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Book “Little Orpan Annie”by: Thomas Meehan Music: Charles Strouse Lyrics: Martin Charnin Director/Choreographer: Roger Hannah Choreographer: Roger Hannah Reviewer:Maggie Constable The Public Reviews Rating: At Milton Keynes theatre just for this week we have Annie the musical. Starring Su Pollard and David McAlister, this is one of the most successful and enduring musicals of all time. Now it is back on tour giving a whole new set of audiences a chance to hear some of those songs they’ve heard so often on light entertainment shows and on recent Andrew Lloyd Webber search-for-a-star shows like “Joseph” or “Dorothy”. It is the very sweet story of wee orphan Annie, a story and about never giving up hope. Annie is a gutsy 11-year-old orphan who has been left on the steps of a New York City orphanage run by the wickedly mean and corrupt Miss Hannigan. Annie is determined to find her real parents. We follow her many and hilarious adventures as Annie spoils the evil plans of the cruel and devious Miss Hannigan and her conniving brother, Rooster. This show has been winner of some 9 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and it certainly has one of Broadway’s most famous and memorable scores, including such songs as ’It’s a Hard Knock Life’, and the ever so-optimistic ‘Tomorrow’. I approached the theatre with some ambivalence, given Annie’s reputation for being somewhat cheesy, if not saccharin, but neither of these two adjectives were apt for the performance I saw. We opened into the orphanage with some great routines by the children (from the Diamond Dance School) and a beguiling turn from the youngest , a tot with blonde bunches who certainly knew how to act and could hold her own! Their singing and dancing for “It’s A Hard-Knock Life” were polished. Soon there appeared the dastardly Miss [...]

Reviewer: Jenni Dixon The Public Reviews Rating: Pete Hillier AKA “Boogie Pete” is well known and loved by all Cbeebies fans who will know him best from the BAFTA Award winning show “Boogie Beebies”. Pete began his career in musical theatre playing various parts in the West End, national tours and international productions. He regularly appears in Pantomimes and has a number of TV appearances to his credit. This show is Boogie Beebies brought to the theatre. Pete sings and dances his way around the stage, with a little help from a few furry friends along the way in his usual energetic and encouraging manner. He connects with not just the children in the audience, who are keen to copy his moves, but also the accompanying adults with the odd joke and quick quip. The set is kept simple, as you would expect for a dancer to make full use of the stage floor, with only the odd amusing prop to enhance his jokes and mini mid-song sketches. He sings live to backing tracks and his repertoire is fun, fast and well known to his audience – everyone could join in. The show lasts about 45mins without a break which is just a perfect amount of time for his young (and older!) audience to stay involved and captivated. Overall, Pete delivers a really fun, energetic and lively performance. He clearly doesn’t take himself too seriously and effortlessly encourages and involves his entire audience. Numbers were low on the day (dedicated fans), but he made it feel special and personal. I would highly recommend this show not just for Boogie Pete fans but anyone who enjoys a bit of lighthearted fun with the family, he deserves a bigger following!

Music: Marc Shaiman Lyrics: Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman Book: Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan Director: Jack O’Brien Choreographer: Jerry Mitchell. Reviewer:  Helen Patrick The Public Reviews Rating: The phenomenon that is Hairspray has wafted into the Liverpool Empire on its latest stop of its UK tour, and was greeted with a rapturous reception from a capacity audience. Whilst I was wary of having my enjoyment of the film ruined by going to see this musical,There is no doubt that this production has a legion of admiring fans, who know every line of every song. Almost from the first bars of “Good Morning Baltimore”, which opens the first half, they start singing and dancing in their seats. It is impossible for even the most hard-bitten cynics – such as myself – not to be won over by the sheer magic and high energy in this, ultimate “feel good” show. Most people know the story, that of plump teenager Tracy Turnblad (Laurie Scarth) who dreams of dancing on the local Corny Collins( Danny Bayne) show and becoming “Miss Teenage Hairspray” whilst winning the heart of the handsome, would-be heartthrob Link Larkin( Liam Doyle). Set in Baltimore in 1962, the plot deals with some complex issues such as the racial prejudices and segregation of black Americans, and discrimination based on physical appearance. In battling her way through adversity, Tracy finds herself in the front line doing her bit to campaign against intolerance and drags her reluctant mother, along for the ride. Laurie Scarth as Tracy fills the stage with a performance full of enthusiasm, and enormous energy, and is supported by a delightfully nerdy best-friend in Penny Pingleton( Emma Dukes). Gillian Kirkpatrick and Clare Halse as Velma Von Tussle, and her poisonous daughter Amber, make hilarious and  monstrous villains. Sandra Marvin as the aptly named Motormouth Maybelle quite literally stops the [...]

Writer: Youn Young Park & Susannah Pearce Director: Jin-Sup Han Reviewer: John Roberts The Public Reviews Rating: The Emperors Quest is everything a children’s show should be, well written, beautifully executed with stunning turns and full to the brim with enchanting songs. Ling is a school girl who unlike most of her friends has a love of all things gardening, devoting all her time to the care and attention of the plants and flowers in her garden. In the palace the Emperor has decided to retire and has announced that he is to find a successor from the younger members of his Kingdom and so one day he calls all the children to his palace where he sets them a quest. At the heart of this production is a strong moral of being true to yourself and is delightfully told through excellent music, which incorporates melodies and lyrics from Korea, China and even Japan. This is one of the strongest ensemble productions that I have seen at this year’s fringe with excellent performances coming from all, especially Amy Ip as Ling who encapsulates the desire and conviction of a schoolgirl with real truth, but it is the performance from Kevin Kyle as Bobo that really tugs at the heart strings and his solo song towards his dad is immensely touching. The direction is sublime and the action moves swiftly along with real pace, the production also uses great interaction with the audience, The Emperors Quest should be on everyone’s list – especially those with children.

