'The Boy at the Back of the Class' by Angela Wybrow

On 22nd February, 2024, I went to see a stage adaptation of the 2018 children's novel, The Boy At The Back of the Class, by Onjali Rauf, at the Rose Theatre in Kingston.

At the start of each Act, the cast performed a brief routine, using movement only, set to music, and I found this very powerful. They used an expanse of blue material, in order to represent the ever moving ocean, and, took it in turns, in pairs, to rush under the billowing fabric, from either side, and reach out to connect in various ways and levels. 

The story follows a class of Year 5 schoolchildren, at a London primary school, and their reactions when the, usually spare, seat, at the back of the class, is suddenly filled by a refugee boy, named Ahmed, played by Farshid Rokey, who has fled the war in Syria. At first, Ahmed, who speaks only Kurdish, is full of fear at his new school, and is silent, as he doesn't talk or understand English. But, as time goes by, he gains in confidence, and begins to grasp the language - opening up, gaining popularity, and, at the same time, discovering that he has something in common with Alexa and her gang: FOOTBALL! 

For the main, the story is narrated by Ahmed's new best friend, Alexa, played by Sasha Desouza-Wilcock, until Ahmed finds his voice. Alexa, along with close friends, Michael, played by Abdul-Malik Janneh, Josie, played by Petra Joan-Athene, and Tom, played by Gordon Millar, are keen, not only to make Ahmed welcome at their school, but, also to help him be reunited with his parents, whose whereabouts is initially unknown. We learn that, very sadly, Ahmed's family is no longer whole, as a result of the boat crossing to England. 

However,  the class bully, Brendan, played by Joe McNamara, along with one of the teachers, Mr Irons, played by Zoe Zak, are both far from pleased at Ahmed's arrival. Their behaviour towards Ahmed is truly shocking, but, thankfully, both get the comeuppance, which they deserve. 

All of the cast, who were playing the children, were very convincing in their roles, and captured the behaviour and mannerisms of energetic 9 year olds perfectly.

Priya Davdra, was kind and caring, as class teacher, Miss Khan, but, also very commanding, and kept her class under control with ease. Priya also doubled up as Alexa's Mum. 

A number of the cast doubled up as other characters, and, by changing their voice and demeanor, they were all very believable and totally different in their additional roles, and were able to demonstrate their skill and versatility as actors.

The production used a very minimalist set - a gymnasium type climbing frame - but, the set was very adaptable, and sections of it were frequently moved around, in order to form various configurations, to help set the scene. The use of simple signs also helped set the scene and location.

The story was a roller-coaster ride of emotions. It was very powerful, touching, thought-provoking, hopeful, and, also humourous. I found it very engaging, and really enjoyed it.

Theatre Review: I Should Be So Lucky by Angela Wybrow

On 25th January, 2024, I went to see the matinee performance of Stock, Aitken and Waterman's new musical, I Should Be So Lucky, at the Mayflower Theatre, in Southampton. 

The story follows bride, Ella, played by Lucie-Mae Sumner, and her husband-to-be, Nathan, played by Billy Roberts. On their wedding day, Nathan decides that he is unable to go through with the wedding, leaving Ella jilted at the altar. Despite this major upset, Ella is persuaded by her family and friends to go on the (already paid for) honeymoon to Turkey regardless, rather than waste the money, which she agrees to. Later, realising that he has made a huge mistake, Nathan, accompanied by his friend, Ash, played by Giovanni Spano, fly to Turkey, in order to make amends with Ella and win her back. But, it isn't all plain sailing. 

Mathew Croke, who I had seen playing the title role in Aladdin, at the Prince Edward Theatre in London, back in 2017, was among the cast, playing the role of Tourist Guide, Nadeem, Ella's handsome love interest, whilst in Turkey.

At this performance, Ella's mum, Shelley, was played by Lauren Woolf. 

Special mention should go to Gary Davis, as Ella's friend, Big Mike, who is a particularly lovable and fun character, but, who also shows his softer side. 

Pop icon, Kylie Minogue, made a number of virtual appearances, on a drop down screen, as Ella's guiding light, throughout the show. 

