The Accrington Pals - The Grange Playhouse

The Grange Playhouse

The Accrington Pals

By Peter Whelan

I was not sure what to expect from my first press night, amateur theatre can often go either way, however The Grange Players have a wonderful reputation and I can honestly say that I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer talent of entire, young cast, as well as production team.

The Accrington Pals, written by Peter Whelan is considered to be one of the greatest plays ever written on the subject of The First World War. It explores the meaning of a Pals Battalion, young soldiers that were recruited together as friends and neighbours from the town of Accrington. Inevitably they were sent to fight and die on July 1st 1916 in the tragic Battle of Somme.

The character of Company Sergeant Major Rivers (Dan Payne) becomes a teacher and father figure to the young men and sums up the Pals well, “No one can divide us from each other. What dismays an enemy most is the knowledge that every man he faces on the other side is loyal and attentive to his fellow man at all times, not because he is ordered to be so but out of the love he bares for his brothers in arms.” 

In addition to this, the play takes an in depth look at the women left behind, some reluctant for their men to go to war and others praying that the men they love come home. These women had to become independent and their determination to uncover the truth about the state of war through the propaganda that was filled with lies, was truly inspiring. 

On arrival, The Grange Playhouse auditorium pulls the audience into an intimate atmosphere. The stage floor reflected the cobbled street and the simple set was assisted by the use of lighting to focus attention on one area of the space, together, the audience were absorbed into the community of Accrington, witnessing the market stall hustle and bustle, the men that lined the trenches, and the women drinking wine and chatting in the kitchen. 

Phebe Jackson gave a phenomenal performance as May, the cynical about love, hard working Northern lass. Every line was delivered with purpose and excellent comic timing. 

The second act opens, to much amusement, with an image of Ralph, played by Joseph Hicklin, completely naked in a tin bath being soaped up by his loving girlfriend, his ‘little pocket Venus’, Eva. This scene is only furthered by May’s reaction to a naked man on her kitchen floor and the perfectly timed towel snatch by Ralph, protecting the last of his dignity. 

Nathalie Colen’s portrayal of Eva was approached with the tenderness that the character called for, while her love for sweetheart Ralph fuelled her need for the truth, leading the women to the town hall. Her beautiful rendition of Edward German’s O Peaceful England, left the audience stunned and all boiled sweet wrappers were still as silence swept the auditorium. 

The production runs until the July 26th, and it is well worth a watch, if you can’t catch this then I would definitely recommend another of The Grange Players’ pieces, Grahame Linehan’s Lady Killers opens in September. 

Lastly, consider amateur theatre with an open mind, it might just surprise you.  

Review by Elena Scandrett

The Frozen Scream - Birmingham Hippodrome - 7th - 17th January 2015

Wales Millennium Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome and Christopher Green

present brand new show for the winter season

The Frozen Scream

co-written by novelist Sarah Waters

Based on a largely forgotten murder-mystery novel, The Frozen Scream brings the chilling tale back to life for the stage, offering a unique show this festive season co-written by Olivier-award winning performer and writer Christopher Green and best-selling novelist Sarah Waters.

Directed by Christopher Green, who will also perform in the show, The Frozen Scream tells the story of a group of friends stranded in an abandoned lodge in the heart of winter. Attempting to entertain themselves with the tale of Jack Frost, fictional horror quickly slips into reality as events escalate in unexpected ways. The original novel, written by English novelist CC Gilbert, while popular when it was published in 1928, rapidly fell out of favour when a series of mysterious deaths led to the belief that the novel was cursed.

This creative collaboration between Wales Millennium Centre and Birmingham Hippodrome arose from a shared desire to offer audiences an alternative form of Christmas entertainment. This month the two venues have also collaborated on the UK Tour of the Wales Millennium Centre and Cape Town Opera presentation of Show Boat, showing at Wales Millennium Centre this month (22 – 26 July).

With both Cardiff and Birmingham set to present an extensive programme of family orientated shows, musicals and pantomimes this winter, The Frozen Scream will offer an exciting alternative for local audiences.

