Emily K Neal Archives - Page 6 of 10

★★★★

“a celebration of two great eras for music”

It’s 1958 and the evening of Springfield High School’s prom. The Marvelous Wonderettes, consisting of Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy, are set to provide the entertainment, and that they do!

The four performers are immediately recognisable as 1950s teenagers. Costumes (Emily Bestow, Designer, and Susan Hodges, Costume Supervisor) are classic fifties style dresses, each one a different pastel shade, which makes for an eye-catching design element. This is complemented well with the use of matching props including lollipops and school exercise books.

Within Act One we’re treated to an array of fifties hits (vocal arrangements by Roger Bean and Brian William Baker), including Mr. Sandman, Lollipop and Stupid Cupid. As well as group numbers, each character performs solos as part of their efforts to be voted Prom Queen. Joseph Hodges has directed them well and good use is made of the small performance space.

Act Two finds us at Springfield High School’s Class of 1958 ten year reunion, with obvious sixties style costumes a clear reflection of this. The Marvelous Wonderettes are again performing, but this time with updates on their love lives, heartbreaks and big events. This is realised through the performance of hits from the sixties, including You Don’t Own Me, Son of a Preacher Man and Respect. In both acts, the four performers display strong vocals as well as good storytelling through song.

Characterisation is spot on, with each girl bringing something different to the table with their personaility traits. From Betty Jean (Louise Young) and Cindy Lou’s (Rosie Needham) clear schoolgirl rivalry to Missy’s (Sophie Camble) sweet peacemaker role and Suzy’s (Kara Taylor Alberts) lovable quirkiness, there’s a lot to keep us entertained.

This show is undoubtedly a celebration of two great eras for music. Although the plot (Roger Bean) is quite basic, this is not a massive issue as the four performers do a good job of engaging the audience through their delivery of the catchy songs, as well as some highly entertaining audience interaction scattered throughout. With impressive harmonies and high energy performances, go and join The Marvelous Wonderettes for an evening of nostalgic fun.

Reviewed by Emily K Neal

Photography by Kevin Ralph

100% Chance of Rain

Chickenshed Theatre

Reviewed – 11th March 2019

★★★

“There are many engaging elements of this show”

Chickenshed Theatre prides itself on creating theatre in response to issues which are ever-present in our society. Following last spring’s critically acclaimed show, Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow, they present 100% Chance of Rain, which focuses on mental health and wellbeing.

The show, conceived and directed by Lou Stein, consists of seven standalone segments highlighting different issues relating to the main topic of mental health. These are split up with the addition of an art therapist character, Liz Abulafia (Belinda McGuirk), delivering various monologues and introducing the different parts. Each piece was devised as a result of workshops in which the young performers were encouraged to share their experiences and thoughts in relation to the different issues and themes explored.

The first entitled “Sweet Dreams” explores self-harm through a combination of abstract words and verbatim, as well as stylised movement. This is a powerful sequence and the young people involved display a high level of commitment to and empathy with the subject matter.

In “Head Above Water”, stress, anxiety and depression are explored. A clever design element is used here, with people rolling across the front of the stage under a large piece of material, simulating water and waves. This, combined with the movements delivered by the performers, makes for a visually exciting piece.

Chickenshed’s Vocal Voices perform during the evening. Musical Director Dave Carey (assisted by Cara McInanny) ensures the group’s performance is one of the main strengths of the show and adds to its overall intensity. An acapella arrangement of Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black, sandwiched between two of the show’s early sections, is particularly stunning. An arrangement of This Boy by Tom Baxter towards the end of the show is also well delivered with lovely harmonies. It would have been beneficial for more of this type of singing to have been included to further showcase the talents of the performers.

The design (Sebastian Gonzalez) provides some interesting elements. The stage is framed by umbrellas, a nod to the show’s title. A large screen at the back of the stage displays visual features such as text and multimedia elements. Lighting design (Andrew Caddie) is good and complements the emotions and moods portrayed well.

There are many engaging elements of this show, be it lighting, vocals, choreography or the important subject matter. However, what predominantly shines through and is the most endearing is the sense of community that is clear to see. As with all Chickenshed shows, each and every person involved, regardless of ability, is 100% committed to what they are doing and clearly care for one another.

Upstairs at the Gatehouse

Reviewed – 11th April 2019

★★★★

“a celebration of two great eras for music”

It’s 1958 and the evening of Springfield High School’s prom. The Marvelous Wonderettes, consisting of Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy, are set to provide the entertainment, and that they do!

Reviewed by Emily K Neal

Photography by Kevin Ralph

The Marvelous Wonderettes

Upstairs at the Gatehouse until 12th May

Previously reviewed at this venue:

Chickenshed Theatre

Reviewed – 11th March 2019

★★★

“There are many engaging elements of this show”

Chickenshed Theatre prides itself on creating theatre in response to issues which are ever-present in our society. Following last spring’s critically acclaimed show, Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow, they present 100% Chance of Rain, which focuses on mental health and wellbeing.

The first entitled “Sweet Dreams” explores self-harm through a combination of abstract words and verbatim, as well as stylised movement. This is a powerful sequence and the young people involved display a high level of commitment to and empathy with the subject matter.

Reviewed by Emily K Neal

Photography by Daniel Beacock

100% Chance of Rain

Chickenshed Theatre until 30th March

Previously reviewed at this venue: