How The Other Half Loves - Theatre Royal Norwich

Jane Walsh sure has done the Theatre proud since she took on the added role of Programming Manager. Take a bow Jane - you truly deserve a medal for all the superb productions that you have laid on for Norwich theatre goers this year.

Without doubt, 'How The Other Half Loves' was another winner for the Theatre Royal, Norwich - there wasn't an empty seat to be seen.

John Challis, who played Boycie in the hit TV series Only Fools & Horses, and Sue Holderness, who played Boycie's wife, played their parts really well - as did Richard Kane, Lavina Bertram, Carli Norris and Gary Turner.

This play was very different to anything that we had seen before. I'm not even going to try and explain the storyline of the play, as it would take far too long - and I would probably end up confusing you all!!

You really must go and see it - you'll not be disappointed.

Ingenious, funny, clever, and very different!!

A big thumbs up from us

Charlie & Ali Bettell

Tap Dogs - Theatre Royal Norwich

This was  one of the most energetic performances that we have ever seen at the Theatre Royal, Norwich. This was very different to the type of tap dance that we were expecting - anybody remember Gene Kelly tapping away to 'I'm Singing In The Rain'

This was tap dance like you could never imagine - the audience, including the wife and I, could not stop clapping after each dance routine - my hands were sour at the end of the 90 minute show.

The stage set, on first impressions, looked a fairly simple affair - how wrong I was was! The set was like one of those transformer toys we used to buy for our boys back in the 80's - you simply pulled a few levers etc and the toy would totally changed shape - just like the stage set did.

This is one production that I would dearly love to see again -perhaps when my hands get back to normal (!)

A big thumbs up from us

Charlie & Ali Bettell

Mikado - Theatre Royal Norwich

This was an opera like no other that my wife and I  had been to before - it was so, so funny!! Without doubt, is was the most entertaining opera that we had ever seen.

However much you may hate the idea of going to an opera with the wife, or friends, you have our word for it that you would not be disappointed should you be forced into attending this superb production of  'The Mikado' - by Gilbert and Sullivan.

Funny?....!  It was absolutely hilarious!!

Charlie & Ali Bettell

Stones In His Pocket - Theatre Royal Norwich

Without doubt, this was one of the most unusual plays that my good lady and I have ever seen. Fifteen characters, two of which were woman, were played by just two male actors - Malcolm Adams, playing the part of Charlie Conlon (and others), and Hugh Lee, playing Jake Quinn (and others). Confused yet - probably no more than I was for the first half hour of the play (!)

This was the weirdest bit for me. For the majority of the time Charlie and Jake wore the same cloths - morphing in and out of the various characters they were playing! You really had to have your thinking cap on to follow just what was happening and who was who - it proved to be a bit too much for two couples sitting close by us, who left within the first half hour. At one point, I thought it was going to be one of those dreaded nights where half the audience got up and walked out before the interval.

For those that persevered with the mind blowing performances from Malcolm Adams (Jake) and Hugh Lee (Charlie), they were not to be disappointed. Without doubt, as time rolled on, the morphing became easier and easier to follow - how the two actors could keep up with their various roles, god only knows!!

There was two stories running side by side - which I will not go into detail about for fear of spoiling your enjoyment.

I have to be honest, this production did not do a great deal for me - but my good lady really enjoyed it. The morphing dance nearing the end of the play was the highlight for myself and many others - it received raptures applause.

As my good lady said to me during the interval - "If we all liked the same things, the world be a boring place."

Too true me darlin'.

Charlie & Ali Bettell

Oh! What a Night - Theatre Royal Norwich

I felt that this production got of to a very shaky start and was at times fairly boring - what with the dance routines being very similar to one another and dragged out far too long for my liking.

As we approached the interval Sheila Ferguson finally livened things up with a tremendous song that made the hairs on the back of my neck lift - if only she had sang a couple more songs in the first half of the show!

The second half of the show was a complete contrast to the first - Oh! What a Night, I'm glad to report, became a night that I will surely remember for a long time to come.

