An Oscar Winner

Stephen Unwin‘s production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest is outstanding. Every line is pitched and delivered perfectly.  The whole cast are wonderful but special mention has to go to Bruce Mackinnon for his excellent portrayal of Algernon. It also has to be said that Jane Asher makes a terrific Lady Bracknell and does not disappoint when it comes to the most famous of lines – “A hand-bag?!”

The sets are simple but detailed and create three believably different locations on the same stage. The props are all real objects which add to the realistic aesthetic. The costumes are beautifully crafted and completely appropriate for the era. Hair and make-up are also impeccable.

The only small downside to the show would be the double intervals as it slowed the pace of the show, but I understand that it was necessary for the set changes.

Overall this performance of The Importance of Being Earnest was pure genius and definitely worth seeing for fans of Wilde. I went for my birthday and would go again and again given the chance.

Rating out of 10: 9.5

The Rose Theatre in Kingston is a round theatre that is about a 10 – 15 minute walk from Kingston Rail Station and has good connections to the local bus services. Lighting and acoustics are of a high standard and there is a clear view from all the way around the seating area. The chairs are two-seaters so you and your partner can sit together which is nice. The aisles are wide and so there’s plenty of leg room and space. All the usual facilities are available and to a high standard. My only complaint was that the heating could have done with being turned down a bit.

EJH

Cheese Electric...

Small town girl meets city boy in this ultimate 80’s cheese-fest of a musical. Wannabe rockstar Drew is working a dead end job in a club on the sunset strip when he meets wannabe actress Sherrie. Meanwhile the strip is threatened by two Germans and a corrupt mayor who plan to demolish it. Outrageous rocker Stacee Jaxx (aka X-Factor winner Shane Ward) adds to the drama when he arrives on the scene and lusts after Sherrie. The bar is populated by a menagerie of characters including Dennis Dupree (the ever hairy but now very svelte Justin Lee Collins) and his long time ‘pal’ Lonny who is also the ever strange narrator of this wacky production.

Every cliché is utilised in the making of this show. Despite the wafer thin plot with slabs of cheesy lines piled on top, the vocals of all the performers are strong, especially those of the two leads. The music is performed live by the cast and on stage band, is of a good quality, and does justice to the anthems used.

The humour is at times OTT and laddish, especially the behaviour of Lonny and Stacee. This is enhanced by the inclusion of The Venus (strip) Club.

The costumes are skimpy and heavily embellished but in keeping with the era and setting of the story. Hair and make-up is convincing with some great mullets on display. The scenery doesn’t change much but is well dressed with no detail spared to make the bar feel realistic.

Overall, the show is ridiculous and hilarious in equal measure. It is apparently excellent for hen parties and stag dos alike according to the whoops and cheers from the row in front and the balcony above. If you love 80’s music its worth seeing but probably not twice.There are only two rules when it comes to this show – 1) don’t take your Nan and 2) prepare for to be surprised.

Rating out of 10: 6.5

The Shaftesbury Theatre is easily accessible from a number of tube stations and is close to shops and restaurants. There is plenty of space in the theatre which makes it easy to move around during the interval. All the standard facilities are available. The acoustics, lighting and stage are all of a high standard.

EJH

All Aboard The Dreamboat!

Hop back to Essex 1961, where there’s Brylcreem, crinoline and rock ‘n’ roll. Dreamboats and Petticoats is the story of Bobby and his dreams of becoming like his idol, Roy Orbison, and getting the girl.

Dreamboats is a lively show with live music and a whole lot of dancing. The storyline isn’t particularly strong and the love triangle is predictable but the characters are funny and vibrant. The music is performed by the cast and has a great sound. Special mention goes out to the two saxophonists who were especially good.

The cast, despite being made up of a lot of newcomers to musical theatre, were all great and seemed very natural onstage. Des O’connor is starring in the show at the moment and, it has to be said that, regardless of his obvious nerves and the occasional slip of the tongue he plays his parts very well. And good on him for singing "Hey! Baby" with a room full of people.

 
The set is excellent and well designed for the show. The costumes are great but a little clichéd for some of the characters.

All in all this is a fun show that’s suitable for all ages. It’s a laugh for the youngsters and it brings back fond memories for the over sixty fives. I really enjoyed it and I’m thinking of booking up for next year to take my mum and grandparents.

Mark out of 10: 7

Venue: The Playhouse Theatre is either cramped or cosy depending on how you look at it, but it has decent facilities and the stage, lighting and acoustics are all great. However it is not great for wheelchair users. The theatre is easy to find - a two minute walk from Embankment tube station and, if you’re looking to make an evening of it, there are a number of restaurants and shops nearby.

 
EJH

Oh What a Night!

Jersey Boys

The story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Where: Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, London, W1V 6HS.
Nearest Tube: Leicester Square (On the Piccadilly and Northern line)
When: Tuesday - Saturday 7.30pm and 3.00pm matinees on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Jersey Boys is the hit musical about four Italian high school dropouts from Belleville New Jersey who share a dream. They form a quartet and start their journey to stardom singing together under local streetlamps. Tommy's the leader of the group, he's a gangster and a guitarist with enough swagger for all four of them. Frankie's the voice with an unbelievable range. Nick's the harmonius genius behind the group's vocal arrangements and also the bass player. And lastly, but never least, there's Bob. He's the master songwriter responsible for all the hit songs. Throw in Bob "Golden Ears" Crewe, the bands producer, and you've got a recipe for success.

The show takes you from the day Tommy discovered Frankie (1960's) right up to the present day where the band have been entered into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The story is told by each member of the group in turn. It is at times funny, emotional and heartwarming. The songs directly link up with the plot to create an unforgettable experience. Join the boys on the rocky road to fame and find out the price of success.

My Star Moment: My eyes adored you.

The theatre is big and well kept with comfy seats and excellent lighting and sound quality.
Costumes, makeup and wigs are flawless and appropriate for the eras in question.
Theatre facilities: two bars, refreshment stands and plenty of clean toilets.
Program prices: £3 for small and £5 for large.
Special note: for those with sensitive ears, avoid sitting to the far sides of the front three rows as this is where the speakers are and at times they are quite loud. These seats would be excellent however for the hard of hearing and those who like their music loud.

Official Website for the show:
http://www.jerseyboyslondon.com/
Tickets Available from:
http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Jersey-Boys-tickets/