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London Theatre News - Issue #373
Edited by Darren Dalglish
Sunday 17th August  2003
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Contents....


Latest West End News.......
.....JUMPERS transfers to Piccadilly theatre 14 Nov 03
.....BETRAYAL by Harold Pinter confirmed at Duchess from 1 Oct 03
.....WAIT UNTIL DARK with Samantha Janus  expected soon?
.....PILLOWMAN  a new play by Martin McDonagh at NT in Nov 03?
.....ALAN AYCKBOURN'S Sugar Daddies expected soon?
.....DENIS QUILLEY ill, withdraws from Anything Goes
.....JULIE-ALANAH BRIGHTEN  now to perform all Matinees!!
.....VINCENT IN BRIXTON to close 1 week early 23 Aug 03



Other London & Fringe News.........

....B IS FOR BLACK                  (Oval)
     by Courttia Newland

....NINE PARTS OF DESIRE      (Bush)
    by Heather Raffo

....AIRSICK                               (Bush)
    by Emma Frost

....PILLARS OF SOCIETY           (Jermyn Street)
    by Henrik Ibsen

....DOUBLE DECEIPT                (Jermyn Street)
    by William Popple

....FLARE PATH                        (Jermyn Street)
    by Terence Rattigan



Reviews........
MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM  (All-Male version at Comedy)
THREE SISTERS                       (Lyttelton, NT)
TOPDOG/UNDERDOG               (Royal Court)
ON YOUR TOES                        (Royal Festival Hall)


Ticket Availability.....
Half Price Ticket Booth......
What's Opening In The West End...
What's Closing In The West End....



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LATEST WEST END NEWS:
----------------------------------------

It has been confirmed that the National Theatre production of Tom Stoppard's "JUMPERS" will transfer to the Piccadilly Theatre opening 20 Nov 03, following previews from 14 Nov 03, and booking to 6 Mar 04

Tickets are now on sale!!

SIMON RUSSELL BEALE  and  ESSIE DAVIS are expected to transfer with the show.

"JUMPERS" opened at the National Theatre in June 03 to terrific notices from the popular press: ROBERT HANKS for THE INDEPENDENT says, "It is still a marvellous display of Stoppard's verbal ingenuity, with some beautifully contrived cross-purposes and neat gags." MICHAEL BILLINGTON for THE GUARDIAN says, "One emerges having had a good time." BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE for THE TIMES says, "Beale triumphantly proves Jumpers worth reviving." NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "Leveaux's spectacular production artfully unites Stoppard's contrary elements into a witty, though verbosely over-extended whole."

The play is directed by David Leveaux , designed by Vicki Mortimer, with lighting by Paule Constable.

Mental gymnastics, a pyramid of acrobats and a specially trained tortoise& Tom Stoppard's play about a moral philosopher, his musical-comedy-star wife, a moon landing and a body in the ballroom.



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It is now confirmed that the Theatre Royal Bath production of Harold Pinter's "BETRAYAL", directed by Peter Hall, will open at the Duchess Theatre 8 Oct 03, following previews from 1 Oct 03, and booking to 31 Jan 04.

Tickets are now on sale!!!

JANIE DEE, ADEN GILLETT  and  HUGO SPEER remain in the show for its transfer to the Duchess Theatre.

JANIE DEE'S London stage credits include "Enter The Guardsman" at the Donmar WArehouse in 1997; "Comic Potential" at the Lyric in 1999; "My One And Only" at the Piccadilly in 2002.

ADEN GILLETT'S London stage credits include "Noises Off" at the Lyttelton, NT in 2000; and "Benefactors" at the Albery in 2002.

HUGO SPEER is best known for the role of Guy in film "The Full Monty", he also played Richard in TV mini-series "Hearts & Bones".


The play is directed by Peter Hall, designed by John Gunter, with lighting by Peter Mumford.

Emma has had a seven year affair with Jerry, her husband's best friend and best man. But it's over now. Beginning at the end of the affair, each scene of Pinter's play moves backwards in time to the fateful moment when the infidelity begins.




****************
The Theatre Royal Windsor production of Frederick Knott's thriller "WAIT UNTIL DARK" starring SAMANTHA JANUS is expected to transfer to the West End in Oct 03 after a short run at the Theatre Royal Windsor in Sep 03. When Sam Henderson innocently agrees to deliver a doll to a sick child he has no idea the series of events that have been set in motion. When it goes missing the doll's secret cargo is so valuable that three con-men will stop at nothing to get it. However, they have not bargained on the resilience and ingenuity of Sam's blind wife Suzy as she tries to make sense of the strange happenings going on around her.