I particularly liked use of the screen at the rear of the Set, which was frequently used to help set the scene, and depict things such as movement, in the case of the jet-skis and boat, and height, in the case of the hot air balloon - and, to provide a lifelike virtual beach backdrop, with blues skies and foamy waves breaking onto the shore, when the weather was fine, plus, thunder and lightning and torrential rain, when the storm struck. 

The numerous pop hits, featured in the show, included, I Should Be So Lucky, Too Many Broken Hearts, Toy Boy, Never Gonna Give You Up, Venus, Especially For You, and Love In The First Degree. 

At the end of the show, the cast performed a medley of some of the hits, which were featured in the production, and, I was stood up, singing and clapping along, with many other people in the audience.

The production was very lively, energetic, fast paced, and colourful. It was a real feel-good show, and, even as the audience were leaving the theatre, a number of them could be heard singing the catchy songs, which were featured

For me, this was a last minute booking, as, originally, I wasn't totally convinced that it was my cup of tea. I was a little worried that the characters may appear quite shallow, but, this was not the case, and I found the characters really likeable and well-rounded. I really loved the show, and I am so glad that I made the decision to go.

Theatre Review: 'Everybody's Talking About Jamie' by Angela Wybrow

On 11th January, 2024, I went to see the musical, Everybody's Talking About Jamie, at the Mayflower Theatre, in Southampton.

At this performance, the role of Jamie New, was played by Finton Flynn, who was absolutely brilliant, and came across as very dynamic and charismatic. Jamie's best friend, the sweet-natured, but, ambitious, Pritti, was played by Rhiannon Bacchus. Shobna Gulati, known for her roles in Coronation Street and Dinnerladies, played the lively and likeable, Ray - best friend of Jamie's Mum, Margaret, played by Rebecca McKinnis. Rebecca was rewarded with enthusiastic and appreciative cheers from the audience, following her rendition of the emotionally charged musical number, 'He's My Boy' . Successful novelist and actress, Giovanna Fletcher, played schoolteacher, Miss Hedge, who had a hard time, trying to keep order in the classroom. 

 

Former Eastenders star, John Partridge, was excellent as Jamie's Drag Queen mentor, Hugo, who was also appeared as his alter ego, the glamorous and striking, Loco Chanelle. 

The story, set on a council estate, in Sheffield, is accompanied by a musical score, written by Dan Gillespie Sells, from chart-topping band, The Feeling. My favourite musical numbers were, 'And You Don't Even Know It', sung by Jamie, Miss Hedge, and Year 11; 'The Wall In My Head', sung by Jamie, and, 'It Means Beautiful', a very sweet song, sung by Pritti, 

The show put across a number of really important messages, such as believing in yourself, and having the right to be yourself, and was very inspirational. In the show, 16 year old, Jamie, overcomes prejudice and bullying, and goes on to realise his ultimate dream of performing as a Drag Queen. 

The show was very colourful, lively and energetic, and extremely enjoyable. During the curtain call, the audience gave the cast a very well deserved standing ovation.

Theatre Review: 'The Witches' by Angela Wybrow

On 3rd January, 2024, I went to see the musical stage adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic children's novel, The Witches, at the National Theatre in London.

At this performance, the role of the young, orphaned hero, Luke, was shared between Frankie Keita and Bertie Caplan, who stepped into the role for Act Two. Luke's eccentric Norwegian Gran, was played by Danielle Coombe, who possessed a very mellifluous singing voice . Katherine Kingsley, was suitably menacing as the powerful and much-worshipped, Grand High Witch, and Daniel Rugby, was a real hit, as Mr Stringer, the manager of the Hotel Magnificent in Bournemouth, who was in complete denial that any mice existed in his hotel. The action mainly took place in the hotel, where Luke, and his Gran were staying, and where the Witches were holding their Annual Conference. 

The cast also included former Pop Idol, turned West End stage star, Zoe Birkett, who I had seen recently in the Great British Bake Off musical in London, as Pippa, one of the Grand High Witch's dedicated and loyal army of followers, who were all keen to help her carry out her cunning plan to eliminate every single child, by transforming them into mice, which, in turn, could then be squished. 

