Frantic Assembly- Othello- The Lyric, Plymouth Theatre Royal

A masterful performance, portrayed with absolute conviction and more than a splash of gusto. This shakespeare was far from traditional, and received a well-deserved standing ovation. My friends and I came out raving about it.

The scenery was fantastic and I particularly loved the way in which the walls were manouverable, giving the stage diversity and interest. A magical moment was the drunken scene, in which the walls moved, giving the audience a similar feeling of drunkenness.

I would highly recommend this performance. A work of art, captivating. The shakespearean tenor simply vibrating around the room and tumbling fluidly out of the mouths of the actors. Wonderful.

10/10

Image above not my own.

Rambert featuring Rooster- The Lyric, Plymouth Theatre Royal

This was like being promised an original Banksy- full of originality, character and panache; and being presented with a Paint-By-Numbers- tedious, uninventive and stunted, albeit within the lines.

The first two acts were tedium personified. Although the dancers were very good, the choreography and the music were very much stuccato. I did not pick up on the themes they were apparently meant to be representing, and I found myself watching out for errors, listening to the squeaks on the floor (which were enouggh to cause physical pain to those with fillings), and mentally writing my shopping list. The movements were, for the most part, graceful. However, the repetition was extremely tiresome, hygeinic and unimaginative. The costumes did little to add to the performance, and actually made me feel rather unconfortable with just how skin tight they were, and the way in which the ladies bottoms were slowly eating the material.

There was a noticeable lack of charisma in these pieces, and it is the first show I have ever seen in which I deliberately fell asleep!

The final act was much better, with flattering costumes which added interest and movement to the piece. There was some humour and storylines with which I could identify. I woke up for this part and strongly wish that the whole show had been as good. It was done with great energy and each movement was struck with passion. However, I was not actually aware that it had come to an end. I didn't feel that there was any sort of finale and so I was unsure whether or not I should be applauding.

Overall, I would not recommend sitting through the whole of this show unless you are particularly interested in cold, pretentious dance and costumes which stand on the line of decency. However, I would recommend popping in after the second interval to see the Swingin' 60's section. What a shame that such talented dancers have been so badly choreographed.

On a side note: If anyone can tell me the purpose of a signer for deaf people in a show which has no words, and in which dancers are moving to the rhythm and general theme of the music, I would be very grateful! I honestly have no idea why she was there, so your comments would be greatly appreciated.

3/10

Image above not my own (Credit Benedict Johnson).

Because I'm Shappi- The Watermark, Ivybridge

A "virtual hug" for Shappi Khorsandi who tickled the funny bones of an audience in Ivybridge last night. Shappi was honest, touching, quick and genuinely hilarious. Her no nonsense show was conversational and we all felt part of her performance. She talked about life, love, children, friendships, work and sex amongst a number of other topics- each of with dealt with in a down-to-earth and cleverly witty manner. I would definitely go and see her again.

She has plenty to say and she says it with potency and razor-sharp humour. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening during which the audience came to feel personally connected to Shappi, her personal journey and the people who have influenced her road less travelled. 

Alongside her humour and her 'baby-brain', Shappi left the audience feeling inspired to be better people, to stand up for the people we love and the ideas we believe in. I found it particularly poignant and honest. I absolutely loved it. 

This was a superb show and I sincerely hope that Shappi returns to the Plymouth area in the near future. Massive congratulations to her on a fluid, droll and rib-tickling show. Down with the trollers- this woman has serious girl power.

Image above not my own.

9/10

Calamity Jane- The Lyric, Plymouth Theatre Royal

Lost my heart in the black hills, the black hills of Dakota!

What an absolute triumph this performance was. Despite some technical issues, this performance simply blew me away. Superb voices, songs from the film and songs for the stage, and gentle comical touches which were so reminiscent of Dorris Day. Yet this lead actress Jodie Prenger made it her own. She blasted out 'Secret Love' in a way Ms Day never could have.

1984- The Lyric, Plymouth Theatre Royal

 

WAR IS PEACE, FREEDOM IS SLAVERY, IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH

 

I read this book years and years ago, and I had absolutely no idea how they would adapt it for the stage. I could not have anticipated just how fantastic it turned out to be.

