Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Almost impossibly this is the first time Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella has been performed in Europe as a fully staged show and my goodness was it worth the wait!

Hope Mill Theatre is transformed into an enchanting fairy tale Kingdom as Prince Topher (Jacob Fowler) is instructed to find a wife and thankfully after multiple, magical twists and turns Ella (Grace Mouat) fits the bill….the shoe I mean!

Following a melodic scene setting prologue the show opens with “Me, Who Am I?” and immediately you know you’re in for a fun-filled time as Prince Topher and his companions offer the first laugh out loud moments of many in this creatively crafted piece.

With an updated book from Douglas Carter Beane this Cinderella pitches both Ella (Grace Mouat) and Topher (Jacob Fowler) as wholesome dreamers, who don’t want much from life other than kindness and fairness for all (more of this please any listening Monarchs/Governments).

Their path to true love it littered with heart-warming encounters and hilarious happenings as the Prince pulls out all the stops to find his mysterious one true love amidst a backdrop of political unrest and the small challenge of Ella disappearing at midnight.

Grace Mouat is sublime as Ella, her warmth and likeability hook you in from the start while her voice is sheer perfection. She truly shines in this leading role. Jacob Fowler is equally superb as Prince Topher; he pitches the comedy of the character just right ensuring every single laugh hits, while his vocals are incredible.

Annie Aitken makes for a marvellously menacing Madame with a glorious hint of the Moira Rose about her; her daughters Charlotte and Gabrielle played by Katie Ramshaw and Olivia-Faith Kamau are fantastic with Stepsister’s Lament being a hilariously memorable moment. The sub-plot of Gabrielle’s secret yearning for revolutionary Jean-Michel (Adam Filipe) is a joy while Charlotte’s horror at her step-sister Ella’s success with the Prince is hysterical.

Special mention must also go to Julie Yammanee who is magnificent as Marie/Fairy Godmother, Lee Ormsby who revels in his role as the beastly Sebastian and Matthew McDonald who as Lord Pinkleton stuns with his powerful voice.

The whole show is bursting with captivating moments from William Whelton’s stunning choreography to George Reeve’s incredible projections, every element is top class. The talent on stage rivals any West End show with some of the finest voices in theatre. Each and every lead is outstanding while the incredible ensemble take this production to the next level. Their dance sequence during The Prince Is Giving a Ball is jaw-dropping and left me beaming from ear to ear; just one of the many scenes you’d love to watch over again and again.

This uplifting production takes a story we all know inside out and dusts it with more than a sprinkling of magic, a blast of camp and a covering of creativity. Director Joseph Houston, Co-Director/Choreographer William Whelton and the whole team have created something truly special here. An enchanting piece of family-friendly theatre that will be adored by young and old alike.

Cinderella with its soaring score, witty script and wonderful message of kindness will warm the coldest of Wicked Stepmother’s hearts, perfection!

Cinderella is on at Hope Mill Theatre until Sunday 11th December tickets available here.

All My Sons

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Altrincham Garrick Playhouse bring us this “intensely personal” Arthur Millar play, All My Sons, directed by Carole Carr.

The play centres around the Keller family, a family suffering from the unknown fate of one of their sons, Larry, who has been reported “missing in action” three years previously.

The father, Joe, played by David Beddy, had been acquitted of supplying faulty cylinder heads for combat planes, during the war, and left his business partner take the blame.

The daughter of the business partner was the Keller’s son Larry’s sweetheart, Annie (Katie Cullen) who after the incarceration of her father had moved to New York City with her mother. In the play, we see her return to her childhood hometown and into the bosom of the Keller family. Some of whom are delighted by her visit, while others are reminded so much of their loss by her return. Larry’s brother Chris (Tom Broughton) is still living at home and is working with his father. He has plans to marry Annie and not everyone is happy about it – this triggers a spiraling of emotions as the truth finally sets itself free.

This play is about versions of truth, relationships and community. Although this play is decades old, there is so much that is relevant today.

Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, once again demonstrates to us that they have talent in abundance. This cast is truly superb. David Beddy plays the strong yet vulnerable Joe Keller perfectly. One minute we love him, the next we see him as a victim and then we hate him and then we grieve for him. Exceptionally portrayed by Beddy.

Tom Broughton is a beautiful Chris Keller, he commands the audience and has great chemistry with the equally talented Katie Cullen as Annie. Brigid Henningway plays the anxious and heartbroken Kate Keller perfectly. She walks the fine line of villain and victim magnificently. The entire cast is spectacular.

