Peter Pan - At Epstein Theatre

Peter Pan - At Epstein Theatre

Wow! They say save the best for last and we certainly did! Saturday morning, I took my nieces to see the latest offering from Panto season – Peter Pan at the Epstein Theatre.  Now I’ve seen many pantomimes over the years, each one slightly different, giving their own slant on a traditional or familiar story but this production was summed up perfectly by both my nieces ‘It was the best ever’.

It begins with the only way a Panto involving Claire Simmo can begin, glitter, glitter and more glitter.  I think she has a contract with some glitter company but nothing has been confirmed!  She sparkles on to the stage giving the audience the perfect start - full of life, full of personality and full of sparkly!

We are then taken into a dance routine with the young dance troupe, who never let down any of the dance routines they did, and there were quite a few.  The dance routines were very well choreographed and to give that much effort after 20 odd shows is a credit to the team.  Shortly afterwards, we see the beautiful Joanne Harper as Wendy.  Joanne has an unbelievable singing voice and demonstrates how good it is on several occasions.  How she keeps singing while flying through the air is a testament to her singing strength. I had never seen Joanne perform before and I’m delighted to say I would definitely see her again, especially if she is singing.  She is soon followed on stage by another new performer for me, Lewis Pryor or Peter Pan has he was better known. He again is a strong performer who looks so natural on stage and had very good chemistry with Wendy (Joanne).  He mastered flying through the air and even managed to give us a summersault. 

Of course, no pantomime is great unless the baddie is great and Dane Bowers proved to be a hit. He certainly took the bad guy routine up ‘Another Level’.  His side kick, Smee,  gets a special mention for this performance as he was only asked to fill the role in the early hours of the morning and boy did he do a great job and squirting my nieces with water was, of course, an added bonus!

Every pantomime should have a dame character but in Peter Pan there isn’t one.  Not a problem for this production – create your own character.  I’m not going to lie to you but I loved Dame Betty, played by Michael Chapman.  In some productions, the dame can look too much like a woman.  This was not the case for Dame Betty, who was clearly a man.  He worked the jokes brilliantly.  The jokes were predictive, poor (Like they should be) and sometimes very risky!  Michael delivered them with a charm and the accent worked brilliantly with the manly walk!

Last but certainly not least, Tiger Lily, played by Georgia Austin.  Georgia can sing, dance and act and I would like to see her in more challenging roles.  There is something about scouse timing when delivering lines and Georgia delivers her lines with real sassiness!

If this was the standard for the Christmas Pantomime, then I would urge you all to book your tickets now for their Easter pantomime.  One of the best things I like to see is the fun the cast have on stage.  They made the audience feel part of the show and I don’t care what anyone says, there is something magical about pantomimes and this was certainly magical!

Thank you

Darren Partington

A New Year (War is over tune)

Start of a new year

Let’s learn from the past

No more hate around us

Why not give love a blast

And so it’s a new year

A time for a change

Our love should only last

One world for all

Here is hope for the future

At the start of the year

We can’t go on like this

Pray for love not fear

And this is a new year (Love will conquer)

For good and for bad (If we want it)

Positive not negative (Love will conquer)

Be happy not sad (Now)

And this is a new year (Love will conquer)

For culture and race (If we want it)

For young and for old (Love will conquer)

The world a better place (Now)

Here is hope for the future

At the start of the year

We can’t go on like this

Pray for love not fear

Start of a new year (Love will conquer)

Let’s learn from the past (If we want it)

No more hate around us (Love will conquer)

Why not give love a blast (Now)

And so it’s a new year (Love will conquer)

A time for a change (If we want it)

Our love should only last (Love will conquer)

One world for all (Now)

Here is hope for the future

At the start of the year

We can’t go on like this

Pray for love not fear

Christmas Eve

It’s Christmas Eve and Santa’s on his way

Ready to surprise you, on that special day

Children are restless, they head up to bed

Presents all wrapped, one more story is read

One more hug and they close their eyes

You sneak down stairs, set out the mince pies

You slump on the couch, knowing your work is done

You’ve done your best, for your daughter and son

The tiredness kicks in, your time to head up

You bite the mice pie, drink milk from the cup

Lay on your bed, no one to be seen

The door bursts open, has he been?

A magical time, it’s great they believe

A special time, It’s Christmas Eve!

Over thinking

It four o’clock in morning and my mind is racing away

Over taking my body, the night slowly turns to day

I pour myself a drink and slump in my favourite chair

Tears frozen like icicles in the cold midnight air

The silence of the room filled with the ticking clock

My hear wants to speak but my head puts up a block

Chorus

Over thinking thoughts

They always play at night

Replaying in my mind

From darkness to light

Over thinking thoughts

Keeping me awake

What do I have to gain?

