Theatre Review: Yer Granny - Kings Theatre, Glasgow

The Russos are not your typical family. Sure there's a mum, a dad and a daughter but when you factor in a layabout uncle, an overly dramatic aunt and a granny who’s eating them out of house and home, you've got yourself the perfect setup for a comedy play.

From the moment you enter the theatre you are catapulted into the 70's. Songs from The Bay City Rollers blast from the speakers as you get your first glimpse of Colin Richmond’s brilliantly realistic set (which could have been plucked straight out of a 70's living room). The level of detail is genuinely impressive with smoke-stained wallpaper and a flickering neon shop sign visible through the grimy windows. The special effects in the dramatic finale were an unexpected surprise and had the audience gasping and jumping in their seats.

As the story unfolds we realise times are tough in this household. The family fish bar has gone under and mum Marie (Maureen Beattie) is struggling to make ends meet. In a bid to combat the issue it is suggested that part time musician - and full time procrastinator - Charlie (Paul Riley)  gets a job to pay his way. Horrified by this prospect Charlie comes up with a plan which he believes will solve everyone's problems, but what he actually does is send the whole family into chaos.

Douglas Maxwell’s adaptation of the original Argentinian play by Roberto Cossa really captures the complexity of family dynamics. Laughs are encouraged throughout both acts and the cast is made up of a host of well loved Scottish actors who give everything they've got. Barbara Rafferty’s character, Aunt Angela, really comes full circle during the show and Rafferty’s ability to play out the contrasting emotions Angela experiences was seamless.

Jonathan Watson gives a relatable performance playing Dad and breadwinner Cammy who is torn between being a provider and being too proud to ask anyone for help. A certain imaginary conversation Cammy has with the Queen in advance of her Jubilee visit had the audience in stitches.

If you're looking for a warm and fuzzy granny then look elsewhere as Gregor Fisher’s character is anything but. She’s food obsessed and would have been last in line when manners were being given out. Fisher makes her almost impossible to endear to, giving the audience a taste of what the other characters are experiencing.

The atmosphere in the theatre last night was simply electric thanks to the colloquial humour and energetic performances, and although I will never look at a jar of mayonnaise in the same way again it’s a great night out and not to be missed.

*Written by me for Backstage Pass

Review: Shrek, The Kings Theatre, Glasgow

 

For all intents and purposes the story of Shrek is a fairytale. There's a princess, a tower and a knight in shining armour. However in this story, the princess has sass and the knight is an ogre with a donkey as a sidekick. 

When Shrek's swamp is overrun by fairytale creatures he heads to Duloc to find Lord Farquaad, the man responsible for the mess. Shrek makes a deal to rescue Farquaad's one true love (Princess Fiona) in exchange for the deeds to his swamp. Trouble is Fiona is stuck in the highest room of the tallest tower guarded by a fire breathing dragon.

The production of this show is one of the most elaborate I have ever seen, the set just incomparable to anything else on tour right now. The plot of the musical stays very true to the film and provides the audience with great insight into the well loved characters while the incredible costumes plummet viewers right into the world of Duloc.

Dean Chisnall was such a lovable Shrek and really endeared himself to the audience. He seemed very comfortable in the role and just looked like he was having so much fun on stage. Princess Fiona understudy Nikki Bentley proved she could hold her own with very strong vocals and acting to match. Gerard Casey stole the show with his hilarious portrayal of Lord Farquaad, generating laughs from the audience with every move he made. Special shout out to Candace Furbert who voiced the dragon. Her powerful yet soulful version of 'Forever' almost took the roof right off the theatre.

Sherk has a pantomime aspect to it prompting audience participation, and in true panto style is suitable for all ages. The comedic script is packed with innuendos for the adults and the colourful, ever-changing set will hold the kids’ attention. The one thing I feel could be better is the score. There are some great songs such as 'I Know It's Today' and 'Who I'll Be' but for the most part I found the rest forgettable, however saving 'I'm a Believer' for the last song was a perfect ending to the show and a real crowd pleaser.

*Written by me for backstagepass.biz/

Review: Tonight From the West End, The Caird Hall, Dundee

One of my biggest gripes when a tour is announced is that it never normally ventures north of the border, which is why I was delighted when Tonight From the West End was announced to exclusively tour in 3 major Scottish cities. And from the moment the line up was announced I was sold!

