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.

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.

Brassed Off, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

Devonshire Park Theatre Eastbourne

 12-16 September

Brassed Off 

Main cast
Jeffrey Holland - Danny Ormondroyd
Christopher Connel -Phil
Miriam Edwards - Sandra
Ash Matthews - Shane
Clara Darcy - Gloria

Well this raw, gritty production is about as far removed from Hi De Hi as Jeffrey Holland is ever likely to get. Playing Danny Ormondroyd , conductor of Grimly Colliery brass band Jeffrey delivers a heartfelt performance. It was acutally a pleasure seeing him in such a role.

Based on a true story in the early 1990's (the actual setting was Grimethorpe) Danny is fighting to keep the band together following the announcement that the local pit is to be closed.
If you haven't seen this wonderful play which features the cast playing it's own brass instruments magnificently then you really should give it a chance.

I'm not going to delve into the storyline too far here. Quite simply it's far too easy to spoil what is a very emotional story. On the subject of emotion it would be unfair not to mention Chris Connel's exceptional portrayal of Phil as he nosedives into deep depression. 

The story may be raw and depressing but the mood is lifted by the brilliant brass band recreating the tunes which were played by Grimethorpe Colliery band.

If you are looking for a play which is based on fact, not fiction, Brassed Off makes for a great night out and opens your eyes to the terrible impact the pit closures actually had on individuals, relationships and on complete families.

Olly Murs at Newbury Racecourse 2017

Olly Murs

Ladies Day

Newbury Racecourse

Saturday 19th August 2017 

The horse racing at Ladies Day at Newbury racecourse is always topped off with a gig by a well known artist. 

In recent years we have had Will Young and Meatloaf to name but a couple.

This year, blessed with a rain free day, the honour went to ex X-Factor contestant Olly Murs.

OK he may not have won the 2009 talent competition but you could argue that he has seen more success than the eventual winner Joe McElderry.

Certainly his predominantly female loyal fans could not care less whether he won or not because this cheerful, very talented, singer had no problem in attracting a capacity audience to stick around for his gig after the racing. Part of the reason for this is that Murs does come across as being a down-to-earth normal bloke who can make a mistake like any "normal" person. You only need to look back at his goof in presenting X Factor in 2015. Where many a star would have been slated by the public for making the competition result look fixed Murs instead gained massive sympathy for what was after all an honest mistake by a really nice guy. I'm really glad he bounced back from this event which does not appear to have harmed his career in the slightest.

Observing at the age range of his adoring female fans in Newbury I got the feeling the younger ones love him whilst the older ones would be quite content mothering him. 

Olly knows how to keep his audience interested and if it means resorting to ripping your shirt off to make sure everybody is still paying attention towards the end of a gig that is what he will and indeed did do.

Fortunately Murs does keep fit and judging by the cheers his adoring ladies (and a few guys) seemed to rate his physique as highly as his music. I'm not convinced the partial stripping and a heck of a lot of crotch holding really adds anything to the performance but it does seem to be the in thing to do these days and I didn't hear anybody complaining.

What can't be critisized is Olly Murs incredible energy, his rapport with his audience and his enviable ability to keep his fans entertained by belting out his incredibly catchy hit songs flawlessly whilst bouncing across a stage.

I have to say I was really impressed with his performance and enjoyed him performing all his well known hits, which of course included "Troublemaker", "Dear Darlin'" and "Wrapped up". The audience singing along enthusiastically to every track.

I heard many comments as we left Newbury raving about Olly's performance and I have to say I agree that he does put on a darned good, thoroughly entertaining show from beginning to end.

I'm pretty sure the majority of the Ladies Day racegoers thought likewise

Meat Loaf last ever UK concert at Newbury Racecourse review

Well many artists international artists may have picked  London, Manchester or Birmingham for reportedly their last ever UK concert after 35 years of touring.

Meat Loaf, however, had something different in mind bestowing the last UK venue award to Newbury Racecourse !!

Not that more than 17,000 ticket holders were complaining.... the atmosphere was electric!

The gig on Saturday 17th August came at the end of a days racing at the course on "Ladies Day".

Meat Loaf Newbury Racecourse 2013

So, what was the weather like for Meat's last memories of the UK? Well typically British is the fair answer to that. Summer it may have been but the wind and the rain chose their moments carefully choosing show time to make their presence really felt.

