Thursday 5 April 2018

The Country Wife, Southwark Playhouse | Review


The Country Wife
Southwark Playhouse
Reviewed on Thursday 5th April 2018 by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★

Set in 1920s London, a time when scandal, drugs and debauchery were rife, The Country Wife tells the story of Harry Horner who poses as a eunuch in order to sleep with men's wives without suspicion. He meets Margery the, innocent, young country wife of Pinchwife, when she visits London. Pinchwife desperate to keep her chained to him soon loses her to the fun of the bright young things society as her eyes are opened to the ways of the town people and she beings a search to find what makes her happy instead of her loveless marriage. Alithea, Pinchwifes’ sister, is due to marry Sparkish (for social and financial convenience) but when she meets Frank Harcourt who pursues her and offers her the possibility of a happy relationship we see her struggle against what is 'right' and what she wants.

At the time of it's first productions, Wycherley's 1675 comedy was notorious and although it's not as shocking and 'socially-unacceptable' to watch a play about sexual misconduct now, it's amazing how resonant the themes are. With desires, the role of women and more being cleverly brought to life by Morphic Graffiti (designer Stewart Charlesworth and director Luke Fredericks).

Events take place in a number of different locations such as the bedrooms, The Savoy and elegant drawing rooms. The transitions between these are outstanding. Sharp 20s Charleston steps are accompanied by Postmodern Jukebox-esque renditions of songs including Stacy's Mom and Girl's Just Wanna Have Fun as the characters smoothly move the set pieces and props into place. This is a delightful and seamless way to transition as well as to show some of the raucous parties that aren't shown in the actual show itself and also helps keep the action moving.


Something great about this production is that misogyny is avoided by having the women be very self aware of themselves- they know their worth and are willing to do what they want to  have somewhat fulfilled lives. In fact, the women are the people who drive the show.

Whilst the play is roaringly funny for the most part, there are times when the switch from humour to seriousness feel too sudden and scenes happen at lightning speed so it's hard to keep up with what's going on.

The cast are very strong, with Siubhan Harrison as the subtle but biting Alithea, Nancy Sullivan as the hilarious, lively Margery and Joshua Hill as the drugged up wingman are stand-outs. 

 The Country Wife is a little long and felt arduous to watch at times, especially in the first half, but the conversation between the 1920s and modernity and the clever use of humour and staging make it a fun night out at the theatre.

The Country Wife runs at Southwark Playhouse until 21 April

photo credit: Darren Bell
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Wednesday 4 April 2018

The Case of the Frightened Lady (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review


The Case of the Frightened Lady (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre 
Reviewed on Friday 20th October 2017 by Melanie Mitchell 
★★★

The Case of the Frightened Lady is the second production by Bill Kenwright's Classic Thriller production company. Originally written by Edgar Wallace the play is a new adaptation by Anthony Lampard. It is directed by Roy Marsden whom you may know as televisions Inspector Dalgliesh.

This classic whodunnit is set in 1932, the story takes place in the Baronial hall of Marks Priory, the ancestral home of the Lebanon family. Beautifully created by set designer Julie Godfrey. The opening scene begins with a fancy-dress party, where we are gradually introduced to the characters. It is at the party a horrifying murder takes place, putting everyone under suspicion.

When Detective Inspector Tanner, played by Gray O’Brien, probably best known as Tony Gordon in Coronation Street, is bought in to investigate the crime he soon realises that things are not what they seem.  Along with his assistant Detective Sargeant Totti, Charlie Clements, of Eastenders fame, they begin to uncover a closely guarded secret.


Rula Lenska is well cast as Lady Lebanon, a mother obsessed with marrying her son Lord Lebanon, played by Ben Nealon to his cousin Isla Crane. This is to be a marriage of convenience, not wanted by either party but purely to fulfil Lady Lebanon’s wish for a son and heir to carry on the Lebanon title. Miss Lenska plays the part with an aristocratic haughtiness, whilst April Pearson is very believable as her terrified niece and secretary Isla.

Adding to the suspicious goings on are Denis Lill as the horribly lecherous family physician Dr Amersham with Glenn Carter and Callum Coates as Gilder and Brook, 2 rather sinister footman. 

