Author: jessevegardiner

REVIEW: Private Lives

Published on by jessevegardinerLeave a comment

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Wicked, witty and wonderfully toxic, cheating has never been so fabulous.

Opening to a full house, ‘Private Lives’, directed by Tanuja Amarasuriya spun a wonderful web of satirical quabbles, ugly fights and scarily accurate encounters that happen within complex relationships. Beginning on the balcony of a hotel in France, two honeymooning couples find themselves caught up on a doomed holiday-from-hell where their ex-partners are also honeymooning. Packed with fast-paced dialogue and witty, bitter quips, ‘Private Lives’ is nothing short of outrageous. This show is filled with fabulous dialogue, frustrating pairings and honestly the most stressful couples getaway I could imagine. The play is set in 1930s France through the lens of the upper classes, it dissects every desire and failure within two relationships – raging jealousy and a yearning for past flames destroy both couples. This cast executed ‘Private Lives’ beautifully. I can see how this play could be considered old-hat and tired, but Amarasuriya has given “Private Lives’ a face-lift, it celebrates Noël Coward’s work and reminds us that romance has and will always be messy and ugly. 

Sade Malone perfectly captured Sibyl’s naive arrogance, Malone’s comedic timing tickled the audience in a youthful manner and left me pitying Sibyl, who was caught in the romantic crossfire. Chirag Benedict Lobo (Elyot) and Pepter Lunkuse (Amanda) left me hanging in uncertainty as to which character I should hate more, completely nailing the toxic allure of ex-lovers. It was utterly frustrating to watch, in the best way possible. Ashley Gerlach, who played the role of Victor, had the audience in stitches with his grimaces and visceral gestures. I found myself following his reactions and eagerly awaiting his next stunt. Lunkuse embodied Amanda effortlessly, giving a hilariously dry performance this was exactly what I imagined Amanda to be. 

One of my favourite scenes in this play was the physical altercation between Victor and Sibyl, the pair worked incredibly well together, their brawl was very realistic and a masterclass in stage fighting. My only wish is that Elyot and Amanda shared this capacity for stage combat, their brawls came off stiff and unrealistic in comparison. 

My praise to the show’s wardrobe and costume team, never have I seen such effortlessly glamorous pyjamas. The show’s wardrobe paid tribute to the 1930s with a modern twist; the violet and green wigs were a gorgeous addition. This set was also impeccably designed, a rotating set doubles as both the hotel’s glamorous facade and Amanda’s attractive Parisian apartment. The use of colour in the set and stage lighting was captivating and lifted the scenes. 

Overall Tanuja Amarasuriya’s ‘Private Lives’ was very entertaining, it injected a lightheartedness and edge to destructive relationships and for a play written almost a century ago, surprisingly relatable. This is exactly how I would want to see older pieces translated to modern audiences, language and culture may change but we still bicker like hell.

REVIEW: Simon & Garfunkel Through The Years

Published on by jessevegardinerLeave a comment

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Highly accurate and impeccably performed, Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years will leave fans, old and new, hooked with nostalgic brilliance

A truly delightful tribute to the legendary work of Simon & Garfunkel.

From their opening songs, I understood that Dan Haynes and Pete Richards (the duo that make up The Bookends Band), have a deep love for performing, they understand each and every song inside out, yet their renditions are completely effortless. The night, of course, featured all the hits from Simon & Garfunkel’s discography, including ‘Mrs. Robinson’, ‘The Sound of Silence’ and ‘Bridge over Troubled Water’ as well as deep cuts like ‘Red Rubber Ball’ and ‘Richard Corey’.

If, like me, you’re a Simon and Garfunkel fan or you just prefer a more laid back gig I highly recommend grabbing a ticket. The pair opened on a dimly lit stage with a single guitar and two microphones, kicking off their set with ‘America’, one of my all time favourites from the Bookends album, which immediately set the tone for an evening of exquisite harmonies.

The audience was guided through the evening with limited chat, but what was said, reflected their vast scope of knowledge and fondness for Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel and their work. Between songs, the duo discussed how Simon & Garfunkel formed, their early years, eventual split and incredible facts about how certain songs were written, which lets you see the lyrics in a completely new light. This struck a chord during a rendition of ‘The Only Living Boy in New York’, Paul Simon refers to Art Garfunkel as ‘Tom’ in this, which harks back to the band’s early days, when they went by the early stage name ‘Tom and Jerry’. Haynes and Richard’s anecdotes helped me with the context in which these songs were written; amidst war and conscription in 1960s America and an ever turbulent lifelong friendship between Simon & Garfunkel. Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years lets the music speak for itself, it’s a no fuss, all quality gig.

The duo’s vocals are faultless, a bewitching homage to the music, Richard’s harmonies intertwine seamlessly with Haynes’ acoustic guitar and at times I couldn’t even tell who was singing what. I found ‘Scarborough Fair/Canticle’ was particularly chilling, their isolated vocals left hairs standing up on the back of my neck. The same should be said for their arrangement of ‘El Condor Pasa (If I Could)’.

