Category: Theatre

West Side Story 5⭐

West Side Story – Trinity Players

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 6th June

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

Trinity Players are back at the Town Hall with their production of one of the most memorable musical’s of all time “West Side Story” We were lucky enough to be at the Dress Rehearsal on Monday and wow are you in for a treat.

This epic love story surrounded by hatred, violence and prejudice is as popular as ever especially in the light of the recent movie re-make.

Trinity tackle this show with true professionalism, set in New York City two rival street gangs the Jets and the Sharks battle it out as two young lovers get caught in the crossfire.

I don’t think you could get a better Maria and Tony ( Libby Buick and Dan Barnes). Libby portrays Maria with such softness and grace her singing voice is superb, Dan plays Tony in a plain speaking and down to earth way of someone trying to escape the ties of gang life.

Ross Gilby who plays Bernardo, Maria’s over bearing and very protective brother hits the mark perfectly portrayed with subtle arrogance and aggression.

The singing and dancing of the supporting cast is fantastic full of life, enthusiasm and energy.

For me the highlight scene has to be the one on the fire escape, at this point I have to mention the amazing set. It has to be one of the best I have seen at the Town Hall and perfectly portrays the rundown feel of the New York tenements. Tony climbs to Marias window where she is singing Tonight, picked out perfectly by a soft spotlight, as Tony joins in and we get a beautiful duet.

I can’t finish this review without mentioning the “Rumble” expertly choreographed by Natalie Haslam with the fight scene seeming specially realistic.

Congratulations to directors Matthew Collins on his directorial debut and to Jennifer Holyhead for bringing this show to life. Its spectacular yes we all know most of the songs but here they are performed with passion and energy by a totally amazing cast.

If you have not already then get your tickets now there are a few remaining so hurry.

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/trinity-players

Little Shop Of Horrors 5⭐

Little Shop Of Horrors – Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 30th May

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

Last night we were invited to the dress rehearsal of Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre’s first production in 2 years thanks to the pandemic. Little Shop Of Horrors will be running from 31st May -4th June at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall.

Having only ever seen the film I was really looking forward to seeing this musical version and I can honestly say I was not disappointed the show is outstanding in all areas, the acting particularly that of the leads Nate and Millie was nothing short of captivating showing maturity beyond their years. Their singing was note perfect, to me, Millie’s voice was outstanding and I predict a future for her in the music industry.

The whole cast perform with great  energy and passion derived from months of rehearsals no doubt but well worth it when you watch the results.

The story follows a hapless shop worker, Seymour (Nate) who raises a plant that feeds on human flesh and blood who he names Audrey II (voiced by Zeph)  after Audery who he secretly loves, there begins the story, it is accompanied by some  well know n tunes, “Suddenly, Seymour ” “Skid Row” “Somewhere Green” the music which is enthusiastically played by the band at the front of the stage with a nod towards early sixties rock’n’roll and Motown.

The show is on until Saturday, don’t miss out get your tickets while you can you won’t be disappointed.

Definitely Maybe / Changing Man

The Modfather and Gallagher brothers in the shape of Definitely Maybe and Changing Man arrived at the Town Hall on Friday night for a night of classic Oasis and Jam tunes.

Definately Maybe are the UK’s longest established Oasis tribute act and you can see why their are hugely admired and very successful. Lead singer Ian bears an uncanny resemblance to Liam and has the knack of sounding like him too. Paul Mitchell takes up the reigns as Noel and mimics the riffs and lead breaks with such precision you’d think you were listening to the CD. Playing a selection of hits from all the Oasis albums they went down a treat with the crowd.

Changing Man are the ultimate Weller tribute mimicking the live set up with an attention to detail that is second to none. Playing classic Jam hits mixed with classic Weller solo material and excellent set of music.

Magnificent Sixties at The Town Hall

The Counterfeit Sixties  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The sixties returned to Sutton Town Hall last night in the shape of “The Counterfeit Sixties Show” there was nothing counterfeit about this show, taking the audience back to those fabulous swinging sixties bringing alive everything from that period including flashbacks from TV history, shows adverts and clips from the original bands.

We were treated to some of the best music from the era by bands such as The Beatles, The Who, The Dave Clark Five, The Kinks, Amen Corner and many more including a medley of one hit wonders.

Sound Of Music ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I had the pleasure to be invited to the Dress Rehearsal of Manor Musical Theatre company’s new production “The Sound Of Music” being performed at Sutton Coldfield’s Town Hall from Wednesday 27th April to Sunday 1st May you haven’t got tickets hurry there are only a very few left, if you have you are in for a treat. This is a superb production and also a welcome return for the company after the recent pandemic.

The cast are truly magnificent Paula O’Hare playing Maria has a wonderful voice and performs with such joy and enthusiasm, Richard Parry playing Captain von Trapp is portrayed with military precision  and the children are played with such maturity and fully embraced their roles I have to say that for me Sophie John playing Gretl is a star in the making.

All your favourite songs are here and I will be very surprised if the audiences are not singing along such is the enthusiasm of the cast.

The Town hall is certainly going to be alive with the sound of music

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