Out and About

Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light 2018

Sudeley Castle, Alice in Wonderland, Spectacle of Light, Clocks

Those of you who follow our adventures may remember that last Christmas we visited the stunning Sudeley Castle for their Spectacle of Light. We were fortunate to be invited back this year to enjoy another beautiful trail, albeit as a family of three this time. Excited to celebrate Harry’s first Christmas, we headed off to Sudeley to explore. Spoiler alert: this year may just be the best yet.

This year, Sudeley are asking you to follow the White Rabbit into Wonderland, with a beautifully arranged spectacle complete with a real life Mad Hatter and wicked Queen of Hearts waiting in the grounds. You’ll find magic and wonder around every single corner, transporting you straight into the imagination of Lewis Carroll.

Sudeley Castle, Alice in Wonderland, Spectacle of Light, Tress

Who is it aimed at?

As we have said before, it’s certainly a charming and romantic experience for grown ups. But this year, perhaps more than ever, it is very clearly geared towards younger visitors too. That said, young and old alike will enjoy meeting the charming Mad Hatter, one of our favourite additions to the trail this year.

The restaurant and little huts on the trail offer a chance to enjoy a hot chocolate or cheeky winter warmer, as well as some delicious looking hot food. Once you’ve finished up the trail there’s also a little gift shop too. It stocks a few lovely little local treats, alongside traditional souvenirs.

Sudeley Castle, Alice in Wonderland, Spectacle of Light, Reflection

When can I see the Spectacle of Light?

The Spectacle of Light is on now until 23rd December, and then again from 27 – 30 December. It’s located at Sudeley Castle near Winchcombe on the outskirts of Cheltenham in the Cotswolds.

Some tickets are available on the gate but we’d recommend booking in advance to guarantee your tickets. You’ll save 10% too! Entry slots are timed to make sure you don’t feel too crowded; you’ll probably want to allow yourself an hour or two to wander around, and enjoy the festive atmosphere!

December 20, 2018 0 comment

Out and About

Let It Be at The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

If you head to the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham this week, you’ll find the usually civilised patrons dancing in the aisles and singing along as Let It Be brings their brand of Beatlemania to the stage.

The Story

Let It Be is essentially a Beatles concert through the ages. Beginning with their infamous 1963 Royal Variety performance, it spans their concert at the Shea Stadium in America, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club and beyond, with a second half that asks you to imagine a reunion that never happened, and what might have been…

The Cast

The cast more than manage to convince as the fab four with strong voices and musical talent in spades. For me, the standout is Emanuele Angeletti as Paul McCartney – more than anything he gets the physicality of the role just so and really becomes McCartney, complete with casual head nods, bare feet and knee jerks. Initially, I struggled a little with Michael Gagliano as John Lennon, but he’s incredibly convincing as an older Lennon, seemingly growing into both the role and the hair as the first half rolls along.

The Verdict

All four of the cast are extremely talented musicians, and it’s certainly a treat to hear these iconic songs performed live, but if you came expecting this to be a musical with a story line in the vein of Jersey Boys, then you probably left disappointed. Let it Be is essentially the closest you’ll come to seeing and hearing ‘The Beatles’ perform live today; but although the sets are interspersed with contextual videos of the era, it doesn’t recount the story behind the band or the significant moments that brought them to worldwide acclaim. What it is though, taken as a pure celebration of The Beatles music, is enormous fun. The crowds were up on their feet singing along almost from the beginning, clearly enjoying themselves. If you’re a Beatles fan, I promise you will love it.

Where can you see Let it Be?

Let it Be is on at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham until Saturday 1st September 2018. It then heads off to the Liverpool Empire from 3rd September.

What can I see next at the Everyman Theatre?

Looking for some hot stuff to see you through the cooler autumn evenings? The Full Monty shimmies into town from 6th September, with a cast including Gary Lucy (Hollyoaks).

