THEGAYUK

Tag: Five Star Play Review

The latest Five Star Play Review from THEGAYUK.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Spring Tide at The Old Red Lion, Angel, London

    ★★★★★ | The Spring Tide at The Old Red Lion, Angel, London

    This new piece of writing by Carol Vine premieres with a stellar cast put together by Oliver Taheri Productions, and delivers a punchy and passionate play that explores coming out in middle age and the impact on a modern family.

    We see the two women as girls in the teens and throughout the years of their relationship up until present day, Suzy trapped in an unhappy middle class world with an angry teenager and a crumbling marriage, Lan still waiting on her love to return.

    There was a little too much ‘business’ on stage between scenes and that was slightly distracting however the performances of the actors bought us crashing back into the narrative with their passionate and brave performances. The characters are not stereotypical but very real and three dimensional and the story not sensationalist but entirely believable. The actors also deliver a very naturalistic performance so you truly empathise with the characters and the tragic twist of the story is all the more poignant for it.

    On until 21st September, Tuesday to Saturday 7.30pm and Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 3pm

  • THEATRE REVIEW | House of Burlesque

    ★★★★ | House of Burlesque

    International burlesque sensation Tempest Rose’s House of Burlesque is an evening of comedy, circus, music, politics and, yes, several beautiful ladies wearing very little. Above all else though, it’s an evening of glamorous, decadent fun.

    The first thing to strike you as the introductory group dance starts is the sheer variety of shapes on view – not just wafer thin model types; these are real ladies with real ladies’ curves, and the evening is all the better for it.

    Tempest Rose has a natural warmth which suits her role as ring mistress perfectly. Her humour and quick wit, combined with a touch of sass and oodles of sex appeal, hold the audience in the palm of her perfectly manicured hands from the very moment she takes the stage. She has a voice as smooth as velvet and her rendition of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is one of the most beautiful covers I have heard.

    The first solo performance comes from Betsy Rose, who gives us a military themed routine, moving in perfect unison with the beat. This is a lady who knows her body and how to work it to both excite and entice her audience, striking just the right level of suggestion and sexuality.

    The wonderfully expressive Audacity Chutzpah slips from one persona to another with grace during a routine that is as comedic as it is political. As she charts the women’s rights movement through the decades, one cannot help but think that if all history lessons were like this, a lot more people would take note.

    Rapidly becoming a firm favourite of mine, the delightfully sensual Jolie Papillon performs a peacock routine that shows her off to her very best. This girl can move, and does so with a sensuality and provocative grace that is undeniably erotic. Also, as if purposefully, her peacock tail gives me the feathery fabulousness I so desperately crave, thereby restoring my gay credentials for a review in which I’m aware it sounds like they’re rapidly diminishing!

    Proving once and for all just how hot burlesque can be, Trixi Tassels enters in a black leather trenchcoat and demonstrates within seconds the command she holds over her audience. In a perfectly choreographed fire-based routine, the seams of her clothes simply melt away.

    Other excellent performances on the night come from Leonie Soprano (the vanishing showgirl), Jo Foley and Graeme Clint (comedic acrobatic trapeze duo) and Chloe Hannah Lloyd (hula hoops). All acts were ably assisted by the “Stage Kittens” Fille J’adore and Gracie Disgrace.

    Whatever your persuasion; whether you fancy men or women, both or neither, or any variation thereof, this is a deliciously decadent night that dazzles and delights all who attend.

     

    House of Burlesque returns to the London Wonderground on September 5 and 11. Tickets are £15.50 from www.londonwonderground.co.uk/houseofburlesque

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Sweet Bird Of Youth, Old Vic, London

    ★★★★★ | Sweet Bird Of Youth

    I have to confess that I attended The Old Vic with a sense of dread. As much as I love Kim Cattrall, as good a reputation as the theatre has, I couldn’t help but think that this was going to disappoint me.

    The problem is that I’m a massive fan of Tennesse Williams and love the 1962 film version of “Sweet Bird of Youth” and who could match the powerful performances of Paul Newman and Geraldine Page? I was wrong to doubt them. This was an awe inspiring piece of theatre which left me breathless and wanting more.

