Sign Of The Times, Stephen Tomkinson, Review, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

SIGN OF THE TIMES

DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE
EASTBOURNE
20-25 APRIL 2009
Performance seen
Tuesday, April 21st, 2009


Cast

Frank - Stephen Tomkinson
Alan - Tom Shaw

One very experienced actor and one actor in his first touring role following drama school.

Their aim? To keep you laughing at a script which essentially revolves around two workmen erecting an illuminated company sign on the roof of a building.

There's no "builder banter" here though. No swearing, no smut so is it any good?

Actually it's better than good - it is thoroughly enjoyable.

As with all my reviews I will not go into the story in any great detail because I realise a lot of people look up reviews to decide if a play may be worth seeing - not to read the whole story.

But it is safe to say that this particular sign erection is not quite what it seems at first and Frank does not quite realise how much this one, seemingly straightforward, job will affect his future.

This is also a comedy looking at the similarities and differences and the strengths and weaknesses between a middle aged experienced worker and a relative novice in his field (I wonder if it works so well here as this has been cast in the same vein).

Writer Tim Firth got the idea for Sign Of The Times having seen some workmen erecting the "T" of a Tesco store in the pouring rain....... this real life scene got him thinking.

The end result is a simple, easy to follow comedy, with loads of laughs all the way through.

The well experienced Wild At Heart star Stephen Tomkinson is as impressive on stage as he is on the small screen. he takes to the role of "I know best, I've Been there - done that!" Frank like a duck to water. But he is equalled by Tom Shaw who is hilarious as the seemingly "young, inexperienced and with no ambition" Alan.

There are a couple of points I wish to mention before ending.

Firstly the set is excellent. It is apparently a simple set with the first act being set outside on a company roof, the second set is set inside with a rooftop view. But it must be one of the largest, heaviest sets I've ever seen. it's not often the Safety Curtain has to be lifted and the interval extended for the set to be rotated. But at least the very exhausted stage hands got a round of applause for their efforts.

Secondly I did find it ironic that the Sunday after seeing this there was an article/interview in the Sunday Mail about Stephen Tompkinson's unfortunate love life history and his difficulty in keeping hold of the women in his life. It just seemed funny to me when at the normally quiet Devonshire Park theatre stage door there was a long queue of women who could not wait to meet him. He may not be able to hold on to them..... but at least there's a queue!

So back to the play and who is the eventual winner in this battle of the generations? You'll have to see it to find out. But see it you should - it's a great comedy performed by two friendly and very professional actors.

The Russian Ice Stars Cirque De Glace Review Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

Wednesday 4th March , Congress Theatre Eastbourne, The Russian Ice Stars perform Cirque De Glace

Wednesday 4th March 2009

The above trailer of this production is already enough to convince most people that this is an impressive action packed show.

However, whilst the Russian Ice Stars normally eventually release their shows on DVD this is one show that needs to be appreciated live at least once.

As far as ice skating goes this cast's performance honestly makes Torvill and Dean look utterly boring in comparison (even in their heyday).

The speed these performers are able to achieve on such a small stage (in comparison to an ice skating ring) is unbelievable. But speed alone is not enough. To have that speed and perform the most complicated lifts, jumps, tricks and to do them all flawlessly is another matter.

Yes I can honestly say there was not a single missed landing from any jump or trick. It wasn't our first experience of these talented artists having previously seen Snow White - but whilst beautiful that was a much slower paced show - and there were several fluffed landings.

The action is non stop and the first half of the show has the bonus of multiple pyrotechnic displays in addition to effective strobe and other lighting effects.

The pyrotechinics I have to say are outstanding. Never have I seen so much fire on one stage whilst that same stage is still occupied by so many performers. All I can say is there must be some effective flame retardent material in use! I'd also almost put money on somebody being just off stage fire extinguisher in hand.

We were at the front and the heat from the flames was amazing - the warmest I have ever known the Congress Theatre!

But the Russian Ice Stars are not just about skating they also have amongst them incredible gymnasts and talented contortionists performing feats that make your jaw drop with not a safety net in sight!

The second half of the show is a less pyrotechnic and special effect laden affair but is no less entertaining.

The reason for this is that Cirque De Glace has been so cleverly put together. It isn't just a thrown together sequence of acts but a portrayal of Man's effect on Earth from the dawn of time itself.

Hence the first half pyrotechical bias. The formation of the planet, erupting volcanoes, lava flows, early man, the Druids - all events to which fire has a big relevance.

The second half is more about what man has done to ruin the planet. Tree felling, heavy industry, commercialization being just a few examples.

Cirque de Glace is more than an ice show. It is a show with a message that just make you think as well as being entertained.

If I had enough money I would gladly have gone to see this show every night of it's Eastbourne run. With so many talented performers on stage there is always so much to look at that you always miss something.

It was also encouraging to see Cirque De Glace had drawn in such a large audience but there was something strangely missing from that audience - children. We found this incredibly odd. If there was ever an ice show that would get kids thinking about taking up the sport this is it - yet there were no children and just a few people under 40. I can't see that one child would have gone home from this show without enjoying it.

I hope a few people get to read this before the end of Cirque De Glace's tour and opt to take their children along. They will love it!

The only thing I wonder about this show is how the heck the Russian Ice Stars will ever top this with their next production? Snow White, Peter Pan and Barnum are a few previous productions but as far as impressive constant entertainment, special effects, action and talent goes this show will take some beating!

But when they do that next production we won't hesitate to see it.