August 29, 2018 0 comment

Out and About

A trip to the C-Side Spa at Cowley Manor

A few months into my pregnancy, I was thrilled to learn I’d won a Mother’s Day competition on Instagram. The prize was truly one that made me squeal out loud – to have a 4d scan at the supremely lovely Early Life Ultrasound in Cheltenham (I’ll be sharing our experience once baby arrives, as I’m keen to keep baby’s face off here until then) and a spa day at one of my favourite Cotswold spots, Cowley Manor.

I was about 18 weeks pregnant at the time, and made a conscious decision to wait until nearer the end of my pregnancy to cash in the day of pampering – as it turns out, this was a very good decision!

C-Side Spa, Cowley, Spa, Gloucestershire, Cotswolds, Celtic Co Clothing,

C-Side Spa at Cowley Manor

Last Friday, at almost 34 weeks pregnant, baby and I finally got our pamper on at Cowley. I’d been achy and generally feeling pretty fatigued from the heat and lack of sleep for over 3 weeks, so believe me when I say that as we arrived at Cowley’s C-side Spa I was seriously excited. I swear my bump is now growing on what feels like an almost hourly basis (thank goodness for beautiful loose fitting linen women’s tops and stretchy maternity skirts), so the opportunity to put my feet up for a whole day was bliss.

It was a beautifully sunny day, perfect to enjoy an outdoor swim and a lazy afternoon poolside in the stunning surrounds. Cowley is truly one of the prettiest spas I’ve visited, both in and outside of the Cotswolds.

I’d taken both mine and Adam’s mums with me (trust me, there was little persuasion needed) and we were greeted by friendly staff, offered drinks, given our medical forms to complete and the lunch menu to peruse; for those of you who know me, you’ll appreciate this was the most important part of our welcome. I’ve eaten at Cowley previously and knew we were in for a treat, but I didn’t expect the lunch menu to be quite as extensive as it is; I wanted everything, but settled on a wild mushroom and spinach pasta and a tropical Eton mess for dessert. More on that later though.

Pregnancy Massage

After a quick dip in the heated outdoor pool in my favourite maternity cossie, I was first up for my treatment. I’d opted for a full body pregnancy massage. My therapist Hebe was delightful and talked me through exactly what the massage would entail; half the time seated on an exercise ball, half the time lying on my side with every mama-to-be’s holy grail – a pregnancy pillow. Hebe discussed what sort of pressure I wanted, and also how my pregnancy was going. I was then left to choose my own musical playlist, and get comfy ready for my massage.

The massage itself was heavenly – a gorgeous smelling Pinks Boutique rose oil applied with just the right amount of pressure. Baby Lewis certainly enjoyed it too, wiggling and kicking throughout. I could have stayed in there all day. After, I was shown through to the relaxation room and given a herbal tea menu to choose a drink from. I opted for the Wellbeing tea; a delicious mix of lemon verbena, orange blossom, rooibos and lime flower. Needless to say, I left the room feeling completely relaxed and more than ready to lounge poolside with my book.

The Food

Lunch was served up at the hotel in their restaurant MALT. As it was such a beautiful day we took the opportunity to enjoy an unspoilt view of Cowley stunning grounds whilst we ate. I definitely recommend taking your lunch alfresco if the weather allows. We chatted our way through our delicious two course lunch, and I took the opportunity to enjoy one of their mocktails too; my drink was pretty enough (and pink), though if I’m honest I chose badly as it tasted a little too herbal and soapy for my liking. Next time, I’d probably stick to my trusty Seedlip.

Our lunch was superb; my mushroom and spinach pasta more than sated my Friday carb craving, and both mums thoroughly enjoyed their pizzas; I can always tell if my Mum enjoys something as I don’t get a look in, whereas I’ll often have to try it if she is less keen. Dessert was the star of the show though. I’d chosen the pineapple, mango and passionfruit Eton mess, and boy was I pleased I did. It was so good in fact, I almost abandoned my inner blogger and forgot to take a photo. I even tucked in before capturing the dish, which the eagle eyed among you may be able to spot below. That, my friends, is how good it was.

