Lone Star Diner

          Set against the backdrop of an American diner located in the middle-of-nowhere in the New Mexico desert, Lone Star Diner looks at the relationship between the four main characters. These relationships mainly focus around the Diner's only waitress, June. Ultimately she must revaluate her life and the choices that she's made. The writer has said he intends for the show to look at 'the American dream' and feminine liberation from a patriarchal system that often is degrading for women. Lofty ambitions. I'm afraid to say I didn't think it quite reached them. The set perfectly reflects the bleakness of the situation our characters find themselves in. A relatively large stage covered in a black and white lino checked flooring. Just three small metal tables each with two chairs, and a small counter draped with bunting that has the American flag, fill the expanse of stage. Surrounding the stage is a continual mound of sand/dirt, that in my opinion neither added to nor distracted from the show itself. It just was.

          The fact the writer of this show, Cameron Corcoran, studied Criminology was for me all too clear in this show. He delves deep into the conscious and sub-conscious minds of the characters, constantly bombarding us with their complexities. Its a fascinating look into the human condition. Just what are we capable of? How far will we go? With periods of action mixed with quieter moments of reflection, as an audience we often have the opportunity to look inwardly at ourselves and ask; What would I do in that situation?

          I can, in some strange way, almost relate to the bleakness of the situation our characters find themselves in. Let me explain. When I was 11 or 12 my family and I drove across America. Near the start of our journey we were driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, passing through Death Valley. We drove for hours, seeing no vehicles and nothing but rocks and dirt. Suddenly we arrived in a VERY small town on the junction of some crossroads in the middle of nowhere. Bet there, amongst the abandoned looking buildings was a KFC. There were no cars in the car park, yet inside were 6 members of staff. How could this place make a profit? Surely it couldn't get enough customers? Still tot his day its a story that my family talk about. This random KFC. The setting of this Diner very much reminds of of this KFC. The show flooded my head with memories of that day, and it was as though it had happened yesterday, rather than 20 years ago.

          The script did, at times, seem to jump around making situations or lines seem slightly out of place. I did at times find it hard to hear, due to the audience not the actors, so it may just be I missed something rather than the script. having read the script though I don't think this is the case. Certain things/events that were mentioned seemed to come out of nowhere and they were never mentioned again. There were also moments were there was a lack of emotion from characters. Maybe this was what the director and/or writer wanted but it seemed to slow down the play. The flow was generally good however these slower moments with a lack of emotion, intended or otherwise, really didn't sit well with me. It also didn't help that Seamus Dillane, playing our villain Cyrus, really couldn't do an American accent. He says he can do 'American-California, American-Standard' but that, I'm afraid, simply isn't the case. He would occasionally start talking with an American twang, would get maybe four or five words out but then would delve back into something that can only be described as a posh cockney. It was extremely off putting and very frustrating to watch, especially since the other three members of cast had no issue with the accent. His lack of maintaining an accent was a great disservice to some wonderful writing by Cameron.

          Billie Hamer's performance of our protagonist, the waitress June, was enthralling. She made the character of June so believable and someone you were able to connect to, almost like you knew everything about her. You could feel her pain from the moment she stepped on stage. This is all one can really ask of an actor, however is amazing how many professional actors fail to do this. Billie was very naturalistic and seemed to just float through he performance without even trying. She was an absolute joy to watch. I was also very impressed with Jack Sunderland as the police officer Billy Lee. He had the most comedic moment of the show, but also had one of the most shocking lines I think I've ever heard in a play; 'My bidding's to skull fuck you with your own fucking arm'. Now there had been a fair amount of swearing by this point, and I'm not adverse to profanity in shows, but this just seemed a bit much. Especially for the character. Yes he's tied to a chair, but it just didn't seem like something he'd say. You could tell the whole audience were in shock and taken a back. 

