Relatively Speaking, Sutton Arts Theatre

Posted on October 23, 2014 by garylongden

relatively
This is where it all started for Sir Alan Ayckbourn, his first hit play. Originally entitled “Meet Your Father” it premiered in Scarborough in 1965, as was to become Ayckbourn’s custom, before becoming a hit in London’s West End in 1967.He is still writing, with over seventy plays to his credit. Early plays tend to be either rough diamonds, hints of things to come, or a treasure trove of ideas realised for the first time. “Relatively Speaking” falls into the latter category.

Drama in the late 1960’s and 1970’s often focussed on marital strife as marriages forged in the cultural changes of the swinging sixties were tested, or more established relationships reappraised. But Ayckbourn’s skill is to combine the darkness of Pinter, throwing in mistaken identity as Goldini and Goldsmith enjoyed, and adding a touch of Feydeau farce.

Two couples find their lives entwined, the young Ginny and Gregg, and older Phillip and Sheila. Ginny is having an affair with Phillip, which she wants to end, Gregg meets Phillip and Sheila thinking they are Ginny’s parents and Phillip meets Greg thinking that he is Sheila’s secret lover. Cue misunderstandings, hilarity and farce.

The scenes unfold during a summer weekend in the bed-sitting room of Ginny’s London flat and on the garden patio of Sheila and Philip’s home in the country in 1965. The scene change itself is quite ambitious with the patio exterior offering considerably more detail and depth than the flat, but the result is well worth it.

Ayckbourn is a master at conjuring comedy out of marital misery with Phillip excelling in misogynistic gloom, “She costs me 30 quid a week to run and that doesn’t include overheads.” Never does he miss an opportunity to snipe at Sheila either “I can’t say I’m very taken with this marmalade”

The highlight of the evening is a scene in which Philip and Sheila, talking entirely at cross-purposes about Ginny’s married lover, reveal the depths of their own antagonism, synthesising comedy and pathos. The laughter of misunderstanding, suddenly and subtly, colliding with the truth. Director Jane McConachie will be delighted that this set piece was so well despatched.

Anne Deakin steals the acting honours for the production, benefitting from a very well written part and wins many laughs at Sheila’s bewilderment with the arrival of Greg and Ginny. Lynne Ridge’s Philip is a curmudgeonly, wry, care worn soul who looks as though he will get off the hook – before a neat plot twist. Opposite the older couple, Joseph Flanagan offers naive, bemused innocence as Greg, Rachel Williams shimmies and strolls as Ginny.

There is very little visual comedy, all the comedy coming from the words, making this quite a demanding play for actors. The first scene of the first act took a while to warm up, but by the final scene all the cast was firing on all cylinders earning warm applause and much laughter from an almost full opening night audience, which augurs well for the rest of the run to 1st November
Gary Longden

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Dreamboats and Miniskirts, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

Posted on October 13, 2014 by garylongden

dreamboats and miniskirts
This jukebox musical is a sequel to “Dreamboats and Petticoats”, shifting the musical spotlight from fifties rock and roll to sixties pop, but retaining the same winning formula. Once again, the formidable Bill Kenwright production machine is behind the show, ensuring high production values and a good quality cast. BAFTA-award winning script writers Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran also return to keep the action moving between songs around three couples, Bobby and Laura, Norman and Sue and Ray and Donna .

The early 1960’s was pop’s golden era and provides a treasure trove of musical material to plunder, every song will be familiar. Musically, it is pretty much impossible for the show to fail, and it doesn’t, from the opening Joe Brown’s chart topping hit ‘Picture of You’, to the end some forty numbers later. And there is some method in keeping the music pre 1965, it keeps the musical decks clear for a third instalment.

St Mungo’s Youth Club in Essex is where the action mainly unfolds, opening as The Conquests are re-joined by Bobby (Alex Beaumont) ,who agrees to return to the band as the lead singer having split with Laura (Elizabeth Carter). The latter is the star of the show, on her own with “You Don’t Own Me” ,and as part of a trio, with a beautiful version of “All You Have To Do Is Dream”, Sue (Louise Olley) and Donna(Anna Campkin) harmonising wonderfully with her.

All the music is played live under musical director Michael Kantola with his versatile band. Chloe Edwards-Wood (tenor sax and clarinet) and Charlotte Peak ( bass saxophone and flute) excel – and they dance too! Effort is spent on the detail , Chris Coxon switched to playing a left-handed Paul McCartney-style Hofner violin bass in The Beatles’ “Twist and Shout” , his bass playing is superb throughout.
Dreamboats full

Norman (Ross William Wild) – may be down on his luck as a sewage disposal worker on the drains – but he can belt out a song, most memorably on “Hippy Hippy Shake” and has the ladies swooning. ‘Alan Howell as Tony impresses on ‘House of the Rising Sun’ a harbinger of shifting musical tastes.

No-one with nostalgia for the period and music will leave “Dreamboats and Miniskirts” disappointed. A lightweight story is enhanced by some neat comedy and witty one-liners, the music is a joy and the audience sing and dance along with an exuberant cast. The plot lacks dramatic tension but is carried along on a tidal wave of fine individual and ensemble singing, sharp choreography, inspired arrangements and shrewd song choice.

Dreamboats and Miniskirts plays the New Alexandra Theatre until this Saturday October 20th.

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Midlands Poetry What’s On October 2014

Posted on September 27, 2014 by garylongden

Fri 2nd- 5th Oct Swindon Festival of Poetry

http://swindonfestivalofpoetry.co.uk/

Fri 2nd- 5th Oct Warwick Words

http://www.warwickwords.co.uk/

Swindon Festival of Poetry | October
swindonfestivalofpoetry.co.uk

Oct Birmingham Book Festival

http://www.birminghambookfestival.org/
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Tues 30th Sept Word Wizards Poetry – On the final day of September ,7.30pm – 10.00 at the Buckingham Hotel Buxton SK17 9AS.What have you got? . . . A farewell to Summer – A countdown to Christmas – An Autumn villanelle. We`d like to hear them all. Everyone reads in every round so expect at least 5/6 three minute slots .JOIN US AND BEAT THE BLUES – Looking forward to it – Rob Stevens word wizards – catch us on facebook

Wed 1st Spire Writes, White Swan, 16 St Mary’s gate, Chesterfield,S41 7tj 7.30pm free in,On the week of National Poetry Day, we’ve a treat in store with a guest reading from Katharine Towers, whose debut collection ‘The Floating Man’ was published by Picador in 2010. Kathy was born in London and now lives in the Peak District. She has an MA in writing from Newcastle University. Her pamphlet Slow Time was published by Mews Press in 2005 and her poems have appeared in publications including Mslexia and The North.

