2019 Overview

Hi everyone,

I thought I would share with you my highlights from 2019 

Becoming an Auntie, Not Once But Twice
I became an auntie again both at the beginning and at the end of 2019. I already had a little niece, and now I have two little nephews.

Seeing the 'Rocky Horror Show' Twice in January
I have been wanting to watch the 'Rocky Horror Show' on stage since I saw it on Sky Arts back in 2015. I was originally only supposed to have going the once, but I enjoyed it that much that I went back for a second time, while it was still playing in Manchester for its third and final week. I don't think we have asked for a better cast. Ben Adams and Joanne Clifton made the perfect Brad and Janet, Stephen Webb as Frank n Furter was outstanding, and Kristen Lavercombe's Riff Raff just keeps getting better every time.

Going Seeing 'Breaking the Rules' For a Third Time
This has been another show that I have been wanting to get back too, as I haven't seen it since it's original tour back in 2016. This show just keeps getting better, and its improved loads during the last few years as it seems more natural and free flowing. It's a lovely show, and I'm hoping to go and see it again in the future.

Birthday in Chichester
I went to Chichester for a few days to celebrate my birthday, and I went to watch Terence Rattigan's 'The Deep Blue Sea' at the Minerva Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre. It was a lovely few days in Chichester, and the locals couldn't do enough to help me. They also have a little market on Wednesday, which was nice and I also didn't know anything about this market until I stumbled across it while working through the town centre. The theatre production was beautifully put together, and the cast was on top form. 'The Deep Blue Sea' really suited the Minerva Theatre due to its more personable layout.

Seeing a1 For the First Time
I have waited the best part of 20 years to watch a1 perform live. What a fabulous evening that was, as I went to the concert on my own and came out with a few new friends. We were treated to the classic a1 hits from the late 90s and early 2000s, as well as some new material that has yet to be released. I think that has got to be the only concert were I felt it the following morning (after three hours sleep), and it was worth it and I would happily do it all over again.

No Longer a Beginner Flute Learner
I never thought in a million years that I would saying that I'm no longer a beginner flute learner, and I'm really looking forward to what the next few years bring. I'm having at least year off from doing my grades, as the syllabus for woodwind instruments is due to be updated in 2021. So, we going to be focusing on my development as well as working on kinks that need working out.

My First Blog Collab
During the Summer I did a post related to Discontinued Jo Malone products. To do this post I worked alongside another Jo Malone fanatic called Michael James, who managed to source the information that I needed to do these two blog posts. It was a lot of fun going through products that Jo Malone no longer sells, especially the range of the skin care that I remember fondly.

Theatre Review: 'The Deep Blue Sea' by Terence Rattigan

Hi everyone,

I had the pleasure of watching Terence Rattigan's 'The Deep Blue Sea' twice at the Minerva Theatre, at the Chichester Festival Theatre on the 16th & 17th July 2019.

Cast
Nancy Carroll - Hester Collyer
Gerald Kyd - Sir William Collyer
Hadley Fraser - Freddie Page
Denise Black - Mrs Elton
Matthew Cottle - Mr Miller
Ralph Davis - Philip Welch
Laurence Ubong Williams - Jackie Jackson
Helena Wilson - Ann Welch

Act One begins with Hester lying unconscious in front of the fire. She is found by her neighbours Philip and Ann Welch, along with their housekeeper Mrs Elton. Mrs Elton goes to get help from another tenant of hers called Mr Miller, and Philip and Ann suggest that they try to get in contact with a relative of hers as her husband is nowhere to be seen. So, they inform her husband Sir William Collyer, who is a well respected judge and he comes round to Hester's flat straight away. Once William arrives he asks Mrs Elton to leave, and Hester asks him how much does he know about what happened, and he has been told just enough to stop her lying to him. While William is round Mr Miller comes in to check on Hester, and William thanks Mr Miller for helping her. Soon afterwards William has to leave Hester, as he is due in court in fifteen minutes, but he wants to make sure that Hester will be alright before he goes to court.