          I must finish be saying how stunning Daniel Maxted has been with his lighting design. One specific moment, when June lights a cigarette, was like something out of film noir. It was stunningly beautiful and I couldn't help but smile. I had to really resist the desire to just stand and clap it was so beautiful. Emotive yet realistic it pulled you as a viewer even further into this world. No words needed to be spoken for characters thoughts to be all too clear.

          The show is being produced by Off Main Stage, a theatre company that is devoted to new writing. They have only been running since 2017, and so are still finding their feet with Lone Star Diner is their first show they have created independently in London. They have a mission to 'tell modern stories for modern audiences' as they say contemporary stories don't get enough attention in UK theatres. This is interesting to me, as I immediately felt that this story was set in the 80s. I don't know why as no suggestion of that was made, there was just a feeling I got. I can see the effort Off Main Stage put into this production, and how hard their whole team work, and so I'm sure they will go far as a theatre company. 

          An overall interesting production, by a writer who seems to be nearly at the point of finding his voice. Its clear that when he does he will be thought-provoking, shocking and yet relatable in his style. This production could have done with a little more work, as it has the potential to be such an interesting and thought provoking piece. Don't get me wrong, it was good. I just feel it hasn't reached its full potential.

This production has now finished, however you can see what else is on at the Omnibus Theatre here.

For more information about the theatre company Off Main Stage, please click here.

Theatre From Down Memory Lane (1)

Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert

(Seen 15th December 2011)

          This review, the first of my 'A Show From Down Memory Lane' series, will look at Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert. This is mainly because it will once again be heading on a UK wide tour. It will be starting tonight, 5th September, in Dartford and finishing on the 23rd May 2020 in Cheltenham.

          Lets start with why out of everything I could have chosen to see, this was a show I decided on. I thank my parents for opening my eyes to a variety of cultural experiences when I was young. Live music, comedy, musical theatre, museums and art galleries. They also encouraged my sister and I to explore everything genre wise. Not to stick with what we knew or liked, but rather experiment and discover new things. This led to the occasion in my late teens when I discovered The Adventures Of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert, an Australian comedy-drama film from 1994. The basic plot of the film is: 

Two drag-queens, Mitzi and Felicia, and a transsexual, Bernadette, sign up to perform a show in Alice Springs. They head west from Sydney aboard a lavender bus named Priscilla, meeting some interesting characters along the way. When they arrive they find more than just a job lying in wait.

          I fell in love with this film from the moment I first watched it, and even now I'll watch it at least once a year. It even led me to watch an American film from 1995 called To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. This film was fairly similar to Priscilla however was far less critically successful yet proved a lot better financially, making over $36million at the US box office (three times that of Priscilla). Priscilla has fantastic performances from the three main actors; Terence Stamp, Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce. They seemed to perfectly fit the roles of Bernadette, Mitzi and Felicia respectively. I was immediately drawn into the film and find it a joyous watch every time. I was therefore ecstatic when I found out is was going to be made into a stage musical, though hesitant as I loved the film and didn't want it ruined. I decided I just had to see the show to find out, but I needn't have worried.

          I was sat in row C of the Grand Circle surrounded by a load of OAPs (old age pensioners) who, if my memory serves me right, had travelled in from Brentwood to see the show. It was also within the last two weeks of the shows run. The reason I saw it so late in the shows West End run was because this was in fact the first show I ever saw on my own, and so I had to build up the courage to take that leap of faith and purchase a ticket. Boy was I glad that I did. Full of songs that are dance floor classics, though completely different ones to the film, its such an easy show to sing along to. To open a show with three women, 'The Divas',  hang suspended high above the stage was a great way to grab the audiences attention. Just two songs in we were treated to a fringe covered drag queen singing What's Love Got To Do With It by Tina Turner, hooking me and fellow audience members even more. Then just two songs later a scantily clad Felicia, performed perfectly by Oliver Thornton, was dancing around the stage with some rather attractive young men dressed in minimal clothing (which looked like it would be worn by male strippers doing a routine based on a Roman centurion). This only made me realise even more that we were in for a show unlike anything I'd seen before. This excited and intrigued me. Its no wonder that 8 years later its still a show that tours all over the world

