Gary in Punderland

 

A Pun - a joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words which sound alike but have different meanings. A Pun Meister – an expert at telling puns, making people smile, aching their ribs and filling evenings with much laughter.  Gary Delaney – a Pun Meister General – one of the very best.

Playing in the round of Darlington Hippodrome’s Hullabaloo is a perfect venue for stand up – it is intimate, the act can clearly see the faces of the audience and the laughter is infectious.  By his own admission, this is what Gary has been missing, craving and his enjoyment of performing is matched by the audiences non-stop laughter.

Packed full of one liners, Gary’s very personable approach make this feel like a really good friend holding court at a family party – he begins by testing the levels to which the audience will allow his jokes to rise (or stoop) and with that, we’re off.  Cleverly breaking up the non-stop punning, we are treated to big screen examples of his spurious Amazon reviews, Wikipedia entries and hilarious observations of the everyday world.  For those of a certain age, there’s a lot of ‘That’s Life’s Doc Cox’ (and a little of Cox’s alter ego Ivor Biggun) combined with puns ranging from the ‘safe to repeat at work’ to the ‘wouldn’t dare in a month of Sundays’.  No topic is really off limits (albeit Jimmy Carr has probably closed the door on a few more by now) so it all makes for a deliciously naughty evening; a brilliant show for adults to kick back, relax and laugh without caring who knows what you find funny.

Supporting Gary on this tour is Steve Day – one 1/3 of the infamous ‘3 wise monkey’ comedy troupe.  Bringing his own unique take on comedy (Steve is the best deaf comic he’s never heard) this South London Brummie is very funny, lots of great anecdotes and someone who I’d love to see much more from.

Gary’s tour continues throughout 2022 with North East dates in Helmsley, Sunderland, Newcastle, Carlisle and Alnwick (and potentially more dates being added).  Check out his website for full details - https://www.garydelaney.com/live/

The Addams Family Musical Comedy

 

Spellbinding masterpiece of modern musical theatre which is sure to last as long as its famous TV counterpart, this current show is drawing crowds back to the theatre and leaving them in howls of laughter.

Based on the original Charles Addams comic strips and latterly on the book by Rick Elice and Marshall Brickmand, Andrew Lippa’s music and lyrics tell the tale of Wednesday Addams (Kingsley Morton), now a teenager, who is ready to spread her wings and fly into the arms of a ‘normal’ boy, Lucas Beineke (Ahmed Hamad).  

Of course, Wednesday being an Addams means when the two families get to meet one and another, things aren’t exactly plain sailing.  (Quick note – look out for Kingsley in any future shows, she is a powerhouse of a singer, wonderful actor and has impeccable comedy timing).

Head of the house Gomez (Cameron Blakely) is part suave sophisticate and part ‘light on his feet’ fop – Cameron oozes charisma and charm and no little in the funny bones.  Torn between keeping Wednesday’s impending announcement a secret and honouring his Mi Amore Morticia’s expectation of complete honesty, Gomez tip toes through the tulips of duplicity.  His "Two things/Three Things" is hilarious, his "Happy/Sad" will resonate with any father watching his daughter grow up (and I've done it twice).

The Ying to his Yang, Morticia (Joanne Clifton) is the epitome of a 50’s American ‘mom’ – only wants the best for her family, so long as that ‘best’ is her version on her terms.  Joanne is simply wonderful, she naturally glides around the stage effortlessly which just adds to her other-worldly persona.  Of course it would be remiss of the director Matthew White if having a ‘Strictly’ champion in the cast he didn’t show us the full range of ‘Morticia’s’ prowess – the Tango De Amor is possibly one of the best routines you’re likely to see on stage this year, I am certain the temperature in the auditorium went up 10 degrees while we watched.

The rest of the family are all afforded plenty of stage time to ensure we feel the whole familiar familial.  Grant McIntyre as Pugsley is a brilliant stooge to Wednesday’s torturings while their Grandma (well, ‘somebody’s’ Grandma) Valda Aviks is an ever present lurker just waiting to drop a potion or two.

