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.