ROBINSON CRUSOE (Birmingham Hippodrome) Review December 2012

Britain's biggest pantomime sails into Birmingham and it truly is swashbuckling fun and hilarity... with the Conley slant on things, of course.

Right from the off it's clear that this is the pantomime of the 21st Century, combining panto traditions with the latest exciting technology. In flies a video screen and a message from the main man himself - Brian Conley has everyone in hysterics before the show has even properly begun.

A ship sails onto the stage and is magnificent in size and detail, Ian Westbrook's design for the whole production is breathtaking. The sets are lavish and are a far cry from the days of the painted backcloth. 

Joining Brian as the beautiful Polly is local girl Kathryn Rooney, re-uniting the duo that played Buttons and Cinderella in last year's Hippodrome pantomime, and there's more than the odd reference to that! They make a wonderful team and work well to keep the audience enthused and entertained. The close of act one, without wanting to spoil too much is a moment of pure joy that echoes Brian Conley's days at the London Palladium as Caractacus Potts.

Mrs Crusoe is perhaps one of the lesser known pantomime dames, but Andrew Ryan ensures that she is one of your favourite. His facial expressions in particular are most hilarious. Andrew knows how to work an audience and can rock a dress better than a lot of women ever could. Just like Nigel Ellacott in Wolverhampton this year Andrew is a master of the multi-layer strip routine. Wolverhampton and Birmingham are blessed with the best dames in the business this year. James Patterson pictured with Andrew above is a great addition as Polly's father, the Major General. Gavin Woods makes a boo-able baddie. 

Swooping in from the flys on her enchanted shell is the Enchantress of the Ocean Lesley Joseph (Calendar Girls). Lesley acts as a narrator and regularly casts magic spells to further the story. One of the shows highlights is her song 'It's Me' that features a chorus of merpeople. It's a large cast and made up of ten dancers the ensemble are an experienced group who really shine in Lesley's number, literally. The ensemble are Simon Campbell, Stephanie Elstob, Rachel Ensor, Jamie Ray Hartshorne, James Hughes-Ward, Jane McMurtrie, Sergio Milella, Elliot Nixon, Soeli Parry and Kimmi Richards.

Earl R Perkins is the hunky islander Friday who together with Kathryn is involved in a scene in which a tree does his hair... yes that's right - Conley is rather random. There are puppets aplenty, of course greeted with the famous catchphrase. 

Another scene of particular hilarity involves Brian Conley, an apple and Kathryn Rooney's face. There really is humour for everyone of all ages and of all humour types; slapstick, witty, dry, random, ridiculous... it's got it all. 

Wait... we're not done yet! Not only does the pantomime have all of that, but what pantomime is as entertaining without a troupe of Cossack dancers!? The Mazeppa Cossacks are a surprise and thrilling addition to the show and of course it wouldn't be fair to not let Brian in on the fun. 

Audience participation in this show is unlike any other. The audience are filmed onto a large screen, Helen from Row D got up and danced Gangnam Style on stage, and there were plenty of opportunities for the children to be a part, especially in a rendition of I Am The Music Man which provides Brian the opportunity for some very funny ad-lib with the children.

There really is nothing left out of this pantomime, it has every old tradition and every new invention. This has to be the largest scale pantomime production you will see this year. Completely unmissable. The Birmingham Hippodrome is the only theatre to host a professional production of Robinson Crusoe this year and so it surely is the place to be!

Call the box office on 0844 338 5000 or book tickets online here: http://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/WhatsOn_focus.asp?showId=1737

ALADDIN (Swindon Wyvern Theatre) Review December 2012

You may be forgiven for believing you're in Swindon but in fact you're taken far away to the Oriental town of Swinyon for this year's production of Aladdin. Fronted by TV funny-man Keith Chegwin this intimate theatre is filled with magic and a welcoming charm.

The star-crossed lovers are West End star of Hairspray and We Will Rock You Lauren Varnham as Princess Jasmine and Liam Ross-Mills as Aladdin. Having seen Lauren countless times in both of her recent West End appearances I knew she would be more than up to the job. She proves to be the perfect princess in appearance, character and her vocals are second to none. Equally as charming is Aladdin, Liam Ross-Mills makes a wonderful lead and his version of A Whole New World whilst floating around the stage on a magic carpet is one of the many highlights.