The Frozen Scream will premiere at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff (11 – 20 Dec 2014), followed by Birmingham Hippodrome (7 - 17 Jan 2015).

The Frozen Scream is the first play to be written by acclaimed novelist Sarah Waters, well-known for her award wining novels including Tipping the Velvet (1998), Fingersmith (2002), and The Little Stranger (2009). Her latest novel, The Paying Guests, is due to be published this autumn.

Christopher Green, co-writer and director of The Frozen Scream, said: ‘When I started thinking about the show, my ideas kept resonating with my memories of Sarah’s book, The Little Stranger. Having been a fan of Sarah’s work since reading Tipping the Velvet, I was very keen to collaborate with her. Although this feels like such a new way of working for us both, it's remarkable how smooth the creative process has been so far.  As long as the curse doesn't kick in, we'll be rocking, I reckon. I love to constantly surprise my audiences and The Frozen Scream will definitely do that, sending good old-fashioned chills up the spine!’

An award-winning performer and writer, Christopher Green has created numerous pieces of experimental theatre including Office Party, VIP, The Razzle and This Show Has No Name. He is also well-known as a character comedian, playing under numerous personas including country music singer, Tina C, and rapping pensioner, Ida Barr.

Sarah Waters, co-writer of The Frozen Scream, said: ‘Chris has been great to work with - really inspirational - and it's been incredibly productive having someone to brainstorm with. I wasn't sure how I'd take to writing for the stage. I'm a great theatre-goer, but plays and novels are such different things: working on The Frozen Scream was a bit of a leap into the dark for me. But it's proved to be a real adventure, and tremendous fun. I'm thrilled to be working in a new medium, with such a talented writer and performer as Chris. I'm looking forward to giving our audiences some scares, and some fun. I'm also excited to be working in my homeland, Wales.’

Artistic Director at Wales Millennium Centre, Graeme Farrow, said: ‘It's thrilling to be premiering this unique production, written and directed by world-class artists, and to be able to offer an exciting, alternative form of Christmas entertainment for our audiences. I believe there is a great deal of synergy between Wales Millennium Centre and Birmingham Hippodrome, and I am hopeful that the present collaboration will help nurture a creative partnership that will see many more exciting collaborations.’

Paul Kaynes, Creative Programme Director, Birmingham Hippodrome added: ‘We are delighted to be working with Wales Millennium Centre on this joint commission bringing together two writers of the highest calibre to create The Frozen Scream.   Christopher Green  - already presenting Ida Barr’s Mash Up at our forthcoming Summer in Southside – and the award winning novelist Sarah Waters  is an extremely exciting creative combination providing an alternative evening out at the theatre over the Festive season.’

The Frozen Scream is the first collaboration between Waters and Green.

The Frozen Scream runs at Wales Millennium Centre from Thursday 11 – Tuesday 20 December 2015. Tickets go on sale to Wales Millennium Centre Promise Platinum & Gold members today (Friday 18 July) and Promise members on 25 July, with general on sale on Friday 1 August. Tickets are priced at £16. Age guidance: 16+. For more information and to book tickets visit www.wmc.org.uk or call 029 2063 6464.

The Frozen Scream runs at Birmingham Hippodrome from Wednesday 7 - Saturday 17 January 2015.  Tickets go on sale to Birmingham Hippodrome Friends today (Friday 18 July) with general on sale on Tuesday 22 July.    Tickets are priced £15.00-£18.50 and are available onlinewww.birminghamhippodrome.com or phone 0844 338 5000.

Wicked - Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre - 9th July - 6th September 2014

Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre

Wicked

9th July - 6th September 2014

Wicked has flown into the Birmingham Hippodrome this week and there is only one word for this spectacular musical… it’s WICKED !!!!!

The atmosphere on press night was electric and the audience was not disappointed. Right from the start we were wowed by the amazing set, glorious costumes, wonderful lighting and sound and accompanied by the truly talented cast; bringing together a spell binding night of entertainment.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire and book buy Winnie Holzman the story of Wicked is the prequel to the famous story of Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum. The story follows the early years of Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (The Good Witch of the North). The story is extremely touching with some fantastic wit also dealing with the issues of friendship, love, betrayal, insecurity and dictatorship.

