Pupils put on a great show at South Wales school

Circo Rum Ba Ba

The pupils from Cwmbran’s Blenheim Road Community Primary School sampled the world of theatre promotion recently when they worked as a team to plan and organise an event that promoted the visit of the women’s circus theatre company, Circo Rum Ba Ba which fuses spectacular theatre with a diverse range of circus skills and disguise.

The young promoters have been worked as managers, marketing officers, designers and more to create a wonderful setting and audience for the event entitled L’Hotel which took place at the school on July 1.

Pupils worked with staff to organise a raffle, refreshments and snacks while local businesses also got involved with fund raising donations.  Funds raised on the day went to Blenheim Road Community Primary School.

Pupils at Cwmbran's
Blenheim Road Primary School

The event was made possible by the Arts Council of Wales, Night Out Young Promoters Scheme and supported by Communities First. Jack, the manager of the group commented “I think it's a really good project. Good to make us more creative and working as a team. Making us more artistic and open minded.”

Young promoter facilitator Naz Syed continued, “It has been a brilliant experience working with the group of young promoters In Blenheim Road Community Primary School. The support of their teachers and chance to be in charge on the day gave the children a new found confidence.”

An Arts Council of Wales scheme, Night out takes away the financial risk of bringing professional shows to community venues in Wales, providing funding, tickets, advice and recommendations for great shows. For further details on other Night Out events visit nightout.org.uk

Stage Presentation Of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet Gets Worldwide Broadcast

Lily James and Richard Madden star in Romeo & Juliet

The Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company will broadcast their presentation of Romeo and Juliet to more than 1200 cinemas worldwide live from the West End’s Garrick Theatre on July 7.

The broadcast of Romeo and Juliet follows that of last year’s presentation of The Winter’s Tale which topped the UK cinema box office when it was broadcast to 520 cinemas across the country. Reuniting the stars of the celebrated film Cinderella, Kenneth Branagh and Rob Ashford will direct Shakespeare’s heartbreaking tale of forbidden love.

Meera Syal and Lily James in Romeo & Juliet

The full cast of Romeo and Juliet, the sixth production in the Plays at the Garrick season includes Lily James as Juliet, Richard Madden as Romeo, Derek Jacobi as Mercutio and Meera Syal as The Nurse.

“The live broadcast is so exciting because it gets the play out of the Garrick Theatre and across the world, opening it up to an entirely different audience,” says Lily James who plays Juliet, “When Ken first talked to me about Romeo and Juliet he described how we would really try and capture the thriller aspect of the story and set it in 1950's Italy, firmly in the world of la dolce vita. The feel would be monochromatic, like those beautiful old black and white movies of that time, and it all immediately felt very filmic anyway. I really think it's so exciting to see Shakespeare on film and to watch plays displaced from their original setting into a new medium. I can't wait!”

South Wales filmgoers will be able to catch The Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company’s production of Romeo & Juliet at Newport’s Cineworld, Cwmbran’s Vue Cinema and Monmouth’s Savoy Theatre.

For more information visit branaghtheatre.com

Blues Brothers show will meet approval in Cardiff

THE feelgood show Blues Brothers (Approved) is currently keeping soul fans entertained at Cardiff's New Theatre until Saturday July 2.

Purveyors of classic soul are advised to dig out their shades, dust off their dancing shoes and to party like never before to music from the classic films including the worldwide hit Everybody Needs Somebody To Love.

For more information or to book tickets call 029 2087 8889 or visit www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

Mad On Her Musical Rewinds Back To The 80s - Phoebe Rose White Q&A

During July, the 80s feel-good musical Mad On Her will tour 4 fringe UK venues including Liverpool Lantern Theatre (July 14), The Solway Hall, Whitehaven (July 15) and  Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate, London (July 17). The July 16 date at  Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester is already sold out.

Mad On Her follows the story of Donna and Tina who party through the nightlife and drama of 1985.
Donna, ambitious and stylish, is climbing the ladder of success. Finding ‘Mr Right’ is the last thing on her mind – little does she know he could be just around the corner. Tina, with her big hair and big heart, is the disco diva of the boulevard. As Donna’s best friend she sets out to play cupid.

Newport actress Phoebe Rose White, who recently played Mimi in Rent for Two Box productions and featured on The Dreamers original cast album, will Co-Star in the UK tour of Mad on Her playing the role of Brandi. Andy Howells recently spoke to the rising stage star about her current role.

Was been in musical theatre always your dream?
I've been involved with musicals ever since I can remember. I was in Stagecoach at a young age and took part in every school play - I think my first role was a camel with in the Nativity! In secondary school I focused more on my grades until I played Maria in our School's production of West Side Story when I was 16, and then that was it, I caught the theatre bug again! From then on I focused all my energy on getting into drama school and it was my dream to study in London.

You are from Newport originally, were you involved in many local groups / productions as you were growing up?
Apart from School productions, I performed with the Greater Gwent Youth choir in venues like St David's Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, and the Royal Albert Hall. I also was a member of WAWWA: The Musical Youth for a few years. That was such a special time in my life. I learned so much about professionalism and how to conduct yourself whilst in a company. The support I had from the creative team there was amazing too. We performed in shows in the Dolman Theatre, most notably The Music Man and Footloose.

What was your first professional role?
Whilst in college, we were lucky enough to take part in professional concerts and shows that took place in West End theatres, which was an incredible experience, but my first job out on my own after college was a pantomime tour of Aladdin in which I played Aladdin. It was a really great experience in learning what touring is like - you never quite get used to performing a high intensity show to hundreds of kids at 9am!

You played Mimi in Rent, where was that and what did you enjoy most about that role?
I recently performed in a run of Rent at the Two Brewers in Clapham, London. Playing Mimi was a big tick off my list (I used to watch my DVD of Rent on repeat when I was in school) so there was a big pressure I'd put on myself to get it right. The music of Rent is beautiful, so I enjoyed getting to sing the score every night, but what I really enjoyed was the intensity of the role. Mimi goes from a very happy, carefree place, to her rock-bottom in the space of two hours, and so I put a lot of work into making sure that it was believable, authentic and that people could relate.

