A review of The Merry Wives of Windsor

                                                       How Merry Were The Wives?


I think that unfortunately many people only think of Shakespeare with regard to whichever play they studied at school.  For my 'A' levels (more than a few years ago), I read Othello and although I have seen Shakespeare performed since then, The Merry Wives of Windsor was my first comedy.

The story centres around Sir John Falstaff (David Troughton) as he plans to ensure a comfortable retirement by seducing the wives of two wealthy men, namely Mistress Ford (Beth Cordingly) and Mistress Page (Rebecca Lacey).  It doesn't take long for the wives to realise Falstaff's intent and the two women set in motion a plan to ensure Falstaff receives the comeuppance he deserves. 

Intermixed within the story are those fighting for the love of Mistress Page's daughter, Anne (Karen Fishwick). There is the preferred suitor of her father, Master Slender (Tom Padley), the preferred suitor of her mother, the French Doctor Caius (Jonathan Cullen), and then there is Master Fenton (Luke Newberry) who Anne loves. 

The production is very clever and blends the twenty first century into the Elizabethan era.  This is visible in the costumes with suit jackets on top of pantaloons, and jeans and trainers next to ruffled collars.

David Troughton is excellent as the ageing and overweight Falstaff, and there is a stellar performance from the whole cast.  Mistress Page sitting in the spa could easily have come from a certain show based in Essex, whilst Dr Caius reminded me of a character from 'Allo Allo.'

The play has been given a modern twist with mobile phones on view, a dirty wheelie bin instead of a laundry basket, and even a reference to Bexit!  There are some real laugh out loud moments during the performance as this adaptation makes the play more accessible to those who may not have seen Shakespeare before. 

This is a bright and fresh production.  For anyone wishing to see their first Shakespeare play this would be the perfect opportunity and for anyone else wishing to have a fun evening at the theatre, this is definitely worth a visit.

The  production can be seen at The Barbican until 5th January 2019.
For tickets visit: https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk

Review - Caroline or Change

                                                          Review of Caroline or Change


Situated right next to Embankment underground station, the Playhouse Theatre is small enough to create a feeling of intimacy, that works well for this musical.

Set in the early 1960's  the audience sees a reflection of the major changes happening in America, through the life of Caroline Thibodeaux.  Caroline is a black maid working for the Gellman family in Louisiana, America.  She needs her job although she hates it, but cannot leave for fear of not finding anything else.  The pay is poor and she struggles to pay her bills and support her children.

The Jewish family Caroline is working for have their own problems.  Eight year old Noah is living with his father Stuart, and step mother Rose.  His mother has died and the impact of this is still visible. The father is distant from everyone, the son doesn't even want to be touched by his step mother and Rose is struggling to find her place in the family.

The struggles of the extended Gellman family are highlighted when they come together to celebrate Chanukah. Whilst I found this scene almost a stereotype of a Jewish family, there was a real feeling of empathy towards Rose.  She is trying to be the perfect wife and mother.  She feels isolated and frustrated, but is desperate to hold the family together.

Meanwhile we see Caroline struggling in the basement where she does the laundry and her only escape is through the radio.  As she works, Noah tries to spend his free time with her, finding comfort in her company, but this leads to a moral and financial quandary during the story.

The musical won the Olivier for Best New Musical in 2007, and you can understand why.  The music is varied in style from blues to Motown, and the vocal performances from the whole cast are excellent.  Sharon D Clarke, plays the struggling Caroline beautifully, and you feel the heat and oppression of the basement that holds her inside it both literally and figuratively.

The show is only playing a limited run until April 6th 2019.  If you want to see something original and quirky, with a real blend of humour and pathos played out against a fabulous score, then this is definitely worth seeing.
For tickets visit: https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk

Fame - Does It Live Forever?

