Reviews

Caligari

Caligari

SUSU Theatre Group  University Of Southampton (Highfield Campus), Southampton David A Putley 14 June 2025 It was quite a privilege to be invited to see this production before it hurtles its way to Edinburgh as part of the usual Fringe Festival later this year. Directors Lily Akers and Kat Fevyer have managed to fuse modern storytelling, very much in the vein of Constellations, for instance with Victorian Music Hall melodrama complete with a mad laughing villain (or is he?). The play is based on the 1920s German silent film, The Cabinet Of Caligari, set in post-war Weimar (or is it?)
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Caught In The Net

Caught In The Net

Swanage Drama Company  The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage John Sivewright 12 June 2025 Fresh off their successful 2024 production of Cash On Delivery, a highly amusing comedy from Michael Cooney, son of the “master of farce”, Ray Cooney, Swanage Drama Company went back to the well again, this time presenting a lesser known, yet almost equally as funny offering from the Cooney clan. Caught In The Net, written by Ray as a sequel to his highly successful Run For Your Wife, follows the exploits of bigamist taxi driver, John Smith, as he continues to juggle living with his wife, Mary, in
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The Sound Of Music

The Sound Of Music

Wimborne Musical Theatre Society  Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne Andrea Pellegrini 12 June 2025   Set in Austria, the beloved story of The Sound Of Music follows the story of Maria, a girl who is failing miserably at becoming a nun, who is sent to look after the Von Trapp children and become their governess whilst falling in love with their father. A fictional account of a true story. Brought to life in the movie of the same name by Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. The show opens with the Nuns of Nonnberg Abbey singing ‘Preludium’ with absolute perfection. The harmonies were
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Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Opera Company [BBLOC]  Bournemouth Pavilion, Bournemouth Andrea Pellegrini 30 May 2025 Charlie’s dreams come true when he wins a golden ticket to the mysterious Wonka Chocolate factory… but what happens when he enters the factory with the other golden ticket winners, and they find themselves in the magical world of Willy Wonka…? A massive… no, humongous congratulations to all at BBLOC for this absolutely spectacular show! Each and every member of cast, production and crew should be so proud of themselves; the amount of time, energy and sheer hard work that they have put in to bring
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And A Nightingale Sang

And A Nightingale Sang

The Bridge  The Bridge, Milford On Sea Darren Funnell 29 May 2025 I never thought I would walk into an Anderson Shelter. It is an undeniable “wow” factor turning up at The Bridge in Milford on Sea to see And A Nightingale Sang and be immersed in the authenticity of life during the Second World War. To celebrate VE Day, the production team have had a blast as they handle everything from unexploded bombs (don’t worry, just props!) to front of house costumed in the period, collated British Legion artifacts carefully positioned, and wartime public information in the foyer and
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Singin’ In The Rain

Singin’ In The Rain

Bournemouth Musical Theatre Productions [BMT Productions] Regent Centre, Christchurch  Chelsea Sherry 29 May 2025   Singin’ In The Rain began its life not as a stage show, but as one of Hollywood’s most iconic musicals. With its unforgettable songs, timeless humour, and that joyful rain-soaked dance number everyone knows, it has remained an audience favourite for decades. With classic scenes like the sofa flip, and musical moments that are now etched into musical theatre history, it’s a big show with big expectations and I’m delighted to say that Bournemouth Musical Theatre have more than met them. Their take on Singin’ In
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