Here’s a question for you, what organisation is the 5th largest in the world? Has four systems opening in the UK in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales? Was founded in 1948 by the then Labour Party? And last but not least promises free health care to all UK residents? If you haven’t guessed yet… It’s the one and only NHS!
For all of you budding costume and stage designers looking to give your newest creations that little bit extra, or you drama school students looking to add a new lease of life to an otherwise mundane piece of material, look no further, as Theatrefullstop have teamed up with world renowned textile dye company DYLON. With over 60 years of adding a kaleidoscope of colour to clothing, accessories and a range of indoor settings, DYLON know how to reinvigorate materials!
In recent months, there has been a lot of press about the power of small theatres and the high standard of plays they produce. I visited the New Diorama Theatre, Camden, last week. This small, intimate space is perfect for presenting the close and inescapable bond between siblings that Plastic Figurines explores.
Ever sit down in the theatre and realise the play is in Russian? Because that will happen if you visit the Barbican Centre and to see Cheek by Jowl‘s Measure for Measure.
BareTruth Theatre‘s latest work sees them partner up with production company, Time Won’t Wait and charities Plan UK and Forward UK to produce a piece of theatre shedding light on a subject matter that has only recently started to receive awareness within the west. Statistics show that there are currently 170,000 women living with the affliction of FGM, and have until now lived in silence. Although there is a slight awareness in the west, there is still very little knowledge of the life threatening practise.
As the lights go down in the Savoy Theatre we are treated to Jule Styne’s swinging overture played by the live orchestra. The curtain goes up to reveal a raggle-taggle bunch of child vaudeville auditions acts only for Mama Rose (Imelda Staunton) to interrupt, bustling her way through the audience to rapturous applause.
Whispering Beasts puts on Irish plays exploring what they call the Irish voice. It would be wonderful to hear their thoughts on the country’s best known playwright writing much of his work in French but that is irrelevant to this review. That playwright is of course Samuel Beckett. Beasts are now putting on three of his lesser know short works at the Old Red Lion, a venue perfect for the intimate, disturbing feel of the plays.
How many times have you seen 38 performers on the same stage? Have you ever? What does it even look like? Well it is awe inspiring, especially when those 38 are members of the talented National Youth Dance Company and guided by the talent of Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.
So It Goes is the first production from On The Run theatre company. It is about actor/creator Hannah Moss’ father and his death. The piece is a two hander created and performed by Hannah Moss and David Ralfe.
Copyright Richard Davenport