You're currently starring in the UK production of Mad On Her, what can you tell us about the show?
Mad On Her is a brand new 80s Musical, about Donna, who is climbing the career ladder to success and will let no man get in the way of her dreams- until new guy on the block Ricki turns up on the scene, The musical is a fabulously fun show set in a nightclub wrapped in everyone's favourite 80s classics. It's an all-singing, all-dancing and acting musical with a starburst of energy and 80s flavouring!!

Tell us about your role in Mad On Her and whats your favourite part of the show?
I play Brandi, one of the IT girls in town and one of Donna's best friends. She is fun loving and is never seen without a touch of glam and perfection. She loves all her girls and will always put her friends first. I've always LOVED the 80s, from the music to the fashion, so playing this role will be an absolute blast! The songs are fantastic and the choreography is insane! I'm also covering Donna for the run, so it'll be a great experience getting to learn two very different parts!

How long will you be continuing with the show for?
The show runs until the 17th July in 4 UK venues with our final night being in London. However there is a huge potential to take this show further and that's such an exciting possibility. I love being involved with the very start of something  and seeing where it will take us!

Do you get back to Wales much and will you be returning in a production anytime soon?
I'm very family-oriented and so try my best to get back to Wales around once a month to see my Family and friends. I've been lucky enough to tour Wales twice with two different shows, and also shot 2 short films in Cardiff last summer, which was fantastic. I'd love to perform again in Wales soon - fingers crossed!

• You can find full Mad On Her tour dates and information at www.madonhermusical.com
• A version of this Q&A by Andy Howells appeared in The South Wales Argus on June 18, 2016

Follow Alice's Adventures In Wonderland At Newport's Dolman Theatre

Sharon Fitzgerald’s musical theatre class under the direction of Andre Paul Spring and Musical Direction of Victoria Bryant are set to bring the magical world of Alice In Wonderland to life on the Dolman Theatre stage this weekend.

Based on the 1951 Disney film Alice in Wonderland and Lewis Carroll’s books The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, the production will be a fun show for all the family.

Featuring updated dialogue and new arrangements of such classic Disney songs as I’m Late, The Un-birthday Song and Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah, the audience will join Alice’s madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with the Tweedles, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar, and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game!

Alice In Wonderland runs at The Dolman Theatre  from May 28-29 and tickets are available from dolmantheatre.co.uk or by calling box office on 01633 263670.

David Troughton Discusses Bringing Goodnight Mr Tom To The Stage

This year will mark the 35th anniversary of the modern classic Goodnight Mister Tom and next week Michelle Magorian’s wonderfully uplifting tale will be brought gloriously to life in a magical stage adaptation, in Cardiff from Tuesday May 10 – Saturday May 14 at the New Theatre.

Set during the dangerous build up to the Second World War, Goodnight Mister Tom follows young William Beech, who is evacuated to the idyllic English countryside and forges a remarkable and heart-warming friendship with the elderly recluse, Tom Oakley.

Author Michelle Magorian was inspired to write Goodnight Mister Tom after hearing her mother’s tales about her time as a nurse in the war. Published in 1981, it has been translated into 11 languages and won awards in the UK, America and Australia.

Adapted for the stage by David Wood OBE, Goodnight Mr Tom stars David Troughton, best known for his roles in A Very Peculiar Practice, Doctor Who and recently Tony Archer in The Archers on BBC Radio 4. Andy Howells recently chatted to David about Goodnight Mr Tom and his career.

How did you get involved with the stage version of Goodnight Mr Tom?
I was asked to do it by Angus Jackson, the director, I thought about it, as it was a part I always wanted to play, so I said “Yes”.

How does the stage version compare to the TV film we all know and love which starred John Thaw?
Very different. Film and television are poles apart it’s a completely theatrical adaptation which is brilliant by David Wood. It’s a fast moving roller-coaster of emotions. I thought the film concentrated on Mr Tom, that’s how they did it, the stage version is about the children which is good.

How did you become familiar with the story?
When I first read it to my children in the 80s after it first came out. They had it read to them at school, so it’s been with us for a long time.

You’ve been an actor for many years yourself, were you a child actor?
I did one show when I was about eleven; it was an Armchair Theatre on ITV (The Tin Whistle Man). The scriptwriter Ken Taylor got me that and then I did a couple of things with my father (Patrick Troughton), in Doctor Who.

Did your father encourage you to be an actor?
(Laughs) No, not at all! I think you follow in your fathers footsteps a lot of the time, I think its in my genes to be an actor, two of my sons have become actors, my nephews an actor, my brothers an actor and my wife an actress.

What are your memories of appearing in Doctor Who with your father?
I was an extra in a story where he played two parts, The Doctor and a ruthless Mexican dictator (The Enemy of The World). They just found those episodes and you can see me in it. It’s a long time ago. I’ve been an actor for over 45 years I should get a medal for longevity! Playing different parts is the secret, not doing the same thing all the time.

You also returned to Doctor Who a few years later playing King Peladon opposite Jon Pertwee, what was that like?
It was lovely, he was such a welcoming man, very funny, but he took it very seriously which you have to. People take the rip out of Doctor Who sometimes but you’ve got to play it for truth.

Was there ever a role you were particularly keen to get?
When you read a script, you know you want to do the part; I really felt that with A Very Peculiar Practice (in which David starred alongside Graham Crowden and Peter Davison) and the role of Bob Buzzard. There was a lot of laughter because they were very funny scripts. As I say, you play it for all its worth and truth, it doesn’t stop you having a laugh because what’s the point of doing it unless you enjoy it.

You also had a contrasting role in New Tricks in which you played a bad guy. Was that fun to play?
Baddies are always good to play and you hope they are the most unlike you! I was termed as a character actor. You don’t get so much of that now because people cast to type, you’ve got to be the person; you’ve got to look like them. Gone are the days, like what my father did for television that you could put on a wig or a beard. People don’t do that now which is unfortunate.

And of course, even though you are very much your own actor, you have helped keep the torch burning for your fathers association with Doctor Who.
When he was doing it, it was just another children’s show, he was the first person to take over the character on screen but it wasn’t the big mammoth giant it is now.

