Storefront City London

Archive for the category “See It!”

03 May 2014

Venice Preserv’d

VenicePreservdWHAT: Venice Preserv’d
WHEN: April 24th – 8th June, 2014
WHERE: Paynes & Borthwick (SE8 3JF)
RUNTIME: Approx. 215 min
WHO: The Spectators’ Guild
PRICE: £10-45

OUR RATING: Do It!

Encounter the brilliance of Italian piazzas and the wonder of celebration in San Marco Square as The Spectators’ Guild’s carnival parade leads you through the streets of maritime Greenwich to Paynes & Borthwick Wharf – a bustling Venetian metropolis. Welcome to The Most Serene Republic and the site for Thomas Otway’s tale of corruption, friendship and love.

Credit Johan Persson

Credit Johan Persson

Adam: As masked revelers flit past me, exchanging tales of what is to come excitedly while waving the flag bearing the Lion of St. Mark, one is immediately plunged into the vivacious and watery carnival atmosphere. Moving between elaborate sets, sometimes sitting, sometimes standing and always experiencing, the audience is captivated by Charlotte Westenra’s immaculate presentation of this classic tale.

Credit Johan Persson

Credit Johan Persson

For a 17th century Restorationist play, Venice Preserv’d explores the extremely current topics of mega-wealth, the corrupt elite and whether violence is a solution to a nation’s ills. Indeed, Venice is often used as an apt parallel for London, and while Otway was merely hinting at such analogies, The Spectators’ Guild is explicit (after all, the site for the production is an under-construction series of pluto-flats).

Credit Johan Persson

Credit Johan Persson

The torn Jaffeir (Ashley Zhangazha) must choose between committing an act of mass murder (terrorism? freedom fighting?) against the Senate of Venice at the bidding of his friend Pierre (Ferdinand Kingsley), or spare them at the urging of his wife Belvedera (Jessie Buckley), whose father just happens to be a senator himself – Priuli (Emilio Doorgasingh – whom you may remember from the latest season of Game of Thrones). Powerfully delivered lines immerse you in the world of greed tempered by honour – thrillingly brilliant!

Credit Johan Persson

Credit Johan Persson

The City of Bridges is brought even closer by the carefully curated elements that let you know The Spectators’ Guild is one to watch. Pounds are exchanged for authentically reproduced ducats (at least to this partially trained eye), while delicious Italian wine flows freely into magnificent goblets. The only drawback to the fare on offer was the food, but when you consider the spectacular and heartfelt effort put into the rest of the work this slight oversight seems of little importance.

Credit Johan Persson

Credit Johan Persson

Alicia: At the start of the performance I was a little wary, with the gathering point and the long promenade through the streets of Greenwich a little more slight than I expected. Yet, it is worth noting the level of interaction mandated by such an extensive parade route, and it was ultimately enticing to see the integration of a Venetian world into the threads of the local area, from gondolas gliding through Deptford’s waters to a pedal-powered Popemobile navigating the pedestrian walkways. It was always lovely to see such spontaneous interaction between the performers and any locals we encountered, and the actors were not afraid to change things up a little and think on their feet.

Credit Johan Persson

Credit Johan Persson

Yet, the entire endeavour would have been brought to the next level if the audience had been pushed more to come in costume. I was over-the-moon to see that the company suggests more affordable options at costuming, mirroring the economically accessible ticket prices (such a world of difference from Punchdrunk and Secret Cinema), and it was finally great to see a company like this collaborate with costume and transportation companies to facilitate the audience experience. Yet, no one really dressed up at all, making the experience a little weaker than it otherwise could have been.

SGvenicepres2014JP-05267All of this aside, the night just kept getting better and better, with great set integration into the venue by Helen Scarlett O’Neill with a lovely mix of Venetian luxury, industrial simplicity and awe-inspiring installations. This paired with moving performances from both Buckley and Zhangazha, this show is definitely an amazing collaboration between classic stagecraft and site responsive event theatre.

Credit Johan Persson

Credit Johan Persson

Final Thoughts: Be sure to check out the company’s videos on making ruffs, headdresses and capes from anything from bin bags to plastic to complement your journey to the Venetian canals. Ultimately, Venice Preserv’d is an electrifying and rebellious piece of site specific theatre interspersed with elements from the commedia dell’arte and infused with spectacular showmanship.

P.S.: If you’d like to take a look over the script, here’s a great edition to pick up: Venice Preserv’d

Posted in Performing Arts, See It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,
20 Mar 2014

The Rise and Fall of Geo Goynes

WHAT: The Rise and Fall of Geo Goynes
WHEN: March 19 – 22, 2014
rootexperienceWHERE: St. James Theatre (12 Palace Street, SW1E 5JA)
RUNTIME: Approx. 120 min
WHO: Root Experience
PRICE: £8

OUR RATING: Do It!

[vimeo 83862854]

“Secret….agent man. Secret….agent man!”

Okay, alright, maybe forget the song. But the 007 theme song or something similar might definitely buzz through your head while you are plunged into a new, challenging and adrenaline-filled world on a secret mission to protect each and every one of your fellow men and women.