The Beineke’s visit to the Addams household cumulates in them playing The Game (“the game, the game, the game”) – Full Disclosure, a kind of truth or dare whereby they each reveal a deep secret.  Aided by some of Grandma’s potions, Alice Beineke (the stunning Kara Lane) casts off her oppressed housewife shawl and challenges her stuck in his ways husband Mal (Sean Kingsley) to do the same or risk losing her forever.   Mirroring the same ultimatum that Wednesday has set Lucas (and for that matter Morticia sets Gomez) we are led into a brilliant musical battle of “Crazier than You” – warning, this is the one that will stick in your head and you will suddenly be singing at your partner, children, pets when you get home.

The final 2 main characters are possibly the two favourites from both TV & Screen – Uncle Festa (Scott Paige) and Lurch (Dickon Gough).  Scott’s Fester is brilliant – I was fortunate to watch this show twice, once from the circle and then from only 2 rows back in the stalls and to see Scott’s nuanced ‘Festerisms’ is genius; lovestruck by La Lune, devoted to his family and as mad as a box of frogs, he could easily carry a spin off show of his own.  As for Lurch, well, Dickon manages to portray the Addams’s butler as though he is 9 feet tall – ominous, broody, creepy and moody, but there are some fabulous stand out moments for which I will not issue any spoilers.

The ensemble all play deceased ancestors of the Addams’ throughout history, ever present as ghoulish onlookers and phantom friends.  Keep an eye out for the pictures at the back of the set, there’s almost as much going on there as there is front of stage.

As mentioned earlier we were sat 2 rows from the front in the stalls and as such we have a brilliant view of the band – led by Bob Broad who one can only describe as the Tasmanian Devil on a keyboard – Bob packs so much energy into his band leading (and clearly the band respond to that as could be seen by their laughs and smiles throughout)  - it is not only a joy to see but clearly why the performances are so hugely entertaining for everyone.

The Addams Family Musical is touring the UK – if you only go and see one show this year, make this the one, and then take your friends, and then your family, and then your neighbours – Everyone deserves to have a little Addams in their life.

The Invisible Man @ Northern Stage

 

A deep dark look into the conflict between societal norms and the human psyche, this is powerful, immersive theatre at its best.

Forget the Ian McCallum, Claude Rains or the recent Elizabeth Moss movies, this version concentrates the viewer towards questioning “can you be invisible in plain sight?” and "if you could be invisible, what would you do?".

With the ever present social media, news broadcasts, agencies and digital surveillance, it is nigh on impossible not to leave a footprint, yet there are many people who are still overlooked to the point of them feeling invisible.  This production tells the story of Griffen ( Daniel Watson) a troubled young man from the North East with violent thoughts and a chequered past who,  following his claims that he can make things invisible, is referred to a local psychiatrist, Dr Kemp (Kate Louise Okello) for evaluation.  Kemp, a media doctor, is intrigued by his claims, and whilst at first she is very sceptical she begins to understand that Griffen’s belief is so absolute that there must be something more than pure fantasy.

Challenged to explore his past and a tragic event for which Griffen blames himself, the audience is drawn deeper into his world.  This is not a sci-fi story, there is no mad professor or spooky lab, instead, and perhaps more frightening, we live for the most part in Griffen’s head as he slowly unravels; caught between wanting to be seen but desperate to disappear.  The similarity of his life with that of Dr Kemp's begins to create a kindred affinity between doctor and patient, slowly blurring the lines.  As she continues to be drawn closer, we find Dr Kemp ending up in front of a medical disciplinary panel.  Has she helped Griffen to finally become invisible, or has, by shining a spotlight in him ha she removed any hope he had of not 'being seen'.

With all other parts being played by Izzy Ions and Jack Fairley (who also provide the soundscape live on stage), this is a totally immersive experience which flew through the 90 minute running time.

A wonderful example of how brilliant writing (Phillip Correia) and really focussed Directing (Anna Girvan) can have a lasting impact on an audience, long after the final scene.

