Posts with the label ambassadors theatre
Showing posts with label ambassadors theatre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ambassadors theatre. Show all posts
Friday, 5 July 2019
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 and 3/4 – The Musical, Ambassadors Theatre | Review
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 and 3/4
Ambassadors Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 3rd July 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
This joyous musical is based on the first book of Sue Townsend's well-loved series of the same name. Featuring music and lyrics by Pippa Cleary and book and lyrics by Jake Brunger, it's a marvellous gem of a show, that is truthful, optimistic and a whole lot of fun.
As the school holidays begin, this is the ideal family show, with humour for both adults and children, as well as universal issues that are delivered in a fresh, colourful way. The small Ambassadors theatre is a perfect fit, as it feels intimate and intricate at once. The audience are transported to the Mole's family home and whisked up in the trials of being 13 and 3/4.
Luke Sheppard has managed to capture a true warmth with this production. From start to finish there is a perfect balance between truthful characters and caricatures of real life people, and the heart never waivers. The cast do an exceptional job of encapsulating what it means to grow up. Rufus Kampa leads the show with a fantastic combination of awkwardness and charisma. Kampa instantly draws the audience in and gives a performance very truthful of a young teen. In contrast, new girl at school and love interest Pandora (Rebecca Nardin), is confident and over the top in all the best ways. Nardin provides stellar vocals, bright eyes and a very well characterised performance.
The whole cast are very impressive, with Jeremiah Davan Waysome giving a charming performance as Adrian's best friend Nigel. Amy Ellen Richardson is tender and witty as Adrian's mum, Pauline and John Hopkins is hytrical as Mr Scruton and Mr Lucas.
With Rebecca Howell's choreography which fills the stage, Tom Rodger's slickly designed set which features beds coming out of cupboards, the on the ball cast and highly catchy songs, this is a Brilliantly British show.
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 and 3/4 is an expressive and animated production, full of heart and energy. The superb cast deliver humourous one liners and more emotional moments with grace and truth, and bring the vivacious score to life well. It's definitely a must-see for families this summer and is sure to delight throughout its run.
photo credit: Pamela Raith
Monday, 21 January 2019
Songs for Nobodies, Ambassadors Theatre | Review
Songs for Nobodies
Ambassadors Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 18th January 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★
Taking the form of a one woman show which tells the stories of the unheard meetings with famous performers, Songs For Nobodies is a wonderful display of vocal ability and performance from Bernadette Robinson.
A series of five monologues show the power and effect of celebrity and examine how individual people's lives can be altered by even a brief, chance encounter. Robinson's vocal aptitude allows her to create almost uncanny performances of famous singers. A career headed journalist interviews Billie Holliday, a Nottingham librarian recalls her family connection to Edith Piaf and A New York bathroom attendant has an inspiring meeting with Judy Garland.
Each story has a heart, and thanks to Robinson's performance, they all feel truthful, however, at times Joanna Murray-Smith's book feels bland. Of course it's supposed to mirror real life which isn't all sparkles and boldness but the one-level feel of the stories does lead to an at times, un-engaging piece of theatre.
With the space and Robinson's abundant talent, it just feels that a little more work on the 'nobodies' to give them more well-rounded stories, could create a truly captivating show. The simplicity of the show works well though, with the cabaret vs drama aspect maintaining a good balance and keeping Robinson at the forefront and heart of the whole thing.
Robinson's talent is undeniable and she is certainly a master of her craft but Songs For Nobodies does a predictable job of showing her off.
photo credit: Nick Brittain
Friday, 30 March 2018
All or Nothing, Ambassadors Theatre | Review
All or Nothing
Ambassadors Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 28th March 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★
I must admit, this review has been hard for me to write. This show isn't bad and I had a good time but I definitely am not it's target audience and that had a big effect. My plus one for the night was my dad who grew up during the time Small Faces were on the charts so he remembered all the songs, knew all the characters and could relate to it. Whereas I, a 21 year old who has never been introduced to their music, felt a bit like an outsider looking in.
The performances aren't bad, in fact they're pretty fantastic. Samuel Pope, especially, as Younger Steve Mariott is outstanding both in terms of vocals and acting as is Chris Simmons as older Steve. The cast give it their all and do their best to deliver stellar performances. The sets are pretty good, if fairly basic, and the lighting fits perfectly to create the concert vibe. The small space of the Ambassadors theatre also lends itself well to this and it feels as though we are a part of the action as well as just watching it.
As I said, nothing is wrong with this production... if you're the target audience. At first I thought to myself: well, that's fine, it's for the older generations and that's that. But as I think about it more I don't think that's correct. Of course the music and story is for an older audience because they know it already, but I believe the creatives should have worked to make it relatable for a younger audience as well. I could tell from audience reactions around me that the characters were spot on to their real-life counterparts and that the jokes about specific things and people fell right, but I just couldn't find a way in.
Not being a writer I don't know how they could have drawn all ages in, perhaps by taking a note out of Beautiful's book and telling the story of the lives more that just assuming we're all aware. The fire at the end for example, felt like a complete gear change to me, as I didn't know that's how Steve died, it just seemed like a random, erratic scene. Of course I could have read up on their story first but that's not really something you should have to do when going to the theatre.
I really wanted to like this show and I'm glad that my dad and those around me did. If my dad was writing this review it would have been far more glowing and received one or two stars more but I can only say how it feels personally. I did still have fun regardless because of the wonderful performances, but I can't say I'll be rushing back or rushing to recommend it to people my age. However, if you're a fan of Small Faces then I definitely think you'll enjoy All or Nothing and will certainly feel the nostalgia and joy that their music evidently brings.
All or Nothing runs at the Ambassadors Theatre until May 12th.
Thursday, 4 August 2016
The Secret Garden, Ambassadors Theatre | Review
What immediately struck me when I heard about this production was the mammoth cast. The productions features over 300 cast members mostly made up of children and young adults. Now of course all these people are not on stage at once, the cast rotates around for performances with only the few adults keeping their roles throughout the run, but there's something lovely about the casting. The programme doesn't feature individual cast lists for each performance but instead a large ensemble list; everyone is equal which just creates a lovely change to some shows nowadays where its all about who's in the cast as opposed to the show itself.
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