Sheila Ferguson, along with the rest of the production company, were absolutely brilliant in the final hour of the show.

Well worth going to see - especially for the second half of the show!

Charlie & Ali Bettell

Jack & The Beanstalk  - Theatre Royal Norwich

Without doubt, this was the best Christmas panto that Ali and I have ever seen - but then we've only been to three since we started going to the Theatre some three year ago - doesn't time fly!!

This production had something for all the family. Unlike other pantos that we've been to see, this one made us laugh regularly throughout the entire show.

Ricky Jay (Jack), Richard Gauntlett (Dame Trott) and Brian Hibbard (Stinkwort ) were absolutely brilliant. Steven Houghton (Prince Casper) and Lucy Hunter-James (Princess Marigold) played out their roles very well too.

The scenery and costumes were stunning - especially those worn by Dame Trott! The inflating beanstalk was something else - it was well beyond anything that I could have ever imagined!!

A great night out for all the family -

Charlie & Ali Bettell

Chicago  - Theatre Royal Norwich

What a night!!

Without doubt, Chicago was one of the best musical productions that myself and my good lady have ever seen at the Theatre Royal, Norwich. It had just about everything that we truly love about the theatre - i.e. ace acting, sensational singing, dancing, acrobatics, glitz, fun, laughter, audience participation, plenty of hand clapping, and much much more.

The singing and dancing was absolutely brilliant - plus it had plenty of glamour and  glitz. It reminded me of 'Sunday Night At The London Palladium' - although I dare say that most of the younger readers of this review will not have a clue what 'Sunday Night At The London Palladium' is/was

The story line was of two imprisoned women, both seeking their freedom. John Altman, alias Nick Cotton from East Enders, acted as the two women's lawyer. Not only can John act, he ain't a bad singer and dancer either!

Roxy, played by Emma Clifford, was absolutely brilliant - as was Velma Kelly (Lisa Donmall) - not meaning to take anything away from the rest of the cast, who were also brilliant.

A great night out..

A BIG up from me and Ali.

Charlie & Ali Bettell

Boogie Nights  - Theatre Royal Norwich

If you're a 70's child, like me, you'll love this production.

Many of the good old 70's favourites, like YMCA, Enough is Enough, Sugar Baby Love, and many many more super sounds of the 70's were performed brilliantly by the highly talented cast - which consisted of Sam Kane (Roddy), Sophie Lawrence (Debbs), Stephanie Charles (Lorraine), Joe Speare (Spencer), Don Crann (Eamon), Kev Orhian (Terry), James Welsh (Baz - the Doorman), Chris Gosling (Mickie - the Barman/Doorman), and Hayley Tameddon (Trish).

I have never seen an audience get so into a production! They heckled, they screamed,  they ohhhhed 'n' arrrred, and they clapped, tapped and   rapped to the music - it was a sight that I'll not forget in a hurry! 

I have seen various productions that were packed full of 70's music - but I cannot remember ever having seen every single person within sight of me standing and clapping like they were on Monday night - it truly was a sight to behold!

The cast were absolutely brilliant - a BIG up from me and Ali.

Boogie Nights was every bit  as exiting as the 70's were!

This is one production that I would love to see again - later this week perhaps!

Charlie & Ali Bettell

The Ghost Train  - Theatre Royal Norwich

If you like mystery and suspense, then you'll love 'The Ghost Train'.

Six passengers are stranded in a small station waiting room for the night.

The Station Master, played by Henry McGee, 'reluctantly' tells the six passengers about a ghost train - a ghost train that is said to ride the line well past the station's bedtime!

A truly brilliant comedy drama.

Charlie Bettell

Madame Butterfly  - Theatre Royal Norwich

Madame Butterfly, by the Northern Ballet Theatre, was, in my opinion, absolutely brilliant!! A ballet with a splash of martial arts and gymnastics thrown in.

As a rule, ballet does not do much for me - but this ballet was something very special, and very different, to any other that I had seen before. It was not the usual 'fairy on the XMAS tree' type of ballet - which, I have to be honest, tends to send me to sleep!