Although it isn’t an easy play to watch at times and it’s hard to say that it’s an enjoyable story, it is important. It’s a story that Miller wrote with purpose, as he did with everything he wrote. We learn through his script that we are all versions of ourselves, and that things are not always as they seem.

Bravo, Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, once again you bring us great theatre in such a truly professional way.

All My Sons is running until Saturday 19th November at the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse tickets available here.

Othello

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Opening Night verdict

Almost 15 years since it originally premiered, Frantic Assembly’s Othello feels fresh, gripping and revels in every element of Shakespeare’s brutal tragedy.

Predominately set in well-worn working class pub, where a pool table takes centre stage, Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett bring their adaptation bang up to date as the opening sequence bursts into life all tracksuits, trainers and bolshy bravado.

Their signature physical theatre is put to incredible use as Michael Akinsulire’s commanding Othello leads his gang of brothers from the front, occupying their seemingly safe space within the pub with a cool air of authority, where tension is constant & there’s an ever present feeling that violence could erupt at any moment.

The multiple sequences of Frantic Assembly’s trademark choreography, often almost silent bar a blaring soundtrack are superb; while the Bard’s text is delivered with authenticity and brutal emotion, this is a Shakespeare for today, raw and real.

Michael Akinsulire illustrates Othello’s complexities flawlessly, his brooding behaviour keeps you on guard throughout, one moment he’s tender the next tormented. The choice to set this piece in modern day makes for an all the more stark realisation that the accusations of Desdemona’s (Chanel Waddock) infidelity are completely unfounded and unjust. Waddock is no wallflower, giving as good as she gets, but she is loyal and loving right to the end.

Iago is portrayed perfectly by Joe Layton, snide and calculating; no one is off limits as his lies wreak havoc. He needs barely any motive at all to condemn those around him through his malicious exploitation.

Kirsty Stuart makes for a memorable Emilia, ensuring the short scene in Act 2 between her & Desdemona which takes place in the women’s toilets feel pivotal. While Felipe Pacheco and Tom Gill as Rodrigo and Cassio respectively, add depth and humanity to the piece.

As with all Frantic Assembly productions this is a true ensemble piece with the whole cast working together seamlessly to create this powerful retelling of Shakespeare’s bleak tragedy. The pub setting is inspired and makes it feel wholly accessible to modern audiences. Laura Hopkins set designed paired with lighting design from Natasha Chivers and Andy Purves and a thumping soundtrack from Hybrid cement the inspired modern-day setting.

This is thrilling theatre which builds to a devastating finale as the brutality of revenge and the fragility of ego plays out. A powerful, punchy and poignant Othello which will leave you wanting all of Shakespeare’s classics to get the Frantic Assembly treatment, superb!

Othello is on at The Lowry until Saturday 19th November here.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

he Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is based on the novel “These Foolish Things” by Deborah Moggach, and was inspired by the blockbuster film. 

The play follows the journey of seven characters, from different walks of life, who have travelled to India to live out their retirement in a more exotic environment, or so they think. Sonny (Noshad More) and his mother ( Rekha John-Cheriyan) own the hotel residence but are struggling to work together and agree on what their plans for the future should be. They don’t always see eye to eye, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. 

The accommodation is not quite what the brochure had led the visitors to believe, but along the way bonds are formed, and a plan is hatched to put the hotel on the map.

The cast is a joy, so many legends of the stage and screen together on one stage. The script is joyful and witty. And while the jokes are intended for the more ageing members of the audience, there is something in there for everyone. 

The chemistry between characters on the stage is sweet and charming. Hayley Mills, plays the meek and mild Evelyn, who grows braver and braver as she realises that her voice is meant to be heard. Mills is a great joy to behold, she is slick and her presence is felt all through the auditorium.

Rula Lenska, brings us Madge, and with her performance comes many laughs, she is a master of her craft and her comic timing is impeccable. Lenska and Marlene Sidaway, who plays Muriel, have a lovely chemistry and they give us many things to laugh about throughout the production. As does Andy De La Tour as the grumpy and cricket obsessed Norman. 

Paul Nicholas, (who I first saw in stage in 1991 as Barnum) is cast beautifully as Douglas, a man who is simply going through the motions of life with his wife Jean (played magnificently by Eileen Battye) he married many years ago, but who he now realises he no longer loves. Nicholas manages to make us all fall in love with a character, who essentially wants to leave his wife for someone else, how he does it I’m really not sure. But he pulls is off and we all gasp and “ahhh” when he returns for Evelyn.