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According to reports the cast of  "THE PILLOWMAN" a new play by Martin McDonagh, directed by John Crowley,
expected at the Cottesloe Theatre in Nov 03 will  include JIM BROADBENT, ADAM GODLEY, NIGEL LINDSAY  & DAVID TENNANT. (Confirmation,  and  the new  autumn  NT schedule is due very soon!!)


****************
ALAN AYCKBOURN  is reported  to be in negotiation to bring his latest work "SUGAR DADDIES" to the West End. This is  only a year after saying he may never stage another of his works in the West End after  producers messed around with his  trilogy "Damsels in Distress" at the Duchess Theatre last year by only performing the trilogy on Saturdays and picking the best  reviewed one to perform for the rest of the week.


*****************
DENIS QUILLEY has withdrawn from "ANYTHING GOES", which transfers to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, opening on 7 Oct 03, following previews from 26 Sep 03 and booking to 17 Jan 04.

According to a spokewoman "Denis has been quite ill and, as he is unsure whether he will be well enough, has therefore pulled out of "ANYTHING GOES". However, depending on the situation later in the run he may rejoin the cast."

DENIS QUILLEY was to have played Elisha Whitney, the part he played at the National Theatre run.

The show, which won the 2003 Laurence Olivier Award for 'Outstanding Musical Production', had a sell-out season at the National from December 02 to March 03 and received superb notices from the popular press

The 45-strong company will be headed by SALLY ANN TRIPLETT (Reno Sweeney) and JOHN BARROWMAN (Billy Crocker).

The musical has music and lyrics by Cole Porter, original book by PG Wodehouse & Guy Bolton and Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse, new book by Timothy Crouse & John Weidman.

It is directed by Trevor Nunn, designed by John Gunter, costumes by Anthony Powell, lighting by David Hersey and choreography by Stephen Mear.

Among the passengers heading for England on the luxury liner S.S. American are Reno Sweeney, a sometime celebrity evangelist turned nightclub entertainer and Lord Oakleigh, a wealthy English aristocrat, accompanied by his debutante fiancee, Hope Harcourt, her protective mother and Wall Street millionaire, Eli Whitney. Less legally on board are the stowaway Billy Crocker, desperately pursuing Hope, and Moonface Martin, Public Enemy Number Thirteen, desperately seeking the kind of notoriety enjoyed by Snake Eyes Johnson, who the F.B.I. believe to be making the trip in disguise.

Songs includes I' Get A Kick Out of You', 'You're the Top', 'It's De-Lovely', 'Blow Gabriel Blow', 'You'd Be So Easy to Love', 'All Through the Night' a'Anything Goes'.



******************
It has been announced that JULIE-ALANAH BRIGHTEN will now perform all matinees in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "TELL ME ON A SUNDAY" from 22 Sep 03. Initially, she was only going to perform the Thursday matinees.

As prevously mentioned JULIE-ALANAH BRIGHTEN will replace DENISE VAN OUTEN for all performances for 3 weeks 1 - 20 Sep 03, while Van Outen is on holiday.

Also note there will be no performances of the show 25th to 30 Aug 03

JULIE-ALANAH BRIGHTEN'S London stage credits include "Disney Beauty and the Beast" at the Dominion Theatre in 1997; "La Cava The Musical" at the Victoria Palace & Piccadilly Theatres in 2000; "The Full Monty" at the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2002.

The show  is currently taking bookings to 10 Jan 2004 at the Gielgud Theatre.

Tell Me On A Sunday became a best-selling album on its release in 1979 and was subsequently staged as part of "Song & Dance" at the Palace Theatre in 1981.

Tell Me On A Sunday has been expanded and reworked for this new production to provide a full evening in the theatre.

The show has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Don Black, with additional contributions by Jackie Clune. It is directed by Matthew Warchus.



*****************
The National Theatre production of  "VINCENT IN BRIXTON" by Nicholas Wright, which was booking for a limited run to 30 Aug 03 at the Playhouse theatre, will now close one week early on 23 Aug 03.

The production originally opened in May 2002 at the Cottesloe, NT to terrific notices from the popular press: "Fascinating, funny and sometimes deeply moving new play." (DAILY TELEGRAPH); "An evening to savour." (EVENING STANDARD); "Jochum Ten Haaf is superbly funny and moving." (INDEPENDENT); "Intelligent, sensitive new play." (THE TIMES); "An exceptionally fine production." (THE GUARDIAN) .

The show then transferred to the Wyndham's Theatre in July 02 for a limited run to Oct 02, and then to Broadway with the Lincoln Center. It then returned to London at the Playhouse Theatre on 8 July 03 for a limited run.

The cast includes CLARE HIGGINS (Ursula Loyer) , JOCHUM TEN HAAAF (Vincent Van Gogh) , SARAH DREW (Eugenie Loyer), LOUIS CANCELMI (Sam Plowman), EMMA HANDY (Anna van Gogh).

