Nottingham Arts Theatre Shows

Shadowlands Reviews

Wed, 02 May 2012 05:35:00 -0500

Phil Williams - NODA

This was a real-life story based on the autumn years of the writer C.S.Lewis and of love found and lost. It was well directed by Bushra, conveying the feeling of life in Oxford and the struggles of faith and love experienced by Lewis as the story developed. Robert Suttle gave an excellent performance as Jack Lewis, he developed the character very well, believable at all times. Sarah Lee gave a great performance as Joy Gresham again developing the character very well as she challenged Lewis’s beliefs. Lewis’s brother, “Warnie”, provided another opportunity for a great performance by Colin Treliving, perfect casting. Malcolm Todd, Peter Fedorow and Glenn Murphy provided strong support for the Oxford group, each developing their individual characters very well and there was also a good performance from Ed Frost as the young Douglas. The set provided the atmosphere of a bachelor home of the period although I thought the Hotel tea scene could have been visually improved. The scene changes were handled efficiently, while the costumes, lighting and props were fine and in keeping for the occasion. Overall it was well prepared and certainly well performed, good entertainment and enjoyed by the opening night audience.

Phil Williams

East Midlands Rep -District 3

National Operatic and Dramatic Association

Silent Echo Competition

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 01:44:27 -0600

The production company for Silent Echo are offering a competition, see the details below or visit their competition page at www.purple-dreams.com

CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS FOR SILENT ECHO

AUDITIONS - Youth Production

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:56:06 -0600

The Nottingham Arts Theatre is proud to be presenting a youth performance of The Boy Friend which will be performed on our main stage from 14th to 19th May 2012. We are now looking for young performers to take part and are holding auditions from 10am-2pm on Sunday 5th February. See below for more details or call the director Georgia Munnion on 07884 330 771.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF VERSION OF THE AUDITION NOTICE

REVIEW - Macbeth - Nottingham Post

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:01:02 -0500

It was a big Arts Theatre audience for this first night of the Scottish play; appropriately enough because it's one of the best productions to be seen in town so far this year.

It's always a hazardous undertaking: the murders, for instance, can be tricky, and above all, the ghost scene can easily collapse into risibility. But in all these areas and more this production, directed by Paul Jennings, gets it right.

It's a judicious blend of back projection and good taste. The former is used splendidly in the silhouetted opening battle scene as well as at the banquet, where the murdered Banquo's image appears on screen. The latter comes in, for instance, with the Weird Sisters, beautifully done by Christina Vaughan, Holly Cuffley and Kimberley Brook.

Having everyone in black actually looks vaguely realistic. That, and the total absence of scenery, forces you to concentrate on text and characters. The no-scenery approach also facilitates swift scene changing – which at times is still oddly slow.

We're given a good standard of acting overall: in particular diction and projection are excellent; and all actors deliver the text intelligently.

Central performances are outstanding. As Lady Macbeth, Sarah Burgin is a wonderful speaker who makes the sleep-walking scene one of the highlights of the evening. Above all, Robert Goll's Macbeth is magnificent. His un-histrionic voice control, his subtle eye movements, his conveyance of a deep neuroticism in Macbeth – Goll might well be the finest amateur actor in Nottingham.

Rush to see this production.

Alan Geary

Macbeth is at the Nottingham Arts Theatre till Saturday, 21st April

See the original article on the Nottingham Post website - CLICK HERE

Press Release - BLINK

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 02:27:03 -0500

Issued: Tuesday 1 November 2011

Ref: Blink – New Play By Acclaimed Nottingham Playwright Hits Arts Theatre

The People’s Theatre Company’s exciting inaugural season at Nottingham Arts Theatre continues with the eagerly-anticipated world premiere production of Blink by acclaimed local playwright Simon Carter.

Simon Carter is familiar to audiences as the author of Phys Ed, which received critical acclaim at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe and previously at Manchester’s 24-7 Theatre Festival. Productions of other plays by Simon have won awards at both the 2010 and 2011 Nottingham One Act Play Festivals and a film script based on the Calverton Plough Play – pitched as morris dancing meets The Cannonball Run – is now being developed by Simon in conjunction with Nottingham’s Television Workshop.

