All Or Nothing

All or Nothing – The Experience

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Thursday 22nd May 2025

By : Lee Williams

Photography by : Lee Williams Photography for WOISC

All Or Nothing – Amazing! You can see why they have enjoyed three sell out tours and a successful West End run within this musical. Writer Carol Harrison and the show’s multi-talented cast, performed the new, All Or Nothing Experience Concert Show, celebrating the music of the iconic mod band Small Faces. Commencing with 1965, it documents the new phenomenon which erupted on the streets of London at the time – it was the essence of all that was cool… It was MOD!

Sharp, funny and streetwise, the show encapsulated all that was Mod. Behind this the storyline was colourful, just as their music, is poignant and bittersweet. The show charted and celebrated the band’s roller coaster journey through their unique and electrifying sound. The hits just kept coming, including What’cha Gonna Do About It, Itchycoo Park, Lazy Sunday, Tin Soldier, All or Nothing and more.

In the second half the band performed a sensational selection of groovy and soulful sixties hits showing off their talents even further. What an amazing night!

Kipps Half A Sixpence – Manor Musical Theatre Co. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kipps : Half A Sixpence – Manor Musical Theatre Co.

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Tuesday 6th May 2025

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

To set the scene I have only ever seen the movie of Half A Sixpence with Tommy Steele and Julia Foster and that was quite a time ago so I had no idea what to expect. What I saw was absolutely brilliant and I loved every minute singing along to the well known numbers all be it to myself as I did not want to clear the building.

“Kipps” is a revised version of the musical Half a Sixpence, with a Book written by Julian Fellowes of Downton Abbey fame. The story follows the misadventures of the hapless Arthur Kipps, a working class lad whose happiness at coming into money is quickly eroded at the hands of a bunch of grasping aristocrats. Will Arthur be true to his new love, the well-to-do Helen, or return to childhood sweetheart Ann who suddenly re-enters his life? The answer to that question probably won’t surprise many, but we certainly had a great time getting there! Roughly one third romance, one third fish out of water tale, and one third social commentary, the show is enlivened by a series of toe-tapping musical numbers that will be familiar to anyone who’s seen the famous Tommy Steele musical.

Arthur Kipps is played by Jamie Wilson. This is his first lead role for Manor but a number of you may remember him from previous productions, The Sound of Music and Anything Goes are just a couple. Jamie brings the down to earth feel of Tommy Steels Kipps to the part along with his excellent dancing and strong singing voice, it is not a role for the faint hearted as Kipps is barely off stage. I dont think it will be long before we see this young man in a major national show.

Ann Pornick, Arthur’s childhood sweetheart is played by Eliza Tall. The chemistry between Jamie and Eliza is perfect and matures really nicely when they meet up again several years later. Eliza’s voice is such a gorgeous instrument, especially highlighted in Ann’s solo, “Long Ago”.

Juliet Fisher plays the other corner of the love triangle, Helen Walsingham. Helen is one of those characters who you do feel a little sorry for because if it were not for her mother, maybe Helen and Arthur might have had a good shot at marriage, because Helen and Arthur really do want just a small house to live and be happy in. Helen is educated, classy and beautiful and glides around a room more than merely walks. Juliet is obviously perfectly cast.

Mrs Walsingham is Helen’s domineering mother, fussy, tiresome, full of self importance and a snob. She is however, played wonderfully by Lynette Coffey.

James Walsingham, Helen’s brother, is a somewhat corrupt financial advisor. He is seemingly the more favoured offspring of Mrs Walsingham and is played by Tom Wells. Tom also doubles as the brilliantly camp photographer in the massively fun scene at Arthur’s wedding where we get to experience “Flash, Bang Wallop”

Well as all the principals sang and danced (and they were all superb), for me the heart and soul of this show was in the performance of the ensemble. What a delight they were – exuberant, tuneful and extremely well-rehearsed (what must have been hours and hours of effort shone through on stage.) Choreographer Izzie Larkin produced three or four absolute showstoppers, all delivered with real heart and conviction by the entire cast, it was great to see absolutely everyone giving it both barrels, the dancing extending right to the back of the group. I particularly enjoyed the denizens of the pub reprising ‘Money to Burn’ and espousing ‘The Joy of the Theatre’, whilst the ‘Flash Bang Wallop’ finale was a triumph of timing that would not look out of place on a West End stage.

