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May 23, 2012
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BRIMSTONE AND TREACLE

You will rarely see as confronting a play as Brimstone and Treacle.  The play centres on a young girl, disabled after a hit and run, and the stranger that comes into the life of her family two years after the accident.  Is he a saviour or a sinner?

Originally written and recorded by the BBC, despite exceptional writing being acknowledged by the Director Of Television Programmes, it was banned because he found it nauseating.  I can understand why.  Dennis Potter’sevil versus evangelical text was re-written for the stage, and debuted at the Sheffield Crucible Theatre in 1997, opening in London in 1979 and even becoming a feature film (starring Sting) in 1982.

Pattie (Matti Houghton) cannot speak, walk, feed or clean herself.  She is entirely dependent on her parents who have not had a break for the past two years.  The grunting and sudden jolts in her body movements make it uncomfortable watching, precisely how it should be.  Her father Mr Bates (the commanding Ian Redford) and mother Mrs Bates (the always wonderful Tessa Peake-Jones) have two different outlooks for the future of their daughter.  One believes she will recover and the other thinks there is no hope. 

Enter Martin Taylor (Rupert Friend) who appears to have all the answers – willing to help, seems to know Pattie, and will do anything to convince Mr and Mrs Bates that they can trust him … just so he can be left alone with Pattie for a short time. Friend is a talented actor and plays the creepiness of the role with extreme conviction, however the strange decision, directorial as opposed to in the script perhaps, to give a nod or wink to the audience detracts one from being totally immersed in the narrative.

The strong cast put on a brilliant performance in this awkward to watch scenario.  You never know which way it’s going to turn next – much like a thriller, although you would never envisage the final twist.  As Dennis Potter so aptly puts it, “The evil act can lead to good consequences; a good act can lead to evil consequences.  This is often the case, and it is … incomprehensible”. 

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REVIEWED: 17/05/12
By Kate Hudspeth @KateHudspeth

2nd May - 2nd June 2012
Arcola Theatre, London, E8.

Tags: bargain theatre bargains deals discounts reviews musical theatre musicals plays thrillers london dalston arcola theatre brimstone and treacle dennis potter bbc matti houghton ian redford tessa peake-jones rupert friend

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February 03, 2012

MIDNIGHT TANGO



On Tuesday I went to the opening of Midnight Tango, which after an extensive UK tour, and before a second leg, is hitting the West end courtesy of Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace of Strictly Come Dancing fame.

Midnight Tango, is produced by Arlene Phillips and Adam Spiegel, and directed by Karen Bruce, so you know this is going to be an evening of choreographic delight, intense rhythms and breathtaking partnerships – you won’t be disappointed.

From the shadowy setting of a hot, smoky bar (exquisitely designed set by Morgan Large) we are introduced to an array of sizzling dancers, who form the company, including a beautifully told side story of a sweet older couple, who run the bar, providing many a comic moment throughout this dance fest.  Tango Siempre and Miguel Angel provide an authentic score to accompany the dancers and dazzle the audience.

The very loose story is one of rivalry.  Everyone in the bar is enjoying their evening and the company, the romance between Vincent and Flavia is flourishing, then in walks a sultry, dark figure vying for Flavia’s affection.  All the cast are named characters, but never actually addressed by said names.  The evening is played out with fierce Latin battles and group dances, each pairing getting their five minutes to shine.  Couples move incredibly quickly and accurately with brave footwork causing audible intake of breath from the audience on many occasions.

There are too many wonderful individual moments to point out, however if I had to choose, the finest point of the evening was the simply beautiful slow dance between Vincent and Flavia in act two.  This movement brings a tear to your eye with its pure elegance and grace; you can see the respect and care oozing from the pairing all the way through the show.  A special mention must also go to James Whiteside, for the most gorgeous and affective lighting design I have seen in the West End in a long time.

At 2 hours including Interval, this show simply zips by. Yes, at times it ventures towards being repetitive, but saying that, I would have happily watched it again straight away. If you go to Midnight Tango, and I wholly suggest you do, you will watch a mesmerising evening of dance and come away with a massive smile on your face. There is a reason this show has sold out across the country, and as it is going on another extensive UK tour straight after its west end run, I would catch it now before you regret it.

A sure fire hit.

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REVIEWED: 31/01/2012
By Christopher Owen @cobartlett

20th January - 31st March 2012
Aldwych Theatre, London, WC2B. 

Tags: bargain theatre bargain theatre reviews deals discounts bargains london west end theatreland fringe uk dance strictly come dancing arlene phillips bbc midnight tango Aldwych Theatre