Name: The Dublin Legends
Start: 2025-03-20
End: 2025-03-20
Location: Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

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.

Sleeping Beauty – Cloc MTC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sleeping Beauty – Cloc Musical Theatre Company

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 3rd February 2025

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

Cloc Musical Theatres annual post Christmas pantomime is on this week at the town hall and is the classic Sleeping Beauty.

I’m sure everyone knows the story of Sleeping Beauty, beautiful princess cursed by her evil aunt pricks her finger falls asleep for 100 years and only true loves kiss can break the curse, I tell you now there will be no falling asleep during this show and there is no true loves kiss in this version, but that has no impact on the story.

First on stage we are greeted with three fairies who guide us through the tale, played by Tina Boyce, Hannah Muxlow and for a fairy with a difference Krystian Wharton who all play their roles with great comic awareness.

Central to the story are Nanny Nightnurse played by John Biddell no stranger to playing the dame and Muddles played by Calum Reynolds (Muddles) who for his first comedic role is brilliant arriving on stage by an array of methods, a space hopper and skateboard among them, all in a wonderful array of hats to go with his jesters costume he was one of my stars of the show. The other would be Princess Aurora played by Sophia Powers no stranger to playing princess’s and looks more and more like one every time I see her in a show, she has a wonderful singing voice and grows in confidence with every performance. Young Aurora is played by two young performers Belle Bottomley and Gracie Jones, I believe it was Belle on stage for the dress rehearsal i was at..wow what a voice strong and confident and she also performs well on stage.

The show is peppered with some well known catchy numbers which bring the whole cast together in some great dance routines.

Full credit for the wonderful show must go to the behind the scenes teams and producer Teresa Biddell a quick mention to Going Dark for excellent lighting.

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.

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

Sleeping Beauty – Trinity Players ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sleeping Beauty – Trinity Players

Streetly Community Centre

Wednesday 4th December 2024

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

Panto season has arrived and that can only mean one thing, Christmas is around the corner.

This is out first of four pantomimes to cover this year and if they are all as good as this one, it’s going to be Fun Fun Fun and Ho Ho Ho. Trinity Players have never done a pantomime before so this was new territory for them but they have not let that deter them. This is one of the best amateur pantos I have seen in years.

For me the stars of the show are Muddles played by Bexs Perry and Dame Nurse Nelly played by Richard Mcnally-Reilly their stage presence was huge but more than that their comic timing was exceptional.

Maleficent (Evil Aunt) played by Jenny Marsh and her feathered accomplice Russell Crow played by Cameron Hall (who by just standing there will have you laughing) will certainly bring forth a barrage of Booing again both excellent in their roles.

Sammi Kelly-Griggs as Princess Aurora entertains well with a good stage presence and excellent singing voice.

Full credit must go to the supporting cast and ensemble who all play their parts perfectly and really enjoy their time on stage.

The production team led by director Dan Barnes have certainly put in the work to bring this magical show to stage a massive cheer out for all.

The Upbeat Beatles

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Sunday 24th November 2024

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

This seems to becoming an annual event. The Upbeat Beatles once again performing to a sell out crowd at the Town Hall and had the audience singing and dancing along by the second number. There really isn’t much more you can say about this very talented and professional tribute to the Beatles, they cover all the hits and more and throughly enjoy what they are doing. Already penciled in for 2025 hurry up and get your tickets for a fantastic dose of nostalgia.

Mud Live In Concert

Mud Live In Concert supported by The Glam ‘n Glitz Band

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Thursday 21st November 2024

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

Friday night at the Town Hall saw us rolling back the years to the height of the “Glam Rock” era with one of the major glam rock bands of the time – Mud who still have two original members Ray Stiles and Rob Davis, maybe not sporting the 70’s hairstyles and massive flares and platforms but still blasting out the hits.

I first saw Mud if I remember correctly at Barberellas in Birmingham many years ago when i was a youngster with the same fashion sense…oh dear no photos currently still in existence thankfully

Starting off with L L Lucy, Crazy, Dynamite and Hypnosis the sell out crowd were soon singing and clapping along. The continued along with hit after hit pausing only to perform a hit from the Glitter Band “Angel Face” whose drummer Pete Phipps now performs with Mud.