"VINCENT IN BRIXTON" won the Olivier Award, and was nominated for a Tony Award, for 'Best New Play'. Clare Higgins won three 'Best Actress' Awards at the Olivier, the Evening Standard and Critics' Circle Awards, and was also nominated for a Tony Award as 'Best Actress'.

The play is directed by Richard Eyre, designed by Tim Hatley, with lighting by Peter Mumford. It is produced by Howard Panter for Ambassador Theatre Group and Ted Tulchin for Maidstone productions.

Nicholas Wright's play is based on the true facts of Vincent van Gogh's early life in London, about the transforming effect of love, sex and artistic adventure on unformed talent, and traces the birth of genius.

Brixton, 1873. A brash young Dutchman, working for the London branch of an international firm of art-dealers, rents a room in the house of an English widow. Three years later, he returns to Europe on the first step of a journey which will end in breakdown, death and immortality.



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OTHER LONDON & FRINGE NEWS:
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Oval House
52-54 Kennington , Oval, London, SE11 5SW
Tube Oval
Telephone 020 7582 7680
(email: bookings@ovalhouse.com )

B IS FOR BLACK
by Courttia Newland
Genre Drama
from 1 Oct 03 to 18 Oct 03
Time: Wed - Sat 7.45pm
B/O Price UK POUNDS: 9
Director: Riggs O'Hara
Producer: Post Office Theatre Company
Synopsis: B IS FOR BLACK follows the rise, then fall from grace of Ben Nelson. A Black man who attended Oxford, Ben eagerly begins his first day at West Chamberlayne Arts (WCA), a government funded arts organisation. Ben is determined to show his new colleague, Imani, promoter of a local Pan-African movement, that he isn't just another Uncle Tom. However, when Ben's White middle class wife and father-in-law appear at the WCA office, Imani begins to doubt the validity of his claims. Does Imani want Ben to break his White middle class ties, and will she stop at nothing to achieve this?



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Bush Theatre
Above the Fringe and Firkin pub
Corner of Shepherds Bush Green and Goldhawk Rd, London W12
Tube Shepherds Bush
Telephone 020 7610 4224

NINE PARTS OF DESIRE
by Heather Raffo
Genre Drama
from 10 Sep 03 to 4 Oct 03
Time Mon - Sat 8pm (12 Sep at 7pm)
B/O Price UK POUNDS: 13.50
Producer: Richard Jordan Productions, Ltd. and Erich Jungwirth/VoiceChair productions in association with The Bush Theatre
Synopsis: In Iraqi-American playwright Heather Raffo's new play, an Iraqi woman artist known for her daring use of the female nude, and rumoured affairs with men tied to the regime, paints into life an astonishing generation of women, exposing their radical, sexy and ultimately human stories.  NINE PARTS OF DESIRE challenges both the rapidly changing Iraqi feminine identity and the western view of what such women must be thinking.


AIRSICK
by Emma Frost
Genre Comedy
from 8 Oct 03 to 8 Nov 03
Time Mon - Sat 8pm (10 Oct at 7pm)
B/O Price UK POUNDS: 13.50
Director: Mike Bradwell
Producer: Bush/Theatre Royal Plymouth
Synopsis: Lucy thinks she's finally cracked the love thing - Joe, her handsome American boyfriend is moving over to London. So how come he seems to be heading for the emergency exit? Lucy's best friend Scarlet is on an endless carousel of losers, users and married men. Her Dad just thinks we're all better off flying solo. But when mysterious Kiwi Gabriel arrives in their midst and starts showing an unhealthy interest in Lucy, it seems that everyone's baggage is finally coming out on display. What does it take to escape the past? And what can you do when people just make you sick?
Other Info:**Airsick contains scenes and language of an adult nature. Age guide 16 plus



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Jermyn Street Theatre
16B Jermyn Street, London, SW1Y 6ST
Tube Piccadilly Circus
Telephone 020 7287 2875


PILLARS OF SOCIETY
by Henrik Ibsen, translated by Michael Meyer
Genre Drama
from 29 Sep 03 to 1 Nov 03
Time: In repertoire: 29, 30 Sep ; 1, 9,10,11,12,20,21,22,30,31 Oct; 1 Nov 03
Times: Mon-Sats 7.30pm, Mats Sat & Sun at 3pm
B/O Price UK POUNDS: 15
Director: Andrew Tidmarsh
Design: Charles Cusick Smith & Phil R. Daniels
Producer: Actors Company
Synopsis: Karsten Bernick is a man with a secret. His reputation has grown at the expense of his absent brother-in-law who has now returned to settle old scores.
Other Info: **Part of the Actors Company Repertory Season 2003 at Jermyn Street Theatre