Keith Chegwin has bundles of energy and is excellent at enthusing the audience. He has great accuracy it seems as not only did he spray a water gun jet directly into my face, but threw my favourite Quality Street chocolate straight into my lap. It was the strawberry one...

David Ashley is the evil Abanazer and proved quite scary when he entered the auditorium next to a nursery school group. The musical theatre veteran showcased his skill honed during his time in Starlight Express and one scene involved him roller skating around the stage. A classic and perfected baddie! Nick Barclay is a pleasant contrast as the the bumbling Emperor.

Widow Twankey isn't the most glamorous of dames, she has a bra that was meant to hold three and  works in a laundry shop, bless her, but Ian Mowat particularly in the Born This Way routine proved that there is a diva within her who's outfits are some very colourful creations. 

The glitz and glamour comes in the shape of Suzie Chard who presents an Essex-girl Genie, who sparkles and shines her way through. Her charisma fills the stage and even during moments of uncertainty after an incident with a pyro she carried the scene through to the end smoothly. The cave scene is another show highlight that begins with a rendition of I Am What I Am with backing from the Laine Theatre Arts ensemble - Jabari Braham, Michael Lin, Thomas Russell, Seren Sandham-Davis and Zac Watts.

The musical arrangements by Ben Kennedy are a delight, there is a mix of chart and musical theatre. Direction and Choreography by Andrew Wright is to the highest standard as expected with recent work including Singing In The Rain (Palace Theatre) the UK tour of Wonderful Town and a revival of 42nd Street (Chicester Festive Theatre and the Curve, Leicester). Additional choreography for the show is provided by Aaron Renfree, also a Laine's graduate. Aaron's choreography is always fresh, exciting and current and it is great to see that in such tradition-bound pantomime theatre.

Aladdin runs at the Swindon Wyvern Theatre until Sunday 6th January 2013 and you can book tickets here: https://wyverntheatre.org.uk/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=35166970-7B07-47FF-9EE1-5CFF13B5C8E9 or by calling the box office on 01793 524 481. 

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Wolverhampton Grand Theatre) Review December 2012

After what seemed like a lifetime, Jack And The Beanstalk has finally arrived in Wolverhampton. Qdos Pantomimes brings the magic of Cloudland, Benidorm's Solana Resort, Coronation Street and Bilston Market together in the most random collection of hilarity and fun.

Our lovestruck couple are West End star - Any Dream Will Do's Ben James-Ellis and Sophie Brooke-Ford. Both are on top of their game and give strong and entertaining performances. Full of energy Ben is the perfect strapping lad to lead the audience on a journey up the beanstalk and into Cloudland. Sophie Brooke-Ford's "To Make You Feel My Love" wouldn't have been out of place on a West End stage.

Coronation Street's Ken Morley is King Crumble and is reunited with on-screen partner from the Street Sherrie Hewson. In Benidorm character as Lady Joyce Temple Savage she is the perfect baddy and receives boos aplenty whenever she's seen. The opportunity to mention Corrie's famous waterbed scene just couldn't be left out!

Sherrie Hewson's glittering costumes were most exquisite and it is clear that every expense has been plunged into the show. Also dressed in glitz and glamour was the spirit of the beans - Fairy Fortune, Niki Evans. Niki who rose to fame on X Factor has been touring recently as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers and it is great to see her in a much more lighthearted role and with some upbeat songs to riff away - incredible vocals.

The babes were made up of children from the Classic Academy of Dance. The ensemble dancers are Frankie Armitage, Lucian Collier, Oliver Dale, Sian Harriman, Matthew Hartley, Angela Sheppard, Bryony Thompson and Robert Tregoning. The entire team execute perfection with the choreography and are exciting to watch. Alternately they bring Day-Zee the cow to life with a humorous hip-hop twist.

Nigel Ellacott is Jack's mother Dame Trot, and is clearly the experienced Dame. A lifetime in the business (s)he masters the quick change, the towering headdresses and those lame jokes that for some reason are always funny. Dame Trot's Bilston Market song to the tune of Copacabana brought the house down. 

