______ 18 January 2024 ______ 5***** ______ Over recent years there have been a number of musicals produced which are primarily aimed at the younger audience; two of which come to mind, ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ and ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’; both productions I reviewed at Theatre Royal Plymouth. Both shows were thoroughly disappointing. Unmagical […]
ALADDIN – Theatre Royal Plymouth Read More »
Following a really mixed bag in the first six months, what would the second half offer? JULY The second offering in the Sidmouth Summer Season was BOEING-BOEING, the classic, if rather dated comedy of multiple relationships at the same time. Well directed by Rob McWhir, the cast were universally excellent with an outstanding physical performance
CORMAC RICHARDS – REVIEW OF THE THEATRE YEAR 2023 – PART TWO Read More »
______ 19 December 2023 ______ 4**** ______ And so the reviewing year that was 2023 comes to a close with GOLDILOCKS & THE THREE BEARS; THE GREATEST PANTO ON EARTH – so goes the byline; but is it? A panto, that is? This is not a negative, just an observation. However, before we investigate the
GOLDILOCKS & THE THREE BEARS – Theatre Royal, Plymouth Read More »
______ 17 December 2023 ______ 4**** ______ The day after seeing a below par pantomime production, it is good to report that things took a distinct turn for the better and something a bit different. Bridge House Theatre takes its pantomime on the road to Fuller’s Pubs across the country. The limitations this places on
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK – The Bull Hotel, Bridport Read More »
______ 16 December 2023 ______ 2** ______ I start by apologising that I have limited information about this production which I was invited to review. There was no programme and the online information is limited. At least a seat had been reserved for me – ah, no it hadn’t – to be fair, the box
SLEEPING BEAUTY – Exeter Corn Exchange Read More »
______ 7 December 2023 ______ 4**** ______ So, as Winter follows Autumn, each year the pantomime season arrives; a season which lasts an indefinite length as Spring and Summer pantos become more popular. This multi-million pound industry has become extraordinarily important to theatres and venues throughout the land; a guaranteed big box office success is
DICK WHITTINGTON – Exeter Northcott Theatre Read More »
______ 4 December 2023 ______ 1* _____ The jukebox musical has become that bit too prevalent on the theatrical circuit these days. Some work really well, some just about pass muster and some plumb various depths. ‘I Should Be So Lucky’ is a new iteration using the songs from ‘80s trio Stock Aitken Waterman whose
I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY – Theatre Royal Plymouth Read More »
Read up about the early careers of many of the senior actors in the UK and they will very often relay their experience of being a member of a repertory company. Often found in regional theatres and seaside venues, even the National Theatre was run as a ‘rep’ company under the management of Laurence Olivier
THE RELEVANCE OF REP – AN EMERGING ACTORS’ EXPERIENCE by Cormac Richards Read More »
As ever, this review takes in all the plays/shows reviewed and makes mention of those that have been watched without the reviewing hat on – though all may be eligible for the Cormac Richards Theatre Awards! Along the way I am sure I will make mention of this and that and t’other! JANUARY Always
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______ 28 November 2023 ______ 3*** ______ The ghost genre is one which is fairly thin on the ground theatrically speaking. ‘The Woman in Black’ has proved successful through its longevity, various versions of ‘The Turn of the Screw’ are to be found – the one I reviewed a few years ago was a disaster
2:22 A GHOST STORY – Theatre Royal Plymouth Read More »
