Lizzie Johnston - Official Reviewer
(40 Reviews)
Cluedo 2 - The Next Chapter
Cluedo 2 - The Next Chapter - The Lowry, Salford - Tuesday 2nd April 2024
CLUEDO 2 IS GREAT FUN - COMBINING THE TWISTS AND TURNS OF A WHODUNIT TALE WITH CLASSIC COMEDY
Cluedo, a beloved mystery board game that’s brought together generations and one of the most well known games, has been adapted once again for the stage. Returning to The Lowry, Cluedo 2 brings to life a brand new tale, set in the swinging 1960s, with a new house, new suspects and a new mystery. Despite having missed out on seeing the first Cluedo play, Cluedo 2 is a show on its own and far from a sequel. It still has the same iconic characters and rooms as the game, and first show, but stands on its own.
The plot revolves around rock n roll legend, Rick Black, who hasn’t had a hit in years and is consequently broke. As he’s settled into a new, expensive home named Graveny Manor, Rick desperately needs to revive his career and fame. Along with his wife, manager, interior designer, and butler (is he even really a butler?), the group uncover each other’s mysteries and secrets, particularly as the bodies start to pile up.
The set design was a standout for me, it was simple and used the iconic elements of the original game in such a creative and lively way. At the back was the layout of the board, with the corresponding room lighting up for each scene. Throughout the show, there was great attention to detail for each room, despite the simplicity and minimalism of the overall layout, a few pieces of furniture and the correct props completely transformed the set into different areas of the manor house. The costumes also paid homage to the famous characters and classic roles of murder mysteries, but added a 1960s twist to make them relevant to the storyline.
All of this paired with upbeat music to move the play along made for brilliant and entertaining transitions. I particularly loved how the longer transitions would take you through different rooms of the house, including a quick game of billiards.
The ensemble cast were superb, embracing the heightened style of comedy and fully committing to the over the top nature of their characters. Each actor brought the iconic names to life with their own unique flair, with characteristics you would imagine each role to have when playing the original game.
Ellie Leach (Strictly Come Dancing, Coronation Street) took on the role of Miss Scarlett, in her stage debut. She captured the character’s wit and charm with effortless grace, which ultimately added to the surprise elements of the fascinating twists in the plot.
There was no standout character for me, as the whole cast kept the audience entertained throughout. The physical comedy was cleverly crafted to make it look natural and effortless, with some moments deliberately bigger than others compared to other subtle touches that added an extra comedic element to the scene, which could be cryptic clues, ultimately making the production feel interactive and exciting.
The ensemble cast included Jason Dunn (Losing Louis, Follow My Leader, A Chorus Line) as Colonel Mustard, Jack Bennett (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Ecstasy, Windfall) as Wadsworth, Hannah Boyce (The Judas Kiss, Lord of the Flies, Around the World in 80 Days) who took on Mrs Peacock, Mrs White was portrayed by Dawn Buckland (Sinatra the Musical, Rehab the Musical, Nativity! The Musical), and Edward Howells (The Polar Express, Still Life/Red Peppers, The Boy With the Cuckoo Clock Heart) played Professor Plum.
You don’t need to be a fan of the board game to enjoy this play, it’s simply a modern twist on traditional murder mysteries and combines the twists and turns of a whodunit tale with classic comedy. It’s lighthearted and easy entertainment, giving the audience a chance to embrace their inner detectives and see if they can figure out who the real murderer is among the group. This kept the audience hooked throughout, as we wanted to process the clues and be engaged with the whole experience.
The classic board game translates to the stage brilliantly in Cluedo 2, creating an immersive theatre experience for all ages. It’s a must-see for board game fans and theatre enthusiasts alike.
WE SCORE CLUEDO 2...
WATCH OUR "IN CONVERSATION WITH JASON DURR AND ELLIE LEACH" VIDEO DISCUSSING THE PLAY
São Paulo Dance Company
São Paulo Dance Company - The Lowry, Salford - Tuesday 12th March 2024
SÃO PAULO DANCE COMPANY ARE A DELIGHT TO WATCH - FIERY, PASSIONATE AND SLEEK!
The São Paulo Dance Company took to the Lyric Theatre stage at The Lowry on Tuesday evening as part of their highly anticipated UK debut. In all honesty, I hadn’t heard much about the São Paulo Dance Company until their current tour, but from the promotional images alone, I knew we’d be in for a night of stunning contemporary dance - and that’s exactly what we got. Despite my lack of knowledge about the company, the theatre was rumbling with anticipated fans who were eager to see the dancers share their talent.
