Anything Goes, The Rattonians, Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

Anything Goes

The Rattonians

Congress Theatre

Eastbourne 

20-30 July 2011

Performance seen 21st July

Cast

The Rattonians Company
As always I will publish the massive cast in due course
but I don't want to use the programme listing until the run is over

Well at the time of writing this I have to say that Eastbourne has it made at the moment having two superb summer shows within a couple of minutes walking distance of each other. Murder by Misadventure at the Devonshire Park and this wonderful staging of Anything Goes here at the Congress Theatre.

You could quite easily have a fantastic day of theatre catching a matinee of one show and then having a quick break before seeing the evening performance of the other.

It's always pleasurable, going to see a musical you've never seen before. A situation where you may be familiar with the odd song but you haven't got a clue about the subject matter. A tad of cultural ignorance can be a good thing at times.

For me this was the situation with Anything Goes. Apart from being aware that the music and lyrics are by Cole Porter, that it's a comedy and that it's based on a ship I knew nothing of the subject matter.

So for the likewise uninitiated here is a vague synopsis so avoid spoiling anything. The tale is based on board an ocean liner sailing from New York to London. Madly in love with heiress Hope Harcourt, Billy Crocker is a stowaway desperately trying to stop her marrying her eccentric fiance Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Famous nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and gangster Moonface Martin aid (and abet) Billy in his search for his one true love. 

The set is both impressive and ingenious. The, always marvellous, musicians were all dressed in appropriate sailor suits on the top deck. Meanwhile action amongst the cast can also occur on the top deck, the lower deck and in two "pull out" cabins which can be changed for various locations as the story unfolds. On occasions we even see gangplanks bringing 'guests' aboard from the auditorium.

Funny? Incredibly so. I smiled and laughed so much during the two and a quarter hour show that my mouth practically ached at the sides. There is just so much great humour that I could name so many of the cast members but Peter Gurr as Sir Evelyn Oakleigh played one of the best comedy roles I have ever seen. He is honestly almost worth going to see the show for in his own right.

Vocally, well The Rattonians have never disappointed on this front and they didn't fail tonight. Alex Adams and Chloe Shearer play Billy and Hope and work together beautifully.

James Hookway is always great in a comedy role and there could not have been a better choice to play public enemy number thirteen Moonface Martin.

I don't think I've mentioned her in a Rattonians review before but Jade Powers as Mrs Evangeline Harcourt was screechingly hysterical as she searched for missing dog Cheeky (played by sweet little Lola) . Also never mentioned before Roger Tomlinson who made a wonderful job of portraying the ship's captain as he desperately tried to find a famous guest to impress those on board.

The whole cast, as far as I was concerned were perfect. But I really think I owe a mention to Lucy Anderson who plays a girlfriend in this show. Now I don't know quite how she did it but only 3 weeks ago we watched Lucy's incredible performance in the BLODS production of Copacabana in Bexhill. Yet here she is undertaking the demanding vocal and choreography routines of Anything goes without a care in the world and without a foot out of place or a note out of tune. That is commitment and a huge well done to her!

The costumes were, as they always are just perfect but I'm going to end on the choreography. I have always been impressed with the routines in previous productions such as 42nd Street, Copacabana, Fame etc. But the routines in Anything Goes are really something else. Leading into the interval there is a massive routine to the title tune "Anything Goes". It seems to go on for an eternity. It has most, if not all, of the company on the stage and it appeared step perfect from everybody involved. The routine received a massive reaction from the audience and it leaves you going into the break on a real high.

Jan Lynton I have reviewed many of the shows you have quite wonderfully choreographed in Eastbourne yet I don't think I've ever given you the credit you deserve. So I think I'd better make up for it be saying this lady works so hard and takes so much pride in her work that you know you are always going to get a well produced dance routine. She also commands a huge respect from the theatrical companies she works with and from those involved in Eastbourne's theatres. Jan is a huge asset for so many shows, so well done your work is incredible and appreciated by so many.