Back up at the spa post-feast, the mums took their treatments whilst baby and I relaxed poolside, swam, read and just generally chilled out. It was the perfect way to finish the day, and we left content and relaxed. I’ll definitely be returning, possibly with husband and baby, as the spa was incredibly family friendly too. The most wonderful Cotswolds’ spa day I’ve enjoyed so far, thank you.

C-Side Spa, Cowley, Spa, Gloucestershire, Cotswolds, Book, Pool

July 31, 2018 1 comment

Out and About

Hairspray at New Theatre, Oxford

Everyone’s favourite award winning musical, Hairspray, shakes and shimmies into the New Theatre Oxford this week.

The Story

Set in the swinging 60’s, Hairspray sees Tracey Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and even bigger dreams, audition to become a dancer on national TV with the “Nicest Kids in Town”.

Tracy’s new-found local fame sets her on a path of discovery challenging inequality, racism and the super mean “Nicest Kids in Town”. Along the way she meets heartthrob Link Larkin and tries to dance her way into his affections too.

The Cast

The cast are exceptionally strong; Matt Rixon is hilarious as Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s larger than life mum. Graham MacDuff provides the perfect foil to Edna as her witty husband Wilbur; these two have great chemistry together and this was never clearer than when things went a little off piste . After seeing them ad-lib, there’s definite potential for a stand-alone comedy double act here.

Hairspray, Musical, Oxford, Theatre, Oxford New Theatre, New Theatre

Rosie O’Hare plays Tracy to good comedic effect; she is effervescent and bursting with energy throughout; she has a pretty voice too. Her Tracy is most likeable when sharing scenes with Dan Partridge’s Link Larkin, who epitomises the teen heartthrob with both excellent voice and stage presence.

Seaweed has long been my favourite character in Hairspray; local born Shak Gabbidon-Williams excels in this role; he can dance, act and boy, can this guy sing. His partnership with Annalise Liard-Bailey as Penny is sweet; Annalise gives a rather less annoying and more endearing Penny than I’ve previously encountered and is hilarious in her first role since graduating. Completing the line-up is X Factor alum Brenda Edwards as Motormouth Maybelle. She brings the house down with her rendition of ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’, and a sassy performance of ‘Big, Blonde and Beautiful’.

Hairspray, Musical, Oxford, Theatre, Oxford New Theatre, New Theatre

There’s also an excellent ensemble of talented dancers and singers; Drew McConie’s choreography is inventive and simultaneously blends 60’s moves with the more energetic freestyle befitting of the characters of Tracy and Seaweed.

The Verdict

There’s a reason why Hairspray has been such a phenomenal success, on stage and in film. It’s a massively feel good musical, with plenty of toe tapping tracks and infectious melodies. If you already love the film, you’re going to be in for a real treat. But don’t worry if you’ve never seen Hairspray before; you’ll soon feel like part of the gang and be dancing along in the aisles.

Hairspray shows so much love and acceptance that even the most Trumped up hair will leave bouffant and bouncy as a bubble of gum. This is one show you won’t want to miss.

Where can I see Hairspray?

Hairspray is at New Theatre Oxford from 18th June 2018 until 23rd June. It then grooves off around the UK until August. Don’t miss this opportunity to see it outside of London!

June 17, 2018 0 comment

Out and About

My Fair Lady at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

After George Bernard Shaw wrote his very successful play, Pygmalion, he spent decades refusing the rights to turn to it into a musical. But still, the West End and Hollywood dreamt …”wouldn’t it be loverly?” Eventually they got their way: a ‘loverly’ stage production was born and the musical was soon immortalised in an iconic rags to riches film. The Cotswolds Savoyards bring their amateur adaptation of My Fair Lady to the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham this week.

The Story

When Professor Higgins plucks Eliza from the gutter and teaches her to speak correctly, she is propelled into a world far from her roots of selling flowers in Covent Garden. ‘I did it!’ he cries, when his experiment is over, leaving Eliza to ask ‘what’s to become of me?’; and the audience to question whether Eliza was the only one affected by the bet.

