I’m Rich

I’m rich because of the family I have

I’m rich because of the friends in my life

I’m rich because of the children I teach

I’m rich because of the people I work with

I’m rich because of the adventures I’ve had

I’m rich because of the strangers I’ve met

I’m rich because of the acting I’ve done

I’m rich because of the god children I love

I’m rich because of the opportunities I’ve had

Next year I hope to be richer 

Snow White

Venue:  Liverpool Empire

It was that time of the year (On no it wasn’t) when I headed off to watch the pantomime at the Liverpool Empire.  The stage was set, the band struck up their first notes and we were underway.  Bursting on to the stage was the evil Queen played superbly by Leanne Campbell.  This was not the first time I had seen Leanne in panto but it was the first time as a ‘baddie’.  She played it with all the grace you would expect from a panto veteran (Sorry Leanne).  Her voice was very posh (Like someone from Heswall) when she was being nice but it soon changed to the Walton girl accent we are more familiar with, and it worked to great effect.  Special mention for he singing voice – truly wonderful and I would pay just to listen to Leanne singing!

Coming back to the Liverpool Empire was the ever reliable and funny Liam Mellor playing Muddles.  People think what Liam does with an audience is easy but I can tell you it certainly isn’t.  He is becoming a firm favourite in the North West for his roles as a simple character.  I personally think he is better when he adlibs a bit, especially with the children he has on stage.  I think he could have caused more mischief in this panto with a bit more slapstick and ‘micky taking’ out of the other cast members but maybe that’s just my naughtiness coming out.

Georgie Porter entertained us as Snow White and danced her way around the stage with ease.  Stephen Fletcher was charming as the prince (see what I did there) and has a much better singing voice that I thought he had, although I knew it was good just didn’t realise how good!  The wicked Queen’s side kick, Herman the henchman (Not sure of real name, although this could be it!) was a delight and really played his role fantastically, especially when trying to get the audience to shout when he was trying to kill Snow White. 

Of course there was a special appearance from out very own Peter Price, who was the mirror on the wall.  We did miss him messing up his lines a little as I think this adds to the performance. 

The set design was magnificent and very sparkly, which you would expect.  The choreography was very good and all the dancers performed it with smiles and confidence.  The writing was very good as there was enough innuendo to keep the adults entertained and that’s what pantomime is all about.

All in all it was another professional performance by the cast.  There were some great moments in the show – Muddles getting his super soaker out and wetting everyone in the stalls was a definite highlight (Now there’s a line I never thought I’d write).

 I personally would have liked to have seen a few more ‘mess ups’ as I think this adds to pantomime performances and a bit more slap stick.  I would still recommend that you go along and support his show and boo and cheer as much as you can.

The Star

Venue:  Liverpool Playhouse Theatre

As soon as I walked in to this old theatre, I fell in love with it all over again.  There is something magic in small theatres that you can’t seem to find in larger venues such as arenas.  The beautiful red velvet curtain draped the stage and a sense of nostalgia flowed. 

Michael Starke (The Chairman) was perfect for this leading role.  An actor, who is at ease in front of an audience, delivered the intended poor jokes and puns with perfect comedic timing, even though he was obviously struggling with his voice (I believe he has been unwell but the show must go on) it didn’t stop him giving a great performance.  Michael was backed up by the superb Eithne Brown.  I have seen her in many productions over the years and I love he wit and put downs to the audience, making the audience feel part of the show.  If the audience are hesitant to participate, Eithne encourages them with what I can only describe as ‘scouse charm’.  Michelle Butterly I hadn’t come across before but gave an excellent performance and used some ‘scouse’ put downs superbly, adding a local twang to her voice.  Her singing was excellent, as was her interaction with the audience, which some actors find difficult to do.

Kevin Harvey was the surprise performer for me in the show.  Some actors, when asked to play a drunk, over compensate and get it completely wrong.  For me, Kevin played it as it should have been played.  He reminded me of a young Don Warrington of Rising Damp fame.  Danny O’Brien was great in the many failed attempts at entertaining us, although still not sure how the magic trick was done! Jack Rigby and Helen Carter played the young love interest in the show. Both had very good singing voices and Helen’s solo towards the end was delightful.  I would like to see both of these actors in other shows as I think they have more to offer.