As usual, there will also be plenty of open mic slots (one poem each) available to book in advance or on the night, it’ll be free entry and there’ll be more real ale than you know what to do with at the bar downstairs.

Starts at 8pm (arrive early if you want a seat) and finishes in time for the last trains to Sheffield.

Thurs 2nd National Poetry Day

Bond Company,180 Fazeley St Digbeth, noon till 6pm

Join us for ‘The Poetry, Performance (and everything else!) Festival’ 2nd – 10th October 2014.

By working with you, we can tackle the stigma surrounding mental health.

We aim to bring people together to experience and enjoy a series of meaningful and exciting events, including an interactive arts exhibition, pop up events and workshops.

Day One includes –

‘The Digbeth Poetry Trail’ – 12.00pm

‘The Grand Opening’, meets, greets and eats with Poetry Beats – 1.15pm – 2.00pm

‘Think of a Poem’, National Poetry Day Workshop – 2.00pm – 4.00pm

‘The Mad Hatter’s Clay and Stay’, experiment with ceramics – 2.00pm – 4.00pm

‘Soulful Poetry’, ease away the day with inspiring and meaningful verse – 4.00pm – 6.00pm

WORD! ‘DEAD LOCAL’ NATIONAL POETRY DAY – EXTRAVAGANZA!

Thursday, October 2nd – Leicester Adult Education College, Wellington Street, Leicester, 2pm-10pm
Details as below…For more see http://www.wordpoetry.eu & http://dawnoftheunread.wordpress.com/

In October, WORD! temporarily hitches it’s skirts and moves to LEICESTER ADULT EDUCATION COLLEGE – to present an extravaganza of ‘dead local’ writers, visuals and cake – in association with: Everybody’s Reading 2014; Dawn of the Unread and the Brothellian Movement. Celebrate reading, Leicester’s local literary heritage, WORD!‘s 13th Birthday – PLUS – National Poetry Day and it’s 2014 theme of ‘Remember’. Come on down to workshop, perform and party across the day – and night…

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DEAD LOCAL WORD!SHOP…WITH ANDREW MULLETPROOF POET
2-4pm. FREE!

Join Andrew ‘Mulletproof’ Graves for a poetry workshop with a twist. A series of practical exercises will help you strip away the flesh and explore the very bones of creative writing, structure and form. Don’t allow those poems to die, let those long forgotten ideas come bursting from the grave. Bring a pen, some paper and a weapon of your choice – the apocalypse is only a few words away…

TO BOOK YOUR FREE PLACE email WORD! via: secretagentartist@hotmail.com.

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DEAD LOCAL WORD!…WITH DAVID ‘STICKMAN HIGGINS – PLUS ANDREW MULLETPROOF POET
7pm (performers sign up with the compere from 6pm)
£3/£5. Box Office: 0116 454 1887 (16+/Parental Guidance).

Come on down to this gala edition of WORD! with David ‘Stickman’ Higgins and Andrew ‘Mulletproof’ Graves. Listen to top class work and share your own, inspired by: dead writers, undead people, birthdays, the National Poetry Day theme of ‘Remember’ – or anything goes…! David ‘Stickman’ Higgins is a world class poet, percussionist, actor and conceptual artist. He has been comissioned by Channel 4 and performed internationally. Andrew ‘Mulletproof’ Poet: “Blisteringly brilliant. One of the funniest and sharpest stand-up poetry sets I have ever seen.” Anna Saunders (Cheltenham Poetry Festival co-ordinator).

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WORD!’s Dead Local Special will be followed by ‘The Poetry Brothel’. For more information, visit: http://www.graysonscarnival.com

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Supported by Everybody’s Reading – and taking place as part of the festival. For more information see: http://www.everybodysreading.co.uk

Shrewsbury Poetry @ Eat Up, shearmans Hall, Milk St, SY11SZ Shrewsbury, Shropshire, 7.30pm free in

Readings from Matthew Stewart, Michael Thomas, Pauline Fisk Graham Attenborough and Paul Francis and Ian Lakin will be performing Condition Critical. Music from Martin Thomas of Grey Wolf

Birmingham Poet Laureate announcement ceremony

Cafe Mezz Birmingham Central Library 6pm, free in

FIRE & DUST – Big Comfy Bookshop Launch!

For this edition of Fire & Dust, we will be the guests of the newly-opened bookshop on the FarGo development.

Doors open 7.30pm – FREE

To get a reading spot, please arrive early and we’ll add you to the list.

All writers are welcome for readings of poetry, spoken-word performances and short stories (keep them to 10 mins)

Come with an open mind and an open ear.

Venue details:

The Big Comfy Bookshop
Fargo Village
Far Gosford Street
Coventry
CV1 5EA

Learn more about shop-owner, Michael McEntee and the creation of shop on his blog:

http://thebigcomfybookshop.blogspot.co.uk/

e: contact@thebigcomfybookshop.co.uk
Website: http://www.TheBigComfyBookshop.co.uk
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/thebigcomfybookshop | Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/bigcomfybooks

Find out more about:

HCE magazine – http://www.herecomeseveryone.me

Silhouette Press – http://www.silhouettepress.co.uk

Inauguration of Staffs Poet Laureate, Shire Hall Gallery, Market Square, Stafford Stafford, 7pm, free in

Plenty of poetry from past PLs and the new one, including the young PL.

Jackie Kay: Poems for National Poetry Day
7.30 – 8.45pm, Studio Theatre, Library of Birmingham

October 2 Jeff Phelps and Simon Fletcher will be giving a reading from the Poetry of Shropshire to the Friends of Ludlow Library, Ludlow, Shropshire, 2.30-4pm.

Fri 3rd
Dylan Thomas and Me: Hannah Ellis, Guy Masterson & Sian Lloyd
6 – 7pm, Studio Theatre, Library of Birmingham

Fern Hill & Other Pieces by Dylan Thomas
7.30 – 9pm, Studio Theatre, Library of Birmingham

Fri 3rdWord @ Western PH, Western St Leicester, 7.30pm, free in, upstairs

Word! Presents a one night only double bill of two powerful poets – Andrew Mulletproof Graves, performing comedy spoken word and Leicester launching his new collection, Light at the end of the Tenner – and Maria Taylor, with work from her recent collection, Melanchrini – plus more…

The night will be compered by poet and performer, Lydia Towsey and also feature guest performances from rising stars, Shruti Chauhan, James Mccatear and Jitendra Bhatt. Due to the nature of some material a 14+ is suggested.