That's it on Anything Goes now except to say do pick up a programme - they are complimentary this year - but please make a donation in the buckets for the Rattonians chosen charities. Because in addition to staging some of the best musicals you could see in Eastbourne they raise a heck of a lot of money for good causes.

Thanks Rattonians for Anything Goes and a thoroughly great evening's entertainment.

I am ensuring this is published well before the end of the run because I want others to appreciate this production. With top price tickets at just £15 and matinees at just £12.50 you will not find a better musical for so little money at the Congress Theatre this year.

The Pajama Game, The Rattonians Youth Group, Devonshire Park Theatre Eastbourne Review

The Rattonians Youth Group presents

The Pajama Game 

A Musical Comedy

 7-10 April 2010

Devonshire Park Theatre

Eastbourne

Well although I'm posting this the day after seeing this you only have a couple of days to see this entertaining little musical performed by the very talented Rattonian Youth Group.

Let's start with the band first this year however and perhaps we should have seen the programme labelled "The Rattonian Youth group accompanied by the Rattonians Band 'The Sardines'"

Actually a few little sardines probably have more room to move in their tin than the 12 band members did in The Devonshire Park Theatre's very small orchestra pit. I can imagine that it must have taken some considerable time to organize this so that each of the 11 men and one woman were as comfortable as possible for the show. It certainly can't have been the most comfortable experience for them. Even in the interval many of the band members had to literally step over the pit into the auditorium to escape for 20 minutes and two in the middle didn't even bother leaving. Whether this was because they didn't want to, it was to much hassle or they actually couldn't is anybody's guess. However, squashed or not, 'The Sardines' put on a great musical performance and led us into the show with what must be one of the longest intros in musical history.

It's not the first time producers Mark and Melanie Adams have chosen The Pajama Game for their Company. It was performed in 1988 at The Royal Hippodrome and as it is suited  a young company it has been resurrected for 2010.

However, this is far removed from the very innocent Just So (Rudyard Kipling story based) musical performed last year. For me it is appears a  brave thing to stage a musical that covers beer drinking, infidelity and more than a hint or two of sexual relations with such a young cast (vast majority under 16). However when, in this day and age, most children probably know more about these subjects from their parents I wonder if it really matters?

I guess only official local  press reaction will be the way to establish how this goes down with the audiences over it's 4 day run.

The story revolves around a Pajama factory (Sleep Tite). It covers the relationship between company and staff and specifically the relationship between superintendant, Sid Sorokin and leader of the the Grievance Committee, Babe Williams. Meanwhile married man Prez (unhappily married he claims) fancies his chances with almost anything that breathes and wears a skirt informing each woman they are the one for him. There's also a side story that all our pajama makers feel they are underpaid and have to persuade their "book cooking" boss, Hasler, that they warrant the extra cash.

As with a lot of plays and musicals the first act is more about scene setting and getting you familiar with relationships between characters. It is of course not the Rattonians fault (George Abbott and Richard Bissell wrote the original book) but the second half is certainly far more entertaining and lively. As I said this happens in many a play/musical and is not a critisism of any performance on the night.

What was great this year is that a comment I made last year had been addressed. Several additional microphones were positioned at the stage edge to carry the young performers voices above the great sound from The Sardines so the audience could hear better.  I'd love to take the credit but I'm sure Mark and Melanie Adams have something better to do with 70+ Youth Group members plus all the seniors to read this annual waffle.

My wife and I had a chat about the casting on the way home and had to agree that the principal characters had been very well cast.

As always all The Rattonians were vocally excellent but whilst I really hate picking out individuals it would be unfair not to mention some truly exceptional performances. Ben Gurney (Prez) plays an excellent "God's gift to women" and not only acts well but costume also did a great job of making him look like a lecherous so-and-so too. Lucy Cheetham is perfect as Mabel and Aimee Dyer shines as the scatty Gladys.

However, it is one of those shows where the leads really do stand out. Ryan Funnell has a very involved role as the suffering-in-love Sid Sorokin. But he sailed through this opening night having put in an emotional and vocally superb performance.

