January and February round up

There wasn't so much theatre shenanigans at the start of the year, but I did discover a new found interest in the cinema having treated myself to one of those ‘all you can eat’ type passes from my local cinema, The Light in Stockport.

I wasn’t a big lover of modern cinema, huge multiplexes full of noisy people on their phones had put me off in recent years. However, my first visit to The Light just after Christmas was a bit of a revelation. Smaller screens, comfy seats with loads of space, nice food and drink, and even an usher introducing each film. There’s subsidised parking if you are driving, and a bar if you aren’t ( helpfully it’s within walking distance of my house) and generally seems a much more pleasant experience. My ‘local’ has ten screens so lots of variety, and early showings so rainy Sunday mornings have been transformed by coffee, cake and a film. Since discovering this new obsession I have seen;

• Mary Poppins Return (twice) - I was worried this would lose all the charm of the original but it had it in spades. It made me laugh and cry, had plenty of references to P L Travers original stories and was ‘practically perfect’. In fact I’d happily see it a third time
• The Favourite - not for everyone, and not what some of the people in my showing were expecting, but I loved it. The central performances were outstanding and Olivia Colman deserves all the awards
• Bohemian Rhapsody - whilst I did love this film, I felt the storyline could have had a little more ‘bite’. There is no doubt though that the musical performances were amazing and the last section, which basically recreated the Live Aid set, was fantastic and so nostalgic
• On the Basis of Sex - a really interesting true story with loads of gorgeous period detail. Maybe a little slow to get to the meaty stuff, but a very satisfying and educating watch which made you think about how far we have come in terms of equal rights

There was one theatrical outing in February, to see an updated Mother Courage and Her Children at the Royal Exchange with a cast led by Julie Hesmondhalgh. This tale was brought forward in time to the near future and its themes were shown to be very relevant to a modern day audience. Whilst it was powerful with fabulous central performances, it didn’t leave me as satisfied as the other production I have seen of this play by the much missed Library Theatre Company many years ago . In particular, the sound balance on the musical numbers made the words unclear in places and certain production choices left me a bit perplexed. But despite that it was a thought provoking play.

Gaslight, Carver Theatre Marple 1/3/19

It seems somewhat apt that, in a week when the subject of coercive control is very much in the news, I attend this thriller written in 1938 by Patrick Hamilton, where a manipulative and abusive husband undertakes to convince his wife she is losing her mind so that he can execute his own criminal aims.

Marple Carver Theatre have chosen this interesting play as their latest offering. They may be amateur theatre but their production values are always high. A sumptuous set, gorgeous costumes and clever lighting create the perfect backdrop for the action to unfold.

The cast do well with a very complex script, this play isn’t necessarily about the action, with all activity taking place in the Mannigham's front room, its more the interactions between the key protagonists. The script is complex and it must have been quite some challenge to learn it. The plot focuses on two key partnerships - Jack Manningham's unsettling exchanges with his nervous wife Bella, as he twists the truth and manufactures events in an effort to convince his fragile wife that she is mentally ill, and her gradual awakening to the true facts when she is visited by retired policeman Inspector Rough, a man determined to see long awaited justice served.

Julia Taylor as Bella plays the vulnerable wife well, on stage for almost the full length of the play and having to convey a range of mental states. Peter Gaskell as the determined and mysterious ex cop provides welcome comic relief from the sinister goings on. Harry Lee as husband Jack has a measured approach oozing with sinister undertones. Mariae Tucker and Debbie Bruce give good support as the household staff, one supporting Bella in her hour of need, and one undermining her at every turn .

It’s been a while since I took in a play at the Carver, but I really should visit more often. If you are in the area you should check it out. A very welcoming space, good value for money, with high standards and a varied mix of offerings. The next play here is Harvey, one of my favourite films, running from 10th to 18th May. Tickets can be purchased online at this link, or in person or by phone at Hollins Building Supplies in Marple (which is a brilliant independent hardware shop with knowledgeable staff and a great range of stock) 

Well done to the whole Carver team for Gaslight for an excellent show. I didn't know the story before but this did make me want to seek out the 1944 film adaptation. 

