• OPPORTUNITIES Move To Oklahoma! (Glasgow) Theatre Guild (Glasgow) are looking for talented singers and dancers to join their cast of the Rogers & Hammerstein classic "OKLAHOMA!". Auditions will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 16 March 2004. All it takes to move to this 'brand new state' is a singing voice, some sheet music of your choice and some comfortable shoes for movement! Oklahoma! will be moving to Glasgow's RSAMD New Athenaeum Theatre from 20-25 September 2004. For more information contact the club secretary: cammy@uktheatre.net Email Address: cammy@uktheatre.net www.theatreguild.uktheatre.net _____________________________________ WHAT'S ON CATS (King's Theatre, Glasgow) There are few shows that can truly be described as a phenomenon but CATS is one of them. The worlds longest running and most successful musical ever . . . and for good reason. Characterisation, music and dance are brought together so seamlessly that the audience are immersed in the experience from the moment that the first chord is struck. You would think that CATS might become a victim of it?s own success. When the cast asked "What's a Jellicle Cat?" near the top of the show, I felt certain that most of the audience would be able to answer because most would have been here before. But the smiling faces and excited buzz when the lights came up told me that this show would continue to thrill audiences for decades to come. A truly ensemble piece it would be unfair to single out any individual performance. Safe to say that each member of the cast made the most of their opportunity when the limelight was focussed upon them while remaining faultlessly in character when it was not! Given the demands on the cast I find it remarkable that the producers continue to find new generations of performers capable of such a quality performance. The original cast list read like a Who's Who of 1980's theatre culture (Elaine Paige, Wayne Sleep, Bonny Langford, Brian Blessed, Paul Nichols, Rosemary Ford, et al). The 2004 touring cast can walk tall in their footsteps. The show runs from 10 to 28 February with 7.30 pm evening performances and 2.30pm matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Don't miss it! Review by Cameron Lowe EMail: cammy@uktheatre.net _____________________________________ TRAP FOR A LONELY MAN By Robert Thomas Directed by Ian Dickens Now playing at the Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford, until Saturday, 14th February, and then on with the tour. Not being familiar with the work of Robert Thomas I decided to look him up on Google. Well ? according to their records Robert Thomas would appear to be a sculptor, an engineer, a dance centre, a church ? he is 6 feet tall and also holds the position of Professor of Electrical Engineering ? that is, if he hasn?t already been the victim of a fatal road accident. The list goes on and on, and not one mention of Robert Thomas the writer ? not even on the French sites, and he would appear to be French -- it?s the way that you say it! However it seemed that he earned enormous fame and success with the production of this play (originally Piege pour un Homme Seul) which he wrote in 1960, and which has been performed more that 30,000 times worldwide since, and you can?t get much more successful than that! It is billed as a whodunit style psychological thriller, and I cannot argue with that description. It kept us enthralled from beginning to end. Was the man (Peter Amory) really the victim of a plot to make him appear to have lost his mind? Was his wife really missing, or was the woman who claimed to be his wife telling the truth? Could the priest and the nurse be part of a gang to convince him that he was going mad? And what about the police inspector? Tune in again next week - - No, I jest?..all is revealed in the final act! The scene is set in an isolated chalet in the French Alps, and a very solid looking chalet it is too being part brick and heavily beamed, with seemingly solid oak doors (these sets are amazing!) The man has had a row with his wife and she has left ? but she has been missing long enough for him to have called in the police inspector (Geoffrey Davies). What a relief, then, when a young priest (Christopher Hackett) calls and says he has found her, but, when she enters (Sally Ann Matthews) ?This is NOT my wife!? She does, however, seem to know her way about the chalet, even to the fruit juice in the ?fridge, and to details of their time together in the three months they have been married, and the priest and the nurse (Katie Evans) swear it is her. What can be behind it all? Has there been a murder ? or perhaps a kidnapping? Can all these people really have ganged up together to convince everyone that the man is out of his mind? The only person giving a glimmer of hope is the old tramp (Michael Tudor Barnes) and he is soon despatched. Of course there is a large inheritance involved. Good Old Uncle has conveniently passed on and left a large sum of money to his niece. It?s almost always money! Finally, just when we think that the plot is working and these people are getting away with their deception, we have the answers! The clues are there, but even so I was taken by surprise by the unexpected ending. A fascinating plot that keeps you guessing right to the end. ?Vraiment!? Reviewed by Sheila Connor............ Box Office...........01483 44 00 00 _____________________________________ The Slab Boys Trilogy (Kings Theatre, Glasgow) John Byrne's comedy trilogy on fifties Paisley culture is performed with skill and enthusiasm at the King?s Theatre (Glasgow) this week. This production is touring as part of Traverse Theatre's 40th anniversary celebrations. I was treated to the opening play of the trilogy The Slab Boys and it made me hungry for more. John Byrne is perhaps better known for his BAFTA award winning series TUTI FRUTI and YOUR CHEATIN HEART. To those not familiar with the local parlance this play could be seen as a crash course in Parliamo Glasgow but to the local audience the laughs come thick and fast as the characters are brought to life on stage. My only (minor) disappointment was the sound, no discredit to the actors. The Kings is a big space to fill and they projected well. However, assisted only by floor mics, they were competing with the sweet and crisp munching modern audience. I'm only upset because I missed a few of the punchlines and I was savouring them all! Thursday and Friday (05/02 & 06/02) evenings see performances of Cuttin A Rug and Still Life respectively to complete the trilogy. Each play is a gem in it's own right. Take my advice, though, and beg, borrow or steal to see the entire trilogy performed on Saturday 7 February. Prices from ?7 to ?19 Box office: 0141 240 1111 Review by Cameron Lowe Email:cammy@uktheatre.net _____________________________________ Making it Big! Guess Who's Coming to Dinner Meets Midnight Cowboy in 1960's London. Making it Big February 3rd - 21st Landor Theatre Clapham. (Tube: Clapham North) Email Address: pb@clara.net Website URL: www.freewebs.com/makingitbig/index.htm _____________________________________ Blood Brothers in Milton Keynes This is the sixth time I've seen Blood Brothers, both on tour and in the West End...and on the whole I wasn't disappointed! The thing about Blood Brothers is that Willy Russell has done the hard work, and as long as the casting is correct, it can't fail to please. The evening I went, there was a standing ovation, although I could have done without the woman behind me talking throughout the council scene at the end, which killed any emotion for me and was the first time I haven't cried whilst watching this show. Audiences huh! but that's a whole different debate! This is a fabulous ensemble production with excellent casting and production values. The "Blood Brothers", Sean Jones, playing Mickey and Drew Ashton, playing Eddie, Mr and Mrs Lyons, Karen Barnes and Tim Churchill respectively and Debbie Eden (who reminded me of Sporty Spice with blonde hair) who played Linda, were all outstanding. Their performances couldn't be faulted in any way. Also excellent was Nicholas Charters, who is named in the programme as the Policeman and Teacher, but I thought his cowboy was the best! As Willy Russell says in his programme notes, to be a hit, a musical must be hummable, and this is surely one of the most hummable musicals of all time. Its a haunting, harrowing story of life - for some people the everyday struggle of life - but the audience still leave the theatre humming. If you haven't seen Blood Brothers before, it is a 'must-see' of musical theatre, so try and catch it. Or if you want to re-acquaint yourself with it, catch it at Milton Keynes Theatre (Box Office no: 01908 606090) before the 14th February, when it moves on on its never-ending tour. Review by Sarah Bowron _____________________________________ ENTERTAINING MOROCCO The hypnotic new play by Alison Atkinson directed by Sonia Ritter Theatro Technis, 26 Crowndale Road, NW1 1TT 5th ? 