São Paulo is known to be one of Brazil’s finest dance companies, who fuse elegance and sensuality together using elements of classical ballet and traditional Latin American dance, creating sleek and high-quality performances. Choreographed by Goyo Montero, Nacho Ducato and Cassi Abranches, the programme of dances is rooted in Latin American and Spanish culture, and split into three acts, bringing a mix of vibrancy, technicality, and Afro-Brazilian rhythms to the stage. Each act flowed effortlessly, as the performers continued to move to create seamless transitions and merging each part together to complete a bigger routine.
The first act, choreographed by Goyo Montero, reflects on life cycles through a passionate routine, using a range of dynamics from quiet stillness to exploding energy. This bill is mostly a group number, when the dancers move together as one with incredible precision and fluidity.
The second part of the triple bill, Gnawa by Nacho Ducato, took influence from Valencia and its Mediterranean colours and flavour, merged together with the hypnotic music of North Africa.in this bill is a pas de deux, where two dancers took to the centre of the stage and blew everyone away in a performance that looked so technical yet so light and easy - a true sign of talent.
Cassi Abranches was the creative mind behind the third bill, choreographing a vibrant finale that explored timing and rhythm. The exhilarating final act saw the dancers sculpt their bodies to the groove of Afro-Brazilian tunes. This was my favourite in particular as I loved the sunset colours, the sharp movements to the beat of the music and the upbeat performance.
The troupe of 22 dancers had such fluidity between them, dancing beautifully whether it was as a group, duo or a solo moment. The performers were full of energy and passion, giving the audience a red-hot performance with a Latin edge.
The staging was extremely minimalist, using moody lighting and spotlights to create an atmosphere. This, along with the simple costumes, allowed the movements of the group to be the main focus and not get lost amongst a busy set. I particularly liked when the dim lights and smoke combined to create almost a blur, putting the choreography at the forefront and highlighting the talent of the dancers and how they act as one.
For those who appreciate and enjoy dance, São Paulo Dance Company is a real enlightening treat. The company embraces a range of techniques and takes inspiration from different Latin American and Spanish cultures to create a programme of unique and exhilarating performances.
The audience left in complete awe of the performers and their athletic power, they never once dropped their energy and made the whole show look effortless. The dancers are a delight to watch, and the company is quite frankly overloaded with exceptional talent - it’s fiery, passionate and sleek entertainment!
WE SCORE SAO PAULO DANCE COMPANY...
Watch our "In Conversation with Daniel Reca & Leticia Forattini" video discussing the piece.
Birmingham Royal Ballet - The Sleeping Beauty
Birmingham Royal Ballet's The Sleeping Beauty - The Lowry, Salford - Thursday 7th March 2024
BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET'S THE SLEEPING BEAUTY LEAVES THE AUDIENCE SPELLBOUND - A TRULY MAGICAL EXPERIENCE!
The Sleeping Beauty was my favourite fairytale growing up, in fact I’d say I was pretty obsessed with it. I was hooked on the magic and wonder of the story, playing the video of the Disney version on repeat. As soon as I heard Birmingham Royal Ballet were returning to The Lowry with a production of The Sleeping Beauty, I put it straight in my diary and knew I had to go. Last year I reviewed the company’s production of Swan Lake, and I still rave about how magnificent it was, so I was extremely excited to get to enjoy this talented company once again.
The Sleeping Beauty is a fairytale of love, magic and wonder that sees a young princess cursed by a wicked fairy. On her sixteenth birthday, Princess Aurora pricks her finger and falls into a deep sleep for 100 years, a curse that can only be broken by true love’s kiss. It’s a childhood favourite with a cast of familiar characters, making this a ballet to be enjoyed by all the family.
The performance is a traditional ballet, split into four acts with each being a key moment to the story. The stunning choreography by Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov and Peter Wright entrances you during each of these moments, from the christening to the wedding. Ballets can feel like a different theatre experience than plays or musicals, however the way this production was crafted makes it easy to follow so the storyline was never dropped, meaning The Sleeping Beauty is a great ballet for anyone who has been before.
As soon as the curtain dropped, we were instantly transported to a grand ballroom, with opulent costumes to match as the cast poured onto the stage. The blend of the lavish costumes from the fairies to the couriters, brought the childhood favourite to life on stage, with lace and sequins that any young ballerina would dream of wearing. The design paired together with Tchaikovsky’s charming score is beautiful and enchanting, particularly as I noticed the memorable tune of Disney’s ‘Once Upon A Dream’ from the animated film within the score - an instant goosebumps moment.
The whole audience was captivated by the elegance and magic of the show, including the set design which transitioned from the grand ballroom into a vine covered chamber hidden deep in the forest. The way this was created was truly magical, with Ellis Small’s (Cinderella, Don Quixote, Giselle) The Lilac Fairy effortlessly floating between the vines.
As The Lilac Fairy, Small’s soft and elegant movements provided a great contrast to Daria Stanciulescu’s (Cinderella, Quixote, Romeo and Juliet) The Fairy Carabosse, constantly showing the battle between the good and evil fairies. Stanciulescu demanded the stage as soon as she entered, completely changing the atmosphere with her powerful and sharp moves.
