What is immediately striking about the tucked-away Union Theatre is the intimate and charming nature of the space itself; obscure and angular inside the auditorium, warm and welcoming around the bar area. Indeed, this antique and shadowy setting beneath a railway bridge proved a worthy backdrop for the dark and dingy tale of '1888'- a piece of musical theatre based upon the fascinating tale of a one 'Saucy Jacky', also known as Jack the Ripper...
London's West-End is dominated by musical theatre today; rife with uplifting harmonies, fist-clenching solos and enough special effects to keep even George Lucas happy. However it is rare in extremes that a musical is stripped back and performed in such proximity to an audience in such a way as 1888. This proves for an altogether different viewing experience. True; the obvious cliches of musical-theatre performance are much more noticeable from such a short distance (cue bulging eyes, wild gesticulation et al.), however it is somewhat special to witness the incredible choreography required for these types of performance up close.
And 1888 is extremely well choreographed, especially taking note of the small and irregular space gifted to the performers. Full cast dance routines are co-ordinated and tight- performed with oodles of energy and presicion unabounded. The songs are somewhat hit and miss, with one particularly weird and un-settling number detailing the death of a hooker marking the low point of the show, however Jack the Ripper fans will certainly appreciate the clever re-working of some of those famed letters into catchy musical numbers.
Performance wise, leading lady and young-star Gemma Salter shines brightest as scullery-maid Rosie Walker; she is certainly one to watch in future with her brilliant voice and obvious talents as an actress as well as a singer. Particularly impressive was the 'picnic' scene with romantic interest Stephen Lloyd (Detective Beck), where her reactions to John's well delivered 'post office' speech were both believable and telling of the obvious chemistry between the two protagonists.
All in all, this is a fun evening out and a captivating tale of a bygone London that is suitable for the whole family (well okay, maybe not the sub-13's). The Prompt would advise any fans of musical theatre to pop by and take a look.
(*** 3 stars issued by Mr. T. Prompt)
Monday, 13 June 2011
Quick Quiz: #10 @youngvicteabitch
1. Where are you working at present?
Young Vic Theatre
2. Describe your occupation and why you love it.
My occupation has no boundaries and I don’t really know what it is, I guess that is why I love it! In no particular order I have been a press assistant, a project researcher, an usher, a producer, a balloon modeler, a box office duty manager, a finance officer and for one brief spell a cleaner... however most recently a tweeter!
3. Who do you most enjoy working with and why?
I most enjoy working with everyone until they say something stupid or give me a job I don’t want to do,at which point I moan about it until finally I forgive them until the next time…
4. What's your dream day?
Drinking at least 3 litres of tea a day preferably with biscuits, getting some new followers for YVteabitch, taking an overlong lunch break, doing as little work as possible.
5. Favourite ever show and why?
Jeeez that is a toughy! I thought Pillowman at the NT was incredible as was the production of No Man’s Land a few years back. At the Young Vic Tobias and the Angel was brilliant due to it’s sheer scale and warmth, I also really loved Joe Turner’s Come and Gone and more recently I Am the Wind (but that was a real marmite production for a lot of people) it was beautiful poetic and moving.
6. Favourite actor/actress and why?
Big fan of Mark Rylance he was stupendous in Jerusalem (but then everyone knows that) Tom Brooke in I Am the Wind was fantastic and he was also amazing playing Oswald in a workshop production of Ghosts we did here a couple of years ago. Oh and I just remembered Nancy Carroll in After the Dance – sensational, nuanced and powerful.
7. Favourite band/musical artist and why?
Duke Special they are one of those bands you can listen too in any mood, they also did the music for Mother Courage at the National last year but I didn’t see that so I have no idea if it was effective or not.
8. Where do you see yourself in 25 years?
Oh god hopefully rich and fat moving from one of my many apartments to another eating the finest food the world has to offer and watching great things in great theatres. Hold on that was where I want to be in 25 years not where I see myself… I see myself poor and grumpy eating McDonalds and feeling sorry for myself, probably wishing I’d worked harder 25 years earlier.
9. Any exciting future projects you'd like to mention?
Really looking forward to seeing some Pinter at the Young Vic later this year, I don’t remember us ever having had one before so a double bill is a winner!
10. Random one: what's your favorite cheese?
Stichelton – so good; a mix of stilton and something else- go and get some from Neals Yard Dairy and grab a St John bakery eccles cake to go with it – heaven!
Friday, 10 June 2011
Quick Quiz #9: Amy Clarke
Where are you working at present?