Firstly, the acting was fantastic. It drew me in, and I could feel myself beginning to nod in agreement with the rebellion, much in the same was as the cast were being led along by Big Brother. The precision of the movements, the timing and the genuine commitment to each scene resulted in an electrifying (if you will excuse my poor choice of words) performance.

Yianni Agisilaou- Bbar Plymouth

Having attended another comedy night at the Bbar in Plymouth, I was somewhat disappointed with the acts compared to my previous visit. That was, until Australian comedian Yianni took to the stage.

This laid-back former lawyer is a man after my own heart. He was able to mock himself, others and life in an exuberant and lively manner; but more than that, he explored intelligent ideas and found the funny side of everyday things which most people take for granted.

Epiphany- The Drum, Plymouth Theatre Royal

Having seen some intriguing short videos on the Theatre Royal's facebook, I was looking forward to seeing this performance.

I was blown away by one particular part, in which a female acted as a Sims character. I thought that it was brilliantly acted by all parties and the design behind it was fantastic. I also thoroughly enjoyed the way in which elephants were portrayed. I thought it was very inventive and dramatic.

Unfortunately, I personally found that the rest of the play did not live up to the standards set by the two scenes mentioned above. Many of the actors were unclear and shouty. There was a significant lack of inflection which meant that it became rather tedious. A number of the actors were incredibly wooden, and I found myself watching out for errors which is never good.

I do not wish to discourage. There is a lot that needs work, but I believe that all of the actors had the potential to do really well. They worked well as a group, and dealt well with the difficult staging. At no point did I feel that my view was being blocked, or that I was missing what was going on despite the difficulties created by seating the audience on three sides.

A decent job, but it could have been so much better.

6.5/10

SmallWar returns to Plymouth Theatre Royal

ANLO tickets are now available for one of the more poignant shows I have ever seen.

Check out my post here: http://centre-stage-plymouth.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/smallwar-drum-plymouth-theatre-royal.html

I highly recommend that you drop any other plans and go and see this show. It touches your soul, and leaves you wanting more.

Get your FREE tickets today by calling 01752 267222

Friday Fiver is now just that!

Here at Centre Stage Plymouth, it has come to our attention that Friday Fiver tickets for the Plymouth Theatre Royal are now just that! Whereas before you were chared a 70p booking fee on each ticket, this is now included in the price.

Even more fantastic news is that some shows which don't run on a Friday have also been included, so that Friday Fiver tickets can be purchased for some shows which are on a Wednesday or even on a weekend! Check out Plymouth Theatre Royal's website for more details.

Image above not my own.

Comedy Night, B-Bar, Barbican Theatre

An intimate venue- by which I mean that my bum cheeks became indelicately acquainted with the bum cheeks of the stranger next to me- B-Bar is an innovative space where you can enjoy Thai cuisine served in American-style takeaway boxes, whilst enjoying three comedians and a compere under a light fit for a brothel.

The B-Bar Comedy Nights

Did you know that the B-Bar in Plymouth hosts a comedy night on the first Wednesday of every month? -No? - Neither did I, until an obliging colleague let me in on the secret.

Tickets are £10 each (plus a £1 booking fee per transaction). The B-Bar also do food and drinks, so if you get there early you can have a lovely Thai meal first.

It promises three up-and-coming acts and a compere. The likes of Russell Howard have previously performed there- so it really is a venue for acts with a chance of breaking into stardome.

I'm off to the show tomorrow evening- I'll let you know how I get on.

Get your tickets now by calling 01752 242021.

Image above not my own.

West Side Story- The Lyric, Plymouth Theatre Royal

This modern telling of Romeo and Juliet is extremely dramatic, with some humour and a lot of heart. I am not ashamed to admit that it moved me to tears on several occasions. I have had the tunes to 'Maria' and 'Somewhere' stuck in my head since last night's fantastic performance.

SmallWar- The Drum, Plymouth Theatre Royal

Valentijn Dhaenens is a master of his craft. This touching, poignant performance was intriguing, beguiling and truly heartfelt. I thoroughly enjoyed the intertextuality, the use of song and innovative media, and the use of interesting techniques throughout.

Though possibly considered a monologue, this performance used gentle argument to understand the human behaviour in war. The heady excitement of young men preparing to do battle, the terror and horror of the trenches, and the sickening reality of injuries and death.