The show is billed as 'the hottest ticket in town' and promised singing, acting and dancing - a bold statement but one that was executed well. A 200 strong community choir, a 20 piece live band and Scotland's own Soul Nation appeared alongside headline acts Kerry Ellis, Christina Bianco and Adam Garcia.

Garcia had the audience won over when he first stepped on stage wearing a kilt. His charming banter and appealing voice ensured this continued for the rest of the night. Christina Bianco is a unique talent who possesses a genuine likeability factor. She's known for her diva impressions and showcases the many voices she has perfected, but also shows how powerful how own voice is particularly during 'I Know Him So Well'.

Deep into Act II and we are taken on a whistle stop tour of Wicked, performed by the choir members on stage, opening with No One Mourns the Wicked and ending with For Good. It was only fitting that Ellis (the first British Elphaba) returned to the stage to deliver Wicked's 11 o'clock number - Defying Gravity. I have seen this song performed more times than I would like to share but Kerry really makes it her own and mesmerised the room to the point you could have heard a pin drop.

The show's finale was dedicated to the popular West End show- Mamma Mia. The audience were invited to get on their feet, and that they did. It was the perfect way to end the night.

It's clear that a lot of time and energy went into facilitating this show and It's great to see production companies recognising a gap in the market and bringing quality shows like this one to Scotland.

FaBi DaBi Dolls

For many theatre goers (myself included) it's not enough to just see shows, we get our fix in-between  by  downloading cast recordings, having show chats on Twitter with like minded people and buying an obscene amount of merch. Once in a while a merch product has that 'je ne sais quoi' and that's where FaBi DaBi Dolls comes in. 

FaBi DaBi Dolls is a company run by Scottish artists & couple Thomas Birrell & Chris Farrell. They specialise in custom toys and collectibles and I'm a little bit obsessed with their Etsy store. After a few 'subtle' hints to my nearest and dearest this little green treat arrived on my door step last week and I could not be happier with it. 

If you didn't know I'm a huge Wicked fan, and although my days of day seating the AV at ridiculous o'clock are over, the show still holds a special place in my heart. The doll that was chosen for me was Elphaba in her 'Shiz' outfit and I'm blown away by the quality and detail of this product. Her glasses, pleated hair and briefcase are all present and correct and the professional finish is the icing on the cake. 

The company is based close to where I live and it's nice to see someone so local filling a gap in the market and producing such unique and exciting products. There are a number of options to choose from on the website or if you're after something in particular this can be custom made. Prices start from around the £15 mark which I think is a bargain! 

If you're interested in finding out more about FaBi DaBi Dolls, check out the Etsy shop or give them a follow on Twitter.

Review - Bossnappers, CCA, Glasgow

The premise of Tom Brogan’s Bossnappers might not seem like an obvious choice for a comedy play - four long-standing biscuit factory workers facing the threat of redundancy and the fear of the unknown - but due to a quick and witty script and six talented performers, it works.  Staged in the quirky CCA as part of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, the play captures the spirit of true Glaswegian determination in the face of adversity.  

Janis Marshall Reilly and Jamie Lee McPherson made a heart warming duo as work besties Meg and Rose whose main priority - supporting their families - really endeared them to the audience. Skiver Gwen’s Snapchat obsession kept the show current and Louise Henderson’s comic timing playing her was spot on, especially impressive when you consider this was Henderson’s acting debut. Ros McCue and Nicola Clark were responsible for a lot of the hilarity playing ditzy cleaner Alice and glamorous Helen who both had secrets up their sleeves that were revealed as the plot unravelled. The cast was rounded off with the villain of the piece, gaffer Les who just can’t seem to get out of his father's shadow. Props to John Winchester for being a believable baddy while still showing a vulnerable side.

It’s refreshing to watch a predominantly female cast play strong and ballsy characters, a challenging feat for most writers including Brogan himself who admits in his blog on the festival’s website that woman have been underrepresented in his plays. It’s clear to see he has overcome this and created a relatable and hilarious group of women without allowing them to become caricatures.

Bossnappers runs until 24/03/15 at the CCA, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. Tickets can be purchased via the website - http://www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com/shows/1081.

Review: Broadway in the Bar, Arta, Glasgow

Broadway in the Bar has firmly positioned itself as one of Glasgow's unique entertainment shows. Sure there are a lot of shows produced in a similar vein, but none executed as well as this. If you're unfamiliar with the concept of BITB, you take a first class cast filled with local talent, add a mix of show tunes and throw in a glass of fizz for good measure.

