Set on Beachy Head, Happiness is a Cup of Tea is a monologue written and performed by Annie McKenzie. Fiona Nash has received a voicemail from her sister informing her that their mother had died and could she write a eulogy. This news was a complete shock to Fiona who was completely unaware of her mother’s illness. It was a painful reminder, of the often difficult relationship she had with her mother and her older sister and she realised that they had kept her in the dark about many … [Read more...]
Review of Jim Cartwright’s Road at The Bridewell Theatre
Jim Cartwright’s plays are usually gritty, observant and, at times, humorous and Road is no exception. The play takes us back to Thatcher’s Britain and is set in a northern town during the 1980s. Whilst set in the past it does not feel overly dated (the only thing missing from today is the endless time spent on/wandering around attached to mobile devices!). Cartwright’s writing manages to convey the desperation and abandonment felt by many in towns blighted by high unemployment. Whilst the … [Read more...]
3 Years, 1 week and a Lemon Drizzle at Exmouth Market Theatre
Opening the inaugural Tellit Festival, 3 Years, 1 Week and a Lemon Drizzle is Alexandra Donnachie’s autobiographical account of her battle with an eating disorder and the effects it has on her family, in particular, her younger, by three years and one week, sister, Kate. This two-handed play opens with Kate performing a song which she has written for the play. Whilst we didn’t get to hear the whole song, it was beautifully sung with some heartfelt lyrics. Alexandra then bounces onto the … [Read more...]
The Boys in the Band at Park Theatre – Review
This is a revival of Mart Cowley’s classic play, The Boys in the Band. The play was deemed shocking when it was first performed Off-Broadway in 1968. Set in a New York apartment which is adorned with portraits of Hollywood greats such as Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe it tells the story of Michael (Ian Hallard) who is busily organising a birthday party for his friend Harold (Mark Gatiss) when he receives an unexpected visit from Donald (Daniel Boys) and a phone call from former college … [Read more...]
The Roundabout at Park Theatre – Review
A revival of a J.B. Priestley play, The Roundabout has rarely been performed since it was first produced at the Playhouse, Liverpool in December 1932. Set in 1931 it tells the story of the Kettlewells who are a dysfunctional family. Richard (Brian Protheroe) is an old Etonian whose business ventures are failing. During a weekend at his country pile, whilst discussing his woes with lifelong friend, Churton “Chuffy” Saunders (Hugh Sachs) he is unexpectedly visited by his … [Read more...]