Theatre Home · Search Productions · Register

» Number of reviews : 85 - viewing 10 Per Page

Last Review Posted by muscledaddy - posted: 21 March 08 10:21

[ Post a Review ]

Views: 1876

I am afraid I have to disagree with the last comment about 'Diversion goes to Hollywood' show. True, Gill is a live performer and much more used to a live band, but as her band was away the show was more than just a singer with backing tapes. The clever use of film clips to help cover 80 years of 'songs from the movies' was a surprise to me as it was well constructed in it's content and clearly, took a great deal of time to compile. It added to the whole theme of the night as a celebration of 80 years of the Oscars with great commentary and information I was unaware of. There were some really clever moments in the show, like when Gill sang 'Smile' to someone playing Chaplin' against the back drop of his classic films or as the cast in Nuns Habits operating Puppets as the 'Von Trapp Kids' led the crowd in 'Do a deer', it had me giggling. Then as the 'Powerful voice of Gill', filled the room singing 'Somewhere' against a video collection of clips relating to Human right issues, starting with Martin Luther King, covering the Stonewall riot, up to the present Campaign to 'Free Tibet', I was moved to tears as it was extremely moving and something I didn't expect to see at the RVT. Yes, the staging was a little 'messy' in places, but it had heart, with a few more rehearsals for the 'live action' and with a band this show could run for a week in the Soho Theatre, as it was it was, it was constructed as if a professional show and was something you don't see at The Two Brewers or The Black Cap. It most defiantly wasn't pantomime but it was great entertainment. Well done to Gill and her crew.

Product Details: "Diversion" by scene-OUT.com - posted: 5 February 07 - Rating: 9.38

Last Review Posted by Mono - posted: 19 March 08 21:36

[ Post a Review ]

Views: 1543

Arriving at 19:00 and already a massive queue had formed past the park gates. Thankfully it moved significantly faster than the queue on a Sunday. Twelve minutes and I was in; another five minutes and my coat was in check and a pint was firmly in hand. Result. 20:00 and we're off. Tonight, the second in this season's Magazine, dealt with gender dysphoria. Not a subject that you'd think was capable of producing a show that was inspired funny and thought provoking, but then that's what David Hoyle appears to excel in doing. And on a Tuesday, for just £7. Who'd have thunk it. It was a great shame that my Trade escapade this weekend caught up with me about ten o'clock and I had to leave before the end. Still, there's more next week and for the next nine weeks. Grab an issue of Magazine while you can. I guarantee that it's more fun than a standard evening and far more satisfying than an Evening Standard. Rating: 8

Product Details: "David Hoyle's Magazine" by scene-OUT.com - posted: 21 November 06 - Rating: 7.60

Last Review Posted by debbieanne - posted: 18 March 08 19:19

[ Post a Review ]

Views: 1876

After being away from Diversion since it's Christmas celebrations back in December, I felt it time to get myself down to the RVT for it's monthly Friday evening outing and get my fix of another of Gill Manly's live musical adventures. We arrived just before 9pm, greeted with a smile at the door by Vauxhallville's Polly Vinyl. I gave myself a pat on the back for remembering as I tipsily departed the Tavern last Sunday to reserve a table for tonight - most of them were already occupied but we had been saved a prime spot in 'the dress circle'. As we sat down at our table we were welcomed by local gracious drag personality Lady M and offered popcorn and directed towards the hotdog stand to prepare us with sufficient provisions for the entertainment ahead. Tonight was themed towards Hollywood in celebration of 80 years of the Oscars. With Gill's usual band The Simon Wallace Trio away on tour and in relation with the theme of the evening being based on that of film and image, there was no live band. Instead they had been replaced with projected visuals, edited and narrated on stage by Spike Rhodes and music provided by backing track. The concept of paying tribute to an array of fabulous musicals that had hit our screens over the years seemed to me to be a good one that could not fail – particularly in the company of a large crowd of homosexuals, in a venue notorious for raising the roof with a sing-a-long. However, the performance fell quite short of meeting my expectations proving to have more of a pantomime feel than that of the credible entertainment evening with the fine musicians and performers which I had previously encountered. Gill's vocals and endearing presence were on form as always but fit uneasily in this format which seemed to somewhat detract from her true talents. I am in the hope that this was a one-off foray and things will return to their usual structure next month with the return of the live musicians. Despite a disappointing show, the fundamentals that make the RVT special – the friendly punters, great atmosphere, attentive bar staff, etc were all still there and I'm sure will guarantee that everyone will return for more.