The Cast

It’s always easy to root for Eliza, but Hannah Bennett makes it so much easier still. She is delightful in the role and quickly captivates the audience thanks to her warmth, beautiful vocals and charming cockney sparrow accent. Although amateur, it is thankfully nothing like Dick Van Dyke’s attempt in Mary Poppins.

Taking on the role of Henry Higgins could be a formidable task, given the iconic nature of Rex Harrison’s performance in the film. Nevertheless, Paul Scott manages to endear and frustrate in equal measure. Whilst he never quite hits the heights of Harrison’s Higgins, this is a masterful and engaging performance. His chemistry with Hannah as Eliza is great and together they dominate almost every scene they are in.

The ensemble cast are highly enthusiastic and, combined with the live orchestra, bring a sense of occasion and liveliness to the production. Special mention must also go to the set designers; most of the professional productions only manage a couple of sets at best. The Savoyards managed impressive full-scale sets for each location which brought it all vividly to life.

The Verdict

Brimming with familiar songs such as Get Me To The Church on Time, Wouldn’t It Be Loverly, and With A Little Bit of Luck, I challenge any audience member to not find themselves singing along or tapping their toes. I certainly was.

This is an energetic and upbeat performance; I’m sure you’ll go home wishing you too could have ‘danced, danced, danced all night’.

Where can you see My Fair Lady?

My Fair Lady is at The Everyman until Saturday 19th May – book now!

What can I see next at the Everyman Theatre?

West End and Broadway success HAIRSPRAY comes to the Everyman Tuesday 29th May – Sunday 3rd June. If you can’t stop the beat, book your tickets now; this one won’t hang around for long!

About The Cotswold Savoyards

The Cotswold Savoyards was formed in to produce the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. Over the past few years they have widened our repertoire; shows have included Salad Days, Sweeney Todd, Candide, Into the Woods, Scrooge – The Musical, Titanic – The Musical, Anything Goes and A Little Night Music. Their repertoire is now split evenly between the works of Gilbert and Sullivan and those of other composers.

The Savoyards stage two productions per year, each running for a week; one at The Playhouse, and the other at The Everyman. They also consider requests from other organisations to stage concerts on behalf of charity. The society celebrated its 50th anniversary in with a special concert at Cheltenham Town Hall at which the Master of Ceremonies was their President, the world-renowned baritone Donald Maxwell.

May 15, 2018 0 comment

Out and About

Kneehigh Presents: The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

Hot on the heels of numerous sold out shows, Kneehigh Theatre brings their soaring success, The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk to the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham this week.

The Story

The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk is, at it’s heart, a love story. Following the real life story of artist Marc Chagall and talented writer Bella Rosenfeld as they begin their life together, this small but perfectly formed two-hander is Director Emma Rice’s swansong for Kneehigh.

It’s a deeply emotional, personal exploration of all consuming love at first sight; creativity and sacrifice set against both the conflict of the First World War and the Russian revolution, and the other, more personal conflict of life as an artist and a lover.

Cheltenham, Everyman, Gloucestershire, Theatre, Everyman Theatre, Kneehigh, Flying Lovers of Vitebsk

Credit: Steve Tanner

The Cast

Marc Antolin reprises his role from the 2016 run as Marc Chagall; neurotic, arrogant but charming and more than a little clown-like, he is utterly compelling as both Chagall and Bella’s incoherent and inconsolable mother. There’s a moment where you wonder if his arrogance will be his undoing, comparing his creativity to the childbirth Bella has endured, but Antolin’s performance keeps Chagall from losing both himself and the support of the audience.

Daisy Maywood is captivating as Bella; you simply cannot take your eyes off her whenever she is on stage. Her Bella is intelligent, fierce and defiant in the face of a world where a woman sacrifices her own creativity for the sake of all else around her.

The Flying Lovers also features an on-stage accompaniment of two musicians. They play beautifully alongside Marc and Daisy’s singing of traditional Russian-Jewish songs; music, movement and light collectively transform this small production into an immersive world.

