Tag Archives: Theatre Royal Brighton

Writer: Simon Beaufoy Director: Rupert Hill Reviewer: Simon Topping Mirroring the smash hit 1997 film of the same name, The Full Monty starts with a genuine information film from 1972 about Sheffield, called "Sheffield - City on the move", with the announcer exuberantly and poetically exalting the cities steel industry. Cut to 25 years later and our action begins, following ...

Writers: Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, Henry Shields Tour Director: Kirsty Patrick Ward Reviewer: Simon Topping  From the very beginning, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery blasts its audience with quick-fire puns that has the auditorium in fits of laughter. This continues, at pace, throughout the two-hour performance, in a thoroughly enjoyable evening of mirth and mayhem.   The show is brought to us ...

Book: José Fernandez Music: Steve Margoshes Lyrics: Jacques Levy Director/Choreographer: Nick Winton Reviewer: Jo Payne Born in the 80s, Fame the Musical is enjoying its 30th-anniversary tour after an incredibly successful run in a variety of media. A movie and a TV series preceded the musical and the show had a noughties remake more recently. However, this production stands firmly ...

Writer: Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, Henry Shields Director: Mark Bell Reviewer: Jo Payne First performed a mere 4 years ago, The Play That Goes Wrong has taken London, the UK and the world by storm. It is no surprise at all that this is the case as sometimes the most successful shows have the simplest concept. For this show, an ...

Music and Lyrics: Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin Book: Heather Hach Director: Anthony Williams Reviewer: Simon Topping Vibrant colours, bouncing movement and upbeat music greet the audience as we meet the peppy sisters of the Delta Nu sorority.  This is the exuberant start, of the silly, sparkling entertaining and vibrant, Legally Blonde. Nearing the end of its UK tour, this current ...

Writer: David Walliams Adapter and Director: Neal Foster Reviewer: Simon Topping What is immediately apparent about Birmingham Stage Company’s adaptation of David Walliams’ Children’s classic Awful Auntie is the beautifully crafted and atmospheric set.  Designed by Jacqueline Trousdale, four fabulous rotating turrets represent Saxby Hall, the family stately home where all the action takes place.  Used to perfection, these towers ...

Writer: Terence Rattigan Director: Rachel Kavanaugh Reviewer: Simon Topping A sumptuous Edwardian living room decked out with rich blue walls and plush contrasting furniture, beautifully designed by Michael Taylor, draws the Brighton audience into the theatre. The lights go down and a boy in naval uniform takes the spotlight.  This is the start of Birmingham repertory theatre’s excellent adaption of Terence ...

Writer: Warner Brown Director: Craig Revel Horwood Reviewer: Jo Payne From the opening trumpet, it’s clear that this show’s music will be a strong element.  And so it should. The music of Dusty Springfield is loved the world over and, for this jukebox musical, the songs have had a bit of a makeover.  Recognisable songs have a slightly different rhythm, ...