Lovett, Pleasance Courtyard.
A meaty (no pun intended) account of one of Fleet Street’s toughest cookies, we see Eleanor Lovett eerily sharpening her favourite knife at her butchers’ block, whilst she guides us through her passion for the art of butchery, a true survivor in every sense. Confined to one small part of London north of the river, we meet her mother Helene, her “friend” Irene, her first husband Armin, the notorious Madame Mrs Rodd and Mon Pere, the cleric who took advantage of her and would live to regret it. We also meet perhaps her most famous associate, Sweeney Todd, half her age, but an instant, powerful attraction to Eleanor. A tale of vengeance and belonging, all Eleanor wants is for the world to say her name and give her recognition. Lucy Roslyn’s riveting and intensely dramatic monologue fleshes out (again no pun intended) this fascinating fictional character, giving her a complex and emotional backstory. 4 stars.
Falling: A Disabled Love Story, Pleasance Courtyard.
Aaron Pang’s witty and thought-provoking insight into the problems of seeking a sexual relationship (or indeed any kind of relationship) when you are disabled. A cross between stand-up and a routine about the difficulties of standing up, Aaron is a very engaging performer and a super convincing storyteller; he has a graph to prove it. But the questions he asks make us doubt our own attitudes to disabilities and the disabled, resulting in an eye-opening hour for everyone. Devastatingly honest, or is it all just a pack of lies? You’ll have to decide for yourself. You also get to choose the ending! If he’s a liar, he’s a very sincere one! 4 stars.
The Forum, C Arts C Venues C Aquila.
A tense, atmospheric thriller about Hitchens, who has been recruited to infiltrate an organisation in the United States – a terrifying challenge that costs him his family, and maybe his life – the verdict is in your hands. The play itself presents us with fragmented scenes that come together to form a complete story. Desmond Devenish conducts the show at a blistering pace – possibly slightly too quickly for the audience to keep up – and gives a powerful performance that makes us question who’s right and who’s wrong – after all, that old saying one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter is as true today as ever. Where it occasionally lacks clarity it benefits from a true sense of realism and danger, and Mr Devenish’s character is a very believable mix of warrior, spy, and vulnerable family man. 3 stars.
Falling in Love with Mr Dellamort, C Arts C Venues C Aquila
Take a touch of Agatha Christie, a hint of Rocky Horror, the spookiest instrument you’ve ever heard (the theremin) and oomph it up with some catchy new songs that drive the story forward, sung by powerful voices, and you’ve got the recipe for Falling in Love with Mr Dellamort. However, beware – don’t fall in love with him; it won’t end well. But do his three invited guests escape his charm – and what about the unexpected guest? There’s always one, and they’re always suspicious. Tremendous fun performances from the entire cast and a truly inventive story makes the hour fly by. Cornelius Loy’s musicianship brings a supernatural feel to the entire show, and there’s hugely entertaining performances from Natalie Arle-Toyne’s pushy Mina, Chris O’Mara’s confident Barry, Jennie Jacobs’ substance-dependent Rhonda and Grace Farrell’s ever-surprising Sue – and a charismatic performance from Robert Tripolino as the devilish Mr Dellamort. Don’t forget to follow his rules, or there’ll be trouble. 4 stars.
Vagabond Skies, Gilded Balloon at the Museum.
Somewhere during the first few minutes of Tony Norman’s outstanding new musical, Vagabond Skies, you realise that you’re watching something very special. The story of the unbreakable friendship between Vincent Van Gogh and his brother Theo is packed with emotion and heartache, with Vincent’s slow descent into mental despair and his brother’s inability to bring him back from the abyss. Colourful characters like Gauguin, the Parisian art critics and the women in Vincent’s life all play a part in telling the story, and it’s performed in front of Dave Fricker’s visually eloquent series of back projections of Vincent’s work.
Norman’s lyrics are simple but powerful and instantly resonate with the audience; and his musical compositions are stunningly beautiful, brought to life by Mark Edwards’ glorious arrangements. Songs like Brother of Mine and the title song Vagabond Skies will stay with you long after the curtain comes down. Fantastic performances from the entire gifted ensemble, but a special mention of Alex Bloomer, who is tremendous as Vincent, conveying all his artistic hopes and talents with the destruction of his mental decline. This show needs a cast recording and fast! 5 stars.