Family Man
A young father is shocked to discover that his son seems to be repeating some of the 'mistakes' that he himself made while growing up. How does he deal with it? This is the question raised in Family Man, a new play starring ex-Eastender Gary Beadle.
Gary plays Caesar Ramsay, in Family Man, a new production written by his brother Rikki Beadle Blair an extremely talented writer. He says he likes the story because it deals not strictly with black or white issues but rather family issues. "Caesar could be any man wanting the best for his children," says Beadle. "As a parent myself (Gary has two boys aged 17 and 6), I understand what it means to want to see your children be successful and safe. Caesar's response to the situation with Nelson, his son, is therefore very interesting and even though the play is a comedy I think it gives the audience a lot to think about from both the perspective of parents and children."
Gary's first performance in theatre was at the tender age of eight when he performed in a stage version of Bugsy Malone. It was also his brother Rikki Beadle-Blair's first foray into directing. From there Gary and his siblings, brother Rikki and sister Carleen, went to the Anna Scher Theatre School in Islington on the recommendation of Alan Parker's secretary who had attended the youngsters' performance at their local community centre. This led to a number of opportunities including performances at the Old Vic and for Thames Television before it was time for him to choose a career before sitting his o-Levels.
"When I was at school we were forced to choose one of the career cards from a big box. I remember looking into the box and thinking that I couldn't find anything that was close to actor so as a compromise I chose Cinema Manager! When I got home Rikki tore the little card up and set me straight. 'Gary you are an actor'. It was like a light had been switched on. That (being an actor) is all I've ever been."
Or indeed wants to be. He left school and actively pursued life as a jobbing actor constantly on the search for the new roles and characters ever since. It is this need to constantly change and try new things that led Gary to make the somewhat surprising (for his fans at least) decision to leave EastEnders and his role as Paul Trueman behind.
'I didn't want to do the same thing forever. One of the main reasons that I got into acting was so that I could play several different people and live in other people's worlds. It was also never about celebrity for me. I like pleasing the audience and enjoy the ability to influence people's thinking through performance."
Familyman is directed by Dawn Reid and boasts a hugely talented cast that also includes Llewella Gideon (Absolutely Fabulous, The Crouches - BBC), Jo Martin (Stupid, The Crouches - BBC), Jo Castleton, Ayesha Antoine, Ricci Mcleod and Aaron Taylor. The show runs from the 2nd - 31st May 2008 at Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, London, E15 1BN (travel: Stratford (Central line, Jubilee line, Overground, DLR & mainline). 7.30pm, mats 2pm. Adm: £12 - £19, children & conc. - £8 - £12. Info: 0208 534 0310.
Out of Chaos
As a physical theatre comedy blending ancient Greek Mythology with modern true stories Out of Chaos re-imagines the tragic chorus and incorporates live music, clowning and physical theatre in a devised piece that draws on the international origins of the actors.
In the beginning, there was chaos. Then the Gods took that chaos and gave it an order. They made the world and some animals and everything went pretty well. But one day Prometheus made a new beast, and he raised it up onto two feet so it could look at the heavens. And that's when things started to kick off.
Gods and mortals, parents and sons, sisters, lovers and strangers on the Tube come head-to-head in a playful blend of Ancient Greek mythology and modern true stories, exploring the ways in which people fight and rage.
In addition to Out of Chaos, Temple Theatre will present a series of short theatre, music, poetry and art events, performed by associate companies and artists, in and around the bar area after the show. See Out of Chaos on Tues 20 - 24 May at Blue Elephant Theatre, 59a Bethwin Rd, (entrance on Thompson Ave), Camberwell, London, SE5 0XT (Travel-tube: Oval (Northern Line). Info: 0207 701 0100.
Monty Python's Spamalot
Spamalot stamps its mark on the West End with the "subtle grace of a giant animated foot squashing a renaissance angel, complete with a raspberry."
The generation of Python fans able, and rather too willing, to quote whole sketches verbatim, will undoubtedly love its spirit. But what of everyone else?
Most Python movies have been viewed all over the world and no doubt translated into several hundred languages. One wonders how "you lucky b*****d" translates into Japanese, but that's for another day. My point is that you haven't really experienced Monty Python until you've seen it live.