                                                 Review of Fame The Musical


My first obsession and love in the eighties was Fame.  Nothing would move me from the TV every week,  I bought all the albums, and Fame was my first concert.  At a function recently when someone played Star Maker, all of us of a certain age still remembered the words, so with this nostalgic love  I was both excited and nervous to see the new stage version.

The story is based around students attending the New York School of Performing Arts as they follow their dreams of becoming actors, dancers and musicians, and it didn't disappoint.

The musical numbers were full of energy with great choreography.  Jamal Kane Crawford who plays Tyrone was phenomenal with a real stage presence as well as some amazing moves!

The new songs carried the narrative perfectly, and whilst all the cast were excellent, Mica Paris singing in the second act as Miss Sherman was powerful and moving.

This was a real ensemble piece with fantastic musicians on the stage, great comedy from Albey Brookes (Joe) and wonderful chemistry between Keith Jacks (Nick) and Molly McGuire (Serena).  However, for me the stand out performances came from Simon Anthony (Schlomo) and Stephanie Rojas (Carmen). The vibrancy and life of Carmen that is taken away by drugs is so movingly and believably portrayed and Schlomo's heartbreak watching her is achingly real.

Fame more than lived up to my expectations.  It has been brought into the twenty first century without losing the essence of what it was and I enjoyed every minute.

The show can be seen at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury this week, as it travels the country during a nationwide tour which culminates at the Peacock Theatre in London in September 2019.

Does Fame live forever - hell yeah!

Passing Strangers

This evening I went to do some market research.  I haven't done one for a long time as the subjects are often not relevant, the timings don't work, or it is too far away.

This afternoon though I slipped away, leaving eldest son in charge of catering for the masses when they all came in from work.

The research was about charities and there were a total of 7 women in the room.

What I found fascinating was the small window into the lives of each of the ladies.

All of us were of a similar age, being slightly over 21, and we came from Twickenham, Cheam and Watford to name a few of the locations. Blonde hair, long hair, smartly dressed, more casual, wearing glasses, working full time, or owning a business, everyone was very different.

Each of us had older children, although I had bragging rights as the only one with twins!

All the ladies were involved with charities, donating, fund raising and supporting others. Cancer related causes led the way, with people having lost family members, and one strong woman who was in remission.  One lady supported a local diabetes charity as her daughter has type 1 diabetes and another lady gave to a heart charity as she had lost her father to a heart attack.

It was interesting to see how their perspective was focused around their experiences.  Whilst I know this is true for everyone, it is easier to see it in others rather than yourself.  

The discussion ran it's allotted time and we all left heading off towards the same station.  In small groups, chatting about our journeys home, A level results, and a holiday someone had just returned from.  

As I went to go on the underground, we separated, everyone on their bit of track heading back to their reality.  We never knew each other very long so there is no great friendship lost, but forward we went, like flowers that have been strewn in the wind, travelling in various directions too our homes and lives, never to meet again.

Bank Holiday Changes

If we're lucky enough to have a little bit of sunshine on a bank holiday, there is almost a desperation to make the most of it, and actually do something.  Working in the garden, cleaning the house or clearing out the garage is fine for the Saturday and Sunday, but the Monday always feels as though it deserves better.

Over the years we have wasted a lot of this precious day coming to a decision about where we would go.  Gaining consensus from the family made tackling Brexit look easy, and by the time everyone was loaded in the car, I often wanted to climb out and leave them all to it.

Now the boys are older, the numbers have dwindled.  One of the twins was away partying for the weekend and has come home this evening looking as bad as he feels.  The other twin gave a look of complete disgust.  Never mind the fact we were leaving in the morning before he surfaces, why would we even ask him?  My middle son is studying for impending exams and so won't leave the hours unless it is for essential food supplies or the odd gym trip to ensure he is body fit for his post A level holiday.  That just leaves my youngest, who isn't world weary and fed up yet with going out with his parents, and actually appears to enjoy our company!