The Performers

ANDREW MULLETPROOF POET.

Featured on 6 Music’s Cerys Mathews show and BBC Four’s recent documentary Evidently John Cooper Clarke, Andrew ‘Mulletproof’ Graves has been cited as “The hardest working poet in the East Midlands.”

Favoured by comic book legend Alan Moore, he can often be seen performing on stages up and down the UK. His last collection Citizen Kaned was released in 2012, whilst his latest collection, Light At The End Of The Tenner, was released in May 2014.

Mulletproof’s work is raw and gritty containing a dose of adroit comedy, which champions the underdogs and underclass. His distinctly left wing view, is tinted by the dark lenses of the coolest shades in the shop.

He is truly a troubled poet for troubled times.

PRAISE FOR ANDREW:

“Blisteringly brilliant. One of the funniest and sharpest stand-up poetry sets I have ever seen.” – Anna Saunders (Cheltenham Poetry Festival co-ordinator)

“Citizen Kaned is the first poetry collection I’ve devoured cover to cover since Carol Ann Duffy’s The World’s Wife …. Graves celebrates the unsung, the lost souls, the anti-heroes and misfits of this world, and gives them their moment, whether seedy or sublime.” – S.C. Maxfield

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MARIA TAYLOR

Maria Taylor is a Leicestershire-based poet. Her debut collection, Melanchrini, was published by Nine Arches Press in Summer 2012 and subsequently shortlisted for the Michael Murphy Memorial Prize. Her writing has been published in The North, The Guardian, The TLS, Staple and others.

In her debut collection, Melanchrini, Maria Taylor’s distinctive poetry slips fluently amidst the worlds and underworlds of classical mythology and modernity; between her own Greek Cypriot heritage and British urban upbringing; among betting shops, schools, bar-rooms and hospitals.

Lively and ebullient, from moments of quirky humour to poignancy, these poems demonstrate a poet who isn’t afraid to leap into the heart of circumstance and treasure what she finds there. Melanchrini finds personal histories at the kitchen table, tears in the soapsuds, and a moment’s sensuality in the midst of a city market. Maria Taylor’s poems are deceptively plucky; as entertaining as they are inventive and quietly determined.

PRAISE FOR MELANCHRINI:

“Enjoyable, engaging, serious but unpretentious, confident and well-crafted, this is a debut collection that should attract attention – and ought to win Maria Taylor a lot of readers. Above all the book is full of life, of real lives. It has variety and surprise but is very clearly by one voice – a voice that it is good to listen to because it sees so much.” – Peter Sansom

Praise for Maria Taylor: “The writing is at once clear-sighted and fully realised. In its mystery, precision and surprise, Melanchrini shows the truth of a powerful new writer.” – David Morley

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JITENDRA BHATT

Jitendra Bhatt is a tabla player with over 10 years of experience. Originally from Bhanvad, India but living in Leicester for over 30 years, music has been a constant presence in both his upbringing and later life. He particularly practices within a classic tradition of tabla – and sees the instrument as a metaphor for life. In addition to his work as a musician he is also a member of the Showcase Collective Showcase Smoothie) and has toured both poetry and music across numerous venues, including: The Drum, Birmingham; The Core At Corby Cube and Embrace Arts and most recently as part of the Cosmopolitan Carnival, performing at St Martins Square, Leicester. He is a keen visual artist, exhibiting work across his home city. He loves to cook – a skill he inherits from his father, who was a professional chef for much of his working life.

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SHRUTI CHAUHAN

Shruti Chauhan is an up-and-coming poet, writer and spoken word artist based in Leicester. She has opened shows for Lydia Towsey, Alison Dunne & Jean Binta Breeze MBE (Three the Hard Way) and John Berkavitch (Shame) and has performed at festivals including An Indian Summer, Barefoot, and Inside Out at Curve theatre.

She has also been a featured act at WORD!, the Midlands’ longest running spoken word night.

She is interested in working across mediums and languages. Aside from writing, Shruti takes vocal training in Indian classical music and enjoys dancing.

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JAMES MCCATEAR

Is a poet, performer and ex-solidier, formally serving with the Royal Signals. He has performed his work both with music and without across a range of venues – from Duffy’s Bar in Leicester – to Nottingham Playhouse and The Core, London. As a member of the Showcase Collective he has been anthologised within ‘Poems to Read – before u die’ (Edited by Roy Mcfarlane, 2012) and also featured within a companion EP ‘Poems to Hear – b4 u Die’ (Edited by Jean Binta Breeze MBE). He is a dog owner and a Leicester City fan…

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Supported by Everybody’s Reading – and taking place as part of the festival. For more information see: http://www.everybodysreading.co.uk

Sat 4th Poetry Afloat with Jo Bell, 10am – 12pm, Aboard the narrowboat Frederick, Gas St Basin Birmingham
Poetry Afloat with Jo Bell

October 4 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
| £10 / £8

Jo on boat 2Jo Bell is the UK’s canal laureate for the Poetry Society and Canal and River Trust. As a professional archaeologist her love of canals began in Birmingham and the West Midlands, where she managed a fleet of historic narrowboats and got to know the backwaters of the city. Join Jo on a comfortable two-hour narrowboat cruise around the city. Hear poems and tales of canal boat life, and learn a little about the canal capital of the UK. Joining us will be fellow Nine Arches Press poet Tony Williams, whose latest collection The Midlands looks at (amongst other things) the weird and wondrous side of walking and journeying and what it says about our history and ourselves.

Please wear suitable footwear. We regret that there is no wheelchair access for this event.

Sat 4thRoger McGough and Liz Berry: Poetry in Performance
8 – 9.30pm, Studio Theatre, Library of Birmingham 8;00 pm – 9:30 pm | £10 / £8

Roger McGough comes to the Festival with his wonderful new book of poems, As Far As I Know. Hilarious and surreal, he is a poet of many voices. Menace and melancholy there may be, but there’s plenty of Roger’s characteristic wit and wordplay too.