Granted Spamalot is not a true representation of the film; Monty Python and the Holy Grail, but in true python style it is "lovingly ripped off" from said film. It's a wonderful mish-mash of old bits and new bits creating something that even seasoned fans can enjoy.
Directed by Mike Nichols it tells the familiar tale of the Knights of the Round Table and their quest for the not so holy grail, complete with a chorus line of plague victims, tap-dancing Jews, dancing divas and of course flatulent Frenchmen.
The one thing that makes the musical stand out above most is the wonderful way both score and lyrics flow together with typical pythonesque chaos. No wonder then, that the man responsible for such auditory audaciousness is none other than original python Eric Idle. He even manages to shoehorn in Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life from a different film entirely.
As the Lady who hands Arthur his Excalibur the statuesque Nina Soderquist is on spectacular form, demonstrating an astonishing singing range in everything from soulful R&B to awesome Shirley Bassey-style histrionics. Alan Dale (Ugly Betty, the O.C., Lost and Neighbours) excels as King Arthur. John Cleese himself makes a taped appearance, as the voice of God. Robert Hands plays Sir Robin, Steven Kynman is Herbert, Graham MacDuff is Sir Dennis Galahad, Andrew Spillett is Patsy, Tony Timberlake is Sir Belvedere, and Jake Nightingale is Sir Lancelot. All of the key actors convincingly take on a handful of roles and the rapt audience adores the seamless rotations.
The siege of the French castle, which closes the first act, is greeted with an applause break like a guest star entering a cheesy American sitcom before the arrogant Gallic guard even opens his insult-filled mouth. To hear again the tirade of imaginative put-downs is almost worth the ticket price alone.
Monty Python's Spamalot can be enjoyed from now to 27 September at Palace Theatre, Cambridge Circus, London W1. 8pm, 5.15pm & Sat 3pm. Adm: £20 - £60. Info: www.montypythonsspamalot.com
by Jai Singh
An Eligible Man
What happens when a loved one dies? Do we compartmentalize our emotions, or do we get on with the act of living? These are some of the questions asked in 'An Eligible Man', a new play that examines the startling power of grief and the sometimes comical drama that arises out of it.
In 'An Eligible Man' the charismatic Judge Christopher Osgood is left totally unprepared and unable to cope on his own after his wife dies. Desperately lonely, he is bewildered by the practicalities and demands of everyday life.
His neighbour and chess opponent Dr Marcus Gordon does his best to cheer up his friend and advises him on how to manage his grief. As time passes Osgood is surprised to find that as an attractive and eligible widower of mature years he is much in demand.
In a contemporary 'Judgement of Paris', Osgood has to choose between three very different women whose combined qualities were all present in his late wife. Sexy and warm-hearted Lucille seduces him; understanding and affectionate Sally offers companionship, and glamorous Jo introduces him to her social life.
Each of the three is determined to make Osgood her husband, but with which of them will he find the happiness he has lost and the contentment he is seeking? See the outcome wittily played out in this thought-provoking play by bestselling author and playwright Rosemary Friedman.
Friedman has published 23 titles including 20 novels, several of which have been serialised by the BBC. She has also published 2 children's books and more than 33 short stories syndicated worldwide. She has written commissioned screenplays (UK and USA) and television scripts including `Baby Blues' for Doctors (BBC1). An Eligible Man is her third play to be produced. Her second play, Change of Heart, received its world première at the New End Theatre in 2004.
'An Eligible Man' will be performed on 30 Apr - 8 June at New End Theatre, 27 New End, Hampstead, NW3 1JD. 7.30pm. Adm: £18, conc £15. Info: 0870 033 2733.
By Diriye Osman
|
|
Now - 3 May
HAVE BOX WILL TRAVEL
Charlie Dark's new show is a rites of passage story of a music geek: from a bedroom in South London, round the world, and back again, with life changing tracks and slick direction from B-boy and hip hop theatre pioneer Benji Reid. A dynamic part of the UK's poetry and performance scene as a writer, producer and DJ, Charlie Dark fuses Hip Hop beats, live on-stage mixing and hilarious stories about growing up as a struggling B-boy. Venue: Lyric Theatre, King Street, Hammersmith, London W6 OQL (travel-tube: Hammersmith). Info: 08700 500 511.