This play is filled with subplots about call centres and long lost childhood friends and love marriages. But it’s simple and easy to follow. It can at times lack pace, but in a world where everything feels so heavy at the moment this productions gives us the light relief we are desperate for. 

Colin Richmonds set design is an absolute highlight of this production. We are transported to India in so many ways and the lighting design by Oliver Fenwick, helps to guide the narrative. The set, lighting and sound design are seamlessly joined to transport us to India.

The dancing by the whole cast at the end was truly wonderful. It almost makes you wish the entire production was a musical. 

While the show is clearly aimed at those of a certain age, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be enjoyed by us all. It’s a lovely piece of theatre, with a marvellous cast.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is on until Saturday 12th November

Bugsy Malone

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Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Put on your trilby, shake your tail feather, and grab your splurge gun because one of the most beloved musicals, Bugsy Malone is in town this week providing the perfect night out for all the family.

The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre Group first performed this version of the late film maker, Sir Alan Parker’s timeless classic back in 2015 and it is now on a nationwide tour.

The cinematic version premiered in 1976 and garnered huge critical and commercial success. This mainly due to its original premise: that of children playing gangsters and showgirls, bringing together classic tropes of film noir and musicals.

Directed by Sean Holmes, this is the tale of a mob turf war between speakeasy owner, Fat Sam and crime kingpin, Dandy Dan. Caught in the middle of it all is wise-guy and boxing promoter, Bugsy Malone, and promising singing starlet, Blousy. As the bodies pile up can Bugsy and Blousy escape the criminal underworld and start a fresh life in Hollywood?

This is such a fun production packed with great performances, catchy musical numbers and well executed set-pieces that will have you smiling throughout. Highlights come thick and fast, with the high energy ‘Fat Sam’s Grand Slam’ perfectly setting the tone of the show. In addition, there is the superbly choreographed ‘We Could Have Been Anything’ and ‘So You Wanna be a Boxer’ which shine a spotlight on choreographer’s Drew McOnie’s outstanding work. All pack a punch and fill the production with such vibrance that you can’t help getting sucked in and taken along for the ride.

As you may expect, this is a showcase for some fine young actors, some of whom are making their professional stage debuts with this production. Mixing these super talented kids with adult performers is a treat to watch. It never seems jarring or takes you out of the action, which can happen when you have children playing adults and vice-versa. This is a super talented ensemble cast that works so hard throughout, providing big laughs and lots of fun.

The costumes and set design by Jon Bausor look great. The costumes fully encapsulate 1920’s America, lots of glitz and glamour for the ladies, and pin stripes suites for the gents. The clever set design, along with Philip Gladwell’s lighting design gives the production a darker element to it, fully evoking criminality, mob assassinations and scenes from old gangster films we are all too familiar with.

The finale may actually be one of my favourite show endings of all the productions I’ve had the good fortune to cover and perfectly captures the immense joy you get from the show.  A huge dance number for all the cast, with absolute joy etched on all their faces, so infectious that the audience were up on their feet and joining in. Bugsy Malone is a big pie in the face full of fun and fabulous performances, and one that will entertain young and old alike.

Bugsy Malone is at the Manchester Opera House till the 12th November. Tickets available here.

The Lion King

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The award-winning musical which has been seen by over 110 million people worldwide has returned to Manchester for an incredible 19 week run, taking up residency at the city’s Palace Theatre.

Based on the 1994 Disney animated feature film, The Lion King has been wowing audiences on Broadway for 25 years while also running continually in the West End since 1999; so it feels like a real treat to have this record-breaking show visit us here in the North West.

Telling the story of Simba who is tricked into thinking he is responsible for the demise of his father Mufasa , The Lion King opens with a burst of brilliance as the iconic Circle of Life plays out in all its theatrical glory, no spoilers here but this truly is one of the most spectacular openers you’ll ever see as the animals of the Kingdom burst into beautiful, vibrant life, immersing the audience fully as they take their places in the Pridelands.

Julie Taymor’s stunning costume design combined with Richard Hudson’s minimalist scenic design, vibrant lighting from Donald Holder and expressive choreography from Garth Fagan unite impressively to bring the sights and the sounds of Africa’s expansive savanna to the stage. Each scene fills you with wonder, often drawing spontaneous applause from the audience as the sheer magnificence of this production plays out. Julie Taymor and Michael Curry’s puppetry combined with intricate masks are spectacular and lift this production to a whole other level.