DOUBLE DECEIPT
by William Popple
Genre Drama
from 2 Oct 03 to 5 Nov 03
Time In repertoire: 2,3,4,13,14,15,23,24,25,26 Oct; 2,3,4,5 Nov 03
Times: Mon-Sats 7.30pm, Mats Sat & Sun at 3pm
B/O Price UK POUNDS: 15
Director: Diana Hillier
Design: Charles Cusick Smith & Phil R. Daniels
Producer: Actors Company
Synopsis: Highlight's the artifice of a society where marriage is a short cut to wealth
Other Info: **Part of the Actors Company Repertory Season 2003 at Jermyn Street Theatre



FLARE PATH
by Terence Rattigan
Genre Drama
from 6 Oct 03 to  8 Nov 03
Time In repertoire: 6,7,8,16,17,18,19,27,28,29 Oct; 6,7,8 Nov 03
Times: Mon-Sats 7.30pm, Mats Sat & Sun at 3pm
B/O Price UK POUNDS: 15
Director: David Harris
Design: Charles Cusick Smith & Phil R. Daniels
Producer: Actors Company
Synopsis: The story of a love triangle set in the lounge of a hotel adjoining an airfield during one night of a vital bombing raid on enemy territory. It is tense, exhilaring and was originally produced as a tribute to the brave, young bomber pilots of the Second World War, and the equally brave women who waited - and hoped.
Other Info: **Part of the Actors Company Repertory Season 2003 at Jermyn Street Theatre



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REVIEWS:
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A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
at the Comedy Theatre
(Booking to 25 Oct 03)

Review by Alan Bird
Email: alan@londontheatre.co.uk

15 Aug  03


Edward Hall's production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is one of laughter and enchantment. The all-male company 'Propeller' bring a fresh vitality to the play. They may fail to capture the lamentable discord of Hermia when she is threatened with execution if she marries Lysander against her father's wishes or Helena's distress at being rejected by Demetrius, but they create a chaotic discord of comic confusing that has you transfixed.

The dreamlike world created by Michael Pavelka's set design contrasts the world of mortals and spirits. Empty white chairs are suspended around the stage creating a perception of a multi-layered universe, in which fairies scrutinize the actions of mortals and intervene for good or ill. Titania and Oberon are seated on high thrones, veiled from view until they choose to intervene, instantly telling you that it is they who ultimately govern the proceedings.

An all-male cast, as of course it would have been in Shakespeare's day, adds a witty charm between the exchanges of the four human lovers, Hermia and Lysander, and Demetrius and Helena. Watching Helena (Robert Hands) attempting to appear feminine whilst berating her bewitched suitors is hilarious and almost worth the ticket price alone.

The mechanicals, that hopeless group of losers who perform a play as entertainment for Theseus' wedding, bring a marvellous element of farce to the proceedings. It is utterly delightful when Snug (Jonathan McGuiness) apologises to the ladies for his ferocious appearance as a lion, whilst wearing a mane that makes him look like a shy wilting sunflower. Flute (Jules Werner) throws himself into the role of Thisbe looking like a demented badly dressed transvestite. Whilst Starveling (Simon Scardifield, who also plays Puck) is a temperamental shy luvvy who throws a tantrum bringing yet further havoc to the proceedings. Bottom, played by Tony Bell, is an unsatisfactory Ass, failing to capture the bewilderment in his transformation, but makes up for this failing when he expertly hams the part of Pyramus, as only a professional actor can!

The disappointment is the fairies. With the exception of Puck, who has a boyish cheeky grin and a mimicry pout, they seem rather flat and whilst they grin inanely they lack any sense of mischief. Oberon and Titania are stark in comparison to the mechanicals and members of the court. More flamboyancy would not have gone a miss - after all, it is a man dressed as a woman playing a fairy queen in love with a Donkey! Although, when Titania falls down on her knees admiring Bottom's extended manhood (or should that be donkeyhood), with mouth wide open in astonishment, it is hilariously suggestive.

A magical Midsummer Night's Dream from which one could happily not awaken.


(Alan Bird)


What other critics had to say.....
RACHEL HALLIBURTON for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "Infectious boys serve up a dream." Elisabeth Mahoney for THE GUARDIAN says, "Totally compelling."


External links to full reviews from popular press
http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/reviews/story/0,11712,1019947,00.html




***************
THREE SISTERS
at the Lyttelton, NT
(Booking to 4 Oct 03)

Review by Alan Bird
Email: alan@londontheatre.co.uk

13 Aug  03


In Chekhov's "Three Sisters" we watch the Prozorov household as they try to escape the misery that holds them firmly in its grip. Trapped in a small provincial town the three sister's dream of a future life for themselves in Moscow, remembering happier days before their parents died, and struggling to make their present life bearable. In their efforts to escape the tediousness of their humdrum lives, the sisters merely become further ensnared in despondency.

