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The Public Reviews has joined forces with the producers of International hit The Lady Boys of Bangkok  to give one lucky reader 1 pair of tickets for a performance of their choice* (depending on availability and excluding Fri/Sat performances) when their latest show lands in Newcastle. The fabulous Lady Boys of Bangkok return in spectacular style with ‘Fantasy & Feathers’ the fun-packed new 2010 production of the country’s favourite cabaret show. In The Sabai Pavilion, Times Square, from Saturday 11th September – Saturday 9th October 2010. With recent appearances on ITV’s This Morning and The David Dickenson Show The Lady Boys of Bangkok are back with a bang! Win the chance to not just ‘a night out’ but a must-see event, a slick, irrepressible show packed with raunchy razzamatazz. Experience the unique performances of Lady Gaga to The Saturdays and a song to get all the ‘Single Ladies’ on their feet, performed with not a centimetre of cellulite in sight! 16 of the world’s most beautiful show-girls (who just happen to be men) it’s the show everyone is talking about. Why not also enjoy our freshly prepared Thai food, fully stocked bars and take a little of The Lady Boys of Bangkok home with our wide range of souvenirs and novelties. ***** We have 1 pair of tickets to give away to the show of your choice (subject to availability and not including Fri/Sat Nights) for the run between the 11th Sept – 9th Oct What is the correct name for the hit Lady GaGa song that is used in this year’s production? A: Poker Hand           B: Poker Face            C: Poker Night Email your answer to comps@thepublicreviews.com making sure ‘Ladyboys’ is the subject heading. Closing Date 1st September 2010 at [...]

The Public Reviews has joined up with Curve, Leicester to offer 3 lucky readers a pair of tickets to see the World Premiers of Akram Khan’s latest production of Vertical Road on the 16th September at 7:00pm Following the sell-out success of IN-I in 2009, Akram Khan Company returns to Curve to co-produce their latest contemporary dance production, VERTICAL ROAD. Rehearsed during a six week residency in Leicester, VERTICAL ROAD will receive its World Premiere at Curve in September before embarking on a limited UK tour. Khan has assembled a cast of exceptional performers from across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. With a specially commissioned score by long-term collaborator composer, Nitin Sawhney, VERTICAL ROAD draws inspiration from universal myths of angels that symbolise ‘ascension’. In his first ensemble work since the critically-acclaimed BAHOK which premiered in 2008, VERTICAL ROAD sees Akram Khan returning to pure movement in his choreography, eliminating the text and dialogue which has featured in recent works such as IN-I and ZERO DEGREES. Rooted in his classical kathak training, but informed by his experience and virtuosity in contemporary dance, VERTICAL ROAD will also have strong Middle Eastern influences, and continues Khan’s interest in exploring the interface between different cultures and creative disciplines. Lighting and costume will take on greater importance in this piece compared to recent works and Khan is working with Danish lighting designer Jesper Konshaug and Japanese costume designer Kimie Nakano on these aspects of the production. VERTICAL ROAD is inspired by the idea of vertical ascension – a common motif in several different religions, as well as arts and literature. The production will explore the performers’ different cultural interpretation of the human odyssey – the road between the earthly and the spiritual. In Akram Khan’s words: “In a world moving so fast, with [...]

Its 1962, the 50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore’s ‘Tracy Turnblad’, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion – dancing. She wins a spot on the local TV dance programme, The Corny Collins Show and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetting hair-hopper like Tracy get her massively shy Mom out of the apartment, beat evil Amber to be crowned Miss Hairspray, integrate Corny’s show for good AND win the heart of local heartthrob Link Larkin, all without denting her ‘do? If anyone can, Tracy can! Michael Starke will take on the role of larger than life heroine ‘Edna Turnblad’ on the tour for its runs at the Liverpool Empire, Sunderland Empire, and the Bradford Alhambra Theatre.  As previously announced Michael Ball and Brian Conley will be alternating the role at other venues.  Michael Starke joins the cast as Edna at venues where Phill Jupitus was previously announced.  Due to scheduling difficulties Phill is no longer able to play those dates.  Les Dennis will play loveable, ever so slightly crazy joke shop owner ‘Wilbur Turnblad’. Danny Bayne, who won ITV’s Grease is the Word will play ‘Corny Collins’, winner of GMTV’s search for Troy in High School Musical 2, Liam Doyle will take on the role of ‘Link Larkin’ and Laurie Scarth will play ‘Tracy Turnblad’. Other cast will include Sandra Marvin as ‘Motormouth Maybelle’, Gillian Kirkpatrick as ‘Velma Von Tussle’ and Wayne Robinson as ‘Seaweed’, Emma Dukes as ‘Penny Pingleton’, Clare Hulse as ‘Amber Von Tussle’ and Seliza Sebastian as ‘Little Inez’. Liverpool born actor Michael Starke is best known for his role as ‘Thomas “Sinbad” Sweeney’ in popular soap Brookside, which he played for 16 years.  He was also a [...]