Our love is at stake

It started with a message it took you hours to reply

I asked you a question, you told me a lie

What did I do?  Why are you playing a game?

How can I love you when you don’t feel the same?

The sun is rising and the rain slowly begins to fall

My over thinking thoughts have hit an imaginary wall

Bridge

I want to try and forgive you but I don’t know when

So tomorrow comes and so does the over thinking again

A Dancing Heart

A Dancing Heart

She turned away and the world suddenly looked completely different.  The once evergreen trees now washed in battleship grey.  The houses in the distance drained of life.  No hope.  No future.  The life I was used to ripped apart and the only partner I now have - loneliness.  How did it get to this?  Could I have done something different?

When did it all start?  If I’m honest I don’t know.  Maybe that was the problem.  I didn’t pay her enough attention. I didn’t listen.  I was too busy planning for our future that I forgot the present.  Too bust trying to please work and move up the ladder that I forgot the most important thing in the world to me – Hannah.  She was perfect.  I only ever had eyes for her.  If I’m honest, I have only ever loved her.  That feeling when we first met.  The butterflies inside.  The not knowing if I was going to get a second date. And then our first kiss.  The moment our lips touched, the moment we became one, the moment I stopped being ‘I’ and started being ‘us’.  I needed to win her heart again!

As my mind began to listen to my heart, I knew what I had to do.  I knew I had to show her how much she meant to me, how much I loved her.  She was a fan of old MGM movies.  A simple gesture was needed - a song and a dance.  How she loved to dance.  She was elegant across the dance floor.  Flawless in her movement – beautiful!

Through a friend, I asked her if she would meet me.  She agreed, thankfully.  I asked her to meet me in the place where we first met, the ballroom, an old building with character and charm.  A cold winters night outside but inside I was hoping for a warm reception. 

I stood silent in the middle of the blackened dance floor.  As she stepped inside, a spotlight struck.  She stood there, a picture of beauty.  She called out my name.  A spotlight hit me.  She walked towards me.  Every step she took, I missed a breath.  Not knowing what would happen next.  I played this moment in my mind so many times and it always ended differently.  How would this end? 

As Hannah’s spotlight touch mine, the music softly began to play.  She looked at me and I looked at her.  Our eyes met and a smile took over my hopeless face.  This was our song; this was our dance. Almost instantly, we moved our bodies closer to one another and began to move like we had done many years before.  I was transported back to a happier time, a time when life meant more to me than work.  We glided around the dance floor, laughing, smiling, like two people in love once more. Tonight I realised what life meant to me – Hannah!

Snow White and the seven dwarfs

St Helens Theatre Royal

Snow White and the seven dwarfs

Review: 6^th December 2017

It is that time of year again! (Oh no it isn’t) Snow White comes along to the Theatre Royal in St Helens until 14^th January 2018.  This production has all the usual charm and enthusiasm that I have seen in previous pantomimes at the theatre but for one special moment!  I’ll tell you more on that later (I know the suspense is unbearable). 

The shows begin with the introduction of the mirror, and one of the stars, Jonny Vegas!  He was introduced by the resident dame but now wicked queen, Simon Foster.  Simon did his usual good job working the audience but I have to admit I much prefer him as a nicer dame as this gives him more license to work around the script.  Following was the ‘Star’ of the show, Lucy-Jo Hudson.  She breezed on to the stage and glided across it perfectly in every dance she performed.  If Disney was to cast Snow White, then Lucy-Jo would surely be in contention.  She works the stage and interacts with all the cast from dancers to the Prince superbly. 

Snow White’s side kick was of course Muddles, played by the fantastic Lewis Devine.  I had never seen Lewis perform before and I have to say it was a pleasure to watch him.  He is an all rounder, which is unusual in the theatre these days.  He can sing, dance, act and do impressions!  He worked so hard every time he was on stage to keep the audience on their toes and his interaction, again, top draw!  Playing the Prince was another performer I had not seen before, Jack Rigby.  He had great chemistry on stage with Lewis and I think more could have been made with the humour between these two characters, particularly the horse scene.  Again, I was pleasantly surprised with his performance and a perfect match for Lucy-Jo.  The last remaining main character was Herman the Henchman, Richard Hazlewood.  Richard played he role wonderfully especially working the audience when they didn’t respond to his dagger! 

A special deserved mention for the choreography in the show.  Every time I visit this theatre, I am always impressed with the dancers and the choreography.  The only thing I would mention that could be discussed was when Snow White was singing and being lifted around the stage. The sets were simple but very effective and the changes seamless. 