Act Two begins with Freddie talking to Jackie Jackson over why Hester tried to take her own life, and it was because Freddie didn't remember that it was Hester's birthday the previous day. Freddie wants Hester's divorce to hurry up. After Freddie has left, William comes to see Hester as she has offered him around for tea. But, because William's and Hester's moments are special he doesn't want her to waste those moments by her making tea in the kitchen. He also asks Hester if should would like to go out somewhere, but she wants to stay in to see what happens with Freddie. Freddie arrives back home and notices William. He asks Hester if she has seen Mr Miller, as he hasn't been to the club.

Act Three begins with Hester making a phone call to find out where Freddie is. Then Mrs Elton comes round to check to see if Hester is okay. While Mrs Elton is round at Hester's; Ann also comes round, as she wants to know if her husband Philip is there as he has been out with Freddie. Ann doesn't like being alone. Everyone in Mrs Elton's flats heard the argument between Hester and Freddie.
  Soon after, William comes to see Hester; he is dressed in a dinner jacket as he has had guests round for dinner that evening. William advises Hester to get out of the flat, as he doesn't like the idea of her being alone in the flat. But, she doesn't know of anywhere where she could go. Hester offers William a drink, but Freddie has finished off the bottle of whiskey. So, she offers him a bottle of Claret that she opened the night before and they toast to "the future". William offers Hester a different future, but she no longer wants to be his wife. But, William is more in love with Hester now than on their wedding day.
  Philip turns up by letting himself in with a key that Freddie gave him. Philip has come to collect Freddie's bag, as he needs it for that night. Hester asks Philip to check in on Ann before he goes back too Freddie, as she is getting worried about Philip.

Gerald and Nancy work beautifully together as Hester and William Collyer, as they are a natural pairing that manages to create something magical throughout the production. Gerald makes William both compassionate and caring, while still showing that he still loves Hester despite her loving Freddie. Nancy makes Hester both subtle and delicate when she is with William, but also powerful and passionate when she is with Freddie. I really enjoyed Hadley's entrance as Freddie, as he gives Freddie 'bounds of energy'. Denise  portrays her character as Mrs Elton as someone who tries to help in anyway they can, and whose heart is also in the right place. Helena and Ralph play Ann and Philip Welch with young innocence and who are also concerned for Hester's well being. Mr Miller is played with great gentleness by Matthew, as well as someone who is always looking out for Hester.

Paul Foster's revival of Rattigan's 'The Deep Blue Sea' is a brilliant piece of theatre, as he lets the cast play to their strengths to enable them to bring out the best of their characters. I really enjoyed experiencing a new play where the cast can express true emotions; as well as exploring situations that still happen in today's society.

Theatre Review: 'Breaking the Rules' by Clare Norburn (Updated)

Hi everyone,

I had the pleasure of seeing Clare Norburn's fabulous production of 'Breaking the Rules' twice back in 2016, and I have finally managed to go again on the 17th April 2019 only this time it was being performed at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.

Cast

Gesualdo - Gerald Kyd
The Marian Consort
Jamie Akers/ Wezi Elliot - Lutest

Original Review from 2016

'Breaking the Rules' is a performance to celebrate Gesualdo's 450th birthday. The performance consists of a two hour monologue and the Marian Consort performing Gesualdo's Tenebrae Responsies and Madrigils. The Tenebrae Responsies are sacred pieces of music composed by Gesualdo, and the Madrigils are the pieces of music were Gesualdo started to explore the use of harmonics and chromatics, and at that period in time it was just starting to come about.

'Breaking the Rules' is a one man concert drama that centres around the last day of Carlo Gesualdo. Gesualdo is alone in his chapel on his family estate. But, Gesualdo has been living inside his castle for some time.
  Two weeks previous he lost his only son and heir, and Gesualdo himself now stares death in the face, knowing that he faces purgatory for the multitude of sins that he has committed.
  During his final day, Gesualdo is haunted by the memories of his first wife, Maria; who he murdered 23 years ago because she was having an affair with local nobleman, Fabrizio Carafa, the Duke of Andria. The only thing that will finally free him of these visions from the past is if he 'turns on' the music, which he himself has composed.
  Also, in the chapel with Gesualdo are his consort of singers and they help to provide a soundtrack into Gesualdo's mind, as well as to act as a trigger to help Gesualdo remember his important life events.