Cats- The Lyric, Theatre Royal Plymouth

This is the story of jellicle cats, who attend the jellicle ball, for their leader to choose which cat will travel to the Heaviside Layer to be reborn into a new life.

That is according to http://www.catsthemusical.com/the-show/synopsis/. I had to look it up because I had absolutely no idea what was going on. There appeared to be absolutely no storyline at all! There were a number of cats who did not enunciate properly and their parts of the story were therefore lost on my completely.

Surprise additions to a dying ANLO

 

 

The Theatre Royal Plymouth have announced several more performances before ANLO's Swan Song.

This includes Othelo, a Birmingham Royal Ballet production, and Edward Scissorhands.

This means that the ANLO scheme will be continuing through into November, rather than ending, as anticipated in September- which is great news for young theatre-goers in the area!

Images not my own.

One Man Two Guvnors- The Lyric, Theatre Royal

What a rib-tickling performance. The show began even before the audience had taken their seats, and kept them chortling the whole way through. It was entirely farcical and ridiculous, but an absolute joy to watch. My cheeks ached from laughing by the interval, and were positively painful by the end!

MTV Crashes Plymouth- Centenary Celebrations

Plymouth Hoe was stormed by more than 20,000 people yesterday evening, as MTV well and truly crashed Plymouth. The beautiful setting was rather at odds with such a noisy event, but the performers and patrons seemed to really enjoy themselves.

Friday Fiver available on highly recommended show

I watched 20th Century Boy last night and would highly recommend the show (see my post on the show).

Plymouth Theatre Royal's Friday Fiver scheme includes this show, and it's available tonight! Grab your cheap tickets now!

20th Century Boy- The Lyric, Theatre Royal

I wasn't aware that I knew so many of T-Rex's tunes! I was absolutely blown away by this performance, the music, staging, acting and general pizzazz.

20th Century Boy looks at the life and career of Marc Bolan, lead singer of T-Rex, through the eyes

Love and Information- The Drum- Theatre Royal

Having previously been to see a People's Company production, and having not particularly enjoyed the experience, I was slightly retiscent to attend this performance. However, I was happy to give the company another chance, as I felt that the stage production was more of  a problem than the acting itself in the previous show.

I was very impressed with this performance. It was intriguing snapshots into various scenes, each a stand-alone microcosm, but each significant to each other in tenuous ways. It was cleverly put

A Night Less Ordinary is Closing!

This is the sad demise of the ANLO Scheme run by the Plymouth Theatre Royal. None of the shows in the new season will be eligible for the ANLO Scheme.

This is a real shame. The ANLO scheme encouraged young people to become engaged with the theatre, and to see a variety of shows. Without young people being drawn to the theatre, it is unlikely

Singin' In The Rain- The Lyric, Plymouth Theatre Royal

This has to be one of the best shows I have ever seen. Captivating from start to soggy finish.

The music was perfect- the band were a treat, each soloist put so much of themselves into their songs and so much emotion into them that it was impossible not to be swept along with their story. The chorus was equally fantastic. Every one of them succeeded in telling the story with vibrancy, clarity and energy.

Pygmalion- The Lyric, Plymouth Theatre Royal

Pygmalion is the story of My Fair Lady, in which a young flower seller learns that language and its use are keys which may unlock societal doors.

I thoroughly enjoyed this performance, not least the transformation of the young girl- although I did feel that Rachel Barry's interpretation of the unrefined Miss Dolittle was far more pleasing than her somewhat stuccato duchess. 

Craig Campbell's Thrilling Mic Hunt

Craig Campbell now lives in our beautiful Westcountry. His knowledge of the area and the characters it exudes, married with his outrageous anecdotes and skilful storytelling, make him a pleasure to watch. His performance was truly ribtickling. I will take away from it a constant wonder why rowers don't look where they are going, and a terror that some pilots can lack fundamental common sense!

Happy Days- The Lyric, Theatre Royal

This promised to be an upbeat, high octane performance. I was ready for lots of cheese and a fast-paced storyline.

Unfortunately, there were only three good things about this performance: the leopard dance scene, the skirts and the band. I would like to highlight that the blonde dancer (who was not the lead) was the best dancer in it. She was fantastic, and her costumes were the most eyecatching. She really captured the movement of the era and was incredibly graceful.