My only criticism of this ballet, was that it finished far too quick for my liking - I could have easily gone another 30 minutes with it!!

If you're a ballerina, martial artist, gymnast, builder, or whatever your profession,  I'm sure that you will enjoy this brilliant production of Madame Butterfly.

I must remember to take a handkerchief next time (!)

Charlie Bettell

Seven Brides For Seven Brothers  - Theatre Royal Norwich

Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, without doubt, was one of my all time favourite motion picture musicals - I was really looking forward to seeing the stage version. On the lead up to the big night, I had often wondered if the stage production would live up to my expectations - I truly hoped that it would.

I was not to be disappointed! From beginning to end this production could not be faulted - the audience applauded at every available chance they got - it really was that good. On departing from the theatre I heard people staying that their hands hurt - they had clapped that much.

The lead actor, Dave Willetts, and lead actress, Shona Lindsay, were absolutely brilliant - as were the rest of the cast. This has to have been one of the very best stage musicals that I have ever had the privilege to review.

I could go on and on about how good this musical was - without doubt, a big thumbs up from me and Ali.

Five Blue Haired Ladies  - Theatre Royal Norwich

At times funny and very thought provoking, this comedy drama is well worth going to see - especially so if you're getting on in age and your hair is starting to turn grey/white - or even blue!

To cut a good story short, the Five Blue Haired Ladies reminisce on the lives that they had lead - with a good twist coming just before the interval!

The Five Blue Haired Ladies consisted of Madge Bishop from Neighbours, Jean Fergusson from Last Of The Summer Wine, Shirley Anne Field, the well know film actress, Ruth Madoc from Hi-Di-Hi!, and Miquel Brown.

A must see for dear ol' granny (!)

Charlie Bettell

Mother Goose  - Theatre Royal Norwich

A great family production - as was only to be expected with the likes of Desmond Barrit, Rickki Jay, Helen McDermott, Jilly Johnson, to name a few, appearing in the cast.

I particularly enjoyed the performances of  Rikki Jay, playing Billy Goose, and Jilly Johnson, playing Spirit of Vanity.

The kids and nigh on every mum and dad got involved when it came to audience participation.

The costumes were absolutely stunning!

Well worth taking the kids to see.

Oh no it's not! - OH YES IT IS!!!

Charlie Bettell

Glyndebourne Touring Opera - Theatre Royal Norwich

As usual, another great performance from the Glyndebourne Touring Opera - Fidelio.

A good storyline, superb voices, very well acted - what more could you want from an opera. The audience seemed to enjoy it every bit as much as we did. A big thumbs up from me and Ali.

Box Office: 01603 63 00 00

Charlie & Ali Bettell

West Side Story - Theatre Royal Norwich

West Side Story is a classic of our times. It was first performed over 40 years ago and still has the power to move and entertain audiences world wide.

The two main characters, Tony, played by Norman Bowman, and Maria, played by Celia Graham, performed brilliantly - their duets were very moving.

The other main characters also performed very well, especially Emma Clifford, who played Anita. She gave a very powerful performance - especially the dance routines with the Latino Girls.

This show is well worth a visit - but hurry as tickets are in short supply.

Box Office: 01603 63 00 00

Charlie & Ali Bettell

Hold On - Theatre Royal Norwich

This is the Story of Rufus, a 60's soul singer.

In my opinion, the first half of the show was fairly slow going - there was too much chat and not enough singing for my liking.

The second half of the show started slow but soon changed for the better and had the audience up and 'doin' their thing'. The Soul Sisters, headed by Ruby Turner, were absolutely brilliant.

Personally, I would have liked to have heard more singing and less of the chat - that said, I give this production a 'big' thumbs up.

I particularly enjoyed the 'sensational' soul singing numbers by Ruby Turner (Orletta), Peter Straker (Rufus), Jacqui Boatswain (Julie) and Veronica Hart (Maylika).

Charlie Bettell

Doctor Dolittle - Theatre Royal Norwich

This superb production, staring Phillip Schofield as Doctor Dolittle, had the audience spell bound from beginning to end.

