Catherine Bennett resumes the weekly look at the performing arts world, with the sad end of Jerusalem, the luck of a cabbie, and French revolt. Do you hear the people sing?
Adam Alcock reviews Nigel Kennedy playing Vivaldi's Four Seasons and his own Four Elements at York Opera House.
Catherine Bennett highlights the trends in the performing arts world today.
Jonathan Cridford reviews 'Ghosts', one of the Freshers' plays for this year.
A short while ago, we saw Josh Giles performing naked in the drama barn in Equus . Now, in Pant Soc’s production of Dick Whittington he appears in a black leotard, dancing to Beyonce’s ‘Single Ladies’. It evokes a very different reaction.
You may not think it is the right season for pantomime, but Alexander Lawless and Patrick Fyshe’s production of Dick Whittington is definitely worth seeing. Written by Rosie Fletcher, the script is full of Yorkshire related gags and ludicrous sexual innuendo, which the actors certainly perform to its best. Worthy of note is Tom Crowley as Dick Whittington, whose comic timing and engagement with the audience confidently leads the performance, and is, as the programme states ‘spunky as you like’. Josh Giles also provides much of the comedy as the Dame throughout the performance, fully committing to the role, whilst also displaying an incredible talent for walking in heels.
A particular highlight, for which Tom Martin must take credit, is the use of short film episodes for the off stage action. Innocent Yorkshire locals stand slightly aghast as the entire cast runs through the streets of York in preparation for the climax of the play.
But perhaps what makes the production most successful is the feeling of comradery within the cast and production team that the audience get from watching the performance. This alone puts the real excitement and fun back into pantomime and makes the show well worth seeing.
You must log in to submit a comment.