Blink tells the poignant and powerful story of Thomas, a locked-in syndrome patient, whose only means of communication, the blinking of an eye, has deserted him. Concerned only for the wellbeing of his daughter Sylvia, Thomas’ life takes a sinister turn when he discovers that the neurologist treating him has a terrifying past, an unhealthy obsession with Sylvia and a most disturbing idea of what's best for Thomas. Fully aware and regaining limited mobility, can Thomas warn his daughter in time and save her from a monster?

Compelling and intense, Blink explores one man’s tragic struggle to communicate, for the love of his daughter, against overwhelming odds.

‘Brilliant … one of the UK’s finest new writers’ – Manchester City Life

Ends – 223 words

Contact details

Michael Pearson, People’s Theatre Company, c/o Nottingham Arts Theatre, George Street, Nottingham, NG1 3BE. Email michael.pearson@artstheatre.org.uk.

Notes to the Editor

Blink plays at Nottingham Arts Theatre Studio, Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 November 2011. Show starts at 7.30 pm (Saturday matinee at 2.00 pm). Tickets cost £7 and can be booked online at http://www.nottingham-theatre.co.uk/natmain/whats-on?name=Blink&show=91219.
Cast
- Thomas - Rob Goll
- Clive - Tony Kirkham
- Sylvia - Georgia Munnion
- Rossiter - Leon Wilmans
Further information is available at www.nottingham-theatre.co.uk and www.carterbloke.co.uk/plays.

Spiritual Eyes - Paranormal Investigation

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:18:23 -0600

SPIRITUALEYES invite you to an a unique opportunity at the Nottingham Arts Theatre.

Join us for an evening of Paranormal Investigation to discover what secrets this theatre holds.

Thursday 19th January 2012

7.30pm to midnight

Tickets £20 per person

Over 16 year olds only

Call 07855 196 410 for bookings and more details or visit their website

www.spiritualeyes.co.uk

Numbers are limited, please hurry and book early to avoid disappointment.

SPIRITUALEYES - Frighteningly Fun Nights Out

REVIEW - Aladdin - NODA

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 06:35:40 -0600

Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp - Nottingham Arts Theatre - 10th to 18th December 2011

Directed and Choreographed by Ed Stirland-Jones

Musically Directed by David Hails

This was a very good traditional pantomime. Ed Stirland-Jones made full use of the facilities and storyline to produce a great visual presentation (including the proscenium arch), with plenty of good positioning and movement.

David Hails provided a good choice of musical moments all well prepared and performed in the pit and on the stage.

The very talented cast were led with a great performance from Tom Keeling (Aladdin) and a super all round performance from Kimberly Brook (Princess So-Shi), she was acting every moment on stage.

Plenty of comedy as expected, especially from Chris Bailey-Stonall and Michael Pearson, very well cast as Widow Twankey and Wishee Washee and also fine performances from the Slaves of the lamp, Sophie Jude, Victoria Shaw and Joanna Hayes.

All the remaining cast and chorus performed well and added to the success of the production. There was lovely choreography and dance, and that certainly includes the younger members of the cast. Nice sets, costumes and lighting all helped the presentation, and good back stage work kept the show momentum. The diction was excellent, well done the voice coaches. It was good to see plenty in the audience and they certainly enjoyed the evening from their response at the end.

Phil Williams - NODA

Historic name sparks new beginning for Nottingham theatre

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 03:26:13 -0500

A new era has begun for a historic Nottingham theatre, which is separating its key functions to pave the way for a brighter future. The People’s Theatre Company is the new name for the resident performance group of the Nottingham Arts Theatre on George Street.

Up until now the charitable trust, theatre management and performance group had all been closely entwined but the new set-up has liberated the community production side so that both the charity and performance group can now flourish, apply for more relevant grants and funding, and leave the managers to concentrate on venue management.

The performers hope to move forward with more ambitious and demanding productions similar to the recent Rebecca, and the sell-out performances of The Full Monty, which played to packed houses.

The People’s Theatre Company identity was chosen because it was the theatre’s original name, before it became the Co-operative Arts Theatre and later Nottingham Arts Theatre in 2001.