The animals were very realistic and made the children in the audience laugh continually throughout the two hour show.

The sets were all very good, the costumes nice, and  giant sea snail was absolutely brilliant - and had the cheekiest of smiles.

Well worth taking the kids to see.

Charlie Bettell

Spend Spend Spend  - Theatre Royal Norwich

A musical production that takes a unique look at the life of pools winner, Viv Nicholson. Viv won £152,000 back in 1961, which in today's terms would equate to about £3 million. Viv goes on a SP£NDING spree to end all SP£NDING sprees. Not having had the sound advice that comes with today's big wins,  she finally ends up back where she started - broke!

Barbra Dickson, playing Viv, Ratchel Leskovac play young Viv, Nigel Williams, playing Viv's dad, and Grant Anthony, play Viv's second husband, not forgetting the rest of the cast, performed brilliantly. It was one of the most action packed performances I've ever seen.

Don't miss this opportunity to see what life could like if 'you' win the Lotto. If you should get lucky, make sure you SP£ND SP£ND SP£ND more wisely than 'poor' ol' Viv!!

Charlie Bettel

Charlie's Aunt  - Theatre Royal Norwich

Charlie's aunt first hit the stage back in 1892 and has clearly stood the test of time.

Eric Sykes, who played a buttler, was clearly the man who people had come to see - as soon as he took stage the clapping started. At 78 years young, he did not disappoint his fans. There were some nice little touches that only somebody like Eric could have pulled off. I think everybody would agree that we did not see enough of our beloved Eric.

Neil Mullarkey, who played Aunt, was for me, the overall star of the show - he was very, very funny.

Christopher Biggins, Bruce Montague, Dominic Kemp, Richard Hodder, Dillie Keane, Charlotte Parry, Stephanie Chambers and Tilly Gaunt must not be forgotten, they all played their parts brilliantly.

This is one play that I will most definitely go and see again when it next comes to town.

Charlie Bettell

Double Double  - Theatre Royal Norwich

This two person thriller, comprising of Simon Ward, playing Duncan McFee, and Anita Harris, playing Phillpa James, was at times very funny.

The thriller had an easy to follow storyline with a great twist at the end. I'll not spoil it for you by giving any of the plot away. If there were more plays like this one, with the same quality of acting, there would be a lot more people flocking to the theatre.

The acting was outstanding from beginning to end. Anita Harris looked stunning - and Simon Ward washed up very well (!) I don't know what Anita Harris does to stay looking so young , whatever it is, she should bottle and sell it - put me down for 2 dozen!

Phillpa James and Duncan McFee? - ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!

Charlie Bettell

The Sunshine Boys  - Theatre Royal Norwich

Ron Moody and Brian Murphy, an old time variety act, were brought together again after ten years apart to do a BBC program on variety and comedy double acts through the ages.

The duo had performed brilliantly during their years together on stage, but secretly their relationship off stage was pretty grim. After much coaxing from one of the old timers nephews, they finally agreed get together again for one last appearance.

The play was humorous and at times quite funny. The second half could have done with being a bit longer - now that's something I can never remember saying before. It really was that good.

Well worth going to see - especially if you like the old-time acts.

Charlie Bettell

Anything Goes  - Theatre Royal Norwich

This star packed production did not get me aroused until well into the second half of the show.

It had glitz and glamour, but the singing left something to be desired.

The cast were putting their all into the performance, but for some reason, the audience really did not get into the swing of it.

Some musical productions lift me to the extent I can't help but join in with the clapping and foot tapping, but this one, unfortunately, did not do a lot for me.

Charlie Bettell

The Hobbit  - Theatre Royal Norwich

A superb production.

Without doubt, this was one of the best productions for effects that I have ever seen. Smoke, bangs, flashes, dragons, elves, goblins, dwarfs - it had the lot!

Get on the phone to the Booking Office quick, as tickets are selling like hot cakes! Box Office 01603 63 00 00

Charlie Bettell

In Praise Of Love  - Theatre Royal Norwich

Plays often bore me - but not this one!

