Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Concert 2012 at London
Palladium
3-Apr-2012
I thought I had died and gone to drummer heaven listening
to some of the greatest drummers alive. Seriously! I had
no idea what I was in for even though a friend is the
producer. It wasn't until we heard the opening strains
of brilliant jazz that I realised what an incredible
evening this would be. 4 hours of shear delight at the
outstanding drumming skills with the likes of Dave Weckl,
Ian Paice, Ginger Blake, Gavin Harrison and my
favourite...Prince's drummer John Blackwell. Tony Christie
was a surprise guest and a host of other talents during
the evening with the highlight being the drum off at the
end with 6 drummers drumming their hottest solos.
A truly wonderful evening hosted by Buddy Rich's
daughter Cathy and producer Toby Cruse.
Jackie Mason - Fearless at Wyndham's Theatre
10-Mar-2012
This is the first time I had seen Jackie and in fact I had
never heard of him before. I find stand up comics
often dull and I don't laugh. I have comedian friends
whom I don't find funny and have to make excuses
not to attend their shows and I also don't find black
humour funny at all. Rowan Atkinson is brilliant and
American slapstick humour is the one for me.
WELL, I LAUGHED OUT LOUD AND SO HARD that
I had to cough at times. I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed
myself. I haven't laughed that hard in years and I was
pleased to do it. I have had some miserable times of late
and work in some miserable places, so the laugh was
just what the doctor ordered! There were 2 ladies in front
of me who thought I was too much but I wasn't going to
apologise for it. That's what one is there for isn't it?
To laugh at a good and seasoned comedian? I though
Jackie was brilliant and seeing I have spent so much
time researching Jews and their history, growing up in a
Jewish area and attending a Jewish populated school,
I thought the Jewish gags were spot on and nothing is
funnier than a person making fun and having a laugh
at their own kind and the numerous cliches that go
along with it. It was so refreshing to hear him being
politically incorrect and sometimes we need to hear that
in the right environment. He was saying what a lot of
people thought but in a softened way and it wasn't
malicious by any means. Sometimes the PC, which I
have to live everyday, being careful about what I say
and monitoring one's thoughts is stressful. There will be
a time in the future where you won't be able to think
anything about anything that isn't PC because big
brother will be monitoring your thoughts. What talented
and gifted professional 75 year old NY Jew comedian
who brought sunshine into my life. They don't make
them like that anymore!
Hay Fever at Noel Coward Theatre
25-Feb-2012
Wonderful production and cast. There is much hamming
up in this camp production. The son and daughter
parts were a bit over the top but then again maybe
they are supposed to be? Jeremy Northam was the
true star for me with his brilliance and resonant voice.
Intelligent wit from the writing of Noel Coward which
requires concentration and it's a lengthy play.
The Trial at Greenwich Theatre
22-Feb-2012
It was a good attempt at physical theatre with committed
actors but the piece didn't really work and wasn't riveting
enough to keep me there. It came off like a good student,
low budget, workshop piece but I have to say I wasn't
enthralled. It was my first time at 'my local' Greenwich
theatre so I hope this isn't their thing with modern,
experimental, non commercial, avant-garde pieces?
The theatre was less then half full but I can see many
drama students coming to observe the production values
and critique the work.
Shakespeare Unbound at The London Theatre
19-Feb-2012
I was the only audience member at this matinee and
I was the only audience member at this matinee and
felt very special. I attended the informative play
'Shakespeare Unbound' at the new venue: London
Theatre in New Cross which is available for hire at
reasonable rates (that's the Producer in me talking). It
was very intimate and I had to interact as the 'Ghost Of
The Future'. I was happy to be in the audience and
participate with actor and writer Colin David Reese.
The piece ran for an hour and I have no idea how he
remembered the lines (even though he wrote them)
but he was valiant in his efforts. He only lost a few
lines but played the character John Heminges from
Shakespeares' playing group. The play gives famous
quotes from Shakespeare's plays and puts into perspective
when and how they were written with fond memories
from John about the successes and disasters. It was
lovely to chat to Colin afterward and discuss the
research of this play.
14-Feb-2012
Simply sublime. I have seen this show in NZ and
Australia and it's always good whoever performs it.
Well written and moving. Tyne Daly is a wonderful
actress. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Pippin at Menier Chocolate Factory
3-Feb-2012
I was only going along to this show because I have a
friend in it. It's not the best written shows with some
very dated performances having been done in the 70's,
which no-one understood. I was more than pleasantly
surprised, I was thrilled with this brilliant production which
makes sense of this book by setting it as an interactive
video game. There were superb performances in singing,
dancing and acting from the leads and a very strong
ensemble cast whose restaged Fosse choreography was
simply, breathtakingly good. Everyone around me was
delighted by this amazing production with intelligent and
creative special effects lending itself to a stellar production.
