Author: Sam Chipman

OTHELLO at Birmingham Rep

“Frantic Assembly’s modern take on Shakespeare’s Othello is not your everyday Shakespeare production. It is a re-imagining of the famous tale on quite a large scheme: it is striking, especially physically as you would expect from this company . . . The story is brought up to date and set in a pub, complete with chavs in tracksuits, a pool table and gang warfare. . . Steven Miller gives the stand-out performance of the evening; he speaks the text as if it is his natural tongue.”

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MY PERFECT MIND in The Door at Birmingham Rep

” Drawn from King Lear and his own autobiography, it explores Edward Petherbridge’s life before, and after, the stroke he suffered in 2007 that meant he had to withdraw from playing the iconic Lear . . . The surreal action, with its underlying truth, makes for a compelling performance . . . My Perfect Mind is a gracefully honest, whimsical portrayal of a difficult time in Petherbridge’s life. It is a piece of devised theatre – clever and courageous theatre which sheds light on his recovery from a potentially life destroying condition.. . .”

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DANGEROUS CORNER on tour

“. . . This production stays true to the 1930’s setting, which seems essential to the events that the play describes. Gary McCann’s realistic Art Deco set and costumes give the required opulent feel to the world the characters inhabit. Michael Attenborough’s subtle direction ensures that the pace is sharp which is vital in a production of this type. . . You’ll see better plays Dangerous Corner but this production is refreshing and well performed – and in thrillers isn’t it more satisfying if you don’t already know the plot after all?”

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CLAMBER UP THE CRUCIFIX at the Old Joint Stock, Birmingham

” . . . Jonny McClean gives a versatile performance and the distinction between characters, rooted in his clarity of accents, is never a problem.. . . this piece of theatre aims to do its utmost to help us understand and should be applauded for the honesty John Kitchen’s script and the performance portrays. . . . A gritty, honest, unique piece of theatre that has you hooked from start to finish; a great reminder of our historical heritage that we should all strive to understand and respect – go see it if you can.”

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SHERLOCK HOLMES at the Old Joint Stock, Birmingham

“. . .The real delight in this production is the audience interaction and the improvisation, although it is easy to see that without a willing audience to participate in this enforced interaction his show could be somewhat of a complete flop. The script does lose some momentum towards the later part of the evening but the improvisation and comedy is sharp and keeps us chuckling throughout the performance. . . This is something you won’t see the likes of everyday, not for those who don’t enjoy a little audience interaction, but rip-roaring fun if you. . . “

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