1962, Baltimore. A time where hairdos were of huge importance, but equality was certainly not. Hairspray is a musical which is easy to love due to its big energetic numbers and consistent comedy feel, but it also delivers a powerful message at how things have not always been equal - and perhaps that, despite many positive changes and much progression, we still have a way to go even now. It is quite an achievement to be able to be entertaining and funny one moment and then make and audience sit … [Read more...]
Frankenstein at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre | Review
Frankenstein was created in 1816 by a then 19-year-old Mary Shelley. Two years later it was officially published and has, to date, been recreated in over 30 different varieties - from stage and film, to TV and radio. A further 30 or more productions (including the musical The Rocky Horror Show and films like Frankenweenie directed by Tim Burton and I, Frankenstein starring Aaron Eckhart and Bill Nighy), owe their success, creation and/or varying levels of inspiration to the legendary story. In … [Read more...]
The Woman in Black at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre | Review
Thirty years is an incredibly long time for something to remain unchanged. Very few people will stay in the same job for such a period, it is highly unlikely you will live in the same property for three decades, and only the very best friendships can survive that length of time. So for a theatre show to continue for thirty years in pretty much exactly the same form suggests that the writers, directors, actors and other members of the production team are obviously doing something right. Second … [Read more...]
Nativity The Musical at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre | Review
Almost the second the clock turned over from 31st October into 1st November Halloween was forgotten and it officially became the lead up to Christmas. With theatres across the country making the final preparations for pantomime season, it seems a little odd for venues to be showing a production that quite clearly takes its inspiration from panto, however the decision could not be a better one. Following the story of a primary school teacher’s rapidly snowballing white lie about a Hollywood … [Read more...]
What’s In A Name? at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre | Review
When the poster for a show you know very little about, is adorned by a baby sporting a Hitler-esque moustache, it’s hard to know what to expect. Prior to tonight, I was not familiar at all with What’s in a Name?, and had made the conscious decision to keep it that way until I watched the show. This is something I will often do when I haven’t experienced a previous version (be that as a film, TV programme, theatre show, book etc), to be able to have a completely unbiased and unaffected view, and … [Read more...]
Madagascar The Musical at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre | Review
Joining a packed auditorium filled with rowdy, excitable and very expectant children took me back to my own younger days of watching theatre with my family. Hundreds of big Madagascar fans (young and not-so young!) carrying cuddle versions of and sporting ears and tails similar to their favourite characters eagerly awaited what they hoped would be a huge spectacle of catchy songs, elaborate costumes, energetic dancing and funny dialogue; and were their expectations met? Well, sort of. The … [Read more...]
Stage Experience Presents: The Addams Family | Review
Working as a performer in the world of theatre, I know all too well how much goes on to create a finished show. Hours and hours of commitment, months of rehearsals and years of pre-planning are something you just accept is part of the process. So to turn up and watch a suberb show, with brilliant actors, wonderful choreography, fantastic songs and amazing sets and costumes - and then to be told it was all done in only EIGHT days, is nothing short of breathtaking. Vivo D’Arte return for a … [Read more...]