One of the first aims is to boost the membership of the performing side.

The People’s Theatre Company chairman Colin Treliving said: “We held open auditions for several wide-ranging performances recently which attracted support from the whole of Nottinghamshire and beyond.

”We had some talented actors involved but we’re looking for expertise in every aspect of stagecraft, so it’s a case of all talents, all; ages and equal opportunities!

“Family Circles, by Alan Ayckbourn, is already in rehearsal ready for a production from September 27 to October 1, and we’re going to host the world premiere of Blink, by local playwright Simon Carter at the end of November.

“There will be our family pantomime, Aladdin, again this year and auditions are imminent and will take place on Sunday September 11. There are more details on the website www.nottingham-theatre.co.uk“

In addition to the main 300 seat auditorium, other facilities in the theatre include rehearsal spaces, a studio theatre, a cafe bar and theatre workshops, which are currently undergoing complete renovation.

During the past 60 years, the theatre company has firmly established itself in the community and built an excellent reputation for the quality of its productions and contribution to the amateur theatre community. The new strategic plan will take the organisation forward, complete ongoing renovation to the theatre building and build an innovative and creative community theatre.

by Patrick Astill

REVIEW - Aladdin - Kev Castle

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 02:12:34 -0600

Nottingham Arts Theatre, George Street
Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp
Saturday 10th - Sunday 18th December 2011

Who needs big names and technical wizadry to pull in the punters when all you need is an enigmatic cast, acted well with plenty of gusto; throw in a handful of well known songs to get the kids singing and clapping and you have The People's Theatre Company offering for 2011.

Written by Peter Denyer, every member of the cast give 110%, even in the smallest part. And the casting is genius. Tom Keeling takes the title role of Aladdin and turns the character into a cheeky, slightly camp hero of the moment and if TV special effects could be applied to the stage i am sure there would be a twinkle from his broad smile appear every time he grinned at the audience. Princess So Shi (pronounced So Shy) is played slightly more street wise than I have seen in some other Aladdins by the lovely Kimberley Brook. Chris Bailey-Stonall is born to wear high heels in a more traditional Widow Twankey and is a real joy to watch. Of course all pantos have to have a baddie the audience love to hate, and I thought that last year's King Rat was evil but Philip Roberts really riles the audience as Abanazar. One nice touch with the writing for Abanazar is that he has a "catchphrase" if you like. When he is about to exit he throws out " Don't you just love me" which lets the audience know that this is their time to show their depreciation of their favourite baddie.

This cast of regular faces and newbies kept the party rocking with hits like CeeLo Green's "Forget You", Lady Gaga's "Born This Way", Beyonce's "Single Ladies", Dolly Parton's "9 To 5" and Jessie J's "Price Tag". Three pantos in Nottingham City Centre and the The People's Theatre Company definitely held their own in what I think is their best to date.

Kev Castle, Nottingham Hospitals Radio

To book tickets visit www.nottingham-theatre.co.uk

Nattie Awards 2010

Sat, 09 Apr 2011 02:50:59 -0500

Each year our Season Ticket holders get the opportunity to vote on their favourite Nottingham Arts Theatre production within that season.

The categories include:

Best Actor

Best Actress

Best Set

Best Costumes

Best Show

The shows eligible for the 2009/2010 season were:

A Man For All Seasons

The Dresser

Dangerous Corner

Run For Your Wife

Our Day Out

King and I

The nominations and winners for the 2009/2010 season were:

The Boyfriend

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:30:00 CDT
In a special collaboration with the Nottingham Arts Theatre, Corusacte Theatre Company presents Sandy Wilson's The Boy Friend a charming, fun packed 1920's musical pastiche. Set on the French Riviera, it features the girls of Madame Dubonnet's finishing school as they attempt to find that special someone. Chief amongst them is Polly, whose father has forbidden her to have a boyfriend, but who soon discovers love in a chance meeting with a mysterious messenger boy. Meanwhile her friends discover that falling in love can be tricky but fun, especially if they keep their boys 'on a string' Visually stunning, packed full of laughs, colourful characters and tuneful musical numbers, The Boyfriend promises to be a youth ensemble piece not to be missed!