          And the show just kept delivering. From eye catching costumes and jaw dropping sets it never once failed to keep my attention. I think I never stopped smiling. It has a message that really hit home with me, of acceptance and love. Yes it was a comedic romp through he Australian outback, but it also had a heart. One must really congratulate and draw attention to The Divas, who sing every song that the drag queens lip-sync to. The three of them have equal involvement in all the songs, and are fantastic at standing out while also fading into the background. You cant help but notice them whilst also forgetting that they're there. Standing atop the bus or descending from the ceiling, dressed in some outrageous costumes, they really are the unsung stars of the show.

          Onto the three main actors. As I was seeing the show towards the end of its run, I had replacements to the original cast. The role of Mitzi/Tick was played by Ben Richards, Bernadette was performed by Don Gallagher and Felicia/Adam was played by Oliver Thornton. All three of these actors were superb in their portrayals, and translated the characters from the film fantastically onto the stage. Oliver Thornton had been in the production and so had understandably grown into the character. As camp as Christmas and yet realistic as anything. You could tell he was having fun on stage and just letting out his inner diva. And who can blame him. The role of Felicia is, in my opinion, probably the most fun of the three main characters. With outrageous outfits and a sense of childishness it a role you can just overact and still not be over the top enough. Don Gallagher also bought complete and utter realism and believability to the role of Bernadette, an aging transsexual who is recently bereaved. I was completely transfixed by his portrayal and fell in love with her immediately. One couldn't help but feel compassion and hope that she reaches her full potential as a woman. I've very rarely felt such compassion to a character.

          With the introduction of every character we are met with confidence in who they are, however we learn that each and every one of them is protecting themselves. They have hidden layers of hurt both from others and with internalised hatred. They explore their emotion with us as an audience, and we get to see them grow and learn to love who they are. We as an audience are constantly presented with challenging content however we are fed it using a nonthreatening back drop of upbeat music. The show tries to break down the stereotypes that exist and demystify and humanise the historically demonised LGBTQIA+ community.

          The costumes were an absolute joy to behold. Due to the fact they are VERY over the top and camp (full of glitter, feathers and bright colours) one might assume they would distract from the performances, but this couldn't be further from the truth. They enhanced it. Constantly changing from scene to scene there was something new to look at, at every moment. The makeup was also phenomenal. Over the top yet realistic at the same time. And some of the quick changes are beyond beliefe (well unless you know how its done). They also were an extremely good representation of the would of drag queens. In 2019 as a write this many more people have developed a love and knowledge of drag queens, mainly thanks to the television show Ru Pauls Drag Race. Back in 2011 there had only been three series of the show, which had been broadcast on E4 in the UK. It simply hadn't gained the momentum and notoriety it now has. I however, at the age of 23, had some knowledge of this part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I know it was very much over playing and exaggerating certain aspects of the art form and the community, but it was 100% based of truths.

          I was tapping my feet throughout the whole show and, quietly enough so as not to disturb other audience members, singing along to every song. Its just a joyous evenings entertainment, that's light hearted while also having a serious message and hard hitting subject matter. Yes its set in Australia, but the story of people trying to find love and acceptance is universal. I will definitely be trying to see it while its on tour around the UK, and I encourage everyone to see it if possible. Your in for a fun night.

For information and to book tickets for the UK tour, please click here.

There are a number of tours happening around the world, as well as a production aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line (where a shorter version has been showing since 2015). Information on each production can be found here

CAMP

          A Lesbian, a bisexual woman and a gay man walk into a bar ……. well, they walk into the theatre space above it. I was very much looking forward to this show as the concept sounded interesting. "Join Felix, Becky, and Mary as they attempt to learn what we were never taught; same-sex-sex-ed, voguing & queer history. Do you have what it takes to get your GAY-CARD?". I was immediately intrigued. How could I say no to their invitation to go along? As someone who is part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I wish as a younger person I'd had lessons or been made aware of the communities history. I had to do the research myself, either on purpose or finding stuff completely by accident. Oh, interesting fact. The county with the second highest readership for my blog is Russia, so it will be interesting to see how this post does. Haha. 