Gerald is absolutely outstanding as Gesualdo, because he makes him likeable; even though he has a very dark and intense past. The monologue is performed with a lot of depth and contrast; and this is due to Gesualdo reflecting back on his past as well as highlighting some of his important life events.

The Marian Consort are fabulous as Gesualdo's personal consort. They perform a selection of Gesualdo's Tenebrae Responsies and Madrigils because Gesualdo has to 'turn on' the music while reflecting on his past life. The music which is performed by the Marian Consort is beautiful to listen too because of the harmonics and chromatics that is used throughout Gesualdo's compositions. Angels are definitely singing in the form of the Marian Consort.

'Breaking the Rules' is a fabulous production that provides the audience with a unique experience. If you want to see a show which puts in a dream-like state, and through a palette of colours, then this could be for you. 'Breaking the Rules' is a show that certainly takes you out of yourself and transports you to another place.

2019 Update

I had the pleasure of seeing 'Breaking the Rules' for a third time, and this time it was held at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester at 7.30pm.

This was staged differently to when I had watched this in the past; as they used elements of the hall to give it a more spacious feel rather than the condensed feeling which is due to the layout of the churches.
  The opening act started off with the Marian Consort singing from the dress circle; and at the start of the second act the Consort sang from the gallery. But they also walked around the stalls during the second act.

The way the monologue is performed has also changed from when I first saw the production. Gerald has given Gesualdo a 'new lease of life', as there's even more depth of colour, as well as a lot more to Gesualdo's character from what I remember previously. Also, both Luigi and Guilio now each have their own characteristics.
  The 'magic numbers' scene has also been staged differently, because this scene used to be Gerald sitting in a chair reading a book; whereas it now commands the entire stage.

'Breaking the Rules' has certainly got better and better over the years. It seems to go at a more relaxing pace, which gives it a more natural and free flowing feel. Everyone was on top form. The Marian Consort sounded exceptionally crisp and clean, and Gerald has only bettered the entire monologue throughout the years.
  I actually felt very at home with 'Breaking the Rules', as I had a lovely, warm cosy feeling throughout. I even caught myself saying some of the monologue to myself, as well as having a little sing-a-long with some of the music.

I would highly recommend anyone to grab a ticket to see this wonderful production; as I didn't think it could get any better, but this show has bettered itself throughout the years.

Theatre Review: 'The Meeting' By Charlotte Jones

Cast

Lydia Leonard - Rachel Young
Gerald Kyd - Adam Young
Jean St. Clair - Alice Thirley
Leona Allen - Tabitha Rickman
Olivia Darnley - Biddy Rickman
Jim Findley - James Rickman
Laurie Davidson - Nathaniel Burns

I had the pleasure of seeing this production on the 17th July 2018, at the Minerva Theatre which is part of the Chichester Festival Theatre.

'The Meeting' is set in Lewes, South Downs during 1805. The play centres around the five Quaker Testimonies and these are Peach, Equality, Simplicity, Truth & Integrity, and Sustainability of the planet (PESTS).

Act One begins with a Quaker meeting that is being led by Elder James Rickman.
  We then meet the Young family, and they are Adam, Rachel and Alice. Adam works as a stonemason, Rachel enjoys going for walks and speaking at Quaker meetings, and finally there's Alice who is Rachel's mother who is struggling to be heard in the Quaker community as she was born deaf; so Rachel is her voice.
  Adam needs an apprentice as his eyesight isn't as good as it used to be. Adam makes tombstones for the dead regardless of their beliefs, as everyone is treated as equals and they also don't believe in rank.
  While out walking Rachel is seen by Nathaniel. Nathaniel is invited back to Rachel and Adam's home, as Rachel wants Nathaniel to be Adam's apprentice. He is also invited to the meeting that is taking place later on that evening. When Adam gets home from work he meets Nathaniel for the first time, and Rachel explains to Adam that Nathaniel is his new apprentice. While at the Quaker meeting Adam introduces Nathaniel as his new apprentice. During the meeting Rachel speaks up about what is going on outside their community, and this in turn makes Rickman concerned about Rachel's state of mind. Rickman also wants to oversee Nathaniel's apprenticeship alongside Adam.
  Alice is making Tabitha's wedding dress, as she is set to marry a quaker man; even though she is still only young.

