ALMOST HEAVEN at the Everyman Studio, Cheltenham

ALMOST HEAVEN at the Everyman Studio, Cheltenham

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“Almost Heaven was powerful stuff created by Bill Buffery and Gill Nathanson which explored relationships and how we communicate within them and even the value and efficacy of language itself. This was good, authoritative, thought provoking theatre with two beautifully measured and sensitive performances which would have graced any stage and for which I can only offer the highest praise. . . a little gem of a play skilfully performed by its creators.”

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WALKING THE CHAINS at the Passenger Shed, Bristol

WALKING THE CHAINS at the Passenger Shed, Bristol

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This happy marriage of circus and theatre delivers on all fronts with little nuggets like the woman who was prevented from suicide by the parachuting effect of her crinolines showing something of the potential of this kind of collaboration the unexplored terrain of which lies before us like a gaping chasm. The play is a fitting tribute to and triumphant celebration of ‘The ornament of Bristol and wonder of the age’. Bristolians will love it as will anyone with the vaguest interest in one universally recognized as amongst the greatest of Britons.

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To Kill a Mockingbird at Bath Theatre Royal

To Kill a Mockingbird at Bath Theatre Royal

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“The ultimate parable of racial intolerance, bigotry and injustice, in 2006 British librarians ranked Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird ahead of the Bible as one “every adult should read before they die”. It was adapted into an Oscar-winning film in 1962 starring Gregory Peck and Christopher Sergel’s stage adaptation has been performed all over the world and in Monroeville, Alabama, the setting for the novel, every year since 1990. . . The full house in the Theatre Royal saved its biggest cheer for the children who starred in tonight’s show presented by the Regent’s Park Open Air Company. . .”

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ME AND MY FRIEND at the Alma, Bristol

ME AND MY FRIEND at the Alma, Bristol

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I would suggest this play is required viewing for the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. With Work Capability Assessment now hanging over the most vulnerable in our communities, Plowman adroitly captures how those who have ceased to cope can descend into a state of terrified inertia and retreat. Her wit illuminates this twilight world, showing how fear of life itself can reduce people to parodies of themselves. Yes we are right to laugh at our human frailties, but Me and My Friend will always serve as a timely reminder that we also need to find the kindness and cash to care for them.

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THE GIGANTIC BEARD THAT WAS EVIL at the Bristol Old Vic

THE GIGANTIC BEARD THAT WAS EVIL at the Bristol Old Vic

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The house was full and that certain kind of lively buzz form a primarily youth audience was matched and controlled by an even flow of energy and commitment in the company’s performance. The pace was snappy and well choreographed. The scene changes were a dance of chairs, desks, and shadow puppet screens. I particularly enjoyed the musical aspects of the play – the choral singing arranged by Verity Standen. This lent a touch of spooky, a touch of the ancient chorus that enriched the idea of this being a piece about larger mystical forces playing with ordinary people.

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Graham Wyles’ BRIEF REVIEW OF 2014

Graham Wyles’ BRIEF REVIEW OF 2014

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There is no question in my mind as to the best theatre of the year; that has to go to the Ustinov in Bath. The plays, both imported and produced have been of the highest quality and that applies to the acting, the writing, the direction and the sets. Let’s hope that under artistic director, Laurence Boswell, the continued mix of home-grown works with his excellent selection of international plays maintains the standard.

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