Stealing the show however is a little green duck called Orville. Yes, Keith Harris, Orville and Cuddles from all those years ago prove that the old-time entertainment is indeed just as relevant and entertaining today. The children's favourite was clearly Orville who can sing other songs aside from "I Wish I Could Fly" surprisingly well. That isn't to say that Orville's famous song isn't included - it most definitely is and brought the house down, pleasing all but one particular monkey. Cuddles was far from impressed and an appearance in Act 2 ensured that the pantomime had something for all the family - definitely one for the parents! 

The set was far from normal and very impressive. There are lavish palaces, a quaint village and an entire house! Andrew Lynford's direction and Steven Harris' choreography come together well to keep the show flowing. The beanstalk and the giant are very impressive and it's nice to see both presented in a much more physical and creative way than the use of 3D - which seems to be the way a lot of pantomimes are moving towards. 

Packed with well-known song's of charts, stage and screen this is definitely a show you can sing along to. Wolverhampton never fails at Christmas to put on a fun family show and Jack And The Beanstalk is something that should definitely be part of your festive plans! If you haven't already done so, book those tickets now! Book online at http://grandtheatre.iristickets.co.uk/en/group/4758/jack-the-beanstalk-2012-13/

Visit the pantomime website at http://www.grandtheatrepanto.co.uk and once you've seen it make sure to 'leaf' a review here! http://grandtheatrepanto.co.uk/virtual-beanstalk-2 

You can also book for next year's pantomime SLEEPING BEAUTY starring Joe Pasquale here: http://grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=683&sC=page46

Production photos © Gavin Dickson Photography. 

PANTO DAY 2012: Jack And The Beanstalk (Wolverhampton Grand Theatre)

Today is Panto Day! Around the country hundreds of theatres have been keen on sharing the love for pantomime and in Wolverhampton we've had a very long but exciting day of tech rehearsals. I sat in on the afternoon session and kept a blog diary of events for the Grand Theatre's new backstage blog which you can read here: http://www.grandbackstageblog.co.uk

"It’s lunchtime at the Grand Theatre and things were unusually quiet when I entered the auditorium… but not for long! “Testing pyro!” shouted someone from the wings as a sparkly explosion erupted from the stage."

As part of the day's events, theatre's up and down the country have been posting pictures of their cast members holding the I LOVE PANTO signs! I spent a busy tea break running around to find willing volunteers to photograph - it wasn't too difficult, we're a stagey bunch of people.

Oliver Dale, Keith Harris and Lucian Collier

"The curtain rises on a town and we’re about to go from the top of the scene. Less than one minute in and we’ve stopped already – Nigel Ellacott’s entered from the wrong side of the stage, oh dear!"

The cast have a long day of tech rehearsals finishing at 10pm tonight, the crew will be staying until 2am to configure more of the lighting. They face the same again tomorrow, with a first dress run scheduled for tomorrow evening - it's a tough week! The show opens on Saturday and there are two performances each day!

Frankie Armitage, Bryony Thompson and Sophie Brooke-Ford

"The babes have joined the cast on stage and are ready for a musical number with Nigel but wait, where’s King Ken? He’s our very own Wolverhampton Wanderer! "

I've only spent five hours with the company today and it was clear within the first few minutes that they're a very talented and hardworking group of people. This afternoon was hilarious, and we only staggered through a few scenes! This year's pantomime promises to be very entertaining and I can't wait to see it properly at the press night on Tuesday. 

Robert Tregoning, Matthew Hartley, Oliver Dale, Sian Harriman, Lucian Collier

There are still tickets available for JACK AND THE BEANSTALK and I urge everyone to buy one. You can call the box office on 01902 42 92 12 or visit the website and book here: http://grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=604&sC=page10

Remember to read my full blog diary here: http://www.grandbackstageblog.co.uk 

THE LADYKILLERS (UK Tour) Interview with Michele Dotrice

After hours of traffic and floating through flood to reach the Malvern Festival Theatre we were given the warmest welcome backstage by Mrs Wilberforce herself, star of stage and screen - Michele Dotrice.