The beginning of the second Act starts off with another Quaker meeting but without Rachel present, as she hasn't been to a meeting for a month, and Elder Rickman is missing her not being at the meetings.
  Back home Nathaniel enters the room where Rachel is present, but they shouldn't be seen together. While at work both Nathaniel and Adam get along very well and they have a laugh together; and Nathaniel is doing really well in his apprenticeship, so Adam is hoping to start him on carving soon.
  Some time later, Rachel decides to leave her current surroundings after a confrontation took place between herself and Biddy regarding Adam. Rachel has travelled far and wide telling everywhere she visits her views, and she is being accepted into every place where she travels too. With Rachel gone; Adam will now be Alice's voice.

'The Meeting' is a gorgeous piece of theatrical writing that shows how people use their voice through verbal and non-verbal communication, while also exploring the lives of a Quaker community during the early 1800s. It also explores acceptance by showing how a community is willing to accept a stranger into their lives through an act of kindness.

This is a lovely show to watch, and every member of the cast are fantastic. There's even a 'Pride and Prejudice' moment towards the end of the first Act; which seems to be going down very well with the audiences.

Theatre Review: 'Winter Solstice' By Roland Schimmelpfennig

Cast

Albert - Felix Hayes
Bettina - Kirsty Besterman
Rudolph - David Beames
Corinna - Marian McLoughlin
Konrad - Gerald Kyd

I had the pleasure of seeing 'Winter Solstice' twice when it was being performed at HOME, Manchester back in February.

'Winter Solstice' is set in Albert and Bettina's home on Christmas Eve. Bettina has invited her mother to stay over for the festive season. But all isn't as it seems, as Bettina's mother has invited a stranger over to their house; as they were both stuck on a train in the middle of nowhere.
  Albert is an author and Bettina writes and produces films which are aimed at a very specific audience. Also, on this Christmas Eve they are expecting a guest later on called Konrad, who just happens to be Albert's oldest friend. Konrad is also an artist, and he has painted a canvas for them which hangs in the living room.

'Winter Solstice' is absolutely fascinating to watch, as you have five actors on stage who not only play their own individual characters, but they also set the scenes and perform the sound effects by using props that are laid out in front of them.
  This show also doesn't have an interval; and by doing so it flows at an extremely fast pace. It's also a lot of fun to watch; as it starts off as a family farce and it transpers into something completely different.

It's also worth mentioning that if you understand the history behind this play then it might just hit you like a "tonne of bricks". But, because it written and performed in a such a way the history appears gradually throughout the entire piece.

I also managed to get very relaxed into the final scene; so much so that I was getting ready to drift off on both occasions. I'm just going to blame Bach's Prelude in C Major for that, as it is a relaxing piece of music to listen too.

I personally cannot fault any member of the cast, as the show itself ran seamlessly; despite how complex the script was with the props, setting of the scenes and also the actors individual characters.

I would highly recommend 'Winter Solstice' for anyone who loves history and enjoys exploring new pieces of theatrical writing and concepts.                                 

Review: 'Breaking the Rules' By Clare Norburn

Hi everyone,

I had the pleasure of seeing 'Breaking the Rules' at St George's Church in Kendal, because it formed part of the Lake District Summer Music International Festival.

Cast
Gerald Kyd - Gesualdo
The Marian Consort
Jamie Akers - Lute

'Breaking the Rules' is a performance to celebrate Gesualdo's 450th birthday. The performance consists of a two hour monologue and the Marian Consort performing Gesualdo's Tenebrae Responsies and Madrigril's. The Tenebrae Responsies are sacred pieces of music composed by Gesualdo and the Madrigril's are the pieces of music were Gesualdo started to explore the use of harmonics and chromatics, and that period in time it was just starting to come about.

'Breaking the Rules' is a one man concert drama that centres around the last of Carlo Gesualdo. Gesualdo is alone in his chapel on his family estate. But, Gesualdo has been living inside his castle for some time.
   Two weeks previous he lost his only son and heir, and Gesualdo himself now stares death in the face, knowing that he faces purgatory for the multitude of sins which he has committed.
   During his final day, Gesualdo is haunted by the memories of his first wife, Maria; who he murdered 23 years ago because she was having an affair with local nobleman, Fabrizio Carafe, the Duke of Andria. The only that will finally free him of these visions from the past is if he 'turns on' the music, which he himself has composed.
   Also, in the chapel with Gesualdo are his consort of singers and they help to provide a soundtrack into Gesualdo's mind, as well as to act as a trigger to help Gesualdo remember his important life events.

