Category: Theatre

Kinky Boots – Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kinky Boots – Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company

Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Monday 20th May 2024 – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Studio 55 Photography

Ever since Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company (SCMTC) announced they were taking on the production of ‘Kinky Boots’, I have really been looking forward to it (I’ve never seen it before). Following their superb ‘Shrek’ last year, I was sure that the audience were in for something special with this feel-good story from the pen of Tim Firth – and I was definitely not disappointed.

The story tells the tale of Charlie Price who is thrust into the running and ownership of his family’s shoe business – Price and Co following the unexpected death of his father. Unbeknown to him, the company is not doing well and a chance meeting with a drag queen Lola puts the seed of an idea in Charlie’s mind about how he may revive the company’s fortunes and save the jobs of the workers.

Patrick Jervis and Daniel Surj are outstanding in the roles of Charlie Price and Lola aka Simon and they both sing the roles with heart, honesty, and warmth. The nuances that they bring to the roles is not to be underestimated, this takes significant acting skill. Charlie battles his own demons and Patrick captures this sensitively with his acting and singing performances. It is very easy to overdo the role of Lola down to the cross-dressing element – and to play it for laughs. Daniel brings the sassy, comedic warmth to the character while maintaining the sense of torment and resentment Simon carries with him from the rejection he got from his father as a younger man. Charlotte Jervis also gave a brilliant performance of Lauren, and really embodied her character and her performance of ‘Wrong Guys’ was fantastic and had the audience in stitches as the loved-up worker chased after Charlie.

Kerrie Penrice as director in her first production for SCMTC draws on her experience directing for the youth company to bring the story to the audience and the show stopping dance numbers choreographed by Maggie Jackson are superb. Land of Lola and the finale of act one are as accomplished as any professional production that I have seen.

The set, costumes and props are all appropriate and would not look out of place in a touring production.The lighting by Going DarkTheatrical Services is glitzy and glamourous as it should be when appropriate.

There is not a weak link in this performance from the two boys who played the younger incarnations of Charlie (Ewan Tall) and Simon (Joe Thomas) alongside Mr Price Sr (John Johnson) and Simon’s Dad (Mark Wright) through all the magnificent angels including all the factory workers. Particular praise goes to Paul Lumsden who performed the unenviable role of roughty toughty straight man, Don, and Sarah Jordan in her role as the equally unlikeable Nicola.

The night ended with the entire cast wearing the iconic kinky boots and strutting their stuff

The performance would not be complete without the superb orchestra who were outstanding and brilliant, Musical Director Sheila Pearson and Musical Director/Conductor Andy Timmins.

Anything Goes – Manor Musical Theatre Company ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Anything Goes – Manor Musical Theatre Company
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Tuesday 7th May 2024 – Dress Rehearsal
By Nigel Gambles
Photography – Studio 55 Photography

Manor Musical Theatre Company 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 Directors, Pam & James Garrington,  the production is confident, powerful and brimming with enthusiasm and joy.

It is also packed with transporting, clever Porter 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 Sasha Barnes), who is already engaged to an English aristocrat Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (played by Matt Cotter). Crocker is played expertly by Dan Barnes, while Leigh-Ann James effortlessly embodies Reno Sweeney, a nightclub singer who assists Billy in his bid to win Hope’s heart.

Paul Wescott as public enemy number 13 – Moonface Martin showing his  comic side 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 Leigh- Ann James on the song Friendship is a playful delight

Sasha Barnes provides an outstanding rendition of Harcourt. Her acting style is sensitive, congenial and expressive, providing her scenes with sophistication and warmth. Dan Barnes’s rendition of Crocker is rich with boyish charm and a strong sense of fun.

Sarah Watts is a sultry Erma , 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. Sarah is  amusing, endearing and unsettling in her command of young men’s hearts.

Also strong is Paul Stewart, playing the Ship’s Captain, his performance is very assured. Mary Singh, who plays the Ship’s Purser, offering a comedic and charismatic performance.