You even stepped into your father’s role of the second Doctor opposite Tom Baker a few years ago in an audio adventure?
I did, they were a bit tentative in asking me and then I read the script, it wasn’t the actual Doctor. I was playing a robot version of him, that was alright (laughs), it was once removed. I’ve read stories that have had my father in it, so I have to imitate him a bit. I do love it, reading books, radio; you don’t have to learn the lines. I think he’d laugh at what I was doing really!

You last appeared in Doctor Who opposite David Tennant some years back, would you like to be in it again?
I’d love too!

Back on to Goodnight Mr Tom, how long are you continuing and what will you be doing afterwards?
After Cardiff, we finish at the end of May in Newcastle, I’ll have a little break and then I’ll go back to the RSC to play Gloucester in King Lear. It seems to be the year of Lear’s there’s about four of them knocking about and I’ll be in one of them!

Are there any roles you still haven’t played you’d like to have a go at?
Shakespeare-wise Falstaff or Prospero and any series that goes as long as Downton Abbey and be assured of seven months work a year and then I can retire.

• Goodnight Mr Tom runs at Cardiff’s New Theatre from May 10 –14. To purchase tickets please visit newtheatrecardiff.co.uk or call 02920 878 889.
• A version of this Q&A by Andy Howells appears in The South Wales Argus entertainment section The Guide on May 6, 2016

Centrestage Cymru Present Singin' In The Rain - Matthew Bryant Interview

Centrestage Cymru return to the stage of Newport’s Dolman Theatre this week to present their latest show Singin’ In The Rain. 

The cast are currently putting the finishing touches to their show and today we take a final sneak peek at rehearsals by viewing video of the cast and chorus at work on the show.

Today's video features Matthew Bryant who plays Cosmo Brown, a role originally played by Donald O'Connor on the big screen version of Singin' in The Rain.

Book tickets to see Singin' In The Rain at between April 27-30 at The Dolman Theatre website.

Centrestage Cymru Present Singin' In The Rain - Rebecca Jarvis Interview

Centrestage Cymru return to the stage of Newport’s Dolman Theatre next week to present their latest show Singin’ In The Rain. 

The cast are currently putting the finishing touches to their show and today we continue our sneak peek at rehearsals by viewing  a video featuring interviews and clips of the cast at work on the show.

Today's video features Rebecca Jarvis who plays the role of Kathy Seldon.

Centrestage Cymru’s Singin' in the Rain takes to the stage of The Dolman Theatre, from April 27-30. For booking details call 01633 263670 or visit dolmantheatre.co.uk

On Stage: Only The Brave, Wales Millennium Centre

Based on the real lives of men and women caught up in the D-Day landings, Wales Millennium Centre’s first full scale musical, Only The Brave certainly packs a punch with presentation.

Both heart-breaking and inspirational, the musical recounts the true story of two couples brought together by events in World War II, Captain John and Joy Howard and Lieutenant Denham and Maggie Brotheridge.

Only The Brave commences with a senior version of John Howard (played by Second World War veteran Peter Davies) looking back at the events from a hospital bed. The passion, camaraderie and courage that men and women displayed leading up to the D Day landings weaves in and out of events in England and occupied France, accompanied by an original musical score from Matthew Brind and Steve Marmion.

David Thaxton and Neil McDermott are at the forefront of the action as Captain John Howard and Lieutenant Denham Brotheridge respectively. Not only do they deliver believable characterisations but also lead their platoon with vocal strength on songs Only The Brave and Band of Brothers.

The musical's strengths lie in its more humane moments , from the companies’ rendition of Cuppa Tea (a tribute to the essential front-line beverage) to Wally Parr’s questioning of events in What The Hell Am I Doing? sung with conviction by Thomas Aldridge.

Other moving moments are the ladies of the company performing Regret and Sympathy, while French resistance captives Isabelle (Nikki Mae) and Madame Vian (Helen Hobson) face the prospect of an uncertain future as they duet on Can It Be True?

Hitting the right notes both cast and musicians had a deserved standing ovation at the climax of the Thursday evening performance, a strong indication that this could be the first of many successful presentations of Only The Brave.

• Only The Brave continues at  Wales Millennium Centre until April 2. Visit Wales Millennium Centre's website for booking details.

On Stage: Jacqueline Wilson's Hetty Feather, New Theatre, Cardiff

‘You can be whoever you want to be’ is the message that comes through in the musical adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s best selling novel Hetty Feather currently playing at Cardiff’s New Theatre.  The show follows plucky Victorian heroine, Hetty, through the trials and tribulations of her life. As a baby she was left at London’s Foundling Hospital and is now set on finding her mother, via foster families, tyrannical matrons and a travelling circus.

Of course in true Jacqueline Wilson style, there are a fair share of laughter and tears along the way with the story keeping one foot in the world of gritty realism as well as imagining the hopes and dreams of a Victorian Orphan.

Writers Emma Reeves and Sally Cookson along with composer Benji Power have breathed further magic into Jacqueline Wilson’s story book and brought Hetty’s story to life for the whole family to enjoy.

Envisaging Hetty’s dream of joining the circus, her story is related from a circus ring made up of hoops, ribbons and ropes and told through a talented team of five actors and three musicians through music, song and dance.

Phoebe Thomas heads the cast with an endearing and dynamic portrayal of Hetty, which sees the actress literally pushed from pillar to post as the action unfolds. Her co-stars similarly follow through with dynamic performances, frequently doubling up as orphans or circus characters (including a particularly Monty Python-esque circus slot as show horses).

The accompanying music provided by Luke Potter and Seamas H.Carey provides further atmosphere to the show, including a cheeky Victorian rendition of Eye of The Tiger accompanying the circus’ Strongest Man In The World routine.

The theatrical family treat for Easter, Hetty Feather continues at the New Theatre until April 3.  For further details about the show or to book tickets visit www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk or call the Box Office on (029) 2087 8889.

Paul Daniels 1938-2016

I had the privilege of interviewing Paul Daniels back in 2013 when he was preparing for his First Farewell Tour with Debbie McGee. Paul, I, have to say was a bit of a legend to me, I had memories of watching his magic show on TV back in the late 1970s/early 1980s.