In Praise Of Love had a very good storyline. It was humorous and at times and often quite sad - especially the ending.

I will not tell you the storyline as it would spoil it for you.

The four person play, consisting of Julian Glover, Isla Blair, Michael Roberts and Blake Ritson, is well worth going to see. Without doubt, it is one of the best plays that I have ever reviewed.

Charlie Bettell

Dick Whittington & His Cat  - Theatre Royal Norwich

Dick Whittington, which was to be my first ever viewing of a Christmas pantomime, had been looked forward to for quite sometime.

The cast, which consisted of well known actors and actresses, performed brilliantly. I particularly liked Paul Shane, playing the part of King Rat, Faith Brown, playing Fairy Bowbells, and particularly Rikki Jay, playing Idle Jack.

Rikki Jay made me laugh throughout the entire production. He came across very well and looked to be enjoying every minute of his time on stage.

Paul Shane played the part of the nasty cunning King Rat so well, he even got booed when he took his final curtain call - I actually felt sorry for him!

The multi talented  Faith Brown, playing Fairy Bowbells, performed well throughout - casting spells, impersonating, telling jokes and singing.

Helen McDermott, our beloved Anglia TV presenter, played three different parts - i.e. News Reader, Fish Seller and Saltana of Boomberoomba. She lived up to her reputation and made the audience, and at times even herself, laugh. A funny lady whom I've admired for many years.

Dick Whittington, played by Grant Neal, in my opinion, was over shadowed by the big names in the cast. He played his part very well - as did his trusty cat.

I could go on and on about this production... but I won't - OH YES I WILL!! The entire cast performed brilliantly - especially the young up and coming stars of tomorrow - the child actors. The costumes were stunning - as were the stage sets.

I highly recommended his production for children of all ages, mums, dads, grandmas and granddads.

Fact: You do not have to be an upper class toff to appreciate live theatre. Believe me, live theatre is far more enjoyable to watch than those TV repeats that your likely to be bombarded with throughout 2001, so get up off those bums and support your local theatre - without your support, they could be lost forever.

Charlie Bettell

The Duchess of Malfi  - Theatre Royal Norwich

This play was written  by one of the more shadowy figures of the Jacobean period and was first performed around 1614. The play is based on the recently widowed Duchess who although having been threatened by her brothers not to remarry, does so secretly to Antonio, a steward in her household. They have three children together - which too, are keep secret.

When her jealous brother finally finds out about her secrets, all hell is to pay.

Blood, murder and mayhem from there on!

Well acted, but heavy going.

Charlie Bettell

The Phantom Of The Opera  - Theatre Royal Norwich

This is one production that you really must go and see.

The acting and singing was absolutely brilliant.

The various sceneries were very pleasing to the eye - which, for me, is very important.

Based on the novel by Gaston Leroux, this musical play was entertaining and at times very funny. All the characters played their parts well and seemed to be enjoying themselves throughout the entire show. At various times the cast mingled with the audience - which I, personally, like to see. If only more productions were to follow suit!

No Michael Crawford dramatics in this show, just fun, fun, and more fun!

At times it felt like the XMAS Panto had come early (!)  I really had to refrain from  shouting out,  he's behind you!!

Charlie Bettell

Grease - Theatre Royal Norwich

On entering the Theatre and hearing the words: "A full house and hardly a seat left for the remainder of the week!" I felt certain that this was going to be one of the best productions of the year.

The show got off to a good start, but from there on it did not do a great deal for me. I felt that the acting was on the childish side - which appealed greatly to the children in the audience.

The interval was far too long, and for me, it spoilt my enjoyment of the second half.

The scenery was very good - if only they could have been changed round quicker during the interval (!)

The 'leads', Danny and Sandy, were not brilliant but the overall cast performance was very good.

Greatly enjoyed by children and Grease fans in the audience  - of which I'm not either (!)

Charlie Bettell

Relatively Speaking - Theatre Royal Norwich

The play had a good storyline, incorporating many clever twists - it had me guessing right up to the very end! I'll not go into detail and spoil it for you.