This is a true ensemble piece with a cast of over 50 talented performers, each and every one bringing their own piece of Disney magic to the stage. The vibrancy of the group numbers is an absolute joy, visually stunning and a total feast for the eyes, you honestly don’t know where to look, there’s so much happening on stage, every corner of the Palace Theatre feels alive.

Stephenson Ardern-Sodje and Nokwanda Khuzwayo are perfectly cast as Simba and Nala delivering the beloved characters with real heart and depth. Jean-Luc Guizonne is superb as Mufasa, commanding and calm with a gentle ease about him. Matthew Forbes is a wonderfully witty Zazu who gets the audience on side immediately with his strong characterisation and incredible puppetry skills. Another audience favourite is Thandazile Soni who is an absolute delight as Rafiki, Alan McHale and Carl Sanderson bring the laughs as Timon and Pumbaa while Richard Hurst as the brooding villain Scar is fantastic.

The show is jam-packed with much loved musical numbers including Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Hakuna Matata, I Just Can’t Wait to Be King, Be Prepared and of course Circle of Life while stunning additions for the stage include the powerful Shadowland and the stirring, He Lives in You.

The Lion King is an astonishing piece of theatre, adults will be wowed while children will be filled with awe and wonder. Magical memories will be made every night of this run in Manchester as The Lion King roars out until Saturday 11th March.

Tickets for The Lion King can be booked here.

Identical

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

This brand new musical is based on the original book “Das Doppelte Lottchen” by Erich Kastner; two huge Hollywood movies both titled “Parent Trap” have been made of this tale and both are absolute family must sees.

Directed by Trevor Nunn, wiith music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, Identical is the tale of twin girls separated as babies, who then meet at a summer camp age ten. Initially the are appalled that they look alike (well, more than alike: identical). Eventually the penny drops and they realise that they are twins who must have been separated. They devise a cunning plan to switch places when returning to their respective homes. They do a great job of convincing those around them that they are who they say they are, until one becomes unwell and it’s up to the other to bring the families back together as one.

There are three sets of twins who play the roles of Lisa and Lottie. In the performance I attended it was the turn of Kyla and Nicole Fox and these two young women are incredible. Everything about their performances was exceptional. They were, without doubt, the absolute stars of this show. Every note they sang, they hit perfectly and their chemistry with their respective parents as well as with each other was magical. 

The first half is a little slow at times, but it’s setting up the narrative for what will come in the second half and it is worth the wait. The songs are pleasant and performed well by all of the cast, but there didn’t seem to be any big numbers to take away and sing on the car journey home.

The play is played straight, it sticks to the story and at times it misses the opportunity to make us laugh, but it’s simple and enjoyable. The cast are all excellent and there are moments of tenderness between characters that brought a lump to my throat.

The set design is like nothing I have seen before and quite frankly it took my breath away. The use of digital moving images on backgrounds that change and shift is so dynamic. It really helped to set the scene and tell the story. It was obvious where each scene was set – using this kind of technology means that there is no limit to the number of settings you can have. I think this will be seen more and more in touring theatre productions – it is phenomenal.

All in all this is an enjoyable show with fine performances from all the cast. Beautifully written songs and is entertaining. I think children age 9 and over would really enjoy this show – it is a little long for younger children with a running time of approximately 2 and a half hours.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Series 4 Tour announced!

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The Queen’s will make two stops in the North West as part of their official UK Tour

Visiting theatres and arenas across England, Scotland and Wales, the tour will include two north west nights of endless extravaganza visiting Manchester Opera House on Wednesday April 19 and Liverpool Empire on Monday April 24th

ALL 12 queens from Series 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK will feature in the tour including Liverpool’s Danny Beard, Manchester’s Cheddar Gorgeous and Lancashire’s Sminty Drop.

Tickets go on sale at 10am Friday November 4 from www.cuffeandtaylor.com 

Identities

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Premiering in Warrington’s Pyramid Arts Centre, ‘Identities’ by Rae Bell in partnership with Close To Home Productions shines a humorous and incredibly moving light on breast cancer, more specifically the journey one fictional character ‘Lucy’ and her brilliant boobs take.

Writer and performer Rae Bell allows Lucy’s boobs to do the talking in a succinct 60 minutes; the length of time it takes to perform a standard lumpectomy. Joining Bell on stage as left boob is Hannah Harquart, the two make for a perfect pairing. They’re bickering like sisters one moment then each other’s absolute rocks the next. The duo have a real ease about them ensuring the audience immediately gets on board with their creative storytelling. There’s a genuine warmth in their delivery as you quickly grow attached to their characters, making the development of the piece all the more emotional as we move from carefree nights out to consultant appointments.

