Indian Tempest - Shakespeare's Globe

This production was my least favourite of all I’ve seen at Shakespeare Globe, and for the first time in my history of theatre visits, I left during the intermission. Up on to that that point I can say the Indian Tempest is energetic, the acting over the top but difficult to follow. Not due to its array of languages, as most of the dialog was in English, but rather it's pieced together chaotically. Still it’s safe to say it was the most buoyant interpretation of the I’ve seen. Little touches like the water soaked sponge clouds, which sprayed the audience as it dangled did make me smile – and was probably a nice refresher on an immensely sunny afternoon at the Globe.

Indian Tempest @ Shakespeare's Globe is now closed 

A Chorus Line - London Palladium

A Chorus Line highlights the physical as well as the emotional pain of not only the audition process but the reality of being a chorus line dancer on Broadway. A minimalist stage (mirrors a lights) sets the scene for the audition in which the auditionees tell the stories of their lives and what has brought them to this audition. Whether it’s due to their upbringing, their physic or their sexuality, each member of the chorus line has an emotional tale to tell. Some via speech, some through song and dance.

The show lasts for two hours and has no intermission. The Daily Mail describes it as ‘thrilling and timeless’. And yes, while it has been going since 1975 and some of the choreography is great, personally I was expecting more for a show at the Palladium.

Sadly (though maybe not surprisingly) A Chorus Line, which was once the longest running  musical in New York, closes early at the end of this month.

A Chorus Line can been seen @ London Palladium until 31^st August 

The Ladykillers - Vaudeville Theatre

The first things that jumped out at me was the set – almost literally! It’s slanted, making it look as though actors may topple over in certain positions and there’s lots of little trickery moments – like the sheets from the covered furniture removing itself. Tables and chairs also move unaided every time a train passes through Kings Cross station; the location of the house.

 Professor Marcus (John Gordon-Sinclair) is the leader of a bunch of would be criminals. He rents a room from an unsuspecting Mrs Wilberforce (Angela Thorne) where, under the guise of practicing for a musical concert with his friends, they plot the robbery of a security van laden with cash. Un-wittedly, Mrs Wilberforce features as a major accessory to the crime. Even though she plays an elderly woman, I felt the character needed to liven up a bit.

My favourite of the gang members is One-Round (Chris McCalphy), the slow witted, gentle giant who makes you think ‘he’s going to single handedly ruin the entire heist.’ Unfortunately, I found several dull moments during the show and the car chase for the bank robbery is extremely lame. This production is by no means brilliant theatre but there are enough laughs and an intriguing set to keep you fairy happy for the duration.

The Ladykillers can be seen @ Vaudeville Theatre 26^th October