Geo-Goynes-478x359Alicia: Root Experience is an interactive theatre company that devises performances based on “a structure that invites debate, direction and inclusion” from audiences, with an aim to have both audiences and actors feel fully present in the work at each and every moment. Although many of their workshops and performances have been in Brighton, this particular experience (in development) has traveled to both Brighton Digital Festival and York Theatre Royal, and now right to the heart of London.

Storefront City had the opportunity to test the waters with this show in development, merging gameplay and technology and allowing you to make choices that shape your own experience. Communicating through headsets, you encounter different people around the city and literally take part in writing the script to your own story (let’s just say I’m not very eloquent when put on the spot), sometimes working individually and sometimes in teams to pursue targets, monitor actions or even go undercover and attach yourself to the evil-doers.

In The Rise and Fall of Geo Goynes, London becomes the backdrop to an adventure for truth and for those who know it, sell it, and use it to suit their own purposes. Welcome to 2017. A new era where your friends start to report strange feelings of foresight, where future events are predicted and identities transformed. Where no one is safe from the all seeing eyes, and when the future becomes the present, and the present a mission for survival.

Adam: Have you ever been asked to find a manila envelope taped to some inconspicuous location? How about distracting someone while obtaining information vital for your survival? If this is all too Spooks for you, then perhaps you won’t enjoy The Rise and Fall of Geo Goynes. If, on the other hand, you’re like me you can’t get enough of spies and spying, then you’re in for a ride, sans the Walther PPK.

Placed in a small group, your team must work together to solve the mystery of Geo Goynes. I really don’t want to spoil it for you, but if you’ve ever wanted to play spy, this is a must for you. Fool the surveillance, try to deploy and virus, all while working out what it all means…

In this world, Root Experience welcomes you to contribute to the path that lies ahead of you, and while you might feel out of your comfort zone every once in awhile, you never feel unsafe or manipulated by the events you find yourself immersed in. But you are certainly an active participant and the mission would surely not go on without you.

Make sure to bundle up if it looks cold outside, because this show is entirely on the street…and don’t talk to strangers!

Final Thoughts: Explore London in a way you never have before and be prepared to play with others in this ultimate conspiratorial adventure!

P.S. Unfortunately, this show is now sold out, but we’re sure The Rise and Fall of Geo Goynes or other adventures by Root Experience will come around soon!

Posted in Do It!, Outdoor Attractions, Performing Arts, See It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
03 Mar 2014

Rodelinda

WHAT: Rodelinda
WHEN: February 28 – March 15, 2014
WHERE: London Coliseum (St. Martin’s Lane, Charing Cross, WC2N 4ES)
RUNTIME: 210 min (w/ 2 intervals)
WHO: English National Opera & Bolshoi Theatre of Russia
PRICE: £12-99

OUR RATING: Chance It?

Handel’s Rodelinda has thrown the Storefront City team into quite a conundrum. Usually so agreeable, we both had different ideas about how successful this production was and so have put an unusual question mark after our above rating. The opera seria in three acts by George Frideric Handel was composed in 1725 and with a libretto by Nicola Francesco Haym.

An epic story of love, loss and loyalty, Rodelinda opens with the King of Milan, Bertarido (Iestyn Davies), being exiled from his kingdom by the usurper Grimoaldo (John Mark Ainsley), who thinks him dead. The eponymous Rodelinda (Rebecca Evans), wife of Bertarido, is locked away by Grimoaldo, who wishes to coerce her into marriage and thus solidify his rule over the city. Little does Grimoaldo know that Bertarido is very much alive and ready to reclaim his throne.

Adam: Technically excellent singing marks out ENO productions as a true treat, mellifluous notes always so well delivered and players willing to give their all to the performance. The music is glorious, but directorial decisions tended to distract from the overall quality of the experience.

Photo credit: © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL

Photo credit: © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL

As with all ENO productions, Rodelinda is presented here in English, which serves to allow the audience to better understand the content, albeit at some expense to the original beauty of the Italian. This understanding, however, can lead to severe directorial limitations – as was the case here. Richard Jones often emphasised the acting out of repeated lines, leading to a confusion between the comedic and dramatic tension. Were the lines supposed to be clowned, or is this an effect of the translation? I will leave this up to the audience, but it certainly leads to a strange introduction of comedy into an opera that was truly attempting to be dramatic.

Photo credit: © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL

Photo credit: © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL

That being said, an excellent array of characters made for an enrapturing evening. Conducted by the incomparable Christian Curnyn, the orchestra conjured the scene before us with spectacular Handelian melodies. At centre stage was Rebecca Evans in the title role, relishing every aria and reaching every note. Iestyn Davies’ fantastic countertenorial skill made for a perfect pairing with Evans, and showcased the pure talent on the ENO stage.

Photo credit: © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL

Photo credit: © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL

Alicia: The first two acts of the ENO’s Rodelinda, were, I dare say, an elegant mess. The ENO has a reputation as the ‘House of Handel’, but ‘awkward’ and ‘underwhelming’ are the final words that come to my mind regarding the production. I am awed at the ridiculous and random staging the poor, talented singers have to go through while performing, and that they are able to do such things while controlling their voice.