And then we come to the last-but-not-least.

12 months ago there was a young, sweet, girl who must have made her family very proud in Just So. For once I quote myself "Young Meggie Dennis was a revelation as the Kolokolo Bird." 

How a young performer can mature so much in a mere 12 months is amazing. Tonight Meggie was a 'young girl' no more. Instead an incredible, confident 'young lady' took to the stage to deliver a stunning mature performance. She really put the 'Babe' into Babe Williams. Yes essentially the Pajama Game is a comedy but there is also the requirement for a good deal of emotion in this show. Emotion is something this young lady can deliver with a capital E.

If Meggie Dennis isn't on a national stage in the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago in the next 5-10 years I would be amazed - it's a role made for her.

So nice work Meggie and to all The "younger" Rattonians for yet another great show. If anything let you down tonight it's the same thing as last year that you have no control over whatsoever and which I know the producers are aware of. That is the size of The Devonshire Park Theatre Stage for such a large company. It must be so incredibly difficult for parents of some company members to even spot them during crowded moments on stage. If only this coud be staged at the Congress it could be so different (and the Sardines could swim again!) but from a practical point of view the larger theatre has other shows to stage.

Next up from The Rattonians (seniors and youth members) is Broadway Bound " A fabulous selection of showstoppers from your favourite musicals". That's at The Congress Theatre (hooray!) from 21st to 31st July. We then in November 2010 get a treat, again from The Youth Group, with Hairspray (Dates and venue to be confirmed).

Incidentally 'The Rattonians' is one of the most used search phrases on this site. So thank you to whoever keeps popping in. Whether you are a Rattonian, potential audience member or just curious about The Rattonians work thanks for your support. You will find a little more on The Rattonians on my special page at Fans Of Drama and Promoting Theatre .

I'll be back with a review of Broadway Bound sometime in July by which time The Rattonians will have raised many. many more pounds for very worthwhile charitable causes.

Note there is a typing error in the above flyer
The correct dates are 21-31 July 2010

The Witches Of Eastwick Musical Review, Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, 11th March 2009

CAST

Darryl Van Horne - Marti Pellow
Alexandra Spofford - Ria Jones
Sukie Rougemont - Rebecca Thornhill
Jane Smart - Poppy Tierney
Felicia Gabriel - James Rachel Izen
Clyde Gabriel - James Graeme
Jennifer Gabriel - Joanna Kirkland
Michael Spofford - Chris Thatcher
A Girl - Victoria Hay
Fidel - Oliver Walker
Gina Marino - Ngo Omene Ngofa
Joe Marino - Russell Leighton Dixon
Greta Neff - Claire Platt
Raymond Neff - Gregory Clarke
Frank Ogden - Ross Finnie
Brenda Parsley - Samantha Mercer
Ed Parsley - Ralph Birtwell
Marge Perley - Julie Stark
Rebecca Barnes - Vicki Lee Taylor
Toby Bergman - Oliver Watton
Marcy Wills - Jenni Bowden

..

The 1987 movie is still a classic - with Jack Nicholson playing the devilish Darryl Van Horne and Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer competing for his attention it is an entertaining movie with a good mixture of humour, magic and sexual intrigue. Nicholson is the perfect devil.

22 Years later......does the musical match up to the movie.

In a word - no.

I hadn't read any official reviews before going to see this but having done so now the average on-line published rating seems to be 3/5. In the tour programme quotes are only taken from reviews that are 4/5 or 5/5. Seems to be a bit biased in the selection which I guess is to be expected.

This was opening night at Eastbourne and things did not start well the performance starting about 7 minutes late. Then after a few minutes of the curtain going up a "technical hitch" stopped the show for about 20 minutes.
The excuse of "this is opening night.... sorry" really didn't go down too well. After all this was nearly the end of a long tour and it's not as if everything isn't tested in the afternoon.

So nearly half an hour late we started again from the beginning. Young Victoria Hay (A Girl) professionally starting Act 1 despite the huge cheer from the audience that things were at last underway.