In Katie Mitchell's slow atmospheric production we are made vividly aware of time passing and with it the dreams of the three sisters. Four or five times throughout the play the actors perform in slow motion for about 15 seconds, to emphasise that it is as if time itself has suddenly become frozen. Sadly, I found this technique tedious, the script itself is unhurried as it slowly narrows the hopes of the three sisters until in the end they painfully accept their fate of joyless monotony. A good production should surely capture this poignancy within the script without having to resort to theatrical tricks that merely fill this three and a half hour production with unnecessary silence.

Lorraine Ashbourne produces by far the best performance as Olga, the eldest sister. She captures Olga's kind and compassionate nature that allows her to avoid the same depths of despair with which her two sisters so rapidly drown. Olga is more restrained in her emotions and so it is acutely painful when out of pity, she briefly kisses and embraces Kulgyin her brother-in-law, and her restraint momentarily slips to reveal her own languishing desire.

Eve Best as Masha looks suitably forlorn and increasing dishevelled, she physically captures the hopelessness of her character. Anna Maxwell Martin is an adequate Irina, though I wish she were able to capture her character's emotion without looking so pensive.

Angus Wright gives Kulygin, Masha's husband, personality and presence. Kulygin is so often portrayed as an intellectual bore; here he has warmth and a prowess that helps you to see why Masha married him. Ben Daniels as Vershinin has the looks and charms of a heartthrob and he mesmerises rather than bores with his orations of a brighter future for humanity. Tim McMullan skilfully manages to portray Solyony, the slightly mad junior captain, without exaggerating the menacing aspects of his character or making Solyony's bazaar behaviour annoying.

The atmospheric staging, and the use of photography and slow motion to emphasise the passing of time keeps you distant from the emotions that this play should bring to the fore.

After Michael Blakemore's marvellous production of the Three Sisters at the Playhouse Theatre, which only ended in June this year, one wonders if the National Theatre may not have made a mistake in programming another production of the play so soon. Blakemore's production was inspired, and immediately enshrouded you in the intense emotions of the characters. This National Theatre production is pedestrian in comparison.

(Alan Bird)


What other critics had to say.....
CHARLES SPENCER for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "Tremendous staging." BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE for THE TIMES says, "Her [Katie Mitchell] production's main strength is its careful delineation of relationships." MADDY COSTA for THE GUARDIAN says, "Mitchell's production is never more than mildly affecting." RACHEL HALLIBURTON for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "Daringly paced, elegiac version."


External links to full reviews from popular press
http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/reviews/story/0,11712,1018269,00.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=%2Farts%2F2003%2F08%2F14%2Fbtsis14.xml

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,173-776986,00.html




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TOPDOG/UNDERDOG
at the Royal Court Downstairs
(Closes 30 Aug 03)

Review by Alan Bird
Email: alan@londontheatre.co.uk

14 Aug  03


In "Topdog/Underdog" Suzan-Lori Parks has written a bruising, raw play about brotherly rivalry and parental abandonment for which she won the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The play ran on Broadway at the Ambassador's Theatre for five months in 2002 and the same production has now transferred to the Royal Court.

The story concerns Lincoln and Booth (so named as a joke by their father). Lincoln once was the top dog, hustling cards on the streets of Manhattan where he would trick a mother out of her welfare check, or some unsuspecting tourist out of their spending money. However, when Lonny, his stickman (the one who entices people to place their bets) was shot dead, he decided to quit whilst still ahead. He now earns his money chalking his face and dressing as Abraham Lincoln at an arcade where tourists take shots at him, re-enacting the President's assassination. Booth, the younger brother, dreams of the day when he can hustle cards with the same skill that Lincoln once did, meanwhile he makes ends meet by shoplifting.

The banter between the two brothers is amusing and believable, Booth boasting about his sexual prowess whilst Lincoln reminds him about the stack of well-worn porno mags Booth keeps under his bed, or the friendly banter about African names. Parks skilfully blends into these engaging exchanges memories of childhood and more recent events.

The play is at it's best in the first act where the two brothers are like a comic duo: Booth all edgy and bursting with nervous energy and Lincoln sardonic and full of dry wit. The director George C.Wolfe brings the full humour of the play to light, with the two brothers at times appearing to be in a vaudeville act; Booth dances around his shabby apartment like a magician making items of clothing, he had earlier shoplifted, miraculously appear from his many hidden pockets, whilst Lincoln dresses in his Honest Abe costume - Stovepipe hat and false beard- with a light casting a large silhouette on the wall behind him.

The second act quickly becomes dark and intense as Booth come to terms with reality resulting in tragedy for both men!

Both actors give powerful and convincing performances. Mos Def (Hip-Hop artist as well as actor) captures Booth's immaturity, beneath the confidence there can be seen self-doubt, loneliness and despair. Jeffrey Wright portrays the far more complex character of Lincoln. Whether as the sardonic drunk or the fast dealing card hustler, he has a muted charm and dignity.