Photo credit: © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL

Photo credit: © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL

My first problem, specifically, was the lack of efficient thread-tracking. Loyalty is important in this story, and to symbolise this, director Richard Jones implements both tattooing (which is apparently a clean and bloodless event in his world) and blood-binding. You see these things happening, but there’s not as much meat to them as there could be, and you’re left wondering why they even bother with starting threads if they’re not going to do something with them.

Photo credit: © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL

Photo credit: © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL

Instead, these actions are really just some of the many choreographed motions randomly created on stage to entertain and distract the audience during the arias. I get this – arias are the majority of the opera and you can’t just have a single person on stage singing without anything else happening. But instead of some more nuanced staging, there is instead overly-dramatic and almost laughable moments that were downright distracting in a superbly uncomfortable way.

Photo credit: © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL

Photo credit: © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL

However, I must admit that the set and staging ultimately redeemed themselves in a few scenes, the loveliest of them all being the duet between Rodelinda and Bertarido in Act 2 Scene 7, “lo t’abbraccio”. The staging and set paired beautifully as the set dismantled in front of the audiences’ eyes just as the two lovers were forced apart from one another.

Photo credit: © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL

Photo credit: © Clive Barda/ArenaPAL

Final Thoughts: For all the errors in staging and direction, Rodelinda is a beautiful and moving opera. If you can get your hands on one of the cheaper tickets, this is an absolutely must see for any serious opera fan.

P.S.: For another version of this spectacular opera, why not try the Metropolitan Opera production of Rodelinda from 2012, now available on DVD.

Posted in Music and Concerts, Performing Arts, See It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
01 Mar 2014

London, Underground

vaults2WHAT: London, Underground
WHEN: February 28 & March 1, 2014 (10:30pm-3am)
WHERE: The Vaults, Waterloo (Leake Street, SE1 7NN)
WHO: The nabokov Arts Club
PRICE: £15 (Advance) – £18 (Door)

OUR RATING: Do It!

vaults1

Welcome to VAULT, a six week festival of arts and entertainment (Jan 28 – Mar 8) produced by the Heritage Arts Company in the labyrinth of tunnels and caverns underneath Waterloo Station. And then there’s Vault LATES, late night events Thu-Sat that vary anywhere from silent discos to burlesque debauchery and even some Mardi Gras celebrations.

Storefront City helped The nabokov Arts Club celebrate their 5th Birthday at VAULT Festival last night at London, Underground, a two-night extravaganza of live art. You can celebrate too if you get down underground tonight beneath Waterloo Station. It’s time to explore!

Adam: Lights string into the depths of the passageways that make up the vast edifice which is The Vaults. Striking out into the the chaotic milieu of plays, live music and revellers, its easy to get lost in the fantasy world beneath the concrete of London’s streets. Alternative, yet not threatening, London, Underground provided a veritable playground for the artistic spirit within all of us. The heads of Guardsmen with neon skin tones give you a royal honour guard whenever you walk the main hall, whilst innumerable clouds waft overhead in The Light Bar. Smaller venue alcoves line the tunnel, so go ahead and take your pick!

2014-03-01 01.13.27Starting with “The Pit”, the first alcove to your left upon entry, I was delighted to be treated to two plays. First up was Plums by Luke Barnes, which brings you the story of two lovers whose hidden secrets are both touching and disturbing. This was followed up by This Isn’t A Thing, Right by Lolly Jones, a tale of sexual comfortability, longing and luck. While very well received by the audience (Lolly Jones is currently a viral video star), I didn’t connect with the piece as well as I would have liked.

Unfortunately, we missed the headline act, 3RUN vs Bellatrix, an immersive free running and beatbox experience, which was very disappointing. This is due mainly to signage within The Vaults, which was few and far between, with Storefront City only discovering the small runsheet once the headline performance was over. Perhaps this is in keeping with The Vaults eclectic and immersive styling, but further signage and direction in future would be helpful.

King Porter Stomp

King Porter Stomp

Alicia: Live theatre, music, cabaret, comedy, poetry and visual art explode underground, all mashed together in an extreme balance of intimate performance and all-out party. If you don’t feel like sitting down and watching one of the many live performances and instead want to take advantage of a wild and crazy weekend night, enter The Light Bar for all your live music needs. Earlier on in the night you can get low with Dizraeli & Downlow’s hip-hop set, or later you can experience live funk, ska, dub and hip hop from King Porter Stomp, an 8 piece blend of horns, heavy bass and lyrics. As the night goes on and the party gets kicking, the whole venue sets its sights on the last act of the night, a DJ set by the Mystery Jets.

Yet the highlight of the night was Symphony, a collaboration with new writing company nabokov and playwrights Ella Hickson, Nick Payne and Tom Wells, which has been playing in The Vaults since Feb 18. Theatre meets live gig in The Cage with 3 short plays, a mix of stories told through music and spoken word, directed by Joe Murphy with music by Ed Gaughan, and with amazingly talented performances by Remy Beasley, Jack Brown, Iddon Jones and Adam Sopp.