    The play opens with ageing actress Princess Kosmonopolis (Kim Cattrall) passed out drunk in a hotel bedroom whilst her companion, gigolo Chance Wayne (Seth Numrich) paces nervously, swigging vodka. Chance is a drifter and opportunist with a string of misdemeanours and failures and has hooked up with the Princess (a pseudonym) who is in hiding after a disastrous film premiere, to enable him to return to his hometown in search of the girl he left behind there.

    Both characters are self proclaimed monsters with insecure vanities and fears and regrets. They’re incredibly likeable and attractive monsters though and they manage to reflect the foibles we all have to greater or lesser extents. Numrich is delectable and as he swaggers and lurches about the stage he exudes a fragile masculinity, tinged with vulnerability. He’s also incredibly attractive and has a body which made me shuffle in my seat. Cattrall preens, lurches, has tantrums and breakdowns and is utterly convincing in her role as she wanders round in disarray, popping little pink pills and swigging liquor. The two leads are both exceptional and are well supported by a large cast.

    The staging is also worth commenting on with a versatile and stylish set which transforms from hotel bedroom, to bar room to Southern mansion exterior.

    I’d definitely recommend this play. It’s an absolute tour de force and a stunning take on a rarely seen classic play.

    ‘Sweet Bird of Youth’ runs at The Old Vic until: 31st of August 2013

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Knee Deep, Riverside Studios

    ★★★★★ | Knee Deep, Riverside Studios

    Following their hit show at the Edinburgh Fringe festival last year, Casus are back with their breathtaking performance of Knee Deep at the Riverside Studios.

    The 4 performers (Emma Serjeant, Jesse Scott, Natano Fa’anana and Lachaln McAulay) are captivating to watch, their bodily strength is truly incredible.

    They use hoops, straps, silks and more amazingly, raw eggs to perform some spectacular circus tricks. The stage is empty and simply lit and your proximity to the performance creates an intimate atmosphere, where every movement absorbs you fully into the action of the piece.

    Its truly awe inspiring to watch and I spent most of the hour agog at the exceptional skills of these performers and their incredible physiques. For me, it’s a must see.

    by Becky Harper

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Untold Stories

    ★★★★★ Untold Stories | Master of his craft Alex Jennings exuberantly brings Alan Bennett’s autobiographical theatre production ‘Untold Stories’ to life in two warm and masterful accounts entitled ‘Hymn’ and ‘Cocktail Sticks’.

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  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Curious Incident Of The Dog In Night Time

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | The Curious Incident Of The Dog In Night Time

    Based in the incredibly successful 2003 novel by Mark Haddon, the stage play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has transferred from the National to the Apollo Theatre in the West End.

    The play tells the story of 15-year-old schoolboy Christopher Boone and his quest to solve the mystery of who murdered a dog in his neighbourhood. During his investigation, he discovers secrets and embarks on an adventure where he is forced to leave his comfort zone and ultimately, grow from a boy into a young man.
    Christopher shows signs of an unidentified “behavioural problem” with characteristics normally associated with Asperger’s syndrome or autism. Often, he struggles to communicate with those around him and his frustration can be felt throughout the play. The actor Luke Treadaway, best known for War Horse at the National, who gives Christopher a depth of character rarely seen on the stage today. I expect he is a shoe in to win an Olivier Award for his performance. By the end of the play, you forget he is an actor playing a part and it is hard to imagine Treadaway without a “behavioural problem” of his own- he is incredibly convincing and strangely attractive in the role. A friend who joined me at the theatre swooned when at one point Treadaway took off his shirt. The rest of the cast do a very good job in supporting roles, especially Nicola Walker and Paul Ritter who play his frustrated parents.

     

    Perhaps the only thing that upstages Treadaway’s performance is the incredible set design by Bunny Christie, which mirrors Christopher’s genius mind. The set lights up at various times in the play and can comfortably look like the inside of a bedsit in Willesden as it does deep space.
    The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a satisfying trip to the West End. It combines a compelling story, with a stunning set and equally inspired performances from the cast. All theatre should be this engaging.
    Five stars
    Playing at the Apollo Theatre until 4 January 2014

    Tickets at www.nimaxtheatres.com

    Running time 2 hrs 30 mins

  • THEATRE REVIEW | STRAIGHT

    Straight by DC Moore, based on the 2009 film “Humpday”, this is a story about two college friends reunited after a seven-year hiatus. ★★★★★

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  • THEATRE: The Importance Of Being Earnest

    So, most of us know all about Oscar Wilde?

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