I’ve saved the best for last (the anticipation is over).  The 3D effects were absolutely amazing.  The children’s reaction to each and every one was worth the admission alone.  This was definitely a high but I don’t want to spoil it!

The show, for me, was a tad long and feel some of the younger children and young performers may be struggling tomorrow.

I’m a massive fan of live theatre and believe everyone should go and support local theatres so I urge you to get yourself down to the Theatre Royal, you won’t be disappointed! 

Who’s there?

As the time was approaching, my mind was racing.  What do I say?  How do I say it? How will we react? I began to slowly rock back and forth on the rocking chair my grand father used to sit at in his later years.  I was surrounded by loved ones but felt alone in my thoughts.  The mumbling of voices filled the air and I sat there not listening, staring out at the flowers my mother planted before her untimely death. 

My eyes closed and I’m back to when I was five, playing with my train set in front of the fire.  A smile sneaks up on my face.  I can almost smell the cigar smoke drift through the open windows from a familiar face.  I can hear the old, battered lawn mower break down once more and the usual coaxing that followed to resuscitate it one more time. 

The door bell rang.  An uneasy silence surrounded me as I slowly opened my eyes and brought my rocking to a halt.  A deep breath.  The drumming of my heartbeat began to double, a paradiddle followed.  I took a moment to stand and then began to take small, purposeful steps towards the door.  As the silence continued, each step echoed around the small hall way, reverberating off the uneven walls.

Another ring on the bell, I could see the outline of a figure standing behind the patterned glass.  My hand shook as I struggled to turn the key anticlockwise in the door.  I opened the door to a noise that wouldn’t be out of place in a horror movie from the 1960’s.  A smile welcomed me and a voice said, ‘Hello Jack’.

A Chance Meeting

An unusual crowd appeared.  A slow scanning of the blurred faces and then stop!  A vision of beauty so clear, leaving an instant photograph in my mind.  You turned away without a thought, unknowing you had attracted my attention.   I meander through the ever increasing crowd, quickly scanning once more.  I see the back of your hat, sporting what could be your team, with your blond hair peeking out from underneath.  I quicken my pace as you have stopped to talk.  Is this man your husband? 

I decide that I need to speak to you.  I have to act on this feeling inside, a feeling I’ve not experienced before.  Not sure what it is or why it is there but something deep down in my soul is telling me that this is right.  Am I crazy for believing? Have I watched too many 1950’s movies? I’m now living my own.

 

The girl moves on.  The heat is pouring from the sun.  She decides to embrace it and place her sunglasses on her now perfect face.  I’ve now began to walk quicker, quicker in the hope I can catch her.  What will I do when I do catch her?  The process begins to unravel in my head and I begin to have the self doubt that has haunted me in previous relationships.  My quick steps become slower with every thought.  The realisation that this never happens outside of the movie theatres, suddenly hit me. 

She paused.  Turned around and began to walk straight towards me.  I froze.  I wanted to move but I couldn’t.  Our paths were now the stage and the lights were firmly fixed on us.  The crowd slowly parted. The path now clear, her eyes fixed on me and my eyes fixed on her.  This was the moment.  This was our moment.  The moment the MGM movie became real.  My throat was dry.  She smiled.  I smiled back.  A simple ‘Hi’ told me everything I needed to know.

Forever in our hearts

I remember the day

We found out the news

Our world came crashing down

Not knowing what to do

Not knowing what to say

The hurt a deafening sound

The treatment soon began

You kept your spirits up

The world you met with a smile

Would it all work out?

We just never knew

The pain you met with denial

Each day a joy

Just to see your face

Not just a daughter more of a blessing

I held my tears back

I tried to be strong

My smile was just a dressing

Nothing more to do

You had a final wish

To spend a day with friends

We watched you play

Your laugh said it all

True love that never ends

We think of you

Each and every day

You’ll be forever in our hearts

You’ve left a legacy

The world was brighter then

Forever in our hearts

Missed Nights

As winter approaches and the nights draw to a close

I used to welcome you by the door with a single red rose

A gentle kiss on your cheek and a warm sensual hug

I would light the sunset fire and we’d wrap ourselves snug

We’d talk about our day as the TV noise fades into the background

The two of us together as one with no one else around

But that was then when we were both young and free

We were right for each other but we don’t know what the future would be

As time passed, we both knew we were slowly drifting further apart

We tried desperately and succeeded not to hurt each other’s heart

As winter approaches, the invisible shadows indicate the darker lights

I wouldn’t hesitate to go back to those special missed nights

Flashdance – Liverpool Empire

I find it is always difficult to turn a well known film into a stage musical and this is no exception.  The story is a familiar one, boy meets girl but class difference and a few twists and turns later they fall in love with each other. 