I currently work in the marketing department at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon
Describe your occupation and why you love it
My job title is Marketing Officer (Corporate) which means that I work as part of the team marketing the RSC’s “other” activities, rather than productions. My main responsibilities are marketing the RSC Membership scheme and my role has also grown to encompass digital marketing (one of my favourite things!). Over the past three years I’ve focussed on building the RSC’s presence on social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter, I manage the company’s email marketing and am always on the lookout for new and exciting digital opportunities. I enjoy the variety in the work I do and working with a creative and talented marketing team.
Who do you most enjoy working with and why?
I’ve enjoyed meeting up with other digital marketers and enthusiasts in the arts sector to share ideas, case studies, challenges and horror stories. When I started out in marketing 7 years ago digital was just moving to the forefront, and now it’s such a major part of people’s lives and jobs. I enjoy sharing learning and experiences and I love the collaborative nature in the arts.
What's your dream day?
A sunny, not too hot not too cold day, on a coastal path in Devon or Cornwall, with my boyfriend, ice cream cones, breathtaking views, and then eating some freshly caught fish in a local pub for dinner.
Favourite ever show and why?
Steppenwolf Theatre’s August: Osage County a few years ago at The National. It was an epic, engrossing production but was the perfect was to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon.
Favourite actor/actress and why?
Meryl Streep has never let me down
Favourite band/musical artist and why?
At the moment I’m listening to a lot of Jamie Cullum, and the soundtrack to (500) Days of Summer
Where do you see yourself in 25 years?
Living somewhere rural, running my own digital consultancy business, with a family and lots to look forward too
Any exciting future projects you'd like to mention?
At the moment the two projects I’m working on is implementing an all new email marketing system (I’m a geek and this is exciting to me) and I’m about to start doing some research and profiling of our social media audiences (and hopefully sharing this info and possibly the model with other arts marketers). The great thing about working for the RSC is that’s there always something exciting waiting around the corner.
Random one: what's your favorite cheese?
Can I say cheesecake?
Do you have Twitter? Do you follow @the_prompt? You should...
Quick Quiz #8: Sally Lawton
1. Where are you working at present?
I'm working for myself. I run a theatre school called Elite Talent Theatre School. We have an office in the centre of Manchester with a studio attached, which we've just moved in to.
2. Describe your occupation and why you love it.
I co run the theatre school with Freya Marshall. We provide part time performing arts classes for anyone aged 5-adults.
I also write and produce plays. I love it because it feels nice to inspire people and I get to be creative every single day, which is all I've ever wanted to do.
3. Who do you most enjoy working with and why?
I enjoy working with people who come to our classes who are low in confidence and are looking to try something different. It never fails to fill me with pride seeing them stood on stage, doing something they never thought they could do.
4. What's your dream day?
My dream day would be seeing my play on a West End stage.
5. Favourite ever show and why?
I've just been to see Ghost the musical in Manchester and it's just one of the most incredible theatrical experiences I've ever had. It's a wonderful production, even though I sobbed from start to finish!
6. Favourite actor/actress and why?
Victoria Wood has really inspired and influenced me and my career.
7. Favourite band/musical artist and why?
Take That. I've loved them since I was 11!
8. Where do you see yourself in 25 years?
Running a full time drama school in Manchester with a couple of West End and Broadway hits under my belt!
9. Any exciting future projects you'd like to mention?
Our adult and teen classes are colaborating for a production of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole.
Our 2011 Summer School will be performing the world premier of TWELVE the musical.
Two of my plays are in festivals this year The Not Part Of Festival and the Preston Tringe Festival.
10. Random one: what's your favorite cheese?
Cottage cheese as it's supposed to be good for you!
11. Do you have Twitter? Do you follow @the_prompt? You should...
I certainly do follow you!
You can find me on @sallylawton
Quick Quiz #7: Catherine Balavage
1. Where are you working at present?
I have a few acting projects pencilled in.. Also, I have a column for http://www.lastminutetheatretickets.com/blog/ , I own an online magazine called Frost magazine and I am writing an acting book. So, lot's on!
2. Describe your occupation and why you love it.
I am an actor,columnist, editor and writer. I love what I do, it's creative and no two day's are the same. I have worked with people I never thought I would work with, including Martin Scorsese and Bill Nighy
3. Who do you most enjoy working with and why?
Martin Scorsese. He was my idol when I was growing up.
