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North By Northwest

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

If anyone can put their own stamp on an Alfred Hitchcock thriller it’s Wise Children’s Emma Rice, her vibrant interpretation of the cinematic classic, North by Northwest is as witty and as whimsy as you’d wish for and has arrived in Manchester for a two week stay.

This high stakes spy-thriller introduces us to a very suave Roger Thornhill (Ewan Wardrop) who manages to find himself caught up in a rather serious case of mistaken identity, not ideal at any time but even less so in the midst of a Cold War conspiracy. Villain of the piece Vandamm, (Karl Queensborough) is out to get him with the assistance of his pals and fellow heavies (Mirabelle Gremaud as Anna and Simon Oskarsson as Valerian). Thornhill must out smart Vandamm in a bid to save himself however just as he’s gaining the upper hand, he meets the intriguing Eve Kendall (Patrycja Kujawska) who could just as easily be a sinner or a saviour. Completing the cast is The Professor (Katy Owen), who guides both the audience and Roger brilliantly through the perilous predicament he finds himself in.

This dynamic reworking of the original Hollywood movie is a joy, inventive, surprising and above all a whole lot of fun. As with all Wise Children productions music plays a significant role, with the choices made here really cementing the creativity of these visionary theatre-makers. Paired with inventive staging, where suitcases become Greyhound buses, Mount Rushmore and everything else in between, you really have got an impressive piece of theatre.

Ewan Wardrop is hugely entertaining as Roger Thornhill, the only cast member who doesn’t play multiple roles despite the characters very real identity crisis. Katy Owen as The Professor gives another standout performance, her comedic timing is second to none, her skill in breaking the fourth wall to ensure we, the audience are fully engaged and alert to our mission ensures that we’re captivated from the start. The four remaining cast members, Queensborough, Gremaud, Oskarsson and Kujawska, are equally as impressive bringing their own unique skills to the multiple roles they take on. Even via the slightest of adjustments, a different accent, a jaunty hat, they transform themselves into another surprising and entertaining character.

Rob Howell’s inventive set and creative costume design further adds to the playful, whimsical nature of this piece while Etta Murfitt’s Fosse-inspired choreography brings this piece further to life. The high energy is maintained throughout and by the curtain call the audience are up, enthusiastically applauding with as much energy as this talented cast have given for the entirety of this 2.5hr show. Visually impressive and incredibly playful until the final knife-edge moments when we’re reminded of the relevance of the themes of the piece, North By Northwest is a triumph.

Work It Out

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Many of us have been there, stood in a random community centre or school hall early evening, trainers on, ancient leggings dug out of a long-forgotten drawer as we await the arrival of the class instructor and just hope they’re not quite as bouncy as we’ve imagined. 

It’s the perfect material for a piece of theatre, from the characters we meet to the problems and predicaments they find themselves in. It’s something we can relate to, empathise with, and laugh along with as we reflect on our own brushes with ‘fitness’. Writer Eve Steele (who also stars in the production as Siobhan) has taken this basic premise a step further with the exercise class being one specifically for people who have been referred due to the mental health challenges they face.

This distinct group of characters go on a unique and engaging journey, from beginning as strangers who struggle to be in the same room together to becoming their own unique and fiercely proud community. Each has their own story and moment to shine as the weeks pass by and the heart of each character is carefully revealed. From alcoholism to hoarding, sexual abuse to overeating the issues they’ve face are many, however together they find a sense of belonging and a genuine sense of purpose without this production ever feeling cliche.

Writer Eve Steele and Director Sarah Frankcom have lovingly worked with these characters to ensure they are relatable, believable and touch the hearts of the audience in ways we don’t see coming. The subtleties of their journeys collectively make for a powerful, emotive piece of theatre packed with heaps of heart and humour.

There’s Rebecca (Raffie Julien), who is deaf and refuses to speak who brings along her Grandma Marie (Eithne Browne), Rebecca gradually finds freedom and confidence as the weeks progress while Marie evolves from angry and anxiety ridden to loving, caring and contemplative. Shaq, portrayed sensitively by Dominic Coffey is a care-leaver who is struggling to survive in a wholly unsuitable home environment. His moving dance solo to a jazz version of Radiohead’s Creep is a real highlight of the show.

Eva Scott’s portrayal of Colette a shy, sensitive soul who struggles with body image is deeply moving, seeing her find her place and purpose within the group as they bid to secure funding feels like a monumental triumph. Aaron McCusker’s journey as Rob is perhaps one of the most profound, his transformation is poignantly realised in the final touching scenes as Siobhan (Eve Steele) with whom Rob has become close takes a step back from the group while her personal progress stalls. Class leader Alice (Elizabeth Twells) who seems so composed and complete at the start goes on her very own unique journey of vulnerability where she too realises, she needs the strength of the group to get her through.

The powerful final scenes illustrate both the positive change community and inclusion can bring while exposing the stark reality of the damage done to a society failed by ineffective Governments and underfunded services. The focus on individual stories brings a real sense of hope to this piece as the characters unify becoming closer and tighter as the weeks go by.

Work It Out is on at HOME until Saturday 16th March https://homemcr.org/theatre/

Song From Far Away

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Forced to return to the place he had long since abandoned due to the sudden and untimely death of his brother, bereaved, nomadic banker Willem (Will Young) controls all that he can in this bitter-sweet monologue by playwright Simon Stephens and singer-songwriter Mark Eitzel

Where Willem is sarcastic, superficial and shallow his brother Pauli was artistic, musical and rooted firmly in the very heart of his family in Amsterdam. Willem moved to New York 12 years prior for a life of seeming anonymity and preferred disconnect. Reconnecting with his old life is neither embraced nor welcomed. Invitations are ignored while communication with anyone other than his late brother in the letters that he writes feels forced and misunderstood. He is a complex character, displaced both physically and emotionally yet draws you into his introspective world effortlessly.

We learn so much about him through this 80 minute piece, his complicated relationship with his parents, his regret over a lost love, yet it’s his surprising affection for his niece Anka, which truly gives us hope that relationships won’t always be impossible for Willem, indicating that this is a piece much more about living than dying.

The simple staging of the faceless hotel suite is given depth by the movement of tall billowing curtains while the lowering and raising of the ceiling adds at times to the feelings of claustrophobia and intensity. The smattering of snowfall beyond the confides of the suite midway through hints almost at a euphoric feeling of hope, just out of reach.

Will Young is entirely captivating in the role, commanding the attention of the audience effortlessly. The source material doesn’t leave room for sentimentality despite dealing with the loss of a sibling, making the moments of song and melody all the more poignant, cathartic in their delicate simplicity and delivered note perfect by Young. His performance feels intimate, authentic and real.

Director Kirk Jameson’s choice to set the piece several years after the passing of Pauli offers an opportunity of self-reflection, rediscovery and most importantly hope. This intimate and beautifully delivered piece will stay with you long after the curtain call.

Song From Far Away is on at HOME until Saturday 11th March tickets available here.