Tag Archives: Libby Watson

Once – 5 Stars

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Once

Once

Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch

Reviewed – 4th October 2018

★★★★★

“a phenomenal production”

 

In Dublin, a man is about to leave his guitar behind for good. But a Czech woman needs her hoover fixed, and she plans to pay him in music. So begins a musical partnership, that over the course of a week, will change both their lives. Based on the acclaimed film by John Carney, ‘Once’ is a quietly beautiful story of music, love and loss. This is the first ever regional production of ‘Once’ and what a production it is. It started life at the New Wolsey Theatre, and now opens at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch to a standing ovation.

The actor-musician cast are supremely talented, vocally superb, genuine and often very funny in their performances, alternating between instruments with complete ease. Daniel Healy and Emma Lucia play the central couple. Lucia is wonderful, apparently unphaseable, lively and immediately likeable, the heart and soul of this story. Healy is equally fantastic. Lost and hurt, he sings and plays with an urgency of emotion that is both beautiful and heartbreaking to watch. Their relationship is tangible onstage, the words left unsaid and the complications that surround loving someone. Sean Kingsley as Billy, is a lively comic addition to the production, incongruous and bold. In fact, there isn’t a weak link across the cast.

Libby Watson’s accomplished set creates a familiar pub backdrop, walls heavy with frames, with a roof that lifts to reveal a star studded night sky high above the world. Under Peter Rowe’s direction, the actors remain onstage almost constantly, and a fantastically warm sense of ensemble is created.

Enda Walsh’s book is playful and simple, coupled with music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. Swelling folk tunes are followed by beautiful moments of ensemble acapella. This is a phenomenal production, touching and funny and deeply human, delivered by superb performances across the board.

 

Reviewed by Amelia Brown

Photography by Mike Kwasniak

 


Once

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch until 20th October

 

Previously reviewed at this venue:
Rope | ★★★★ | February 2018
The Game of Love and Chai | ★★★ | April 2018
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert | ★★★ | May 2018
Abi | ★★★★ | September 2018
Abigail’s Party | ★★★½ | September 2018

 

Click here to see more of our latest reviews on thespyinthestalls.com

 

 

Review of Daisy Pulls it Off – 4 Stars

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Daisy

Daisy Pulls it Off

Park Theatre

Reviewed – 8th December 2017

★★★★

“filled to the brim with fun, frolics and is ideal for adults and children alike. Truly spiffing!”

 

Written by Denise Deegan in 1980, Daisy Pulls It Off follows Daisy Meredith as she becomes the first scholarship student to attend the prestigious Grangewood School for Girls. In this parody of 1920s schoolgirl novels, Daisy must overcome prejudice and snobbery from some of her wealthier peers in a bid to uncover missing treasure and save her new school.

Daisy

The cast is made up of seven diverse adult actors who, as well as playing the schoolgirls, take on other roles such as school teachers and Daisy’s mother. The exceptions to this are Anna Shaffer (Daisy) and Pauline McLynn (Daisy’s newfound best friend, Trixie), who play the same roles throughout.

In terms of comic timing, the entire cast are spot on and deliver the witty script to almost constant laughter from the audience. This does mean the occasional word is lost, but it does not affect the overall delivery or understanding of the piece. Those actors who portray multiple characters do so very well, with effective physical and vocal differences delivered. Lucy Eaton (Alice/Miss Gibson) and Freddie Hutchins (Belinda/Mr Scoblowski) particularly stand out in the portrayal of their contrasting characters.

The set is basic, consisting of a black and white chalkboard-style theme and wooden chairs. However, as the schoolgirls flock the stage in their brightly coloured pinafores, the focus is immediately on them. The contrast between their colourful costumes and the lack of colour in the set works well visually. Another element that works effectively is the fact the cast move the set, consisting of wooden chairs, chalkboards and a wooden staircase, on and off stage themselves, whilst in character. This allows for minimal distraction, whilst allowing the production to flow well.

If you’re after some entertainment this festive season, look no further than Daisy Pulls It Off. Director Paulette Randall’s production is filled to the brim with fun, frolics and is ideal for adults and children alike. Truly spiffing!

 

Reviewed by Emily K Neal

Photography by Tomas Turpie

 

Daisy Pulls it Off

is at the Park Theatre until 13th January 2017

 

 

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