I felt that the first act was rather slow and although we were introduced to the various characters, apart from the murder not very much happened. I certainly wasn’t on the edge of my seat.


However, the second half picked up pace as the story unravelled and secrets were revealed. The plot was full of red herrings, with almost everyone a suspect. I for one didn’t solve the case until very near the end, which added to the enjoyment. 

Don’t expect to be scared witless by this production although there were several very unexpected claps of thunder and gunshots, with sound by Dan Samson, that alongside some clever lighting effects, by Chris Davey, certainly made me and many other audience members jump out of their seats.

If you like a good old fashioned whodunnit then this is definitely a show for you. 

The Case of the Frightened Lady runs until Saturday 7th April 2018 at the New Victoria Woking.
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In Conversation With... Siubhan Harrison | The Country Wife | Interview

Siubhan Harrison stars as Alithea in the 1920s play, The Country Wife which opens tonight at the Southwark Playhouse. Siubhan told me about her role in the show, the 20s world, audience reactions and more... 


Can you explain a little about The Country Wife and how your character Alithea fits into it?
The Country Wife is about a society of sexual liberation where Harry Horner poses as a eunuch in front of men in order to sleep with their wives without suspicion! He meets Margery the young beautiful country wife of Pinchwife, when she comes to London, we soon see Pinchwife lose her to the fun of the bright young things society as her eyes are opened to how town people conduct their relationships and searches for what makes her happy instead of her constricting loveless marriage. Alithea is Pinchwifes’ sister, who is due to marry Sparkish for what we suspect may be financial and social convenience for the pair of them but when she meets his friend Frank Harcourt who pursues her and offers her the possibility of happiness we see her turmoil.
What attracted you to the role of Alithea? Are you alike at all?
Alithea is fabulous, cutting, searing honesty and an absolute hostess, the image of the 1920s glamour girl! I wish I was like her... in real life I’m very clumsy and geeky!
How has it been immersing yourself into the 20s world? What do you enjoy the most?
1920s is so much fun, pretending to be a bright young thing has been a hedonistic, liberating party!
What do you think people will be saying and feeling as they leave the theatre after seeing the show?
Hopefully they’ll laugh, it’s amazing how a play written over 340 years ago can still be so accessible, the language and humour is brilliant!!! The era is so evocative and sexy!
Can you sun up the show in 5 words?
Debauched, funny, liberating, hedonistic, glamorous
If you had a magic wand, which show would you do next?
A spy film! Or a Pinter play
What's your best piece of advice for aspiring performers?
Be playful, be brave!
Massive thanks to Siubhan for taking the time to do this interview. The Country Wife runs at the Southwark Playhouse until 21st April . 

 Interview by Editor, Olivia Mitchell
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Saturday 31 March 2018

In Conversation With... Carrie Hope Fletcher | When The Curtain Falls (Album) | Interview

Carrie Hope Fletcher must be one of the busiest people in the West End. During the last few years she's managed to write 4 books (and a novella), perform in various shows and concerts, continually upload YouTube videos and blog posts AND record and release an album. Her work ethic, bubbly personality and sincerity makes her a role model for many people and her debut album When The Curtain Falls is just another branch of motivational vibes for people to cling on to. I sat down with Carrie at her album launch to ask her a few questions about it...


What do you think will surprise people most about this album?

 Well my dad's playing on it for a start, bless him. There's a song on the album, Summertime, which was the first song I ever learnt, my dad taught it to me so it only felt right to put my dad in the album. We've sort of rearranged some of the songs from how you'd usually hear them. Tom Barnes is the orchestrator on the album and he's done an incredible job of making the songs still sound like the songs we all know and love but just given them a sort of musical makeover.

What was the hardest thing about narrowing it down to just 12 songs?

Oh it was so hard to pick 12 tracks cause, how in the history of musical theatre do you pick 12 songs to fill 12 slots on an album? It was near impossible but every song has got a sentimental reason behind it for me personally and some of them remind me of pivotal moments in my life. It might have been a soundtrack that I was listening to at the time of something big going on in my life. So I feel like when you listen to the album from start to finish, for me especially, it feels like a good representation of my musical theatre soul.


