Reviews

I am a guest arts reviewer for The Perthshire Advertiser.

Recent reviews which were published by the newspaper can be found below:

Jack and The Bean Stalk, Perth Theatre

Perth Theatre’s 2022 pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, is a fresh imagining of the traditional story, which has been spruced up by Perth’s resident panto dame, Barrie Hunter who also wrote and directed this year’s show. Having written the Perth panto script since 2019, his writing must have had the same powerful fertiliser as the beanstalk as it has ripened to be his best one yet. Creating a story that is relevant to our time, the script touches on the serious themes of fossil fuel and global warming. But it is presented in a way which doesn’t doesn’t act like a weed killer to the pure joy of this rip roaring show.

Hunter has created likeable characters such as Jock, played hilariously by Ewan Sommers, who passes more wind than a gale force storm. Hunter’s role as Lettie Lou is the heart of the panto. She owns a petting zoo where the animals are disappearing, possibly due to a giant that lives up the unclimbable (and nearly unsayable) Beinn Mucklemichty, which is pronounced perfectly during a quick play on words by the cast. In the lead role is Kirsty Findlay whose world-class vocal acrobatics demonstrate exactly why her last acting gig was off broadway in New York. As per the last 5 years Helen Logan is the epitome of a panto baddie. And if that’s not enough, the full cast makes dancing in tartan trimmed wellies look easy.

The show programme invited the audience to “make a ruckus… cheer, boo and chuckle” and that they did. The cast involved the audience as extra members of the troop, responding to their engagement in a positive appreciative way. Many audience members, where I was sitting, were either first time theatre attenders, or neurodivergent children. This show succeeded in creating the most blooming magical, inclusive, theatre experience for everyone present. Particular props goes to Findlay who most confidently broke the fourth wall, bringing ad-libbed banter with the audience.

It is clear that this community inclusion was not an accidental seed drop by an escaped bird from the petting zoo. It was intentional, which can be seen in the ethos of including local people on stage as part of the community cast. Had I not recognised faces from previous community casts I would have thought they were all paid professionals.

Notably this year’s set was made up entirely of wood, showing the sheer skill of the Perth Theatre carpenters.

The live band can only be commended for providing a soundtrack that the audience couldn’t help but sing and dance along to, from old classics to current TikTok trends.

If it’s true that you reap what you sow, then this panto will have planted a love of theatre in each audience member. And if Barrie Hunter wasn’t already synonymous with Perth Panto, he’s now even deeper rooted as one of the great pines in big tree country.

Don Quixote, Perth Theatre

Don Quixote, Man of Clackmannanshire galloped into Perth Theatre this week in their highly entertaining collaboration with Dundee Rep.

Lu Kemp’s direction did not disappoint, in what may be one of her last productions as Artistic Director of Perth Theatre, before her planned departure in March 2023.

Kemp skilfully allowed the audience to journey through a Scottish reimagining of the classic tale of Don Quixote, Man of La Mancha. Here we find the character of Donald (Benny Young), an ageing man attempting to regain control and endeavouring as a knight as he comes near the closing chapter of his own story. Donald’s squire and nephew Sandy, played impressively by Sean Connor, brings heart and gusto to the story.

Although set in Scotland, there were some interesting interpretations of Scottish accents amongst the cast, however the actors should be commended for their flexibility in playing a variety of characters in different settings.

In a nod to the origins of Don Quixote, both Paddy Anderson and Pablo Dominguez presented a tapestry of flamenco guitar to set the piece. Whilst Chris Stuart Wilson choreographed well timed sassy flamenco movements between scenes.

Simon Wilkinson’s lighting has become synonymous with Perth Theatre lately, his stunning design for this production took centre stage, and continuously demonstrated the journey of the sun in the horizon, embodying Ben Lewis’ script “The sun is moving and not going to stop, what are you going to do?”

This rhetorical question was only one of the many challenges presented to the audience, raising subjects such as how do we treat the ageing in our society? Don Quixote, Man of Clackmannanshire is a heroic play, in terms of bringing amplification to social issues. Although the play had serious undertones, this did not distract from the fact that is was hilarious and a great evening at the theatre.