Finally, credit to Musical Director Chris Arnold for expertly marshalling an eleven-piece Orchestra, and to Directors Pam & James Garrington, who kept the action flowing very effectively.

Lichfield Operatic Society – Any Goes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Anything Goes – Lichfield Operatic Society

Lichfield Garrick

Tuesday 8th April 2025

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

Lichfield Operatic Society have done themselves proud. Anything Goes, this year’s production of choice, is a superb showcase of rich talent and enduring passion. Overseen by the Director Patrick Jervis, the production is confident, powerful and brimming with enthusiasm and joy.

It is also packed classics: I Get a Kick Out of You; You’re the Top; It’s De-Lovely.

Set on an ocean liner the SS American, bound from New York to London, Anything Goes follows the madcap antics of those on board. Central is Billy Crocker, a charming young stowaway who has fallen in love with wealthy heiress Hope Harcourt (played by Ellie Johnstone), who is already engaged to an English aristocrat Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (played by Connor Brooks). Billy is played masterfully by Adam Gregory, while Charlotte Jervis effortlessly embodies Reno Sweeney, a nightclub singer who assists Billy in his bid to win Hope’s heart.

Ellie Johnstone provides an outstanding portrayal of Hope. Her acting is sensitive, congenial and expressive, providing her scenes with sophistication and warmth. Adam Gregorys’s rendition of Billy is rich with boyish charm and a strong sense of fun. His chemistry when on stage with Ellie or Charlotte is nothing short of magical. I will say now that all three of them could have been on a stage in the West End their performances so polished and realistic.

Ben Green is public enemy number 13 – Moonface Martin. He shows off his comic side and gives an easygoing, shoulder-rolling, soft-shoe-shuffling performance as low-league criminal Moonface Martin that reminds you what a pro he is. His duet with Charlotte Jervis on the song Friendship is a playful delight

Shannon Robinson is the sultry gangsters moll Erma Latour, who is having a ball playing the ships sailors off against one another for her hand in marriage, while also warning them that she is not easily pleased. Shannon is superb, her accent and sassy brashness just hitting the mark perfectly.

Also strong is Chris Stanley, playing the Ship’s Captain his performance is very assured. Theo Fryer, plays the Ship’s Purser, offering a comedic and charismatic performance. Don’t miss them at the start of the show before the curtains raised

The best songs and the biggest moments belong to Charlotte Jervis as Reno and she knocks them out the park her voice is amazing.

While the acting quality is compelling across the whole cast, this is a musical, and the musical facet of this production is exquisite thanks to musical director David Easto. The orchestra lays on melodious accompaniment throughout, which makes the actors’ and actresses’ performances shine all the more. Sound and lighting move in tandem with the onrushing of the plot, guiding the production from each set-piece scene to the next. The setting of an ocean liner is great in its design, owing to the diligent work of stage manager Martin Garfield and his back stage team

Perhaps most striking in this production is the use of dance, choreographed skilfully by Zoe Heathcote and Jody Edmunds. The hours of practice that have gone into some of the routines must have been huge and the quality, professionalism and passion shines through to the point where you will be exhausted just watching. The enthusiasm and enjoyment each cast member demonstrates is truly stirring, and you have to admire the whole company’s dedication. Each radiant scene glides into the next, moving with water’s easy tread and supple fluidity. The dancing scenes are elegant and subtle, yet profound – they are in their execution quite simply excellent.

Evita – Lichfield Musical Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Evita – Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre

Lichfield Garrick

Tuesday 1st April 2025

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre

This was two hours of breathtaking pleasure that once again reminds you of the number of incredibly talented young people we have in the area who dedicate their time and energy to create spectacles like this

This ambitious new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Evita which charts the rise to power of Eva Duarte from the dusty streets of Argentina to first lady of Prime Minister Juan Perón in the mid 1900’s. This is one of my favourite Lloyd Webber/Rice shows with some iconic numbers.