The cast is ever-changing which keeps things fresh and Sunday's cast did not disappoint. Alison Cleland would be just as entertaining stepping onto a comedy stage as she is when singing. Her off-the-cuff banter between songs created a relaxed and informal atmosphere for the night. Joanne McGuinness and Edward Reid added to the humorous element with their song choices while still delivering strong vocal performances. Recent musical theatre graduate Jennifer Neil shared with the audience that this was her first professional job, and judging  by her impressive performance, it certainly won't be her last.

The songs ranged from well known show tunes such as 'As Long As He Needs Me' from Oliver and Wicked's 'The Wizard and I', ending with some anthemic power ballads which are guaranteed to have the crowd up on their feet (or in some cases their chair!).

The show is not tied to one venue and for Sunday's performance we had the beautiful backdrop of Arta in Glasgow's Merchant City. Whilst aesthetically pleasing, Arta comes with some structural pillars that can cause some viewing issues but if you arrive early enough this shouldn't pose a problem.

For more information on this show check out Inside Out Productions' Facebook page here.

Theatre Review: The Last Five Years - Govanhill Baths, Glasgow

There's no better way to write a musical about love and heartbreak than drawing from your own experiences, which is exactly what Jason Robert Brown did with The Last Five Years.  Set in New York the story follows the half decade relationship of aspiring writer Jamie Wellerstein (Sam Willison) and struggling actress Cathy Hiatt (Imogen Parry) from start to end.  The show's unique selling point is in its story telling, as Jamie's songs track the relationship from when the couple first meet right up until he leaves whereas Cathy's songs tell the story in reverse.  

Parry and Willison deal with the demands of this two character musical with ease, and although they only share a few scenes on stage together they are completely believable as a couple. From the first scene Parry in particular pulls on every heart string as she throws the audience into the emotional deep end with her expressive vocals. Marc Mackinnon's slick direction ensures one scene flows swiftly to the next, leaving little to no time for reflection which heightens impact when the show ends. Musical director Paul Slevin was solely responsible for orchestrating the full show, a feat that he pulled off with gusto.

Mad Props are known for their high standard productions and fresh show choices, and The Last Five Years is another success to add to their list. 

For more information about Mad Props, check out their website : http://www.madpropstheatre.com/

Review: One Man, Two Guvnors

 

One Man, Two Guvnors brings 1960's Brighton to Glasgow this week, and from the moment I walked into the Kings Theatre and was met with a skiffle band I knew I was in for a good night.

The crazy story centres around down-on-his-luck Francis Henshall who finds himself with nothing in his wallet and even less in his stomach. To combat this issue he seeks employment with two different men - Roscoe Crabbe and Stanley Stubbers - and does everything in his power to keep them apart. Unbeknown to Francis, Roscoe is actually Rachel Crabbe disguised as her twin brother who has been murdered by none other than Stanley.

The cast handle the physical demands of this play with ease. Gavin Spokes is absolute genius as the man with two guvnors and throws himself into his performance with gusto. Spokes is genuinely funny with side splitting improv skills - this casting could not be more on point. Fast paced dialogue and witty banter come from all the cast but Alicia Davies and Patrick Warner particularly shine playing the demanding guvnors. Special mention to Michael Dylan who had the audience crying with laughter at his portrayal of slow- moving geriatric waiter Alfie.

The show is refreshingly different and really packs a punch, and with the skiffle band returning during scene changes there really isn’t a dull moment - not to be missed! 

*Written by me for http://www.backstagepass.biz/

Review: Tonight's the Night

You would be hard pushed to find someone who isn't familiar with the music of Rod Stewart - he has produced scores of hits over the years and is still rocking out today. It would only seem fitting that these songs be showcased in a new way - cue 'Tonight's the Night', a jukebox musical written by Ben Elton that plots the story of mechanic Stuart (Ben Heathcote), who lacks in confidence and is unsure of his abilities to win over romantic interest Mary (Jenna Lee-James). In his quest for love he makes a deal with the devil (Tiffany Graves) to trade his own soul for that of rock god Rod Stewart. Was that decision the right one? You'll have to go to find out.

The production is very heavy in songs but light in plot as it manages to squeeze 25 hits (plus a mega mix) into an under 3 hour show. As you would expect, the whole story centres around these songs so lacked depth and seemed almost forced in parts.