Gerald is absolutely fantastic outstanding as Gesualdo, because he makes him likeable; even though he has a very dark and intense past. The monologue is performed with a lot of depth and contrast; and this is due to Gesualdo reflecting back on his past as well as highlighting some of his important life events.

The Marian Consort are fabulous as Gesualdo's personal consort. They perform a selection of Gesualdo's Tenebrae Responsies and Madrigril's because Gesualdo has to 'turn on' the music while reflecting on his past life. The music which is performed by the Marian Consort is beautiful to listen too because of the harmonics and chromatics that are used throughout Gesualdo's compositions. Angels are definitely in the form of the Marian Consort.

'Breaking the Rules' is a fabulous production that provides the audience with a unique experience. If you want to watch a show that puts you in a dream like state (in a positice way) , and through a palette of colours, then this could be for you. 'Breaking the Rules' is a show that certainly takes you out of yourself and transports you to another place.

Review: 'The Real Thing' By Tom Stoppard (Rewritten)

Hi everyone,

I have taken the decision to rewrite a theatre review from a production I went too see around three and half years ago at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds. I have chosen to do this, as I wasn't 100% happy with the first version of this review. So, I'm hoping this time I can do it some justice, even though time travelling back three and half years to write a review proved to be a little difficult, as it wasn't completely fresh in my mind.

Cast
Henry - Gerald Kyd
Charlotte - Sarah Ball
Annie - Marianne Oldham
Max - Simon Scardifield
Billy - Adam O'Brian
Broadie - Sandy Batchelor

The opening of Act One starts with Max sitting alone in the living room, and he building a tower using a set of playing cards. Suddenly, Charlotte arrives back from her holiday in Geneva, Switzerland. All isn't as it seems as Max has found Charlotte's passport and it isn't stamped. It turns out that she has been seeing her other lover. The opening scene forms part of Henry's new play 'House of Cards'.
  Charlotte goes downstair and see Henry going through his records, as he is due to appear on 'Desert Island Discs' as a castaway next week. Henry informs Charlotte that Max is coming round, but she doesn't want to see him. So far, Henry has got five records and a book for his appearance on 'Desert Island Discs'. Max then arrives at Henry's house and they begin to discussing Henry's new play 'House of Cards'. It turns out the audience didn't have a clue what Max is going on about when he begins talking about the Japanese and digital watches; and also the stalls inside the theatre were deserted. Max then mentions that Annie is on the 'Justice for Broadie' committee. Annie then arrives and Henry mentions again that he is on next weeks 'Desert Island Discs', and it turns out that Henry actually hates music, but he likes pop music. But he doesn't like artists, he just likes singles.
  The pop music that Henry enjoys listening too include Herman's Hermits, The Hollies, The Everly Brothers, Brenda Lee and The Surpremes.
  While Charlotte and Max are out of the room; Annie starts to flirt with Henry. But when Charlotte and Max re-enter the room, Henry mentions that he is picking up his daughter Debbie later on in the afternoon from the riding stables, as she enjoys riding horses on Barnes Common.
  Annie met Broadie on a train down to London; as they were both on there way to an anti-missile demonstration. Annie was making her way down to London from her cottage in Norfolk.
  A few weeks later, Annie returns back home after finishing 'Tis a Pity She's a Whore' in Glasgow, and Max finds out that she has been having an affair with Henry, so she decides to leave Max for Henry.
  Annie enters the lving room while Henry is working on his new play. She then begins to quietly learn her script for her upcoming production, but then Henry tells her not to learn the script. It turns out that Henry is struggling to to write Annie's play, as he doesn't know how to write about love. This then starts a conversation about how Max is really unhappy, and how thrilled and excited Annie is to be with Henry.