But I don't think anybody really cared. Apart from maybe those ladies who had really made a fashion statement for "ladies day" with summer dresses and posh hats looking somewhat out of place in the deluge.

For 65 years of age I didn't see anybody disappointed in Meatloaf's performance. No he can't belt across the stage as he used to  and perhaps the vocals aren't quite what they used to be but he is still a thoroughly entertaining performer. Helping over seventeen thousand people forget the vile weather was no mean feat for a guy who has had a few medical problems in recent years.

Amidst rumours she had been sacked, long time duet partner Patti Russo may not have been there but the two female singers backing Meat did a brilliant job as you will be able to see from the video above.

Bat Out Of Hell, I'd do anything for love (but I won't do that) and You took the words right out of my mouth were amongst the greatest Meat Loaf hits on the playlist. There were a few mutters of disappointment that Two out of three ain't bad wasn't amongst them but you can't please everybody.

Was this swan song in Newbury really Meat's final UK gig? Well right now he is returning to The States for an indefinite period performing in Las Vegas.

Meat Loaf Newbury Racecourse 2013

With some artists the temptation to perform abroad again has become too great and after a few years there's been yet another "comeback" or indeed another "farewell" tour.

But something along these lines feels a little less likely here and Meat's health is probably the key. Having passed out on stage twice in recent years and having had treatment for a cyst on the vocal cords one must wonder if a "live where you work" stint in Vegas is far more sensible? Perhaps he has decided "Heaven can wait" a while longer and to ease his foot off the gas pedal a little from now on?

Only time will tell but it really does look like Newbury, Berkshire might just go down in the history books as the town which hosted Meat Loaf's last ever UK concert and a rocking good one at that!

Ken Dodd, Congress Theatre, Eastbourne

Ken Dodd,

Congress Theatre,

Eastbourne 

7th August 2011

Having reviewed the fabulous Ken Dodd not so long ago click here at Tunbridge Wells I won't repeat myself as the show was just as great as it was then. In true Ken Dodd style just as long too at 5 hours, including the interval.

Illusionists Amethyst and excellent lady trumpeter, Joan Hind,  made for much betters support acts though.

The main surprise for me was that I half expected Doddy to repeat the same jokes I had heard a year ago. Yet barely a pun was repeated.

Ken's 83 years of age now and to perform such incredibly long shows and to keep them fresh with new material is just outstanding.

There are many much younger artists who would never cope with the constant touring or the long hours he performs for each and every time. As variety shows go he must surely represent the best value for money in theatrical productions?

A packed Congress theatre thoroughly enjoyed this and the standing ovation was just a formality.

A truly amazing veteran entertainer.

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.

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.

Copacabana BLODS De La Warr Pavilion Bexhill on Sea

Copacabana
Bexhill Light Operatic and Dramatic Society (BLODS)
De La Warr Pavilion Bexhill on Sea 

29 Jun - 2nd July 2011

Show seen 29th

This was our first encounter with the BLODS. A production only brought to our attention as we had a friend in the band.

So how was this amateur presentation of Barry Manilow's flamboyant musical?

Actually it was a very good value and enjoyable show. About 1/3 the price of a professional musical but certainly not 1/3 of the quality.

Under the direction of Carl Greenwood the band were great. This was no great surprise as the band members are the same ones who usually support the Eastbourne Stagers and the (also Eastbourne based) Rattonians.

The costumes were impressive and the set basic, but functional. You can't expect more from an amateur presentation.

Acting wise, like most amateur groups, the BLODS clearly know where their strengths and weaknesses lie. Nice choreography, although some of the older gentlemen didn't look like natural dancers. A little 'wooden' in movement I suspect these may be a few of our mature singers rather than specialists in dance.

However, from an acting point of view everybody seemed to be in a role that suited them. Bernard Simon made a fine job of the very comical Sam Silver whilst Kate Dyer took well to the equally humorous  Gladys Murphy.

Joao Rei Villar was a believable rogue and hard man in the role of club Tropicana owner Rico Castelli.

However 3 of the cast really stood out in this show.

Lesley Van Egmond was the perfect choice for showgirl 'has been'  Conchita Alvarez. With a gutsy, feisty performance she was impressive and continued professionally when she somehow recovered her footing after nearly falling down the stairs on set.