22nd February 2004 (Not Mondays) 7.30pm (Sunday: 5pm) Tickets: £12 £8 concession When a group of English people are kidnapped by pirates there's only one way to survive, by entertaining their captors. Entertaining Morocco shows how a group of 17th century country people cope with their new lives and develop their own unique way of entertaining their captors. Mixing their native skills with the newfound Arabic culture, they are drawn into a complex, rich and colourful fusion of music, dance and acrobatics, with profound dramatic consequences. The play investigates the fate of thousands of British people who were captured by pirates during the 16th and 17th centuries and sold in North Africa. Surprisingly a great many of them carved out successful lives for themselves in the Orient and embraced the beliefs and cultures of Islam. On occasion when Britain did pay the hefty ransom demanded by the captors, hostages often refused to return to their homeland.. Many of the actors have undergone training in aerial work and acrobatics for their roles within this production. Entertaining Morocco promises to be a great opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of Britain's long forgotten captives.. For tickets call the Atlas Productions BOX OFFICE on 020 8459 3405 _____________________________________ STOMP STOMP New Victoria Theatre, Woking Box Office: 01483 545900 Until Sunday 15 February Most restaurant reviewers incorporate their guest?s comments of the meal and so, when it comes to dance, I more than rely upon my husband's view as below since (apparently) I have no soul?! (i.e. I like my theatre to include strong narrative and words!) Mike thus writes: Pure energy, great teamwork, outstanding talent and thoroughly entertaining that?s STOMP. The performers work well together creating music, spectacle and comedy in equal measures. The gentle start with brooms leads elegantly to a wide variety of objects being used to create rhythm. There is a wonderful piece that uses nothing more than a box of matches, which balances well with the section when four performers enter wearing the kitchen sink! The introduction of the comic character is pure pantomime as the audience warms to him and wills him to succeed. There is even audience participation as we echoed the clapping of the lead performer, very reminiscent of the "oh yes he is", "oh no he isn't" which echoed around the auditorium just a few short weeks ago. The highlight for me was the wonderful spectacle created with the use of light and scenery as the performers climb the scaffolding and beat the rhythms out on a variety of drums, wheels and road signs as they swing on harnesses. It was good to see a young and enthusiastic audience enjoying the energy and vitality as well as the irresistible rhythms created with everyday objects. Fair enough, I can't disagree. If you've never seen Stomp before then it's an experience not to be missed because, even though it occasionally reminded me of play-time at kindergarten, it is original and vibrant. My only quibble is that it had opportunity to develop character and that perhaps after over ten years of performing there are ways it could evolve whilst maintaining its rhythmic essence. Review by Carrie Cohen & Mike Eden _____________________________________ The Full Monty, Churchill Theatre, Bromley Based on the successful film of the same name, I was intrigued to see how The Full Monty would make the transition from screen into a musical - the answer is extremely well. Although following the same basic plot as the film, the action has been moved from Sheffield to Buffalo, and although I was dubious beforehand about this relocation, this decision pays dividends, allowing the show to stand deservedly as a piece in its own right. As in the film, the action centres on a mixed bag of unemployeds who become would-be strippers to try and earn some cash to sort out their assorted problems. At the centre of this group is Jerry (Tim Rogers) a divorced father who needs to pay off his child support arrears to keep joint custody of his son and as the emotional heart of the show, Rogers is superb; the bantering, affectionate relationship between Jerry and his best friend, tubby and insecure about it Dave (an engaging Sion Lloyd), is a particular joy. As the group comes together and they begin rehearsals, the action really begins to take off with some inspired songs and a sports-themed dance routine that has to be seen to be believed. The supporting characters are well-defined and endearing, especially Alex Gaumond's blossoming mummy's boy and Cheryl McAvoy's high energy devoted wife. There are witty, character led songs that move the action along in seamless fashion and an ingenious, endlessly adaptable corrugated steel set, but it is the infectious, heart-warming glow that you take away with you that really makes this into a great night out. Review by Ailx Cavanagh Box Office 0870 060 6620 _____________________________________ WAITING FOR GODOT Since we open this week at the Cockpit, I want you to know there is a £5 ticket offer for this week only. Just mention the £5 offer and you've got a ticket for half price!! It?s a good chance to see a great masterpiece of a play with a wonderfully skilled, talented and experienced cast. John Calder presents: The Godot Company in Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot The members of the Godot Company Sergio Amigo, Tim Hardy, Anthony Jackson, Kenneth Jay, Oengus MacNamara, Peter Marinker, Jim McManus, Oengus MacNamara, Peter Pacey, Tony Rohr, and Boy Actors: Corbyn Thomas-Smith and Adam Rust. 