The casting of all the main characters was superb and each and every member of the sizeable chorus provided the perfect backdrop to what is a triumphant but ultimately sad story about the very short life of a woman who is still held to almost sainted regard in Argentina.

The audience is told the end of the story before the action is taken back to the streets of Argentina and a younger Eva Duarte who is from an impoverished background but has very lofty ambitions that this will not be her lot in life as she has eyes on stardom and ultimately power. Her journey begins with a dalliance with tango cabaret singer Augustin Magaldi (James Williams) his rendition of “On This Night Of a Thousand Stars” is energetic and enthusiastic. This short affair leads her to the bright lights of Buenos Aires where she goes through several men before marrying Juan Perón (Zach Andrews) and becoming the most powerful lady in the land. All the while, and ostensibly as an onlooker, uber left wing political activist and general trouble maker to the powers that be Che Guevara (Zephan Rowe) is looking on critically as the aspirational social climber is using all her wiles to get to where she wants to be. His duet “High Flying Adored” with Eva is beautiful

The role of Evita is played with sublime elegance by Hannah Roche she makes it all look so effortless. She embodies Eva Perón completely – the passion, the emotion, the determination to reach the top, and the ever-growing anxiety about the impending end. When she sang “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” the anthemic centrepiece of the show left us delighted and simultaneously heartbroken.

The principal cast are supported ably and with such professionalism by an ensemble who help paint the picture and set the scene. The choreography by Jessica Bennett is exquisite, especially in the blending of the movement of dance and marching during ‘And The Money Kept Rolling In’. The company are placed so stylishly upon the stage in each moment with the effect that every scene is a feast for the eyes and ears. It is almost exhausting to watch them.

As for the costumes. I tried to count the number of costume changes but gave up. Top marks to the team behind the planning of those outfits and managing the fast changes off-stage.

And so to my star of the show and it is a difficult one with so many stellar performances this evening, but it goes to a young lady who is found on stage in a scene where she is unceremoniously chucked out by the ever advancing Eva. In the programme she is called ‘The Mistress’ which I think is a little harsh as she was there first. But my star of the show goes to Charlotte Grubb who sang ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’ with effortless emotion and very nearly had me crying.

If you like musicals then get yourselves along to this show at The Garrick Theatre Lichfield from Tuesday 1st April – Saturday 5th April with a matinee on the Saturday

https://www.lichfieldgarrick.com/events/evita-lmyt#dates-and-times

Drag Me To The 80’s

Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Saturday 22nd March 2025

By Lee Williams

Photography By Lee Williams Photos

What an amazing show from the first song through to the last one! The 80’s Divas provided an amazing production full of dazzling outfits, songs and attitude. The crowd were up and dancing from the first song and were singing along. This was a performance full of the greatest 80’s hits brought back to life. The night included the a live band and played Kylie, Madonna, Whitney, Bananarama , Queen, Abba, Rick Astley, Pet Shop Boys , Erasure, Duran Duran, Wham, Tina Turner all in one show! The crowd left so happy and tired from dancing and smiling!

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory – Tudor Musical Comedy Society ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory – Tudor Musical Comedy Society

Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 10th March 2025

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory The Musical opened on the West End in 2013 where it ran for 3.5 years but it took another 10 years for the show to tour the UK. The show is based on the Roald Dahl book which tells of Charlie Bucket who spends their day dreaming of chocolate. When Willy Wonka announces a chance for 5 children to win a tour around the famous chocolate factory, it sends the world into a frenzy but with Charlie’s family struggling to afford just one chocolate bar it looks unlikely that they would win, let alone the chance to win the biggest prize of them all.

The show is one of two halves. Act 1 focuses on the hunt for the winning tickets, Charlie’s daily struggles and with each child that wins they get a song that introduces their character. After the second or third winner this begins to feel a bit formulaic in nature and the pace feels slow with the audience wanting to get to the chocolate factory itself. Charlie finding the ticket also seemed anti-climatic and the magnitude of this event glossed over swiftly. The second act however is where the magic begins and we meet Willy Wonka and venture into the Chocolate Factory itself. The use of a giant projection screen really helps us visualise the factory and the interior.