The remaining 2 artists I have to say simply stole this production for me. Fortunately those are the lead roles. Charlie Legg as Stephen/Tony Forte and Hannah Bates as Samantha/Lola la Mar.

I don't know about an amateur production. I am sure both Charlie and Hannah could easily appear in a professional production and I'm sure few would notice any lack of experience or ability.

Confident, convincing actors and both vocally impressive I would be really surprised if these two didn't go on to appear in the West End in due course.

However, from my point of view this great amateur production was marred by the most clumsy, noisy set changes I have ever seen, anywhere, in any production, amateur or professional.

Set changes are normally practically seamless with the curtain being brought down whilst props are taken on and off peacefully. Often action takes place on the apron whilst this is being done.

But what a fiasco this was time and time again as the curtain remained up whilst the acting stopped. The voices of the stage hands could easily be heard giving directions, I've heard cast members talk quieter. Bangs and thumps as the larger props were brought on echoed round the auditorium. Props were often forgotten and as they were brought on again voices could be heard even though the stage scene had restarted. Microphones were forgotten to be switched off and "excuse me" requests could be heard in the wings as actors tried to get back on stage.

I understand that the band were positioned in the right wing (looking at the stage). I don't know if this was causing some of the awkwardness in set changes. But if it was I hope it's reconsidered for future productions.

Sadly such unnecessary disruption to what is meant to appear like an interruption free presentation has resulted in me removing a complete star from the enjoyment rating. I've never seen any other theatre or company handle set changes so badly and I hope this is a one-off experience.

However the BLODS themselves did impress us and whilst this was our first viewing of them it certainly won't be the last.

Tony Christie 50th Anniversary Tour Assembly Hall Theatre Tunbridge Wells

Tony Christie

50th Anniversary Tour

Assembly Hall Theatre

Tunbridge Wells

26th June 2011

For a guy who thought his UK career was over about 7 years ago Tony Christie is doing pretty well for himself these days. OK it had to have a bit of a kick start back in 2005 when Peter Kay and he collaborated to re release Is This The Way To Amarillo for Comic Relief. This is one event in his life that Christie is very grateful for and he's not ashamed to admit this one record gave him a new lease of life in show business.

I have to admit that before this gig it really had been 'one of those days' for me. I really wasn't in the mood for theatre. It was going to take a great concert to make me feel like like I was glad we'd made the journey.

So thank you Tony Christie it was a fabulous gig.  With no support act he performs the whole approximate 2 and a half hour show accompanied by his excellent band.

This production is of course celebrating Christie's 50 years of performing and I have to say at 68 years young he looks incredibly fit. He really does look and sound like your typical smart, suave, vocally excellent, gentleman crooner!

With a new album out (which he cheekily refers to many times as it's on sale at the venues) the play list is a selection from this, some of his classic hits and a few cover versions.

It's a nice balance. There were a couple of tracks that didn't appeal to me but I am sure even the most ardent fans don't like the occasional track from their idol.

Interspersed with the music Tony recounts his biography covering the good times, the bad and even how his stage name came about.

As regards to the old favourites be belts out beautifully Las Vegas, I Did What I Did For Maria, Is This The Way To Amarillo and Walk Like A Panther. Artists included in the cover versions include one of his favourite 80's groups The Human League.

There's a nice touch that this 50th Anniversary Tour is covering 50 venues of various shapes, sizes and locations. Big cities, small towns there's lots of variety and Tony admits he's visiting plenty of new and interesting places as a result.

But with a sound system that has to cater for all those venues this leads to the only fault I can find with the whole show. Myself and others thought the sound system far too powerful and loud for the Assembly Hall Theatre. This was not much of an issue during ballads but boy it was horrendously loud in the more uptempo tracks. Loud to the extent that it detracted from the lyrics on several songs.

The programme at £10 may have seemed at face value to be expensive. However many didn't realise that Tony had actually autographed all of these making the publication much better value.

A marvellous, outstanding value, concert from a great entertainer. I just hope that sound levels can be tweaked for the remaining smaller venues.