Newly elected President of the Poetry Society, Roger has a CBE for services to literature and the Freedom of the City of Liverpool for good behaviour. He presents the long-running Poetry Please programme on BBC Radio Four.

Roger will be joined by up and coming poet Liz Berry, whose new collection, Black Country, is published by Chatto & Windus this summer. Liz was born in the Black Country and now lives in Birmingham. She is a wonderful performer of her poems, revealing the subtlety and resonance of Black Country dialect to dazzling literary effect.

Sat 4th Friends Meeting House 16 Queens Rd Leicester LE3 WP 3pm free in

A joint HappenStance/Soundswrite Press book launch. Come and enjoy high-quality new poetry from two well-respected East Midlands poets. Jayne Stanton reads from her debut poetry pamphlet, Beyond the Tune (Soundswrite Press), and D.A. Prince reads from her second collection, Common Ground (HappenStance Press).

This is a free event, open to all, as part of Everybody’s Reading Festival.

Saturday 11th< Life and Times of the Tat Man New Art Gallery Walsall 2pm

Black Country theatre at its absolute finest. For the second time this year Regional Voice Theatre brings The Life and Times of Tat Man to Birmingham.

Described as a 'tour de force' of regional drama, we invite you to be a witness. Tickets cost just £6. There is also a bar and food.

To book please follow the link below. Any questions or queries, just get in touch:

regionalvoicetheatre@gmail.com
Also please see the Life and Times of the Tat Man facebook page for other autumn dates.

http://livebrum.co.uk/moseley-dance-workshop/2014/10/11/the-life-and-times-of-the-tat-man

Sunday, 5th Next Buzzwords Upstairs at The Exmouth Arms, Bath Road, Cheltenham
£5 waged, £3 unwaged,Workshop, led by Alicia Stubbersfield, 7pm
Guest readings and open mic 8pm Guest poet: Alicia Stubbersfield Do visit our blog:
http://buzzwordspoetry.blogspot.com/

Thur 9th Speakeasy, Old Rectifying House, Worcester 9th Join curators Maggie Doyle and Fergus McGonigal for SpeakEasy’s first birthday at The Old Rec Thursday 9 Oct starting at 7:30pm – performers from the first year have been invited to perform again! This will be an first rate experience with headliners Antony Owen and Spoz

Thur 9th Chaucer Night: Lavinia Greenlaw & Patience Agbabim, Studio Theatre, library of Birmingham @ 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
| £8 / £6 as the spirit presiding over English poetry for the last six hundred years, Geoffrey Chaucer’s vivid characters and gift for storytelling continue to inspire. Two of our most inventive poets, Patience Agbabi and Lavinia Greenlaw, have written new versions of Chaucer’s best loved poems. Patience Agbabi’s Telling Tales is a re-telling of The Canterbury Tales for 21st century readers in multicultural Britain – boisterous, funky, foul-mouthed, sublimely lyrical and bursting at the seams, one of Britain’s most significant works of literature is given a thrilling new life.

Lavinia Greenlaw’s A Double Sorrow is a new take on Chaucer’s version of Troilus and Criseyde – itself based on previous versions. The result is a breath-taking and shattering read – contemporary and timeless – that builds into an unforgettable telling of this most heart-breaking of love stories. Join us for an evening of poetry performed with real verve and passion.

This event is part of Patience Agbabi’s Telling Tales tour produced by renaissance one.

Thurs 9th PUREandGOODandRIGHT is an Open Mic poetry event taking place at,The Fox,
32 Clarendon Ave, Leamington spa, CV32 4RZ,Every second THURSDAY of the month,
(except December) ,Next event:Thursday 9 October,7.30 p.m start
This month’s guest is the quick-witted, refreshing ,Jimi Sharpe
Jimi Sharpe is a poetic interloper. With a combination of a decade’s worth of performance experience and a special arrogance available only to a young man, he’s decided that he’s just the man to flip the poetic world on its backside, whether it’s interested in him or not.His interests include long walks on the beach, shouting about his emotions to crowds of strangers, and attempting to legitimise white, middle class, English rappers.You can book an Open mic slot on the night!
Definitely a night not to be missed! Admission £3 (£2 Student/OAP)

From time to time we are located upstairs, so please let us know if you require disabled access before the event.
If you would like to know more about the night email: pgrpoetry@gmail.com

Fri 10th Malvern Slam, The Cube,Albert Road North, WR14 2YF Malvern, Worcestershire

Fri 10thThe Boat that Rocked: Poetry & Music, @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
| £10 the Narrowboat Frederick

Ahoy there readers! Come and join us for an evening of story, music and poetry inspired by the swinging sixties. We’d like to welcome you aboard our special chartered canal boat leaving Brindleyplace for an event to remember. We will journey along Birmingham’s canals to Selly Oak via Edgbaston. Dipping into the sixties as we go and pulling out extracts of some of our favourite poems and prose. Hosted by storyteller Gavin Young and featuring poet and short fiction writer, Roz Goddard and music from our resident guitarist, Rich Stokes; we encourage you to comb your beehives high and put on your patent boots – there will be a prize for the best sixties-inspired outfit. Did we mention the first drink’s on us?
If you’d like to share a sixties inspired piece, either original or published, please feel free to bring it along on the night. From poems to short stories and memoir, there will be open mic slots available.

Gavin Young is a South African-born storyteller with a passion for Birmingham and the Black Country and it totally floats his boat to experience and promote local poetry, plays, music, comedy and new writing. He is known for compering and telling stories at anything from National Trust properties to belly dancing nights and, along with his crafty wife, runs Utter Bearwood, a storytelling evening for adults. After regular performances at Writing West Midlands’ sell out event Tell Me On A Sunday he now goes on to host a hot new spin-off storytelling event at York’s Bakery Café.
Rich Stokes is an actor, writer, stand-up comedian, singer and storyteller. He played Jesus in this year’s critically acclaimed Passion play, and his first full length play, Three Days In The Dark, will be performed at The Old Joint Stock Theatre in April next year.

Saturday 11th Cheltenham Poetry Festival Slam
” We’re doing something a bit different at Cheltenham this year. In celebration of our and the festival’s close involvement with poetry slams since their arrival in the UK in 1994, we’re hosting two events on Saturday 11th October – an invitation-only Qualifier at 3.30pm, from which five poets will proceed to join ten previous UK Allcomers and UK All Stars winners in the Grand Final at 8.45pm. Early booking is strongly advised.”