At the beginning of the second Act Henry is helping Annie to rehearse Broadie's play, which will be rehearsed in Glasgow after the first week. While Henry is helping Annie to rehearse the play he impersonates Broadie when he reads the bit were the characters first meet on a train. After helping Annie with the script Henry says that the script is "No good", and that Broadie "Can't write". Henry uses a cricket bat to describe the difference between good and bad writing. If a play is written well then it will travel far, and if a play is written badly then it will fall to the ground like a lump of wood. Henry compares Broadie's play to a lump of wood, as it is so poorly written.

Act One of 'The Real Thing' is very funny, fast paced and with added dramatic elements.
  The dramatic moments take place during Act One, Scene One between Max and Charlotte during Henry's new play 'House of Cards'. Also during the first Act we get too see the wit and humour between Annie and Henry, which I really enjoyed watching.
  My favourite scene is when Henry talks about how difficult he finds it to write about love because he is more used to writing comedy. Henry explains that when he tries to write about love it comes across as both embarrassing and childish.
  Act One ended beautifully, as it faded out with the Prelude to Bach's Cello Suite No.1, BWV 1007.

The second Act of 'The Real Thing' is darker than the first Act, but it still does have some comical moments.
  During Act Two is when Henry uses a cricket bat to describe the difference good writing and bad writing.
  There was also two scenes during the second act that I found difficult to watch. The first scene that was hard to watch was between Henry and Debbie, as it brought back loads of not-so-positive memories back; and the second one was when Henry found out about Billy.

I really enjoyed watching 'The Real Thing' at the West Yorkshire Playhouse and I had an amazing day out.
  I would highly recommend 'The Real Thing' for anyone who likes English Literature, love, comedy and a bit of Politics thrown in for good measure.

Review: 'Hapgood' by Tom Stoppard

Hi everyone,

I went to see the sell out production of 'Hapgood' by Tom Stoppard at Hampstead Theatre. I went to see this at the end of December, and it was a thoughly enjoyable and mind boggling evening.

Cast
Hapgood - Lisa Dillon
Ridley - Gerald Kyd
Blair - Tim McMullan
Kerner - Alec Newman
Wates - Gary Beadle
Maggs - Nick Blakeley
Merryweather - Edward Hancock
Joe - Sasha Grey or Adam Cansfield
The Russian - Joe Evans

Hapgood is a female spy working for British Intelligence, who also just happens to have a son. She is put in charge of a briefcase swap, which takes place at a local swimming pool; but it goes wrong. The swap goes wrong, as they twins operating on the swap. Also, operating on the swap was Kerner and inside his briefcase was a bleep, and this was being tracked by Wates. Kerner's briefcase had also been booby-trapped by Wates with a radioactive deodorant, and when we actually meet Hapgood its Kerner's briefcase she is holding.
  Following the briefcase swap, an investigation takes place & it turns out Kerner is clean because Ridley did the swap. But, Washington want Kerner taken off everything and his career as an agent is over; but his career as a Physicist isn't. The Americans are spending millions of dollars within the UK to fund Kerner's SDI research, but it turns out that he has been swapping briefcases with the Russians. While doing the briefcase swap it was Kerner who delivered the case to Ridley, and then Ridley delivered the case to Hapgood.

Act Two begins with a meeting which takes place between Hapgood, Blair and Ridley, and they are interviewing Kerner regarding some photographs that are part of the anti-matter programme. Kerner is running the anti-matter programme alongside the Centre for Nuclear Research in Geneva, and Livermoor Research in California. The photographs that have been intercepted went through both labs, and also the SDI office within the Pentagon, and then they travelled by embassy courier to Grosvenor Square and then they were also copies sent to the Defense Liaison Committee. They were fifteen copies made in Hapgood's office - nine American and six British. The British copies have white patches to show the erasure of the circular number that is printed on each page, and then Washington add an American Circulation prefix. The photos which were intercpeted came from Moscow.
  Later on during the day Hapgood finds out that Joe has been kidnapped, and they want to trade for Kerner's anti-particle trap, which is a disc full of physics. They agree to do the swap, but Hapgood gives Blair the dummy disc from Ridley's briefcase. Also, Blair had missed the contact with the kidnappers and Hapgood picked up on this; and this is because the kidnappers used Interflora.
  Ridley goes to see Hapgood's twin, but Ridley is also a twin who goes by the name of Ernest and he is a photographer. Whereas, Hapgood's twin doesn't stop talking, doesn't look great, and who is also a pot head who just happens to be growing the stuff in a window box. Ridley's twin offers Hapgood's twin £2000, but for everytime she swear he will burn £50.
  Ridley's twin and Hapgood twin go undercover in Hapgood's office to retrieve Kerner's disc, and this will be used in exchange for Joe.
  When the exchange for Joe takes place both Hapgood and Ridley discover that Blair has been for the KGB, aswell as British Intelligence, and it turns out that Hapgood and her team of British Intelligence have just been keeping the KGB in business.