The Verdict

First performed over 25 years ago with Rice as Bella opposite writer and then husband Daniel Jamieson as Marc, this reimagining is truly powerful and shows the effect the Chagalls and indeed this play have both had in shaping Kneehigh’s work over the years. As Emma herself says, she carries this play in her heart, and this performance is so clearly an ode to the company she created.

Emma has created a delicate, personal and deeply affecting performance which will leave you roaring with laughter and with tears on your cheek at the end; I urge you to book tickets immediately. If you caught the brilliant La Strada last year, the Flying Lovers will undoubtedly enchant you in a similar manner.

The Flying Lovers soar high; this is Kneehigh at it’s best.

Where can you see The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk?

The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk is on at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham until Saturday 5th May 2018. It then heads off to the Brighton Festival.

What can I see next at the Everyman Theatre?

Tilted Wig and Malvern Theatres’ production of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations hits the stage from the 8th May. Immediately after starting on 15th May is the Cotswold Savoyard’s amateur production of My Fair Lady. Don’t miss them!

April 30, 2018 0 comment

Out and About

The Winslow Boy at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

VBased on the true life story of Gloucestershire born George Archer-Shee, whose name can be found on the North Woodchester War Memorial, Terence Rattigan’s drama, The Winslow Boy, brings suspense, political drama and a healthy dose of feminisim to the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham this week.

The Story

Shortly before the outbreak of the First World War, Ronnie Winslow, a 13 year old naval cadet is expelled for stealing a five shilling note. Having crept home, Ronnie is scared to tell his father Arthur but eventually is left with no choice. Believing him to be innocent, Arthur embarks on a two year quest to clear his name. His fight against the admiralty comes at great cost to the Winslow family though; the battle is as much personal as it is political.

The Cast

Dorothea Myer-Bennett is a standout as Catherine; suffragette, single and approaching 30, she is naturally spirited. Whilst her father’s fight is personal, Catherine’s sacrifices in the name of the greater political good are significant, heartfelt and impassioned. Her emotional journey really resonates throughout the play.

She contrasts well against The Archer’s Timothy Watson, whose cold-fish barrister, Sir Robert Morton, fights for the family to pursue his own passion for justice. His distain for women’s rights and emotionless veil keep Catherine at a distance, but as he reveals more of himself, the subtle and somewhat begrudging affection between them grows. The audience also grows fonder of the couple as their relationship develops.

Cheltenham, Everyman Theatre, The Winslow Boy

Credit: Alastair Muir

Aden Gillett is equally impressive as Arthur Winslow, the patriarch of the family. His delivery of some of the best lines in the play is spot on and the differing relationships with each of his three children is subtly played. Aden is well complemented by Tessa Peake-Jones as his wife Grace; his foil in every sense, she can see the damage his quest to prove Ronnie’s innocence causes, and plays the part of a torn mother to perfection.

The Verdict

Considering it was written in the 1940s and is set around 1914, The Winslow Boy’s themes remain surprisingly current. This year marks the centenary of women getting the vote yet Catherine’s feminist struggle to be heard is very timely in the current climate. Rattigan’s commentary on the political and media establishments are equally on the nose. The drama is made all the more compelling by never actually leaving the Winslow’s drawing room. The supporting cast do a great job of bringing the courtroom proceedings into the story.

With strong performances, familial tension and a compelling dialogue, this play is definitely worth a watch. It’s also produced by Mark Goucher, the Everyman Theatre’s new Chief Executive, which bodes will for the future. Watch this space!

When can you see The Winslow Boy?

The Winslow Boy is on at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham until Saturday 21st April 2018. Don’t miss it!

April 17, 2018 0 comment

Out and About

Brighton Rock at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

With a dark, menacing take on Graham Greene’s 1930’s novel, York Theatre Royal and Pilot Theatre bring thriller noir Brighton Rock to the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham this week.

The Story

In murky 1930’s Brighton, the demise of 17 year old Pinkie’s gang leader thrusts him into role of swaggering gangster kingpin. His quest for revenge is witnessed by youthful waitress, Rose; rather than dispose of her, Pinkie persuades the naive Rose to marry him to prevent the long arm of the law reaching him. Local barmaid turned detective, Ida, is determined to bring justice to the world and seeks to protect Rose from the violent underbelly that is Pinkie’s Brighton.