Saturday 11th Life and Times of the Tat Man Dance Workshop Theatre, 132 Alcester Rd, Moseley, Brum 7.30pm

Black Country theatre at its absolute finest. For the second time this year Regional Voice Theatre brings The Life and Times of Tat Man to Birmingham.

Described as a ‘tour de force’ of regional drama, we invite you to be a witness. Performance runs on October 11th, 7.30pm at The Dance Workshop theatre venue. Tickets cost just £6. There is also a bar and food.

To book please follow the link below. Any questions or queries, just get in touch:

regionalvoicetheatre@gmail.com

Also please see the Life and Times of the Tat Man facebook page for other autumn dates.

Sun 12th Seeds of Destruction book launch St Swithuns Inst, Worcester
Celebrity Chef in First Novel

Lovers of a good read will be coming back for more after devouring Frances Bennett’s first novel ‘Seeds of Destruction’. The novel features celebrity chef, Hester, whose orderly life is thrown into chaos by her stepson, Simon.

Hester views Simon with maternal affection, unaware that he harbours a dangerous obsession.

The seeds of destruction have their roots in Simon’s bitter and lonely childhood. On the death of his grandfather he becomes wealthy enough to abandon his teaching job and, with ruthless determination, plans to remove anyone who stands between him and the attainment of his dream. Gradually losing all touch with reality, his behaviour becomes increasingly bizarre, with terrifying, destructive consequences.

‘Seeds of Destruction’ will be launched at St Swithun’s Institute, Sunday 12 October, 16:00-18:00. Free admission. Make a note in your diary!

Tue 14th Mouth and Music Boars Head Kiddermisnter
**** NB 7.30 start! ****

“GHOSTS & ANCESTORS”

Poet
JASMINE GARDOSI

“A prolific performer blending brutal human insights
with wit and humour.”
Carl Sealeaf

Singer/songwriter
PTR WILLIAMS
“Pure honesty … humble yet magnetic with soul.”
Nick J. Townsend, Ryan’s Gig Guide

MC
Heather Wastie

open mic sign-up from 7.00 (spoken word 5 mins / 2 songs)
Admission £3 (free to performers)

Tues 14th Kendall’s of Earlsdon Delicatessen,54 Earlsdon Street , Earlsdon, CV5 6EJ Coventry, United Kingdom 8pm

A unique, one off event! Barry Patterson’s Wild Man of the Woods performs his work The Giant Albion’s Nightmare with music & other poetry Including works of William Blake. Supporting poets include Antony R Owen, Leanne Bridgewater , Matt Merritt, Tom Wyre Adam Steiner

£4.50 on the door.

Tues 14 City Voices, Lychgate Tavern, Queen Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1TX, 7.30pm. Tickets £2.50 (under 16s £1) on the door. Two new Offa’s Poets plus Iris Rhodes, Roger Noons & Romalyn Ante.

Wed 15 ‘Here, there and everywhere’ Dave Reeves, Jane Seabourne, Jeff & Simon will be at Oswestry Library, 7-9pm. Poetry on Loan funded.

wed 15th Tea for two ,Poets and storytellers gather at Two for Tea, 92 Derby Road, Stapleford on Wednesday 15th October 2014. Come in at 7pm to settle down ready to read, perform or be a member of the audience at 7.30pm. Usually finishes 9.15pm. All are welcome, professional or amateur. Open Word night is (as far as we know), Stapleford’s only poetry and storytelling night. We ask you to buy a drink for admission (plenty of delicious choices!)

Thurs 16th Poetry Club, Library, Ashby DLZ, 8pm, free in, open mic with Brian Langtree, third Thursday of the month

Thurs 16th Giggling Girder Club Church Inn The Church, 22 Great Hampton Street, B18 6AQ Birmingham

This Autumn we welcome back The Giggling Girder Club to cheer up our darker nights with their own brand of first class comedy and music!

The line up for October 16th –

Comedy

– Graham Milton
– Peter Allen
– Fatique Byrne

Improv

– Improvocation

Music

– Joe Smith

All of that for £3 entry or £10 for a meal ticket, show starts at 8.00PM. See you there, folks!

Fri 17th Poetry Launch Anthology, Library, Castle Gates Shrewsbury Sy1 2aq 7.30pm

An evening of poetry readings from some of Shropshire’s
best poets. Shrewsbury Poetry Stanza is excited to be launching the first anthology of poetry by members of Shropshire’s official Poetry Society Stanza group.

Members of the Shrewsbury Poetry Stanza will read from the anthology along with special guest poet Roger Garfitt.

Tickets can be purchased from the library in advance or on the door. Tickets are £3 and include refreshments.

Copies of the anthology will be available to purchase for £5.

Poetry readings from:
Carol Caffrey
Graham Attenborough
Roger Garfitt
Dorothy Prescott
Julia Butler
Mary Williams
Pam Green
Sue Avery
Penny Simpson
Eleanor Forrester
Bethany Rivers
Sam Fleet
Robert Harper

Fri 17th Spoken Worlds, Old Cottage Inn, Byrkley St Burton on Trent, 7.30pm free in, open mic with Gary Carr

Wed 22 The Chatter of Crows by David Bingham will be launched at the Greenwood Centre, Station Road, Coalbrookdale, Ironbridge, Telford, TF8 7DR, 7-8pm. Free glass of wine/ fruit juice! Polly’s café will be open from 6! Bookstall. All welcome. Arts Council funded.

Sun 26th Sunday Xpress, Adam & Eve PH, Digbeth 4-6pm free in Making their Sunday Xpress debut will be COSMIC JERKS – who feature ace promoter Pete Reeves, known to some as the Dodgy Poultry in the Acoustic Who-Band. Pete’s a good friend of the Xpress, and along with Xpress semi-regular Ian Coyote, will open the show at around 4pm with some excellent acoustic rock (sorry, Mid-Morning Matters is on and I’ve gone a bit Partridge).

Headlining October’s show are The Crooked Hooks, featuring ex-members of Mills & Boon and The Courtesy Group. First time they’ve played with us – psychedelic blues and folk…monologues, falsettos, good teeth and nice clothes worn handsomely.

Open mic is available, but it’s going to be a tight show. More details tbc. If you haven’t been to a Sunday Xpress before, or haven’t in a long time, come to this one.

