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.