Through the acting is excellent and the dialogue often brilliant, there are two many lengthy passages, too much fast-talking con speech about three card Monte, and an over-traumatised childhood to make these characters anything more than mildly amusing.

(Alan Bird)


What other critics had to say.....
RACHEL HALLIBURTON for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "A richly multi-layered delight." MADDY COSTA for THE GUARDIAN says, "Topdog/Underdog feels taut, involving and strange." CHARLES SPENCER for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "Exhilarating, funny, and by turns devastatingly sad." THE TIMES says, "This is a vibrant, gritty, lyrical play full of striking moments with performances to match." KIERON QUIRKE for THE FINANCIAL TIMES says, "This is a great play, well worthy of its Pulitzer prize."


External links to full reviews from popular press
http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/reviews/story/0,11712,1017487,00.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=%2Farts%2F2003%2F08%2F12%2Fbtcs12.xml

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,172-775689,00.html

http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1059478946325&p=1016625900929



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ON YOUR TOES
at the Royal Festival Hall
(Booking to 6 Sep 03)

Review by Jonathan Richards
Email: Jonathan@eccentriccanvas.com

Aug  03


If you've been waiting out the year it's taken for the Leicester Haymarket production of Rogers and Hart's 1936 musical comedy On Your Toes to come to London, be glad that producer Raymond Gubbay has at last found a home for it. That home, unfortunately, is the vast Royal Festival Hall, already the former home of two other Gubbay shows, last summer's disappointing Follies and the monochrome Christmas production of Peter Pan. As with Follies, On Yours Toes is directed by Paul Kerryson, who is again faced with the task of filling the Hall's huge 'stage' and transmitting the product into the even larger auditorium. Kerryson certainly gains polish and clarity from the longer rehearsal period (Follies was only allowed two weeks), but again ultimately loses out to the Hall's expanse. Dialogue scenes flop like a cat off a diving board, the humour perhaps being a little too sharp (although laced with corker lines) to make impact when it needs to travel hundreds of metres to reach its receiver. Kerryson also lets some of the narrative progress painfully slowly and so, in contrast with the energetic company dance numbers, the pace dips to an all time low. These problems aside, On Your Toes is still a delight of a show, arguably being Rogers and Hart's best collaboration. The material is not without its own problems; a feather weight plot (involves a New York music professor who finds himself starring in a Russian ballet troupe while being hunted by Mafia assassins) and a more sedate second half, often made me yearn for a good old song `n'dance. When one comes along, it is often thoroughly rewarding, and Rogers'score is gorgeously sung, even if Hart's lyrics are often inaudible.

Adam Cooper, who stars as university professor and closeted dancer Junior Dolan, choreographs with a sure hand on jazz and balletic styles. If his choreography does not buzz with originality, it is suitably stylish and energetic. However, his send up of a dire Russian ballet, The Princess Zenobia, is stimulating and amusingly climactic and his blending of Russian classicism and American jazz in the routine for the title number is stunning. As a performer, the former Royal Ballet star is just at home with tap as he is with the other styles required of him. His graceful dancing is complemented by a pleasant singing voice, even if, like the book, his acting is a little lightweight. The support is generally strong, with Sarah Wildor being a hoot as a loud-mouthed Russian dancing diva (and of course dancing with grace and sensitivity). Anna Jane Casey makes the most of an essentially under-written love interest role and is touchingly sweet and sings with an effortless beauty, while Kathryn Evans is also note worthy, and brings the house down as she gradually boozes up with the song "You Took Advantage of Me".

A lot would be gained from the intimacy of a smaller theatrical venue, but unless a transfer comes along, punters should find themselves satisfied enough by this entertaining if flawed piece of escapist fun.


(Jonathan Richards)



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TICKET AVAILABILITY:
----------------------------------------

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS ONLY A ROUGH GUIDANCE.
(This is ticket availability on the day of the performance, some shows you
may obtain tickets a few days before the performance, other shows a few
weeks or months!)

Evening shows seat availability on
THURSDAY 14  Aug 03

RETURNS ONLY:
(Note: Singles may be available!!)
Edmond
Elmina's Kitchen


SEATS AT SOME PRICES:
High Society
Lion King
Mamma Mia!
Phantom of the Opera
Taming of the Shrew (Globe)
Topdog/Underdog


ALL OTHER SHOWS HAVE SEATS AT ALL PRICES!
(Note: Some shows are in repertoire and so are not mentioned because they
are not playing today!