The beginning of the show started with high energy and the cast showed enthusiasm for the first number.  The audience took a while to warm up and I do wish the theatre / Production Company would lower their prices so more people would attend and create an atmosphere. 

There were a few issues with the sound quality and one or two songs seemed to be mimed, which is a pet hate of mine.  The choreography was superb and a real highlight of the show.  The staging of the show was fantastic with a simple moveable set that the cast relocated on several occasions. 

Joanne Clifton plays Alex and gives a very good performance, full of energy and has god chemistry on stage with her fellow dancers.  Ben Adams is her romantic interest and the two of them make their characters believable to the audience.  The other girl dancers were superb but I would have liked a bit more grit in some of the songs they sang. 

The cast all gave very good performances and showed their versatility, playing several roles throughout.   At times, there needed to be a bit more controlled passion in some of the dialogue.

I think they missed an opportunity for a song by the lady who played the carer of the old dance teacher.  Her voice at the end deserved to be showcased more in the show.

Overall a good show with good performances and the last twenty minutes really came alive and ended the night on a high like every show should! 

Aiming Too High

Another girl and another crush

My mind is racing about the two of us

Flirting begins but you don’t notice me

You have a lock but I’ve got a different key

Chorus

Am I aiming too high?

Is my limit not the sky?

Never been in love, don’t know why

Am I aiming too high?

Has loved sailed, goodbye

Not giving up, not going to lie

Keep searching, I’ll try

Am I aiming too high?

A beautiful smile and I am gone

A night dreaming that you are the one

I send message and tag the bait

Another week but still I wait

Bridge

Can’t seem to find what others have got

Don’t want just a bit

I want the lot

Chance After Chance

It’s quarter to four in the morning

And I receive a call from you

You simple start by saying

It’s me, How are you?

I get a rush inside me

And my feelings start again

You say you need to see me

I simply ask when

Some how it’s happening again

You’ve pulled me right back in

It’s just a another game to you

A game I can not win

If life was just a waltz

Then I need a different dance

Things need to change

I can’t keep giving you a chance

I try and ignore your messages

I don’t really want to talk

You shouted me in the street

But I just continued to walk

You ruined what we could have had

You had your chance with me

It has taken longer that I thought

But finally my head and heart agree

Times Change

We can’t stand still

Got to keep moving on

But I can’t because I think you’re the one

I’m still tied to the present

The future I can’t see

I’ve played my cards now we are no longer we

Chorus

Times change

The clock has made its final chime

People change

You’re not even worth a dime

Feelings change

Your love for me was a crime

I’ve tried to move on

You keep dragging me back in

A simple text asking, ‘how have you been?’

When you have no one else

I’m just our substitute guy

I’m hoping that this just isn’t another lie

Chorus

Times change

The clock has made its final chime

People change

You’re not even worth a dime

Feelings change

Your love for me was a crime

I’m tied of being a puppet

Always at your beck and call

I have to be stronger build an emotional wall

Your time has ran out

Don’t even ask me why

Finally, I can the sun shining in the sky

The Royal

The Royal – Royal Court Liverpool

A script is only as good as the cast delivering it to the audience.  This good script is elevated to greatness by the excellent delivery of each line.  If you had to sit down and choose a perfect cast for this show, you wouldn’t get any better than this cast! 

The story takes us on a roller coaster ride of the last few hours of the Liverpool iconic hospital – The Royal.  From the outset Lindzi Germain entertains the audience with a brief and very funny introduction to the play.  This creates a wonderfully warm atmosphere and the audience are now onside to be entertained, and they didn’t disappoint!  What I love about watching Lindzi is the ease she delivers her lines and gets the maximum laughter that is possible.  Lindzi is joined by two gifted actresses, Lynn Francis and Angela Simms.  Lynn plays her part perfectly with a voice that reminds me of a Victoria Wood character.  Angela gives a great performance as a nurse and is fully confident on stage and works beautifully alongside Lindzi.  All three ladies are completely different and their characters all completely different but one thing they all have in common is a warmth the audience can easily relate to as we know each character immediately. 

The supporting cast, made up of a scout master, hunk and old lady, were excellent and provided some very funny physical comedy. 

The set design was brilliant and some great touches with the wrecking ball and helicopter.  The lighting added to the effects, particularly in the second half.

All in all a fantastic play yet again by the Royal Court and if you want to have a great night out, I can’t recommend this play enough.