It was quite thrilling when the phone rang and both Paul and Debbie were at the other end of the line, discussing their forthcoming show, how they met and Paul's career on television. Paul, of course, was honest when he gave me his own take on his TV success back in the 1980s:

“Television is the theatre on the wall or on the stand in your living room, if you’re doing workingmen’s clubs you have one set of performance rules, if you have cabaret clubs it’s different again. Come television time, I would get American guests for example and they’d go “We’ve got 16 million viewers!” and I’d say “Whoa! you’ve got four! They’re sitting 12 feet away from you on a settee” Once you perform to that technique you become a much better television presenter.”

I can't pretend to say that I knew Paul Daniels, but in a way, I did know him through the medium of the TV set of which he came into our homes every Saturday evening in the 1980s as our family, like so many others, united in watching his latest magical performance - and that WAS magic! Thank you Paul!

• Read Andy Howells' interview with Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee from 2013

Feelgood Musical Summer Holiday Comes To Newport's Dolman Theatre

Phoenix Productions are staging the hit musical Summer Holiday, based on the classic Cliff Richard film at Newport's Dolman Theatre from February 25.

Phoenix Productions are a newly named company, previously National Academy of Performing Arts, brought you award winning shows such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Footloose, Les Miserables and many more. Now under new management, the company are set to wow the audience with their interpretation of the feel good Cliff Richard musical. With their incredible cast, directors and set (including a full scale Red London bus) the group are all set to start their new theatrical journey.

Andy Howells recently put questions to four of the leading stars of Summer Holiday, Conor and Ben Donovan, Laura Honeybun and Geri McNamara.

Which role are you playing in Summer Holiday? 
Conor: I will be playing the part of Cyril, he always wants to have fun and is the more childish one out of the 4 boys!
Ben: I'm playing the role of Edwin in this production. He's the intelligent and more sensible character out of the three boys. He knows a lot about everything and is the love interest of Alma. He gets along well with all of the characters and is very fun to play.
Laura: The role I am playing in Summer Holiday is one of the trio called Angie who is in charge of the group and the girls look up to and also has a great and comical connection with Cyril.
Geri: I play the character Barbara Winters.

What do you enjoy most of all about musical theatre? 
Conor: I love how you can explore a characters life and emotions through musical theatre. Becoming a character that is the complete polar opposite to you is so much fun and allows you to get a bigger insight on how different people react to different situations. There are so many musicals that teach you about current problems and it makes you more aware of things that are happening in today's society; while having SO much fun!
Ben: I love the creativity behind it and as cliché as it sounds the way you can express yourself. I love becoming different characters and taking on different roles to make an audience believe that I am that character.
Laura: What I enjoy about musical theatre is performing to an audience and getting an amazing atmosphere in show week and putting smiles on people's faces.
Geri: I love that I can do what I enjoy in front of an audience. Being able to communicate through song and dance is just so amazing.

What is the most exciting aspect of Summer Holiday for you? 
Conor: I'm really excited about seeing the set, especially the bus and for the first time being in full costume and running the show! It's crazy how much costumes and set make your character stronger and make you feel like you ARE the character.
Ben: I love seeing a show coming together in general and this show hasn't been an exception. I love seeing songs and scenes coming together a whole and other cast members characters developing. I am also extremely excited about having a massive red London bus on stage too; it’s going to be so fun!
Laura: Performing Summer Holiday! I'm dedicating my performance to my auntie as she loved Cliff Richard and I love all his films so when I found out we was doing Summer Holiday I was thrilled to pieces.  I love all the songs with the cheesy dancing numbers, it would be nice to still have films like those today.
Geri: The most exciting aspect is being able to potentially play two characters in one. I find it exciting how my character has a secret lifestyle I also love all my characters songs and Barbara’s light-hearted personality.

Whats your favourite song from the show? 
Conor: Time Drags By because it's such a calming, lovely song and the harmonies are (normally) spot on! Or, Let Us Take You For A Ride because it's such a dynamic, fun number.
Ben: My favourite song from the show has to be Let Us Take You for a Ride. Its a comedy number where the boys help fix Do Re Mi's broken car. I love the harmonies in the number and the overlap. It’s so fun to sing and sounds so good when all seven of us sing it.
Laura: Dancing Shoes as it is an upbeat song sang by the trio and it makes me happy and want to dance. Also Big News because I love the song and how it incorporates the characters and the journalists.
Geri: My favourite song would have to be Living Doll. It's so fun, upbeat and quirky and being able to do it accapella with the other characters gives it that extra edge.

Where would your dream Summer Holiday be and why? 
Conor: New York! I'm so obsessed with the city after going there a couple of months ago, I'd love to go back!
Ben: I've recently travelled to New York in the USA, and absolutely loved it, so would love to go back again. I love the hustle and bustle of the city, the bright lights, huge buildings and Broadway!
Laura: Athens, like they do in Summer Holiday as I have never been there and that is the birth place of acting and musical theatre as well as exploring more parts of Italy as it is filled with many places to visit, packed with the finest food which I love to eat.
Geri: Florida, it's always somewhere I've wanted to go since I was little and it seems so enchanting and magical.

• Summer Holiday takes to the stage of The Dolman Theatre, February 25th, 26th and 27th. Tickets available at The Dolman Theatre box office or online at www.dolmantheatre.co.uk.
• A version of this Q&A by Andy Howells appeared in The South Wales Argus entertainment section The Guide on February 19, 2016.

On Stage: Theatr Pena - The Glass Menagerie, Newport Riverfront

Tennessee Williams classic four-character memory play The Glass Menagerie is the latest drama to be given the Theatr Pena treatment.  A triumph in characterisation, light, pace and delivery, it began its tour across Wales for a three night stint at Newport Riverfront on Thursday evening, drawing  the audience in from the offset and raising the seemingly unsurpassable bar even further from last years production of The Royal Bed.