Comedy of Errors, Perth Theatre

Perth theatre felt like backstage at Milan fashion week as the audience paced in with their drinks anticipating the arrival of the, now CATS 2022 award winning, ensemble of the Citizen Theatre’s touring production of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors.

We perused Jessica Worrall’s stunningly garish set with clothes rails, a tinsel backdrop, glitterballs, and seven empty chairs. Smoke drifting across the stage, we glimpse ‘Ephesus’, once the epicentre of the world now the glamorous setting of the play. When the strong cast of seven enter the stage wearing sharp tailoring, bold colours and lots of sequins, it is clear that we are no longer ‘backstage’ we are centre, watching the drama unfold. It’s Shakespeare like you’ve never seen it before, with characters eating out of pizza boxes while swigging vodka.

The play tells a story of mistaken identity, hence its name, The Comedy of Errors. Two sets of twins separated at birth, two named Antipholus, played by the electric Angus Miller, and their two servants named Dromio, played by the playful and hilarious Michael Guest. They cause plenty of confusion around Ephesus as neither set of twins realise their other is interacting with the same people. This leads to chaos and more drink throwing than an episode of Made in Chelsea. Credit should also be given to Esme Bayley who brings a powerful intensity to the stage throughout the play as Antipholus’ wife Adriana.

Adding to the pizazz is John Keilty who remains up stage centre interacting with the cast while creating a soundscape using voice, instruments and a rubber duck.

Citizens theatre artistic director, Dominic Hill explains of the piece ‘It is one of Shakespeare’s most joyful and silliest of plays, originally written after two years of the plague and containing plenty of slapstick humour’. Therefore, it is very apt that this play is staged now after another pandemic where joy is needed in abundance. Don’t miss this both glamourous and humorous play before it ends it’s run at Perth Theatre on 17^th September.

Blood Brothers, Perth Concert Hall

Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers, is a theatre treat that has lasted over 25 years on the West End stage and toured around the world. Now it’s Perth’s turn to see this phenomenon at Perth Concert Hall until Saturday 27^th August.

From the setting scene, with the backdrop of Liverpool’s red brick houses, the dramatic lighting and the orchestra sustaining a single note, the audience is drawn in. Our ears prick up at Richard Munday’s sinister narrator who introduces the scene unfolding before us where two men lie dead. Munday’s role may symbolise the shadow of fate, or perhaps a suave suited grim reaper, as he calmly drives the story which is steeped in class divides and superstition; telling of twins separated at birth. One is dealt the cards of poverty and strife while the other is cushioned in wealth and security.

Playing Mrs Johnston, the birth mother of the twin brothers, Niki Cowell Evans powerfully portrays the pain and anguish of a broken mother, leading the audience to weep alongside her.

However, the strength of this show is the cast’s ability to take the audience on a journey with them. You can’t help but invest in these characters, following them as convincing 7-year-olds, teenagers then into adulthood. This is especially true of Sean Jones as Mickey whose experience of playing the role in both the West End and touring productions has clearly enabled his perfection of the role.

With one of the most breath-taking finales in musical theatre history it would be impossible for one to not be moved. Although Wednesday’s midweek audience was small in number, the standing ovation they gave to the deserving cast was incredible to witness; the cast came out for three extra bows in reaction to the audience’s show of appreciation.

Here’s to more incredible West End shows visiting this fair city.

Henry Sugar, Perth Theatre

Perth Theatre, Helen Milne Productions and Roald Dahl Story Company present The Story of Henry Sugar, currently running in Perth Theatre.

Director Ben Harrison describes the piece as a ‘Roald Dahl magic show’. It brings more tricks and thrills to the stage than a Britain’s Got Talent finale and is sure to make you want to reach for that golden buzzer.

