Tag: off-west end

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Theatre Reviews

REVIEW: The Choir of Man ⭐️⭐️⭐️📍Arts Theatre

Photo credit @The Other Richard

Entering the Arts Theatre auditorium (the last time I did so, it was to see Six and Bonnie and Clyde), I was amazed to see an actual on-stage bar serving pints to the audience members in the Stalls. Yes, real pints! Managed by stage managers – who kept the number so the stage isn’t overfilled – this was a really nice personal touch to set the scene of tonight’s theatre at The Choir of Man: The Jungle.

Photo credit: The Other Richard

With a huge opening number ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, which provided an energetic start to a high octane 90-minute set that will leave even the most stone-hearted person wanting to get up and boogie. Whilst the storyline and premise are at-times flimsy, the cast in this show are what make it such a roof-raising production. There’s some rather strange choices in the book re: jokes at the expense of marginalised folks, it was also disappointing to see the lack of women in pubs which as we know aren’t barred only by society’s prejudices.

However, those slight barbs aside, that did not entirely detract from what were wonderful performances. In particular, the piano-playing and stunningly sounding Michele Maria Benvenuto as the Maestro. Everything we saw of Michele, spilled into the audience: the smile and the way that the talents from the piano-playing skills, The camaraderie between the on-stage cast exuded confidence, was enough to make anyone (including me) jump up for a half pint of the non-alcoholic stuff.

If you want to take someone who’s not really into Musical Theatre (or even jukebox musical) this may be the gate-way musical to tantalise those vocal chords and help to cheer you upon after a long week.

Until June 2024: https://www.choirofmanwestend.com/

N.b. Advertisement feature - Ad - This review is the sole thoughts of the reviewer, and was a gifted (PR) complimentary experience in exchange for an honest review of the material showcased on stage. If you would like to support my independent theatre, please consider subscribing to my Ko-fi:
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Theatre Reviews

REVIEW: Paper Cut⭐️⭐️📍Park 90, Park Theatre

Photo credit: Stefan Hanegraaf

In this story of a gay American soldier’s return from war, Kyle (played by Callum Mary), returns to the world he once inhabited albeit with a serious incident (leading to PTSD), a fatal blow to one’s confidence and a tragic repeated cycle of familial trauma. What Kyle refers to as ‘only a paper cut’. Or at least that’s what he wants his nearest and dearest to take from the awful attack, but the layers to this piece are like an onion: sadly, this onion has just the sole layer. Paper Cut is a robust attempt to explore the tolls of having taken up one’s duty to fight in a war, and the way former veterans (there is discussion on how one always is a soldier) look to create a new future with life-altering injuries.

It’s quite a let down for this piece, for the aim of its creatives falls flat on many occasions. From the initial promise of the minimalist set – wood set against the back wall, with twelve glowing lights dangling from the ceiling. The soundscape that I was so eager to see transposed as the piece moved on was sadly disappointing(the scenes with the Muslim prayer felt superficial, and bordered on the misunderstanding of the religion); ultimately, the entire plot felt weak, under-developed and jarred on several occasions.

The only redeeming feature is that this is a queer love story, which is told via the eyes of a disabled soldier. That was a refreshing insight, as was it to see the main protagonist portrayed by an actor who has a limbdifference.. However, even then, there was almost a propaganda-esque in its war-portrayal, it felt heavily one-sides and did make the feel piece which alienate to a British viewer. I’m sure I won’t have been the only one. The intentions is to interrogate what makes a loyal person: is it their ability to keep a secret? One that has made them repress their sexuality(even worse, caused them mental trauma)? Or perhaps it’s their serving to their home nation that bears them with the so-called ‘American dream’? It was like a baseball game, except nothing touched barely the first base.

At times, the direction felt so incredibly bizarre – with actors on stage whilst drama unfolds- and the oddity of having a bench that becomes a costume storage unit. There was a severe lack of excitement as the drama unfolds, and lots of strong emotions that built up to no sense of relief nor moving dialogue. The silences were also quite excruciatingly long, and it felt like it was also due a cut of at least ten minutes to keep it tight.

Photo credit: Stefan Hanegraaf

To conclude, this was a complex (and layered) story that could have worked  in an effective manner, given it had a huge re-focus and a tightening of the director’s vision; for me, Paper Cut was a cut too many for me to endure and enjoy.

** Note: This was a gifted (#ad) free ticket, in exchange for an honest review. The views expressed in this blog are of the reviewer, and reviewer alone. **

Until 1 July 2023
https://parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/paper-cut/
Prices:
Previews: £12
Standard performances: £12 – £20
Access: £9

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REVIEW: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Diva: Live From Hell! 📍 Turbine Theatre

Photo credit: Harry Elletson
Book & characters by Nora Brigid Monahan
Music & lyrics by Alexander Sage Oyen Produced by Alistair Lindsay for the Unusual Theatre Company and directed by Joe McNeice

This is the UK premiere of Diva: Live from Hell!, where you will join Desmond Channing in the Seventh Circle – Hell’s most squalid cabaret club – as he recounts the grisly events that led him there. Inspired by All About Eve, this blood-stained love letter to Broadway will have you laughing hysterically and lusting for revenge. Starring Luke Bayer as Desmond Channing, and every other character to boot, this one-act, one-person riot of a show will take you beyond the darkest depths and demonstrate exactly what it takes to earn the title of diva.

I’d never been to the Turbine Theatre (opened in 2019), prior to my visit last week to see Luke Bayer (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, RENT, Hair, Soho Cinders) in an American production called Diva: Live From Hell! The premise of the show follows Desmond Channing, as he is presenting a show live from Hell. It enters around a high school drama society, and Luke impressively voices many characters. The piece is a one-person show, and Bayer takes on a massive task but never once flinches or misses a beat. It is a captivating performance, as Luke vividly weaves the storyline, and with such vigour — I felt like I was going on a journey, feeling every emotion possible on the way. Desmond is the unreliable narrator, as we get everything told to us via his lens. This one-person show feel made it ever the more intriguing, yet was fulfilling as often numerous roles performed by one actor are difficult to achieve. Kudos to the director, for their directing this piece with verve and vivacity. The costumes bring the piece to life, and portray the fabulousness of Desmond, and his questioning of sexuality. The tracksuit top, the feather-boa design really brings campuses to this production.

The design is by Director Joe McNeice, and the lockers and creation of a car in one scene really stood out. There’s a lot of thought into how to transform the small space, and this is to be commended. Although the score itself is perhaps not the most memorable, the sheer conviction of the cast and creatives make this a brilliant performance. I loved the references to Patti Lupone, Jerry Herman and many other phrases/trivia only “stagey” folks would understand. I sat on the table seats (with a lamp that changes colour and adds to the feeling of being there with Desmond as he relays his story), and it was a lot of fun to be sung directly at – especially when it’s the superb vocal skill Luke Bayer possesses.

All in all, this was an entertaining watch in a fairly new theatre – my first time at the Turbine – which is located under the arches, and a stone’s throw from Battersea park. You may hear the odd train rumble on by, but that doesn’t detract from the action on stage.

Go see it for it’s just been extended by a week – now to end on 10 September 2022.

Book tickets via Turbine Theatre now

** EXTENDED TO 10 SEPTEMBER 2022 **