But the best songs and the biggest moments belong to Leigh-Ann James as Reno and she knocks them out the park

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 Peter Bushby. 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 Lewis Wescott and the back stage team

Perhaps most striking in this production is the use of dance, choreographed skillfully by Isabelle Larkin. The professionalism and passion each cast member demonstrates is truly stirring, with evident care made to ensure a smooth run. 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.

EVERYBODY SAY ‘YEAH’ AS COMEDY MUSICAL BASED ON REAL EVENTS SASHAYS TO STAFFORDSHIRE

Are you ready? Something fabulous to ‘raise you up’ is strutting its way to Lichfield – Kinky Boots, the musical!

Based on the Miramax film of the same name – which, in-turn, is based on the true story of how a drag performer helped transform the fortunes of a failing Northamptonshire shoe factory – this sparkling comedy musical comes to Lichfield Garrick Theatre for just one week next month.

With music by, 80s pop favourite, Cyndi Lauper, written by Tim Firth (The Full Monty, Calendar Girls, among others) with Geoff Deane, and book by, Tony Award winning actor and playwright, Harvey Fierstein, the show heralds Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company’s (SCMTC) return to the Garrick, following last year’s success with Shrek the Musical.

The show is directed by Kerrie Penrice who has long been a part of SCMTC taking on multiple leading roles. She also directed its youth company’s award-nominated production of Peter Pan a Musical Adventure.

Now the award-winning company – which celebrated its 90th anniversary last year – is proud to have Kerrie at the helm for this utterly glamorous, fun, and heart-warming offering.

Kerrie said: “Kinky Boots is a delight from start to finish, so I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to direct this show. From the curtain raising through to the last moment, expect glitz, glamour, larger-than-life characters with costumes to match, pathos and heartfelt human emotion, stemming from a real story of ordinary people who did something extraordinary.

“I know this show will have audiences up on their feet dancing, singing along and crying with both laughter and a little sadness before leaving feeling truly uplifted. Kinky Boots really is an all-round feel-good show that audiences will love – and it comes with a troop of dancing drag queens to ‘BOOT’! What’s not to like?”

Kerrie is joined on the production team for this show by SCMTC’s stalwart choreographer, Maggie Jackson, and musical director, Sheila Pearson; both of whom have an extensive track-record of bringing together vibrant song and dance routines for the company. Of course, Kinky Boots is no different!

So, don’t delay, get those Kinky Boots on and march on down to Lichfield Garrick to catch this uplifting and hilarious show from 21-25 May.

Tickets are available online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com or via the Lichfield Garrick box office by phoning 01543 412121.

Calamity Jane – Tudor Musical Comedy Society

We are thrilled to announce that following in the footsteps of our award winning production of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”  that we are bringing “Calamity Jane” to the historic Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall on Tuesday 25th – Saturday 29th June 2024. We are then so proud that we have been given the opportunity to bring the magical musical “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” to the Town Hall in mid March 2025.
I couldn’t be prouder of the cast for all they are doing. They truly are such an incredibly talented group of individuals.
TMCS pride ourselves on being an inclusive society – we have members from all walks or life from all different backgrounds. We do not discriminate and have a key focus on family.
We also pride ourselves on giving back to the community when able to do so, we recently did this attending two care homes last week (one article from that day is here:https://lisieuxtrust.org.uk/theatre-comes-to-the-trust/), we have another two homes lined up in May.
It is off the back of this that I couldn’t be happier to welcome back Rebecca Palmer as our BSL (British Sign Language) performer on Thursday 27th June 2024! It means the world to us that we are able to offer these opportunities and give experiences to audience members that are not able to readily access these as they should.
Tickets are currently available at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/tmcs.
For tickets specifically reserved for the deaf and hard of hearing we are asking individuals to contact 07842 214631 (text/whatsapp etc).

Les Miserables – Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Les Miserables (School Edition) – Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Monday 19th February 2024 – Dress Rehearsal
By Nigel Gambles
Photography – Studio 55 Photography

After their acclaimed and highly successful production of “Legally Blonde” Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre are back, and are taking on the epic Les Miserables following approximately seven months of rehearsals they had their opening night on Tuesday 20th February

This hard-working and enthusiastic youth company guided by director Georgia Young and her team seamlessly created the various groups of nineteenth-century French folk that ex-con Jean Valjean encounters on his harrowing journey in an unjust world. As convicts they shuffled around, shoulders slumped forward. This made for a stark contrast to the commanding, upright posture of the guards. As fighting factory workers, they whole-heartedly embodied the hand-to-mouth existence of the poor. As bedraggled prostitutes; spirited students; inebriated inn drinkers and other disparate characters the ensemble took every dramatic moment in their stride, displaying the vigour and versatility that Les Mis demands.