Harrison has pulled together the most brilliant team of creatives to make the mind-blowing theatrics happen, including Fergus Dunnet as illusion designer and Lewis Den Hertog as projection designer. Becky Minto’s set, Scott Twynholm’s sound, and Simon Wilkinson’s lighting, magically combine to transport the audience to a modern-day Edinburgh bedroom, a 1930’s Bombay slum, an old-fashioned casino and Henry Sugar’s mansion.

The audience follow Mary, a teen, wannabe social media influencer, played by newcomer Eve Burglass who captures the caricature a teen well. However, Burglass shines in the second act when she manages to bring a believable sensitivity and brokenness to her role. In her quest to get subscribers Mary receives a gift from the universe in the form of a free audiobook of The Story of Henry Sugar. This offers the audience a 21^stcentury lens through which to view Sugar’s story.

The suave, sophisticated, self-obsessed title character of Henry Sugar is played smoothly by David Rankine, who demonstrates his skill by effortlessly keeping the integrity of his character whilst balancing a warm interaction with the children in the audience. Sugar reads a book written by Dr Jane Cartwright, played passionately by Rosalind Sydney, on the story of Imhrat Khan, a man who can see without his eyes, powerfully played by Johndeep More. The audience go on a journey following Mary, who is following Sugar, who is following Dr Cartwright’s account of Khan. Although it may sound like a complex concept the story is remarkably easy to follow through the clever adaptation of Roald Dahl’s story by playwright Rob Drummond.

Whilst each character embarks on an ego centric quest for legitimacy, wealth or subscribers the audience see beneath the magic and mystery, that the sweet taste of success has a bitter aftertaste and true happiness is not material but can be found through genuine love. Playing Michael, Sugar’s conscience, is Dave Fishley who beautifully anchors the storyline.

Although the show has a recommendation of 11+, children as young as 8 were squealing with delight in the audience, appreciating the wow factor of the show. Some lucky audience members even found themselves joining in the action on stage. It is certainly a spell binding show for all the family and worthy of that golden buzzer!

Oh When The Saints, Perth Theatre

‘Oh When The Saints’, came marching into Perth theatre with gusto on Friday night. Written and directed by Martin McCormick, Perth theatre’s new show is a love letter to St Johnstone, and Perth. Developed over two years, producer Katie Mitchell, a St Johnstone fan herself, has enabled other fan’s stories to be heard in the creation of the show. McCormick’s writing skillfully encapsulates the essence of community, history and family around the beautiful game, in the lead up to St Johnstone’s historic win against Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final on 17th May, 2014.

Emily James’ strong visual set design, of concrete blocks and chairs doubles as both a football stadium and mountain. Whilst Colin Grenfell’s lighting design easily transports the audience to McDiarmid Park, Celtic Park and Ben Lomond through a wash of changing colours.

This play of two halves stars a lead professional cast of 4 ‘Perth Bairns’. Colin McCredie brings an energy to the stage as Bobby, a diehard Saintie, who lives for the club. Tom McGovern as Del, Bobby’s brother, believably embodies the physicality and speech of a football obsessive who prioritises family over the game. Del tries to live his lost football career through his feisty daughter Wendy, commendably played by Greer Montgomery in her professional debut. Lorna Craig brings a beautiful sensitivity to the complex character of Helen, a woman who journeys with Bobby after a serendipitous meeting on Ben Lomond. Although there are gentle moments between the characters of Bobby and Helen and sentimental moments between Del and Wendy, the play as a whole is dynamic and hilarious from start to finish.

The stand out of the play has got to be the community cast of fans that span generations. This Greek chorus take on the role of fans in the turnstiles, a conscience to the main cast, and keep to flow of the drama moving with quick quips about their team. Impressively confident with their lines and timings, they truly bring heart to the show. Community cast highlights that are not to be missed are the hilarious Rangers and Celtic panto dames, an impressive pie throw, a fan who never misses a beat on his drum and if you listen carefully, you may even hear some harmonies in the football chants.

The audience had a rip-roaring time, some joining in with a chorus of ‘Sweet Caroline’ and cheering as Aggie Moffatt defeated Souness with her large metal teapot.