To be close to you

To be close to you

I know it seems hard

And I’m a thousand miles away

But you are always in my heart

Each and every day

I close my eyes at night

And you appear perfectly

But when I open my eyes again

You are no longer there to see

Chorus

I just want to hold you

Just want to tell you

How in love I am with you

How I would give everything I have

To once again be close to you

I looked at the stars at night

Knowing they are looking down on you

I sat next to a lonely rock on the beach

And began dreaming of us two

We walked along a perfect sandy beach

Just the two of us holding hands

Our love will never disappear

Only stronger across these lands

Bridge

No rives I won’t cross, no mountains I won’t climb

To be with you just one more time

The World Weeps

The seventh of the seventh was the fatal day

One more fight, we all wanted to say

Tears flowed and the world stood still

For a small boy whose hearts he did fill

At six years old he made the country unite

Even though he was fighting his own unique fight

His recognisable smile lit up every stadium in the land

At six years of age, did he really understand?

Every team’s fans were behind his great cause

A thousand stadiums and millions of applause

Those who met him told you of his joy

Loved my millions this angel of a boy

A message from the almighty God above

Sent from heaven to teach us how to love

We all need to continue his love and legacy

Goodnight sweet child, god bless you Bradley

November Nights

A cold November night

Rain pecking the window pane

Darkness arrived, fading light

Taking a trip down memory lane

I close my eyes and I see you

Sitting in your favourite chair

Laughing as you usually do

My love for you fills the air

Chorus

November nights I held you close to me

November nights it was always you and me

November nights I wanted them to last

November nights now sadly in the past

November nights sharing a kiss or two

November nights it was always me and you

We were young we made mistakes

Things were said I take them back

Forgotten times, new dawn awakes

Our relationship back on track

My eyes open and you’re gone

House is quiet and I’m all alone

I thought you were the one

Sat waiting, staring at my phone

Bridge

What happened to those November nights?

Why did we throw it all away?

One Love

It’s time to stand up; time to be there for one another

Put our differences aside; Call each other sister or bother

The whole world needs to start preaching the love

It clearly doesn’t matter from which God above

Put petty arguments aside and forgive thy neighbour

Be there for that lost, troubled family member

Welcome strangers in to your life and in to your heart

There is too much hate; we need one love to start

One love starts with yourself, then your family and friends

No more hate, no more excuses, let’s make amends

Cherish moment you have with the people you love most

Travel to see them across many lands from coast to coast

The world watches fearful for the next horrendous act

We need to stand together to keep our one love intact

Whether you travel near or far keep one love in your heart

They may try and split us up but they’ll never keep us apart

Let’s not stay silent; let’s make an almighty roar

We need to make sure we put one love right to the core

We all need to make sure that love will conquer the hate

Remember this day we shared one love; remember this date

One love needs to spread across every inch of this earth

No more enemies; it’s time for the world to rebirth

Don’t start one love tomorrow or put it off another day

One love start now because it’s time love had its say

This is me

I may not have the look of a movie star

Or a model in a magazine

I may not have a the voice of a music star

Or have a song on the music scene

I may not have a house with an extension

Or have a castle for my queen

Chorus

But what I’ve got money can not buy

I’ll tell you the truth; I will not lie

I’ll keep you warm when you are cold

I’ll keep you young when we’ve grown old

I’ll be loyal and stand by your side

I’ll make you the perfect bride

I may not be able to give you money

Or a life beyond your dreams

I may not be the dare devil you want

Or give you life’s extremes

I may not drive the latest sports car

Or be in your daydreams

Bridge

This is me, this is who I am

I’m not materialistic, I am who I am

A time to act

I woke up this morning and heard the awful news

I was in shock; I didn’t know what to say

Cried on my way to work listening to Radio City 2

A bomb explosion; another hate filled day

A tragedy in Manchester that didn’t have to happen

Innocent lives lost, many families effected

Many young children attending their first ever concert

The whole world left feeling dejected

We can’t let hatred win and we can’t live in fear

We have to stand together; be strong

Now is the time to love thy neighbour more than before

Show the world that hate is wrong

There may be more darkness on the horizon ahead

We must be the light in people’s lives

Love must conquer over evil, for our future generations

Or the world no longer survives.  