The show was a throw back to all the wonderful music hall acts that have now sadly gone and we are left with the fame hungry generation, who want instant success.  A reference in the show to Britain’s Got Talent wasn’t wasted.  There were many local places of interest that were mentioned throughout and at one point we thought the theatre was going to be closed down for, as the Chairman put it, ye olde Poundland!

I didn’t really know what to expect from this show and sat there throughout laughing at the lines thrown at us and the situations being farcically played out on stage.  I would recommend everyone to go and see this show and support a great cast and well written script.  This star will certainly continue to shine bright.  

Scouse: A comedy of terrors

Venue:  Central Hall (Renshaw Street)

I’ve walked past the building many times over the years and never had a reason to venture inside.  Scouse:  A Comedy of Terrors was that reason and I wouldn’t be disappointed!   This hidden gem of a theatre space is beautiful and I hope it continues to be used and be restored to its former glory.

I didn’t know what to expect from this show; comedy or tragedy? I came away knowing I had both.  The script is deliciously cruel with a splatter of comedy, delivered with perfect scouse timing.  The play grabs you from the start and takes you on a ride filled with Liverpool history, political unrest and tragedy. 

The scenery was very cleverly put together and the whole space was used wonderfully.  Special mention to the director Margaret Connell, who made the transition between scenes seamless and little touches, such as the confessional scene, were very effective. 

The show has a very strong cast, particularly Jackie Jones and Peter Washington, who play Kath and Tom respectively.  Quiet often in plays, people who play couples don’t always look right together or try to hard to suit each other but these two actors were very believable and there was an honesty in their performances that you don’t always see.  Their daughter (Susan), played by Katie King, was brilliant.  Her character changed throughout the play, which is often difficult to do, but she performed it with ease and I would like to see her in other roles.  Her brother (Ben), played by James Ledsham, was equally great and played his character with passion and truth.  Tina played by, the ever dependable, Louise Garcia, epitomised the scouse tart.  Nicola Ferguson played Lisa, and gave a very moving piece alongside James Ledsham.  Curtis Watt played a very good Father Clive and had some great ones liners and delivered them with good comic timing.  Michael Hawkins was the most versatile actor, playing a number of roles.  He had different accents and I couldn’t tell which was his own voice, if any!  Macca, played by Reg Edwards, was perfect for Tom’s best mate and James McMartin (Big Frank) finished off the gang wonderfully. 

All in all I wasn’t expecting the play to be as good as it was and I came away thinking it was a scouse version of Les Miserables (Minus the songs).  Yes there is strong language in the lay but it isn’t over used and reflects language that is used. 

If you are looking for a thought proving night out that will make you laugh and cry then this is the play for you!  

Let Me

I know you’ve had times when you haven’t seen the light

When everything got too much to handle

I just want to let you know that I’m always around

I’ll always be here to light your candle

Chorus

Let me open the door

Let me pull out your chair

Let me hold your hand

Let others stop and stare

Let me be by your side

Let me be your dance

Let me close that chapter

Let others stop and glance

You should have been treated better than you have been

Others haven’t been so kind

They turned away when life became difficult

You need to take the negativity from your mind

Bridge

Hold on to your torch and make your light shine

Believe in yourself and everything will be fine

What we have I definitely wouldn’t exchange

Some see our love like a movie, so true

A story that will eventually unwind

At the end there will always be me and you

Sparkle

I saw you looking down

Too afraid to look up

You quietly sat in the corner

Drinking from you favourite cup

No one gave you a chance

You didn’t know how to smile

Keeping your thoughts to yourself

Not spoke for a while

Everyone but you has a sparkle

They seem to light the way

But you live in darkness

Darkness is your everyday

Then something changed

You began to look up

You came out from the corner

Putting down your favourite cup

Another small step

You spoke softy and began to smile

You seemed at peace

If only for a while

Darkness faded

Light began to shine

To be happy or sad

There is such a fine line

Your eyes told the story

You’ve been hurt before

I didn’t ask you to talk

Your heart's been at war

What I clearly observed

Life was very low

My job was very simple

To help you find a cure

Now I see you with a smile

Walking through my classroom door

Smiling, laughing and loving

You have your sparkle once more