Eiry Thomas and Gareth Pierce in The Glass Menagerie
Photograph by Simon Gough

Director Erica Eirian and her team of actors and technicians, have a knack of picking strong character plays. The Riverfront studio has played host to these in recent years building a sense of intimacy for the audience. However, judging by the audience reaction on Friday evening, none of the dynamics were lost as The Glass Menagerie moved to The Riverfront’s larger main theatre. If anything, the extra space added more depth to the ongoing proceedings as we were transported to St Louis in 1937. An atmospherically lit set reflected the lives of a family caught up in the economic recession, struggling to cope with the harsh realities of their impoverished lives, giving a sense of a classic Hollywood movie brought to life on stage.

Rosamund Shelley and Rhys
Meredith in The Glass Menagerie
Photograph by Simon Gough

Rosamund Shelley is the doting mother of Tom and Laura who unsuccessfully tries to control her children’s destinies to compensate making a mess of her own. Shelley gives a splendid tragicomic characterisation which generates as much laughter in her characters circumstances as it does in gasps of disapproval of her behaviour.

Rhys Meredith is a dynamic presence as her son, Tom, who longs for the adventurous life that reflects the ones he witnesses each night on the cinema screen. Tom partly realises this dream by narrating the ongoing storyline in the style of a B Movie Detective, this is the hook that draws the audience into the story.

Eiry Thomas plays Tom’s sister, the beautiful but shy Laura, an almost social recluse but the custodian of a Glass Menagerie of ornamental animals and her departed fathers gramophone records. Thomas explores a multitude of emotions from fragility to renewed strength as the plot unfolds, particularly finding  empowerment as she is reunited with former school crush Jim O Connor played by Gareth Pierce. The pairs beautifully choreographed dance sequence is a unique piece of theatrical chemistry and beautiful to witness.

The Glass Menagerie will be touring Wales in the coming weeks; visit theatrpena.co.uk for venue details and be sure to catch this treat of a production.

• Andy Howells is a freelance entertainment writer and arts reviewer.

On Stage: Aladdin, New Theatre, Cardiff

If you had three wishes for an ideal pantomime, they would be an all-star cast, a magical story line and stunning special effects. Cardiff New Theatre’s 2016 pantomime, Aladdin, certainly carries all these magical ingredients with possibly their biggest and best panto in recent years.

Aladdin wastes no time in getting into the action with Sam Kane’s gloriously devilish Abanazar setting out on his quest to find the chosen one and seeking the powerful magical lamp for his own. Abanazar is not only jeered and booed by the audience but also shown up for any shortcomings by the beautiful Scheherazade played by Linda Lusardi.

Returning comics Mike Doyle and Andy Jones who play Widow Twankey and Wishee Washee respectively, know how to inject further fun into the proceedings with comic dialogue, slapstick and impersonations. Doyle, is particularly at his best as the pantomime dame and even gets chance to shine a light on a hilarious Shirley Bassey impersonation. Mark Llewellyn Williams Emperor Ming gets to bring his operatic singing abilities to the forefront as well as work as occasional stooge for both Doyle and Jones.

Ian H Watkins, best known as a member of Steps, takes the lead role of Aladdin, displaying versatility as an all round entertainer, singing, dancing and acting while still been a joy to watch. Watkins also gets to sing some Steps hits including The Way You Make Me Feel, a duet with his enchanting love interest, Princess Jasmine, played  by Holly Bluett.

With the action and fun been so involved, Gareth Alfie Thomas' appearance midway through the show as The Genie of the lamp almost comes as a surprise, but a welcome one at that, as he gets a huge cheer and welcome from the audience.

Dance routines provided by a fabulous ensemble cast and the Lori Guppy School Of Dance enhance the show further, particularly a wonderful Peking Keystone Cops style pursuit of Aladdin via Widow Twankey’s Laundry. There are also some stunning special effects including Aladdin’s ride on a magic carpet to Egypt that flies right out into the audience during a musical sequence.

Aladdin has everything you could wish for in pantomime fun and is the perfect Christmas treat for the family. The show runs until January 17, 2016.

• Visit newtheatrecardiff.co.uk for ticket details.

On Stage: Jack and The Beanstalk, Newport Riverfront

Fee Fi Fo Fum I smell the lure of panto fun!

On the evidence of the third night performance, this years Riverfront panto, Jack and The Beanstalk, already has fun oozing out from an already tightly knitted ensemble cast to an audience who doesn't hold back from booing, hissing, cheering and having an all out good time.

Newport’s own Gareth Tempest is at the helm of the fun as the bright and brave hero of the piece, Jack, while established Riverfront favourites Richard Elis and Elin Llwyd raise the bar again this year with respectively fun and feisty appearances as Dylan the Daft and his beautiful sister Jill. Nerine Skinner also returns this year delivering a literally bubbly performance as the charming Fairy Liquid.

There are two new faces too, Simon Nock makes a flamboyantly brilliant Riverfront debut as Jack’s mum Dame Trott, while Patrick Marlowe is devilishly delightful as evil villain Fleshcreep.

The bright comical fun filled presentation doesn’t end there. There’s a few old gags freshened up, The Twelve Days of Christmas sketch presented by Elis, Bock and Tempest been a particular crowd pleaser. The ensemble cast as well delight with fabulous choreography and some nicely turned out musical performances.

The real fun of the show comes from the choreographically challenged cow Daisy operated to perfection by Emma Anderson and Natalia Iles and the spectacular giant operated by Jamie Anderson really has to be seen to be believed.

These are exciting times for Newport and the city has many things to be proud of, the high quality of its annual pantomime is certainly one of them. Don’t miss this year’s show which runs until January 3, 2016.

• Visit newportlive.co.uk/riverfront or book online at 01633 656757 for ticket information.

Candid Carrott - Jasper Carrott Interview

“I’m having the time of my life and I’ve never worked better,” Jasper Carrott OBE tells me as we discuss his visit to Cardiff’s St David’s Hall tomorrow evening in which he will share the bill with impressionist Alistair McGowan.

“It all came about two years ago when we did the Henley Festival in Berkshire,” recalls Jasper talking about the first time he teamed up with Alistair on stage. “They put us together to do an hours show. He went on for the first half hour and I went on for the second. I was backstage and he was ripping the pants off the audience and I thought “how am I going to follow this?” He finished and the audience went bananas and I did an aside to Alistair and said “Alistair, I asked you warm them up not boil them!” He got me off to a running start with the audience and it was very successful and that’s how we got together. He’s a lovely chap and very talented.”