The only issue I have with the Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years tour is that Dan and Pete’s friendship has stood the test of time, which is a wholly inaccurate testimony. I left the concert humming songs I haven’t heard before and I’ve been listening to Simon and Garfunkel on repeat since. In all, the concert was beautiful, it left me feeling both refreshed, and with a nostalgic sentiment for something I haven’t experienced yet.

REVIEW: An Evening of Burlesque

Published on by jessevegardinerLeave a comment

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

A jaw dropping, nipple tasseled lesson in the art of seduction

Held in Newcastle’s grand Tyne and Theatre Opera House, the glamorous Ivy Paige guides you through An Evening of Burlesque with quick witted one liners, fabulous embellished gowns and a lot of audience participation.

The evening hits the mark with a balance of comedy, showgirls and audience work. Paige’s effortless charisma held the audience’s hand throughout the night as a perfect host. Magician-cum-comedian Christian Lee kick started the night with his repertoire of card tricks and tomfoolery. Warming up the audience who saw their life flash before their eyes at some points with a certain plate spinning trick. The mistress of fire followed with a heart racing dance with death. A alluring strip show in pitch black darkness with nothing but fire to illuminate her body.

The show is a testament to classic burlesque acts with a modern twist. The highlight of the show was Serafinna Hart’s mesmerising moves with feather fans, the classic burlesque act had the crowd’s heart racing and in complete awe. Hart is gracefully cheeky (heavy on the cheeky) and without saying a word had the theatre speechless. Another favourite of the night was raunchy vegas showgirl Peggy Sued—picture Gail Platt turned bad. The racy comedian has mastered intertwining crowd work, hula hooping and her hemorrhoid jokes and had the geordie audience in stitches.

As for the rest of the show, expect showgirls, and a backstage manager who takes the stage as ‘Danny Airhead’. Demi Noire puts a fantastic spin on classic burlesque as a dragesque disco queen, though her rendition of ‘(Hey) Big Spender’ felt lacking. The huge song as a solo performance noticeably called for more performers, but it is a testament to Noire’s talent and comedic timing that she kept the audience engaged. The dazzling costuming and choreography throughout the night evening were top-tier. Each and every performer showcased a mix of old-school charm and contemporary sass, seamlessly blending elements of traditional burlesque with comedy and audience interactions. The music and lighting choices elevated the atmosphere, immersing you in a dreamlike world of glamour and mischief.

I highly recommend grabbing tickets with your girls or even your partner but as Paige says, it might get a bit weird if you take your family! Whether you’re new to burlesque or a seasoned fan, An Evening of Burlesque delivers a sensational mix of spectacle, wit and seduction, leaving you thoroughly entertained and eager for more.

REVIEW: Through the Noise – Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason

Published on by jessevegardinerLeave a comment

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

“Through The Noise is unpretentious; it is an amazing inter-generational gateway into the world of live classical music.” 

I have never seen classical music live, nor have I really had any real desire to. I have never really resonated with the genre or felt like it was a musical space for me. Through the Noise is a refreshing take on classical expectations, through vibrant colours be prepared to witness the exuberant Kanneh-Mason siblings take the stage for a night celebrating human connection through all the noise of everyday life. 

The sibling duo connected on a level that can only really be described as telepathy, and delivered an evening full of emotional highs and sinking lows. Through The Noise is an intimate expression of adoration for music itself. Never before have I seen two musicians command silence from an audience like Isata and Sheku Kanneh-Mason. 

Held in the Boiler Shop, a stones throw from Newcastle Central Station, the venue provided an industrial yet festive backdrop. Upon entering, a vast grand piano sits centre stage, amber ‘through the noise’ graphics illuminate a blue smog that floods the stage. A 20 foot christmas tree casts a shadow over the audience as they file in, soundtracked by classic motown and rockabilly hits.The venue is filled with an audience of all ages; teenagers, octagenarians and families fill the venue to indulge in a night of sheer talent. Although I enjoyed the eclectic selection of music pre-show, I can’t help but be surprised at the lack of a warm up act. I don’t suppose the crowd’s need to be warmed up is the same as that of a rock gig, nonetheless it could have been an opportunity to showcase some local talent. 

Through The Noise is unpretentious; it is an amazing inter-generational gateway into the world of live classical music. I would recommend getting yourself a ticket if not just to witness Sheku’s glorious lineup of facials throughout the night as he tangos with the cello. You can tell that both the performers truly adore their art, they’re completely immersed in their craft. It was a pleasure 

to observe how both musicians manipulated their instruments and matched each other’s emotional intensity. The audience is guided through the evening, Isata breaks down the final movement in a brief speech, making it very digestible if you aren’t a regular classical listener. I highly admire the Through The Noise project as a whole, for their ambition, ethos and style. Check out their noisenights near you. The group are dismantling conventional ideas of classical music, you experience it up close and personal in an independent venue and discover new artists. And not to mention it’s a bloody lovely night out.