10 July 2023 3*** First performed in 2001, Alan Ayckbourn’s trilogy, ‘Damsels in Distress’ was specifically written with repertory theatre in mind. Three plays, one set and seven varying characters in each, providing actors with a range of roles to play. The concept is an excellent one and is, therefore, a perfect choice for the […]
GAMEPLAN – Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth Read More »
3 July 2023 4**** Written in 1960, Marc Camoletti’s play ‘Boeing-Boeing’ became an enormous hit when it premiered on the London stage in 1962, running for seven years. It is the epitome of the farce genre. The simple plot contains elements which some might find offensive these days; Bernard has three fiancées – all work
BOEING-BOEING – Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth Read More »
26 June 2023 3*** Firstly, it is time to celebrate. The Sidmouth Summer Play Festival is back for 2023 at the splendid Manor Pavilion Theatre. This unique and wonderful institution is, once again, providing a feast of entertaining theatrical delights over the next three months. 12 different plays over 12 weeks is no small feat
THE SMALL HOURS – Manor Pavilion Theatre, Sidmouth Read More »
20 June 2023 4**** Human migration is a subject which is barely out of the news. Displaced people, the result of war, oppression or natural disasters is a modern tragedy with many of those seeking sanctuary and a new life never making it to a place of salvation. Treacherous journeys are undertaken and once at
THE BEEKEEPER OF ALEPPO – Theatre Royal Plymouth Read More »
12 JUNE 2023 5***** Two men walk on to the stage and to the emotional strains of Nina Simone singing ‘Ne Me Quitte Pas’, they take the audience on a journey through the ups and downs of their relationship in dance and drama and silence. It is, to put it simply, one of the most
WHAT SONGS MAY DO – Theatre Royal Plymouth Read More »
8 JUNE 2023 2** The original 2013 London production of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’, based on Roald Dahl’s most famous book for children, offered up spectacular sets, great special effects, a group of young actors as the Golden Ticket Winners, quirky and fun Oompa Loompas and a Willy Wonka with huge charisma. This new
CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY – THE MUSICAL – Theatre Royal Plymouth Read More »
24 April 2023 4**** Two middle-aged men meet up via the gay dating app, Grindr, and realise they are old school friends who shared a deep love of the Swedish pop group Abba. They decide to form a tribute band with them playing the women and two females playing the men. Such is the outline
THE WAY OLD FRIENDS DO – Northcott Theatre Exeter Read More »
15 April 2023 3*** ‘KINDLE’ by Hattie Collins takes on some big subject matters; global energy, renewables, death, mental health, family relationships, debt, fossil fuels….. the list goes on. Angela runs a remote petrol station which is in financial difficulty. Her daughters, Holly and Heather are polar opposites in views and lifestyle and have a
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5 April 2023 2** Marie Antoinette has been celebrated in many forms since the departure of her head; theatre, film and stage have elevated her to something akin to a cult figure. Thus ‘Cake’ provides a further slice of this historical icon but uses a different kind of recipe. In the ‘blurb’ for the show,
CAKE – THE MARIE ANTOINETTE PLAYLIST – Theatre Royal Plymouth Read More »
4 April 2023 4**** High Schools and Teenage Angst are fertile ground for writers of books, plays, films and musicals. Take ‘Grease’ or ‘Spring Awakening’, for instance, which both deal with growing pains in rather more contrasting styles. The 1988 film ‘Heathers’ falls into this category, but writer Daniel Waters definitely took things into the
HEATHERS – THE MUSICAL – Theatre Royal Plymouth Read More »