The verbatim interviews which play out during the latter part of the show add an additional depth as the emotional & important reality of the subject matter is realised. Humour weaves through the entire production ensuring this piece never feels oppressive despite the subject matter.

The creative way in which the story unfolds allows for awareness raising to run alongside superb storytelling littered with belly laughs throughout. It’s the perfect blend of hilarity and heart-wrenching reality.

Director Maya Shimmin has ensured Rae Bell’s vision is realised with each aspect of the show uniting perfectly to ensure the storytelling takes centre stage here. The piece feels accessible and innovative and I’m sure will open up conversations for all who have the pleasure of seeing it.

Identities is packed full of humour and a whole lot of heart, it absolutely succeeds in raising awareness while being thoroughly entertaining; this is important and innovative theatre.

More information on Identities as well as tour dates can be found here.

Let The Right One In

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Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“It’s grim up North”, a phrase we’re all so used to hearing, so much so that sometimes we may well just believe it. Well, the North isn’t as grim as some will have you believe, and it certainly isn’t as grim as the lives of Eli and Oskar, the central characters at the heart of writer Jon Ajvide Lindqvist’s 2004 novel, Let the Right One In.

I bring up the North because Lindqvist’s book takes place in Stockholm, however this adaptation takes place in an unnamed frozen landscape populated by a great many accents from the North West of England, which for me gives the production a great deal of charm and an injection of humour.

However, the central narrative is anything but fun. For teenage outcast Oskar (Pete MacHale), life is pretty tough: he’s a loner who is constantly bullied at school, living with an alcoholic mum, with very little interaction from his father. In addition to his personal issues, his local community is in the shadow of a series of grizzly murders.

Whilst out playing, the young teenager meets mysterious teenager Eli (Rhian Blundell), who, along with an elderly gentleman, Hakan (Andrew Sheridan) have moved next door to Oskar and his mum. Despite a shaky start where Oskar informs Eli that she “smells like his dog”, the two begin a friendship.

However all is not what it seems with Eli and Hakan, between them they are responsible for the town’s murders, for Eli is a vampire and Hakan is her captur/acolyte. The blossoming relationship, between Eli and Oskar, sees a jealous Hakan take drastic action that will jeopardise the safety of Eli and Oskar and will set both on a journey that neither could imagine.

Writer Jack Thorne and director Bryony Shanahan have created a bleak, at times brutal, production with a tender under-belly, that one moment has you shocked to your core and within the blink of eye will see you raise a smile. Those expecting a Halloween ‘jump’ feast should curb their expectations. Don’t get me wrong, there are moments of horror right from the start, but these are few and far between and when they come, they hit your senses like a punch to the gut.

The cast are superb: Rhian Blundell and Pete MacHale are outstanding as the young couple; their relationship is the glue that holds this together and both give performances filled with naivety, angst and humour. It’s their relationship that leaves a lasting impression, more so than any other aspect of the production.

They are supported by a fine group of actors, with standout turns from Andrew Sheridan as the deplorable Hakan, who manages to make you feel some sympathy for a truly reprehensible character. Whilst Stefan Race as school bully, Jonny, who for my money is the real villain of the piece, simply makes your skin crawl in every scene he’s in which is a great achievement when you consider the rogues and deviants on display here!

The creative team have created a cold, bleak world, perfect for the story. There are some truly innovative uses of the vast open space of the Royal Exchange’s ‘in the round’ staging. The swimming people finale is a particular highlight.

Fans of the source material will get a great deal from this production, whilst for newbies this is a satisfying introduction to such a beloved piece of work. As a night at the theatre goes, this is a well crafted, exceptionally told story, as tender as it is uncompromising and more than warrants a night out during this season of the witch.

Let the Right One In is at Royal Exchange until the 19th November. Tickets can be found here .

📢 Casting Call 📢

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You could be the next star on The Lowry’s stage in the hit musical ‘Innit’ 

The Innit For Young People Charity is looking for the lead male, Ashley, and lead female, Stacey, age range 18-25 of their musical ‘Innit’ coming to The Lowry next September. 

‘Innit’, set in Salford, follows the life of Ashley Thomas through dysfunction and turmoil as he finds himself framed for a crime that he didn’t commit. 

