Reviews

Studio Theatre Studio Theatre, SalisburyPhilip & Julie McStraw 1 April 2025 Be My Baby is an acclaimed 1998 debut play by celebrated British playwright Amanda Whittington. It is an emotional and hard-hitting drama, dealing with the plight of young unmarried pregnant girls, who were sidestepped by the swinging sixties. A showing of a short film The Removed precedes the play. The film deals with the lifelong impact on women who were coerced into giving up their newborn babies in the unforgiving British society of past times. The film’s running time is only a few minutes, but it leaves a lasting

Swanage Musical Theatre Group  The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage John Sivewright 27 March 2025 “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Those famous words, attributed to Oscar Wilde, are a theme that runs through Kinky Boots, the 2012 musical based on the 2005 British movie from the pens of Geoff Deane and Tim Firth. The show follows Charlie Price and Lola/Simon, sons of a shoe manufacturer and boxer respectively, as they try to save Charlie’s family’s shoe factory from bankruptcy, with the novel idea of radically changing up the business model – making stilettos sturdy enough for drag queens! Set primarily in

Southampton Musical Society  The Point, Eastleigh David A Putley 27 March 2025 Directed by first time director Katy Chalkley with musical direction by Gem Tunley, SMS’s bold production is a resounding success. Written in 1987 by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, Into The Woods is a musical that casts a somewhat cynical eye over that well-worn phrase, “and they lived happily ever after”. Recognising that perpetual happiness is a fantasy, this is a weaving together of familiar fairytales shot through with a heavy dose of cynicism (Blame). For example, when Cinderella discovers that her Prince is unfaithful, his deadpan explanation is: “I

Footlights Youth Theatre  The Point, Eastleigh David A Putley 6 March 2025 Beauty And The Beast continues to weave its magic and never more so than under the dedicated direction of Paul Monday and Musical Director Ben Lister, heading a tremendous orchestra of talented musicians. This show, although performed by youngsters, is as writ for the professional stage. All musical numbers are intact with associated scenic and costume needs and all the Team are to be congratulated on putting together such an entertaining show given its staging and musical complexity. As Belle, Maisie Tomey brought warm maturity to the role,

Maskers Theatre Company  Maskers Studio, Shirley, Southampton Anne Waggott 24 February 2025 Notes From A Small Island are the memoires, witty observations and explorations of American travel writer, Bill Bryson, as he sets out on an entertaining tour around the UK, discovering the quirks and eccentricities of its inhabitants and the British way of life. Although I have heard of the famous American non-fiction author, I confess I’ve never actually read any of his books, but that is going to change after seeing Maskers’ production of his much-loved best-seller, adapted for the stage by Tim Whitnall. With over 800 miles

Poulner Players  The Ringwood Waldorf School, Ringwood Chelsea Sherry 20 February 2025 Charlie And The Chocolate Factory began as Roald Dahl’s beloved 1964 novel before being adapted into multiple stage and screen versions. The musical premiered in the West End in 2013, bringing Wonka’s whimsical world to life through song. The story follows young Charlie Bucket, a kind-hearted boy from a poor family who wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory. Alongside four other children—each with their own exaggerated flaws—he embarks on a journey through a world of pure imagination. For this production, Poulner Players adapted