          This show was at the Lion and Unicorn Theatre. That's twice in two days. I arrived slightly earlier as I knew I like the environment of the pub, and so I was able to relax before the show. As was the same when I went to see The Cardboard Kitchen Project, once the audience was let in we had to wait for maybe two minuets before the show started. I love it when I'm not sat down and made to wait for ages. Once again thought he theatre space was boiling hot. I felt so sorry for the actors. My view was also partially blocked by the people in front as the seating is mostly on one level. From the word go, the show throws you into the deep-end of queerness. I think one needs at least a little queer knowledge to actually enjoy this show, and I think this is the point. The show is full of references to queer culture. I think I got almost every reference, well at least I think I did, and I wont ruin anything in case anyone reading this goes to see the show.

          The show started a little slow, but gained speed exceptionally quickly. The three actors were very relatable, with all of them taking one or two different roles. As the only man in the cast I related heavily to Felix, played brilliantly by Nicholas Marrast-Lewis. There were so many of Felix's characteristics that reminded me not only of myself but EVERY gay man I've ever met. It was just a shame that Nicholas stumbled over one or two of his lines, but it didn't really cause much of an impact. Fizz Waller was also brilliant as Mary. She was extremely comedic yet had just the right amount of realism. She was probably the most interesting of the characters, in no small part to how Fizz portrayed her.

          There was however something that any reader of previous reviews will know that I hate. Audience interaction/participation. This wasn't too bad, with a little gay quiz thrown in part way through. It seemed totally out of place and unnecessary, but was at least interesting. There was another moment of interaction and that was the audience being asked to Vouge. again, it seemed very out of place. This was the bit I hated most, and thankfully I wasn't dragged up on stage to do it.

          It is not only funny, but has a couple of hard hitting messages. Firstly, Bisexual people are often discriminated against from within the queer community. They are often told they are 'going through a phase'. Gay people think they aren't ready to fully come out as gay, and straight people just get confused and call it a "phase". The second issue they picked up on was discovering your sexuality later in life. This is something lot of people within the LGBTQIA+ community struggle with. Many older people have, for whatever reason, been unable to be their authentic selves until they've settled into life. This can make coming out a scary and unnerving situation, to suddenly been thrown into a world completely different to the world you've been living in for years. Lastly, the show talks about the expectations within the queer community. What you should know. If you don't, then you are harshly judged. I've made it a mission of mine to research queer history. I feel I owe it to all the people who came before me. For all the people unable to be their true selves. For all the people who had to hide in the shadows. For all those who lost their lives. I try really hard to educate myself so I can educate others. This show tries to put a lighter spin on that, and so I must be grateful they are trying to get that message out there.

          A bit of light hearted fun, bit with a completely serious message. You don't need a 'Gay Card' to be a good member f the LGBTQIA+ community, but you should at least know a little of the communities history. The show is playing on August 21st, 22nd and 24th 2019 at the Lion and Unicorn Pub in Camden.

To book tickets or to find more about the show, please click here

The Cardboard Kitchen Project

          I was intrigued when I was asked to review this show. A cardboard kitchen? I went along hoping for something interesting and new. However I'm sorry to say I left rather deflated.

          The show is on at the Lion and Unicorn Theatre as part of the Camden Fringe Festival. The theatre is above the Lion and Unicorn Pub, a lovely modern pub on the corner of a quiet residential street. Away from the main hustle and bustle of Camden. It was so relaxing I was glad I had time to take in the pubs atmosphere before the show. Not to mention it has a lovely little pub garden. anyway, the theatre itself is like the majority of pub theatres in London. Upstairs and small. It was also surprisingly warm.