Now - 3 May
MY LIFE WITH THE DOGS
A play based on the remarkable true life story of Ivan Mishukov, a young boy from Moscow who left home at the age of four to live with wild street dogs. Venue: Battersea Arts Centre (BAC), Lavender Hill, London SW11.
Now - 3 May
THE SEVEN
Cursed by their father, two inseparable brothers are forced to fight for the throne of Thebes. But are they strong enough to avoid bloodshed on the city's streets and to take fate into their own hands? The Seven fuses together rap, 1970's funk, R&B, gospel, the blues and choreography from the legendary Bill T Jones to produce a compelling, high-octane performance that speaks of gang warfare in American cities today. Venue: Lyric Theatre, Lyric Square, King Street, Hammersmith London W6 0QL. 7.30pm. Info: 0870 050 0511 / www.lyric.co.uk
Now - 11 May
THIRD STOREY
From beautiful girls to handsome heroes, from a truly evil villain to a swashbuckling fight scene (between a drunk and a girl). This show will change your life - in the same way a really good curry can. Venue: The Lion And Unicorn, 42-44 Gaisford Street, London NW5 2ED. 8pm. Adm: £10, conc £8. Info: 0207 485 9897.
Now - 17 May
HIDE & SEEK
A woman and her memories of the past scavenge amongst the ruins and devastation of the world she once knew. The woman discovers a baby amongst the ruins and the things that matter the most become obvious as a result of the discovery. Venue: Blue Elephant Theatre, 59a Bethwin Road, (entrance on Thompson Avenue), Camberwell, London. SE5 0XT ((travel: tube- Oval on Northern Line). 8pm. Adm: £10, conc £8. Info: 0207 701 0100 / www.blueelephanttheatre.co.uk
Now - 17 May
NEW BOY
Mark starts the sixth form knowing that this is his last chance to impress - to be more popular, more obnoxious, the best informed about gynaecology. The mesmerizing and good looking new boy Barry, seems to be having trouble making friends. Everyone is afraid of him. He could be the perfect ally in Mark's mission to enhance his social status and finally get a shag…Venue: Tabard Theatre, 2 Bath Road, London W4 1LW (travel: Turnham Green on Piccadilly and District Lines). 7.30pm. Adm: £13, conc £10 - Booking fees may apply. Info: 08701 696 805 / www.tabardtheatre.co.uk
Now - 24 May
MEET THE MUKHERJEES
East Is East collides with Meet The Fockers in the World Premiere of a witty and exhilarating new romantic comedy with a bite which proves that love may conquer all but your in-laws! Venue: The Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton. BL1 1SB. 7.30pm, mats 2pm. Adm: £8.50 - £18.50. Info: 01204 530 661 / www.octagonbolton.co.uk
Now - 24 May
THE ONLY GIRL IN THE WORLD
A captivating and highly original verse play re-examining the story of the final victim of Jack the Ripper. The play explores the last few days in the life of 25-year-old Irish immigrant Mary Jane Kelly, focusing on her relationship with Joseph Barnett, who gave evidence at her inquest in 1888. Venue: Arcola Theatre, 27 Arcola Street, London E8 2DJ (travel- tube Highbury and Islington (Victoria Line), then Silverlink to Dalston Kingsland Main line station). 8.15pm. Adm: £15, conc £10, Tuesdays 'Pay What You Can'. Info: 0207 503 1646 / www.arcolatheatre.com
Now - 31 May
THE LADY FROM THE SEA
Is it better to suffocate on dry land or drown in the freedom of the sea? Trapped in an unhappy marriage with stepdaughters who dislike her, Ellida is consumed by her longing for the sea. The startling arrival of a dark stranger awakens deep feelings in Ellida and tempts her to the water's edge; she must confront both the past and the desire for untrammelled freedom which could destroy her. Venue: Arcola Theatre, 27 Arcola Street, London, E8 2DJ (travel- tube Highbury and Islington (Victoria Line), then Silverlink to Dalston Kingsland Main line station). 8pm. Adm: £15, conc £10, Tuesdays 'Pay What You Can'. Info: 0207 503 1646 / www.arcolatheatre.com
Now - 15 Nov
INTO THE HOODS
Following its success at two successive Edinburgh Fringe Festivals, ZooNation's urban fairytale, Based on Stephen Sondheim's 1989 musical, Into the Woods, the hip-hop version follows two children who are lost in the hood. An evil landlord befriends them after they have played truant from school and they are offered a room in his ... Into the Hoods, will transfer to London's West End - to the Novello Theatre where it runs for a limited season - from March 26 Venue: Novello Theatre, London
Mon 5 May
A WESTERN
We want to make a Western. We have a cowboy hat and some ketchup. We want the scene where our hero walks into the bar and everyone stops talking. Together with our audience we reclaim this chaotic half-arsed Western as our own and celebrate the failure of generic heroes, cheap whores and the all American idol. Venue: Tobacco Factory Theatre, Raleigh Road, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 1TF. 9.15pm. Adm: £5. Info: 0117 902 0344.