Her plan is for her army of very normal looking followers, to open sweet shops, up and down the country, and sell children sweets, which contain a mouse-making potion, called Formula 86. Luckily, her plot is foiled by Luke, now in mouse form, and his Gran, and the plan completely, and, quite spectacularly, backfires, with the hotel suddenly being overrun with mice - but not the type of mice, which the Grand High Witch had intended. 

My favourite musical numbers were Ready to Go, performed by Luke; Heartbeat, a duet performed by Luke, and his Gran; and Bruno, Sweet Bruno, performed by Luke's sugar hungry, new friend, Bruno (played by Cian Eagle-Service), and the Company - which was a really fun number, featuring a glamorous and energetic tap dance routine, performed by dancing sweets and cupcakes. 

There were a number of 21st Century references, to help make the story, which was first released by Dahl in 1983, feel a little more current. 

The production was a great deal of fun, and was very enjoyable. It was very well received by an enthusiastic audience, who cheered appreciateively during the curtain call, and gave the cast a well deserved round of applause.

Theatre Review: 'The Drifters Girl' by Angela Wybrow

On 23rd November, 2023, I went to see the new musical, The Drifters Girl, at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking.

The show was packed with all of The Drifters greatest hits, including Saturday Night at the Movies, Kissin' on the Back Row of the Movies, Sweets For My Sweet, There Goes My Baby, Come on Over to My Place, and You're More Than A Number in My Little Red Book. 

The story of the group and their relationship with their management, told during the show, was very interesting, as I knew of their music, but knew nothing about their background and history. The show charted the numerous line-up changes, along with the reasons behind these changes, involving various fallouts, and the death of one of their members.

 
The role of Faye Treadwell, the Manager of the Group, was played by Linseigh Green, who had a very strong voice, and I particularly enjoyed her rendition of the emotionally charged number, I Don't Want To Go On Without You, following the death of her husband, George, played by Miles Anthony Daley. 
The members of The Drifters, in all its various guises, were played by Ethan Davis, Dalton Harris, Tarik Frimpong, and Ashford Campbell. I really enjoyed their slick dance routines, as well as the harmonies. 
The cast was completed by Jaydah Bell-Ricketts, as Faye and George's daughter. 
The production featured a small, but very busy live band, down in the orchestra pit, who did a sterling job throughout the show. 

During the finale, which featured a medley of The Drifters hits, many of the audience were on their feet, clapping and dancing along. It was a real feel-good show, and I really enjoyed it.

Theatre Review: 'Box of Delights' by Angela Wybrow

On 9 November, 2023, I went to see 'The Box of Delights' , at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, in Stratford-Upon-Avon. The show, based on the classic children's fantasy novel, by former Poet Laureate, John Masefield, was the latest festive offering from the Royal Shakespeare Company.

A young orphan boy, Kay Harker, is travelling back from school, to spend Christmas with his guardian, Caroline Louisa (Annette McLaughlin), when he befriends travelling showman, and powerful magician, Cole Hawlings (Stephen Boxer), on the train, and is given a magical box, which has the ability to transport him back in time. Kay is given the task of safeguarding the box, which is being sought after by an evil magician, Abner Brown (Richard Lynch).

Kai is tasked with the crucially important job of saving Christmas. He is aided in his quest by brother and sister, Peter and Maria Jones. Maria, in particular, is a very likeable and feisty character, who is always more than ready for an adventure. 

The three actors playing the children, Callum Balmforth (Kai), Mae Munuo (Maria), and Jack Humphrey (Peter), gave very convincing and energetic performances, and captured the childlike qualities, required for their roles, perfectly.

 

There was live music and singing throughout the show - mainly Christmas carols, but there was also some incidental music, which accompanied the action. 

The show made use of puppetry: my favourite being Barney, Hawlings' waggy-tailed dog, who appeared so realistic. His behaviour was captured perfectly, and he was truly adorable. The Phoenix was also very well portrayed, with its magnificent layers of shimmering gold feathers - very enchanting and magical. Kai, was also portrayed in miniature at times throughout the story, as one of the abilities of the box, was to shrink him to the size of a Borrower. Kai's 'mini-me' puppet was controlled by Callum Balmforth himself.  One of the scenes in Act One, also made use of shadow puppetry, to help set the scene, and tell of the war between the two powerful magicians, which had gone before. 

