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

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

One More Dance

When I was young

You held me in your arms

We moved around the dance floor

Like no one else was there

We both smiled

Are eyes captured our love

I never wanted you to let me go

Chorus

But that was then and this is now

I want you back but don’t know how

You’re in my heart

You’ll always be

I close my eyes

You’re all I can see

I want to go back

To the times before

I want to dance with you once more

As we grew older

We continued to dance

We moved a little slower

But the love was still there

The hold became tighter

I held you a little closer

Our eyes still captured our love

Bridge

No one will ever know how that dance felt

No one will ever know how much love I have for you

The dance floor is now empty

I’m standing all alone

I wish you were here next me

To hold me one more time

We’d dance around

Like no one was watching

Our eyes would capture our love

Let me try

I know that you’ve been hurt before

You’re not looking for anyone anymore

Too busy to start something new

But love and happiness you are overdue

On the outside, as always, you show a strong face

You don’t need the hassle of a relationship chase

Chorus

But let me try and bring you what you deserve

I won’t do anything to make you hurt

Let me try and bring that smile to your face

Let me try and take you to a happy place

I won’t lie and I won’t cheat

When I see you my heart skips a beat

Let me try

Let me try

Why not let me try?

We may have only met once or twice

But dreams of you are my guilty vice

Your positivity to encourage is inspiring

Your endless charity work never tiring

But you need sometime for yourself

I believe I can be good for your health

Chorus

But let me try and bring you what you deserve

I won’t do anything to make you hurt

Let me try and bring that smile back to your face

Let me try and take you to a happy place

I won’t lie and I won’t cheat

When I see you my heart skips a beat

Let me try

Let me try

Why not let me try?

Bridge

Tell me what I need to do to make you happy?

Tell me what I need to do to give it a try

Chorus

Wizard of Oz!

Wizard of Oz – St Helens Theatre Royal - Darren Partington

I booked again to see this show after last year’s success.  My initial thoughts were ‘This will probably be the same show as last year’.  I thought about churning out the same old review as last year and just changing the date but I’m glad I didn’t.

Everything I like about a theatre is in this wonderful venue.  It’s an old theatre with a modern twist.  They have a new box office, which gives the theatre a great new look.  Inside the theatre, you feel it is big enough to create an atmosphere yet small enough to be intimate.  When I go to the theatre I like to see the actor’s faces on the stage as you get to see all the little side looks and silly looks when something goes a stray.  This performance certainly has all that and more.

The story itself never really changes with the same characters doing the same things along the famous yellow brick road.  What I like about this story is the added twists along the way.   From the very beginning we had a lovely rendition of ‘Pure Imagination’ – great song choice as children of all ages (Yes including me) instantly new they were being taken somewhere special!

The cast, with some new additions, gave the audience exactly what they wanted to have – Fun!  Yes this sounds simple but I’ve seen many ‘Pantomimes’ that forget to have that one ingredient.  There is warmth on stage and a sense of togetherness as the cast make their way through the story.  The best bits for me are when the cast members get a line wrong or fall over when they are not expected.  It is always good to see the reaction of their ‘friends’ as they continue to try and set each other up over a slight mistake and then of course cue Claire Simmo to start the laughing! 

Charlotte Gallagher is a wonderful Dorothy who has it all: Stunning, can dance and can certainly belt out a tune, especially singing the main song ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’.  Her voice carries across the theatre with ease and I would like to see her in more challenging roles in other musicals, as I think she has the talent. 

Now I’m not a huge Eastenders fan since Angie Watts left the square back in the late 80’s so I didn’t know what to expect from Cheryl Fergison.  What I got was a fantastic performance from someone who ‘owns’ that stage when she walks on.  Cheryl has a natural ability to connect with the audience, which not every actor can do.  The audience loved her as the Wicked Witch of the West and who knew she could sing…RESPECT!

Liam Mellor, Simon Foster and Phillip McGuinness provided us with the comedy courtesy of the Scarecrow, Lion and Tin man.  I had seen Liam in previous pantomimes (My niece has worked with him at Liverpool Empire and will again this year – proud uncle moment) and he is very at ease talking to the audience one on one.  His interaction with the children, who with the Golden Ticket, is wonderfully sarcastic and he knows where the line is between funny and aggressive.  Simon is a natural comedy performer and I adore his ‘mess ups’.  He doesn’t try and hide the fact he has made an error but embraces it with the ‘courage’ to have another go, all to the amusement of the adults and fellow cast members.  One skills I hadn’t seen from him before is his ability to use a ‘Super Soaker’.  He can hit adults or children from 20 yards away!  He then turned on his fellow cast members to the amusement of the audience.  Phillip McGuinness was the Scarecrow last year and I was interested to see what he would bring to his new role.  He didn’t disappoint.  What Phillip does that other actors don’t do is think about the role; the movement, the voice and how he interacts with others on stage.  He is a very talented actor and I am certain he will go on to big things within the industry. 

Last but certainly not least is the every sparkly, every smiling Claire Simmo.  What I enjoy about watching Claire’s performance is that she is having so much fun on stage ad this is then mirrored by the audience.  She has an excellent singing voice and can be relied upon to laugh along with the audience watching her fellow cast members.  I think she sometimes forgets she is in the show!!!!!

My favourite part of the show by far was the cast playing two or three roles during one of the songs.  This involved getting changed off, or sometimes on stage, while singing and doing actions.  This was the ‘Super Soaker’ moments!

One part I found slightly lost on was the illuminating teddy bears.  While I fully understand that sometimes you need a ‘filler’ scene while something else is happening, for me it just didn’t fit. It was fun to watch and sometimes in panto that’s fine.

So what am I saying?

Get along to see this brilliant production of The Wizard of Oz (On until Sunday I believe) and support local talent in a beautiful venue. 

They finished the show with ‘Oh what a night’.  It should have been ‘Oh what an afternoon’. 

Thanks Coach

My love for the game started when I kicked my first ball

There I was in my back yard kicking it off the broken wall

I was alone in the sunshine with a smile on my face

Itching to move on and play in a bigger space

My parents brought me to the park all dressed in my kit

We started running around, kicking a ball, while getting fit

All the parents left and it was just you with all these kids

When the post was offered to all sadly there were no bids

We were there every Tuesday and Saturday mornings too

All having fun playing this beautiful game, just us and you

Parents would come and go, trusting you with our care

You would coach us the rules and treat everyone fair

The summer came and went and our season had began

Parents shouted but we only listened to you our number one fan

Rain battered our games and parents would sit in their car

You stood their alone next to us never moving too far

When one of us had a problem we could always talk to you

Your advice and support made sure each one of us grew

You challenged each and every one of us to be the best we could be

We all had our roles that only you could really see

As the season ended you talked about going on a tour

The cost would be minimal so all children went, rich or poor

You taught us more than just the game but how we should be

Morals, manners, sportsmanship and all for a two pound fee

So thanks coach for giving me the opportunity to play the beautiful game

I now have a team of my own and I coach them just the same

You taught me ability with the right attitude can take you all the way

You did all this for free without wanting any pay