Wed 6 May
TELL ME LIES
Tell me ...Lies combines physical theatre, drama and surrealism into one brilliantly inventive play. Populated by a varied and vastly entertaining cast of characters, the play introduces us to Abi, a young woman whose mother has just died. Abi is totally out of control, yet despite her increasingly bizarre and antisocial behaviour her sister refuses to let her move out and on - the question is why? Venue: Arts Theatre, 6-7 Great Newport Street, London WC2H 7JB. 9.30pm. Adm: £12 - £15. Info: 0207 836 2132 / www.artstheatrelondon.com
Wed 7 May - 1 Jun
BEAU JEST
Mr and Mrs Goldman want the best for their teacher daughter Sarah, including her beau. They will be happy with whoever she chooses as long as he is good Jewish boy. Sarah is dating Chris, who unfortunately doesn't match this requirement. What is a girl to do? To hide Sarah's gentile boyfriend she calls for an escort service to impersonate a Jewish boyfriend. Venue: Hackney Empire Theatre, 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ (travel: train-Hackney Central). 7.30pm, mats 2.30pm. Adm: £17.50 - £22.50 + booking fee, concs available. Info: 0208 985 2424.
Thu 8 - 9 May
DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES
As part of our season entitled Creative Hood which explores creativity coming out of inner cities Different Perspectives is a captivating, emotionally charged piece of theatre which charts the decline of a relationship between a Jamaican father and his son, Wayne. The story is Inspired by the experiences of second generation Jamaicans now living in Manchester. Inspired by the experiences of second generation Jamaicans now living in Manchester. Venue: The Drum, Birmingham. 7.30pm. Info: 0121 333 2444. www.the-drum.org.uk
Thurs 8 - 24 May
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
Stanley is lying low at a run-down Guest House on the South Coast, with the slightly unwelcome attentions of his landlady as his only distractions. Then the house receives a visit from two men - Goldberg and McCann - who have come to fetch him back. Venue: Lyric Theatre, King Street, Hammersmith, London W6 OQL (travel-tube: Hammersmith). Info: 08700 500 511.
Fri 9 & 10 May
HOOF!
The Beast is back! Hoof! Is two entirely improvised plays each night. No hesitation, no conferring and definitely no audience intervention. Venue: Liverpool Everyman, Hope Street, Liverpool. 7.45pm. Adm: £10. Info: 0151 709 4776 / www.everymanplayhouse.com
Fri 9 - 31 May
THE BLACK CURTAIN
A darkly comic film noir thriller presented by a company with a "reputation for excellence in physical theatre. Venues: Cygnet New Theatre, Cygnet New Theatre, Friars Gate, Exeter, EX1 4AZ - 01392 277189; (16 May) Byre, Abbey Street, St Andrews, KY16 9LA - 01334 475000; (16/05) at Eastgate Arts Centre, Eastgate, Peebles, EH45 8AD - 01721 725777 (19/05) at Torquay Little Theatre, St Marks Road, Meadfoot, Torquay, TQ1 2EL - 01803 299330; (21/05) Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, Highgate, London N6 5AA - 0208 340 5226; (28-31 May) Jackson Lane Theatre, London. 7.30pm. Adm: £10, conc £8.