On press night the role of Elphaba was played by the standby Jemma Alexander and we were not disappointed. Jemma was superb in the role bringing Elphaba to life, making the audience really care for her and her situation. Defying Gravity is one of my favourite musical songs and I had goosebumps with Jemma’s rendition… just brilliant!

It was a close run match between the female leads and Emily Tienney was just as magnificent in the role of Glinda; she was delightful, charming, witty and played the part of a spoilt little rich girl to perfection, also her comic timing was just fantastic!

For the die hard Wizard of Oz fans out there (of which I am one)  the story is littered with references to the  Emerald City, the Yellow Brick Road, Dorothy etc. (I could go on) which was just fabulous for my two little ones who joined me for the evening, engaging them immediately.

Congratulations must also go to Liam Doyle as Fiyero, Carina Gillespie as Nessarose, Dale Rapley as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz/ Doctor Dillamond Marilyn Cutts as Madame Morrible and George Ure as Boq.

I was spell- bound from when the first note was struck by the orchestra and remained so right to the end. My children have announced Wicked as there new favourite musical, I envisage a summer of singing along to this wonderful soundtrack! Well there are worse things one could do!

Wicked is around for the whole summer so don’t miss out... if you can grab a ticket and get along along to the Hippodrome, swathe yourself in emerald wickedness for the evening and enjoy!!!

Review by Faye Arrowsmith-Hatch

Wicked - Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre - 9th July - 6th September 2014

Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre

WICKED

SEEN BY 42 MILLION WORLDWIDE AND NOW WICKED FLIES IN TO BIRMINGHAM

PERFORMANCES FROM WEDNESDAY 9 JULY UNTIL SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER

WICKED, the global musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, arrives in Birmingham tomorrow evening (Wednesday 9 July) to begin its strictly limited nine week summer engagement at the Hippodrome.

Executive Producer Michael McCabe said: “We are delighted to be bringing this spectacular production of Wicked to one of the most glorious theatres in the country. We look forward to what looks certain to be a very successful summer season in the city.”

Chief Executive of Birmingham Hippodrome, Stuart Griffiths said: "We are thrilled that Wicked opens at Birmingham Hippodrome tomorrow for a dazzling nine week season. We look forward to welcoming theatregoers over the summer for what is one of the most popular musicals of all time.” 

This spectacular production of “this thrillingly entertaining show” (Manchester Evening News) has broken countless Box Office records and already received multiple five star reviews across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

The award-winning London production continues its open-ended run at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it is now the 10^th longest running show in the West End. Around the world, Wicked has already been seen by 42 million people in 13 countries, and won 100 international awards.

In a brilliantly witty re-imagining of the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Wicked has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman, musical staging by Wayne Cilento and is directed by two-time Tony Award® winner Joe Mantello. Wicked is based on the novel, ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, by Gregory Maguire.

Wicked is produced by: Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone. Executive Producer (UK):Michael McCabe.

Official UK website: www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk

Birmingham Hippodrome

Hurst Street

Southside

Birmingham

B5 4TB

PUBLIC BOOKING NOW OPEN AS FOLLOWS:

IN PERSON: AT THE BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME BOX OFFICE

TELEPHONE BOOKINGS: 0844 338 5000*

BOOK ONLINE: www.birminghamhippodrome.com*

*5% transaction charge applies (excl. cash sales in person) plus £1 postage. Phone calls from 5p per minute. Prices and discounting subject to change.

Groups: 0844 338 7000 (Mon-Fri, 10.00am-6pm)

Access line: 0844 338 5000

Performance Times:

Monday-Saturday 7.30pm, Matinees Wednesday at 2.00pm & Saturday 2.30pm

Extra matinees added Thursday 14 & Thursday 28 August 2014 at 2.00pm

Ticket Prices:

Monday-Thursday: £55, £50, £45, £40, £33, £25

Friday & Saturday: £60, £55, £50, £45, £38, £30

For best ticket availability, choose Monday-Thursday performances.

