REVIEW: Shawshank Redemption at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking

A stage adaptation of one of the most critically acclaimed films of all times, based on a book written by one of the World’s most successful author’s was always going to have a lot to live up to.

It was a shame therefore this production didn’t feel like an attempt to even try and compete.  

Set in a high security prison over 20 years, much of the original story and many of the original characters remain. Fans of the film will remember warm characters with depth and variety, honest storytelling, gritty drama and well-placed light hearted moments.

REVIEW: Love Me Tender at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking

Featuring 25 of The King’s most popular songs, Love Me Tender is a new musical from the producers of Hairspray and Legally Blonde inspired by the music of Elvis.

The story is simple enough; a small town in the US are shook to its core by a hip-shaking, pelvic thrusting stranger with enough charm and charisma to power a jukebox. What follows is lots of falling in love, mistaken identity and a happy ending all around!

EDINBURGH FRINGE REVIEW: The Eulogy of Toby Peach, Underbelly

When he was 20 years old, roughly two and a half thousand days ago, Toby Peach was diagnosed with cancer. Now in remission for the fourth year, his self-delivered eulogy is the story of his life, how he fought cancer twice and how he lived to tell the tale.

It’s a superb solo show, written with care, emotion and strangely bags of wit and energy. We laugh throughout and then are left icy cold when Peach’s storytelling demands it. 

Scenes set in the Cancer Club depict cancer as a sleazy but alluring character, mixing cocktails for the audience and making Toby feel special at his inclusion in the club. 

EDINBURGH FRINGE REVIEW: Tether, Underbelly

Focusing on one man’s desire to win Gold, Tether tells the story of athlete Mark who unwillingly becomes a guide for blind marathon runner Becky.

Proud and egotistical, Mark is far from the warm heart needed to support prickly Becky and the two quickly lock horns as a power battle ensues. Over time, the two find a common ground and Mark spies opportunity in supporting Becky to fulfil his quest for medal validation. 

Writer Isley Lynn has clearly done extensive research into the sport and has dug deep into the world of Paralympic athletes and in doing so, has created an authentic and honest script. 

EDINBURGH FRINGE REVIEW: Bruce, Underbelly

Who knew a block of yellow sponge could be so engaging?!

Bruce is a simple but compelling story of love, action and adventure displaying some wicked storytelling and performed by The Last Great Haunt.

Just two performers, one puppet and a few change of eyes is all that is needed to bring this rich and colourful tale to life which whizzes by leaving the audience desperate for more.

Uplifting, laugh out loud funny and immensely warm, the success of this piece is its simplicity. Amazing vocal skills and strong physical performances make Bruce seem incredibly human this show is by far one of the most feel-good in Edinburgh.

EDINBURGH FRINGE REVIEW: Brute, Underbelly

Based on true events, Brute follows the life of Poppy; a 14 year old school girl who has just begun studying at an all-girls school.

Unable to do right from wrong, Poppy makes friends, breaks them, daren’t be too clever, too stupid, too fat nor to thin and Izzy Tennyson morphs herself into the character with terrifying ease.

The opening scenes are a strong vehicle for Tennyson’s talents as a performer and writer, but this strength isn’t maintained throughout, with the production becoming repetitive and the character becoming too Vicky Pollard to sustain the audiences early interest. 

EDINBURGH FRINGE REVIEW: Ross & Rachel, Assembly Box

A dark and moving play, Ross and Rachel trials the highs and lows of modern love and a woman’s struggle to forge an identity outside of her relationship status.

Not at all comical or frivolous like the title may suggest, James Fritz’ play is told by just one performer, Molly Vevers, who shines in this production. Blending effortlessly between the husband and wife of this story, she is a captivating and emotional performer who is utterly magical in this tight and tense play.

Simply staged in the Assembly Box venue, the audience are taken on her roller-coaster journey as she attempts to be a good wife, support her dying husband and suppress feelings for “Daniel”.

REVIEW: Avenue Q at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking

Like an after-hours episode of Sesame Street or late-night Muppets, Avenue Q is the polar opposite of most mainstream musicals. Cheeky, rude and risqué, this production delights the audience from start to finish.

Following the lives of a strange bunch of characters living on run-down Avenue Q, the story focuses on friendship, love and doing nice things for each other. It’s a simple enough tale brought to life by some fancy puppetry, memorable and delightful songs and colourful storytelling.

REVIEW: Top Hat at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking

Based on the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers classic film, Top Hot tap dances its way to Woking on the latest stop of a UK tour. Recent Olivier award recipients for choreography (amongst others) expectations were high.

The farcical story follows the blossoming romance between Broadway star Jerry Travers and the gorgeous Dale Tramont and the chaos of mistaken identity that sees the story hop from the US, London and Italy.

REVIEW: East is East at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking

An adaptation from screen to stage is never easy, especially when the subject is one of most successful and iconic British films of the last twenty years. But there is no doubt about it; this production is a great success in its own right.

Fans of the 1999 film (a play previously) will love the intimacy of this production where story-telling and characters firmly take centre stage. With a largely static set, the actors work hard together to combine minimal scene changes with fluid movement to keep the pace of the show fast and slick.