Fri 9 - 31 May
TARTUFFE
Tartuffe is a beacon of piety and in the home of wealthy merchant Orgon he has his feet firmly under the table. But the family smells a rat and amidst the frill and frivolity of 17th century society they hatch a cunning plan. Venue: Liverpool Everyman, Hope Street, Liverpool. Adm: £9-£20. Info: 0151 709 4776 / www.everymanplayhouse.com
Mon 12 - 17 May
SINGLE SPIES
It's 1958, and a seedy Moscow apartment, bad false teeth, too much liquor, and a Soviet-issue lover are daily life for an old Etonian in exile. When actress Coral Browne accepts an invitation to lunch with double agent Guy Burgess she finds a man longing for society gossip and a new suit from his London tailor. Venue: Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 2XE. 7.30pm. Adm: £13 - £28. Info: 01494 512000.
Mon 12 - 17 May
SINGLE SPIES
Starring Nigel Havers, Diana Quick and Jack Ryder. Knighted in 1956, eminent art historian, Anthony Blunt was a pillar of the establishment, perfectly at home in the corridors of Buckingham Palace where Her Majesty happens upon him replacing one of her favourite Titians. The painting is a fake, but is The Queen also aware that her enigmatic servant is actually the traitorous 'fourth man'? Venue Swan Theatre, St Mary Street, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 2XE. 7.30pm. Adm: £13-£28. Info: 01494 512000
Tues 13 - 31 May
DANGEROUS CORNER
Priestley's unsettling play sees Freda and Robert Caplan play host to their 'snug little group' of friends and colleagues at their country home. Before long, though, a cigarette box and a chance remark spark off a relentless series of revelations as we are asked to consider whether it really is best to let sleeping dogs lie? Venue: Pacific Playhouse, 5-6 Playhouse Court, 62 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 0AT. 7.30pm. Adm: £11, conc £8. Info: 0207 803 0897.
Tues 13 - 17 May
THE STORY OF A RABBIT
When Hugh finds his neighbour's rabbit laying dead in his garden he starts to wonder how much of life disappears once we die. Venue: Liverpool Everyman, Hope Street, Liverpool. 7.45pm. Adm: £9-£14. Info: 0151 709 4776 / www.everymanplayhouse.com
Thurs 15 - 16 May
A MOTHER'S FRUSTRATION
Set in the African Caribbean community of Huddersfield, this bittersweet tale is about Miss Nancy, a widowed mother, struggling against all the odds to raise her two daughters, Linda and Lorna. Unable to land a job and with no real prospects of earning money Miss Nancy's hopes of happiness turn to finding someone special to cheer her lonesome heart and maybe just maybe change their lives forever. Suitable for age 12 years plus. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. 7.30pm. Adm: £7, conc £5. Info: 0121 333 2400.
Thurs 15 May - 7 Jun
HARD HEARTED HANNAH AND OTHER STORIES
One of the UK's most exciting theatre companies, Cartoon de Salvo have captivated audiences with their giddying cocktail of storytelling, script-defying impro and live music over the past 8 years. Hard Hearted Hannah and Other Stories is the latest freewheeling antic from the team behind hit comic romance Meat and Two Veg and 2005's outdoor theatre event, The Sunflower Plot. Part-gig, part-theatre. Venue: Lyric Theatre, King Street, Hammersmith, London W6 OQL (travel-tube: Hammersmith). Info: 08700 500 511.
Sun 18 May
TEA BREAK AT THE FACTORY
Ladino is a dying language surviving in song form - romansas and cantigas. This Judea-Hispanic language journeyed from Spain to the Ottoman Empire, to the Balkans and Morocco - a nomadic oral form that has survived for 500 years. Venue: The Factory, 100-108 Markfield Road, London, N15 4Q (travel- Seven Sisters on the Victoria Line Take Exit 2 (High Road/Broad Lane). 8pm. Adm: £5. Info: 07857 020 156 or email chichiteabreak@gmail.com.
Sat 19 - 21 May
HOW TO DISAPPEAR
What is it like to disappear? To hide and never be found, to blend in completely, to vanish. An intimate piece that takes its audience on a journey to discover hiding places and special dark corners. Venue: Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, London SW11 5TN. 7pm. Adm: £8, conc £5. Info: 0207 223 6557.
