Reviews

First of all, confession time. I don’t know the story.  I never read the book. I never saw the film. All I knew about Watership Down was Rabbits, Cartoon, Blood, Art Garfunkel and…. nope, that’s it. That either makes me the worst person or the best person to review a stage adaptation of the book. You decide. This play by Rona Munro, adapted from Richard Adams’ book follows a group of wild rabbits in their quest for a safe home, followed by their quest to get some lady rabbits (does) and other rabbits to join them and make some baby

We’re in London in the 1660s, and royalty (in this case Charles II – the one who hid in the oak tree) is once more on the throne of England, after 4 years of Oliver Cromwell’s austere Commonwealth. Small wonder that the country looks to the theatre for entertainment and enjoyment, and it is in one of these theatres that His Majesty sets eyes for the first time on a certain Nell Gwynn. The rest, as they say, is history. But in Jessica Swayle’s delightful and perceptive play, we’re taken on quite a ride, from when Nell is first ‘discovered’

It may seem surprising that Milton Musical Society has chosen to perform a Valentine-type show in November; I thought this would be a concert mix of isolated songs, sketches and jokes, but it actually turns out to be a cleverly written original “show behind the show” story, from the initial reopening of the Top Hat Club in London, through the rehearsal period, to the opening night of the club itself. There is also a nod to the more recent spate of shows (with themes of Armistice, Remembrance and commemorating the centenary anniversary of the ending of World War I) that

Sobering, saddening and poignant are three terms I used ten years ago to describe my trip to the Western front as I paid my respects to thousands upon thousands of British, German and French war graves. Tonight, I found myself using the same three terms to summarise ‘Journey’s End’ by the Broadstone Players. If you are unable to experience the cemeteries and memorials scattered throughout the countryside of Northern France, then this play is guaranteed to evoke similar emotions. Written by R.C. Sherriff – himself an army officer in World War One – the play is set entirely in an

Oliver! Is the latest production to be performed by EOMS (Eastleigh Operatic Musical Society), at The Point in Eastleigh, and was certainly a bit hit with the audience. This well-known story with hit songs was certainly an excellently staged production and the whole cast and crew should be congratulated on their efforts. Scenery was designed with practicality in mind, ensuring quick scene changes were slick and seamless. The simple set transformed from the workhouse, to the funeral parlour, the streets of London, to the pub… a very versatile set which was used to its full potential. Sound and lighting added

A friend had commented on this play that it was about someone who attempts to commit suicide (several times) – which was not a particularly enticing prospect. It is, in fact, a very engaging and well written comedy by Eric Chappell (also known for a number of successful television sitcoms – including Rising Damp. The humour of the evening should have been apparent by the entry in the programme cast list ‘Rubber Plant – Ficus Elastica’ – and you should keep your eye on that Rubber Plant! It is fairly unusual to have an amateur opening night on a Tuesday, but the