Act One of 'Hapgood' was very interesting to watch, especially with the briefcase swap because no one in the audience uderstood what was actually going on. The only way to gain an understanding of whats exactly happening during the opening scene is if you read the three pages of stage direction within the play text, and by doing so the opening scene starts to make some sort of sense.

Act Two isn't as intense as the first, but its still interesting and complicated. My favourite part of the second act  is when Hapgood's twin and Ridley's twin meet for the first time, and he offers her £2000 to do as she's told, and for everytime she swears he will burn £50.

'Hapgood' is an interesting production to watch because all of the answers that are needed to actually understand the aren't written in black and white, which means as a member of the audience you have to look beyond the script to start gaining an understanding of the plot.

Review: 'Feed the Beast' By Steve Thompson

Hi everyone,

I had the pleasure of seeing the production of 'Feed the Beast' twice at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, UK. This production is a thing of beauty, you just need to go in with a little bit of an insight as this will help to bring the production to life.

Cast

Gerald Kyd - Michael
Kacey Ainsworth - Sally/ Leader of the House of Commons
Amy Marston - Heather/ Curator of Chequers
Shaun Mason - Scott/ Robert
Paul Moriarty - Chairman Denis/ General Hume
Aimee Powell - Ellie
Badria Timimi - Andrea/ Priscilla
Tristram Wymark - Clive/ Anthony

Michael Goodlad is my ideal Prime Minister, as he wants to get the UK back on its feet and he wants to do this by improving the NHS; as he wants more doctors and nurses. Michael also wants to build more schools and hospitals, as well as making free childcare and cancer prescriptions more accessible. As well as getting people out of poverty.

But, because Michael is the new Prime Minister, he's got a slight problem - The Press. Michael doesn't want to give the press anything personal about either himself, his family or his staff. But, he will give them any information regarding his policies. Michael's ideal of ignoring the press soon changes; as his daughter, Ellie makes the headlines. To get Ellie off the press radar he enlists the help of Scott, who is the Press Officer at Downing Street. Together Scott and Michael formulate a plan, but to do this Scott needs a juicy story, so then he can silence the press about Ellie.

Some weeks later Michael is rehearsing for Prime Minister's Questions and because its his first ever time he has several members of his staff with him, as he needs to get a feeling of what its going to be like; as Scott is trying to 'toughen up' Michael. But, during the rehearsals Denis arrives, as both Scott and Michael want to see him, and this is because someone has leaked the names of celebrities who might be on the Honours List, and Michael wanted the names of the people who might be on the honours list to be as classified as possible, due to it being a delicate area, as he doesn't wanted it to be leaked early. Because of this both Michael and Scott make Denis feel like a liability. Also, Michael has told Scott to "Keep some stories handy", as he doesn't want a repeat of what happened to Ellie. Around lunchtime a defence meeting takes place about the conflict in the Middle East and Michael wants to withdraw the troops from the Middle East, as the only reason the UK defence agencies are over there is to make the Americans look good. During the senior staff meeting it is revealed that General Hume has set out a departure strategy to bring the troops back to the UK from the Middle East. Also, during the meeting we find out that an ex-minister has only gone and published a book, and its being serialised over the next four weeks in 'The Observer'.

During the annual party at Downing Street, Michael is casually chatting away to the Curator from Chequers; and Michael isn't happy living there, as it isn't ideal for either him or his family. Also, during the party an argument takes place between Michael and Sally regarding Scott, and Michael defends Scott; because Scott is only doing what he's being asked of him, which is to protect Michael and his family. Sally can't work with Scott, as she thinks he is damaging Michael's reputation; even though Scott has done a lot of positive things for the Prime Minister, and his family.