With only three of us, it was surprisingly easy.  One suggestion that everyone agreed to, no hold ups on the motorway and an hour later we were by the river.  We spent ages in a charity bookshop (my idea of heaven), had a lovely walk (which made my other half happy with his step total), and found a lovely pub for lunch (youngest gleeful as no vegetables). 

I expect the constant changes with the family growing up, and I know it won't be long before it's just two of us heading out, but for the moment we are making the most of having our little man with us.  Now we just have to hope for sunshine in August.

Strictly Ballroom - Strictly Wonderful

If I had to choose one word to describe Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom the Musical it would be joyous.

Arriving at the Piccadilly Theatre at the end of the warmest April day in over fifty years, the audience were ready to have a good night and the show delivered.

Will Young starts the proceedings coming onto the stage as MC Wally Strand and telling us (in his surprisingly good Australian accent) how Scott Hastings is going to change the world of ballroom dancing.  From that moment I was hooked. Moving the story along, talking to the audience with a ready quip, Will plays the role as though he was born it. 

Centred around the Amateur Australian Federation Cup all eyes are on the dancers desperate to win it,  but Scott Hastings is a rebel, who won't stick to the rules.  When he partners beginner Fran, the sparks fly and the dancing is hot!  Jonny Labey and Ziz Strallen have a real chemistry on the stage, and when they dance together it is breathtaking.  My favourite dance was one where they don't actually touch.  Hands and arms centimetres apart there is an intensity and passion through the moves.

I loved Fran's Abuela (Eve Polycarpou) and the flamenco dancing from her father (Fernando Mira) is stunning.  There is comedy throughout, glitzy ballroom costumes, with great vocals from Will Young and an energy that is palpable from the whole cast. 

For me, the best shows are the ones where the time disappears as you are part of a the magical world of whichever show you are seeing.  Strictly Ballroom was one of those shows.  It has a real feel good factor that we probably all need at the moment.  I would recommend anyone to escape to Australia and the world that is Strictly Ballroom.

Review of Teddy

Although the Vault has to be the smallest theatre I have ever been to, this is in direct contrast to the large,vibrant show that is Teddy.

Set in 1956 it begins with the story of teenagers Josie and Teddy played by the brilliant Molly Chesworth and George Parker as they are getting ready for their Saturday night out with their friends.  We follow them as they meet and try to work out how they are going to be able to afford tickets to see their musical hero Johnny Valentine (Dylan Wood).

The cast is as tiny as the theatre.   Molly and George are the only actors on stage telling their story in an almost Shakespearian way, with a rhyming, poetic language that doesn't hold back.  Through the eyes of Josie and Teddy we see the people they meet, both friend and foe, and there is a strength and depth to both their performances.

Alongside their story is the music.  Johnny Valentine and the Broken Hearts play hits from the fifties alongside new music for the show.  The band members (Andrew Gallon, Freya Parks and Harrison White) are all talented musicians and the music brings the fifties to life.  

Without any spoilers I loved the ending, but I didn't have a chance to think too much as the band were playing again, but just as a final gig for the audience.   Everyone was invited onto the stage to dance, and one of the audience members even managed to get to the mike to sing!  

A great show, done a little bit differently, with a really good cast.  I would definitely recommend seeing Teddy.

Mother's Day- A Double Edged Sword

I know I am very lucky to have 4 wonderful, if occasionally annoying and loud sons.  Having gone through five years of struggle to have my eldest, I feel genuinely blessed that I have my own family.  Three of the boys are officially adults now and even my 'baby' is 12 years old.  Over the years Mother's Day may have changed from the hand made cards done at school, but it is still a lovely day to spend with the family.

I have never cared or wanted any gifts or to be part of the commercial element of Mother's Day.  A cup of tea and an extra hug will more than enough to keep me happy.  I would hope that appreciation for the 24/7 job we all do would be shown more than once a year, but I do enjoy the fact it means everyone makes the effort to be together for a nice lunch or supper that I don't have to make!