Symphony

Symphony

The format is unique, yet inviting, with the audience ushered into a room of musicians. But when the door closes behind you, the simple gig transforms a fusion of plays and songs, an electric synthesis of mediums that mimics the varied talents and fluctuating roles of the four performers. We were drawn into all three of their pieces on the night (one of the reasons we missed out on 3RUN  and Bellatrix), including Jonesy by Tom Wells (a tumultuous and hilarious vignette of an asthmatic teenage boy in P.E.), A Love Song for the People of London by Ella Hickson (a tale of unrequited love and awkward meetings on public transport) and My Thoughts On Leaving You by Nick Payne (a story of relationships and mistakes, with the requisite amount of alcoholic declarations of love, sombreros and bathroom stall hookups). If I wouldn’t have known the background to the performance, I would have assumed this quartet had always been an ensemble and that the pieces were all created by them. The sets were amazingly cohesive, and the performances both charming and intoxicating.

Final Thoughts: Awesome venue? Check! Live arts? Check! Fantastic night? Double Check! London, Underground is just the kind of event the city needs more of, so get there before it closes so you can be part of the experience.

P.S. Can’t make London, Underground? Or perhaps the ticket price is a little steep for you? Not to worry! Tickets to other shows are as little as £7.50, and you can even stop by Tuesday and Wednesday nights for free live music and comedy.

Posted in Do It!, Festivals, Nightlife, Performing Arts, See It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
26 Feb 2014

Ballad of the Burning Star

WHAT: Ballad of the Burning Star
WHEN: February 17 – March 2, 2014
WHERE: Battersea Arts Centre (Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN)
RUNTIME: 80 minutes (no intermission)
WHO: Theatre Ad Infinitum
PRICE: £12-15

OUR RATING: Chance It!

A cabaret extravaganza about Israel-Palestine? We know, we can sense your skepticism, but Theatre Ad Infinitum’s Ballad of the Burning Star packs a punch through drama, humour and a new take on the reality that is the Middle East conflict. Hosted by the talented Nir Paldi, who plays your cabaret MC named Star, this all-singing all-dancing review of the horrors war brings to all it touches reminds us that even in the bleakest times art will prevail.

'Ballad of the Burning Star'

‘Ballad of the Burning Star’

Adam: In dealing with controversial subjects, especially war, one must be extremely careful in the arts. Performing arts, though a perfect vehicle for the conveyance of a stylised version of conflict, often blur the lines between reality and fiction, truth and fantasy. We live in a television age that brings us war on a daily basis to our sitting-rooms, making us aware, but always disconnected from, the actual event. I am pleased to say that Ballad bridges the gap between stylisation and reality perfectly, providing a thoroughly riveting experience.

Theatre Ad Infinitum's 'Ballad-of-the-Burning-Star'. Photo by Alex Brenner

Theatre Ad Infinitum’s ‘Ballad-of-the-Burning-Star’. Photo by Alex Brenner

Our drag diva Star tells the story of the life of an Israeli boy coming of age. Directing a troupe of troops, key moments are reenacted, replete with laughter and silent horror. Sometimes devastating, sometimes challenging and always cabaret, the audience experiences life at an individual level so often lost in tales of armed hostilities.

This show has been challenged in the past as being anti-Israel (especially during it’s run in Edinburgh). But it is clearly more nuanced than people give it credit for. Above all, Ballad is about the undeniably negative effect war has on both sides, whether the combatants are soldiers or non-state actors. In a way, this cabaret is as much about healing as about conflict – and choosing to move on towards a more peaceful future.

Alicia: One thing’s for sure – Ballad of the Burning Star is not lacking in talent, and the most lasting impression I had for the entire performance was awe at how physically exhausting the choreography was, and how tight the ensemble work was along with it (both with and without the charming/formidable Nir Paldi). This pairs well with the company’s mission for harnessing the universal language of the body in their performance. The skillful musicianship of Adam Pleeth was also a delightful component and really brought the story to life.

Theatre Ad Infinitum's 'Ballad-of-the-Burning-Star'. Photo by Alex Brenner

Theatre Ad Infinitum’s ‘Ballad-of-the-Burning-Star’. Photo by Alex Brenner

Yet, there were two fatal flaws in this production that left me disconnected and wanting for something more. The first was the relationship between the cast and the audience. The performance was intimate and powerful, but sitting on a steep rake in the lovely BAC building – well, even sitting a few metres away was too far. Looking down on the actors and the action felt terribly inappropriate, and I know I would have got a lot more out of the entire affair if the set up was actually, well, more cabaret! The second problem was the voice level and speed of the script…I couldn’t understand key parts of the narrative, and because of this, no matter how versed in this political history I may or may not be, I completely lost my way numerous times, which took me entirely out of the show over and over again.

Theatre Ad Infinitum's 'Ballad-of-the-Burning-Star'. Photo by Alex Brenner

Theatre Ad Infinitum’s ‘Ballad-of-the-Burning-Star’. Photo by Alex Brenner

There were highlights of course, one specific evocative moment being the song of the history of Jewish persecution, over which Nir Paldi adds some biting remarks. And the gradual transformation of Paldi from Diva to Dictator (/victim?) is exactly what you might ask for at this kind of satirical cabaret. However, despite the fascinating mismatch between the show’s script and form and the company’s worthy vision for these types of global stories, I left the show mostly unsatisfied.