It was a real pleasure to hear these people sing! The whole Company pulled together to belt out the rousing group numbers and there were some stunning solos from the many main players too. Les Misérables is known and loved for its pounding anthems and stirring reflective lyrics so it was a real treat for the (very appreciative) audience that each and every song from the unforgettable score was well performed.

Ethan Bowleys’ portrayal of Jean Valjean’s fight for salvation was passionate and pitch-perfect. Relentlessly pursued by the police inspector Javert played by Ethyn James, Jean Valjean is a complicated character who is constantly evolving. Introduced to us as a jaded criminal, he becomes an industrialist; a hero; a father; a soldier. Unlike other characters who age during the course of the narrative, Jean Valjean is played by the same actor throughout. Fittingly, Ethan’s powerful performance matured accordingly – and convincingly.

Anamae Parkes was a terrifically tragic Fantine. Her haunting rendition of ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ was beautiful. Every note communicated the sorrow, despair and humiliation Fantine experiences as a troubled, down-trodden grisette.*

All the misery was wonderfully countered by the atrocious antics of Oscar Ralley and Ella Clarke as the corrupt innkeeper Thénardier and his wife, Madame Thénardier. Superb comic timing and synchronicity ensured this pair were despicably delightful as the malevolent and provocative chancers.

Becky Hanratty as Eponine had a voice straight off a cast recording. Toby Foetu-Foster had wonderful excitement and passion as Marius. His onstage ladylove, Cosette, played by Neve Matthews, had a voice as sweet and as clear.

Finally this review would not be complete without highlighting the passion, enthusiasm and total commitment of director Georgia Young, choreographer Esme Wade and Musical director Emily Beaman whose creative brilliance brought the show to life.

Full credit must also be given to all the back of house team who worked tirelessly to ensure the stage was always set.

* French working class girls

Showaddywaddy 50th Anniversary Tour

Showaddywaddy 50th Anniversary Tour
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Saturday 17th February 2024
By Nigel Gambles
Photography – Studio 55 Photography for What’s On In Sutton Coldfield

In their iconic Teddy-boy style suits hit the stage at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall with energy and enthusiasm and proceeded to entertain the sell out crowd with an endless jukebox of classic hits accompanied with vivacious choreography.

They certainly rocked the Town hall last night with some fantastic showmanship from Andy Pelos and Billy Shannon it was wonderful to watch.

What was lovely to see was Romeo Challenger the only original member of the band still performing brilliantly and enjoying every minute.

Billed as one of the greatest Rock n Roll bands they did not fail to deliver an excellent set including their chart hits and provide some great entertainment for everyone there.

Elvis – The Ultimate Experience

Elvis – The Ultimate Experience
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Friday 16th February 2024 By Nigel Gambles
Photography – Lee Williams Photography for Whats On In Sutton Coldfield

Multi Award winning Elvis tribute artiste Ben Thompson returned to Sutton Coldfield Town Hall for another sell out show, with some new costumes and even more songs from Elvis back catalogue we knew we were in for a fantastic night.

Accompanied by a full live band Ben started with Elvis early days  arriving on stage in a resplendent pink jacket and dived straight into a selection of the old classics “All Shook Up” , “Don’t Be Cruel” and more we were then treated to Elvis in uniform “GI Blues” style

After the break we hit the Las Vegas days with Ben in a couple of amazing outfits made for him in America bringing us classics like “CC Rider” “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me” and Can’t Help Falling In Love”

You can certainly see why he is one of the best tribute acts in the country at the moment. If you love Elvis and get the chance to see this show then don’t miss out because you will be “Moody Blue”

Cloc Musical Theatre Company – Aladdin ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Aladdin – Cloc Musical Theatre Company