4. What's your dream day?
Booking a great acting job, or landing a great interview for Frost. On a more shallow note, I get invited to amazing events. I recently met Ian Hislop at the first birthday party for the newspaper 'i'
5. Favourite ever show and why?
Friends is pretty timeless. I also love Yes, Prime Minister for how timeless and accurate it is.
6. Favourite actor/actress and why?
I love Angelina Jolie and Julianne Moore. Leonard DiCaprio. The running theme is that they are all great actors that make brave choices. I watch any film they are in.
7. Favourite band/musical artist and why?
I like the Rolling Stones because they are timeless. I love Lady Gaga, she is just pure perfect pop.
8. Where do you see yourself in 25 years?
With a number of good films under my belt, maybe an Oscar! I want to work with Robert De Niro. I also want to make some documentaries, write more books and take Frost magazine to print. Some kids and a marriage would be good too.
9. Any exciting future projects you'd like to mention?
www.frostmagazine.com had over 72,000 hits in May. I also have a big film that I can't mention and a few documentaries I am trying to get funding for.
10. Random one: what's your favorite cheese?
Buffalo Mozzarella
11. Do you have Twitter? Do you follow @the_prompt? You should...
My twitter is @Balavage and Frost's is @frostmag. I do follow @the_prompt. You would be silly not to.
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Quick Quiz: #6 David Eldridge
1. Where are you working at present?
I live in the countryside, so as I type I'm looking out of my office at a beautiful view of hills and water
2. Describe your occupation and why you love it.
Well, I'm a playwright, and I love writing for actors and making audiences laugh, cry and think
3. Who do you most enjoy working with and why?
I most enjoy working with actors I'm writing for or who are in my plays
4. What's your dream day?
Coffee with smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on toast, followed by writing emails and letters, followed by a lunch out that lasts all afternoon. I try to do something along those lines every birthday!
5. Favourite ever show and why?
The Nick Hynter/John Wood 1989-90 RSC King Lear turned me on to theatre. It gave me, in John Osborne's words, ''a lesson in feeling''...
6. Favourite actor/actress and why?
Rory Kinnear has the ability to sound the notes of humour and desperation at the same time,
Lisa Dillon never asks an audience for sympathy. She just gives you the truth and the soul.
7. Favourite band/musical artist and why?
I don't have one, though I've been stuck on The Courteeners new album 'Falcon' for months.
8. Where do you see yourself in 25 years?
Just to be happy and writing will be a blessing
9. Any exciting future projects you'd like to mention?
There's one being announced shortly, sorry!
10. Random one: what's your favorite cheese?
St Agur (yes, it's been in a play)
11. Do you have Twitter? Do you follow @the_prompt? You should...
Quick Quiz: #5 Helen Kennedy
1. Where are you working at present?
Playing a neurotic museum gift shop lady called Rose in 1 of 8 finalist sitcoms for Hat Trick Productions' @sitcommission - ''X Factor of sitcoms' - performing at The New Diorama on June 13th and July 4th - final on July 18th!
2. Describe your occupation and why you love it.
I'm an actress and comedy writer - I particularly love making an audience laugh and then unexpectedly moving and/or disturbing them then making them feel a bit terrible for laughing in the first place.
3. Who do you most enjoy working with and why?
Unpretentious actors and directors who like a good old fashioned pub, are good fun and can find the seriousness in comedy but also find the lighter moments in even the darkest moments of drama.
4. What's your dream day?
My dream day would be working with Tina Fey on 30 Rock - a definite Femance going on here!
5. Favourite ever show and why?
Psychoville - grotesque and hilarious yet somehow you manage to care about the characters because they find some truth. Plus, they trained at Bretton Hall too.
6. Favourite actor/actress and why?
Imelda Staunton - she can be moving yet funny, then funny yet moving, then jaw smackingly hilarious again - her face is capable of so many subtle expressions in a single second.
7. Favourite band/musical artist and why?
Pink Grease - they worked with me on my first film which I guess is every actor's rite of passage: a schlock horror/comedy film on MTV.
8. Where do you see yourself in 25 years?
Hopefully still working in England as a respected stage and screen actor/writer and perhaps a little sprog or two on some remote Dorset farm. ;)
9. Any exciting future projects you'd like to mention?
Developing my own comedy series for the internet.
10. Random one: what's your favorite cheese?
I am dairy intolerant (yawn) but I have been known to unashamedly stuff myself with brie and grapes after Dad brings out the Port at Christmas.
11. Do you have Twitter? Do you follow @the_prompt? You should...
Yess!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)