An extremely talented cast more than make up for the weak plot. Ben Heathcote throws himself into the role of shy and sensitive Stuart. With impressive vocals and movement he belts out one song after the next, giving the crowd what they've come to see. Ricky Rojasand Tiffany Graves both had great stage presence, bringing in the laughs as Stuart’s band mate and promoter. Special mention to the show’s Dee Dee, Rosie Heath, who stood head and shoulders above her fellow cast members with a truly showstopping voice. Backing singers also came in the form of audience members, who tapped, clapped and sang their way through each number. The addition of a sailor hat on each seat for a bit of audience participation during ‘Sailing’ was an original touch.

If you’re looking for a show with a story line to sink your teeth into then I would give this a miss. However, there’s no denying the widespread appeal Rod Stewart’s songs have, and Tonight’s the Night is an great opportunity to relive them.

* Written by me for Backstage Pass 

Review: Little Shop of Horrors

 

Little Shop of Horrors is a comedy rock musical set in the 1960s which tells the story of downtrodden Seymour who works as an assistant in Mr Mushnik's flower shop. The shop is situated on Skid Row, where the residents’ ambitions are as absent as the customers. In a last ditch attempt to drum up business Seymour displays a new exotic plant in the window and what follows is a moral journey to see just how far one man will go for fame, fortune and love.

Neil Thomas absolutely shines in the role of Seymour Krelborn. He has the likeability factor that makes you want him to succeed and are almost able to forgive him for his more questionable life choices.  Another stand out for me was Sabrina Carter's portrayal of vulnerable Audrey. Carter's cracking acting and vocals especially during 'Somewhere That's Green' really pulled at the heartstrings. Although the themes explored in Little Shop are dark, there are laughs throughout which come mostly from sadistic dentist Orin, played by Edward Reid.

The set designed by Pete Sneddon really makes the most of the space of the Websters Theatre - not too much going on but enough to keep the audiences attention. There were a couple of sound issues, but this was the opening night and it was nothing that could not be ironed out.

Little Shop is one of those cult musicals that has been around for years, and while the fashions may be dated the characters certainly aren’t. Grab your tickets for the remaining performances here:

Friday 2nd - Saturday 10th of May

Tickets £15

Cottiers Box Office - 0141-357-4000

www.cottiers.com

LITTLE SHOP INTERVIEW: Neil Thomas

With just weeks to go before Little Shop of Horrors opens in Glasgow's Webster Theatre I caught up with a couple of the cast members to have a chat about the show. First up was Neil Thomas who is currently preparing to take on the role of Seymour:-

Tell me about your character:

Seymour Krelborn is poor and down on his luck.  He's kind, caring and works hard. He lives on Skid Row, and works in Mushnik's Florists alongside Mr Mushnik and the pretty Audrey. A little clumsy, and more than a little geeky, Seymour has feelings for Audrey, but can't pluck up the courage to tell her. But Seymour has discovered a brand new breed of plant, similar in appearance to a Venus flytrap, which he names Audrey II in honour of the subject of his affections.  Could this new plant be about to change Seymour's luck forever.....?

What drew you to the part?

It has genuinely always been my ambition to get a chance to play Seymour Krelborn.  I told Paul Harper-Swan (producer and director of this production of Little Shop of Horrors) about how much I loved this part, and this show, the very first time I ever met him.  This show is absolutely one of my favourites, and has been since I saw the fantastic movie version of it when I was younger. The music, the atmosphere and the characters really drew me in. I love Seymour's story and the journey he goes on throughout the show.  I also feel like I can easily relate to Seymour's geekiness!

How do you prepare for the role of Seymour? 

I think the important thing with playing Seymour is that, although he is of course a bit geeky and down on his luck, he's a really decent guy, and he should be "real" too.  It would be wrong to send him up, or have him prat falling and making a mess of everything.  He's not supposed to be a silly slapstick pantomime character, he needs the audience to really care about him and sympathise with him.  The audience should also believe in his feelings for Audrey and the whirlwind journey he goes on after discovering this exciting new plant, Audrey II.  I'm excited to get started on rehearsals and find out how to balance all these aspects of Seymour's character.  It'll be hard work, but great fun!

The show has been around for a long time now, what do you think makes it so popular? 