REVIEW: The Sound of Music at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking

It’s hard to reinvent a production set in the 1930s but a little more imagination and panache is needed to rescue this latest tour of The Sound of Music.

If you’ve not seen the film (I haven’t so not everyone has!) this is the story of loveable and feisty Maria Rainer and her struggle find her place in the world. Does she want to dedicate her life to God and become a nun or can this free-spirit shake up the regimented von Trapp household and breathe new life into Captain von Trapp?

REVIEW: Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking

Well, the play certainly lived up to its title. Well almost. Nonsense it most certainly was, Perfect? Far from it.

 The three superb individual performances from the production’s cast wasn’t enough to paper over the cracks of a show with a woefully confusing or non-existent storyline and tired gags.

So to start with the good; Ed Hancock as Bertie Wooster was a loveable and energetic lead with great comic timing and facial expressions with just enough restraint to stop the character being irritating. He was a wonderful narrator for this tale but was a pity there wasn’t more in the text for this talented actor to work with.

REVIEW: The Kings Speech at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking

For those who, like me, haven’t seen the smash hit film; this is the heart warming true story of King George VI overcoming his stutter in order to deliver the speech of his life.

Set during Churchill-era Great Britain, this play is tight, amusing, emotional and powerful and allows its leads the chance to take centre stage; an opportunity both actors do with pleasure.

REVIEW: Jesus Christ Superstar at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking

Jesus Christ Superstar, by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, tells one of the World’s most well-known and important stories. The show has been wowing audiences all over the globe since the 1970s and this touring production arrives in Woking at a topical time of year with Easter just days away.  Opening with Judas and his concerns with the influential Jesus and culminating with his crucifixion, the show tells rather than preaches. The writers knew this musical was a risk when it was being developed but the audience on opening night here clearly disagreed, rising to their feet.

REVIEW: Spamalot at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking

A show packed full of gags but not realising its potential.

Lovingly written by Python’s very own Eric Idle, it is impossible for any Life of Brian or Holy Grail fan not to enjoy this production. It is familiar and rewarding to fans of their comedy, without excluding those not aware of Monty Python’s work. And at less than two hours, the show zips by with little chance to draw breath.

The supporting cast work tirelessly in a variety of roles to bring this silly, irreverent story to life with Richard Kent as Prince Herbert and Richard Meek appearing as Sir Dennis Galahad (amongst other roles) particularly shining. The strength of this production was the pace and energy amongst the cast members, used to great effect to aid their storytelling.

REVIEW: Dance 'Till Dawn at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking

Ok, let’s address the obvious first; Vincent and Flavia are exceptionally talented dancers. Even though I am no Strictly Come Dancing expert, I know this. Flawless footwork, perfect timing and chemistry that ooze out of every pore, the pair recreates the magic of 1940s Hollywood in this high energy production.

What was a welcome surprise was just how good the rest of this 2 hour feast for the senses was!

Musical Director Patrick Hurley created a score rich in sounds that take the audience on a nostalgic journey to the golden era of film and showbiz, with jazz favourites like Cry Me A River and Why Don’t You Do Right. The show also added new tones to contemporary songs by Bruno Mars, Adele and Paolo Nutini which only aided the shows appeal and made it relevant to a younger audience.

REVIEW: The Full Monty at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking

There was an air oestrogen smothered excitement that enveloped this packed out New Victoria Theatre for the opening night of The Full Monty.

Based on the smash-hit 1997 film, Stephen Beaufoy’s adaptation leads the audience through the trials and tribulations of a group of working class men, on the dole and looking to make a quick buck as wannabe strippers!

Set against a backdrop of the once successful steel works, this production packs a good visual punch throughout with impressive set, effects and a soundtrack fizzing with memories and emotion.

For a story that is so well known and approaching 20 years old, the themes resonate strongly, particularly the underlying tension of the post-Thatcher era still ringing in the ears of the British public. It was a startling reminder and realisation of how far we haven’t come. Hard working families are struggling to stay afloat and it is this message that carries the audience from start to finish.

REVIEW: Long Story Short at the Charing Cross Theatre

Billed as a play for anyone who lives in a world dominated by technology, Long Story Short felt surprisingly dated dealing with the fast-paced world of news via social media.

Focusing on the blurred line between news and entertainment, ratings versus real life and real people, the show centred on Neil (Tom Gordon) recalling his struggle with editorial decisions and control, whilst interwoven stories of Red (Kevin Phelan) and Jamie (Cole Edwards) dealt with the battle of giving audiences the news they want at any cost.

Tom Gordon was commanding and believable in his role of newsroom lynchpin Neil and his scenes surrounded by his colleagues were some of the strongest in the production. Cole Edwards gave an energetic, if not hyperbolic performance as wayward youngster Jamie, who craved information on his missing brother serving in Afghanistan. The cast all worked hard as an ensemble and while the choreographed movement was strong and slick, it was an overused making the play seem repetitive in a world where no two days or news stories are meant to be the same.