FEATURE: Alison Balsom – Trumpet Masterclass
Reading Time: 2 minutesThree admirable third year trumpet students took to the stage of Milton Court to be led in a Masterclass by the truly iconic Alison Balsom OBE.
Jason Showdie
I've adored theatre since I was a young (and, let's face it, precocious) child. Challenges growing up meant that theatre became a safe haven of escape and connection in equal measure.
I grew up in the South West of Devon, a stone’s throw away from the beautiful coast, in a village not far removed from the world of This Country, so it was certainly never dull.
I took the leap to move to the big smoke in 2017 and spent three years (or most of it, thanks Covid) training on the BA Acting Course at Italia Conti. I've always enjoyed writing and have done as much of it on the side as time has allowed; poetry, screenplays, musical theatre - you name it, I've got a dustbin somewhere full of it.
Most of my time now is split between teaching and working in marketing (and watching as much theatre as possible, of course!). For me, it's all about communication and the story is the point. I'm very excited to be contributing to a company focused on fresh, young perspectives and improving accessibility to the world's leading theatre scene.
REVIEW: An Oak Tree
Reading Time: 3 minutesIn celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Olivier Award-winning producers of Fleabag and Baby Reindeer presents Tim Crouch’s groundbreaking An Oak Tree.
REVIEW: falling for
Reading Time: 2 minutes"Falling for" is a two-hander about a coercive relationship, blending conflict and accuracy.
REVIEW: The Glorious French Revolution (or: why sometimes it takes a guillotine to get anything done)
Reading Time: 3 minutesFrom the moment we set foot in the auditorium of the New Diorama Theatre, it’s clear what kind of a show we are going to get. Hazel Low has the stage strewn with props and accessories–a thick gym mat, plastic balls, a smattering of wigs–as well as signs to hang around the neck to label each character as “King” or “Aristocrat” or “Peasant”. To lean on my GCSE Drama knowledge, it’s Brechtian (get me), designed to distance us and remind us we are watching a show, to keep us interested and engaged by the fourth-wall breaking drama so we truly think about its message. For this show, it’s the perfect choice.
REVIEW: The Pirates of Penzance
Reading Time: 2 minutesSasha Regan’s production of "The Pirates of Penzance" is a lively, comedic take featuring an all-male cast. While some performances, particularly by Luke Garner-Greene and David McKechnie, shine, the lack of operatic prowess sometimes obscures lyrics. Though it entertains, there’s room for improvement in storytelling and clarity.
REVIEW: Fly More Than You Fall
Reading Time: 2 minutesLet’s get the good stuff out of the way as the show has its fair share of it. Keala Settle shines as Jennifer, the mother whose illness rocks the overly-positive world of the show. Settle is an accomplished performer (you don’t need me to tell you that) with an astounding voice, who beautifully embodies her character–and often adds more depth than the show might otherwise provide. Robyn Rose-Li also puts in a fantastic turn as Malia, our wide-eyed protagonist, with a great voice and bubbling energy; these two are a lot of the reason the show stays in the air.
REVIEW: Janie Dee’s Beautiful World Cabaret
Reading Time: 2 minutesJanie Dee brings her Beautiful World Cabaret to the Jermyn Street theatre for a night of music, songs, Shakespeare, spoken word and storytelling to lead us in a conversation about our relationship with nature and this shared world we must protect.
REVIEW: A Letter To Lyndon B Johnson or God: Whoever Reads This First
Reading Time: 2 minutesFrom the second our two performers, Xhloe Rice and Natasha Roland, arrive into the space as our heroes Ace and Grasshopper, muddy-kneed and adorned in Scout garb, we know we are in more than capable hands. A few wild stories, knockabouts, harmonica harmonisations and spit-shakes later, they have our full and undivided attention.
REVIEW: Amina Khayyam Dance Company: You&Me/Bird
Reading Time: 3 minutesAmina Khayyam Dance Company brings a double-bill to The Place, combining live music and contemporary Kathak to tell current stories. While there are compelling highs, both pieces struggle to land.
REVIEW: Tom Lehrer Is Teaching Math and Doesn’t Want to Talk to You
Reading Time: 3 minutesFrancis Beckett’s show succeeds in giving the audience what they came for: an evening of brilliantly-played, well-sung Tom Lehrer classics. Shahaf Ifhar makes for a believable Lehrer, impressively capturing his signature style and voice and handling each sardonic quip with ease. From the off, it’s clear we’re in safe hands with Beckett and co and that this production is one made with love and respect for the man and his work.