If you could pick anyone, dead or alive to be on your next album, who would you choose?

I would pick the Sherman Brothers- I knew both of them. Bob Sherman who passed away a few years ago was a really dear friend of mine because he wrote the music to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Mary Poppins, both of which I was in as a child, so our families sort of became friends and he moved to London and stayed in London for about 10 years. He sort of became my adopted grandfather; we used to go over and visit him and make him earl grey tea and it'd be lovely to sing with him again.

How would you sum up the album in five words?

Oh 5 words! Normally I get 3, this is nice! Splashing out... maybe that's too many! Okay: magical, warm I'd say cause every song has got such warmth and love and passion behind it. Empowering, I hope! There's lots of songs on there that have been sung by amazing women and have been written by powerful women so I've sort of given my best shot at those. Childlike, I feel like there's an element of childlike wonder cause I remember how I felt as a kid, watching musical theatre and how it made me feel and that's kind of like why I do it now and I hope that when young kids come to the theatre and watch me on stage I can kind of in-still that in them as well. And enchanting is my final word. Only because when people ask how you'd like to be described as they walk away (not necessarily how they will describe me as they walk away!) But what I'd like them to, is enchanting.

Thank you so much to Carrie for having me at her press launch and taking the time on the night to answer some questions. Carrie's beautiful album, When The Curtain Falls is out now so go buy it! Enter my giveaway to win a signed copy of the album here.

Interview by Editor, Olivia Mitchell

Watch my vlog of the launch and interview with Carrie here

photo credit: Darren Bell
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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.

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Trainspotting Live, The Vaults | Review


Trainspotting Live 
The Vaults 
Reviewed on Thursday 29th March 2018 by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★★

Crude, disgusting, shocking, amazing, outstanding. Just a few words to describe this mental but incredible production. Trainspotting Live, based on Irvine Welsh's 1993 book, follows a group of heroin addicts on their journey through life in an economically depressed part of Edinburgh.

I must admit, when I was handed my fluorescent wristband and shown into the space thumping with techno music like an underground rave, I was a little (okay a lot) scared. This fear remained with me for the first part of the show; my heart was racing and I was shocked and slightly appalled at what was going on. Having never seen or read Trainspotting Live, I had zero idea of what to expect but oh boy was I pleasantly surprised. 

 Sure this show is crazily abrasive and probably offensive to a lot of people but it's also funny, authentic, moving and inventive. The 75 minute performance is visceral and as long as you have an open mind that's ready to be shocked then it's totally for you.


This show is not for the faint of heart though. Lets just say that the actors are not the only people involved in the action of Trainspotting Live, so beware. Especially if you find yourself sat next to the dirtiest toilet known to man, or in the firing line of the of the products hurled out of it. This story is immersive and innovative whilst still capturing reality and being relatable for the people of today.

This darkly comic show has no boundaries and freely approaches nudity, drugs and sex. The young actors do a fantastic job of bringing this all to the audience and their free, energetic performances and blunt portrayal of addiction which will resonate and stay with you after the show. I felt so immersed that coming out  was like waking up and having to readjust to the world.

 From a technical standpoint, Trainspotting Live is outstanding. The entire cast of actors put their absolute all into every single moment and it honestly feels as though they're experiencing the whole show for the first time. Frankie O'Connor's performance as Renton particularly stands out but there is not a weak link in the cast. 


 The lighting design by Clancy Flynn is inventive, with the strobe lights used at the end creating a disorientating but mesmerising effect and Tom Lishman's sound design is constant enough that it blends in and becomes a part of the show instead of being a layer added on top just for the sake of it.

There are gasps, laughs and pained silences throughout and the full spectrum of emotions are truly explored. For a visceral and moving performance, like nothing else then please go and see Trainspotting Live. You'll be left feeling slightly drained, extremely shocked and really really wanting to go and clean yourself but it'll be worth it!

Trainspotting Live is at The Vaults until June 3rd before heading to New York.
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