The aerial sequences were spectacular, and definitely worthy of a mention - especially the one towards the end of Act Two, where Kai is attempting to save Maria from the terrible flood. 

The production also made use of stunning visual effects. I especially liked the toy train set, with its steaming engine, and carriage windows all aglow, which magically comes alive,  The cascading water effect, when the sluice gate was opened to cause a flood, was also very striking. 

The production was very engaging, fast paced, and full of imagination. It was extremely enjoyable, and I would definitely recommend it.

Theatre Review: 'Murder in the Dark' by Angela Wybrow

On 8th November, 2023, I went to see the play, Murder in the Dark, by acclaimed writer, Torben Betts, at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham. 

Former pop star, Danny Sierra (former Holby City star, Tom Chambers), and his girlfriend, Sarah (Laura White, who played Princess in Doctors), arrive at a remote farmhouse, on a snowy New Year's Eve, following a car crash. They are soon joined by Danny's brother, William (Owen Oakshott), ex-wife, Rebecca (Rebecca Charles), and adult son, Jake (Jonny Green). The air is somewhat tense, as the family have just returned from a funeral, and alcoholic, Danny, is desperately craving a drink. 

The elderly, and rather eccentric, owner of the house, Mrs Bateman (Susie Blake), offers to put them up for the night, as the roads are inpassable with snow, and there are no trains running. The nearest village is 20 miles away, and there is no phone signal. The electrics in the house frequently play up, which adds to the atmosphere. Rumour has it, that the witch-like, Mrs Bateman, murdered her husband, by poisoning his mushroom soup.

On visiting the outside loo, Jake is shocked to see a young woman, dressed as a ballerina, sitting there. Danny goes to investigate, but doesn't find anything.

Act One ends with Mrs Bateman offering to make the family some mushroom soup. As she leaves them alone, the electrics flash again, and Danny gets the shock of his life, letting out a blood curdling scream. 

Act Two completely unravelled what the audience had believed to be true in Act One. Nothing was what it originally had seemed to be, and dark and terrible secrets were then revealed. 

All of the cast played their roles very convincingly, and there was a welcome sprinkling of humour

Overall, I thought it was a good play, and I enjoyed it, but, personally, during Act 2, I was somewhat confused.

Theatre Review: 'Mrs Doubtfire: The Musical' by Angela Wybrow

On July 6th, 2023, I went to see the new musical comedy production of 'Mrs Doubtfire', at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London. 

The show is based on the 1993 hit movie, starring Robin Williams and Sally Field, which, in turn, was based on the 1987 children's novel, written by British author, Anne Fine.

The storyline of the stage production is pretty much the same as that of the movie, but with a few minor changes here and there. A number of 21st century references throughout the show, brought the story bang up to date - for example, when voice actor, Daniel, was demonstrating some of the impersonations from his repertoire - we heard Boris Johnson, talking about Partygate, and Sir Andy Murray, taking about making it through to the second round of Wimbledon. Later in the show, there were also references to American President, Joe Biden, and the Glastonbury music festival. 

Gabriel Vick, in the central role of Daniel, was brilliant. His character was ably aided and abetted in his makeover plan, by his brother, Frank (played by Cameron Blakely), a make-up artist, and Frank's civil partner, 

Andre (played by former X Factor finalist, Marcus Collins). Carla Dixon-Hernandez, Elliot Mugume, and Scarlett Davies, playing the roles of the three Hilliard children - Lydia, Christopher, and Natalie respectively - were fantastic in their roles. 

My favourite musical numbers were - Make Me a Woman, when Daniel is undergoing his transformation into eccentric Scottish housekeeper, Euphegenia Doubtfire; Easy Peasy, which was a fun musical number, featuring dancing chefs, performing a tap routine; Let Go, which is performed with much gusto and emotion by Laura Tebbutt, as Daniel's work obsessed wife, Miranda, and the final number, As Long as There is Love, which was performed by the entire company. 