Susan Hampshire, Brian Protheroe, Eleanor Tremain and Nick Haverson played their parts brilliantly.

Relatively Speaking was entertaining and very, very funny - it had me, and the audience, chuckling and laughing throughout the entire two hour production.

The scenery should not go unmentioned. Without doubt, two of the best stage sets that I have had the privilege to lay my eyes on since I started reviewing almost one year ago.

A big thumbs up from me.

Charlie Bettell

La Bohème - Theatre Royal Norwich

If you have never been to the opera before, you really don't know what you're missing out on!

La Bohème, performed by the Glyndebourne touring opera company, would, in my opinion, be your ideal 'first ever opera' to go and see. It was my third opera, and without doubt, my favourite to date.

Sensational singing, class acting, glitz and glamour, poverty and hardship, plenty of activity, a good storyline, joy and sadness - IT HAD THE LOT!!!

The lead singers were absolutely brilliant.

Charlie Bettell

Leader Of The Pack - Theatre Royal Norwich

Absolutely Brilliant!

This has to be one of the best musical productions that I and Ali have been to see. It was humorous, it had a good storyline, and the music was out of this world!

I enjoyed it from beginning to end - and I don't say that in my reviews too often.

If you enjoy the sound of the sixties, you must make the effort  to get along to this production.

Charlie Bettell

Great Expectations - Theatre Royal Norwich

If you enjoy reading Dickens and are a keen on ballet, then this production could be right up your street. As for me, this was my first encounter with live ballet and I unfortunately did not enjoy it. You either like this type of production or you don't - I guess I fell into to the don't category!

The audience just gave a slow hand clap at the end - there was no hollering or whistling! Call me common, but I do like a loud holler and whistle come the end of a good nights theatrical entertainment.

Charlie Bettell

An Inspector Calls - Theatre Royal Norwich

A very well written play by J B Priestley. 

A good storyline with a clever twist at the end.

The acting was absolutely superb.

Thoroughly appreciated by the full house.

If you enjoy a good thriller, this is the play for you.

Charlie Bettell

Iolanthe - Theatre Royal Norwich

An opera with a difference! 

This humorous production made me chuckle and laugh from beginning to end.

Comments:  A slow start. One or two of the singers voices, I felt, were not up to the job. A fairly weak ending - but I enjoyed it!

Charlie Bettell

Defending The Caveman - Theatre Royal Norwich

Mark Little, ex Neighbours star, gives a humorous view of the differences between man and woman - cave man style.

Very Funny.

Charlie Bettell

Joseph Theatre Royal Norwich

If you like musicals, you must go and see this production.

I was not too sure about the production come the end of the first half. In the second half though, with a much better idea of what the production was trying to get across to the audience via its various 'theme' scenes, I started to get right into it.

Joseph, played by Arvid Larsen, and Narrator, Vivienne Carlyle, sang superbly throughout the entire production. All the production company were absolutely brilliant - a very, very talented bunch they were.

I was very impressed with the visual effects. As for colour and and glitz, it had plenty - the costumes were stunning.

Despite the iffy start, I give this production a big thumbs up. 

Charlie Bettell

The Rocky Horror Show Theatre Royal Norwich

Without doubt, this was the weirdest show that I have ever been to see at the Theatre. Some members of the cast mingled with the audience well before the curtain went up - in sexual frolic!

The plot: A young couples car breaks down and they seek help from a big castle close by - a castle where they encounter many strange goings on - including sexual delight from the front and aft!

Ken Morley (from Coronation Street), the narrator, was a laugh and a half. He ad-libbed with the audience brilliantly. I have never seem so much audience participation before - or should that be barracking! It was brilliant.

Frank N Furter, played by Alex Bourne, performed brilliantly. I was very impressed with his voice - i.e. while acting and singing. It was very different!

Columbia, played by Jo Gibb, was agile, bubbly, and  very, very entertaining.

The rest of the cast were absolutely brilliant too, but Alex Bourne and Jo Gibb, were, for me, the stars of the show.

