Tag: Theatre

Bonnie & Clyde – Sutton Arts Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bonnie & Clyde – Sutton Arts Theatre

Sutton Arts Theatre

Thursday 20th June 2024 – Opening Night

By Nigel Gambles

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.

Before I begin, I have to say that unbelievably this was my first visit to Sutton Arts Theatre and it will not be my last. What a wonderful venue. It may not be as large as others but it has a wonderful friendly feeling.

Also this is my first time seeing Bonnie and Clyde so I was wondering how they would transpose this story to the stage.

The tale of Bonnie and Clyde is one that is fast paced, spanning a few short years, before they faced their end. The incredible songbook by Don Black and Frank Wildhorn truly made the show nothing short of spectacular

This is a dramatic retelling of the infamous story of star-crossed lovers turned ruthless outlaws on the run. While Bonnie dreams of magazine covers and stardom, Clyde fantasizes about a life of crime and driving getaway cars. When the unlikely pair fall madly in love, they embark on a journey of becoming front-page news as gun-toting criminals, as they flee the long arm of the law. Along with Clyde’s slightly more reluctant brother Buck and his god-fearing wife Blanche, the Barrow gang become some of America’s most notorious thieves and murderers, increasingly sought after by the Sheriff’s department and hurtling towards a sticky end. As the cops draw in, both Bonnie and Clyde are content with reaching their bitter end and how they lived their lives together.

The production leans into its heavily stylised 1920’s setting, both physically and audibly. The music is a real strong point, with gorgeous speak-easy style melodies combined with tongue-in-cheek lyrics about love and crime. Bonnie’s stand out ballad “Dyin’ Ain’t So Bad” in the second act, the softness and warmth of the song makes you almost want to root for this criminal duo. Clyde’s “Raise Some Hell” is incredibly powerful and shows you just how far he is willing to go to be remembered. Each song seemed to sweep you away into the roaring 20’s and the applause from the audience seemed to cement that fact and earn plenty of commendation from the audience. The set design is interesting to say the least, its really quite bare with minimal props, but the use of screens and projection helps to fill out the stage. This all helped by the very atmospheric lighting by Going Dark Theatrical Services

The stand out performances inevitably come from the brilliantly cast leads, Sophie McCoy as Bonnie and Tom Cooper as Clyde. Sophie makes the role her own. Every bit of sass, confidence, and sultriness as she needs put into this femme fatale. Tom is a powerhouse, producing a gritty yet loveable rogue. Neither of them put a foot wrong vocally, and their voices are stunning, both as a duo and individually. They have undeniable chemistry, drawing us in from their first meeting to their last breaths.

Janine Henderson is suitably frustrated as the increasingly desperate Blanche, while Dan McCloskey gives both a powerful and skulking interpretation of loyal brother ‘Buck’ Barrow.

Olly Foster and Paul Atkins lead a fabulous ensemble with some jaw-dropping vocals as the Deputy and Preacher respectively.

Bonnie & Clyde is a show that raises hell and leaves you remembering the story of this iconic killer duo. It puts what we have learnt in stories and books onto a stage to a killer soundtrack that everyone will be singing for days after

Emily Armstrong as the director of this show should be extremely proud as this is certainly a production that could be put on in the West End. Nick Allen, the musical director ensures that the orchestra give their all to wonderful effect

For Tickets click the link 👉 https://suttonartstheatre.savoysystems.co.uk/SuttonArtsTheatre.dll/

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

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

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

Legally Blonde ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Legally Blonde – Tudor Musical Comedy Society

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 8th November (Dress Rehearsal)

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles

The shows are back and the Town Hall is in full swing again. Legally Blonde is the first Am Dram show to be  performed at the Town Hall since the outbreak of the pandemic when everything was cancelled.

This is a wonderful production by Tudor based on the hit films staring Reece Witherspoon as Elle Woods, it seems as if she has been transported into the persona of our lead played by Katie Milligan

Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside-down however, when her boyfriend dumps her so he can start getting serious about his life and attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle uses her charm to get into Harvard Law. At school, she struggles with peers, professors and Warner. With the help of Paulette and Emmett though, Elle quickly realises her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.                             (Warner – Alan Rowe, Paulette – Natasha Cartwright, Emmett – Ben Foulds, Elle – Katie Milligan)

There is so much joy and enthusiasm on the stage the routines are slick and well performed, vocals strong and clear and a superb supporting ensemble.  I have to admit to have never seen the film or show before and I throughly enjoyed it, during some of the musical numbers it makes you feel like joining in.

The show runs until Saturday 13th November

Some tickets are still available 👇

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/tmcs

 

Pictures © nigel gambles photography

 

SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN HALL TO RECEIVE OVER £34,000 FROM SECOND ROUND OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CULTURE RECOVERY FUND 

PRESS RELEASE 2 April 2021

SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN HALL TO RECEIVE OVER £34,000 FROM SECOND ROUND OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CULTURE RECOVERY FUND 

  • Royal Town’s Heritage Arts venue among more than 2,700 recipients to benefit from the latest round of awards from the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund 
  • This award will allow the December pantomime to progress and event sales to recommence.         