Writer: Werner Holzwarth & Wolf Erlbruch Adaptor/Director: Bernie Byrnes Original Music: Jim Fowler Reviewer: John Roberts The Public Reviews Rating: What would you do, if you woke one morning and found out that someone had done a poo on your head…probably exactly what Mole did in this nicely crafted children’s musical adaptation of Holzwarth & Erlbruch’s book; find out who did it. Described as a “Poodunit for Children” – Kipper Tie Theatre Company’s production is a warm and enjoyable experience. Simply staged with just a painted backcloth as scenery means that the performers need to really engage the children in the audience in order for the experience to really leap out and come to life. Generally the three strong cast do an admirable job; Sally Lofthouse is a wide eyed and sprightly mole with one of the biggest smiles on stage. The anamorphic animals that mole encounters are played with great conviction by Tamaryn Payne whose Southern Texas Horse is a real treat and Stephanie Wilson who really shines as the slightly dim country Hare. However at times the energy of the production seemed a little lethargic in an almost mechanical going through the motions way. Perhaps a slightly different dynamic of having a male in the cast may bring something different to the proceedings? Byrne’s adaptation is clever and manages to bring in plenty of originality into the show whilst keeping the original story very much intact; whilst Fowler’s music is catchy and educates the children on different styles of music very cleverly, it’s just a shame that at points the pre-recorded music is played so loudly that you have to strain to hear what is being sung – especially during The Pig’s Opera song. Overall The Mole Who Knew It Was None Of His Business is an enjoyable and light-hearted children’s [...]

Reviewer: Val Baskott The Public Reviews Rating: Proverbially laughter is the best medicine and there is plenty of it in this wonderful quirky circus show from Brussels’ Les Argonautes. Four clowns, each with their own distinct expressive persona are playing a silent hide and seek around tall wooden blocks. “Boxes remember when they were trees, men remember they will end in a box” so they play games with blocks and boxes, hobby horses and balls. Play is key in this alternative world but when the games get too rough the big voice of Calm prevails. Sensitive and delicate theatre is mixed with pure circus and integrated with visual simplicity and a rich soundtrack. With compassion we are gently made aware of our own frenetic lives and the need to take time out and to play together. The show builds from its quiet beginnings to a clever jazzy vocal and instrumental finish. Les Argonautes have perfected a beautifully crafted show which comes to an end all too soon. To say more would spoil it so take the family along to enjoy the fun.

Writer: Andy Griffiths Music: Tony David Cray Director: Wayne Harrison Reviewer: Deborah Klayman The Public Reviews Rating: This vibrant production of Macbeth begins as a group of Australian school children attempt to pass their class by performing the first witches scene from Shakespeare’s famous Scottish play. In trying to make it different they create the witches’ vile potion and foolishly drink it, transporting them into the world of the play and facing the same challenges as the characters and succumbing to the same feelings of ambition and desire that ultimately destroy them. What Bell Shakespeare bring to this production that makes it so unique is a irreverency and immediacy that makes it fun for the audience, removing the mystique that Shakespeare seems to have and making it wholly accessible. With gigantic backdrops full of humorous references to the play and production and a strong connection with their audience, the actors deftly mix Shakespearian language with slapstick, throwing in just the right amount of pun and fart jokes to keep the kids happy and entertain the adults. Patrick Brammall, who plays both Andy and Macbeth, is a familiar figure – a boy who just wants to impress a girl he is transported and transformed by the witches’ predictions and his desire for Lisa’s approval. Lisa (Pippa Grandison), who also becomes Lady Macbeth, has ambitions of her own, and the two have some truly hilarious moments. Justin Smith is superb as Danny/Banquo, throwing himself into roles he plays with obvious joy. The rest of the cast are strong, including a noteworthy performance from John Leary as Lennox who shows off his disturbingly good legs and builds the humour throughout the piece. The production appears polished and professional throughout, and though the coupling of soliloquies with Brammall stuffing an entire plate of marshmallows into his mouth [...]

Writers: Sally Brown & Steve Tiplady Reviewer: Deborah Klayman The Public Reviews Rating: Some productions are so beautifully simple that you wonder why all theatre isn’t performed this way. With integral music, a simple set and a wonderful rapport with the audience, this version of the well-known tale is told using gentle storytelling and only items that are already on stage. Geppetto uses the tools and furniture from his workshop to create Pinocchio, and then to tell the tale of the puppet that wants to be a real boy and the puppet-maker who wants to be a real father. Gelling with the variously aged audience with ease, Steve Tiplady does just what Indefinite Articles have set out to do: creating magical theatre from everyday materials. With a clothes peg being a cricket and a brush becoming a fox, the audience gasp and giggle with delight, the children participating without trepidation, offering answers and pointing out what is happening just to make sure the adults are following! An uncomplicated retelling of the well known tale, this Pinocchio is nevertheless unique, mixing shadow-puppetry with song and utilising whatever is close at hand to create the world of the play. Both the company and Tiplady are performing a second show in the same venue straight after (The Chalk Giants), and I look forward to seeing that and plenty more from this Award-winning company. Runs until 24th Aug