To be fair the first half of the show is ok. Nothing spectacular but enjoyable. This is the introduction to Eastwick and the people that live there. The arrival of the evil Darryl Van Horne to the quiet community and his meeting with his 3 future lovers.

It's a half full of sexual inuendo , some slight smuttiness, some funny lines and a time for Marti Pellow (ex Wet Wet Wet) to show that he can act as well as sing. To his credit he plays the devil extremely well. Girls could have nightmares over the evil stare he seems to have perfected. Each scene is linked nicely by Victoria Hay, playing a young girl (aged 15/16). This is quite a clever touch with her passing Mr Pellow a prop appropriate to the next scene without appearing out of place.

Towards the end of this first half the first "F" word is thrown by Pellow into the lyrics drawing a gasp from the mainly elderly audience. I think at this stage the crowd may have thought this a one-off as there were no pre-booking warnings of bad lanquage or minimum age admission advise.

So the 20 minute interval arrived with the general verdict that this was a sort of "average show" and not just from me. It's surprising the mutterings you pick up from people around you.

After 20 minutes the curtain went back up. Most people believed it should have stayed down.

What started in the first half as a quite entertaining balance of evilness and sexual inuendo decended into an abyss of continual swearing, both in and out of songs and a level of self-fondling and sex act simulation by Pellow that just seemed so inappropriate and taking the interpretation of the original great movie to the extreme. It's not his fault but Pellow's Glaswegian accent sometimes made his lines difficult to understand too.

Eventually this disappointing show ended. The two women next to me gave Marti a standing ovation but they were alone in a large audience. And I believe that was because they were in love with him more than anything else. Having spent the whole show saying how gorgeous Marti is along with the bemused conductor of the band who one of the women also kept "making eyes" at I think this was an appreciation of the man rather than the show.

Not a single person was heard to say on leaving how great it was. All I could hear was how inappropriate the amount of swearing was.

I'm no prude. I've seen plays with naked men and women, plays with swearing, plays on controvercial subjects but never have I seen a show which seems to have thought that shoving so many four letter words into a performance actually adds any credit to it. The sexual fondling parts also seem out of context and don't add substance to the show.

Unless this script was made so vulgar at the request of the cast it's not their fault. But it did put a damper on what could have been such an entertaining show. After all Nicholson was no saint in the movie but it did not degenerate to gutter level humour.

I have actually read a report that swearing was actually reduced for the tour - that's funny in itself as it would have made no difference.... the swearing had upset enough people already.

What a shame that a lot of hugely talented people in the cast have to be let down by a script and songs which could so easily have made this a hugely entertaining and memorable show.

To single a few of the cast out Victoria Hay, playing the young girl, was amazing. I don't make a habit of asking actresses their age but I had a feeling the delightful Victoria was one of those actresses who will be blessed playing roles much younger than her true age for a lot, if not all, of her career. I wouldn't dream of of quoting her age here but she was clever asking me "how old do you think I am?". Fortunately I didn't get a slap and underestimated,by some margin, her true age but I was right in my thoughts that a wide age range of acting roles will be open to this friendly young actress.

Joanna Kirkland as Jennifer Gabriel has a lovely voice, a beautiful smile, and was extremely friendly and chatty to meet.

Rachel Izen is outstanding as Eastwick's gossiping battleaxe Felicia Gabriel.

But to be fair this is a talented cast, at least in my opinion, let down by a script which could have been so much funnier, sexy rather than smutty and without the level of swearing seen. The evil Marti Pellow could have been equally evil with a more family oriented script.

I think the 3/5 stars awarded online by most reviews is probably reasonable. I'd be veering in the 2.5-3 area.

Meeting the cast had to be delayed by a day as the cast had a first night drink in the Congress Theatre.

