Category: Theatre

Tudor Musical Comedy Society – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang– Tudor Musical Comedy Society

Sutton Coldfield Town hall

Monday 9th October 2023 – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

The most phantasmagorical stage musical has flown into Sutton Town Hall

We have never seen this show so were very excited to be able to see this production by Tudor Musical Comedy Society

A quick recap of the story, originally written by Ian Fleming (Of James Bond Fame) follows the adventures of Caractacus Potts, his wonderful children and their eccentric Grandpa Potts. They meet up with the beautiful Truly Scrumptious who joins them on their adventures, including a trip to Vulgaria a few lucky escapes and of course a very impressive automobile.

‘Team work makes the dream work’ is a recurring phrase within this musical and never has a truer word been spoken than with the company of Tudor Musical Comedy.  Choosing such a technically advanced production, filled with prestigious musical numbers, was always going to be an enormous challenge to undertake. However it was met and overcome with great gusto and enthusiasm.

The show has numerous fantastic characters, and I feel I must highlight the two comedic duos who stole the stage every time they appeared. Firstly the dimwitted Vulgarian Spies Boris (Alex Nash) and Goran (James Fisher) certainly in the running for double-act of the year their timing was perfect and their rendition of “Act English” is a highlight.

Vulgaria must be the centre for producing fantastic comedians as the Baron and Baroness performed by Mark Skett and Karrise Willetts were just that. They especially shone during “The Bombi Samba” playing the audience brilliantly.

Moving on to the stars of the show, Natasha Cartwright as the lovely Truly Scrumptious really does have the most delicious vocals and her chemistry with Caractacus (Ben Foulds) was wonderful to watch. Anyone who has seen the movie musical will remember the iconic music-box scene and Natasha was superb in this  – she is a natural leading lady.

Lets not forget the children Jemima (Myleigh Davis alternating with Rachel Kirk) and Jeremy (Jack Brayley-Boddington alternating with Peter Barker) who were wonderfully entertaining.

Credit must also go to Director Richard Poynton who has managed to make every character shine individually but also come together as a strong and united ensemble. He is supported by musical director Andrew Timmins who’s direction ensured the musical numbers were performed perfectly from the title song to “Me Ol’ Bamboo” and “Toot Sweets” all this accompanied by Jenny Morris’s excellent choreography makes for a not to miss spectacle.

One last mention must go to all the tech teams and back of house teams whom without them the show just would not be.

Trinity Players – A Streetcar Named Desire ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Streetcar Named Desire – Trinity Players

Streetly Community Centre

Monday 25th September 2023 – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

A Streetcar Named Desire was written By Tennessee Williams and is one of the most critically acclaimed plays of the 20th century.

The play portrays the experiences of Blanche DuBois a former southern belle who after a series of personal losses has to move into a small apartment with her younger sister Stella and brutish brother in law Stanley and displays the phases of Blanches disintegration.

I have to say from the start, this is a superb production and is a first for Trinity Players as it is self directed by the cast who take on the roles of the production team off stage as well as having to learn their stage roles. To say the passion and commitment they have put into this project is anything less than 110% would be totally disrespectful.

Jennifer Holyhead who plays Blanche is magnificent, the evening belongs to her and her portrayal of Blanche’s spiralling into a mental collapse is spectacular.  Arron Armstrong-Craddock who plays Stanley is a terrific tattooed bruiser who roars like a goaded bull. He is, as he should be, both bullying – “I’m king around here” – and magnetic. As Stella, Sasha Marsh is totally besotted, in desire for her husband, and blind to his brutality. Dan Barnes who plays Mitch, Blanches suitor who offers her a glimpse of hope and a possible future, with a good mixture of charm and defeat. Quick mention for the rest of the cast who deliver strong and passionate performances.

If you do not have tickets for this show, then you must definitely get some it is one not too be missed a brilliant portrayal of hope and despair.

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

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.

SCMYT – Legally Blonde⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Legally Blonde – Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 22nd May 2023 – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

 

As they say OMG where do I start. I attended the dress rehearsal for this show Monday night and I can promise that you are in for an absolute treat. I have seen the show a number of times performed by different theatre groups but I can truthfully say this was the best!! The energy, enjoyment and professionalism just came off the stage in waves.

The show is based on the movie of the same name and follows the star of the show Elle Woods who seems to have it all, but then it all starts to go wrong when her rich boyfriend dumps her in favour of going to Havard Law School. So determined to win him back she charms her way in to the same university. Whilst there she struggles with all manor of things but eventually with the help of new friends and her dog Bruiser she starts to realise her potential and sets out to prove herself. The story is a triumph over adversity and empowering female friendships.

Ellie Summerfield who plays Elle Woods is superb, her vocals are strong and clear and her dancing could put many a professional to shame. Ellie totally embraced the role and will blow you away ( in my humble opinion a star in the making ). She has strong support from her fellow cast members Ellie Johnston who plays Paulette the owner of the hair salon and forms a strong bond with Elle. Ellie has a strong stage presence and delivers a strong performance when teamed up with Elle and  Kyle the UPS man. Ethan Bowley who plays Emmett a charming and sensitive law student who supports Elle, captures the sensitive nature of the character and delivers a great performance.

Full credit must be given to the supporting cast who worked hard and delivered fantastic performances, all of which can be attributed to the brilliant direction of Georgia Young who’s debut this is in the role. The choreography is outstanding all thanks to the amazing work of Charlotte Jervis. Finally credit must go to the musical direction of Tony Orbell and Emily Beaman who didn’t put a note wrong.

Do not miss this show as the strap line goes ” This musical is so much fun it should be illegal”

 

Mint Theatre Society – Through The Cracks ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Through The Cracks – Mint Theatre Society

Stonnall Village Hall

Friday 19th May 2023 – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

I was lucky enough to be invited to the dress rehearsal of Mint Theatres new production which is quite a departure from their usual light hearted comedy.

Through The Cracks is a trio of “Horror Plays”, (think Tales Of the Unexpected) The plays have been written and adapted by  Charlotte and Ellie Ball.

I don’t really want to spoil the show for those of you who will be going so a brief line on each will have to suffice. The first play set at a Victorian lead mine that hides a horrible secret, this is a one woman story and delivered in an amazing performance by Ellie Ball. The second is set in a B&B so if you are looking for somewhere to stay she has got room for you!! great performances by Andrew Hughes and Liz Daly…… and the third which I will say was my favourite and the most spooky. Set in a hotel and on a beach will you loose your mind “Oh whistle and Ill come to you my lad” again excellent performances but  outstanding in this one was Alex Howell

If you get the opportunity to go and see this show and support these wonderful amateurs I can assure you that you will really love show and appreciate the hard work put in by the seven actors / stage hands and general help.

For tickets please click the link ticketsource.co.uk/mint-theatre-society  or call 07783823990

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.

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