The production is set up to spark creativity and hold up a mirror to society, whilst young people get to enjoy a fully relatable piece of contemporary theatre. 

Innit For Young People is a registered charity, aiming to tackle the increasing number of school exclusions in England, head-on. They plan to deliver a relatable educational programme and workshops for ALL children aged 12-14 by offering the opportunity for them to visit The Lowry Theatre to see ‘Innit’ for free. 

Micky Dacks, CEO of Innit For Young People said: “Young people deserve to experience the exhilaration of theatre in the same manner as any other member of society can, without being excluded by virtue of their often-unfortunate circumstances.” 

The deadline for audition tapes is the 1st November, with workshops for the shortlisted actors on both the 6th and 13th of November. 

Micky added: “We’re going to make two dreams come true and that’s just the start.”

HOW TO SEND IN:  

Send in your casting tape via WHATSAPP with the word ‘AUDITION’ to 07366444972.  

OR  

Send in your casting tape via WETRANSFER to auditions@i4ypc.org.uk  

Casting tapes should include a brief introduction about yourself.  

(Include your name, location and the most interesting fact about yourself,   

followed by your choice of 3 lines from either Ashley’s or Stacey’s monologue.) 

Tapes should be a maximum of 60 seconds.   

Anything longer will not be watched.  

First 250 entries are guaranteed an audition.  

Brief Encounter

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Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


In 1945 Brief Encounter hit the British cinema screens for the first time. Based on the one act play by Noel Coward called Still Life and directed by David Lean, the film was a huge commercial and critical success. It regularly features in polls as being one of the greatest British films of all time.

Over the years there have been numerous radio, TV – and even an operatic version of this timeless classic. There has also been numerous theatrical offerings too and this latest production has come from Director Paul Robinson adapted for the stage by writer Emma Rice. This production sets out to captivate audiences of all ages at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre, where it embarks on a three week run.

After a chance meeting in a train station cafe, a local GP, Alec (Pete Ashmore) and respectable housewife, Laura (Anne-Marie Piazza) set out on a journey of passion and forbidden love; doomed to fail from the start. Both are married, both have children and both are upstanding pillars of the community. Will the world around them, and more importantly they themselves, accept the love they have for one another?

Key to the success of this fabulous production is its pacing; the story has time to breathe. That, coupled with the undoubted chemistry between the two leads, ensures you care about the two lovers. You feel their pain, anguish and like our “Romeo and Juliet”, as one character points out, you want a different outcome for the two, even though you know it’s never going to happen. There’s brilliant storytelling, excellently executed throughout this production which is packed with emotion and a great deal of style.

The really production works if you fully invest in the predicament that Alec and Laura find themselves in; Pete Ashmore and Anne-Marie Piazza draw you in perfectly. Nothing flashy or over-the-top, just raw, honest emotion. They both capture the fun and tenderness their tryst has produced, as well the guilt and hurt that it also brings.

It’s not just the Alec and Laura affair that’s in play here. There is also the blossoming romance between cafe owner Myrtle Bagot ( Natasha Lewis) and ticket inspector Albert Godby (Robert Jackson), as well as the courtship between cafe worker, Beryl, (Lara Lewis) and train porter Stanley (Joey Hickman). These are both played mainly for laughs bringing lots of joy throughout the first act. It’s during act two where the drama kicks in.

The supporting cast like the leads are superb, not only playing the aforementioned characters, but numerous other characters who, great or small, all impact Alec and Laura’s relationship. In addition to this, the cast along with musical director, Alex Weatherall, perform some Noel Coward and Simon Slater penned numbers including a stunning rendition of Go Slow Johnny and a slow, haunting performance of A Room with a View.

Other musical highlights included a version of George Formby’s Leaning on a Lamppost at the start of the show which brought on a pleasing, impromptu audience sing-along. As well as a fun saxophone trombone face off between Jackson and (Natasha) Lewis.

Setting the play ‘in the round’ is more a blessing than a curse. With most of the action taking place in the train station cafe, stage designer Jessica Curtis has created a multipurpose set: the cafe’s chairs, counter piano, and serving counter double up as a restaurant, and family home. The ‘in the round’ setting gives the production an energy and vibrance, some genuinely unexpected and innovative touches. My only small complaint is that sometimes the vocals on some of the musical numbers were a bit of a challenge to hear.

This is a timeless tale told with heart, soul and plenty of style, well worth a ‘little’ dalliance to the theatre.

Brief Encounter is at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton until 5th November. Tickets available here.