Our House - The Musical, Congress Theatre Eastbourne, Wednesday 8th October, 2008

Our House The Musical

Congress Theatre Eastbourne

8th October 2008

CAST

Joe Casey - Chris Carswell
Sarah - Miria Parvin
Joe's Dad - Steve Brookstein

Kath Casey - Gwyneth Strong

Lewis - Jack Shalloo

Emmo - Michael Everest

Billie - Jenny Fitzpatrick

Angie - Sophia Nomvete

Reecey - Sam Mackay

Mr Pressman - Trevor Jary

Company

Lauren Appleby

Chris Overton

Chloe Campbell

Leyla Pellegrini
Craig Daniel Adams

Ellie Robertson
Robert Foley

Warren Sollars
Tamsin Laverick

Will Stokes

Michael Melmoe

Mark Wilshire

Orchestra

Musical Director/Piano - Robert Chalmers
Keyboards/Assistant MD - Jon Ranger

Drums - Paul Matthews

Bass Guitar - Oliver Latka

Guitar - Derrick Harris

Saxophone/Flute/Clarinet - Dave Mansell

Trumpet - Mike Nickel

It's not many times in a lifetime you can see two completely different stage productions in the same year both with identical names - in this case "Our House".

But that has happened to us for the first time in 2008. One "Our House" being a totally stunning production and something I would gladly see again. The other being the most boring, pathetic, load of drivel I have ever watched in my life and something I would never see again even if I was paid to do so

Fortunately, today's show, at the Congress Theatre, which also just happened to fall on my birthday, was the brilliant show.

Being a teen in the 80's I used to love the madcap music of Madness. But it has to be said not everybody was a huge fan or familiar with all of their songs. My wife falls into this latter category and she had her doubts that she would enjoy the show.

She did not come away disappointed. To achieve that sort of positive reaction from somebody who isn't even completely familiar with the music means this show must have something special.

Our House has just that. It has energy, variety, laughter, sadness and there isn't a moment when your eyes aren't glued to the stage. It has something else though. In addition to the best use of doors since the movie Monsters Inc. this show also works because it was superbly written in the first place by the playwright, Tim Firth.

Take just a few of Madness's hits used in this show. Our House, It Must Be Love, Los Palmas 7, NW5, Driving In My Car and Embarrassment. You probably couldn't get a more diverse background of themes in 6 songs by the same artist if you tried. To take such songs and to put them into a believable storyline is one thing. But it is also amazing that the end result does not in any way appear like the writer just threw all the Madness songs in , determined to use them, regardless of whether it worked or not.

It just all works and makes for a thoroughly entertaining show!

The storyline is based around youth, Joe Casey. His late father made some bad criminal choices in life and eventually paid the ultimate price. Joe's father's ghost watches over his son as he commits a rather petty first crime of breaking and entering, accompanied reluctantly by girlfriend Sarah. The police are called and when they arrive at the door Joe tells Sarah to make a run for it. She does so but encourages Joe to do the right thing and give himself up.

Very cleverly, at this point, the story is split in two directions. In alternating scenes we see what happens if Joe does the "right thing" and likewise if he does the "wrong thing". Notice the quote marks. They are there for a reason in this musical. I did expand on that last sentence but I've decided to take it out to avoid spoiling the plot for any future productions and for people who haven't appreciated this masterpiece.

The cast members

With a musical that is so engrossing and so well performed it is always a bit tough having to single a few people out to mention. Rest assured though the complete cast are very professional and deserve the acclaimed reviews this show has received.

The "headline artists" pictured on the billboards and leaflets for the show are former X-Factor winner (and reported Simon Cowell anti-fan) singer Steve Brookstein and actress, Gwyneth Strong (Cassandra in Only Fools and Horses).

Gwyneth Strong's role in this as Joe's mother is actually relatively minor compared to all other characters. However, the character of Kath Casey is absolutely vital to the storyline. When she does appear it is for rather brief acting, rather than singing, scenes. Without any disrespect to Gwyneth this role could quite easily have been played by any decent actress of around the same age. Her role in Our House gives the appearance of being for headline artist purposes only to attract a larger audience.

I can't help feeling that if I was an ardent Gwyneth Strong fan and had gone to see her in Our House expecting a lot from the advertised star I may have felt a little short-changed.