The Ladykillers play follows a similar premise to the films and premiered at the Liverpool Playhouse in 2011. The Ladykillers opened at the Gielgud Theatre, London in December 2011 before embarking on a 2012/13 UK tour which visits the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in January.

When asked about what makes the play such as success Michele Dotrice began by explaining that the story of this little old lady is one that touches the heart. "It's a beautiful classic of it's time, but manages to be current and up-to-date for modern audiences. It's a Black Comedy set in the 50's and there's a laugh every couple of seconds."

This production is pure entertainment and is packed with special effects and a magnificent set - a subsided house that's difficult for even the actors to move around - which all adds to the humour of course. "There's something funny for all ages" she added. "If it's physical comedy you like, we've got it, if it's witty banter - we've got that too. We've had very young audiences at the show as well as the elder generations, my young grandchildren loved it!"

"Mrs Wilberforce is rather a challenge to play. I've never played anyone quite like her, I have the padding, an extra droopy chest, a grey wig and make-up to make me look older (none of which I'll need towards the end of tour I'm sure!) but I'd like to think I have my own take on the character that offers a different perspective to Katie Johnson in the film. The character is beautifully written."

Michele Dotrice rose to fame 40 years ago as Frank Spencer's long suffering wife Betty in the TV series Some Mothers Do Ave Em. "I can't believe that after 40 years people still go on about it, it's still shown on TV and people still love it. Betty was a very important part of my life and working with Michael Crawford was fantastic. He's recently come back into my life, he's in New Zealand a lot, but he'll be coming to see me in The Ladykillers I hope. I loved working on television, but theatre is where you learn your craft. Particularly comedy is a very difficult form of entertainment on stage as night by night and venue by venue the audience reaction differs - and when you get it right, there's no greater buzz."

Aside from Clive Mantle baring an uncanny resemblance to John Cleese there is a definite Fawlty Towers/Monty Python feel to the play. Middle-aged men dressed as old ladies? Check!

From the writer of Father Ted and The IT Crowd, Graham Lineham, The Ladykiller's echoes the style of many popular British television series' and comes together perfectly to create such a fast-paced and tightly performed piece of theatre. The set by Michael Taylor as previously mentioned is breathtaking and the scene involving a car chase (without giving anything away) is very cleverly done and is hilariously silly.

Definitely one not to be missed The Ladykillers runs from 28th January - 2nd February 2013 at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01902 42 92 12 or by visiting the website here: http://grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=635&sC=page2

GREASE (UK Tour) Review November 2012

Nearing the end of a long UK tour, for one week only Grease takes you back to the summer of 1955 at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

It's been at least ten years since I last saw the show, and with the film released in 1978 the story and the show has had a long time to become dated. This latest production, fresh the West End gives the show a new look and is busting with energy. Proving to be suitable for any age there was girl who must have been only 5 sat behind us singing along to every word. 

Danny Zuko, the leader of the T Birds is played by Itv's Grease Is The Word winner Danny Bayne. Proving just why he was the winner, he is the perfect Danny, a great voice, slick moves, but a very cheesy Elvis laugh! 

Making up the rest of the gang is Richard Vincent as Doody whose songs Those Magic Changes and Rock And Roll Party Queen are effortlessly some of the highlights of the show. David O'Reilly is charming as Roger and has a laugh like a Lion King hyena. There was a stand-out performance from Ross William Wild as Kenickie, his Greased Lightning was perhaps the strongest vocal performance packed with riffs and screams showcasing the strong rock singer that he is. Also, Darren John as Eugene is a perfect scene-stealer and had the audience's "awwwww's" and sympathy throughout.

The girls are led by Carina Gillespie as Sandy. Beautiful in every sense of the word, her performance was a delight and Hopelessly Devoted To You received rapturous applause. Kate Somerset How as Rizzo received equal applause for her rendition of There Are Worse Things I Could Do. Stand-out performances include Laura Wilson in her very cute portrayal of Jan and Emily Hawgood as Cha-Cha.  

