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Diversity’s first tour since winning Britains Got Talent in May 2009 was billed as Diversitoys. This was Diversity and friends with a Toy Story theme. Of course, all the set piece dance pieces were there, just as polished, professional and spectacular as expected. Read the rest of this article »

If expressionism is your thing then this double-bill would have ticked all the imaginative boxes. Emma Bennett flawlessly delivered 25 minutes of abstract musings from her roll of paper, pausing only for the delivery of a Christmas tree! Pointedly annunciated colour nouns pieced together neatly, surreal images with a happy splash of absurdity. The endearing Ed Rapley also focused acutely on performance details, from the set props to wry observations of how things can go very wrong on stage. He brought anecdotes starkly to life via a paddling pool, stepladder and balloons (front-seaters should have brought a brolly). Both performances: A star.
The Basement, 30 March
5/5
Monica Perdoni

Down, down we went into the basement-like warren hole to a fairy-like, candle-lit setting of kitsch tea tables decorated with cupcakes, sweets and biccies – all to nibble on as we gathered around the storyteller’s velvet throne. Nine short stories from the pens and imaginations of local writers (and performers) were then read aloud by the three sparkly performers – Bernadette Russell, Gareth Brierly and Jules Craig – who breathed bubbling life into this genre. A perfect venue, twinkly décor, charming storytellers and engaging tales made for an enchanting evening.
The Basement, 14 April
5/5
Monica Perdoni

It may be filled with some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s best and prettiest tunes, but beneath the gingham is a bitter tale. Productions either do it pretty or do it dark but here we had a good balance of the two with excellent choreography, fine dancing and great voices. That is, when the sound balance was right – too often it was just a little too loud, losing the subtleties of the score. Full marks though for clarity of diction. Marti Webb was good but her lovely voice underused in the role. Mark Evans made a good Curly with a strong voice and acting skills. Gemma Sutton was a sassy and sweet-voiced Laurey. Pete Gallagher’s Judd Fry was both sinister and sad. All in all a balanced and impressive production.
Theatre Royal, 13 April
4/5
Andrew Kay