The night closed with the hits we’d all been waiting for The Cat Crept In, Lonely This Christmas and Tiger Feet which had everyone up dancing!

Apart from a few issues with sound that seemed to be sorted out soon enough the night was a stopping success.

Cloc MTC – The Addams Family

The Addams Family Musical – Cloc MTC

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 28th October 2024 – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Studio 55 Photography

I was very kindly invited to the dress rehearsal of Cloc MTC’s latest production of “The Addams Family Musical” at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall. If like me you grew up in the 60’s then I’m sure you will remember that creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky family, the catchy theme tune and snapping fingers.

The musical is based around the main characters of the TV series with a script from a book by Brickman and Elice and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa.

The story revolves around Wednesdays budding romance with normal boy Lucas and families meeting for dinner at chez Addams, obviously the course of true love never runs smoothly and the ensuing antics accompanied by some wonderful one liners it makes for a very uplifting show.

John Biddell who plays Gomez the Father, is wonderful with his phoney Spanish accent and desperately trying keep Morticia in love with him and keeping Wednesday happy. Katie Lewis who plays Morticia gives a polished and charismatic performance. Her voice is sultry and beautiful and with some alluring dancing nails the character.

Eloise Tanley who plays Wednesday with a demonic zest, swapping between her brothers tormentor and torturer and the love struck youngster with ease her voice is powerful and harmonious.

As for the rest of the cast Ravin Thakrar playing the wacky Uncle Fester, for me stole the show and gives a glorious performance even when he breaks into his ballad “The Moon and Me”. Charlene Payton who plays Grandma is hilarious delivering a crazy witch like character with some of the best one liners and is quite unrecognisable. Pugsley the son is played by Abi Crosby giving a energetic performance trying to send his sisters romance off the rails. Finally Lurch played by Rob Whitehouse although his is a performance with only grunts, he makes sure that his presence is always felt and the surprises us all with a lovely rendition of “Move Towards the Darkness”

The Beineke family who are travelling to the big city to meet the Addams family are wonderfully played delivering doubt, reservations and surprise. I feel Dan Benton as Mal was maybe the weakest cast member this being his first role on stage in 10 years. Sam Rogers as Alice the repressed wife was superb her vocals were beautiful and strong. Finally Lucas the son and Wednesday’s love played by Alex Tuckwell whose mellow tones work very well with Wednesday.

Finally the ensemble cast paying the Ancestors (cavemen, ballerina gladiator, sailor and so many more) absolutely fantastic the dancing so in sync Teresa Biddell choreographer has done an amazing job. Also a massive well done to the costume, make-up and set depts for a superb job!

Summing up I have to say this is among one of the best performances I have seen from an amateur group. Slick, professional, fantastic dance routines and perfect singing an all round winner, congratulations to Laura White house producer, and her team.

The Addams Family Musical runs at the Sutton Coldfield Town Hall from Wednesday 30th October to Saturday 2nd November, performances start at 7.30pm, with a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday 2nd November. Ticket prices start from £18 and can be purchased at the Box Office, ring 0121 296 9543 or book online at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/sutton-coldfield/sutton-coldfield-town-hall/the-addams-family/e-azekqp

One Night Only – Billy Joel The Piano Man

One Night Of – Billy Joel The Piano Man

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Friday 25th October 2024

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

Robert Schmuck (Billy Joel) makes a fantastic return to Sutton Coldfield Town Hall after last years sell out. This was exactly as it was billed “The Ultimate Celebration” of one of the most iconic artists of all time Billy Joel

Performing with his excellent band they tore through the first few numbers with some wonderful arrangements that had the sell out crowd singing and clapping along before checking in with audience and letting us know what we were in for all the well known songs and some not so well known.

Robert carried on with a beautiful version of “An Innocent Man” and continued with such classics as Just The Way You Are, Tell Her About It, My Life and The Longest Time to name a few.

After the break we were back in full swing with more of those all time classics.

A fantastic and fun filled night with great music and a very happy audience.