Undoubtedly it's the quality of the material.  The music by Alan Menken, and the lyrics and book by Howard Ashman, are some of the best I think musical theatre has ever produced.  There's a timeless appeal to the show, and it doesn't feel dated as it deliberately evokes that classic feel of the B-movie era.  The show is based on the 1960 non-musical film of the same name, and the ideas and characters are unique and unforgettable.  Another thing that I think helps, is that the 1986 film of this musical version is fantastically made, and so well cast.  It introduces so many people to the musical, who may then go and see a stage production of it.  The nice thing is that there are some differences between the stage version and the film version of the musical, so if you've only seen the movie before - you're in for a few surprises....!

What's your favourite song from the show and why? 

This is a really hard one to answer, as I can honestly say I feel this show has some of the best songs I've ever heard in a musical.  But, if I had to pick one, I'd go for "Feed Me (Git It)", the song from Act I sung by Seymour and Audrey II.  How can you not completely fall in love with a rock and roll duet performed by a florist's assistant and massive, hungry, soul-singing plant!

What do you hope audiences take away from the show? 

I really hope audiences have a great time, and come away totally satisfied and singing all the songs.  This material is some of the strongest the world of musical theatre has ever produced, in my opinion.  So I hope the audience have a fantastic night out and feel that we have done the show justice.  We will all work really hard to make sure they do!

Big thanks to Neil for taking some time out to answer my questions,

Little Shop of Horrors 
1st - 10th of May 2014
Tickets are £15 
Book by calling the Cottiers box office - 0141 357 4000 
or online by clicking here 

Thrifty Theatre Travelling

I think we'd all agree that being a theatre fan is quite an expensive hobby. If you factor in ticket costs, booking fees, merch... ice cream at the interval, it all starts to add up. For me, I find my biggest expense is always travel. I live in Scotland, and am lucky that I have such diverse and interesting theatre right on my doorstep, but I am also a repeat attender and lover of London which leaves my bank account in a sorry state. Over the years I've tried to perfect the art of travelling on a budget, and have adopted 5 rules that have saved me a penny or two:

1. If travelling by train ALWAYS book 11 weeks in advance-

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The train is my transport method of choice so this to me is a no brainer. Train companies always release seats 12 weeks before the travel date and I've found that on the 12th week the prices are at their highest - but a short 7 days later you get all the bargain fares. You need to be on the ball though, as these fares are limited and do get snapped up pretty quickly.

2. Best fare finder- http://www.farefinder.virgintrains.co.uk/

I know planning a trip 11 weeks in advance isn't always feasible, so if you're booking trains closer to your travel date then 'Best Fare Finder' is your new best friend. There are different versions of this tool but I swear by Virgin's offerings. You basically input your travel information and it gives you the cheapest available fare - genius!

3. Accommodation -

There's only one way to go for accommodation on a budget and that's the good old Travelodge. 9 times out of 10 these rooms work out cheaper than a private hostel room (and they come with en suites which is always a bonus). Travelodge are one of those companies that use any old excuse for a sale, and I mean any excuse.

If it's a public holiday or change in season we see a drop in prices but If you happen to check on the one day a year there's not a sale, look for the 'Find our lowest prices' tab. This works as a comparison tool for all the Travelodge hotels available in your city of choice and you are always guaranteed the lowest rate.

4.  The Megabus

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Now I personally have mixed feelings about the Megabus. 8+ hours in a cramped seat often next to someone you don't know, with no refreshment facilities doesn't really sound like the dream scenario. You can't really argue with their prices though. I've seen myself getting a return from Glasgow - London for £20, which is amazing - however 4 hours in I am always willing to pay double to get off. If it's a life or death, need to see this show situation then this is a cheap way to do it and if you're the type of person that can fall asleep on a bus then more power to you.

They now offer a sleeper service - The Megabus Gold, which I have tried and if I hadn't been spoiled by their 'bendy bus' trial I would maybe be more of a fan. This is more expensive (averaging £40 per single journey) but it does save from forking out on a hotel room for an extra night.

5. Avoid Flying

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If there was one tip I could give then this would be it. Flying short haul sucks! Delays are likely, you're restricted with baggage (unless you want to shell out to check in a bag) and contrary to popular belief it's not any quicker. By the time you get to the airport, wait on your flight, land at your destination and make your way to the city centre it doesn't work out any quicker. It does work out a lot more stressful though having to chop and change onto various transport methods.

So there you have it, the secrets to my thrifty travelling. If you have an upcoming show planned give one or more of these a go and see how much you could save too.