Tag Archives: Tabard Theatre

Sirens of the Silver Screen -3 Stars

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Silver

Sirens of the Silver Screen

Tabard Theatre

Reviewed – 28th June 2018

★★★

“Some of the most potentially moving moments of the show are overdone, verging on melodrama”

 

Judy Garland. Audrey Hepburn. Marilyn Monroe. Beth Burrows’ one woman show puts these three sirens of the silver screen on stage together, singing some of their most famous songs and telling us the stories of their lives.

Burrows, performer and creator of the show, is warm, personable and immediately likeable. She communicates each of the different women with a clear admiration and understanding, playfully witty, tender and moving in her depictions. It’s a wonderful showcase for her voice, and her lower vocal range in particular is a joy to listen to. There are a few moments where the addendum ‘less is more’ ought to have been applied. Some of the most potentially moving moments of the show are overdone, verging on melodrama and a more subtle approach would ensure these moments have the impact they aim for.

The show is ultimately a history, a reminiscence, and whilst this is certainly interesting and I learn a lot about our three characters, a more personal, more in depth approach would take this piece to the next level. The piece begins conversations about so many deeply topical subjects, fame, substance abuse, sexual harassment in Hollywood, to name but a few. Unfortunately these aren’t really unpacked or commented upon, beyond a brief link to Harvey Weinstein. More moments like this, connecting these histories to our contemporary society would ensure the show feels relevant and fresh. Furthermore, the choice to put these three women together in one show isn’t sufficiently explored, and a greater emphasis on how they link to each other would help achieve a more cohesive result.

This is a really well made piece of theatre, informative, and beautifully delivered by Burrows, but it fails to access the potential depth and topicality of its subjects.

 

Reviewed by Amelia Brown

 

Lady

Sirens of the Silver Screen

Tabard Theatre until 14th July

 

Related
Previously reviewed at this venue
The Little Match Girl | ★★★ | December 2017
The Lady With a Dog | ★★★★ | March 2018
Sophie, Ben, and Other Problems | ★★★★ | April 2018

 

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Sophie, Ben and Other Problems – 4 Stars

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Sophie

Sophie, Ben and Other Problems

Tabard Theatre

Reviewed – 10th April 2018

★★★★

“The beauty of the play lies in the simplicity of the acting”

 

Sophie, Ben and Other Problems is an ethereal love story about Sophie, Ben and the trials and tribulations of a ‘modern-day millennial relationship’. Written by Conor Burke, the play explores this unlikely and loveable couple; Sophie (Dylan Morris) loud-mouthed, principled and genuine, paired with Ben (Conor Burke), awkward, loveable and charming.

The dialogue between the two is what really shines; the back and forth between these two very real characters is what draws the audience in and the quirky wholesome comedy is what keeps them there. The characters are people that I have seen or know in my day-to-day life. Dylan Morris and Conor Burke worked brilliantly together within the simple, if not a tad cheesy storyline (although I must admit, the cheesiness of the play had me smiling throughout the whole evening). In regards to the story, it’s well paced, however, at times, can feel a little cramped. It’s to be expected though with a run time of sixty minutes and such varied subject matter.

Morris and Burke bring so much emotion and intensity to such a small stage, bringing life to these snapshots of Sophie and Ben. The transitions between the glimpses of their relationship could use some tidying up, however I suspect first night glitches were the root of the problem. The beauty of the play lies in the simplicity of the acting, along with the staging. With little to no set, it allows the audience to focus steadfastly on just the two characters and their bond with each other.

Despite the huge volume of millennial-centric theatre being produced, this was a very unique and personal take on the topic. It’s a funny, wistful play, with very real relatable characters, which will have you in fits of giggles, as well as floods of tears by the end of the night.

 

Reviewed by Charlotte Hurford

 

Lady

Sophie, Ben and Other Problems

Tabard Theatre until 14th April

 

 

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