'THE MAJOR PLAY OF THE 20TH CENTURY' WAITING FOR GODOT ?....... a play about courage.....the survival of spiritual grace under pressure......unusual tenderness." Michael Billington, The Guardian ".......beautiful; funny and jolting.......incredibly strong......a superb production that gets into your blood stream.....deserves to be seen......." Julia Hickman, Theatreworld Internet Magazine "The entire company should be congratulated...." Rob Speight, The Stage "......endlessly entertaining.....this has got all you need....." Kieeron Quirke, Time Out 10th to the 28th of February 2004 Cockpit Theatre Galeforth Street (off Church Street) London NW9 9EH Box Office: 0207258 2925 Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 pm Tickets £10 cons ?8 Tube : Marylebone, Edgeware _____________________________________ AFTER MRS. ROCHESTER @Richmond Theatre until Feb 7 Box Office 0208 940 0088 @Theatre Royal Wed 11 Feb-Sat 14 Feb Suffolk Box Office 01284 769 505 When you are a child you are yourself and you know and see everything. And then suddenly something happens and you stop being yourself. You become what others want you to be.? Jean Rhys. After Mrs. Rochester is the story of Jean Rhys, born in the Dominica Island (West Indies), sent to London when she was 16 and then lived in Paris where she was able to publish her novels and her masterpiece, Wide Sargasso Sea in 1966. Drama to the core, the story of Jean Rhys is the depiction of loneliness, the one she had chosen for herself. Being born in a country where whites were a minority, she experienced the consequences of isolation. That was the resemblance to Jane Eyre?s character of Mrs. Rochester, the main character of her novel and?herself. She needed to write to exorcise her demons although sometimes she couldn?t find the words and she would still feel the pain. In addition, she suffered the presence of a controlling mother who tried to make her feel unlovable at all costs (frequently reminded in the play). The cast includes Diana Quick (Wilt, The Big Sleep) as Jean, Emily Bruni as young Jean, and James Clyde amongst others. Written and directed by Polly Teale, award for best director (Evening Standard Theatre Award). Also received Time Out Award for best play in the West End. Along with the acting, excellent ambience piano composed by Howard Davidson and lighting by Chris Davey, in tune with Jean mood changes throughout her life. Review by Carlos Ramos _____________________________________ Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson Location: GLASGOW Name of Play: Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson (adapted by A McCrone/R Paterson) Date: 24.3.04 - 3.4.04 Venue: CITIZENS THEATRE Time: 7.30pm ( 10.30am matinee 25.3.04,2.30pm matinee on 3.4.03) Tel: 01688 302828 Tickets: ?12/ ?4 (Gorbals Citizens's cardholder: ?1) Box Office: 0141 429 0022 AND FINALLY.... Be My Guest Well, the first night at the Bridewell went so well that Gene Brewer, the author of K-PAX, is extending his visit and will be at the Lion and Unicorn for the start of a 4 week run, featuring Andy McQuade as Prot and yours truly in the role of Gene Brewer. The production team have authorised me to allow all UK Theatre Networkers to come along and be my guest on Friday night's performance (tonight by the time you read this). You can pay at the door, just say you are a guest of Doug's at UK Theatre Network and the red carpet treatment will be offered. You can save the ?5 off for the bar downstairs later on. For further information and directions send an email to kpax@uktheatre.net. _____________________________________ Advertisers Please Note: We have a special monthly training edition being compiled. If you would like to advertise just send your email to editor@uktheatre.net - discounts to our members are encouraged in return for a FREE entry and lots of enthusiastic and passionate performers. _____________________________________ Want your own copy of UK Theatre Network newsletters ? The UK Theatre Network is a virtual community of actors, producers, agents, casting directors and all lovers of theatre. If you would like to contribute or find out more, you can send a blank email to uktheatre-daily@getresponse.com OR uktheatre-weekly@getresponse.com - you will receive some information on how to use the services as well as this newsletter. _____________________________________

  February 12th, 2004 at 7:10 pm

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