I can't recommend Pippin enough and the creative team
has done a wonderful and successful job with this show.
OUTSTANDING!
My Name is Antonino Calderone at The London Theatre
25-Feb-2012
This play should be listed as a rehearsed reading. Tim
This play should be listed as a rehearsed reading. Tim
Woodward did his best with this overly ambitious script
but even he, as an accomplished actor struggled and
ended up having to read it whilst losing his place at times.
If a actor is struggling it will be because the piece is
under-rehearsed or that the fault lies in the writing. It was
very difficult to stay focused with all the information which
is unfamiliar to the audience and in the end, one has no idea
what is going on under the guise of a dictaphone recorded
confession. There has been much research done with the
various Mafia families but it is not presented in a story like
fashion for people to relate to, or easily follow. I don't anyone
who would be able to memorise this script and best of luck to
anyone who can. I do though, see this script as a lecture to
university students or simplified as a film script with flashbacks
of the various scenes and characters. The Italian names all
become a blur without visual reference points and scenes.
The staging too needs more action and pace in order to keep
the flow of a story.
23-Apr-2012
I went to Amelia Cormack's show 'Love For Sale' last night
and was quite literally blown away by her formidable and
extraordinary talent. What a voice, which displayed flawless
technique and exquisite skill. Her soul, which she bared
throughout, was poured into her acting with flair and she
excelled in her superb comic timing. Such an extremely
talented young star. James Millar's writing was skillful,
sound and accomplished in every way with subtlety and with
that had us laughing out loud and crying in our Pinot Grigio's.
So proud to see these talented young Ozzies coming
across to London to seek their fortune and spread their
wings in an artistically embracing community and
environment full of opportunities. I'm so proud my heart could
literally burst with joy.
John Oates at Islington Assembly Hall
28-Apr-2012
John is one sexy rocker dude. In great voice
28-Apr-2012
John is one sexy rocker dude. In great voice
(better sounding than his 'signed' CD which I bought-he
does sound a bit rough on it) he said that he will tour
with Daryl Hall next time-hurrah! He sang a variety of
styles and didn't disappoint: Blues, bluegrass, folk,
country, rock, rock 'n' roll and R & B. The music ranged
from well known pieces to influences from his childhood.
Great value and such a treat for 2 hours of pure joy and
delight. It was such a treat to hear a consummate
professional and his talented band.
professional and his talented band.
5-May-2012
The Islington Assembly Room has turned into a fantastic
venue for rock, pop and bands. It's small enough to be
able to see unrestricted and has a great vibe, even though
it's a hall. I sing the song 'Young Hearts Run Free' as a pop
audition piece for shows and it was truly wonderful to hear
the Disco, Blues, Gospel Diva 'Candi Staton' sing her original
hit. What a treat that she was here in London and on
audience club. The band and backing singers were
sensational and once again I thoroughly enjoyed bopping
to a Disco legend. She's still got it and she sounds fabulous!
Written on the Heart at Duchess Theatre
5-May-2012
Written On The Heart by David Edgar is a superbly written
5-May-2012
Written On The Heart by David Edgar is a superbly written
RSC production with an outstanding cast, set, lighting and
direction. I was in the front row and in complete awe whilst
watching a lesson in great classical acting. I have walked
away being inspired to learn this skill (which I have limited
understanding of) and the need for a greater knowledge/
understanding of these types of scripts. A great lesson in
history as well as the martyrs who gave their lives/ shed
their blood for what they believed in and the freedom to
practise/ write about their version of the Bible.
Stuff of brilliance.
6-May-2012
Great to see Sue Kelvin in the cast of 'Travelling Light'
at the National. A delightfully enchanting, nostalgic
Jewish tale with Motl Mendl as the protagonist. Set in an
Eastern European Shtetl he denies his Jewish roots
with his foray into cinematography. Great cast and direction
with me in tears as a result. Beautiful piece and very close
to my heart.
11 March. 2012
Very capable performers who didn't gel together and
through line which is such a shame. There was no
over-arching story the piece has no line and despite
the vignettes being well written, it didn't all hang
together. There was no point, what-so-ever having
the 2 dead people in it and it looked naive having them
there. Much more work is needed on this piece in
terms of writing. Just because one can write novels, it
doesn't mean one can write a script or musical.