My only criticism is the lack of memorable songs only Candyman and Pure Imagination make from the film

The cast are all very strong. In the performance I saw Charlie was played by Ellie Howard in the first half and Jack Brayley-Boddington in the second. Ellie is an accomplished performer and acts with confidence beyond her years. Elliot Scott-Lolly plays Willy Wonka and did so with a good mix of eccentric and genius, unfortunately he did not cut it for me, maybe due to his eight year break from musicals. Everyones favourite Mark Skett took on the role of Grandpa Joe who gets out of bed for the first time in years to take Charlie on the trip of a lifetime. Mark portrayed Grandpa Joe with a huge amount of heart and had the audience rooting for him from the start. I also enjoyed the portrayal of Mrs Bucket, played by Paula O’Hare (who played Calamity Jane last year) My favourite had to be Alex Nash who plays Augustus Gloop brilliantly and with a wonderfully comic German accent.

The rest of the golden ticket winners Bethany Davis as Veruca Salt, Dan McColoskey as Mike Teevee and Samantha Rogers as Violet Beaurearde (make sure you don’t miss the bit where she balloons in size) all play their roles with enthusiasm and skill. Oh and keep a lookout for Alex Tuckwell as the giant squirrel Jeremy.

This is a great show professionally staged directed and choreographed with passion by Juliet Fisher and Connie Mortiboy and full credit must also go to the backstage team led by Hellie England and to musical director and the orchestra led by Andrew Timmins. Lighting by Going Dark Theatrical Services

Anyone who has tickets for this show is in for a real treat it is wonderful.

Annie – Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Annie – Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company

Lichfield Garrick

Monday 24th March 2025

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

I think that, at some point, everyone has come across and been introduced to the story of Little Orphan Annie. Three movies across the years, and songs that have become part of our lives from our childhoods to now. It’s a story that somehow we keep coming back too, so it is no surprise that the most recent West End production has headed out on the road, spreading its charm and joy up and down the country.

The cast are brilliant, with no weak link, you can not fault them. Kerrie Penrice plays Miss Hannigan and she suits the role to a tee. An imposing figure over the small children, carrying off the characteristic drunken stagger and the slight insanity every moment when the orphanage girls run riot. Paul Lumsden plays the role of Warbucks. He is easily able to show the change of character from emotionless business man, in love with only money, to the sensitive man who wants to love Annie.

Rachel J Clarke comes onto the stage with a wonderful grace and beauty as Grace Farrell, with gorgeous vocals and a beautiful ease to everything she did on stage. I have to also highlight Ethan Bowley who takes on the role of Rooster, his quick switch from man of comedy to sinister villain sends a chill down your spine.

You can’t go and see a show like Annie and not marvel over the talents of the show’s young stars. It always amazes me how they can remember everything and make it look so easy. it was the adorable Eliza Bullock that took on the role of Annie and she was simply brilliant. A very mature performer with lovely vocals and some amazing facial expressions, she could sum up a lot in just one look. Lula McLoughin was also a highlight as the littlest orphanage girl Molly, from the beginning to the end she had the audience hanging on her every word. The entirety of team (Isabella Hamilton, Ellie Baker, Grace Wilson, Sophia Reeve Dotty Shipton and the rest of the orphans) are amazing little performers and sure to all go far.

This slick production effortlessly danced from scene to scene, taking us from the orphanage to the grand surroundings of Warbuck’s mansion, then whizzing us away to Washington then back again. It delights in story telling, and never misses a beat. The Choreography by Maggie Jackson is incredible, from the energy of ‘Hard Knock Life’ and ‘Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile’ to the classic feel of ‘NYC’ and the beautiful waltz in the second act. ‘Hooverville’ was also a highlight choreographically, slick and clever and effortlessly performed by a faultless ensemble.

Annie, in my opinion, is timeless. It’s a story of dreams and want, woven in with a story of good versus bad. From the darkness of the orphanage and Annie’s backstory to the light of the mansion and of Annie’s new future, it takes us back to watching the film as children. This is a production that can enchant even the youngest of children and thoroughly entertain the adults as well, one for all the family.

