Tag Archives: Grace Wardlaw

The Beautiful Game – 3 Stars

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Game

The Beautiful Game

Drayton Arms Theatre

Reviewed – 30th August 2018

★★★

“Simultaneously exciting through the potential plots it teases at, and disappointing in how the whole thing is executed”

 

Shannan Turner (Harriet Grenville) is a football superstar. She’s played for the best clubs in the world, won awards and medals aplenty, and is at the peak of her physical game. It comes as some shock then – to her fans and colleagues alike – when she decides to retire at the tender age of twenty-five, and it’s this boat-rocking decision that kickstarts Kevin Lee’s intriguing character study. The show hints at the career-ruining skeletons in Shannan’s locker, we meet the new star kid on the block, there’s a blackmail attempt and, as the final whistle blows, a surprising twist reveals the real message behind the script.

Simultaneously exciting through the potential plots it teases at, and disappointing in how the whole thing is executed, writer/director Lee’s script is a mixed bag. Shannan’s war against the pressures inherent in being a highly paid footballer is cleverly realised and the final press conference where she surprises everyone all over again with her decision to go back to the roots of her footballing passion is a powerful moment of self-determination. However, Lee misses a trick by drawing out scenes with unnecessary information and allowing the most interesting aspects of Shannan’s character to go on unchallenged and unexplored.

Reminiscent of Lauryn Hill’s recent response to accusations about her behaviour to fellow musicians, Shannan is stoically non-apologetic for any misdemeanours other people may have accused her of. The staging, a simple football pitch drawn in perspective, neatly highlights her assertion that “there are different sides to every story”. To have seen more of Shannan’s fall and redemption on stage would have made this script a winner.

Grace Wardlaw as the put-upon Donna Huxley and Ella Zgorska playing the up-and-coming star of the game Amy Phillips both steal the show with convincing, funny performances. Throughout, all characters are well-realised through costume and physicality, leaving the audience in no doubt as to who is who, but these two stand out for seeming relaxed, confident and in control on stage. It’s the eclectic mix of character types all fighting for the same thing that make this show entertaining, and for football fans and pundits alike, they are sure to be recognisable figures from the off.

In the hubbub around the politics of World Cups and Premier Leagues, ‘The Beautiful Game’ is an inspiring story of rediscovering lost passion, and will surely inspire many, footballers and non-sportspeople alike.

 

Reviewed by Joseph Prestwich

 


The Beautiful Game

Drayton Arms Theatre until 1st September

 

 

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Review of Nell Gwynn – 4 Stars

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Gwynn

Nell Gwynn

Bridewell Theatre

Reviewed – 7th December 2017

★★★★

“Wardlaw is simply charming as Nell. She easily carries the weight of the title character with ferocity, grace and always a cheeky look in her eye.”

 

Nell Gwynn is Jessica Swale’s 2015 play about the famous English actress and mistress of King Charles II. Written originally for The Globe Theatre starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw with a subsequent West End transfer starring Gemma Arterton, this amateur production directed by Roger Beaumont brings heart (if not polished professionalism) to Blackfriars.

Grace Wardlaw is simply charming as Nell. She easily carries the weight of the title character with ferocity, grace and always a cheeky look in her eye. Wardlaw will be snapped up by the West End very quickly if casting agents are paying attention. Having seen the original production, it’s not unfair to say Wardlaw gave original Nell – Mbatha-Raw a good run for her money. I can certainly see her playing Nancy in Oliver! in the not-to-distant-future.

James Dart (King Charles II) has an excellent time swanning about the palace in tights, playing at royalty, and his relationship with Nell is sweet and touching. Simon Brooke is a gorgeously camp, scene-stealing Edward Kynaston. In kimono and wig-cap, Brooke’s comic timing and physicality leave him as an audience favourite. Felix Grainger is spritely and enthusiastic as tortured playwright, John Dryden. And Valerie Antwi comes into her own in the second act playing the comical serving lady and reluctant actress, Nancy. (Although, it did feel uncomfortable that the only non-white member of the cast was a servant, particularly given the original non-white casting of Gwynn in 2015).

The show suffered from an unfortunately mistimed party above the venue, meaning quieter moments were lost in the background noise – a reminder that however good the acting, it’s often the venues that let amateur productions down.

The action takes place over several locations around London meaning the ensemble/stage hands had their work cut out for them. Scene changes were sometimes slow, but were peppered with characterisation like ensemble member Alice Boorman getting increasingly frustrated picking up Dryden’s discarded pages. Director Beaumont also provides an elaborately designed set complete with Royal Box. I felt it would have benefitted from a simpler, stripped down set with additional lighting as the combination of the set and costumes felt too busy for a small stage.

The live band led by Musical Director Jonathan Norris provided nice accompaniment in the musical numbers (particularly the catchy ‘I can dance and I can sing’), however some notes went astray as the show went on.

This show was far from perfect, but like Ms Gwynn, it had charm, wit and gusto.

 

Reviewed by TheatreFox

Photography by Richard Piwko

 

St Bride Foundation [logo]

 

Nell Gwynn

is at the Bridewell Street Theatre until 16th December

 

 

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