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 5th February 2024 – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Studio 55 Photography

The members of Cloc Musical Theatre Company are back with their annual pantomime treat. This year its the turn of Aladdin to get the “Cloc Treatment”

The story is that of Aladdin and his adventure trying to save Princess Jasmine from Abanazer’s evil clutches. As you can imagine things do not go to plan for Abanazer played with gusto by Calum Reynolds giving us plenty to boo and hiss at. Enter Aladdin played by Katie Lewis she delivers an Aladdin we are all rooting for. With her widowed mother Widow Twankey played superbly by Krystian Wharton (for me the star of the show) with all the bluster and costume changes of a classic pantomime dame and their very silly laundry hand Wishee played by Lee Walker, Abanazers quest is going to be very long and arduous. Along the way we meet Princess Jasmine played by Erin Mooney who I last saw in School of Rock by The Script Youth Musical theatre, and I must say her confidence and stage presence has grown beautifully

Expect all the traditional panto ingredients – toe tapping tunes, a laundry full of laughs, puppets, loads of audience participation and look out for the spectacular magic carpet scene and also Fazil The Psychic Snake expertly bought to life by Eloise Tanley.

This show is just what is needed to get us through these first few miserable and grey months of 2024, A laugh a minute and plenty of slap stick

Running from Wednesday 7th – Saturday 10th February 2024

7.30pm Wed, Thur & Fri Evening. 1pm & 6pm Saturday

Sinbad – Mint Theatre Society ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sinbad – Mint Theatre Society

Aldridge Community Centre / Stonnall and Shenstone Village Halls

Friday 5thJanuary 2024

By Nigel Gambles

Photography ©Nigel Gambles Photography

This is the story of Sinbad- Ellie Ball who has big dreams of going to sea an exploring the world, but as luck would have it or script writers pen he has to help out in his sisters Beyonce’s bakery played superbly by Alex Howell with all you would expect from a pantomime dame

Sinbads dream comes true when he is press ganged by the evil Blackbeard’s David Daly- scurvy crew – Charlotte Ball and Dave Stonehouse and Blackbeards ruthless daughter Polly – Julie Guiver Wells.

After much fun and frolics, searing for treasure and falling in love the story ends with happiness abounding.

This is a terrace pantomime penned by Liz Daley who also plays a “Prawn” in the show, it captures all that should be included in a traditional family friendly pantomime which I promise you will beat those post Christmas blues.

Manor Musical Theatre Company – Fiddler On The Roof ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fiddler On The Roof – Manor Musical Theatre Company

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Tuesday 24th October 2023 – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

Tradition – something Manor has always been respectful of, and tradition is the main theme of this classic musical.

This the tale of Tevye, the turn-of the century Russian peasant wishing he were a rich man. Battling the wills of his five daughters and keeping the Jewish faith, as sinister forces infiltrate the peace of an historic village, and modern life starts to shift the balance of power. This production is more earthy than showy, and it was all the better for it. It was a stripped-back piece of theatre performed in a way that gave it an especially human touch and immediacy. Beautifully-textured costumes contrasted the threadbare layers of Russian winters with silky, Sabbath finery. Tam Weir a newcomer to Manor anchored the piece as conflicted Tevye (his third outing in this role) complemented by the wonderfully expressive Paula O’Hare as wife Golde, each trapped in the circumstances of changing times, their duet “Do you love me” was perfect. I’m sure we all remember Topol’s wonderful rendition of “If I Was A Rich Man” well Tam’s doesn’t disappoint.

The three older daughters played by Sasha Marsh (Tzeitel) Malaika Martin (Hodel) and Eliza Tall (Chava) play their roles wonderfully showing their struggles with what tradition dictates and what their own hearts want.

The story flows well, the cast gel superbly, and the show set as it is in 1905, resonates in today’s political landscape even more than the company must have anticipated when it was first programmed in.The importance of community is a message clearly at the heart of this production.

Directors Pam and James Garrington have done an amazing job creating a cast with a strong bond supporting each other and sharing their enjoyment at performing with the audience. The group numbers were performed beautifully and choreographed perfectly by Jennie Mason

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