Tues 28th Word Wizards Poetry – 7.30pm – 10.00 at the Buckingham Hotel Buxton SK17 9AS.What have you got? . . . – An Autumn villanelle. We`d like to hear them all. Everyone reads in every round so expect at least 5/6 three minute slots .JOIN US AND BEAT THE BLUES – Looking forward to it – Rob Stevens word wizards – catch us on facebook
Can you help us find our certificate???As you know we were awarded the Festival Fringe Award in the Spoken Word Category – But never got our certificate. We`ve contacted the Fringe Organisers who say it was given to someone in the audience on the last night of the performances.Can anyone shed any light on this mystery??

wed 29th Packhorse Poets, Packhorse Pub, Crowthorne, 7.30pm

wed 29th 42 Held at Drummonds, The Swan with Two Nicks, 28 New Street, Worcester WR1 2DP on the final Wednesday of each month, 42 Worcester starts at 19:30. You can book a slot via the Facebook page or email Andrew at andrew@42worcester.com

Worcester, the Worcestershire gothic, horror, sci-fi and fantasy event.

Thur 30 Thought-Apples by Bert Flitcroft, published by Offas press, will be launched at Lichfield Library, The Friary, Lichfield, Staffs, WS13 6QG, 7-8pm. Free glass of wine/ fruit juice. Bookstall. All welcome.Arts Council funded.

Wed 12th Nov Opn Mic William 4th Alrewas 8pm

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First Poem as Staffordshire Poet Laureate Designate 2014/15

Posted on September 25, 2014 by garylongden

Prince's Park
Princes Park, Burntwood

Not quite a forest, with only three trees,
They even have names, faith, hope and charity.

Yet on the United Kingdom it has made its mark
As the country’s smallest park.

For the marriage of Prince Albert, and Alexandra,
It was created in commemoration

As a gesture of appreciation,
From a very grateful nation.

Neatly fenced, with bench seating too
It welcomes visitors- but just a few.

Flash

flash

A wind -blown crow’s nest
You look down on all around

Seeing everything, and nothing
As Flash money changes hands

Spring comes late
Summer leaves early

Windows shut tight from the
Keen blast off Axe Edge

And Method was once found
Behind stone walls

Counties and minds meet
At Three Shires Head

Where men and beasts
Shoulder their burden

Over Packhorse bridge
Bearing countless journeys

A place where a score
Can be settled

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Blockbuster, the Musical- New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

Posted on September 23, 2014 by garylongden

Nicholas and shaw

It’s Neat- We Really Love Your Tiger feet

The component parts of this brand new jukebox musical are impressive. No-one listening to the radio in the 1970’s could have escaped the song writing of Chinn and Chap, Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman. They churned out hits for the likes of Mud, Sweet, Suzi Quatro and Smokie. Nothing profound, just catchy melodies and lyrics which had the record buying public flooding to buy them. Most of their greatest hits are to be found here.

However music alone does not make a musical, the narrative is supplied by David Soames who co-wrote the musical “Time” for Cliff Richard. Star quality is provided by Paul Nicholas, who also produces, a seventies pop star in his own right and veteran of numerous lead West End roles, and more recent pop star, Suzanne Shaw of Hear’say, who herself has found considerable success in musical theatre.

Linking the songs, is a plot about a Soho busker who time travels back to the 1970’s,”Back to the Future” meets “Grease”, which begins in 2014, introducing Mickey Block (Aaron Sidwell), singing in London’s Soho. Mickey has borrowed money to buy a car. Unfortunately he crashes it without insuring it and is pursued by Charlie Daz, a loan shark to whom he owes money. Taking refuge in Crazy Max’s Retro Record shop, Mickey meets Max (Paul Nicholas), a mystical figure, who discovers Mickey has problems and tells him he can turn his life around if he performs two selfless deeds within seven days. With Charlie Daz in hot pursuit, Mickey has nothing to lose and agrees. Max tells Mickey to hide in the store’s record booth and as Charlie Daz enters the shop, Max starts the booth spinning and transports Mickey back in time to London where he meets Carol (Suzanne Shaw) and the fun begins.

The cues for the songs are contrived, and part of the fun, hits which vary in their success. “Tiger Feet”, arguably the strongest of all, is used as an opener after an overture, “The Cat Crept in” seems a pale imitation afterwards. “I’ll Meet You at Midnight” is surprisingly strong, closing the first half. Thereafter Micha Richardson does a tremendous job with “Better Be Good to Me” and the show closes with a medley of the greatest hits of the greatest hits. Why “Little Willy” a crass novelty tune, is included is a mystery. It appealed upon release to ten year old boys only, time has not broadened its appeal.

Sidwell, best known as Steven Beale in EastEnders, is the star, oozing charisma and with a fine singing voice,. Shaw, holds a tune well too, and is a delight in tight black leather trousers. However Sidwell’s duet with rival love interest Aimee Atkinson “If You think You Know How to Love Me” is the best pairing of the night. Although some will argue about song choice, there can be no argument over the choreography by Rebecca Howell, which is consistently excellent, and energetically performed by an enthusiastic cast

Following a “soft” world premiere in Dartford, this was only the second venue the show had appeared in, its first proper test in front of a big city audience. Warmly received,it runs until Saturday 27th September.

Gary Longden

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Open All Hours- Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Posted on September 21, 2014 by garylongden

open all hours

F-f-fantastic show

Open All Hours started life as a BBC television sitcom created, and written, by Roy Clarke for the BBC. It ran for 26 episodes in four series from 1976 to 1985 and regularly features in the Top Ten of best ever sitcoms. Clarke also created Last of the Summer Wine, which featured during its long run Bill Owen, Peter Sallis, Brian Wilde, Kathy Staff and Dame Thora Hird in leading roles. At its peak, Last of the Summer Wine had over 18 million viewers.

But this is a stage adaptation by renowned local dramatists Gary Simmons, and Jane Aston , who co-produce and co-direct , having gained the permission of Clarke to adapt and present this show for theatre. They also perform in it. Clarke’s endorsement, and that of Sir David Jason who starred in the television series, is a glowing testimony to their talents.