The Cast

Whilst Greene’s original novel makes much of the Pinkie and Rose’s Catholicism, it is rather muted in this adaptation, the focus instead being on their youthful naivety. Jacob James Beswick’s delivers an arrogant, truly irredeemable Pinkie with jutting chin and hands thrust deep into his pockets, but as his situation worsens the mask begins to slip, revealing the scared boy beneath. Jacob manages to convey a lot through very little; perfectly minuscule gestures and subtle expressions say far more than words ever could.

He behaves so abhorrently to Sarah Middleton’s Rose that you might wonder why they remain together. You get a good sense though, when Pinkie recoils during a sex scene at the cinema, that a healthy dose of Catholic repression and a rather immature view of love are the glue that blinds and binds them together.

Gloria Onitiri’s Ida shines against the largely monochromatic staging; her bold leopard print and refusal to be silenced bringing warmth and light to the play. Ida is atheistic yet maintains her fierce pursuit for true justice; this is in stark contrast to Pinkie’s moral compass. Devout Catholicism allows him to commit heinous crimes so long as he repents his sins. This battle between light and dark is compelling and leaves the audience willing Ida to triumph.

The ensemble cast are brilliant, seemingly shedding their skins to change from character to character with slick, precisely choreographed moves. Movement plays a key role in the stories progression; the re-imagining of Pinkie and Rose’s wedding night through dance and sound alone is beautifully done. Hannah Peel’s original score and the on-stage musicians introduce a percussive and slightly menacing undertone to the play, building tension perfectly. I’m not always a fan of being able to see the musicians but it worked well in this instance.

The Verdict

Brighton Rock has received rave reviews on its run thus far and it’s obvious why. Whilst good writing is critical to a play’s success, it’s often the smallest and most unnoticeable gestures, staging and direction that elevate it to the next level. Bryony Lavery’s adaptation and Esther Richardson’s direction do an excellent job in this regard, combining many such subtleties to great effect. It can be difficult to adapt 70 year old novels for a modern audience, but Brighton Rock remains relevant. This is definitely one to watch out for if you can get tickets!

Where can you see Brighton Rock?

Brighton Rock is on at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham until Saturday 31st March 2018. It then heads off on tour around the UK until the end of May.

What’s on next at the Everyman Theatre?

Don’t miss David Walliam’s award winning children’s epic, Gangsta Granny, coming to Cheltenham on Wednesday 4th April. Tweedy the clown’s Slapstick Symphony follows on Sunday 8th April; if you’ve not seen him at the Cotswold’s very own Giffords Circus before, you’re in for a treat!

March 27, 2018 0 comment

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Flashdance at The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

I was only alive for the last few years of the eighties but, after watching Flashdance’s fabulous neon clad dancers at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham last night, I left with a nostalgic longing for lurid legwarmers.

Flashdance tells the story of Alex Owens, welding apprentice by day and club dancer by night. Her dreams of becoming a professional dancer are within reach; if she can pass an audition into the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy. Supported by new boyfriend, and boss’s son, Nick Hurley, the musical follows the rise and fall of her journey through love, friendship and self-discovery.

The cast

Joanne Clifton is outstanding in the role of Alex. I expected her to dance like she’s never danced before following her highly successful tenure on Strictly Come Dancing, but boy can she sing too! Her vocals carried a pretty flawless American twang throughout and her powerful voice easily filled the theatre and beyond. Completing the triple threat, it turns out Joanne is also a skilled actress, with spot on comic timing. Along with the rest of the audience, I found myself really rooting for Alex to get her big break.

Musical, Theatre, Flashdance, Oxford, Joanne Clifton

Credit: Brian Hartley

Whilst Joanne is undoubtedly the star of the show, the rest of the cast are equally superb; performing exhaustion inducing, powerful dance routines whilst barely breaking a sweat. Demmileigh Foster’s sharp moves during a confident solo rendition of “I love Rock ‘n’ Roll” set her out as one to watch; she is a hugely talented performer.