I highly recommend that you go and see this weird and wacky production.

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!  

Charlie Bettell

Sand By Me Theatre Royal Norwich

To start with, let me get the bad bits out of the way.

The set, which consisted of a roof top that could be viewed from any one of four sides, was a bit on the cheap side. The time it took to swivel the thing round, to go from  one scene to another, took far too long for my liking.

The story, to keep it brief, was about a middle aged ex soul singer named Doreen, played by Grace Kennedy,  who was just about to hit it big time in a motown group - way back back in 1961.  Due to her getting pregnant by a white man, she was forced to leave the group and flee America. She set-up home in England, where she brought up her daughter. Aged 18, the daughter, not knowing anything about her mothers past musical background, suddenly had a passion to become a soul singer - just like her mother once was. Like her mother, she too had dreams of becoming a superstar. Like many parents that have had a bad experience in their lives, she did not want her daughter to follow in her soul singing footsteps. I thought I said I was going to keep this short!

There were some good songs in the first half, but they did not flow as nicely as I would have hoped - due to too many scene changes. I found the story line very easy to follow - and even interesting! Debbie Kurup, who played Ros, the daughter of Doreen, sang a couple of explosive duets with Grace Kennedy.

The second half, in my opinion, had far more life in it, with one or two nice little bits of comedy thrown in by Lee - played by Horace Oliver. There were some good songs, but like the first half, they did not flow as I would have liked - that is until Grace Kennedy hit the stage in her dazzling silver dress. Boy, from then on it was action all the way. She was absolutely brilliant.

If only they had used Grace more throughout the entire production - a great shame. I would not have missed the last twenty minutes of the production for anything.

If I were given the chance to go and see it again later this week, I would, without doubt, return. I guess that's a thumbs up then!

Charlie Bettell

Dusty Theatre Royal Norwich

A look at the life of Dusty Springfield through the eyes of Carol.

Carol, who tells the story of Dusty Springfield's life on earth, was played by Chrissie Cotterill. I found Carol highly amusing and at times very funny. Carol and Dusty were, for me, the key figures in the production.

Robert Rawles, who played Carol's other half, Tim Clark, who played the part of Carol's x-boyfriend, and Gordon Kenney, who played dad, were all lovable characters.

Without doubt, Dusty Springfield, played by Mari Wilson, was the highlight of the show for me. Her voice was absolutely superb. Her voice inspired me and my other half so much, we plan to buy a Dusty Springfield CD.

The first half was absolutely brilliant. The second half, unfortunately, slowed down somewhat, due, in my opinion, to too much talking and not enough singing. The finale was brilliant - it made me forget all about the previous, relatively slow going, 15 minutes.

Mari Wilson was absolutely brilliant and made it for me - a big thumbs up!

Charlie Bettell

Art Theatre Royal Norwich

The three man play, staring Barry Foster, Nigel Havers and Roger Lloyd Pack,  was 'very different' to any other play that I or Ali, my better half, had seen before. To fully appreciate the play, in my opinion, you needed to be able to relate to the storyline in some, 'however bizarre', way.

Keeping it brief, the play was about three long standing friends who had conflicting views over a newly purchased painting - a very 'white' painting! During the non-stop 90 minute conflict of opinion over the purchasing of the 'so called' work of art, and whether or not it was in fact a work of art at all, or just a "lump of shit", the three friends spilled the beans about their true feeling towards each other - enough said, I don't want to spoil the entire storyline for you.

Without doubt, this is a play with a difference. It will not appeal to all - but then, what does! My only criticism of the play, was the excessive amount of swear words used.

It was nice to see the actors mingling at the bar after their 90 minute long performance. If that was made a compulsory thing to do at the end of a performance, I'm sure that more and more people would start to drift back to, what's considered to be by many, a dying 'Art'.

Charlie Bettell

Soul Train Theatre Royal Norwich

This action packed song and dance production had, at various times throughout the evening, the entire audience standing on their feet clapping and singing along to some of the best soul songs ever recorded.