The setting is a small grocer’s shop in Balby, a suburb of Doncaster in South Yorkshire, which is lovingly, and faithfully, recreated. Iconic props like the dangerously temperamental till, scales, and life-size cardboard cut -out ‘Kodak girl’ were recovered from resting places as diverse as Clacton, Reading, Manchester and the United States. The owner, Albert E. Arkwright (Gary Simmons), is a middle-aged miser with a stammer and a talent for making cash, predominantly by being frugal. His nephew Granville Arkwright (Jon Hall), is his put-upon errand boy and sometime assistant manager, who blames his work schedule for his lacklustre social life. Across the road lives Gladys Emmanuel (Mary Singh), a nurse pre-occupied by her professional rounds and her elderly mother whom Arkwright longs to marry.

The stage is cleverly divided to offer a street scene, the shop front, the shop interior and the shop living quarters. Tremendous attention has been paid to detail with the stock authentically filled with merchandise, and prices, from the period.

Gary Simmons is superb as Arkwright

Gary Simmons is superb as Arkwright

Gary Simmons is the star of the show, capturing the spirit and physicality of Arkwright, whilst putting his own stamp on the character. Jon Hall is the perfect long-suffering side-kick who nevertheless steals the show in a scene where some mopping up becomes “Singing in the Rain”, delightfully choreographed by Jane Aston, and he gets a bit extra from the milkwoman! Mary Singh is the consummate female foil to Arkwright’s advances, always one step ahead. An eclectic, eccentric, cast of ragamuffins traipse in and out to entertain, including a suspected shoplifter from Hungary, men with apparently huge dogs, and an odd job man, nicely characterised by Colin Townsend.

The script is strong and full of laughs. It is difficult to believe that it is an original, rather than one penned by Clarke, such is its authenticity. The episodic experience in any shop of customers coming in and out is fertile comic ground, expertly exploited by Simmonds and Aston . Oh, and there is Ginger Cake too. Over 500 people enjoyed this performance, the largest of the tour so far. On this evidence there will be many more entertaining evenings to come.

The Cast

The Cast

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AC/DCUK – Lichfield Garrick Theatre

Posted on September 20, 2014 by garylongden

best acdc

High Voltage Rock n Roll

Although I am a rock fan whose tastes were forged in the vintage years of the 1970’s, somehow AC/DC passed me by. I saw all of their illustrious contemporaries live, but whilst being aware of their music, I never saw them, for no particular reason other than chance. Although their songs and act became familiar by cultural osmosis. The great thing about tribute bands is that they do afford you the opportunity to hear the music of bands live who you never saw first time around. And as age, death, and hard living take their toll, catching the original line-ups is often impossible.

ACDCUK have established a formidable reputation on the tribute circuit and have much to live up to. Not only do AC/DC have a classic rock back catalogue, but their shows too were events including cannon and audience walks by guitarist Angus. The pressure is further complicated by their having had two lead vocalists. ACDCUK were up to the challenge.

The set was divided, conveniently, into two halves. The first half was devoted to the early years when Bon Johnson was the singer, the second half to Brian Scott’s era. Brian’s trademark flat cap signified “who” was singing! A high octane set included all the hits, faithfully reproduced in sound and presentation. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” was the highlight of the first act, and the second act, inevitably, was closed with “Highway to Hell” and “For Those of You About to Rock we Salute You!” complete with firing cannon.

The band worked formidably hard to engage with the audience with singer and guitarist in the audience on occasion and female dancers recruited from the audience for the stage. No effort was spared to replicate a genuine AC/DC performance including rows of Marshall amplifiers and customised backdrop. These boys take the job seriously, but demonstrably enjoyed themselves, as did the audience for a fine evening’s entertainment.

acdc angus

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The Songs of Sister Act – Lichfield Garrick

Posted on September 18, 2014 by garylongden

sister act

Out of the Habit

Sister Act has been a hugely successful film and stage musical, the former driven by the charisma and personality of Whoopi Goldberg. The gospel soul tinged music is evergreen, and so it is not surprising that an ensemble, in this case “The Singers of Soul” choir, have chosen to take the music on tour from London’s West End. It is to the Garrick’s credit that it offers productions like this a platform to find an audience.

The show’s aficionados hung on every song, led by an MC, who rabble roused the mid- week congregation. A four piece live band provided the music, a sparse six piece “choir”, two men and four women, provided the vocals. “I Will Follow” ( Not the U2 song) opened the show with promise, a slow ethereal opening giving way to an up-beat ending. From there on it was downhill.

The band shuffled on, looking like they were dressed for a trip to B&Q, not the band for a concert. The Choir wore token gowns, although one of them couldn’t even be bothered to do that up properly. The women looked like they had visited Shoezone and had a competition to find the worst footwear. Judging it would have been a difficult task. Half way through the first half the choir disrobed to reveal clothes that would have made them too feel at home on a Sunday outing to a DIY store. If they can’t be bothered, why should we? How I smiled when they sang “It doesn’t matter what you wear just as long as you are there”. It does boys and girls when people are paying almost £20 to see you perform.

It is usually always a delight to hear “What’s Going On” even if the absence of Marvin Gaye himself becomes more keenly felt in his absence, however their insipid take robbed the song of emotion and meaning. Time after time the arrangements were poor, never has “Ball of Confusion” been more ironically covered.” Dancing in the Street” was simply embarrassing. As for the choreography, I have seen slicker routines on a girls hen night at midnight, and more commitment to the steps too.

Rarely have I witnessed a professional show with lower production values. When the MC announced he was Scottish, on an evening when Scotland was deciding its future, I found myself willing a Yes, with him working the backstreet pubs of Glasgow forever. No programme was available denying me the opportunity to praise some decent voices, but shame the anonymous individuals behind this sham production.

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Open All Hours is coming to the Lichfield Garrick

Posted on September 15, 2014 by garylongden

Albert & Granville in discussion with Gladys from the current production

Albert & Granville in discussion with Gladys from the current production


Open All Hours, an adaptation of Roy Clarke’s sitcom, is coming to the Lichfield Garrick on Saturday and Sunday,20th and 21st, of September. It has toured around the Midlands, taking in Burton on Trent, Stamford, Redditch, Solihull and Shrewsbury. I caught up with co- director Jane Aston to discover the background to this revival of an evergreen show.

Q Tell us a little bit about yourself and Gary Simmons who between you have realised this show.

Gary and I have acted in, directed and produced shows for many, many, years. It’s always been a passion to take a flat script and make it come to life, the journey a production takes is always exciting, but Open All Hours has been the most wonderful experience so far! We knew some of what we were undertaking as we had directed other television classics in the past but nothing prepared us for the magnitude of adapting a national treasure!