Princess Aurora was every ounce of and beauty you’d expect as Momoko Hirata (Cinderella, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake) graced the stage with true princess qualities. As a performer, Hirata is mesmerising and utterly stunning, she’s a real talent and it was a delight to see her dance again. As Princess Aurora, Hirata is young and full of life, which gives the story great irony considering the curse she is under. Once she meets the Prince, Aurora becomes completely encapsulated by him, with Hirata and Max Maslen (Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Swan Lake), Prince Florimund, performing the extraordinary pas de deux. Together, they are the epitome of a fairytale with beautiful and undeniable chemistry.
I couldn’t recommend a fairytale ballet enough, particularly one performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet. The company is exquisite, graceful and deliver a mesmerising performance every time. The Sleeping Beauty has breathtaking choreography and stirring music, casting its spell on the audience to leave them spellbound long after the final curtain falls. Our night at the ballet was a truly magical experience, reminding the audience of the enduring power that classical ballet has and its ability to enchant and inspire.
WE SCORE THE SLEEPING BEAUTY...
Shed: Exploded View
Shed: Exploded View - Royal Exchange, Manchester - Saturday 10th February 2024
SHED: EXPLODED VIEW IS A DEEPLY MOVING PLAY WITH A POWERFUL IMPACT
I always love a trip to the Royal Exchange, it’s a vibrant place which celebrates the best of theatre and regularly welcomes new and exciting productions. This time I’m heading there to see a new play written by Phoebe Eclair-Powell, which was the 2019 winner of the Bruntwood Prize Playwriting, named Shed: Exploded View. As this is the world premiere, I turn up with a limited idea of what to expect, having only seen the show described as a “delicately woven tapestry about violence, love and loss” on the Exchange’s site.
Turning up with no expectations to what you’re about to see adds an element of intrigue to a theatre trip, which suited this show perfectly. The plot follows three couples whose paths cross in different ways and different ways, yet they all have troubles of a similar kind. Each couple is a different age group at the present time, with one at the start of the relationship, one two decades in and one right at the end.
We see key moments and pivotal memories for each duo, from the first meeting, engagements and starting a family. Though these memories are far from happy, in fact there’s an underlying issue of domestic abuse that is constantly referred to. Over the 30 year timeline, we see short scenes depict the downfall of the relationships and how this impacts the day to day life as a couple. These moments are penned onto the stage with chalk as a reminder of the trauma caused by words and actions, which builds up and starts to cover the stage as the show goes on.
The stage itself is revolving and has three different sections, allowing the characters to pass cross each other throughout the timeline. It’s a simple set up with the frame aid a shed hanging from the ceiling and six chairs placed to one side, where the actors would be when not on the stage. The costumes too were simple and non-fussy, everyday clothes and dull colours, depicting the characters as normal, everyday people.
The youngest couple, Abi and Mark, played by Norah Lopez Holden and Michael Workéyè, meet at uni and at first seem young in love and happy but it soon turns sour. Abi becomes a victim of domestic abuse and is killed by Mark, which is an anchor for the whole play. At first their relationship is young and fun, with banter and aspirations of their life together, however the audience can see tensions rising and you feel yourself desperately wanting Abi to run. Norah acts this role beautifully as you truly see her yearning for her love for Mark to be enough.
Couple number two is Abi’s parents, Naomi and Frank, whose relationship is deeply impacted by her death, although it wasn’t exactly a fairytale beforehand. Lizzy Watts shows a multitude of layers to Naomi, from deep frustration at her struggling relationship with Frank and difficulties in motherhood. Hot head Frank, played by Jason Hughes, clearly loses his love for Naomi and finds it somewhere else, however the two haven’t separated and this causes friction.
Lil and Tony are the oldest couple who met each other later in life, in fact it’s not either of their first marriage. Hayley Carmichael plays Lil as a wise woman who notices troubles within the other relationships, urging the women to get out whilst they can. She has her own struggles and despite truly loving Tony, there are moments when she cracks. Will Johnson pulls at your heart strings in his role as Tony, he must have a form of dementia and old age is starting to affect him. His monologue of what to the audience seems a simple list really shows the confusion he’s living with and how this causes tension between himself and Lil.
Shed: Exploded View is fast-paced as it jumps between scenes but is still easy to follow and engaging. It’s shorter run time of 1 hour 40 minutes with no interval kept the pace up with no moments where the atmosphere dropped. As an audience member, you find yourself asking questions and wanting to know how the couples journeys go.
Each scene is unique but with many similarities and the same key messages at the core. It’s a deeply moving play with a powerful impact that opens up the conversation around violence and relationships, and what we choose to see and ignore when looking as an outsider.
WE SCORE SHED: EXPLODED VIEW...