Final Thoughts: A wonderful pairing of politics and parody, Ballad of the Burning Star will entertain and educate. Certain choices in the staging and voice-projection unfortunately let this production down, but we are sure these could be corrected in the future.

P.S.: For an optimistic and thorough treatment of the Israel-Palestine conflict, we recommend Israel / Palestine by Alan Dowty. Some good background if you’d like to learn more after viewing the performance.

Posted in Performing Arts, See It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
19 Feb 2014

Future Cinema presents ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit?’

WHAT: Who Framed Roger Rabbit
WHEN: February 14 – February 23, 2014
WHERE: The Troxy (490 Commercial Road, E1 0HX)
RUNTIME: 180 to 240 minutes
WHO: Future Cinema
PRICE: £34.30-47.10

OUR RATING: Do It!

Los Angeles. 1947. The sound of streetcars, jazz and big band. Hollywood.

Standing in a queue down a dark alleyway next to The Troxy, a stunning art deco building built in 1933, one is immediately transported through the decades to the 1940s, dressed elaborately in post-war fashion and buzzing with anticipation for a bit of swing dancing, a little big band, and a lot of…cartoons?

Future Cinema, a live events company that specialises in bringing the cinema experience to life in a fusion of performance, film, multimedia, design and a wealth of interactive encounters, brings Who Framed Roger Rabbit? to The Troxy stage, immersing audiences in the fantastical and comedic world where live action meets animation, and where private detective Eddie Valiant investigates a murder involving the famous (and hilarious) cartoon character, Roger Rabbit.

Alicia: Future Cinema has produced other shows at The Troxy, but Who Framed Roger Rabbit? really wouldn’t belong anywhere else. It was a perfect representation of the film’s Ink & Paint Club, which itself was a nod to the Harlem nightclub The Cotton Club, a famous go-to spot during the Prohibition Era. Today, the venue is used for anything from weddings to live music to sporting events, and is a drop-dead gorgeous spot for anything it hosts. If you think the place is lovely on the outside, your senses are overwhelmed by the majesty of the interior, with art deco fan carpeting, interiors of purple, turquoise and cream, massive chandeliers, sweeping staircases, and a general opulent decor that is magnified impressively with theatrical lighting. Walking in, you are struck with awe.

Credit: Future Cinema

Credit: Future Cinema

Before walking in however, the experience started with the Toon Patrol, Future Cinema’s take on the crazy bullying weasels from the film, who roamed the alley interrogating the audience, clad in their colourful zoot suits and complete with maniacal laughter. Upon entering the club, you were even stopped by good ol’ Bongo, the gorilla bouncer from the movie. Let’s just say the password wasn’t the famed ‘Walt sent me,’ but the interaction with Bongo is a riot.

Credit: Future Cinema

Credit: Future Cinema

The interactive experience continued throughout the night, from conversations with Marvin Acme, crazy antics from the penguin waitstaff, and a hilarious conversation I had with R. K. Maroon about not showing up Bugs in a new film we’re making. I’m really not a fan of having conversations with actors in this kind of interactive experience (I like to be left alone and observe, usually), but I tried to let myself go and become one of the Hollywood elite, allowing myself to become immersed and becoming a character myself.

Credit: Future Cinema

Credit: Future Cinema

The tie-in to the film was even lovelier with cabaret acts reminiscent of those in the movie, such as the ever-necessary “Why Don’t You Do Right?” by Jessica Rabbit herself and a marvelous rendition of “Hungarian Rhapsody (Dueling Pianos)”. There was some odd talent outsourcing, where people from the audience were invited up as part of the talent show…which, in concept, was nice, but in execution was a little strange. Otherwise, this was a perfect manipulation of the Ink & Paint Club from the film, and really brought the entire experience to life in a whirl of fantastical comedy.

Credit: Future Cinema

Credit: Future Cinema

Adam: I must say that I entered Future Cinema’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit? with a bit of trepidation. Would they be able to pull it off? I’ve been to immersive events before, from in-cinema cult classics to elaborately staged Punchdrunk. Some of the initial viewer reviews were less than positive – would this experience measure up? Thankfully, I’m pleased to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience, full of the gleeful fun the movie is so well known for.

Credit: Laura Little

Credit: Laura Little

Tables lined the repurposed Troxy, now the Ink & Paint Club, whilst actors roamed the venue, looking for newcomers on whom to try out their routines. Once we had seen the pre-show entertainment, the movie began in all its 1940s glory, whilst actors representing the famous characters occasionally picked up from the movie. You were literally in the club, with everyone from Eddie, to Roger to Jessica all around you.

Credit: Hanson Leatherby

Credit: Hanson Leatherby

Before the film is in full swing, you’ll probably want to pick up some grub. A wide variety of offerings are available including French dips, pulled pork sandwiches, apple pie, carrot cake, mac and cheese and a carrot in a bun for all you rabbits out there. Be warned: the food and drink prices are steep when you take into account admission (French dip will cost you £7, whilst cocktails are £8). Still, one can take advantage of the numerous toppings and you can easily feed two people on a French dip if you are generous with your pickles, sauerkraut and red onions.

Once you’ve munched through your food and the movie is at an end, the whole club takes on a new atmosphere as tables are cleared and revelers move to the dance floor for some 40s-style clubbing. So get swinging and dance!

