______ 22 February 2024 ______ 4**** ______ There is something extremely heartening in watching a brand new theatre company take to the stage for the first time with a brand new show. Devon-based Stowaway Theatre have taken that first big step and have done so with a sharp and engaging production about a subject matter […]
40 ELEPHANTS – Barnfield Theatre Exeter Read More »
______ 14 February 2024 ______ 3*** ______ There are no two ways about it, if you are a fan of The Drifters then you will be in seventh heaven watching this extremely slick and very well performed show. The list of songs numbers 25 (plus extra at the curtain). The famous R&B/Soul/DooWop quartet started life
THE DRIFTERS GIRL – Theatre Royal Plymouth Read More »
______ 5 February 2024 ______ 3*** ______ The taking of a ‘classic’ novel and turning it inside out and upside down and mucking about with it is nothing new. Neither is adding in an element of satire, parody and off the wall, comedy, slapstick fun. Thus ‘The Time Machine’ as produced by Original Theatre from
THE TIME MACHINE – Exeter Northcott Theatre Read More »
______ 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 »
CORMAC RICHARDS THEATRE AWARDS 2023   DUD OF THE YEAR I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY – THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH (TOURING) ______ DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE YEAR CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY – THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH (TOURING) ______ COMEDY PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR FLATSPIN – MANOR PAVILION THEATRE SIDMOUTH  ______ MUSICAL PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR
CORMAC RICHARDS THEATRE AWARDS 2023 – THE WINNERS Read More »
COMEDY PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR ROLEPLAY – MANOR PAVILION THEATRE, SIDMOUTH THE 39 STEPS – MANOR PAVILION THEATRE, SIDMOUTH PAST TENTS – ALMA TAVERN THEATRE, BRISTOL (TOURING) WODEHOUSE IN WONDERLAND – EXETER NORTHCOTT THEATRE (TOURING) RUN FOR YOUR WIFE – MANOR PAVILION THEATRE, SIDMOUTH PRIVATE LIVES – MANOR PAVILION THEATRE, SIDMOUTH THE WAY OLD FRIENDS
CORMAC RICHARDS THEATRE AWARDS 2023 – NOMINATIONS 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 »