Some time later, Michael agrees to give an interview to the press, but with Scott present. But, Michael only wants to give information about policies, not gossip about either himself, his family or his staff, regardless of the fact that is what the general public want to read about.

A few months later, Michael sadly doesn't get re-elected as Prime Minister. But he leaves Downing Street alongside his family with his head held high.

Act One of 'Feed the Beast' is extremely fast paced, and it doesn't seem like 45 minutes, as it went really quickly for me.
    I really enjoyed watching the second scene, as this is when Michael is still settling into Downing Street. The bedrooms are small, but then the dining room "You could land a plane in". Even the thought of having Margaret Thatcher sitting on the same loo has him freaks him out a bit.
  Another scene I enjoyed watching was when Michael told Sally of his plan to ignore the press. Michael doesn't mind the idea of the press having a bit of fun, but he doesn't want them setting the agenda for Downing Street. As Michael wants to run the country, but he doesn't want to be the gossip headline.

Act Two of 'Feed the Beast' isn't as fast as the first act, but it opens up with a cracker; as Michael is being hurled insults by members of staff and this is because they are giving him a feel for his first ever Prime Minister's Questions. This actually put a smile on my face, because you don't expect the Prime Minister to be insulted from anyone, especially members of his own staff.
  Another one of my favourite scenes is when Michael is discussing living in Chequers with the Curator, because Michael doesn't find the home of Chequers to be all that accommodating and family friendly.

The Doctor Who inspired scene changes are also worth noting, as I've never seen anything like this in a theatre production before. With projections of social media and fast paced music to add to the effect.

'Feed the Beast' is a fast, energetic political drama, with some brilliant one liners. The cast bring to life this production of political madness by having bundles of energy and the ability to work as a team.

The Real Thing Review

Cast

Gerald Kyd - Henry
Sarah Ball - Charlotte
Marianne Oldham - Annie
Simon Scardifield - Max
Adam O'Brian - Billy
Georgina Leonidas - Debbie
Sandy Bachelor - Brodie

I went to see 'The Real Thing' at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds on the 24th May 2012, and I went to the 1.30pm performance.

Overview

Henry is a brilliant playwright. With his wife Charlotte in the starring role, his new play examines the complexity of love and infidelity.
      Henry's reality and fiction blur when passions ignite and his own marriage becomes entwined with that of Charlotte's co-star Max and his wife Annie. As Henry struggles to write a new work, the players in this game of deceit and lust are all searching. But can any of them find The Real Thing?

Act One of 'The Real Thing' is very fast paced, very funny with a few dramatic elements thrown in. The dramatic elements take place within the  opening scene between Max and Charlotte; as he accuses Charlotte of having an affair and he is proven right. But the opening scene is in fact a scene from Henry's new play 'House of Cards'.
      The second scene is a mix of both comical and dramatic elements. The comedy elements take place between Annie and Henry; as she asks him for "A quick one on the carpet", even though Henry is married to Charlotte and this takes place in Henry and Charlotte's home. Another comedy element occurs when the discussion takes place about Charlotte's and Henry's daughter, Debbie.
     My favourite scene from Act One was when Henry describes how difficult it is to write about love, as he's more used to writing comedy. So, instead he helps Annie to rehearse her upcoming play, which is in Glasgow. I also really enjoyed how Act One finished; as it ended with the Prelude from Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 BWV 1007.

In Act Two I really enjoyed watching the cricket bat scene; as Annie thought Henry was going a bit mad. But, Henry used the cricket bat to describe the difference between good and bad writing. Another scene that I enjoyed watching was when Henry was helping Annie to rehearse Brodie's play. Also, during this scene I enjoyed listening to Gerald's Scottish accent, as he was impersonating Brodie.
    I found two scenes hard to watch; the first scene was between Henry and his daughter Debbie, as it brought back loads of memories. The second scene was when Henry found out about Billy.
   Later in the second act we find out that both Henry and Billy think the same about Brodie's play, which is that he can't write. Also, when you come to meet Brodie in the final scenes, he isn't the nicest of people to meet.

I really enjoyed my first visit to the West Yorkshire Playhouse, as everyone made me feel very welcome. The whole day was an enjoyable experience and I'm hoping to go back to the Playhouse again in the future.