This production features the most lighting I've ever seen installed at the Grand, and the set by Terry Parsons is delightful and moves about the stage with ease and scene transitions are smooth. 

Grease really does bring the magic of the West End to your hometown in a production that suffers no cut-backs and oozes energy. This production breathes new life into the old and well-known story. The ensemble are some of the most enthusiastic you will ever see and a ticket to Grease will definitely be worth the money you paid. The feel-good tour of 2012!

Ross William Wild (Kenickie)

Tickets for the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre can be booked here: http://grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=628&sC=page10

Grease Website: http://www.greasethemusical.co.uk

SOME LIKE IT HIP HOP (UK Tour) Review Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

22 of over 100 youngsters from 12 schools across the region came together to form a dance troupe. This week they performed a curtain-raiser routine before each of the three performances of ZooNation's Some Like It Hip Hop at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

The lucky few were selected by ZooNation's Teneisha Bonner, who stars in the show. Funded by Inspire Carillion, the troupe performed a routine to Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger" and they all proved that they did indeed have the moves. Education Officer Louise Bent, who co-ordinated the project said "I was amazed to see the array of skills on display during the week. For many of the kids it was the first time they had danced on a professional stage. It's given them a taster of what it is like to be a professional dancer because Teneisha has really put them through their paces!"

Chief Executive of the theatre Peter Cutchie said that "this is the first time in 12 years that the Grand has hosted a professional dance company and what a fantastic show this has been to re-introduce Wolverhampton to the world of dance."

Over the two nights, the theatre was full of local press, photographers, guest Tweeters and young reviewers. There certainly was an exciting atmosphere in the theatre. There was a pre-show drinks reception for invited guests and also at the interval. The final night in Wolverhampton was also the final night of the UK tour which launched at The Lowry in Salford following a short residency at the Sadler's Wells Peacock Theatre. To mark the final night, Aston Merrigold of boyband JLS was spotted in the audience and was there to show support for his girlfriend - cast member Sarah Richards. 

Chairman of the Friends Of The Grand Gordon Hands said "Very fortunately I get to see every show that comes to theatre. If I didn't this probably wouldn't have appealed to me at my age. How very wrong I would have been. There really was something for everyone, and it was great to see the whole audience up on their feet dancing along at the end. I've certainly learnt some new moves!"

Me and fellow blogger Fran Richards with cast member DJ Walde

The after-show reception was very different to most weeks, usually a civilised, calm welcome and chat. This was a loud hip-hop party in which the young dancers mingled with the cast who posed for photos and signed posters of the show. The Friends of the Grand, the second largest theatre friends group in the country, offer a welcoming party to the cast on the first night of any show. As well as the regular friendly faces, this week it was refreshing to see so many enthusiastic young people at ZooNation's reception.  DJ Walde who is the composer and musical director for Some Like It Hip Hop confirmed he had thoroughly enjoyed the tour and that the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre had been a great venue to finish.

ZooNation have a few exciting projects in the pipeline and Some Like It Hip Hip makes a return to Sadler's Wells in 2013. My hope is that ZooNation return to the Grand Theatre in any future tours - they're sure to be a huge hit! 

You can read my previous blog, a chat with the show's producer here: http://scottbirdonline.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/some-like-it-hip-hop-uk-tour-word-from.html

The Grand Theatre's Backstage Blog has an update from marketing manager Kate Evans:

http://grandbackstageblog.co.uk/2012/11/21/hip-hop-hits-the-spot-zoonation-dance-company-shake-up-wolverhampton/

Pictures from the event feature on the theatre's Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151309784222922.534308.34383242921&type=1

And as if that wasn't enough dance this week, Angelina Ballerina the Mousical takes over the theatre until Saturday. Tickets can be booked here: http://grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=634&sC=page10

BATSHEVA ENSEMBLE: DECA DANCE (UK Tour) November 2012

Batsheva Ensemble's Deca Dance is a celebration of the company's back catalogue since the time Ohad Naharin assumed the role of Artistic Director in 1990.

As with all venues so far for this UK tour, protestors were present to raise awareness of issues affecting the Palestinians, in light of the Batsheva's connection with Israel as a state-funded company. With one temporary halt to the performance to rid the auditorium of determined saboteurs the performance carried on as intended - and was a thrilling evening of dance.