Steve Brookstein is perfectly cast as the late father of Joe Casey proving he can act admirably as well as sing. Steve's songs in this show are relatively sombre numbers which he delivers completely professionally, as you would expect.

But in this show his face may be on the advertising posters but even he would admit he is not the leading star in this show, nor does he have the majority of the songs to take part in. Steve Brookstein is a hugely talented singer and songwriter and hopefully this convincing role as Joe's dad will lead to some other doors opening for him.

He is a lovely bloke to meet too, friendly and jovial and I am sure he will not mind me giving the maximum credit to the 2 stars of this show who are not pictured on any poster or leaflet for Our House.

These are Chris Carswell and Miria Parvin.

Miria Parvin plays the suffering, but always devoted, love interest of Joe Casey.

This attractive, extremely friendly and hugely talented Finnish born actress trained at the Guildford School of acting. She may have only made her professional debut in 2006 and yet she has already
played the lead role of Pearl in the UK tour of Starlight Express and also Ariel in Footloose, both on tour and in the West End.

Her mother tongue may be Finnish, but as with many Scandanavians you would never know. She sings beautifully, acts flawlessly, and cast in this role of Sarah, which is at many times extremely emotional, Miria is nothing short of brilliant.

She has performed at the Royal Albert Hall in the Royal Memorial Concert and, amongst other things, appeared in various productions by the the Finnish National Opera.

Cast alongside fellow co-star Chris Carswell the pair complement each other perfectly.

Judging by what we saw at Eastbourne I have a feeling Miria Parvin has many more leading roles ahead of her. I certainly look forward to seeing her in the future.

And so on to Chris Carswell as Joe Casey. What an excellent performance this young man gives in this leading role. This is made even more impressive as this is not only Chris's first professional leading role it is actually his professional debut performance. What a way to start your professional career!

Our House is in the Guinness Book Of Records for the highest number of quick costume changes an actor has to make. That character is Joe Casey and Chris handles not only these amazingly
fast changes with ease but at the same time turns in a level of performance any well established actor would be proud of.

Chris's acting demonstrates strengths both in comedy and tragedy scenes. Coming straight into Our House from the Mountview Academy Chris Carswell's professional career has only just begun!

Credit has to go to casting director James Orange for getting such a great cast together for Our House.

I feel I have to mention a few other cast members for making the show so memorable. Jack Shalloo and Michael Everest as Lewis and Emmo are an excellent comedy duo as Joe's mates. Likewise the female comedic duo of Jenney Fitzpatrick and Sophia Nomvete as Billie and Angie provides many a hearty laugh throughout the production.

Relatively new professional Sam Mackay adds to the the more sinister side of the story. Bad boy Reecey is played so well by Sam you get the feeling you wouldn't want to bump into him on a dark night! Equally Trevor Jary (from ITV's series The One) makes for a very convincing no-heart property developer Trevor Jary.

What ended this show nicely though was the finale - essentially the encore section.

As I said earlier the real stars of this show are not the more famous names appearing on the posters but all the other cast members.

This has been cleverly reflected in this final section. There is a first bow where, following the other cast members taking the applause, Steve Brookstein and Gwyneth Strong come out rightly followed by Miria Parvin and Chris Carswell to huge cheers. After this there is a final encore section where Steve and Gwyneth go off leaving all the youngsters to dominate in a terrific "Our House Finale".

That is a very nice and fitting touch.

Our House, on this paricular evening, played to a Congress Theatre no more than 1/3 of capacity.

Despite the fact they still got a huge amount of cheers and applause this cast deserve better than that. I hope that sooner or later theatre shows get advertised better and that people get out and appreciate good live entertainment.

This show is superb and I would recommend it to all. Madness fans or not. Young or old the performance has something for all to appreciate. Energy, enthusiasm, great music, superb choreography (Peter Darling), laughter, tears, cars on roller coasters and dozens of doors!!!!

I must stress do not, whatever you do, confuse this Our House, with the dramatically abysmal, utterly boring, stage play of the same name. I hope Our House hasn't lost audience members because they have glimpsed reviews of the other show! I will be reviewing it too - it won't be good!