Final Thoughts: A new take on a classic movie, Future Cinema’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit? is a unique experience that is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Although more highly priced than previous Future Cinema events, going with the right attitude gives you your money’s worth. Be warned: seating is first come, first serve, so get there early and snag a table up front to avoid disappointment. And remember, ‘[Roger’s] whole purpose in life is to make… people… laugh!” so laugh your heart out with the toons at this whimsical event.

P.S.: If you can’t get over to The Troxy for this immersive event, pick up a copy of Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and see what all the fuss is about.

Posted in Do It!, In Theatres..., Nightlife, Performing Arts, See It! and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
27 Dec 2013

Hidden Show: The Good Neighbour

WHAT: Hidden Show: The Good Neighbour
WHEN: December 6 – January 4, 2013/2014
WHERE: Battersea Arts Centre (Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN)
RUNTIME: 135 to 160 minutes (no intermission)
WHO: Battersea Arts Centre
PRICE: £12-19.50

OUR RATING: Chance It!

Put on your thinking cap and channel your inner Sherlock with Battersea Arts Centre’s Hidden Show: The Good Neighbour. Complete with mystery and magic, this immersive theatre adventure impels you to delve into curious mysteries and discover fantastical characters, leaving audiences inspired, awed and heart-warmed.

Credit: BAC

Credit: BAC

Alicia: The Good Neighbour is a parent’s daydream. BAC offers audiences two choices of adventure, one being geared toward families with young children (6+), and the other specifically for audiences without the little ones who want an adventure just for themselves (14+; specifically entitled The Hidden Show: The Good Neighbour). All groups (led by an actor) are trying to solve the same mystery, but the groups diverge every now and again, with special stories catering to their specific audiences. Inspired by the historic 1909 fire at the Clapham Junction department store Arding and

Hobbs, audiences explore and investigate the mystery of George Neighbour, who has lost his memory and needs his fellow explorers to delve into the hidden chambers of BAC to search its history and find the pieces of his life’s puzzle.

Photo by James Allen

Photo by James Allen

It was quite lovely to sit in a room full of excited families, ready and willing to solve this great mystery. Yet, being part of the adult show, our group was separated from nine other children’s groups, sometimes being sole adventurers and sometimes running into the other groups and sharing beautiful experiences with them. One of the best moments of these shared experiences was in the

Momentorium, a room full of moments and memories, of bright light and the slow dripping of water. A momentologist had just finished showing us the film of a person’s memories, a home video full of illumination, laughter and family. As the momentologist was about to show another home video full of another person’s loving moments in life, a young boy, approximately six years old, said, “That was beautiful. I think this one’s going to be beautiful too.” I swear to you, the most magical moment of the whole night. Despite being part of the more adult group at times, I was thankful to have experienced moments with these developing minds, and to witness the imagination and inspiration flooding forth.

Photo by James Allan

Photo by James Allan

Our group traversed the entirety of the arts centre, knocking on hidden doors, crawling through passages and even discovering trap doors and hidden momentos. At times, I really did feel like Alice delving into the curiosities of Wonderland, finding hidden messages on blank pieces of paper, talking with lightbulbs and watching the dreams of a Japanese bee. Other great moments were being ogled at by patrons of the BAC who were just minding their own business in the cafe or sitting room, and who were suddenly interrupted by our intrusive investigative team on a rampage for answers.

Photo by James Allan

Photo by James Allan

Adam: Beautifully orchestrated and imaginatively conceived, Hidden Show: The Good Neighbour takes around 10% of the audience on a more adult, behind-the-scenes tour of the children’s version, which runs side-by-side. Immersive theatre has had a massive boost recently, with the acceptance of Punchdrunk as mainstream and audiences clamouring for all-surrounding sensational experiences to take them away from the daily grind. In this respect, Hidden Show: The Good Neighbour is successful, but mainly for children.

Photo by James Allan

Photo by James Allan

Why do I say this? Because in order for such immersive experiences to be successful, one must feel thrust wholly into it believably – and being talked down to doesn’t achieve this. Honestly, I’m being too harsh as I really enjoyed the overall experience. I played to them, allowing myself to be immersed (or was I forcing myself?). This allowed me to get a lot out of it, but I would guess others in my group would have discovered less wonder than I.

In fact, at one moment, I was allowed to lead the group to the next scene by reading the instruction on a clue. Luckily, I took this seriously and spoke up, allowing everyone to hear – which cannot be said for the other leaders who got us hopelessly lost. Again, one needs to want to be involved, which was not the case for the other leaders.

Photo by James Allan

Photo by James Allan

The world created inside BAC is exciting and interesting, but doesn’t have the majesty of other immersive shows I’ve experienced. I was also highly suggest that the actors vary their performances dependent on the age of their audience: there’s nothing worse than being spoken to as if one were on Wizadora. If you have children this will be a treat, but otherwise only go if you have an imagination!

Final Thoughts: Families with young ones will find this an amazing explorative adventure full of wonder and delight. Meanwhile, adventurers sans-kids might want to reconsider this forey.

P.S.: For more great kids’ theatre, why not check out The Silent Language at Storefront City Chicago.