The musical runs approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes (including an interval) and is suitable for a general audience. As a guide to parents and guardians, it is recommended for ages 7+. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Children under 3 years of age will not be admitted

Gregory Maguire’s ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’ is published by Headline.

The book is recommended for readers aged 16+

The GRAMMY® award-winning Original Broadway Cast recording on DECCA BROADWAY

Malmaison is the Official Hotel Partner of the Wicked Tour www.malmaison.com

WICKED

Wicked has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, a book by Winnie Holzman, scenic design by Eugene Lee, costumes by Susan Hilferty, lighting by Kenneth Posner, sound by Tony Meola, projection designs by Elaine J McCarthy, Hair and Wig designs by Tom Watson, music arrangements by Alex Lacamoire and Stephen Oremus, dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott, orchestrations by William David Brohn, musical supervision by Stephen Oremus, musical staging by Wayne Cilento and is directed by Joe Mantello.

WICKED UK & IRELAND TOUR

The UK & Ireland Tour premiered in Manchester on 17 September 2013 (with previews from 12 September). This spectacular production has already broken Box Office records and been acclaimed as “so magical it defies belief” (Irish Daily Mail), “quite simply, the best musical I’ve ever seen” (Yorkshire Evening Post), “an evening of wall-to-wall musical perfection” (Sale & Altrincham Messenger), and “truly is a global phenomenon, and it deserves to be - the music is irresistibly catchy, the lyrics a perfect blend of poetry and wit and the plot, based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, is remarkably clever” (Huddersfield Daily Examiner). The show has already won multiple 5 star reviews across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. 

Critics also acclaimed the high quality of the production: “rest assured that this first touring production maintains the spectacular staging, costume design and magic of the original” (Manchester Evening News); “the production values are incredible - this is every bit the West End show” (The Public Reviews) and “this incarnation of the West End smash flew in and totally ripped up the rule book that states touring shows should somehow be second rate to London or Broadway. This interpretation is truly phenomenal” (Daily Record, Glasgow).

WICKED LONDON

The London production premiered on 27 September 2006 (with previews from 7 September) and has now been seen by over 5.5 million people.Wicked has been hailed as “the biggest thing in musicals since The Phantom of the Opera opened” (The Times), “one of the biggest hits of our age” (The Observer) and “one of the most popular West End musicals ever" (London Evening Standard).

Wicked continues to be the top choice of West End theatregoers having been voted Most Popular Show (Olivier Awards), Best Night Out (Evening Standard Theatre Awards), Best West End Show (Whatsonstage Awards in both 2011 and 2010) and Best Family Fun (Visit London Awards).

WICKED WORLDWIDE

Wicked has already been seen by 42 million people worldwide and grossed in excess of $3.4 billion at the Box Office. It has won 100 international awards.

The global musical phenomenon has been performed in over 100 cities in 13 countries around the world (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Germany, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, The Philippines and Mexico) and has been translated into five languages: Japanese, German, Dutch, Spanish, and Korean. The original Broadway production remains “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” (The New York Times) after more than a decade at the Gershwin Theatre.

Wicked has been recognised as “the best musical of the decade” (Entertainment Weekly), “the defining musical of the decade” (The New York Times), “a cultural phenomenon” (Variety) and “a breathtaking success story of a magnitude not witnessed since the peak years of The Phantom of the Opera” (The Washington Post).

WICKED – THE STORY

If you think you know the Wicked Witch of the West, think again...

When Dorothy famously triumphed over the Wicked Witch, we only ever heard one side of the story. Gregory Maguire’s “outstanding novel” (The Independent), ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, ingeniously and wittily re-imagined the Land of Oz, creating a parallel universe to the familiar story written by L. Frank Baum and first published as ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ in 1900.

Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two girls who first meet as sorcery students at Shiz University: the blonde and very popular Glinda and a misunderstood green girl named Elphaba. Following an encounter with The Wizard, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths.

Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences for her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies asGlinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Experience this unforgettable, award-winning musical and discover that you’ve not been told the whole story about the Land of Oz.