Lead us

In a world of war; we are looking for our saviour

Someone to guide us to a new promised land

Too much hatred towards people who are different

Too different for them to understand

In a world of war; we are looking for our saviour

Someone to challenge the established few

A new way of thinking; a new way talking

Someone who is truthful to what they will do

Chorus

Lead us away and save our souls

Lead us away from this hatred inside

Lead us to peace and a time to reflect

Lead us to our paradise

Lead us glory and a new dawn ahead

Lead us to share and believe in each other

Lead us to our community and spread the joy

Lead us to a new kind of love

In a world getting smaller; we’ve lost our community

A sense of belonging got lost along the way

Kindness and generosity no longer the norm

Greed and power has sadly become the way

In a world getting smaller; we’ve lost our community

Someone needs to restore our faith in humanity

Love thy neighbour is no longer the mantra

Please restore the world’s sanity

Bridge

Throughout these dark times there has t be a light

A leader to make the dark world once again beam bright

Beauty And The Beast

We’ve ran out of time

Nothing left to see

Started out as mates

Then went on some dates

True love completely

Changed after one night

Simply had a feast

I had curly fries (French Frank)

I went super size (Potty Pots)

Beauty and the Beast

Never be the same

I still need a bride (Gaston)

Opened a new door

This I never saw

Standing side by side

Story should be told

Love that conquers all

Change to make it right

Romance is in sight

Feeling ten foot tall

We’ve made some new friends

Friendship at the least

We’ll all say goodbye

Love you can’t untie

Beauty and the Beast

We’ll all say goodbye

Love you can’t untie

Beauty and the Beast

St Helens Theatre Royal – Beauty and the Beast

It’s Easter time again and that can only mean one thing…Panto!  St Helens has delivered another hit with their interpretation of Beauty and the Beast.  The tale as old as time has been reworked and given the St Helens touch.  Audience of all ages gathered to be entertained once again, by a now regular cast and a couple of new faces. 

One of the new faces to appear was the dazzling Amy Thompson.  Amy plays Belle with a charm and beauty Walt Disney himself would adore.  I didn’t know much about Amy before the panto as I’m not familiar with her show (Milkshake).  I would, however, gladly tune in to see her and that ‘Disney’ smile.  Another new face taking the stage was ‘Big Brothers’ Nikki Grahame.  Nikki plays the Fairy in this production and delivers her lines with enthusiasm.  She is first on stage, which is always difficult on your own, and needed to get the crowd warmed up better before the first song.

Now with any pantomime you need to have a comedy duo, enter Simon Foster and Liam Mellor.  Liam and Simon have worked together on many occasions and have natural comic timing and a look of mischievousness that tells the audience to watch as something might happen that shouldn’t!  The best part, for me, is when the two of them adlib a couple of lines and try and catch each other out.  They have a great connection with the audience and Liam, in particular, loves to pick on the adults in the audience – The frog scene a perfect example!

The ‘Baddies’ of this panto were Phillip McGuinness and his mum Hannah Potts.  Phillip played Gaston perfectly.  The difficulty in this role is to over act enough for the character but not to over act too much so the audience don’t respond.  Phillip had the balance just right.  His physicality is a massive plus for this role and he never comes out of character once.  He has good chemistry on stage with Hannah.  She has the traditional ‘baddy’ laugh down to a tee and performs a couple of songs with ease.

Now the Beast / Prince – Richard Hazlewood – plays both roles very well but he is at his best as the Beast.  His voice is perfect for the Beast and the use of some special effects makes it even better.  There are some great directional pieces when he changes from the Prince to the Best and back again. 

Special mention to two groups of people that are often neglected but without them the panto doesn’t happen.  First, the set design and costumes were first class.  The attention to detail in the set design with the candle lights slightly flickering shows the amount of work that is generated in this production.  The second group – The Dancers.  These young dancers were outstanding throughout the show and a credit to their choreographer.  They had the energy the show needed and some of the lifts were sublime. 

The pantomime wasn’t perfect and no pantomime should be.  No pantomime should be polished.  There should always be room for some ‘mistakes’ and ‘adlibs’ as this keeps the cast fresh and the audience feel like they are the first to see or hear that part.  The first half of the show was a little short for me (Around 45 minutes) but the second half lasted about an hour.  The dialogue is as corny as it should be with jokes you know are coming and you laugh anyway because of the delivery.   Slapstick is massive in any pantomime and again Beauty and the Beast delivers.  Songs were well chosen and the cast sang them well, particularly Amy.

I presume copyright reasons were the reason the famous ‘Tale as old as time’ song couldn’t be used but maybe comedy lyrics could have been written for the double act ‘French Frank and Potty Polly’

All in all a great day out with my niece saying that it was the best panto she had seen and wanted to go again, so if you want to escape in to a land of make believe to watch a classic tale, then St Helens Theatre Royal is the place to be!