Having spent much of my youth in disco techs dancing along to soul music, sung by the likes of The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Three Degrees, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and many more fine soul artists, it was good to go back in time for the evening and listen to many of those good ol' soul songs again - sung live, and sang every bit as good as the original artists sung them.

Artists left the stage at various times throughout the evening to mingle with the audience. Some lucky ladies were even lead to the front of the theatre to dance with male members of the production company. I'm sure that they will cherish that experience for the rest of their lives.

All the members of the cast performed superbly. It would be unfair to name one or two members of the production company without naming them all. They were all so good I could easily turn my review into a 1000 word article.

There was even some funky soul comedy thrown in near the end of the show, which had the entire audience chuckling. 

Shelia Ferguson looked stunning. Whatever she takes to stay looking that good, I want some (!)

What did my Ali think of it? Her first words to me after leaving the theatre were: "I would love to go and see it again."

Charlie Bettell

Gaelforce Dance Theatre Royal Norwich

If you like Irish dancing and loud music, you'll love this production.

Personally, I loved the dance routines but  found the backing music a bit on the loud side - but then, I do have a slight hearing problem. My better half, Alison, did not share my problem. With that said, I'll put my only criticism of the production down to my age and very sensitive hearing.

When the musicians took to the floor to perform by themselves, I had no problem whatsoever with the volume they played at. The musicians were absolutely brilliant. They had the audience, including Ali and I, clapping and foot tapping throughout every number they played.

As for the dancers, each and every one of them danced brilliantly. The lead dancers were 'foot-fast' and ultra fit. There were even a few summersaults  thrown in here and there. What I would give to be young and fit again!

The last twenty minutes of the production really came to life. The sound of dance and music, in my opinion, became far more balanced. The audience were clapping and foot tapping non stop throughout the closing numbers - it was very, very uplifting stuff.

One thing that stood out for Ali and I, was the wide age range in the audience. There was very young to very grey haired (!) Without doubt, Gaelforce Dance is a production that the whole family would enjoy.

Charlie Bettell

Madama Butterfly Theatre Royal Norwich

Madama Butterfly was my first ever encounter with live opera. As I approached the theatre I thought to myself, 'why on earth did I let Ali, i.e. the wife, book us up to come and see an arty farty opera'. I was positive that I wouldn't enjoy it!

The above is probably a typical sum-up from somebody, in this instance me, that has never been to see a live opera before. I, having been a builder for many years, thought operas were only for the upper classes - i.e. people who could understand and appreciated the words being sung. 

How wrong I was.

I was seated in the upper circle, almost centre of the stage. From the off I was impressed. Just above my line of vision to the stage, a 'digital title board' was suspended from the ceiling - as the companies harmonious words bellowed through the theatre, the titles changed - and at a speed, I'm pleased to report,  I could easily keep up with - unlike those horrible TV sub titles.

I found the story line very easy to follow  - but then, I was a sailor (!)

The story line, keeping it as short as possible, was about a sailor, a Lieutenant Pinkerton, who does the dirty on a beautiful young Japanese girl by the name of Cio-Cio-San (Madama Butterfly) - say no more! I'll keep it short so as not to spoil the story line for you.

The singing was absolutely superb. Madama Butterfly's voice was so, so  powerful. For me, it was her and her alone that made the production one that I will never forget. The rest of the company were all very good too - but Madama Butterfly stole my heart.

Will I be going to watch another opera - you try and stop me.

Charlie Bettell

Circus Oz  Theatre Royal Norwich

A brilliant evening!

I would dearly like to pick out acts that I enjoyed more than others - but I can't (!) The fact of the matter is, I enjoyed every single act as much as I did the last. The performers were highly skilled in many different areas. Without doubt, it was the best 'acrobatic' Circus that I have ever seen performing live.

There was also plenty to laugh about throughout both halves of the show - which was a nice bonus.

All the performers appeared to be enjoying themselves throughout the show. The audience clapped like I had never heard an audience clap before - such was their appreciation for the entire company.

I highly recommend you pay a visit to Circus Oz.

Charlie Bettell

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