Q. This is billed as having been co-written with Gary Simmons who also stars as Arkwright in the show. How have the writing duties been split between the two of you?

We worked side by side on the script, once we had watched every single episode a couple of times we set about weaving together the story lines that appealed to us and the iconic moments the audience would expect. We are a true team and did it all together. Gary taking on the role of Arkwright was not the intention during the writing stage, nor did I have any desire to join the cast. Once the script was written, and we had held a couple of casting read- throughs, it was clear to me that Gary was most definitely the shows Arkwright, also I couldn’t imagine anyone else directing our script, so I decided to direct and I cast Gary as Arkwright.

Q. Obtaining permission from the television series script writer for a stage adaptation is a remarkable achievement. What was the process, and how were you successful in gaining permission?

This I can not take any credit for, Gary did all the leg work, he has always been a huge fan, and as the show celebrated it’s 40th anniversary last year he tracked down Mr Clarke’s agent and asked if we could do the show as a tribute. Roy came back and said yes but there wasn’t a script so if we wanted to do it we would have to write it, the rest is now history!

Q. What was it about the show which made you invest so much time into this project?

The fact that it’s been a life long favourite.

Q. How did you recruit the cast?

We were working with a society at the time and just asked if any of them would like to audition, many of them had worked with us before, they like how we work and what we bring to a script and wanted to be part of the project, it took very little persuasion, although you always encounter a few doubting Thomas’s I think our track record gave people the confidence to trust us.

Q. You and Gary have a formidable reputation on the amateur dramatics circuit in the Midlands, is this an amateur, or a professional, production?

Oooh contentious question! Professional is the simple answer, but what defines amateur or professional? It may sound pompous, but I like to think everything we do carries an air of professionalism, that’s certainly what we strive for, and what many groups and societies achieve. We are all professionals, those who are involved in theatre are dedicated to providing first class entertainment just because some don’t carry equity cards or have to juggle other jobs doesn’t make it less professional.

Q What were the main challenges in adapting the show for stage?

The locations that the television episodes cover, there was always a lot of outside location stuff so we had to think very carefully how to stage it, I think being actors really helps you know if something is practical.

Q At what point did you realise you could tour the production and do you intend to tour it further afield?

After the first trial run, we received so many good comments, and so many people said we should tour, that we thought why not? Yes, we do hope to go out again next year . As for further afield, we’ve had enquiries from Australia!

Q What is it about the original television series which you think has made it so enduring?

The characters are so well drawn, if you look you can see a little bit of us all in every one of them.

Q So is this a “ greatest moments” compilation, or a new production in its own right?

A bit of both, you have to meet the audience expectation. With shows of this nature you can not mess around with the fundamentals, people expect to see the man eating till, the bike, and a string of strange customers, but there are a few surprises in there too.

Q What are your plans for future productions?

That would be telling but watch this space…..

Thanks to Jane Aston for her time, and comments. Don’t forget to check out the show this weekend!

Tickets and further information are available from the Lichfield Garrick and Open all Hours website respectively:

http://www.lichfieldgarrick.com/?full=true&date=20/09/2014

http://www.openallhours.uk.com/

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Ladykillers, The Grange Players, Grange Playhouse, Walsall

Posted on September 11, 2014 by garylongden

ladykillers

The Ladykillers is a stage adaptation written by Graham Linehan based on the Ealing comedy film of the same name which premièred at the Liverpool Playhouse in November 2011. Only just released for amateur performance, the Grange Players are fortunate to have secured the rights so early for a production which is much in demand by amateur companies. It is based on the well-known and much-loved 1955 film of the same title – one of the famous Ealing Comedies. Linehan found fame as a scriptwriter for Father Ted, the IT Crowd and Brass Eye, his writing packs a contemporary punch whilst being affectionate to the Ealing tradition.

The raw plot is anything but comic, but the writing is. A gang of thugs, posing as musicians rent a room in a house, stage a security van robbery, then hole up in the house and draw lots as to who is to kill the old lady who rumbles their plot, and the body count mounts. Tarantino would approve. However the house they have chosen belongs to a batty old widow, Mrs Wilberforce, who lives alone apart from her deformed parrot battling a degenerative disease.

An impressive and complex set, designed by Martin Groves, is a delight, skewed and ramshackle beside the King’s Cross mainline, and springs ingenious surprises throughout the show, providing a platform for a string of inventive sight gags and physical theatre tricks.

Mary Whitehouse is magnificent as Mrs Wilberforce

Mary Whitehouse is magnificent as Mrs Wilberforce


Mary Whitehouse, playing Mrs Wilberforce, is the star of the show. Some time dotty old bird, other times as sharp as a tack. Mary offers warmth, comedy and all round entertainment in an engaging package which carries the show, always hinting at the possibility that she might not be quite so daft as she appears. Opposite her, Dexter Whitehead as Professor Marcus is a worthy adversary. Flamboyant and devious his ingenuity is continually thwarted by awkward picture hanging and Mrs Wilberforce’s careless feet.

The rest of his criminal gang might not be first choice for a Quentin Tarantino team. Al Barzdo’s nervy, cross dressing Major Courtney is a wonderful vignette, as is Rod Bissett’s pill popping Harry Robinson. Playing a buffoon is not as easy as it seems, timing is all, but Joseph Hicklin carries it off with ease as One Round. The team’s enforcer, Christopher Waters as Louis Harvey offers the menace that laced the film, yet touchingly swerves killing old ladies.
lady cast

There are many hilarious moments, most notably when the non -musicians find themselves having to give a musical recital. “Being fooled by art is one of the primary pleasures afforded to the middle classes,” declares Professor Marcus, as his quintet perform to a gaggle of visiting ladies whose dresses suit to wildly varying degrees!

Les Wilkes , as Constable MacDonald, pleasingly bookends the play with dry aplomb and some contemporary references to Scotland and the Middle East to boot. Indeed in a week when the whole concept of being British is being debated Ladykillers is a satisfying slice of Britishness, awash with quick-fire wit and tea at all times.

lady live

Special mention should be made of Rosemary Manjunath, Director, Producer, set assistant, Costume Mistress, properties assistant, head of Box Office and front of house hostess ( and those are just the jobs she admits to!). Her hard work , dedication and commitment are an impressive thread throughout the whole of a tremendous show of which she, and her cast, should be enormously proud . Ladykillers runs until Saturday 20th September.

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