Our Park

A beautiful day and not a cloud in the sky

People greeting each other by simply saying hi

A walk around the park and a breathe of fresh air

Something we all need to cherish, we all need to care

A family sitting together reading a children’s book

Dad failing to light the BBQ trying to tell them he can cook

The dog running around trying to catch a thrown stick

Mum watching everything she never misses a trick

A courting couple lie together underneath a tree

Whispering sweet nothings and him touching her knee

Their lips touch, a gentle kiss and their fondness sealed

It won’t be long now until their love for each other is revealed

A single queue forming at the local ice cream parlour

Lots of options to choose from but you have a favourite flavour

One scoop or two is always a difficult decision to make

You eat the two scoops as you walk around the boating lake

People exercising alone while others workout together

The park brings everyone out in this glorious weather

So whether you are young, old or somewhere in between

Get out in the park; you’ll know why once you’ve been

I fell in love

I can still remember the day we met

Our first date was a trip to the coast

I don’t remember much in life

But this day I remember the most

It started off early when I picked you up

Our nerves broke by the radio

Although I was driving I couldn’t take my eyes of you

The silence we would soon outgrow

We arrived mid morning and parked by the beach

I looked at you and slowly took your hand

You smiled that million dollar smile at me

And we walked as one towards the sand

We laughed together as the waves lapped our feet

Leaving footprints in the sand behind

We etched our initials with our fingers in the sand

As a stick we just couldn’t find

We set down our blanket and set up our picnic

Then we lay down side by side

I carefully placed a single red rose on your lap

My feelings I could no longer hide

In the afternoon we played a game of crazy golf

I laughed as you missed the hole

As you looked at me with those sparkling eyes

Your heart was my ultimate goal

We got to the last and you asked me for help

Wrapping my arms around your waist

I hugged you close and carefully kissed you cheek

Your perfume I could taste

As we drove home I didn’t want the night to end

A shooting star pierced the sky

The radio was playing and you gently fell asleep

I can’t believe I’m this lucky guy

We arrived at your house and you kissed me goodnight

Sending shivers down my spine

How long do I wait to tell you my feelings?

I hope one day that you will be mine

Friday Night Kiss

I remember the start of the working week

That Sunday night feeling

Five long days in work and life seemed so very bleak

It didn’t seem appealing

But knowing you were there at the end of the line

Gave me strength to continue

I wanted to tell the world that you were mine

I only needed you

Chorus

That Friday night kiss

I didn’t want to miss

Your lips tasted so good

That Friday night kiss

I didn’t want to miss

I’d bottle I if could

That Friday night kiss

I didn’t want to miss

Takes me to another place

That Friday night kiss

I didn’t want to miss

You, I‘d never replace

I remember walking home in the pouring rain

I didn’t feel drop

I would walk a thousand miles to see you again

I promise I wouldn’t stop

Longing for that moment our lips finally met

I’ll never forget the taste

My life now worth living, I owe you that debt

A moment I won’t waste

Bridge

I wish everyday could be a Friday night just the two of us alone

It’s true, I’m not going to lie, my mind you’ve definitely blown

Station Girl

I was waiting at the station

It was a quarter to 10

Standing waiting for my friend

Then you walked by again

Your wore a white coat

With bags on your shoulder

I couldn’t stop staring

I was hit by a boulder

You walked in to the coffee shop

My eyes still fixed on you

I didn’t know what you ordered

But I wish it was for two

You sat perfectly in the window

Staring into the unknown

I wanted to come over and join you

My confidence needed growing

You came out and looked at me

Not confident so I looked away

You began to walk towards me

Was this going to be my perfect day?

I could smell your perfume getting close

My thoughts were filled with you

You just walked on by like I was a ghost

My lonely heart sank

My dream had gone

I over play my thoughts

Thinking you were the one

My head was down

You walked back out past

I looked up and you looked back

Giving me a smile I knew would last

Review: Brick Up 2 – The Wrath of Ann Twacky

They say if the first one is a hit; don’t do a second!

That can be said for many sequels both in film and theatre but I have to say it certainly doesn’t apply to this stage show.  The writers (Dave Kirby and Nicky Allt) have spent the last 10 years saying no to a sequel but in the end what the public demanded they got!  The familiar characters returned to the Royal Court with all the swagger and confidence they left with all those years ago.

The Royal Court Theatre has become the Mecca of scouse comedy plays over the years with the same ‘rep company’ of actors delivering high quality shows, full of local jokes and quips, that only people living in and around the area can associate.   That can often limit the audience attraction but again not in this case as fans continue to flock to see this sequel.