2018, where did you go?!

I think I surpassed myself in total abject failure to blog last year, and I'm not promising it will be any better this year. But despite the fact that only about 20 people were regularly reading my posts (unless someone retweeted it - cheers guys!). I missed having the blog to look back on and remind myself of all my theatre (and occasionally other) adventures. 

So just to start things off again, before life gets in the way and I fall back to never updating this thing, here is a very brief rundown of what 2018 shenanigans I got up to....

12/1 - Everyone's Talking About Jamie, Apollo Theatre London - such a life affirming show, my third visit, never fails to make me happy
27/1 - The Prince and the Porpoise, Didsbury Players, East Didsbury Methodist Church 
29/1 - Black Men Walking, Studio, Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester - mesmerising and at times confusing
24/2 - The Almighty Sometimes, Royal Exchange Manchester - powerful and moving
10/3 - The Little Matchgirl and Other Happier Tales, Buxton Opera House - just magical 
24/3 - Frankenstein, Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
31/3 - Art, Lowry Theatre Salford - Fabulous acting and a monologue from Stephen Tompkinson that brought the house down

27/4 - Tonight at 8.30 - Bedroom Farces, Jermyn Street Theatre London - some of Noel Coward's shorter pieces done fantastically in a tiny little gem of a theatre in central London
28/4 - Brief Encounter, Empire cinema London - shorter version of a show I'd seen before. Very enjoyable and inventive stuff from the incredible Kneehigh
5/5 - The Cherry Orchard, Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
18/5 - The Great Gatsby, Didsbury Players, East Didsbury Methodist Church - fun show with some energetic dancing interludes - made me seek out the book
2/6 - Happy Days, Royal Exchange Theatre - interesting dialogue led play showcasing Maxine Peake's acting skills
12/6 - Russel T Davies and Maxine Peake in conversation - Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester - as RTD would say 'Marvelous'
14/7 - Queens of the Coal Age, Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester - originally a Radio 4 play by Maxine Peake I really enjoyed this funny, moving and nostalgic play
20/7 China Plates and Pearl Earrings, Viaduct Theatre at The Hatworks Stockport
23/7 - I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue live, Lowry Theatre Salford - always fun - I'm glad I have friends who appreciate its genius - sad to think this was the last time I would see Jeremy Hardy
8/9 - Taking Steps, Garrick Theatre Stockport - first visit to a play at this amateur theatre at the heart of my home town. I did a really interesting backstage tour of the theatre as part of the heritage open day
22/9 - Queen Margaret, Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester
10/10 - Ross Noble, Buxton Opera House - Never fails to deliver
20/10 - Death of a Salesman, Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester
25/10 - Matilda the Musical, Palace Theatre Manchester - not the first time I had seen this brilliant show, but fun to see the touring version with a friend who was experiencing its magic for the first time

26/10 - Pinter 3, Howard Pinter Theatre London - short pieces from Pinter told brilliantly that stayed with you well after the show had ended. Tamsin Greig was simply superb
27/10 - Company, Noel Coward Theatre London - gender swapping the main and other roles worked brilliantly and this was a fantastic production
17/11 - The Habit of Art, Lowry Theatre Salford - enjoyable and great performances, but not the favourite thing I've seen from Alan Bennett
8/12 - The Producers, Royal Exchange Theatre - a perfect Christmas treat for my parents and I. Constant laughter and a brilliant production.
15/12 - Kiss Me Kate, Sheffield Crucible - nice way to round off a fabulous theatrical year

When I look at this list it does make me realise 1 - where all my money goes, and 2 - how lucky I am to be able to enjoy so many outings and so much variety. 

Lets see what 2019 brings!