Product Details: "Diversion" by scene-OUT.com - posted: 5 February 07 - Rating: 9.38

Last Review Posted by debbieanne - posted: 15 February 08 16:31

[ Post a Review ]

Views: 548

As you may remember Craig Murray – when British Ambassador to Uzbekistan - hit the headlines when he spoke out against the U.K Government using intelligence gained under torture by states such as Uzbekistan. Simultaneously he also hit the headlines in a bigger way for a different reason – he left his wife and family for Nadira Alieva, a belly-dancer he met in a nightclub in Tashkent. Murray has since spoken out about events via his autobiography. ‘The British Ambassador’s Belly Dancer’ is Alieva’s story brought to the stage. Her story is one of poverty, misfortune and tragedy – from a childhood of drug-pushing, twice a victim of rape and an abandoned suicide attempt. She tells of Murray bringing her to London and even after his eventually sacking – financing her to attend drama training to achieve her life-long ambition to become an actress. This one-woman show contains some very moving elements working well alongside her matter-of-fact sense of humour – preventing much of the piece from becoming too much of a sob story but it is however highly self-indulgent. Although her acting ability lacks considerably, as we see her belly-dance it is quite evident how Murray’s head was turned by her talents. After a sell-out at the Arcola ‘The British Ambassador’s Belly Dancer’ has just hit the Arts Theatre in the West End - on the whole this is worth a look to hear the couple’s side of this intriguing and interesting tale. Rating: 5

Product Details: "The British Ambassador's Belly Dancer" by scene-OUT.com - posted: 22 January 08 - Rating: 5.00

Last Review Posted by debbieanne - posted: 2 February 08 14:34

[ Post a Review ]

Views: 792

The Courtyard Theatre is of average size for a fringe theatre, it has a pleasant and cosy bar area and theatre studios upstairs and downstairs allowing two different productions to be held on the same evening. The only disadvantage to this convenient arrangement is that these studios don’t seem to be at all sound-proofed. At regular intervals during the production in the downstairs studio in which we were located for Counterfeit Skin, we could here vociferous pieces from Shakespeare’s The Winters Tale that was in action upstairs competing with poignant silences between our characters – somewhat off putting at times. Written by Jason Charles, Counterfeit Skin tells the story of homosexual men of two generations and what extents they will go to and risks that they will take in order to get what they want out of love and lust. We meet Jake (James Kristian – of ‘As If’ fame) and his boyfriend Luke (Jonathan Laury) who are shacked up with Jake’s also homosexual god-father Leo (John Rayment). We watch on as a soap-opera of events unfold drawing in those around them and weaving a tangled web of deceit and desire. The performances and all fairly solid and make for believable characters in gay life today – although this isn’t all about being a queer play – Counterfeit Skin could quite easily be about heterosexuals too. Over the top camp Mitch (James Trueman) however cringe worthy he may be at some points – on any given day can easily be found in the flesh in abundance mincing the streets of Soho. The plot however, is somewhat predictable and seems slightly dragged out by too many short scenes. This production is full of positives and negatives but as long as you go prepared for the three hour long show it is definitely worth a look. Rating: 6

Product Details: "Counterfeit Skin" by scene-OUT.com - posted: 22 January 08 - Rating: 6.00

Last Review Posted by debbieanne - posted: 24 January 08 13:37

[ Post a Review ]

Views: 504

I’ve seen some compact theatres and the Jermyn Street Theatre is certainly one of them. Not a spot goes to waste with seats tightly packed in, the quaintest bar hatch I have ever seen and the stage (when not utilised by performers) a route to the toilets. The Perfect Picnic sets the scene for recently redundant accountant David and his girlfriend Sarah who is intent on attending the opera for which David has tickets to attend. Unbeknown to David how he actually acquired the tickets, on arrival it quickly becomes apparent that his ex-wife Rachael, a rising opera star, is appearing at the event. Whilst Rachael is performing her new boyfriend, celebrity designer Michael de Haughton-Tours, has his attentions turned by Sarah. The interval refreshments then prove to bring an intermission of theatrical events between the couples. The performance, set to various pieces from Mozart, brought into the twenty-first century with modern rhyming lyrics, showcases some sensational vocal performances, particularly from Cheryl Enever as Rachael and Lynne Marie Boudreau as Sarah. Harmonizing the plot is Clare Kinson as the Puck. Hoping in and out of scenes assisting the narrative and rousing acts between the couples. Kinson is a true comedic delight bringing much stimulant to the plot. This entertaining piece beings opera into the modern day with a fresh and light-hearted approach, although the sequence of events that unveils is pretty much foreseeable from the outset, The Perfect Picnic makes pleasurable and engaging viewing that is harmonious to the ears. Rating: 6

