Released over 4 decades ago to critical acclaim, Hollywood hit An Officer and a Gentleman has remained a much loved cinematic classic internationally, Douglas Day Stewart’s tale of a young man’s perseverance training towards a career as a Naval Pilot one that addresses deeper themes concerned with manhood/brotherhood – that more than ever, where we address mental health more openly, has aged well. Nikolai Foster tapping into the relevancy of Stewart’s screenplay effortlessly with a musical adaptation realised entertainingly by musical director Christopher Duffy.
We root for all of the troupe, each naval trainee with a personal hurdle to overcome of their own, Jamal Crawford’s Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley the icy, no nonsense, quick witted yet unwittingly paternal figure that brings everything together yet pushes all to their limit. Luke Baker’s Zack Mayo determined to not only expand his own capabilities, but to make his father, a former army officer proud. Danny Whelan’s Sid Worley longs for purpose, with this possibly realised when meeting Sinead Long’s Lynette Pomeroy – for heartbreak to very sadly ensue. A lot goes on, we’re made privy to the lives of everyone beyond training, making the cast that much more relatable.
London’s alternative to the world famous, month long arts festival Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Camden Fringe Festival invites anyone and everyone to stage new works, whether established or newly established – their ethos being that everyone is welcome to participate. Now in its 18th year, the festival welcomes over 320 productions staged across 23 North London venues from 29th July until 25th August, the festival promising a mixed programme of stage up, musicals, physical theatre and more. Recipients of the ‘commendation for Outstanding Achievement’ at the London Pub Theatre Awards 2023, Camden Fringe Festival founders Michelle Flower and Zena Barrie tell us more about what to expect from this this year’s line up.
Executive Producer and Acting CEO Sofi Berenger, Chair of the Board Robert Khan and the whole team at the King’s Head Theatre are delighted to reveal details of its brand-new membership scheme, The KHT Club, which will give its most loyal guests access to the best seats in the house for just £20 per performance. An early bird price of £50 pear year is available until the end of August and the full price will be £60 per year after that.
Yael Elisheva invites you to a roast of the Jewish men in their life by retelling stories from Jewish folklore with a modern twist. A one-person show that is part-drag, part-performance art, part-theatre, it’s packed with witty commentary about religion, masculinity and even current day politics in Israel and Palestine. Yael, the creator and performer, is Yaya and plays as themselves and as a number of Jewish American and British characters. It’s a physical undertaking which they pull off with enormous skill and ingenuity. Costume changes, facial hair application, music and video projection all come to their aid in welcoming the audience into Yaya’s very own “City of Fools”.
