, what a great nasty, evil Miss Hannigan she was. I thought if there was ever a musical version of Matilda she'd be a fab Miss Trunchball ! And Jane in the nicest possible way that is a compliment. I love that movie and I'd be fussy about who had that role!

Tiffany Da Silva is terrific as she takes the role of  sweet Grace this time. Gareth Brighton as alleged hard man (but really hapless man) Rooster is hilarious. Good also to see Nikki Brook having much more of a leading role as Rooster's chick (pun purely a fluke) Lily St Regis.

Julian Message I thought looked great as President Roosevelt. I thought this quirky character brought a lot of fun into the second half. The 'cabinet' scene will be remembered as one of the funniest of the show.

A canine moment now. In the last few years I have seen many dogs on stage and none of them have looked particularly comfortable at being there. Except for Sandy who is played by Jonah in Annie. Now I don't know who owns Jonah but what a well behaved, tolerant, obedient dog! Often just sitting or laying down he stayed calm even in very active scenes with shouting when many a dog would have barked. A real star - give that dog a bone!

The orphans (not including Annie yet) , bless them, they are all wonderful and super little singers. But there was a little scene stealer who I think captured the heart of everybody watching and incredibly this was her first Stagers production. Referring back to Matilda young Josie Mead reminded me so much of a young Mara Wilson who played the lead role in the 1996 movie. Similar in looks, confidence in performing, excellent presentation and that same cheeky charm I could see a little star in the making tonight.

I can't run through all the company but, as they always do , everybody worked really hard and fully deserved their loud applause and cheers at the end.

The band are rarely mentioned in reviews but I just wanted to say well done to conductor Daniel Goodger and the rest of the musicians as you are always brilliant and there would be no show without you.

But the name of the musical is Annie and the outstanding star of this show is Hannah Turner. For a young performer this must surely be one of the most demanding roles in any musical?

Hannah you looked the part completely, you sang your heart out note perfect for over 2 hours and you remained perfectly audible at all times. In short I think you put in an incredible performance. Well done! You impressed many people this week and you must have some very proud parents!

Finally well done to The Stagers directors, Luisa Veitch and Nathan Morris and to everybody else behind the scenes for once again demonstrating the great talent , young and old, that exists in and around Eastbourne.

We will see you in September for Our House and I hope that many others will read this and join us!