          I sat three rows from the front and realised something annoying. The seating is all on the same level. Well some seats further back are raised by maybe two inch but not enough to make any difference. This means you struggle to see the stage, which is just part of the floor. I knew this would likely be a problem, but I don't know the show so I might have been wrong. I wasn't. She sat on the floor for what felt like half the show. I dread to think of the poor people sat at the back of the audience. What exactly could they see? probably the head of the person in front of them and some disembodied voice complaining about the husband she left in Singapore. 

          Varshini Pichemuthu, a recent graduate from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama with a masters in Applied Theatre, was the actress in this show. She has a wonderful voice, so I was looking forward to listening to it for an hour or so. I was unfortunately disappointed however with her overall performance. Towards the end, as the show was progressing, she seemed to relax but this was certainly not the case at the. She had been very robotic and there was nothing naturalistic about her performance. I couldn't believe a single part of it. I also feel the show was maybe half an hour too long. There was a lot of filler. going over the same material multiple times, or using the same 'gag' such as trying to put the cardboard kitchen together.

          Maybe the issues I had with the show were with the writing rather than the performance, but either way I felt it was just far too long. The story was there, but not very developed and this didn't help in keeping my concentration. It just dint go anywhere. Its always a bad sign when I keep looking at my watch. the director has called it a "really relatable story around a space in our lives that we don’t often think about." Now I tend to think about my kitchen a lot. Its the heart of the home. when there are gatherings its where much of the time gets spent. It needs to be practical but also be friendly and inviting. This made the story totally unrelatable. I still don't understand why she was sent a cardboards kitchen. How's that going to make her feel any better or make her want to spend more time in the kitchen. I just don't get it.

          I'm sorry to say I was left disappointed. I can see it has potential, but it really needs to have some drastic work done to it.

FORM

          FORM is a show from theatre company Rendered Retina. Using 20,000 paper balls, the show takes audiences on a hilarious and moving journey of one man's attempt to escape routine, to wonderful worlds and whisk you away on a visual voyage. This show uses no spoken word (except grunting), physical theatre, clowning/mime all of which is nicely pushed along with original music.

          When I was invited along to see this show, I was rather excited. With a concept that sounded interesting and at a theatre I'd never been to before (the Camden Peoples Theatre) I was waiting with anticipation for the show to start. It won 'Best Show' at Paris Fringe 2018 and was the winner of the Les Enfants Terribles Award 2017 so I had high hopes going into the theatre.

          I wasn't disappointed. Its not an over exaggeration to say I think this is some of the best pieces of theatre I've ever seen. The three performers, Tom Mangan, Alex Mangan and Jordan Choi have such great chemistry and energy together. They complement each others performances perfectly, bringing just the right amount of energy to the show. The relationship and trust they've built over the 11 years they've known each other is all too clear, with the production running like a well oiled machine. 

          I was transfixed throughout, unable to look away. In fact the whole audience was engulfed by the brilliance of this show. We were all completely silent except for the moments of laughter we collectively experienced out of pure joy from what we were watching. An imaginative show that took as all along for the ride, bringing us as an audience into their world. And what a world that is. I didn't want to come back to reality. The 20,000 paper balls were used brilliantly to push along the story and act as a base for every scene. With the entire stage being used there was never a dull moment. They all use their bodies and faces very expressively, and even though they don't talk you know exactly what their characters are thinking or how they are feeling. Yes, sometimes the facial movements can be a bit over the top, but in a way that added to the show rather than distract form it.

          I know this is a rather short review but I really cant say any more. There is nothing to criticize (other than the fact the waiting area at the theatre is rather small). It was simply perfection. If you have the time, you MUST see this show. I will certainly be interested to see how this theatre company develops and to see what they do next. They say on their website "We want our work to leave lasting images with those who see it." They have certainly achieved that with me.

For more information about theatre company Rendered Retina, click here
To find more information and/or book tickets for FORM (at 2019 Camden Fringe), please click here