Many of the classic comedy moments, which featured in the film, were incorporated into the stage production., such as, Mrs Doubtfire's fake chest catching fire in the kitchen.

The show was full of fun and energy, and the action was pretty fast paced, which, along with the musical numbers and comedy, helped make the show very engaging and enjoyable. This is a show, which I would definitely recommend seeing.

Theatre Review: Fisherman's Friend - The Musical by Angela Wybrow

Bristol Hippodrome: 3rd May 2023

I was last at the Bristol Hippodrome in late 2019, to see The Lion King, and was really excited about returning to see Fisherman's Friends - The Musical. And I certainly wasn't disappointed. The second that the curtain went up and the cast launched into the first musical number, Nelson's Blood (Roll The Old Chariot Along), my spirits soared, and I knew for sure that I was going to love it. 

The cast featured a few well-known names - James Gaddas, best known for his roles in Medics, Coronation Street and Bad Girls, veteran Cornish actress, Susan Penhaligon, and Robert Duncan, best known for his role as Gus Hedges, in the classic TV comedy series, Drop The Dead Donkey. I really liked how, even though these three were billed as the stars, onstage they were very much part of the ensemble, and therefore melted very comfortably into the Cornish community being portrayed.

The show was full of energy, and was pretty fast paced, thus making it very engaging to watch. The overall feeling onstage was one of joy, although the story did also feature some more poignant moments of psychological struggle, and the death of one of the characters. There was a really good atmosphere on stage, and the cast came across as genuinely enjoying themselves. 

Fans of the folk group, Fisherman's Friends, would have instantly recognised a number of the songs featured, including South Australia, John Kanaka, Bully in the Alley and Pay Me My Money Down, but there were numerous additional songs - some of which were sung by Parisa Shahmir, who played Alwyn. She had a gorgeous voice, which was extremely well suited to the haunting melodies which she sang. Live musicians on stage really added an extra layer to the ambience.. I was thrilled that one of my favourite poems, Sea Fever, by John Masefield, had been set to music.

At the end, the audience, which was at full capacity, were encouraged to clap and sing along during the final number - No Hopers, Jokers and Rouges.  There were quite a few lighter moments during the show, and it was a real 'feel good' show. I really enjoyed the show, and would happily sit through it again. I would definitely recommend it.

Theatre Review: Further than the Furthest Thing by Zinnie Harris

I had the pleasure to watch Zinnie Harris’s revival of ‘Further of the Furthest Thing’ at the Young Vic Theatre, London. I went to the evening performance on the 18th April, and also both performances on the 19th April.

Cast

Gerald Kyd - Mr Hansen

Archie Madekwe - Francis

Cyril Nri - Bill

Kirsty Rider - Rebecca

Jenna Russell - Mill

Shapla Salique - Live Vocalist

Act One is set on the island of Tristan de Cunha, which is a small island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

  The first act opens with Bill going for a swim in a lake, but the lake starts to rumble. So, Bill gets out of the lake and runs home to warn his wife Mill. While Bill is out swimming in the lake; back home Mill welcomes home her nephew Francis whose been working away from the island for six months in Cape Town. But, Francis isn’t alone; as he as brought a guest with him from Cape Town, and that is Mr Hansen who is a factory owner who specialises in making jars. Mr Hansen wants to build a factory on the island; and he wants Francis to help him. After Francis has finished introducing Mr Hansen to his aunt and uncle he goes to see Rebecca on the beach. Rebecca reveals to Francis that she is pregnant, and Francis tells Rebecca how badly he has been treated while he has been away. During the night Bill can’t sleep so he starts making his Will by dividing up their crop of potatoes. 

  The following morning Mill and Mr Hansen meet up on the beach where Rebecca is sitting. Mill tells Rebecca to move  and when she refuses, Mill tells her to go and start smiling at the sailors, which Rebecca denies. Rebecca then moves from the beach. Mill then asks Mr Hansen to describe the factory that he and Francis plan to build on the island. Bill and Francis go to the beach to tell Mr Hansen that the villagers have voted to have the factory on the island, but Francis doesn’t want to build a factory on the island, due to having hearing rumbling noises coming from the lake. Bill goes to see Rebecca and tells her that Francis and Mill plan to leave the island and confesses to her that it may cause the other islanders leaving to. Rebecca reveals to Bill that she doesn’t want to have the baby, and she asks Bill to kill the baby once it arrives.