----------------------------------------
HALF PRICE TICKET BOOTH (TKS):
----------------------------------------
Tickets are sold at half price plus a service charge up to 2.50 UKP a ticket
on the day of the performance only. They only accept CASH or CREDIT CARD
Centrally located in the free standing clock tower building in Leicester
Square, the booth is open from 10am to 7pm.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS FOR GUIDANCE ONLY! IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THESE
SHOWS WILL ALWAYS BE AT THE BOOTH!!

Matinee & Evening Shows listed at the Booth on
THURSDAY 14 Aug  2003 at  11.05am


MATINEE.....
After Mrs Rochester
Blood Brothers
Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
Hitchcock Blonde
Les Miserables
The Master Builder
Noises Off
Rat Pack
Stomp
Stones in His Pockets
Three Sisters


EVENING....
Absolutely! (perhaps)
After Mrs Rochester
Bible: Complete Word of God(Abridged)
Blood Brothers
Brand
Calamity Jane
Chicago
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Fame
Grease
Hitchcock Blonde
Hobson's Choice
Joseph and the Amazing....
Les Miserables (25% off)
Madness of George Dubya
The Master Builder
My Fair Lady (25% off)
Noises Off
Our House
Pacific Overtures
Rat Pack
Stomp
Stones in His Pockets
Tap Dogs
Tell Me On A Sunday
Vincent in Brixton
We Will Rock You
Woman in Black


----------------------------------------
WHAT'S OPENING IN THE WEST END:
----------------------------------------

Within the next 4 weeks. (18 Aug  03  - 14 Sep 03)



THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
by William Shakespeare
at the Globe Theatre
OPENS 21 Aug 03 (Already Previewing!!), Closes 28 Sep 03
PERFORMERS: The Women's Company : Janet McTeer (Petruchio), Linda Bassett (Grumio), Kathryn Hunter (Kate), Penelope Beaumont (Vincentio), Louise Bush (Tailor), Penelope Dimond (Gremio), Amanda Harris (Tranio), Liza Hayden (Biondello), Anna Healy (Baptista), Liz Kettle (Pedant), Meredith MacNeill (Lucentio), Jules Melvin (Curtis/Sly's Wife/First Waiting Woman), Anne Ogbomo (Christopher Sly), Rachel Sanders (Widow/Waiting Woman), Yolanda Vazquez (Hortensio)
DIRECTOR:  Barry Kyle
PRODUCER: Globe Theatre
SYNOPSIS: An all female  production exploring clothing, music, dance and settings possible in the original Globe of 1603.
Tells the story  of Petruccio, a young man from Verona in search  of great wealth in Padua. He meets Katherine, a strong-willed soul, notorious for her wit and independence. Tempted by the promise of a favourable dowry, and eager to help his friend woo Katherine's younger sister Bianca, Petruccio sets about courting the reluctant 'shrew'.
With its infamous final scene, when the bond between Petruccio and Katherine isfinally put the test, The Taming of the Shrew is a tale of the change of regime between an independent man and woman when they unite  in love and marriage.




LE COSTUME
by Mothobi Mutloatse, adapted by Barney Simon from the story The Suit by Can Themba
at the Young Vic Theatre
OPENS 27 Aug 03 (Previews from 26 Aug), Closes  13 Sep 03
PERFORMERS: Sotigui Koyate, Sara Martins, Isaac Kounde, Rachid Djaidani.
DIRECTOR:  Peter Brook
PRODUCER: Young Vic Theatre Company
DESIGN: Chloe Obolensky
LIGHTING:  Philippe Vialatte
SYNOPSIS: Set in a South African township, Le Costume tells of a man
who discovers his wife with a lover who escapes but leaves behind his suit.
as her punishment, the husband makes his wife treat the suit as an honoured
guest to the extent of feeding it and taking it for walks.
OTHER INFO:  **Performed in French with English surtitles



ROSS ROBLE - UNREALTIME
by Ross Noble
at the Garrick Theatre
OPENS 2 Sep 03 (Previews 1 Sep 03), currently booking to 13 Sep and then possibly to 27 Sep 03?
PERFORMERS: Ross Noble
SYNOPSIS: The Geordie comedian Ross Noble with his new show Unrealtime.



PLAYING THE VICTIM
by the Presnyakov Brothers, translated by Sasha Dugdale
at the Royal Court Upstairs
OPENS 2 Sep 03 (Previews from 1 Sep),  Closes 4 Oct 03
PERFORMERS: Hayley Carmichael, Paul Hunter, Amanda Lawrence, Michael Glenn Murphy, Freddy Roberts, Andrew Scott.
DIRECTOR:  Richard Wilson
PRODUCER: Royal Court / Told by an Idiot
DESIGN: Nicolai Hart-Hansen
LIGHTING:  Colin Grenfell
SYNOPSIS: A young man drops out of University and goes to the Police. He's done nothing wrong, he just wants a job. A particular job. Playing the victim in murder reconstructions. Maybe by getting close to death he can cheat his own.