Product Details: "The Perfect Picnic" by scene-OUT.com - posted: 7 January 08 - Rating: 6.00

Last Review Posted by Mono - posted: 21 January 08 17:14

[ Post a Review ]

Views: 1836

January can be a miserable month, especially when it's raining, so a bit of light relief at BrouHa-Ha is just what the doctor ordered. The Tavern is a versatile place and in its 'respectable cabaret venue' guise it really is quite warm and welcoming. Although not busy by the standards of the Saturday night a fair crowd had ventured out. To be honest I don't know why more people don't bother… it's a great mid-week night out. Resident DJ Eddie K (no pun intended I'm sure) was providing the soundtrack and what a fab trip down memory lane via eclectic avenue. This man must have one of the oddest (and funniest) CD collections going; it's great! Zoë was, once again, doing her international appearances so her trusty understudy / compañera, Jen Brista, was hosting tonight and did a grand job, although the crowd did take some a time to warm up. Honest Jen, we were enjoying it, we just weren't feeling very vocal at the beginning. We had two acts tonight, first off was Juliet Myers, who I've seen before and is delightfully funny. She's the kind of person who'd be ideal at parties… warm and friendly and extremely funny. It feels kind of strange that she's up there on the stage when you know it'd be so much better for her to be in amongst the audience, or at least on a lower stage. From the front the stage at the RVT seems awfully high. At floor level is something that you definitely wouldn't want from tonight's headline act: Laquisha Jonz, the personification of bling. Loud, obnoxious, very funny. This was my first experience of Laquisha and I was pleasantly surprised. The humour is well-observed and the characterisation is very rounded (as is the fat suit). I'll be looking to see more of her in the future. Vauxhall isn't really known for its social scene outside of the madness of clubbing weekends, which is a shame, because venues like the Royal Vauxhall Tavern really do offer a good-value, inventive and friendly alternative to the Soho weekday scene. If you fancy an antidote to the boredom of television, or just a change from the same old same old in Soho, give BrouHa-Ha a try. For just a fiver, it's a medicine that's very easy to swallow. Rating: 7

Product Details: "BrouHaHa" by scene-OUT.com - posted: 8 November 06 - Rating: 7.50

Last Review Posted by Mono - posted: 14 January 08 20:54

[ Post a Review ]

Views: 1641

I didn't really know what to expect from this production, although I had a vague idea of the plot. We only chose it because we've taken to going to TKTS in Leicester Square of a Saturday afternoon and randomly choosing something to see that evening (at half price). We could so easily have gone to see something else but I'm glad we didn't. Now, I like a musical but I steer clear of those 'feel good' frivolities. I prefer something with a bit of substance, a message. Although I can't bear terribly worthy pieces of drudgery that make you want to slit your wrists. Message or not, it's still got to be entertainment on a Saturday. Hasn't it? This production is both thoroughly entertaining and quite moving, quite a feat considering that there are no plot surprises to be had; the end is played out at the beginning and the whole of the show is just bringing us back to the point where the curtain went up… although second time around it's a very, very different emotion you're feeling. If there were any dry eyes in the house, mine weren't them. The performances throughout are nothing short of stunning, especially those of the mother, Mrs Johnstone and the twin she keeps. Unfortunately I didn't get a programme and all the web resources are horribly out-of-date so I can't name actors, sorry. The songs punctuate the story rather than sidetrack it and the narrators' rhyming links — in a scouse accent — keep the proceedings fast-paced and comfortably fluid. There was nothing really not to like about this show, except perhaps the inevitably tragic ending which, whilst in this case is 'just a show', is a reflection of the real tragedy faced by those caught, through no fault of their own, in the poverty trap. Deserving of its 20-year run I recommend this to anyone and their mum. Rating: 8