  Mill is getting Francis ready for his wedding to Rebecca. But there’s also a crowd that has gathered outside, and Francis is confused on why there’s a crowd outside. The crowd is forming because the volcano has started to erupt. Francis goes to find Rebecca, and he returns with the news that the baby is coming, but she doesn’t want to see anyone. The only person Rebecca wants to see is Bill. Bill helps Rebecca to deliver the baby while the volcano is erupting. Francis starts to beat down Rebecca’s door screaming for her, and Mill comes after him to lead him away. Once Bill has delivered and killed the baby; Rebecca reveals that she had been assaulted by a group of sailors, and Bill also realises that the baby has been born unbaptised. So, Bill baptises the baby. Mill and Mr Hansen rush round to Rebecca’s house, as they are the only people left on the island due to the island being evacuated as the volcano. Bill tells Mr Hansen and Mill that he killed the baby, and Mill asks Mr Hansen not to say anything to anyone and that the baby was born dead.

Act Two is set in England, and Mill is asking for an appointment to see Mr Hansen as all of the islanders are asking ‘How long will it be before they can go home?’ Mr Hansen tells Mill that the island has been destroyed by the volcano, and they won’t be able to go home and see the island. Bill has also managed to get a job at Mr Hansen’s factory working in the boiler room. Francis is explaining to Bill how to operate the boiler, and Francis tells that it is a good job, even though it’s nothing like farming back on the island.
  Mill and Bill are sitting outside of their home in the garden, and reflecting that they are now both British and what it means to be British. Mill has come up with an idea to raise money to send six people back to the island to see it one last time.
  Rebecca goes to see Francis in Mr Hansen’s office, and she tells Francis that she misses him. But, Francis doesn’t want to know.
  Mill has another meeting with Mr Hansen to tell him of her plan to lead a group of six people to go and see the island with a camera. If Mill postpones the trip he tells Mill that they will be getting improved housing if they stay in England, and start to consider themselves British.
  Rebecca goes and talks to Mill about a reporter who she is being harassed and insulted by. Francis arrives and Mill tells him that she has almost raised the money. Mill asks Francis if he would like to go back to the island for her and Bill. Rebecca also confides in Mill that the reporters wanted to know about something dark that happened on the island long ago, and it was before Bill converted the island to Christianity.
  Mr Hansen goes to see Bill in the boiler room, and he confesses to Bill that the island really hasn’t been destroyed and that it was a lie to cover up from the British Government, as they want to use the island to test nuclear weapons.
  Mill goes to see Mr Hansen and asks him to write a letter to the press to explain the events before the island turned to Christianity. Mr Hansen asks her not to send her story to the press. They are then interrupted by Francis who explains that Bill has locked himself in the boiler room.
  Mill and Francis are getting ready to attend Bill’s funeral. Mr Hansen is waiting outside to talk to Mill and he apologises for lying to her about the island. Mill tells Mr Hansen that the islanders are now split, as some want to return back to the island. Mr Hansen envies Mill’s love for the island and the power that the island has to draw people back to it. He tells Mill that supplies will always be sent to the island as long as he is alive.

‘Further than the Furthest Thing’ is a very thought provoking play based on true events that took place on Tristan de Cunha.

  The first act is set on the island, while the second act is set in England, and because of the contrast between the two acts it caused some audience members to leave; which was a shame as all of the cast, crew and everyone whose working in the theatre wants you to enjoy the whole experience.

The cast worked beautifully together, and the wonderful Jenna Russell had me in tears at the start of the second act. I also got to see Gerald deliver Mr Hansen’s magic trick from a few different angles, which was fun to see.

I really enjoyed my first visit to the Young Vic Theatre, London. All of the staff where so welcoming and nothing was too much trouble, as I had an issue with my theatre tickets.