This hilariously impressive show certainly hits the back of the net. Bring your friends and family and march to see it at Perth theatre until 18^th June.

I Am Tiger, Perth Theatre

I Am Tiger, a Perth Theatre production, commissioned by Imaginate, the producers of the Children’s International Festival, began its run in Perth this week before moving to Edinburgh for that festival. However, this play is not for young children with a recommendation for children 12 plus.

Performed by a single actor, Chloe Ann Tylor convincingly takes the audience on a journey as her self-proclaimed ‘geeky, loser’ character Laura, a teenager who is processing the suicide of her charismatic older brother, whilst taking care of a rapidly growing tiger who was gifted to her by her parents after her brother’s death. Lu Kemp’s well-timed direction, Simon Wilkinson’s soft lighting, Danny Krass’ realistic sound design, alongside Tyler’s focused performance, sustain writer Oliver Emanuel’s sensitive script smoothly.

On the surface this piece may seem like a grown-up version of the ‘Tiger Who Came to Tea’. In this version the tiger enjoys watching Bargain Hunt, having baths and going for walks on a rope bought from B&Q. However, the underlying message of I Am Tiger is not of fun, but that of grief and brokenness whilst the world continues turning after loss.

I Am Tiger is inspired by the fact that the number one killer of men in the UK who are under 40 is suicide and demonstrates the effects it can have on those who have lost loved ones. Information on The Neuk, mental health crisis centre in Perth was available in the theatre foyer after the performance. The Neuk’s services are available for those living in Perth and Kinross. More information can be found on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheNeukPerth/.

Chaos, Perth Theatre

The members of Perth Youth Theatre are reclaiming their place on the main Perth Theatre stage for a new production of Chaos by Laura Lomas.

11 young people aged between 12 and 18 will present the fully staged production on Thursday 3 and Friday 4 March with the support of the whole theatre team, the first time they have performed a full-scale production since before the theatre closed for restoration and redevelopment in 2014.

A symphony of interconnected scenes Chaos follows a group of young people as they search for meaning in a complicated and unstable world as, bouncing through physics, the cosmos, love and violence, they find order in the disorder of each other.

Commenting on the show and what audiences can expect, director Joanna Bowman said:

“Working with the cast of Chaos – eleven passionate, optimistic, talented young people – has been a highlight of the past year. Together we have made a play that we believe speaks to and for young people today. The ideas and images on the stage are directly from the cast’s imaginations and experiences, encapsulating the excitement, confusion, and wonder of growing up. The cast have grown together, spending their weekends creating relationships, building their confidence, and making art. Wonderful art. They have created something truly special, a performance that will allow the audience a rare look into the teenage mind. We can’t wait to share it.”

Scotland’s oldest dedicated Youth Theatre, Perth Youth Theatre has launched the career of many well-known theatre-makers, performers and broadcasters including Ewan McGregor, Colin McCredie, Michael Chakraverty and Stuart Cosgrove.

Stuart Cosgrove said:

“Perth Youth Theatre changed my life. It opened the door to a different world that not only gave me confidence and self-belief but also a lifelong passion for creativity and the performing arts.”

When asked if taking part in Perth Youth Theatre has inspired them to do more theatre or maybe consider a career in the arts, a young Chaos cast member said:

“Yes, as I have been able to work with amazing directors that have let me explore my acting abilities.” Others reflected on the effect that Perth Youth Theatre has had on their confidence with one saying: “I’ve gained more confidence in my abilities and sharing my ideas.”

As further evidence of its commitment to introducing young people to the career opportunities presented by the Arts, Perth Theatre is also offering three paid bursary placements to young people in Costume, Learning and Engagement and Theatre Design.

Open to young people aged between 18 and 24 (or over 24 if disabled and/or care experienced), the bursary placements will each run for 24 weeks between April 2022 and February 2023. Applications close at 5pm on Monday 21 February. Details can be found at www.horsecross.co.uk.