Dancing for their lives across a stage made of steel, made of stone (alright I made that part up), the cast shine against a clever digital backdrop, with mobile set pieces that turn from a club to a factory in an instant and transport the audience straight back into the eighties.

We’ve previously seen Flashdance at New Theatre, Oxford with Ben Adams, heartthrob of nineties boyband A1, as Nick. Ben is having a week off for the Cheltenham shows but his understudy, Colin Kiyani, is an accomplished replacement; that is unless you once had a bedroom adorned with A1 posters in which case you might be left longing.

If you see the show elsewhere, Ben is certainly talented too, and similarly manages the rare feat of a near perfect American accent. His iconic boyband vocals are still strong and blend perfectly with Joanne’s to create several beautiful duets. His dancing is rather less polished than Colin’s (although he has mastered a beautiful forwards roll) but it doesn’t matter; the cast roll with it and raise a few laughs along the way.

Where can you see Flashdance?

What a feeling the audience were left with; everyone was on their feet singing and clapping during a standing ovation. It’s a fun, family friendly production that will make you come alive with a desire to break out in song and dance. Now where did I put those legwarmers again?

You can catch it at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham until Saturday 3rd February. It then heads off around the country until September, including the Bristol Hippodrome in June. Don’t miss it!

Flashdance, Joanne Clifton, New Theatre, Theatre, Musical, Oxford

Credit: Brian Hartley

January 29, 2018 0 comment

Out and About

Noël Coward’s Private Lives at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

With a fresh take on a 1930’s classic comedy, London Classic Theatre brings Noël Coward’s Private Lives to the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham this week.

The Story

The play begins in 1930’s Deauville, France on two sea view balconies. A divorced couple are unwittingly thrown back together upon discovering they are honeymooning with their new spouses on adjacent balconies. Elyot Chase and Amanda Prynne are the archetypal can’t live with each other, can’t live without each other couple. Jolted into the realisation that their new partners are a simpering, pale imitation of their tempestuous love, they embark on a whirlwind reconciliation to rekindle their former passion.

The Cast

Compared to some productions we’ve seen recently at the Everyman, the cast is relatively unknown albeit still rather talented. Gareth Bennett-Ryan plays a rather youthful Elyot, seemingly straight out of a private boys school; his childlike petulance and temper gives him a perfectly smug, caddish air; this is a perfect complement to Helen Keeley’s glamorous and sophisticated Amanda who feels like she is considerably more mature by comparison. Her fury and passion is undeniable though and matches Elyot blow for blow, literally in some cases.

Paul Sandys and Olivia Beardsley provide the perfect foil to this tempestuous affair as Amanda’s rather more mature new husband Victor and Elyot’s young and insecure bride Sybil.

As an ensemble, they work well, bouncing off each other and building tension, which is largely thanks to Coward’s wonderfully sharp and witty dialogue.

The Verdict

Coward wrote his most enduring play in a mere 4 days, his first draft remaining practically unedited before it hit the stage; this perhaps explains why the razor sharp but entirely natural dialogue remains perfectly current 90 years on. There are very few contrivances and, to be honest, very little plot. It works though as Private Lives’ simplicity allows the audience to focus on the on stage relationships and building tensions.

If you are a fan of theatrical classics, this update of Private Lives is definitely worth buying a ticket. The director stays true to Coward’s original intent but injects some much needed pace to make it come alive; a lot of classics feel somewhat dated but, barring a few sexist lines, this could well have been written yesterday and left everyone was left laughing out loud, irrespective of age.

Where can you see Private Lives?

Private Lives is on at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham until Saturday 27th January 2018. It then heads off on tour around the UK until the end of April.

What’s on next at the Everyman Theatre?

Don’t miss 80’s classic, Flashdance when it storms into Cheltenham on Monday 29th January. We caught it in Oxford last year so for a sneak preview, check out our review. It’s definitely one you won’t want to miss.

January 23, 2018 2 comments

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