This show centred on Ann Twacky, played by the wonderful Eithne Browne, who time after time, delivers lines perfectly, each syllable, in every word, tuned to give the maximum impact.  She is able to swap between posh Wirral to scouse with ease.  She has a great singing voice for the theatre and owns the stage.  Eithne had one or two issues with a wig on stage but that just added to the comic value, as she was finally defeated by the wig! Ann Twacky’s nemesis is Dickie Lewis, played by the ever popular Andrew Schofield.  ‘Drew’ has been a popular actor as far back as I can remember (Scully being a highlight of my youth).  He has a delivery of lines that is rarely seen in comedy, just a pause before the line gives the audience the anticipation that this could be great, and he never disappoints.  His ‘Bin Laddin’ song, written by him I believe, was a definite highlight of the show and made me check my own shed when I got home! Dickie’s gang consisted of Gerard Gardiner, played by Paul Duckworth.  This is the second time I had seen Paul at the Royal Court.  He has a great voice for the theatre and is a perfect partner for ‘Drew’.  To finish the trio is Nick Walton (Carl Chase).  His deep voice and laugh is instantly recognisable and narrates part of the story with ease.  The ever suffering husband of Ann Twacky is Dennis (Roy Brandon).  However, in this sequel he has become a beer drinking, gangster imitating, adopted scouser.  To finalise the main cast is the talented Suzanne Collins.  She plays Maggie or Margaret if you live on the Wirral.  Maggie exchanges the scouse café for a ‘better’ life on the other side of the Mersey.  Suzanne trades a scouse accent for a more affluent accent you would find with someone with a Cheshire postcode.  She has a beautiful singing voice and superbly plays opposite Gerard Gardiner as the romantic angle in the show. 

The supporting cast, lead by the hysterical Liz Card (Francis Tucker, who also plays the drums in the show), give fantastic performances.  Francis looks awkward in a dress but that is the point of his character, a sex driven Wirral ‘Lady’.  His scene behind the café worktop with Dickie Lewis is hysterical and I’m sure Dickie adds a few lines in just to spice up the scene!

As soon as I went in to the Theatre I felt part of a family and the cast continued that feeling, coming out afterwards to talk to the audience.  A superb show that I’m sure will return and maybe, just maybe, in a couple of years we will be watching Brick Up 3! 

My Secret Valentine

My secret valentine

Say you will be mine

And we can walk hand in hand

Your smile I always miss

You lips I long to kiss

Together we can head to another land

They way you softly talk

Elegance as you walk

We can travel the world together

My heart skips a beat

Make my life complete

This new chapter will last forever

Time is now on our side

You’ll make the perfect bride

Our future is there for everyone to see

Let one become two

Happiness you are due

All you have to do is say yes to me

The Fight

I will fight for today

So I can live for tomorrow

I’ll always keep laughing

For I don’t need any sorrow

This illness inside keeps attacking my body

Everyday and every night

But I won’t give in

Because I don’t want to lose this fight

Trying to go on as normal

Going a much slower pace

Walk around town quietly

With a simple smile on my face

People walk past not knowing my position

Say hello and say goodbye

They go on their way

Inside I just want to break down and cry

Now another day over

I sit on my lonely chair

Thinking about the past

And the people who showed me care

I’m fighting for them and fighting for the future

Helping to find a cure

So I won’t give in

For my love for life is pure

Dream Girl

(Tune:  I only want to be with you)

I see your name or hear you voice and I go weak

If you’re not around me then my life is bleak

Cos’ you’ve got something that I need

If I don’t see your face (then) my heart will bleed

You’re the only girl I see

But unfortunately you don’t see me

I didn’t sleep a wink last night because of you

You’re in my dreams every night but what shall I do?

You’ve got me going out of my mind

I never knew that love like this could be so unkind

You’re the only girl I see

But unfortunately you don’t see me

We’ve only really met about once or twice

But in that quick moment I thought you were nice

You had a smile that caught my eye

I fell in love instantly I’m not going to lie

You’re the only girl I see

But unfortunately you don’t see me

You’ve got me thinking of you everyday and night

Some say it’s too much but I say it’s a delight

We could have something money can’t buy

Let’s end speculation and give it a try

You’re the only girl I see

Now hopefully you will see me

The Note

I have tried to tell you face to face

But had to write it down

I’m sat here in our favourite place

On the outskirts of town

Children are playing, having some fun

I’m watching as I write

Smiling because of the shining sun

It soon will be tonight

When reading my note, imagine my voice

It’s filled with love and care

Together with you is not a choice

A soul that we must share

It starts with your name and a gentle kiss

Sharing my feelings with you

My thoughts I didn’t want you to miss

This love is certainly true

Reminiscing about trips we had

Holding hands on the beach

Midnight stroll, people thought we were mad

You were never out of reach

The smile you gave me on that moon lit night

Was always in my heart

Instantly I knew that you were right

My love was ready to start

Every time I look in to your eyes

I’m lost in a new place

I’ll never cheat and I’ll tell no lies

For you, I can’t replace

Ending my note with yours forever

Will tell you how I feel

For me, we should always be together

Love will always be real

I thank my lucky stars every day

That you are in my life

‘I will’ is all I need you to say

Soon you will be my wife