Show Times:
May 19, 2012, 2:30 pm
May 18, 2012, 7:30 pm
May 19, 2012, 7:30 pm

The Shadowers

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:30:00 CDT
"I thought someone had put a Shads record on!" - Bruce Welch The Shadowers come to the Nottingham Arts Theatre with their exciting and energetic show showcasing the music of the greatest Rock 'n' Roll instrumental band of all time: The Shadows. Steve, Matt, Alan, Nigel and Justin collectively make up the "must see" Shadows band on the modern theatre scene. Their polished, affectionate tribute to the legendary group is so authentic that they have received compliments from members of the Shadows themselves. The late, great Jet Harris requested the Shadowers become his backing group - a role they gladly performed until his death in March 2011. The group's own bass player is none other than Alan Jones - a man who performed and recorded with the Shadows for many years. The band will welcome Brian 'Licorice' Locking, the second bass guitarist of the Shadows, as their guest. Brian can be heard on many of Cliff Richard and the Shadows' greatest hits, including Summer Holiday, Bachelor Boy, The Next Time, Atlantis, Dance On!, Foot Tapper and Guitar Tango. Audiences immediately warm to Brian's friendly, affable personality and then they are spellbound by his showpiece: his breathtaking harmonica playing - a sound which can only be appreciated live. The Shadowers present a show crammed full of a variety of Shadows material: from everyone's favourite early hits (Apache, FBI, Wonderful Land); to later output (Equinoxe V, Cavatina, Riders in the Sky). There will be vocals from the songbooks of the Shadows; Marvin, Welch & Farrar; and, of course, Cliff Richard. The band's love of the music guarantees the magic of the Shadows' performances will always be retained. World class reproduction of the Shadows' live and recorded sounds, combined with humour, tight vocal harmonies and the all-important "Shadows Walk" ensure a night of entertainment that will leaving you crying for more. Band website: www.theshadowers.com

Show Times:
May 25, 2012, 7:30 pm

Not Now Darling

Wed, 09 May 2012 19:30:00 CDT
by Ray Cooney & John Chapman
Directed by Rob Goll
Arnold, Gilbert and Maude are partners in a prestigious firm of Mayfair furriers. Maude, Gilbert’s wife, is on holiday in Monte-Carlo, and while she is away Gilbert intends to play! In order to secure a night of passion with Janie, an exotic strip-tease artiste, he claims to have ‘evolved a scheme of infinite subtlety and considerable brilliance’: Janie wants a £5,000 mink coat; Gilbert will sell the coat to Janie’s husband, Harry, for the knock-down price of £500 while he pays the remaining £4,500 himself. Harry does indeed buy the coat… not for his wife, but for his curvaceous secretary and mistress Sue.
Gilbert’s plot has misfired and from there on in the plot develops wildly: the unwilling Arnold and the diligent Miss Tipdale become drawn in to Gilbert’s ‘erotic intrigue’; Maude returns home early; Harry seems to have misplaced his secretary; and Janie and Sue seem to have misplaced their clothes…

Show Times:
June 7, 2012, 7:30 pm
June 8, 2012, 7:30 pm
June 5, 2012, 7:30 pm
June 6, 2012, 7:30 pm
June 9, 2012, 7:30 pm
June 9, 2012, 2:00 pm

An Evening With Peter Bowles

Sun, 13 May 2012 19:30:00 CDT
Nottingham's own star of stage and screen comes home. Actor Peter Bowles returns to Nottingham for an evening of entertainment and chat as he hosts An Evening With Peter Bowles at Nottingham Arts Theatre. The Nottingham celebrity cut his teeth at the George Street theatre and went on - via RADA - to win national fame through television comedies as the dashing DeVere in To The Manor Born and Only When I Laugh and went on to play the buffonish Major Yeates in Irish RM and The Bounder. To The Manor Born lasted just three series but was the launchpad to him becoming a household name - and face. His Evening With... will be combined with the official naming and opening of The Peter Bowles Studio Theatre. Then for the evening on stage he'll be presenting his insightful and amusing anecdotes from over 60 years in the business before answering qudience questions on his life and work.

Show Times:
June 13, 2012, 7:30 pm