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29 Nov 2013

Courting Drama

TRlogoWHAT: Courting Drama
WHEN: November 23, 2013
WHERE: The Bush Theatre (7 Uxbridge Rd, W12 8LJ)
RUNTIME: 110 min (w/intermission)
WHO: Theatre Renegade
PRICE: £13.50

OUR RATING: Do It!

Storefront City went renegade last weekend with a visit to the Bush Theatre and a series of performances produced by visiting theatre company Theatre Renegade. Not only did we experience five new short plays by five emerging UK playwrights, but we also celebrated the theatre’s first published work, Courting Drama Vol. 1, at their playwright-packed book launch.

Bangin' Solves (Photo Credit: Theatre Renegade; Courting Drama Volume 1)

Bangin’ Wolves (Photo: Theatre Renegade; Courting Drama Volume 1)

A UK-based theatre company, Theatre Renegade places a strong focus on new writing, whether it be completely new pieces or unique adaptations. Collaboration and innovation are at the forefront of their work, providing the impetus and support for new work and new creative partnerships between writers and directors.

(Photo Credit: Theatre Renegade; Courting Drama Speed-dating)

(Photo: Theatre Renegade; Courting Drama Speed-dating)

Theatre Renegade’s Courting Drama series takes the stage every few months, but it’s not just the final result that has us interested in this fresh, young theatre company who has just celebrated their first anniversary. Their Courting Drama series actually starts with a speed-dating event, as four playwrights and four directors race the clock to find the new collaborative partner. After matches are made, teams have 2-3 weeks to cast and rehearse until all four shows are put on the main stage.

Old Fools (Photo Credit: Theatre Renegade; Courting Drama Volume 1)

Old Fools (Photo: Theatre Renegade; Courting Drama Volume 1)

Theatre Renegade has produced four installments of the Courting Drama series, all at the Bush Theatre, with the fourth taking place last weekend. The night started off with Nathan Wood’s Boy, directed by Jessica Edwards, a mysterious and disconcerting story of a young boy who starts his first day of school, but the situation is not as simple and naive as one would think. Next, in Vinay Patel’s evocative The Iguanodon Queen, directed by Sophie Lifschutz, little Sophie, bone hunter extraordinaire, adventures into an abandoned mine. Playwright Sandy Nicholson then brings us the intelligently manipulative story of The Colouring Book, directed by India Maclennan, where three women are part of a psychological experiment on patterns of interpretation. Next, we were excited to see Bruntwood-prize winning Taming Taliban (also known as Yen) by playwright Anna Jordan and directed by Josh Roche. This riveting and painful story follows a mother, two brothers and a young woman whose lives are affected by a vicious act.

Extinct (Photo Credit: Theatre Renegade; Courting Drama Volume 1)

Extinct (Photo: Theatre Renegade; Courting Drama Volume 1)

While these four outstanding plays were part of the speed-dating process, Theatre Renegade also brought a fifth play to the stage through an IdeasTap Creative Brief winner, Ella Carmen Greenhill, and her short play A Deafening Silence. Directed by Theatre Renegade Artistic Director Ryan Forde Iosco, this drama spins the sinister tale of an idyllic marriage gone wrong, and was so disquieting as to cause us to squirm in our seats. Which was a good thing! We think.

Scarlet (Photo Credit: Theatre Renegade; Courting Drama Volume 1)

Scarlet (Photo: Theatre Renegade; Courting Drama Volume 1)

In addition to these lovely performances, we also, as previously mentioned, had the opportunity to meet the Theatre Renegade crew during the launch of their first published book Courting Drama Vol. 1, which is the first of an anthology series featuring plays from past Courting Drama installments. Plays include the heartrending Old Fools by Tristan Bernays, the absurd Conk the Dyslexia Goblin by James Hamilton, the outrageous Extinct by Jamie Biddle, the sensuous Bangin’ Wolves by Phoebe Eclair-Powell and the hauntingly beautiful Scarlet by Sam H. Freeman.

Conk the Dyslexia Goblin (Photo Credit: Theatre Renegade; Courting Drama Volume 1)

Conk the Dyslexia Goblin (Photo: Theatre Renegade; Courting Drama Volume 1)

With this publication, the Theatre Renegade team has broken into the world of published scripts – their quality is astounding for an up-and-coming company.

So, we recommend you watch this group for upcoming productions: Theatre Renegade is here to stay.

P.S. Courting Drama Vol. 1 can be found online on Amazon.co.uk and in bookstores across the UK including Foyles, Samuel French and the National Theatre. (Published by Playdead Press, Inc.)

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14 Oct 2013

Ghosts

Screen Shot 2013-10-08 at 9.54.22 PMWHAT: Ghosts
WHEN: September 26 – November 23, 2013 (schedule)
WHERE: Almeida Theatre (Almeida St., N1 1TA)
RUNTIME: 90 minutes, no intermission
WHO: Almeida Theatre
PRICE: £8-32

OUR RATING: Do It!


Screen Shot 2013-10-08 at 9.54.39 PMMorality, malady, deviance…such is the world constructed before us by Richard Eyre, Britain’s foremost director, in his shiningly brilliant production of Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts. Appropriately titled for this autumn season, Ghosts doesn’t fail to shock, question and lead its audience through a fallen beauty that is dazzling and yet somehow extremely pertinent to our times.