Tonight's performance was given by the junior company, which cultivates dancers from the age of 18 - 24. The company was founded in 1964 by the Baroness Batsheva who enlisted the help of Martha Graham as Artistic Advisor and was the first company outside of Graham's own to perform the legendary choreographer's routines.

This is Batsheva's UK debut and what they should be remembered for is the overwhelming talent, complexity and sheer stamina that they showcase in this reflection on two decades of work. What they offer is an exciting and fresh contemporary collection that evokes every emotion. There are moments of complete stillness, tender and beautiful contrasting with sharp, fast-paced exhilarating choreography. 

There is one routine in which the entire ensemble make their way into the auditorium and select members of the audience to join them on stage. There begins a humorous partner dance of the company's 'Gaga' dance style in which some members of the audience were more than willing to show off their moves. This part of the evening connected both the audience and the ensemble and there was an overriding feeling of strength as the divide between Batsheva and the public was fused. 

By the end, a highly-charged dramatic climax there was definite celebration. The support from the audience was clear that this gift of a performance from the young dancers was very much appreciated. 

An after-show question and answer session gave the majority of the audience who stayed behind an insight into the life of a Batsheva dancer. It is a real shame that unlike other state-funded dance companies that Batsheva's art cannot be seen separately from the political associations of their country. One of the dancers described the protests and show interruptions as very emotional. "We want to give the audience the best show that we possibly can and it is not an easy thing to be on our stage. It is a shame for a dancer to get this kind of violence when you are trying to give the gift of dance to the people. The interruptions differ by day and by venue but every time the support of the audience out weighs the opposition and the audience take away something special." 

The special 'Gaga' style of dance is named for want of a better term. It was formed way before the rise of Lady Gaga and is the choreographer's own style of movement language that is easy for anyone to say. The dancers described it as a very personal means of dance communication and is accessible to dancers of any age. It is an exploration of different bodily sensations and is a research method in which the dancers discover how their brains and body can work in tandem. They aim to multitask movement through Gaga and consider it an exciting challenge for the mind and body. Each dancer has freedom to interpret the direction in a way that connects with them. Gaga is a meaningful and passionate dane language. 

The company work six days a week, 10am - 5pm and a full-length show such as Deca Dance takes about one month to rehearse for. The piece is constantly being improved and is never "ready". But if you are ready for a challenging but thoroughly spectacular evening of contemporary dance do consider the incredible young dancers of Batsheva who are to be highly commended for their dedication to dance and to their company. 

Deca Dance has only one more performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome and tickets can be booked for Wednesday 14th November 2012 here: http://birminghamhippodrome.com/whatson_focus.asp?showid=1739

CALENDAR GIRLS (UK Tour) November 2012

The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre has been blessed with playing host to some of the finest touring plays this autumn. The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Bouncers, Haunting Julia and now Calendar Girls have all been at the top of their game and proven to be definite crowd pleasers.

Since the transition from screen to stage in 2008 this isn't the first time Calendar Girls has been to Wolverhampton, or the second... It's a firm favourite with the locals and it's easy to see why. A group of WI women from the Dales decide to make a naked (sorry, nude) charity calendar to fund a new settee for the family room on a cancer ward after one of the ladies loses her husband to the "shitty, cheating, sly, conniving bloody disease that cancer is".

Lesley Joseph leads the star-studded cast as Chris, the strong willed driving force behind the calendar. She incorporates her famous humour and dry comedic style but without loosing the heart and passion of the story. Alongside her are Kacey Ainsworth (Ruth), Helen Fraser (Jessie), Sue Holderness (Annie), Deena Payne (Cora), Kathryn Rooney (Celia) and Ruth Madoc (Marie). Each of the ladies bring reality and depth to their characters all of whom work in harmony to create the perfect cast. 

Hollyoaks star Kevin Sacre and his wife Camilla Dallerup of Strictly Come Dancing fame are wonderful additions to the cast as Lawrence the photographer and Elaine the makeup artist. Kevin Sacre is charmingly like a nervous school boy as he runs around organising the ladies for the shoot. Camilla Dallerup is hilarious in the short time that she is on stage and perfectly patronising.