Product Details: "Blood Brothers" by scene-OUT.com - posted: 14 February 06 - Rating: 8.00

Last Review Posted by debbieanne - posted: 18 December 07 13:48

[ Post a Review ]

Views: 1876

On Friday night The Royal Vauxhall Tavern played host to Diversion – The Mince Pie & Music Extravaganza. Kicking off the holiday season at the RVT with an array of diverse and talented guests, the evening hosted by the Diversion diva herself Gill Manly was the perfect way to spend a cold December nightfall. Greeted at the door with mulled wine and a mince pie – I was glad we had thought ahead and reserved a prime-spot table, with all the others already full and a line of standing bodies already propping up the bar and the outskirts of the room. If it was value for money you were after then tonight was the night to get your worth. In addition to the sounds of Gill and her band, two special guest sets were advertised but the reality was a much bigger line-up. Opening with a set of what have become some of her RVT favourites Gill welcomed us all to her party supported by Simon Wallace on piano and the outstanding Jimmy Gallagher on Sax. The first guest appearance of the evening came in the delightful form of Sarah Moule performing a song written by American lyricist and poet Fran Landesman who would later appear in person to execute some of her work in a segment of the evening named Poet's Corner. Billed guest star number one, pianist and vocalist Liane Caroll delivered enthralling set – the highlight merrily bringing jazz superstars Ian Shaw and Lea Delaria onto the stage for a sing along. To round-off the evening at midnight, the RVT's very own superstar Jonathan Paul Hellyer AKA The D.E. Experience took to the microphone. As always there was no disappointment to become of his captivating and charming set made up of some jazz classics, Sunday favourites and a touching original tune written by the man himself that truly sends a shiver down my spine with its beauty. Gill certainly knows how to throw a dazzling Christmas bash! Another great Diversion! Rating: 9

Product Details: "Diversion" by scene-OUT.com - posted: 5 February 07 - Rating: 9.38

Last Review Posted by craigie_b - posted: 13 December 07 13:30

[ Post a Review ]

Views: 1836

Craigie_b kicked off the weekend with a snigger at Brou-Ha-Ha... A few months ago I struggled through a blizzard to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern to catch their comedy night Brou-Ha-Ha, for the first time. The normal host, Zoe Lyons was away winning a Perrier-type Edinburgh Fringe Award, so Topping and Butch ably hosted. It was great - and seriously whetted my appetite for this little gem on London's gay scene. So tonight I headed back to see how Zoe Lyons does it. There was no blizzard - but it was bloody FREEZING instead, so the red glow from the Tavern's open door splashing onto the pavement was even more inviting than normal. Inside, the Tavern was suitably decked out for Chrimbo - someone has definitely been down to Poundland, as there were colourful lights above the bar, and a good smattering of baubles and decorations stuck to the ceiling. A 3-foot white plastic tree was plonked on stage as a finishing touch. As before, the evening was very quiet to begin with. There were only just enough people in - I counted about 50 - to make the night work. After a couple of red wines to warm us up, Topping and Butch bounced onto the stage to get the cosy crowd going. Hang on - Tonight didn't feature Zoe Lyons at all! Bum. Never mind, that would have to wait for another time. Hmmm. Anyone know if Zoe is actually a figment of Tavern imagination? Topping and Butch are always fab comperes. Tonight's 3 acts were reduced to 2 thanks to someone having bronchitis, which left T&B to up their act and do more of their Xmas-oriented singing. The 2 acts were very different - the kooky Sheila Martin was up first, whose jokes were made all the funnier by her self-mocking observational style. It was hard to spot when she was improvising and when she was just pretending to, and for many of us she made the night. She was followed by Vincent Andre, whose act was way too x-rated to quote on here - but let's just say that paedophilia and xmas excrement both featured, er, heavily. So the best one-liners from the night? 1 from Topping, and 3 from Sheila: "The mills-mcartney marriage wasn't just silly. It was prosthetic." "3-ply toilet tissue - Like using a duvet but without the guilt." "Poodles can look hard - But only if you clip them into the shape of rottweilers." "When forklift trucks were invented, forks obviously must have been a lot heavier." So next time we go, with luck, Zoe will put in an appearance. If she exists. Rating: 8

Product Details: "BrouHaHa" by scene-OUT.com - posted: 8 November 06 - Rating: 7.50

Next Page »