Lesley Manville (Helene) and Jack Lowden (Oswald)

Lesley Manville (Helene) and Jack Lowden (Oswald)

Widow Helene Alving (Lesley Manville) lives in a skeletal mansion that at once seems to brighten and dim with her emotion. She harbours a dreadful secret, the repression of which has brought Helene to the brink. Now, with the return of her artist son Oswald (Jack Lowden), she must finally unshroud the truth and present its hideous form, no matter what the cost.

Will Keen (Manders) and Lesley Manville (Helene)

Will Keen (Manders) and Lesley Manville (Helene)

Adam: Entering the theatre, I thought I knew what I was in for. The framework of Ibsen reminds one of an ever-encroaching black night, readying itself to engulf the audience in a cloud of depressive defiance. And yet, upon taking my seat, I could not help feel that this production cast Ghosts in a whole new light. An airy feel that led me to believe that liberation was within reach, a tantalising figment that might just be snatched up.

Charlene McKenna (Regina)

Charlene McKenna (Regina)

In essence, Ghosts is a work on 19th century morality – the ever present tug between the upright and moral (or the stuffy and oppressive), and the carefree and creative (or irresponsible and selfish). While one might think these debates were laid to rest along with all the dead religiosity that corseted Victorian society, it seems that we were mistaken. Organised religion (and ideologies in general) still preach to us, whether it is preventing women from wearing the hijab, extolling us to marry traditionally or even telling us what not to eat. In society, there are always those who wish to restrict (or is it protect?) the freedoms of others, as much today as in Ibsen’s time. Ghosts wrestles with extremes, and through this we are left wondering how we can travel a moderate path that avoids oppression AND unrestricted hedonism.

Will Keen (Manders) and Lesley Manville (Helene)

Will Keen (Manders) and Lesley Manville (Helene)

For each type of indulgence, religious or libertine, results in a destruction, as we see in the tragically upsetting undoing of Helene’s son. Lowden’s portrayal lends itself to the Bridesheadian epitome of the disaffected, bored and damaged scion returning home after his revels in Europe. Through a sensitive and considered performance, Lowden explains to us the pain of bitter fruits bestowed to him from the past – like all the characters, and arguable people, the mental shadows that inhabit the corners of his mind plague his every excruciating word.

Charlene McKenna (Regina) and Brian McCardie (Jacob)

Charlene McKenna (Regina) and Brian McCardie (Jacob)

However, Ibsen is quite aware that presenting this work entirely as one of woe would not do, and as such provides us with a spot of comic relief in the form of Jacob Engstrand (Brian McCardie), the lowly father of the maid Regina. Using pity, wily tactics and other such methods, Engstrand lives off others while justifying his own parasitic position. However, McCardie’s bawdy fun can seem quite disturbing at times, creating the impression of devilish clowning with a definite malignant twist. His display of this character trait is magnificent and leaves one with a sense of double mind about the character.

Will Keen (Manders) and Jack Lowden (Oswald)

Will Keen (Manders) and Jack Lowden (Oswald)

Alicia: Upon setting foot in the theatre, one is immediately arrested by Tim Hatley’s set design. There is your usual beautiful Victorian-esque drawing and dining rooms, but Hatley places a semi-transparent and murky wall between the two. While rapt by the dialogue on stage in the drawing room, one is also audience to the shadowed world of the dining room beyond and its inhabitants, like haunted ghosts of another time.

Lesley Manville (Helene)

Lesley Manville (Helene)

Unfortunately, John Leonard’s sound design does not match the quality of other designs on the stage. While the ambient sound in the first couple of scenes help create a believable world, certain effects later on took me out of the scene entirely, providing a rather silly attempt at realism. And then, worst of all, the final and passionate scene between mother and son at the end of the play is ruined by an odd design/directorial decision to play really loud classical music while turning the entire scene orange and red. The design entirely took over the acting moment, just at the point when Manville and Lowden are giving their all.

Lesley Manville (Helene) and Jack Lowden (Oswald)

Lesley Manville (Helene) and Jack Lowden (Oswald)

Yet, to be perfectly honest I am being very hard on these few moments, as I ultimately felt riveted during the entire performance. As mentioned by Adam, Lowden performs stunningingly. I have always felt that Ibsen’s male characters are relatively weak in comparison to their female counterparts, and thus on stage I usually waive them off as merely supports for their leading lady. However, Lowden performed his part amazingly, with just the perfect amount of weakness and support as to keep in line with Ibsen’s character while also retaining a sense of strength and independence that I found refreshing. Performances by the snake-like pastor Manders (Will Keen) and the feisty maid Regine (Charlene McKenna) are also stunning in their portrayals.

Lesley Manville (Helene)

Lesley Manville (Helene)

And then there is Lesley Manville, who goes between fiery determination and shocking grief, bringing both love and pain to the forefront. One is completed exhausted at the end of the play having watched her on a rollercoaster of feeling. She is a wonderful force to be reckoned with.

Final Thoughts: Top class performances from well-known stars directed by a master of the art makes Ghosts a must-see. A powerful production with many angles, this is 90 minutes of sheer psychology that will leave you fascinated, disturbed and touched.

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