Script Youth Theatre – School Of Rock 5 ⭐️

School Of Rock – Script Youth Musical Theatre Company

Highbury Theatre

Monday 3rd July 2023 – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

I was lucky enough to be invited to Script Youths dress rehearsal of School of Rock and I have to say the kids are more than all right and definitely “Sticking It To the Man”

The show is based on the hit movie starring Jack Black and focuses on Dewey Finn, a slacker wannabe rocker who has been dumped by his band and winds up masquerading as a supply teacher at a snooty prep school. He proceeds to introduce his pre teens class the joys of rock and gets them ready to compete in “The Battle Of the Bands” Along the way Dewey finds romance, self-worth, a proper job, and, most importantly he teaches the children and their parents the beauty of rock!

Harry Robbins is a joy to watch as Dewey delivering an explosive performance full of energy. He comes across as the scruffy free loader possessed with rock, and performs knockout versions of “You’re in the Band” and “Stick it to the man” He is complemented by the wonderful Evie Rice who plays Rosalie the uptight headmistress, she sings a fantastic rendition of “Where did the rock go?”

I had thought that all the singing might be a little high pitched and the instrument playing not that good- boy was I wrong! The singing was varied and interesting, the kids played their instruments live, but you could also hear the house band playing holding it all together.

The performances were universally knock-out – from Ruby Edmonds as the face-melting guitar genius Zack to Gracie Reynolds as Tomika who emerges from her shell with a shockingly good “Amazing Grace”; from Kadeena Glendon as Lawrence, the gluten-intolerant loner who becomes a cool dude on the keyboards, to Zachery Duke as the flamboyant, design-mad Billy. Full credit to Alex Brown who plays Freddie the drummer who learnt to play drums for the show. Top marks and gold stars to the remainder of the cast who were all tremendous.

Trinity Players – The Hunchback of Notre Dame. 5 ⭐️

The Hunchback of Notre Dame – Trinity Players (A Birmingham Premiere)

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 5th June 2023 – Dress Rehearsal

By Lee Williams

Photography – Lee Williams Photography

What an amazing show, full of exquisite colour and sound brought together in a play many of us would have heard of but don’t know much about. A classic Directed by Dan Barnes with music by Peter Bushby. Labled ‘A Journey from Paris to Sutton Coldfield’ this is the story of Quosimodo and Esmeralda which has endured many retellings since its original conception nearly 200 years ago. The version on display here is a culmination of centuries of adaptations. The main players are Quasimodo, played by Steven Blower – what a powerful and captivating performance. At times he just has you transfixed by the powerful story line and the emotional feeling and effort he puts in to the role, it’s something to behold. Esmeralda (Janine Henderson) plays an amazing part. As a gypsy, she is an outcast and un-welcomed. Seen as different and something to be shunned, much like Quosimodo, this brings them together. All this with Jeanne Claude Frollo (Paul Wescott) playing a leading part of the religious leader who whilst attempting to be defiant, shows that even he can display weakness too. Then there is Phoebus, the dashing Soldier who falls for Esmeralda, which leads to both of their downfalls!! With so much colour, music and passion,

this will definitely be a hit show to remember.

The Dubliners Experience

Last night saw the very popular “Dubliners Experience Show” roll in to the Town Hall.

Celebrating the music of the famous Dubliners the show kicked off with the classic “Whiskey in the Jar” and proceeded with more classic and sing-along tunes.

They are fantastic musicians and have a great stage presence and good report with the audience

Made In Tennessee

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Friday 2nd June 2023

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

Last night Nashville came to Sutton Coldfield by means of the “Made In Tennessee” show.

The show took us through the decades of the nations fastest growing music genre, from Country’s origin in the Southern States of America to modern day Country heard around the world.

The two lead singers performed excellently and treated us to some superb versions of classics like Rose Garden, Jolene, Ring Of Fire, The Weight, and a very rarely heard number by George Jones that I cant remember the title to (If anyone knows it please let me know thanks)

In the second half we were treated to some more classics and some new ones such as The Devil went down to Georgia ,with some excellent fiddle work , Garth Brooks Friends In Low places and a particular highlight for me Chris Stapleton’s Tennessee Whiskey which was superb

If you like Country music then I recommend you catch this show. Superb musicians great vocals and fantastic fun.

D – Day Darlings

The D – Day Darlings

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Saturday 5th May 2023

By Lee Williams

Photography –Lee Williams Photography

Well, what can we say, what an amazing night. All the old tunes had everyone singing. plus, the timing couldn’t have been better, playing on the night before the Coronation, it was great to see the national spirit is strong. Excellent show!

Last Days Of Disco

Last Days Of Disco ft. So Diva

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Saturday 29th April 2023

By Nigel Gambles

Photography –Nigel Gambles Photography

Last Days Of Disco featuring So Diva played their second of two nights at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall last night and what a show transporting us back to the halcyon days of Disco.

SO DIVA famously championed by SIR TOM JONES on ITV’S THE VOICE UK brought a show packed with a unique setlist of 80s dancefloor classics from Irene Cara, Lipps Inc, Debarge, The Pointer Sisters, Evelyn Champagne King, Kool and the Gang, Stacey Lattishaw, Shalamar, Stephanie Mills and many more.

The five fantastic vocalists were accompanied by an excellent seven piece band and their energy and sound soon had the majority of the audience on their feet throwing their best disco moves and singing along.

A great night was had by all, and speaking to a few people on my way out confirmed this.

An excellent show and the audience and I would recommend you finding tickets if you want to relive your glory days on the dance floor.

Another Busy Weekend Pt 3

The Bon Jovi Experience

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Saturday 25th February 2023

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

The weekend at the Town Hall culminated in The Bon Jovi Experience the official tribute band endorsed by and played with the man himself, so when I say they were good you will know what I mean.

Jon looks and sounds like the man himself and even has is movements down to a tee, playing to the audience and encouraging participation through the night got the crowd up and singing and dancing along.

The band were tight and professional and were enjoying every minute on stage.

If you are a Bon Jovi fan you dont want to miss the act and you will know why they are endorsed by Bon Bon Jovi when you see them.

Another Busy Weekend At The Town Hall

Last night kicked off another busy weekend at the Town Hall with the Shania – 25 Live Come On Over Tribute.

The show celebrates Shania’s ground breaking album “Come On Over” and some very well performed country classics.

“Shania” had a great stage presence and soon had the audience singing and clapping away . She is supported by a very tight and proficient band with some excellent guitar and fiddle work.

If you are fan of Shania and country music you don’t want to miss this show it is excellent and full of life.

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall – Awesome Weekend Part 2

The awesome weekend continued with none other than “The King” Elvis. Ben Thompson bought his high energy and entertains tribute to Elvis Presley to the Town Hall Saturday night.

It was a packed audience that welcomed him on stage where he performed a number of the Kings earlier songs : `Jailhouse Rock`, `Heartbreak Hotel`, `Love Me Tender` along with a couple of costume changes.

After a short intermission Ben returned resplendent in rhinestone jumpsuit and continued the show with songs for Elvis Vegas years. By this time the whole audience were on their feet dancing and singing along. All in all a fantastic show if you get the chance and like Elvis then don’t miss it.

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall – Awesome Weekend Part 1

Wow – What a weekend at the Town Hall

Friday saw us start with The History Of Rock which returned with its celebration of rock music through the decades. We were treated to the music from artists like Led Zeppelin, Cream, Guns and RosesQueen and loads more. According to my colleague who was there this is one of if not the best show he has seen at the Town Hall and believe us we have seen a few.He added that the drum and guitar solos were the highlight of the show simply amazing.