Theatre Corner

Discussion of all things non-11 Plus related

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toucan
Posts: 80
Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2011 5:25 pm

Theatre Corner

Post by toucan »

If you saw a show, play, concert or panto over the festive season, please post a short review on this thread. Here are a few for starters:

Robin Hood, Greenwich Theatre
Razor-sharp panto from panto-writer and dame, Andy Pollard. Heavy drag, grotesque toilet humour and rousing pop please tots, teens and oldies alike. Recommended for Christmas 2013: tickets are reasonably priced, but sell out by September.

Chariots of Fire, Gielgud Theatre
Olympic bandwagon staging of the film. Period drama mingled with athletic choreography, live music and a rotating running-track stage. Uplifting stuff for sporty types who want to know the meaning of winning. Catch it if it tours.

Cinderella, St James Theatre
Not a camp panto (see above), but an original reworking of the hardcore tale of romantic love and sadistic step-mothers. Live jazz, amputated toes, bird watching, and the prince's skilled improvisation keep audience transfixed. Runs to 26th Jan. It will be the best thing you see in 2013. Very comfy seats.

Why waste time on live theatre when your child could be doing practice papers at home? It does wonders for 11+ creative writing!

Narrative structure, images and emotions enter the mind in an – arguably – deeper way than fiction. It doesn't matter if it's 'naff' panto or unintelligible Shakespeare, even one show per year will change your child's life. They will remember it forever.

Toucan
Reading Mum
Posts: 1841
Joined: Tue Oct 04, 2011 9:44 am
Location: Reading

Re: Theatre Corner

Post by Reading Mum »

nice idea for a thread

Rock and Roll Cinderella, City Varieties, Leeds
very alternative working of the concept. All the cast were multi instrumentallists and very talented - all the music is performed live on the stage. Plenty of pop songs performed with energy and enthusiasm. One minute the fairy godmother is singing and waving her wand, the next she is belting out tunes on the sax. Go if you get the chance
modernista
Posts: 302
Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2010 12:03 pm

Re: Theatre Corner

Post by modernista »

A very modern version of Arabian Nights at Tricycle theatre in Kilburn
toucan
Posts: 80
Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2011 5:25 pm

Re: Theatre Corner

Post by toucan »

Modernista

What was this like? The reviews were mixed. How did your DC find it?

Toucan
modernista
Posts: 302
Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2010 12:03 pm

Re: Theatre Corner

Post by modernista »

Took DC and a friend. They always need persuasion to go along to something like this but they loved it in the end. Tricycle is a gem and I have never been disappointed. They screen wonderful films as well along with the mainstream ones. The theatre itself is tiny with the seating in bright red painted scaffolding but that adds to the charm. It is a bit of a trek from where we are but now made easier by the overground. It is things like the Tricycle that make the high cost of living in London worth it for me.
modernista
Posts: 302
Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2010 12:03 pm

Re: Theatre Corner

Post by modernista »

Sorry, didn't say much about the performance itself. Fantastic if your kids are too old for traditional Pantos but not old enough for adult theatre. Some risque jokes but I am ok for that sort of thing. The acting was great, in such a small theatre there is nowhere to hide. Very simple inexpensive props but creating a lot of atmosphere effectively. I agree with you Toucan that education should engage all senses and theatre does it all in an effective and enjoyable way.
aliportico
Posts: 888
Joined: Wed Aug 01, 2007 12:19 pm

Re: Theatre Corner

Post by aliportico »

Not panto (although if you look at the costumes you might wonder ...) but an event that immediately became an annual tradition for us is the Red Rose Chain's Theatre in the Forest, Shakespeare each summer in Suffolk - http://www.redrosechain.com/page/theatre-in-the-forest" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; . Lovely setting, wonderful cast - they are in character from the moment you arrive, and wander about chatting with the audience - and just marvellous shows. We are all wondering what they will do this year!

You can camp in the forest just a few minutes' walk away.
Midget Man
Posts: 950
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2009 8:28 pm
Location: Bucks

Re: Theatre Corner

Post by Midget Man »

Scrooge-London Palladium,

Myself and DD really enjoyed it, very funny when the appearance of a ghost am her jump out of her skin. Tommy Steele is 76 but still has a voice in him, set and all the cast were very good
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