Finally no show can happen without the director and behind the scenes crew. Paula Lumsden directs and absolute winner here with a company who are enjoying every minute, which shows in their performance. Musical Director Sheila Jackson and choreographer Maggie Jackson just added the razzmatazz to the show.

Crooners

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Saturday 11th January 2025

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

The Crooners returned to Sutton Coldfield Town Hall last night to another full house after their sell out show last year.

Crooners has been wowing audiences with its witty and exhilarating show full of hilarious one liners, laugh out loud silliness and superb musical numbers with the outstanding 9-piece The Mini Big Band live on stage.

The show pays homage to some of the greatest Crooners of all time with a splendiferous injection of Britishness. Featuring humour, tap dance and some of the most quintessential songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Matt Monro, Nat King Cole, Bobby Darin. Expect some Come Fly With Me, Fly Me to the Moon, Mack the Knife and more

The one liners and innuendo comes thick and fast and with lots of it aimed at the audience who took it all in good heart and laughter, in fact I don’t think the audience stopped laughing for the whole show.

If you have not seen this show and encountered the characters they portray you are missing out.

Taylormania

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Thursday 9th January 2025

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

Taylormania returned to Sutton Coldfield Town Hall for two sellout shows, featuring Katy Ellis a self confessed “Swiftie”

The auditorium was full glitter, sequins and cowboy hats the anticipation was unbearable for the waiting audience of mainly young girls and boys, mums and in some cases dads. The house lights went down and the screams of joy went up, first the band entered the stage followed by four excellent and energetic dancers and then Katy Ellis looking every bit as good as Taylor. The costumes were custom made based on Taylor Swift’s Tours and music videos, and within 15 minutes we had been through three changes, I was told that Katy likes to change costumes in the show as much as she can. They are all amazing and Katy wears them well.

Through out the show Katy covers all the hits you would expect to hear “Blank Space”, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” “Bad Blood ” “I knew You Were Trouble,” “Cruel Summer,” “Shake It Off,” and one of Katys favourites from the Red era the full 10 minute version of “All Too Well” finally rounding the show off with Love Story.

What more can I say this is one of the most professional and well staged tribute acts I have seen, the lighting was first class teamed with some great pyrotechnics, the sound loud and spot on the dancers and Katy were second to none.

The audience had managed to surround the front of the stage and were singing along to every song word perfect at the tops of their voices and totally immersed in the phenomenon that is Taylor Swift. I managed to ask a few of the audience hat they thought of the show and they were totally captivated by the whole night.

Robin Hood ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Robin Hood – TaleGate Theatre productions

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Friday 6th December 2024 – Dress Rehearsal

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

TaleGate Theatre Productions returned to the Town Hall for this years spectacular pantomime production of Robin Hood.

Not a panto I have seen before but the story generally follows the classic tale, the “Hero Robin Hood”, the “Maid Marion” and the “Evil Sheriff of Nottingham” and a number of extras including a horse, a dragon and a large “Dog”

This is the third visit to the Town Hall this year by Talegate, previously here to perform “The Little Mermaid” and “Harry Potter” both of which were very well received.

Anyway back to the show in question, it certainly has everything and more you would expect, flying, smoke, pyrotechnics, dancing, songs and some famous faces! Pop star Lolly aka Anna Kumble is our Sheriff of Nottingham! listen out for a parody of her hit single “Mickey”

James Barlett as Will Scarlett who has appeared in TV shows including Hollyoaks and The Dumping Ground, who comes back to his hometown where it all started for him with Sutton Coldfield Music Theatre Company’s production of Oliver when he was 14!

As you would expect from a professional company, the show is performed with perfection and the jokes come thick and fast with plenty of slapstick. Full credit has to be given to “Dame Little Joan” played by Danny Mills whose character matches his outfits..outrageous and to Farrah Palmer, dance captain who leads the ensemble in some stunning routines, including dancers from a number of local dance schools.

This is 100% family show and we urge to get your tickets whilst you still can click the link below.

Finally if anyone knows why the “Dog” is there please let us know thanks