THE ARGUMENT
at the Barbican Pit
OPENS 3 Sep 03 (Previews from 2 Sep), Closes 27 Sep 03
PRODUCER: BITE 03
SYNOPSIS: The Argument (A Family Portrait) is a picture of undiscovered life; an invisable husband; a radio announcer who has nobody to talk to; an undersized penguin costume; a hated father'; a lack of love and a search for passion.



SHAKESPEARE'S R& J
by William Shakespeare, adapted by Joe Calarco
at the Arts Theatre
OPENS 8 Sep 03 (Previews from 2 Sep), booking to 8 Nov 03
DIRECTOR:  Joe Calarco
PRODUCER: The Splinter Group (New York) / Theatre Royal Bath Productions
SYNOPSIS: Four schoolboys at a strict Catholic Boys' School stumble across a forbidden copy of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and act it out in secret. Nothing will ever be the same again.



DEMOCRACY
by Michael Frayn
at the Cottesloe, NT
OPENS 9 Sep 03 (Previews from 30 Aug), Booking to 4 Oct 03
PERFORMERS: Roger Allam (Willy Brandt), Conleth Hill  (Gunter Guillaume), Nicholas Blane, Jonathan Coy, Christopher Ettridge, Paul Gregory, Glyn Grain, Steven Pacey, David Ryall.
DIRECTOR:  Michael Blakemore
PRODUCER: National Theatre
DESIGN: Peter J Davison
LIGHTING:  Mark Henderson
COSTUMES: Sue Willmington
SYNOPSIS: West Germany, 1969. Willy Brandt begins his brief but remarkable career as the first left-of-centre Chancellor for nearly forty years. Always present but rarely noticed is Gunter Guillaume, Brandt's devoted personal assistant - and no less devoted in his other role, spying on Brandt for the Stasi.




SHAOLIN MONKS - WHEEL OF LIFE
at the Peacock Theatre
OPENS 10 Sep 03
DIRECTOR:  Micha Bergese
PRODUCER: Steve Nolan for Chromatic Productions Ltd
DESIGN: Mark Fisher
LIGHTING:  Patrick Woodroffe
CHOREOGRAPHY: Darshan Singh Bhuller
SYNOPSIS: The warrior monks of the Shaolin Temple return to the Peacock Theatre.
Taking the legendary origins of this order as a starting point, Wheel of Life is a pyrotechnic display of martial arts expertise and stunning spectacle. Shaolin: Wheel of Life tells how the monks loyalty to a corrupt Emperor was betrayed, how they were almost destroyed, and how five young monks survived to continue the 'Wheel of Life'.  Draws on the rich vocabulary of Chinese theatre, contemporary design and rock and roll technology. This is the only show to feature ordained Soldier Monks and to be authorized by the First Abbot of the Shaolin Temple.



THE PRICE
by Arthur Miller
at the Apollo Theatre
OPENS 11 Sep 03 (Previews from 9 Sep), Booking to 17 Jan 04
PERFORMERS: Warren Mitchell, Larry Lamb, Des McAleer, Sian Thomas
DIRECTOR:  Sean Holmes
PRODUCER: Tricycle London Productions / Act Productions
SYNOPSIS: Soloman is a 90-year-old furniture dealer looking for a bargain. He engages his clients by forcing them into long-winded philosophical discussions. When he finds himself in the middle of an uneasy tension between two long estranged brothers, it seems he might have met his match.....




---------------------------------------
WHAT'S CLOSING IN THE WEST END:
---------------------------------------
Within the next 4 weeks. (18 Aug  03  - 14 Sep 03)


18 Aug 03    Dido, Queen Of Carthage      (Globe)
20 Aug 03    Henry V                              (Olivier, NT)
23 Aug 03    Granny And The Gorilla        (Open Air)
23 Aug 03    Madness of George Dubya   (Arts)
23 Aug 03    Vincent IN Brixton               (Playhouse)
25 Aug 03    Elmina's Kitchen                 (Cottesloe)
30 Aug 03    Topdog, Underdog               (Royal Court Downstairs)
30 Aug 03    My Fair Lady                       (Drury Lane)
30 Aug 03    Brand                                 (Haymarket)
04 Sep 03    Two Gentlemen of Verona     (Open Air)
06 Sep 03    Pacific Overtures                  (Donmar Warehouse)
06 Sep 03    Midsummer Night's Dream    (Open Air)
06 Sep 03    On Your Toes                      (Royal Festival Hall)
06 Sep 03    Grease                               (Victoria Palace)
13 Sep 03    Le Costume                        (Young Vic)
13 Sep 03    After Mrs Rochester            (Duke Of Yorks)
13 Sep 03    Absolutely !! (Perhaps)        (Wyndham's)
13 Sep 03    High Society                       (Open Air)



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