There is however a flip side to the day when, like many others, I think abut my own Mum who I lost over 30 years ago.  Family was everything to her and she would have loved the noise, bad jokes and laughter.  In some ways time does heal, but days such as these bring the loss back to the forefront of my mind.  She never met my husband or knew the boys.  She missed out on their births, their BarMitzvah's, 18th's and the twins' 21st birthday.  Her knowledge and perspective always helped me and I hope that I pass on some balance to my own children.

This year is the first year my grandmother won't be here for Mother's Day.  Why would that impact me, you ask? A generation further back she had some strong, if sometimes old fashioned views.  However she gave me the same unconditional love as my Mum, and though she never tried to replace her, she was a constant and powerful presence in my life.  I am aware that there is a Grandparent's Day, but that somehow always felt too far removed. 

So this Mother's Day when I have my sneaky glass of wine I will toast the ladies who helped me become the woman I am today, and thank the powers that be that I am lucky to enjoy this time with my boys.  Life can be difficult and complicated, but love never should be.  So I'd like to send lots of love to all those trying to become a Mum, those who have lost their Mother this year and those who are fortunate enough to be a Mum.

REVIEW OF DREAMGIRLS

Let yourself be taken on a journey to 1960's America to meet the Dreamettes, Effie (Moya Angela), Deena (Brennyn Lark) and Lorrell (Asmeret Ghebremichael) as they begin their musical journey.  

With a youthful ignorance and joy for the world they are about to enter watch the trio rise from backing singers to having success in their own right as The Dreams.  As they become more successful we see the strain on their friendship, their hopes and their relationships.  All the leading ladies have a depth and emotion to their voices, but there is nothing more powerful than Effie singing 'And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going' as she sees her love walking out of her life.

The show stopping numbers are plentiful with 'One Night Only', 'Listen' and 'I Am Changing' to name a few, and sat well with great sets and costumes.

I only have one criticism and that is not with the show.  The evening I went it was very cold, and I am not sure if there was a heating problem at the theatre but a large number of the audience (including myself) sat with our coats on for the whole evening.  It was absolutely freezing.  There was no announcement so we didn't know what the issue was.

That said, it was a fabulous show, with a strong cast, great music and real feel good factor.  I would certainly recommend going, but suggest you wrap up warmly!

For any ticket information contact: https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk/

A Funny Start to 2018

A FUNNY START TO 2018

I can definitely say that 2018 hasn't started as planned.

With 3 family bereavements in exactly one month (the first on Christmas Eve and the last on 24th January), everything feels off kilter.  All were family members of differing ages, from both my side of the family and my husband's and some were more close to us than others, but each passing has had an impact on all of us.  

It has been interesting to take a step back and almost analyse ourselves and reactions.  I have felt extreme sadness for the loss of my grandmother.  Logically I know she lived a full and long life, but emotionally the little girl didn't want her to leave.  My family is so tiny and has now shrunk a little more.  It has been tough to see my father upset.  Irrelevant of age it is always hard to lose a parent, and my father was incredibly close to her, despite arguing incessantly about most things.

However, what about when the strength of feeling isn't there?  When a different family member passed there was a feeling of guilt that there wasn't more sadness, but you cannot make yourself feel an emotion, and you cannot re-write history to make your feelings different.

Our youngest found it tough, especially as we had to organise one of the funerals so there was a lot going on at home.  However hard you try, there is an atmosphere that is picked up on, even if not everything is understood.  He felt guilty that he wanted to be supportive but didn't want to be near the sadness.  

Our older boys faced everything with real maturity.  They were just by our sides and always in the right place.  Although I will undoubtedly be moaning about something soon, I could see the men they have become and was very proud.

So now I begin a new week, almost half way through February.  Emotions still feel raw, but I am viewing the 12th Feb as my New Year's Day.  If a Leap Year is longer than a standard year, then bouncing back after difficulty is allowed to make it shorter.

Can I therefore wish everyone a  happy and healthy New Year, with only positive things to come.