Tues 20 - 24 May
OUT OF CHAOS
In the beginning, there was chaos. Then the Gods took that chaos and gave it an order. They made the world and some animals and everything went pretty well. But one day Prometheus made a new beast, and he raised it up onto two feet so it could look at the heavens. And that's when things started to kick off. Venue: Blue Elephant Theatre, 59a Bethwin Rd, (entrance on Thompson Ave), Camberwell, London SE5 0XT (Travel-tube: Oval (Northern Line). Info: 0207 701 0100.
Wed 21 May - 14 Jun
HAUNTED
Five guests attend a dinner party at a chi-chi loft apartment in Southwark, south London. As the evening progresses, things begin to unravel and a sixth character becomes apparent - the house itself. Is it haunted? And is the lift in the living room a portal to evil spirits? Starring Jessie Wallace (Eastenders), Gary McDonald, Hamish Clark, Caroline Catz and Sue Devaney. Venue: Arts Theatre, 6-7 Great Newport Street, London WC2H 7JB. 7.30pm. Adm: £16.50 -£20. Info: 0844 847 1608 / www.artstheatrelondon.com
Wed 21 May
BLOOD BROTHERS
Their lives were worlds apart but their destiny joined them together. Willy Russell's Play was the base for the hit musical Blood Brothers. Venue: The Carriageworks, 3 Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 3AD. 7.30pm. Adm: £10, conc £7.Info: 01132243801.
Wed 21 -23 May
COMING UP FOR AIR
Nu Century Arts presents this socially conscious play. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Birmingham. 7.30pm. Info: 0121 333 2444 / www.the-drum.org.uk
Fri 23 May
BLITHE SPIRIT
Charles Condomine, whose first wife Elvira has been dead for seven years, has been reasonably happy with his second wife Ruth. After he invites Madame Alcarti, a local medium, to conduct a séance at their home. Venue: Phoenix, Station Road, Bordon, Hampshire, GU35 0LR. 7.30pm. Adm: £8, conc £6. Info: 01420 472664.
Sat 24 May
AMERICAN LEGENDS TRIBUTE SHOW
American Legends Tribute Show starring Darren Rivers as Elvis & Kinisha as Tina Turner, Two legends of entertainment come together to perform and awesome, pulsating and dynamic show to make you evening one to remember! Venue: The Priestley, Chapel Street, Little Germany, Bradford, BD1 5DL. 7.30pm. Adm: £10. Info: 01274 82 06 66.
Wed 28 - 29 May
WALL OF SILENCE
Following a young student and how gang violence shattered her life. Venue: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Birmingham. 7.30pm. Info: 0121 333 2444 / www.the-drum.org.uk
Wed 28 May -15 Jun
PLUTO
Set on a mountainside in Pisco de Elqui, Chile, in the vicinity of one of the world's most important observatories and underneath some of its clearest skies, Pluto is a new play about man's relentless struggle to define the world and beyond. Venue: Blue Elephant Theatre, 59a Bethwin Rd (entrance on Thompson Ave), Camberwell, London SE5 08XT (travel-tube: Oval (Northern Line). Info: 0207 701 0100.
Wed 28 May - 21 Jun
LOVE
'It started with a kiss.never thought it would come to this.' Neville is 80 and slowly wasting away in an unremarkable care home in a small English town. His life seems to be heading for a predictable end until Margaret is brought into the home by her son for a short stay. Margaret, 78 and terrified of what will happen to her, meets Neville over tea and singing, and their lives change forever. Then Neville suggests they escape for a night out on the town. Venue: Lyric Theatre, King Street, Hammersmith, London W6 OQL (travel-tube: Hammersmith). Info: 08700 500 511.
Fri 30 May
WOLVES AT THE WINDOW
Ten flippant fables of Edwardian irreverence together in an episodic comedy. How does a satirist from the turn of the 20th century compare at the dawn of the 21st? Venue: Arcola Theatre, Studio 2,27 Arcola Street, London E8 2DJ. 8.15pm. Adm: £15, conc £10. Info: 0207 503 1646.
|