Birmingham born Jasper started out on the comedy circuit in the early 1970s touring clubs across the UK. He reached the pop charts in 1975 with Funky Moped produced by ELO’s Jeff Lynne, “I think its top of his CV actually” laughs Jasper. The B side featured the comedy dialogue sketch Magic Roundabout which ultimately became the bigger hit. “It sold to discos because deejays would put it on when they were having a break,” says Jasper, “The audience would go “where can we get that? Magic Roundabout is the only hit single with no musical content and yet it was a disco hit – a bizarre single!”

Alistair McGowan & Jasper Carrott

In 1978, An Audience with Jasper Carrott the first of several TV specials placed him at the top of the TV ratings, more success followed over the next decade with TV series Carrott’s Lib, Carrott Confidential, Canned Carrott and the sitcom The Detectives.

“When I did An Audience with Jasper Carrott it was every piece of material I had,” recalls Jasper, “I then had to start from scratch again. I was out on the road and then I did an hours special. Later in '82 we started with Carrott’s Lib and that’s the first time I’d ever written with anybody else, so that was a revelation, been able to write with other people. I always loved introducing new writers and new acts and I’m still doing that now.”

Jasper took a break from stand-up in 2000 but returned to touring two years ago and now happily divides his time between his Stand Up and Rock shows with Bev Bevan of The Move and his appearances alongside Alistair McGowan. I wonder if it’s difficult for him to maintain the pace of new material as he did back in the 1980s.

“I’m actually coming to the end of the material that I’ve written and I’m going to spend the whole of next year writing,” he says, “ It’s very difficult to write now because there are so many comics on the road and they’re all doing similar stuff and I’m trying to be different from them. I’ve got an advantage that I can talk about getting old, I’ve regurgitated some old stuff too. I used to do a routine on the 60s and I’ve brought that back for the present day and that works very well. When I come to Cardiff, people who follow me will get new material and if they do recognise anything, it’ll be a bit obscure but I’ll have changed it. I’m pretty confident it’ll be a brand new show.”

Jasper also holds Wales in high regard and it’s quite clear he can’t wait till he returns “I’m a big fan of Wales and I have a saying that there should be a bit of Wales in everybody’s heart and Max Boyce is one of my best friends in the business. In fact I was in Wales earlier in the year because I was doing a TV show with Len Goodman when you go back to your childhood and I went back to Barry Island because I had a couple of holidays there when I was 13/14 so I went back – terrific!”

I ask Jasper, in closing, if he has ever had a funny incident that has ever happened to him at a gig, he responds with "many" before telling me, first hand, of one of the most comical scenarios.  " I was doing Liverpool Empire and about 5 minutes into it a bloke right from the top balcony in a Scouse accent yelled “Hey! Carrott! We cant hear up here, y know!” I got the sound guy and we moved some cabinets and I started again, then five minutes later he went “Still cant hear, y' know!” Within a few minutes and been in Liverpool he’d formed a union! The only place we could find a seat because it was rammed solid was the stool I was using on stage and he came down from the top, walked on stage and sat on the stool. I performed the show with him sitting next to me for the evening. When I finished he took the bow with me. The audience were laughing at him, I was laughing at him it was a real treat , a fantastic night!"

• An evening shared with Jasper Carrott and Alistair McGowan takes place at St David's Hall, Cardiff on December 1.
• For more information on Jasper Carrott visit his official website.
• A version of this interview by Andy Howells was published in The South Wales Argus on November 27, 2015

Brian Conley Discusses His Dream Role In Barnum

Entertainer Brian Conley was thrilled two years ago when he got the call from Sir Cameron Macintosh to take on the role of a lifetime, that of show business entrepreneur and circus showman PT Barnum.

“Famously Barnum has to walk on a tightrope so learning to do that was a big moment in my life,” Brian tells Andy Howells, “ as was going to circus school, learning to walk on stilts, juggle, eat fire and do magic. There’s quite a lot of things you have to learn before playing him, He is without doubt one of the biggest roles in musical theatre anyone could take on.”

Following the imagination and dreams of Phineas T Barnum, America’s Greatest Showman, the musical was a smash-hit when it opened on Broadway in 1980. Then starring Glenn Close and Jim Dale, it went on to win three Tony Awards and a Drama Desk Award.

When Barnum later opened at the London Palladium in 1981, Michael Crawford took the lead, winning an Olivier Award for his performance. “Barnum was the very first production I ever saw in the West End at the Victoria Palace with Michael Crawford,” recalls Brian, “never in my widest dreams did I ever think I’d be playing it.”

The show which ends its current UK tour at Wales Millennium Centre next week has been updated by Cameron Macintosh and Mark Bramble. “It’s a lot more technical and far more of a spectacular these days,” says Brian, “its a big show, it has a lot more colour. What we’ve done is make the comedy work because it was very much stuck in the 70s.”

 “The circus is the glue that holds it together,” Brian continues, “When he died he was the richest man in America. It’s very much about this entrepreneur, his amazing dreams and his wife, Cherie (played by Linzi Hateley), who guides him, so it’s a love story as much as anything else.”

Brian who is now back on television screens with his new TV series The TV That Made Me will be sorry to part ways with his dream role of which he has played since last September when he plays Wales Millennium Centre next week.  “It’s been a wonderful journey, but I’m really looking forward to Cardiff as it’s a nice place to go out,” he says.

• The national tour of Barnum ends its UK tour run at Wales Millennium Centre from August 11-15. Visit www.wmc.org.uk for ticket details.
• A version of this interview by Andy Howells was published in The South Wales Argus entertainment supplement The Guide on August 7, 2015

Interview With Actor Daniel Llewellyn Williams

Actor Daniel Llewellyn Williams will be putting his director’s hat on this weekend, as the play Between the Crosses plays Caerleon Festival. This recent work follows the Newport actor’s successful one-man show A Regular Little Houdini and coincides with his casting in the lead role of Richard Hannay in the West End production of The 39 Steps. Andy Howells recently had the opportunity to put questions to Daniel .

