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Tuesday, 22 October 2024

The Mill at Sonning's White Christmas to Play with Uplifting Musical Magic and All-Star Cast

The iconic 1954 film White Christmas, directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen, became the highest-grossing musical of its time. The stage adaptation, featuring additional Irving Berlin songs, debuted on Broadway in 2008 and quickly became an audience favorite, returning the following year after rave reviews. The musical will play at The Mill at Sonning from 27th November 2024 to 25th January 2025.

The talented cast includes Jason Jajdi as Bob, Connor Hughes as Phil, Gabriella Williams as Betty, and Nic Myers as Judy. Mark Curry takes on the role of General Waverly, with Shirley Jameson as Martha and Natasha Cayabyab as Susan. Shem Omari James plays Sheldrake, with Greta McKinnon as Rhoda, Eleanor Walsh as Rita, Elliot Allinson as Mike, and Lewis Rae as Ezekiel. Grace Chan and Jack Speck join as swings.

The story follows Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, now successful performers after World War II, follow a pair of singing sisters to a Vermont lodge, owned by their former army commander. With a heartwarming story and a score featuring timeless hits like "Blue Skies," "I Love A Piano," "How Deep Is the Ocean," and the beloved "White Christmas," this musical promises to enchant audiences of all ages with its wholesome charm and dazzling performances.

The creative team features director Jonathan O'Boyle, set designer Jason Denvir, costume designer Natalie Titchener, choreographer Gary Lloyd, and assistant choreographers Lauren Gore and Emma Hunter. Lighting is designed by David Howe with Freddy Sherwood as associate, and Jae Alexander serves as musical arranger and director. Sound design is by Chris Whybrow, with casting by Jane Deitch.

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Thursday, 30 November 2017

Miracle on 34th Street, Bridge House Theatre | Review

Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play

Bridge House Theatre

Reviewed on Wednesday 29th November 2017 by Olivia Mitchell

★★★★★

I must admit that I had never heard of Penge until I received my invite to review the new production of Miracle on 34th Street at the Bridge House Theatre. Somehow it had slipped off my radar but I can now say that I'll definitely be visiting again and will be recommending people to take a trip to this gem of a theatre, above the Bridge House pub.

I couldn't have asked for a sweeter, more heart-warming show to welcome me to the Bridge House Theatre; Miracle on 34th Street tells the story of a young girl, Susan who doesn't believe in Father Christmas until she meets a mystical Santa Claus hired by her mother at Macy's. Her perspective and that of those around her begins to change as we follow this magical story which lights the imaginations and warms the hearts of everyone watching.

Adapted from the 1947 Lux Radio Broadcast, this production, directed by Guy Retallack, is staged as a live radio broadcast which is extremely interesting to watch. As the announcer and musical director, Jamie Ross leads Jon Lorenz's fetching score of original songs and new arrangements of Christmas classics with precision and draws the audience in from the moment he gives us the all clear to cheer and laugh to our hearts content.

Guy Retallack's direction makes the piece feel immersive but not conceited. We see the actors 'behind the scenes' when they introduce themselves and joke around with one another when they're sat down, but the performances are top notch and it feels like a well rounded theatrical piece. The various ad's about Penge and use of sounds effects are hilarious and very cleverly done.

The heart and soul of this show are of course the seven member cast. Jamie Ross is versatile and brilliant as he splits himself between being the Foley artist, accompanist, singer and actor! Amy Reitsma is extremely amusing in her various characters, from little children, to a receptionist; each role is unique, witty and she seamlessly transitions from accent to accent. Equally as versatile in his roles is Lewis Rae who gets laugh after laugh as he portrays a number of characters, including the hilariously uptight psychiatrist.

As Fred Gailey, Ellis Dackombe is charming and likeable with some stunning vocal moments. His chemistry with Lowenna Melrose as Doris is touching and they bounce off one another very well. Lowenna's transition from the straight-laced divorcee to the festive woman who loves and believes in Santa Claus is lovely to see unfold and she gives the role plenty of heart as does Emily Carewe as her daughter, Susan. Emily is suitably childlike whilst humourously grown up at the same time. As her belief grows, we see the joys Christmas really can bring to children around the world.

As our main man, Kris Kringle, Richard Albrecht is fantastically mystical and magical... I began to believe he really is Santa! The tight-knit cast work brilliantly together and its joyous to watch them perform.

I can't find a reason why you shouldn't see this show. It's festive, warm and provides the well needed break we all crave during these somewhat trying times! If you want to have your heart warmed and your imagination opened then get along to South East London and enjoy this sparkling, festive show!

Miracle on 34th Street runs at the Bridge House Theatre until December 23rd.

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Friday, 2 February 2018

Hot Lips and Cold War, London Theatre Workshop | Review

Hot Lips and Cold War

London Theatre Workshop

Reviewed on Thursday 1st February 2018 by Nicola Louise

★★★★★

"Hot Lips and Cold War explores cultural, sexual, political relationships and the nature of the glue that holds everything together – trust." – Lizzie Freeborn

Set during JFK administration, this new musical by Lizzie Freeborn set in the Whitehouse, looks at the staff in house at the time of the sexual scandal set by JFK himself and Ms Marilyn Monroe.

The main focus of this show, however, is a young Irish girl Maria, played by Sylvie Briggs, a photographer who wants out of Ireland to start a new life. Briggs really shows the sweetness and naivety of Maria throughout the show, especially when her love, Davy (Adam Small) a young American, PA to the president’s secretary is around. Maria is in love with Davy but it’s one-sided.

Small is great at showing Davy in a light that makes the audience both feel sympathy and hate towards the character.

Within the Whitehouse, we meet Mrs Kennedy’s maid Grace, and her son, Marvin played by Florence Odumosu and Jamal Franklin. The pair worked off each other well and you believed the love between them as a family. When Franklin sang his first song with Maria, he did come off a bit camp which almost ruined his character development, but, unlike most small theatre shows I’ve seen, he managed to redeem himself pretty quick and you could see and believe that he was slowly falling in love with Maria.

The Kennedy’s were perfect, Marcia Sommerford really made the first lady her own and you could see the worry and betrayal in her eyes from her husband’s affair, and the hatred she had for Marilyn Monroe played by Freya Tilly, who was the reincarnation of Ms Monroe herself.

JFK, played by Robert Oliver had stage presence as the President and really brought to life the worries and concerns the man had that his affairs would get out and ruin everything he worked so hard for.

With such a small company, I need to mention Lewis Rae, the President’s secretary and Ashley Knight who played Jerome Kingsley, a rich Southerner who was both a racist and a bigot. I enjoyed Knight’s performance- he played it just right. With Englishmen playing Rich Southerner’s there’s always the danger of overplaying, but this wasn’t the case. His song ‘You’ll hear the South Roar’ was one of my favourites.

Hot Lips and Cold War plays at the London Theatre Workshop until February 24th.

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