Northern Stage performance details and ticket information can be found here - https://www.northernstage.co.uk/event/the-invisible-man 

Tour information, including details of Durham Gala and Barndard Castle Witham can be found here - https://www.list.co.uk/event/1774299-the-invisible-man/

80's Mania Show at Darlington Hippodrome

 

Big hair, big shoulders and even bigger stars, the 80’s was THE decade which for so many people defined pop music.  Coming to Darlington Hippodrome on Saturday 5th March is the ultimate of 80’s tribute shows – 80’s Mania.  With 28 chart topping hits performed by brilliant tributes and backed by the Legs and Co dance troupe, this promises to be a night of nostalgia and fun all played out to the soundtrack of a generation.

Bringing their unique jukebox to the stage, the 80’s Mania team ensure that all your favourite artists are represented in all their 80’s glory;  Adam Ant, Madonna, Kim Wilde, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Soft Cell, Erasure, Madness, Boy George, Bananarama and many more.  Hit songs that collectively have sold over 100 million singles, this will be the ultimate mix tape, all played live.

Dig out your spandex, roll on your leg warmers and back comb your hair because this promises to be the step back in time that will leave you singing into your hairbrush and dancing in the mirror all over again.  80’s Radio 1 DJ Mike Read raved “it’s like Live Aid meets Top of The Pops”.

YouTube - https://youtu.be/IPjFAHfb6qw

No better way to spend a Saturday evening, tickets are on sale now and selling fast so don’t delay – booking and further details https://bit.ly/3KXQRDH

Fatal Attraction at the Theatre Royal Newcastle

 

Fatal Attraction is a must see, 5 star production – go with friends, go with partners but probably don’t go if you’re having (or thinking of having) an affair.

James Dearden’s dark and twisted tale of obsessive love leaves you breathless.  Leads Kym Marsh and Oliver Farnworth give one of the most powerful performances you’re likely to see this year.

Based on the Paramount Pictures movie from 1992, Fatal Attraction is the tale of Dan Gallagher (Farnworth), a happily married New York lawyer who one night happens to be in a bar with a friend when he meets publisher Alex Forrest (Marsh) who is out looking for company.  Tempted to stay a while longer as his wife is away, Dan and Alex end up having dinner and then go back to her apartment.  A one night stand ensues, but from this point on, the one night is the least of Dan’s worries as Alex begins to control, manipulate, threaten, plead and beg for Dan’s attention.  She turns up at his work, calls his cell, texts and even manages to meet his wife at their apartment.

Trying hard to distance himself from Alex, Dan changes his phone numbers, his routine, agrees to move out of the city with his wife and daughter but nothing will stop Alex.  Using all her powers of emotional blackmail and some very clever, underhand tricks, she manages to get right under the skin of Dan’s life and from there she festers and grows, like a cancer.  The ends to which she will go and limitless, the infamous rabbit scene is even more harrowing on stage than in the movie and her coup de grace is the ultimate in revenge.

Kym Marsh is simply amazing – sultry and seductive, yet in one moment she becomes psychotic, unhinged, fragile and dangerous.  You never know which Alex is going to appear from one scene to the next and that is truly scary. In a minimal set there are no distractions from the performance on stage, but to be honest, Marsh could perform in a crowd of thousands and you would be able to see nothing but her. 

Farnworth’s Dan, for any married man, is surely a ‘there but for the grace of God go I’ performance – he never intends to cheat on his wife, nor does he seek to maintain a relationship with Alex after the fateful weekend but he does show that, to coin Kipling ‘ the female of the species is more deadly than the male’.  His weakness was his ego; flattered by the attentions of a beautiful woman he pays the ultimate price in losing everything he once held dear.  Farnworth delivers a profound progression of annoyance to frustration, to desperation, to rage and finally to complete devastation with the pain and anguish visible right to the back of the theatre.

Supporting cast Susie Amy as Dans wife Beth is perfect; she is lovely and loving, wants nothing more than to enjoy her married life and move to the country which makes his cheating on her evermore heart-breaking. 

Special mention to lighting designer Jack Knowles, sound designer Carolyn Downing and Set designer Morgan Large who give director Loveday Ingram some of the most powerful and evocative tools to play with.