It’s been a busy year for you so far, having won a Wales Theatre Award for Best English Performance in Not About Heroes, taking on a West End Role in The 39 Steps and producing Between The Crosses. How are you managing to balance all these projects?
With difficulty! I could do with a couple of clones to be honest. It's been a great year so far and I've been extremely lucky to have these opportunities. I haven't always been this busy or lucky and life as a jobbing actor can be very challenging especially when you have a young family.

It's like waiting for a bus and now several have come along at once. Working in the West End or touring is lovely but the down side is I miss out on a lot of landmarks in my kid's growth because our family home is still in Newport. Although I do see them and my wife every Sunday, without fail.

You’re one-man show A Regular Little Houdini was fabulous, you’re passion for bringing some of Newport’s history alive really came through in the performance. Was it well received?
That's very kind of you. It has been extremely well received and I'm immensely proud of it. It really gives people with any affiliation with Newport a real kick of pride and nostalgia when they see it but the story is about more than where it's set. People who have no idea about Newport also love it because it is set in a real place, which isn't London or New York, it has an identity and a heart and people pick up on that and love it for that too.

I've had requests to take it all over Britain and America and I've also been invited to play at the Pleasance theatre at the Edinburgh Festival but my West End commitments now mean A Regular Little Houdini will be "on hold" until I'm available in the New Year. In 2016, I will finish the radio play and I'm also in early stages of turning it into a film.

Will there be any further performances of A Regular Little Houdini in the future?
Yes - Definitely! I had to postpone a few performances this summer/autumn due to The 39 Steps which I will be re-booking some time in the New Year and I will be doing whole month of August 2016 in the Pleasance at the Edinburgh Festival. I'm also booking more venues for next year. Check the website  or like the Facebook page for event information.

Can you tell us about Between the Crosses, what inspired it?
I wanted to continue to produce shows after the success of A Regular Little Houdini. I knew a First World War piece would be apt because of the centenary, and I started to pursue a story to develop. An actor/writer friend of mine, Will Huggins, had a personal story to tell about his Great Uncle Edgar who went from Stable-Hand to Soldier to Survivor through four years of the Great War including Ypres and the Somme.

Edgar was present at the first use of Chlorine gas as a weapon and he lead a ragtag troop of men out of the green cloud with only urine soaked rags over their faces to protect them. He also witnessed the first appearance of tanks in the battlefield. But the interesting thing about Edgar's story is what he didn't tell, his family and loved ones back home. We only know of his story through the Imperial War Museum's interviews with him in his 94th year. What we were fascinated with was why were so many survivors silent? And what effect has that had on the subsequent generations? In the name of sparing our loved ones, how can we learn if we don't know? I really wanted Will to develop the story into a one man script for him to play, which he then did and I have now directed it and produced it.

You are directing this time instead of acting, how different have you found that?
I've always wanted to direct as I'm fascinated with "process". I analyse everything. It suits the way I think. I'm also a lover of communication and when someone has a great story to tell, the way you connect to an audience is paramount. Clarity is everything. Working with other people (writers, actors, musicians, choreographers and designers) to help them make their story clearer to an audience excites me. I am an advocate of simple and effective drama.

How inspirational were Edgar’s recollections when putting the play together?
Edgar's life post War seemed on the outside to be brutally normal and his voice recordings as a 94 year old appeared to be that of a sweet, elderly gent. But the inspiration comes from between the lines, his words unsaid, and the knowledge of what he actually did, influences the listener and makes for a compelling journey.

How has that experience being for Will?
Cathartic and a great honour I imagine.

Who do you hope will come to see Between The Crosses?
Firstly everyone who has an interest in a human story of realism and truth. Then everyone with an interest in history and finally everyone who loves a good story. Friday 4th July, Caerleon Arts Festival 7.30 PM

Is it suitable for all the family?
I would say this one is for 16 and over.

You’ve also recently been cast as Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps in the West-End. How did you come by that role?
Since winning the Theatre Wales Award, I've had a lot of companies interested in me. They called me which was nice. I think it's hilarious though that a Welsh speaking Newport boy is playing the most quintessentially English literary character. Hannay is sort of the pre Bond, but in tweed. He's a colonial adventurer and a gent.

Were you a fan of the original book?
To be honest I found the original stories a bit hard going. All about the thrill and the suspense but without the humour. The stage version, thank god is a wonderful thriller parody which will have you on the edge of your seats but also in fits of laughter.

The 39 Steps popularity has continued to endure in film and television adaptations over the years, why do you think that is?
Because of Richard Hannay himself probably! He is such a likable English twit / hero. He's very "Tally ho pip pip! Jolly good! Fry me a kipper I'll be back for breakfast". What's not to like?

Of all the Richard Hannay’s on screen do you have a particular favourite yourself?
Robert Donat probably although I like Robert Powell and Rupert Penry Jones too. I have to say I think Kenneth More was miscast.

How long will you be in The 39 Steps?
Till this Autumn.

Are you developing any other projects for the future?
Not at present. I'm busy enough right now.

• For further information on Daniel Llewellyn-Williams projects visit his official website
• For more information on A Regular Little Houdini visit the official website
• For more information on The 39 Steps, visit the official website.
• A version of this Q&A by Andy Howells appeared in The South Wales Argus entertainment supplement The Guide on July 3, 2015.

On Stage: And Then There Were None, New Theatre, Cardiff

Big Brother isn’t such a new concept. Years before reality TV was putting B-list celebrities into enclosed spaces and jungles while analysing every characteristic, good or bad of individuals, it had already been done on the printed page.

Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None even preceded George Orwell’s 1984 by a decade when it was published in 1939, showcasing the concept of an all-seeing, all-hearing eye, exposing the hidden truths of characters they would rather others didn't know about.

This current stage adaptation is a star-studded whodunit which follows ten individuals that are lured to a secluded island by a mystery host. After their individual murderous secrets exposed, they are then eliminated one by one by persons unknown in accordance with the poem Ten Little Soldiers.