For tickets and info for Chaos in Perth Theatre on Thursday 3 and Friday 4 March visit www.horsecross.co.uk, call the Horsecross Arts Ticketing team on 01738 621031 or visit them at Perth Theatre Box Office between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday.

The Hound of The Baskervilles, Perth Theatre

Elementary, is something The Hound of the Baskervilles by the Original Theatre Company and the Octagon Theatre Bolton is not. Perth Theatre welcomed this touring production, which was a hit on its Scottish premiere earlier this week. The show will be running in Perth until Saturday 19^th February.

Starring, Jake Ferretti, Serena Manteghi and Niall Ransome, the trio sublimely play multiple roles to bring Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic Sherlock Homes mystery to life. It doesn’t take a deerstalker hat, spy glass and pipe to comprehend the complex performance that these talented actors deliver. They successfully navigate the fast-moving plot, multiple costume changes and locations, keeping this farce, fresh and ‘a foot’.

In this hilarious adaptation writers Steve Canny and John Nicolson ‘wanted to be as faithful as possible’ to the original story. Director, Lotte Wakeham notes that the script ‘encourages theatrical ingenuity and playfulness in every turn’. This is clear from Wakeham’s direction.

Following the footprints of a gigantic hound found on the moor after the untimely death of Sir Charles Baskervillle. The breaking of the fourth wall welcomes the audience to follow renowned detective Sherlock Holmes and his partner Dr Watson from Baker Street to Dartmoor, to find the truth of the footprints and save Sir Henry, the last remaining heir of the Baskerville family.

The style can be compared to the play that goes wrong, with sellotaped moustaches falling off in what Manteghi improvises as ‘spontaneous alopecia’, to forgetting costumes, or doors not opening on cue. The sound effects are precisely timed for full effect, as is the lighting design, enabling the cast to effortlessly change scenes, sink in the moors, ride a train, or sit in a sauna. The cast were fun and welcomed us to laugh with them. This truly has been the funniest play that has come to Perth since the reopening of Perth Theatre in 2017, the gentleman next to me laughed so much he had tears in his eyes.

As Sherlock Homes himself states ‘When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?’ The truth is The Hound of the Baskerville is a fantastic, hilarious show billed for all ages and shouldn’t be missed.

Cinnamon Sisters, Perth Theatre

Cinnamon brings a hearty, warm flavour to spice up Christmas dishes, so it is apt that the ‘Cinnamon Sisters’ bring that same heart and warmth, spicing up Perth Theatres’ Joan Knight Studio this festive season. As a co-production between Perth Theatre and Dirliebane Theatre Company, it is billed as an alternative to the theatre’s successful Panto, Cinderella. It offers under 5s and their families a carefully crafted theatre experience filled with song, dance and lots of laughs. It has been designed in consultation with children from 2 local nurseries, Tulloch and the recently merged North Muirton and Balhousie nursery.

The production is set amongst a quirky and inventive eco-friendly set designed by Katharina Radeva. Using a backdrop of brown cardboard chairs, picture frames and boxes allows the green Christmas tree decorated with red baubles and green sprouts (you need to watch the show to find out why!) to take centre stage.

The storyline revolves around Auntie Susan, played by Fiona Ferrier and Auntie Delilah, played by Rachel Colles and their annual tradition of ‘decorating day’ where after they have hung the star on the tree and sung their Christmas song, Christmas can begin. However, their day doesn’t go quite to plan as the star goes missing, but after lots of searching it appears on the tree. Despite the magical theatrics of the lit-up star appearing from the sky and landing on the tree, the true stars of the show are Ferrier and Colles. Their comedic genius, which is flawlessly executed, delivered through 2 part harmonies and slapstick, has the audience ‘oohing’, ‘aaahing’ and laughing the whole way through.

What was clear, being in the audience of this show, was the power of theatre to bring generations of families together in a special way. I felt privileged to take my 2-year-old nephew to the theatre, with his cousins, for his first ever theatre experience. The performance will run in Perth Theatre until Christmas Eve. So, if you have an under 5 in your life, make sure you bring them along for the heart and warmth of the ‘Cinnamon Sisters’.

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