Sunday 25 August 2013

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap

Synopsis

This is a suspense, written by Agatha Christie, set in a manor that has been converted into a hotel where a murderer is about to strike. This is the world’s longest-running theatre show and is now in its 57th year, playing at St Martin’s Theatre in London.

Summary

The set-up was fantastic and just what you could expect from an Agatha Christie piece. Set completely within one set you start to feel as if you’re a guest in the hotel as well. The characters are an odd bunch and you find yourself wondering why they could be murdered, or why they may indeed be the murderer.

The suspense doesn’t fail to keep you gripped. As the revelations about the guests become clearer you want to know more, to know what the connections are and who the killer may be.

You’d be hard find somebody who won’t enjoy it.

Please click this link for a full theatre show review of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap and this link for more theatre show reviews.

Friday 23 August 2013

The Audience

Synopsis

For sixty years Elizabeth II has met each of her twelve Prime Ministers in a weekly audience at Buckingham Palace. In this play we see the highlights of some of those conversations.

Summary

This is a fantastic piece of theatre which has sprung very easily out of history. The concept is clever and amusing as a spectacle. While there are some flaws to the play that have you a little confused and wondering just how real they could be, it’s easy enough to follow the story that is being presented and to find it a hugely enjoyable experience. Helen Mirren will draw many full houses in to see this show, that’s for sure. Perhaps there should be a chorus of God Save The Dame at the end of its run?

Please click this link for a full theatre show review of The Audience and this link for more theatre show reviews.

Ghost The Musical

Synopsis

On their way back to their New York apartment one night, Sam and Molly’s lives change forever. Confronted by a mugger, Sam loses his life, but Molly doesn’t lose Sam’s ghost. Not until he has saved her and achieved revenge.

Summary

When the show’s over, there’s probably not many dry eyes in the house. You almost feel like you’re watching reality, not a theatre show, this is that good. Sharon Clarke as Oda Mae is a masterstroke, for while she is not the main character she plays a vital role, and you can’t help but fall in love with her. Brilliant.

Please click this link for a full theatre show review of Ghost The Musical and this link for more theatre show reviews.

Ghost Stories

Synopsis

An investigation of the paranormal, is it true, or is it false, perhaps in this show we will find out once and for all.

Summary

Wow, this is unique. A theatre show that’s created just for screams. And it delivers in ways you’re probably never fully prepared for. It really is in a league of its own, and I expect there’ll be many other versions of this kind of show because the format can work so well with a live, screaming audience. Can it be bettered? Without doubt. But for what it is it’s worth every uncontrolled, shrill, utterly genuine scream.

Please click this link for a full theatre show review of Ghost Stories and this link for more theatre show reviews.

Thriller – Live

Synopsis

Thriller Live is the musical story of Michael Jackson’s hits, from his time in the Jackson 5 and then as a solo artist. The show began in 2006 at the Lyric Theatre in the UK’s West End.

Summary

By far the best part is Michael Jackson’s songs, they’re the ones you know and love so much. One after another the performances come, excellently choreographed, with good special effects, and song very well performed.

In particular, the performances of Beat It, Bad, Smooth Criminal and Thriller are an amazing display that will have you either singing along, dancing on your feet (fully encouraged by the performers) or sending a shiver up your spine. The variety of the singers compliments each other well – they’re not Michael Jackson soundalikes, although some sing in the same style, and as a result it feels like a collection of tribute acts.

Be prepared for a stirring performance of Earth Song and Heal the World, which remind you of the personal mission of Michael Jackson to raise awareness of our civilization’s role in the world.

The show lasts for a little over two hours, including 15 minute interval. Really the show could probably last for three hours because there is so much quality music that could be included but hasn’t been.

The whole show is more of a concert with wonderful live music from the band, and a fantastic interplay between electric guitar and the singers. A worthy musical production.

Please click this link for a full theatre show review of Thriller - Live and this link for more theatre show reviews.

Wednesday 3 July 2013

One Man, Two Guvnors

Synopsis

When Francis Henshall finds himself in urgent need of work he takes on becoming a minder to Roscoe Crabbe. Except he doesn’t know that Roscoe is actually his twin Rachel, who is posing as her dead brother and who has been killed by Rachel’s boyfriend Stanley Stubbers. When the two of them go to Brighton Francis also takes a job with Stanley Stubbers and prevent discovery that he’s moonlighting, he must keep his two guvnors apart.

Summary

This is one of the plays that keeps you intrigued as to what is going to happen next all the way through. While some parts of the story are a little weak in places, and some of the events aren’t as polished for the plots and the characters as they could be, this is a fine example of a comedy play. The use of slapstick is particularly good, as is the use of audience participation (you heard that right – you may want to avoid the front row to avoid ending up on stage). Most certainly worth a watch with the family.

Please click this link for a full theatre show review of One Man, Two Guvnors and this link for more theatre show reviews.