Rock 'n' Roll Paradise Congress Theatre Eastbourne

Rock 'n' Roll Paradise

Congress Theatre

Eastbourne

23rd June 2011

Cast  (programme featured order)

Richard Atkins as Elvis Presley

Nick Player as Buddy Holly
Johnny Curtiss as Roy Orbison
Darren Green as Jerry Lee Lewis
John-Simon Rawlings as The Big Bopper
Peter Jackson - Eddie Cochran

This review must kick off with some clarification. This should at least help a little with ensuring the artists in this production recover some of the fans back who used to follow them around the UK.

The bulk of these tribute artists used to be in a very successful tribute show Rockin' on Heaven's Door.

Prior to May 2010 countrywide reviews of that production were excellent. After May 2010 the feedback began to turn from being very positive into negative territory. Those reviews have remained mixed ever since.

Why? Because the cast split. Most went into this production Rock 'n' Roll Paradise (RARP) but a former member carried on with a touring production retaining the Rockin' On Heaven's Door (ROHD) name.

Fans just assumed that Rockin' On Heaven's Door had the same cast and have gone along to their shows only to be very disappointed. How do I know? Because most of them were at this show having finally found out where their favourite tribute artists had gone. It was very much the main topic of conversation in the interval.

It is taking time for audience levels to get back to the size that these singers are used to. A few hundred saw this show but for those that missed this great show you can have a second bite of the cherry on 15th July at exactly the same venue.

I believe that show has sold many more tickets already. It seems that as word gets around that the previous favourites in ROHD are now in RARP the fans are returning.

For those of you who like another tribute production that has toured for years on end, That'll Be The Day, I can assure you that Rock 'n' Roll Paradise will leave you just as impressed.

From the moment Darren Green starts the evening with Jerry Lee Lewis's hits you know this is going to be no slouch of a production. Impressive vocally and a demon on the piano, which even gets played with his feet, he is a true indication of the quality of his fellow performers to come.

In fact Darren is the performer who gets the most exposure as he remains on stage to play for the other artists.

I'll throw in here that a large screen of the on-stage action is particularly well used in RARP. It's not simply a projection of what the front rows can see but views from many different and unusual angles, including along the piano keys! A very clever use of technology with fades and dual displays that add interest to an already lively gig.

So from Jerry and his Great Balls Of Fire we move on to the likes of The Big Bopper. John-Simon Rawlings covers all the tracks the Bopper was known for including Chantilly Lace and Johnny Preston's Running Bear. He also acts as show compere a role that works rather well.

Nick Player is Buddy Holly at his energetic best. I would think that any avid Holly fan would be impressed with him, but not simply for the vocals. In the act you can appreciate the attention to detail he has paid to every little movement and leap Holly used to make on stage. If Nick fancied another tribute act I don't think it would take much effort on his part to take on the late Freddie Garrity (Freddie and The Dreamers). For me he'd be great in the role of the great singer and his comical routines.

We calm things down a little as Johnny Curtiss is an understandably much more calm and serious act as the legendary 'Man In Black' Roy Orbison. The classics Crying and Pretty Woman are of course performed by Johnny. I have to wonder if he is slowly turning into Roy Orbison as he was the only performer still in his act's costume after show - yes sunglasses as well!

We also have Peter Jackson as Eddie Cochran. Forgetting his superb sound if there is to be a best lookalike it's a close call between Peter and Nick Player. Peter's performing on top of the piano at the end of the first half if a fabulous way to enter an interval, leaving the audience on a high.

Last but certainly not least is Richard Atkins as the King himself. Yes Elvis is most certainly in the building for numerous solo numbers before we move on to the all cast finale. I know Richard already has a huge number of fans who loyally follow his career and his 'romantic', scarf handing out sessions have become his trademark and those Elvis loving ladies just love it.

I'm always wary about tribute acts as they vary so wildly in quality but I can see why the fans who preciously followed the members of this cast in Rockin' on Heaven's Door have scoured the country trying to find them.

The artists are accompanied by the fabulous Paradise band comprising
Spencer Lingwood (drums)
Chris Kane (keyboards/sax)
John O'Malley (lead guitar)
Dave Robson (lead guitar)
Mark Fisher (double bass/bass guitar)

As tributes go this must be one of the very best in the UK and it gets my maximum rating for entertainment value.

If we were able to we would attend again for the July 15th performance. If you like great, lively, fun tributes this show is for you.

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