If you missed the UK tour of Our House - The Musical or get the chance to see it in the future here is an example of this fine production. Our House - The Musical Official Site

2011 - unfortunately despite Steve Brookstein's superb performance in Our House he has failed to go on to the success he had hoped for.

Since 2009 Steve has been causing controversy after controversy in his tirades against celebrities and members of the public on Twitter.

Even ignoring the fact he is a celebrity I can think of no other Twitter user who is so vulgar and spiteful on the popular social networking facility.

Many describe him as bitter following the fact his X-Factor contract was allegedly not what he thought it would be. Simon Cowell was therefore his initial target. From Simon he has moved on to many other well known targets. Cheryl Cole, One Direction, Matt Cardle to name but a few. With an alleged assault charge against him Louis Walsh is Steve's latest victim (June 2011). Calling Louis a 'scumbag' and 'liar' seems tame compared to the insinuation Brookstein made that young stars Walsh mentors on X-Factor  may at risk. He claimed it was a joke however with the death of a Conservative official at Glastonbury before the deceased was named Brookstein was posting Tweets that he was praying it was Louis who had died.

Understandably he has faced a Twitter backlash from Louis Walsh's Twitter Fans on @Walshlife however Brookstein just thrives on the anger and @stevebrookstein simply continues to make as many lives as miserable as possible. 

If you Google Steve Brookstein at the current time now you will not find details of his X-Factor success prioritized but pages of links to all the different parties he has abused in the last couple of years. I am no exception to this following my expression of disgust to him over the vile Louis Walsh comments.

Whilst Twitter allows Freedom of Speech I do believe that when it comes to wishing people dead and ignoring the feelings of the family of somebody who has died we are pushing the boundaries of decency.

I know it will be like water off a duck's back but this talented guy carries around a huge X-Factor chip on his shoulder. I cannot see myself ever wanting to support any production he is appearing in. People will therefor have to decide for themselves whether he deserves to be seen.

Personally I'd love to see him try to change his ways and to rebuild his career by hard work rather than spending so much time typing abuse to others. But with 2 years of nasty tweets so far I cannot see this changing.

Shout The New Swinging 60's Musical Review Claire Sweeney

Shout the new swing 60's musical

CAST (in appearance order)

Betty - Shona White
Georgina - Donna Steele
Ruby - Claire SweeneyYvonne - Su Pollard
The Man - Howard Jones

Ensemble - Louisa Maxwell & Julie Stark

Shout is easy to review because it is such a simple concept that works magnificently.
6 women and 1 man recreating the music from the 1960's and reflecting on their experiences and events from the period.
It is a colourful, lively, non-stop action, "feel good" musical.

The headline stars are well known TV personalities Su Pollard and Claire Sweeney but that's irrelevant when all of the cast deliver a faultless swinging musical extravaganza.

I'd forgotten that Su Pollard once had a hit record with "Starting together". Do I now confess I have that 7" vinyl somewhere? Su is not only a wonderfully entertaining actress but she does have a magnificent singing voice. With her being remembered most for her long running appearances in Hi-De-Hi it has been easy to forget how great she can sing. She is also one of the most down to earth people in the public eye you are ever likely to have the priviledge to meet. Well known off-stage for her colouful outfits she did not disapppoint and took time to speak to fans after the show.

But then again this is a very friendly cast all round.
Despite the fact this must have been an exhausting show every cast member gladly took the time to chat to us and to sign the programme including Claire Sweeney who had belted out the 60's hits so beautifully.

Sadly no photos on this occasion as I was having digital camera problems. We'll just have to endeavour to meet them all again sometime!

There are no less than 31 musical sequences in this flamboyant musical. With just a few of the hits including Downtown, Wishin' and Hoping, To Sir With Love, Big Spender, Alfie, Shout, You're My World, Little By Little, Those Were The Days and Lets Twist Again this really is a show which will keep any fan of 60's music grinning from beginning to end.

We'd gladly watch it again!