The set by Robert Jones is simple yet stunning. A community hall framed by backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales. The floor lifts to create a hill, and the end image it creates is a pleasant and heartwarming surprise. 

Kevin Sacre, Camilla Dallerup and Lesley Joseph

Calendar Girls is for everyone, it's tastefully done and oozes charm and warmth. A show with real heart. There isn't much that actually makes me laugh out loud and Calendar Girls is one of the rare few.  Nearing the end of the tour for the current cast you can see the show at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday 17th November. You can book tickets via the theatre website:
http://grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=608&sC=page10 or call the box office on 01902 42 92 12.
Calendar Girls Website: http://www.seecalendargirls.com

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Wolverhampton Grand Theatre) Pantomime Roadshow

The magic of pantomime came early to the children of Field View Primary School in Bilston this morning. This year's pantomime Dame, Nigel Ellacott has been busy spreading the festive cheer to schools all over the country in a tour that teaches children about the traditions of pantomime. The tour has already visited London, Bradford, Glasgow and Aberdeen and is now visiting ten local schools in Wolverhampton and the surrounding area.

After helping with the get-in (yes, I have backstage skills too) it was time for the pupils of years 1 to 6 to find their seats in the audience - the show was about to begin... but wait...! Mr Daniel, the director had a very big problem, the star act had taken ill and he had to find a... a.... oh what's the word when an actor has to take the place of another actor? "Stunt double" said one of the children, no... "Intern"... "Double act" ... we finally got to 'Understudy' and on came the suitable replacement. From then on in the children got to learn about life backstage including how to put on stage makeup and the secrets of the quick change. They were understandably impressed with a five second transformation from a Chinese Emperor to Dame Trott. 

Joining Nigel for the Roadshow is pantomime legend Andrew Ryan and Musical Theatre performer Nathan Daniel. Both experienced pantomime dames Nigel and Andrew have plenty of expertise. Nathan trained at Laine Theatre Arts and has since starred in various pantomimes and toured the UK in the 50th anniversary tour of West Side Story. 

Between them all they performed comedy routines, introduced familiar pantomime characters and lead everybody in an all-singing finale of My Hat Has Got Three Corners. The children learnt that the pantomime dame is always a man and that sometimes the principal boy is played by a woman - how many times have we seen Bonnie Langford as Peter Pan? There was a short interval (that's a break in the performance) and then the children were given the chance to ask some of their own questions. 

Questions varied from "what's it like to be an actor?" to "how long does it take to learn a really big script?". Nigel likes about two weeks to look over his - "It's only 32 days until opening night, and even less until rehearsals I've still not had the script, I'm on edge!"

One girl told us that her favourite part was the whoopee-cousins. "They love the toilet humour, they'll laugh at almost anything, but they always love that bit" Nigel added. 

Nigel is starring as Dame Trott in this year's pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Andrew Ryan will be directing Snow White in Mansfield before starring as Mrs Crusoe in Robinson Crusoe at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Nathan Daniel will be taking to the stage in Aladdin at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle. 

You can find out more information about the roadshow along with heaps and heaps about Pantomime on Nigel's website (http://www.its-behind-you.com/roadshow.html) and other education events on the Grand theatre's new Pantomime website (http://grandtheatrepanto.co.uk/teachers-zone).

Nigel has been busy promoting the pantomime for the last few months - which included a trip to meet the Tapirs at Dudley Zoo, the pantomime's local partner. Nigel hosted the race night, a press event at the Wolverhampton Racecourse in September and his account of both the zoo and the race night can be read on his website, in the articles section: http://www.its-behind-you.com

The Grand Theatre have recently set up their own blog which will include all of the backstage shenanigans from the pantomime and for the productions visiting the theatre in 2013. You can read about the latest panto star Ben James-Ellis and his visit to the theatre here: http://grandbackstageblog.co.uk

If you want to book tickets to this years giant pantomime spectacular you can call the Grand Theatre box office on 01902 429212 or book via the website here: http://grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=604&sC=page46