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, an Edwardian arts venue in Birmingham, has received a grant of £34,400 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help the organisation recover and reopen. More than £300 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country including the charitable trust-run Town Hall in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund, the Culture Secretary announced today.

The venue, which is currently being used as a vaccination centre for the NHS, will now be able to recommence planning of its 2021/22 shows and room hire. The staging of ‘Cinderella’ had been in jeopardy with not enough reserves to support the production of the show, which is key to the venue’s financial sustainability. As a result of the grant, the Trust can return more staff to work, enabling the venue to market its autumn programme, which starts in September with the sell-out Gary Powndland comedy show.

Over £800 million in grants and loans has already been awarded to support almost 3,800 cinemas, performance venues, museums, heritage sites and other cultural organisations dealing with the immediate challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

The second round of awards made today will help organisations to look ahead to the spring and summer and plan for reopening and recovery. After months of closures and cancellations to contain the virus and save lives, this funding will be a much-needed helping hand for organisations transitioning back to normal in the months ahead.

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said:

“Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced.

Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”

The Town Hall’s Managing Director, Julie Rennison, said:

“This funding is crucial to our recovery, as it takes months behind the scenes to plan and market our programme – particularly the pantomime. With this support, and with confidence in a return to full houses once vaccinations are complete, we have a much better chance of a successful relaunch in the autumn and a welcome return of our traditional Christmas shows.” 

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said:

“Investing in a thriving cultural sector at the heart of communities is a vital part of helping the whole country to recover from the pandemic. These grants will help to re-open theatres, concert halls, and museums and will give artists and companies the opportunity to begin making new work.  

 We are grateful to the Government for this support and for recognising the paramount importance of culture to our sense of belonging and identity as individuals and as a society.”

The funding awarded today is from a £400 million pot which was held back last year to ensure the Culture Recovery Fund could continue to help organisations in need as the public health picture changed. The funding has been awarded by Arts Council England, as well as Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.

 

Swing That Music

PRESS RELEASE – Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

30th December 2019

Swing That Music 24th January 2020

 

Back in 2018, Down for the Count wowed audiences at Sutton Coldfield’s Concerts in the Park, supporting the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in front of 4,000 people.  Now they are returning to Sutton Coldfield Town Hall on Friday 24th January with their theatre show SWING THAT MUSIC.

The show evokes the atmosphere of the ballrooms and jazz clubs of the swing era – combining top class musicianship with authentic dance performances from local Lindy hop dance group, The Swing Era.  

Described as “one hellova celebration of vintage music” by TimeOut London, the SWING THAT MUSIC show breathes new life into some of the best music of the 20th Century, treating audiences to joyous instrumental solos, sublime vocal performances, energetic dance routines and Down for the Count’s irresistible humour and on-stage banter.

Expect to hear songs from the likes of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and Glenn Miller, and classics from singers such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat ‘King’ Cole.

SWING THAT MUSIC has had a string of sell-out shows in 2019, at venues including the world-famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London, and the tour marks the release of Down for the Count’s new album, also called SWING THAT MUSIC. The album is available to buy from the band’s website www.dftcswingorchestra.co.uk. Band leader Mike Paul-Smith describes the album as “a celebration of my favourite musicians and singers from the Swing Era. At that time young people were cramming themselves into ballrooms to listen and dance to incredible music from pioneering musicians – and our album and show aims to recreate that energy and sound.”

The band’s previous album, LETS DANCE, was featured on Clare Teal’s BBC Radio 2 show in 2017.

The band was formed by Mike Paul-Smith in 2005 whilst he was still at school. “We always loved playing jazz and soul music, but it was when we started getting asked to play for swing dance events that we really started to love the big band music we play nowadays. It’s such a thrill to see people interpret the music you play through dance, and it wasn’t long before I began taking Lindy hop dance classes myself. Because the band started when we were so young, we’re only in our late 20s and early 30s now – and we find that audiences are often surprised to see people of our age playing vintage music. It’s great that Swing dancing has become increasingly popular with younger people too.” 

Since then, Down for the Count has become a favourite amongst fans of retro nostalgia, making regular appearances at events such as Twinwood Vintage Festival, who described them as “a breath of fresh air on the swing scene”. The band are regulars at London jazz clubs and have even performed at the oldest jazz club in Europe, Le Caveau de la Huchette in Paris, which featured in the film La La Land. The band includes award-winning jazz musicians and West End performers, who have performed at events across the globe.

The format of the band’s show means that no two performances are ever exactly the same. As Mike said, “we make sure our show is entertaining, bringing our own humour and personalities to the stage, recreating the atmosphere of swing era dance nights and jazz clubs so that every moment feels spontaneous and exciting. Ultimately the music is the star of the show, and we want audiences watching and listening to feel as uplifted as we do when playing. We hope our joie de vivre is infectious and that audiences leave sharing our love for all that swings!”

Swing That Music at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Website & Social Media

Press and PR Contact details

Please direct press and PR enquiries to:

Videos

The band’s new single Swing That Music can be found here:

Verified by MonsterInsights