Featuring the acting talents of Paul Nicholas, Colin Buchanan, Susan Penhaligon, Frazer Hines, Mark Curry, Verity Rushworth, Ben Nealon and Eric Carte, watching the play is like experiencing a classic film brought to life on the stage. The producers have elected to keep the tale close to the author’s original intentions by having the characters trapped on a remote island during the 1930s time period, giving the tale a very authentic feel.

The audience, escaping the onslaught of a heat wave outside Cardiff’s New Theatre on Tuesday evening still found themselves in a cool environment but feeling the heat of the excitement as the drama unfolded. Whoops and screams from the audience occurred as the set went dark and a gun shot was released on stage.

Whodunit? I’m not spoiling the fun! I can only say my first Agatha Christie experience was an absolute delight to savour! Don’t miss this chance whatever age you may be to experience And Then There Were None. The production continues at The New Theatre until Saturday. 

• Read Andy Howells' interview with Frazer Hines

What Ho! Comedy Star Chris Ryan Discusses Jeeves & Wooster On Stage

After conquering the West End, including a 2014 Olivier Award for Best Comedy, PG Wodehouse’s iconic pairing Jeeves & Wooster bring their trademark humour to Cardiff’s New Theatre this week.
Adapted from Wodehouse’s works, Perfect Nonsense is a wonderful new play with a hilarious cast. Edward Hancock plays the effervescent Wooster while narrating this outrageous tale as Jeeves is Jason Thorpe who also has to run around building the set and enacting all the other characters.
Helping Jeeves bring the characters to life is fellow butler Seppings, played by Chris Ryan, perhaps best remembered by a generation of comedy fans for his appearances in TV’s The Young Ones, Bottom and Absolutely Fabulous.
Andy Howells recently chatted with the actor about his career and of course Perfect Nonsense.

Were you a fan of PG Wodehouse?
I’m not an aficionado or anything but I did read The Blandings and Lord Emsworth, things like that. As for Jeeves & Wooster, I do remember watching Ian Carmichael and Dennis Price in the 60s. Obviously these days most people remember Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie but I thought Ian Carmichael and Dennis Price were very good to.

How have you found playing Seppings in the touring version of Perfect Nonsense?
It involves for me so much energy and concentration so each show is totally energised, committed and concentrated. Its not enjoyment so much in the sense of going out there  and having fun but if the audience are having fun that gives me satisfaction in that its working.

Do you prefer working on stage or television?
I feel more comfortable and at home in the theatre. I never feel particularly comfortable doing film and television they are such technical mediums. In the theatre, you get the immediate response you’re on the tightrope because you can’t say “Cut! We’ll do it again,” you keep going. You start at the beginning go through the middle then to the end and do it night after night so you can refine, change and develop things. When I started in theatre I didn't think about television or things like that. I did repertory theatre through the 70s and my first television was in 1978, a non-speaking part in the Patrick Mower series Target and then other bits and pieces.

Was it true you were an original member of The Flying Pickets?
That’s interesting because in 1980, I was in a political left-wing company called 7:84 by John McGrath and we’d done a play by John Burrows called One Big Blow which was all men and about a group of miners who were also a brass band. We did everything vocally, harmonies and sing all types of pop stuff from all periods and we’d travel from place to place as the band.
Then we did one gig at the Albany Empire but that was the only one I did. We called ourselves tentatively The Flying Pickets. I think it might have been Brian Hibbard who thought of that, he was a wonderful actor who had that Welsh darkness. He was like a piece of coal in a way it was extraordinary the quality he had.
We did that at the Albany Empire and then I was asked to do the play Can’t Pay Won’t Pay.  They revived One Big Blow and then from that they obviously developed it and went on. I can’t claim to be a Flying Picket, I was probably in the prototype but id left the company by then.

How did you come by your part of Mike in the TV comedy The Young Ones?
I was doing a play at the Criterion Theatre called Cant Pay Wont Pay which was a Dario Fo political farce. I was in the play with an actress called Maggie Steed whose partner at the time was Andy De La Tour, he was part of that group and I think he suggested me.
They were looking for someone to play this character (Mike, the cool person). It was only after it was all over and done with that I discovered that originally it was going to be Peter Richardson, who was the comedy partner of Nigel Planer. I went along to the BBC and met Paul Jackson who was producing and directing and read with Nigel and Rik Mayall. I don’t think Ade Edmondson was there on that particular day, I did some little improvisation things. This was all in order to do a pilot which we did and that pilot became the first episode. Then it was commissioned for a series and then another. We only did twelve episodes, six in 1982 and six in 1984.
Subsequently from that, we did Waiting for Godot in the West End with Philip Jackson playing Pozzo. I played Lucky and Rik and Ade played Vladimir and Estragon and then they asked if I could play Hedgehog in Bottom. By then, Ade had married Jennifer Saunders who wrote Absolutely Fabulous, she wrote this character called Marshall for me who was one of her ex husbands. Its funny how these things relate.

You also have the distinction of appearing as aliens in the classic and new series of Doctor Who. Did you find it a challenge to act through prosthetics?
Somebody said that to me and I didn't realise that. I know there are many people who know everything about it.  That was three and half hours getting all that stuff on with very heavy costume as well. That was another "something else" wasn't it? Very hard work again acting your way through the costume and the make up and everything to show the character.

Would you like to return to Doctor Who in the future?
If they asked me! They've done more with Sontaran's but haven’t asked me but that’s fine because other people get a chance. If they asked again, I'd certainly think about it. I know the score now, with the make up and the rest of it.

So back to Jeeves & Wooster, how would you describe the show to people planning to come and see it?
It’s universal, timeless and fun. The response we've had through the tour has been very enthusiastic, especially at the end of the show. Hopefully they’ll get a taste for Wodehouse and it may prompt them to read the books.

• Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense is at the New Theatre until Saturday 13 June. Tickets are on sale now with prices ranging from £11.00 to £33.00. For further details about the show or to book tickets* visit newtheatrecardiff.co.uk or call the Box Office on (029) 2087 8889. 
• A shorter version of this interview by Andy Howells appeared in The South Wales Argus entertainment supplement The Guide on June 5, 2015. Read the e-edition here.