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Bromsgrove Standard Ryan Smith 28th Sep, 2022 IN A play that emphasises more than any other the importance of a review’s every word, All and Sundry’s gripping production of the adult comedy ‘Silly Cow’ has more than earned a fiercely rave one. The play follows the self righteous and brash tabloid journalist Doris, played by Joy Williamson, who with the help of those around her, and a dose of manipulation on her part, attempts to brush off backlash against her theatre and TV reviews while furthering her career. Williamson perfectly portrays Doris as a woman who believes her own delusions and revels in her warped logic, while showing just a hint of the vulnerable woman behind the bravado (and not doing the reputation of us newspaper folk any favours). The blasé way she recalls an unexploded bomb ‘almost ruining her big story’ leaves you both engrossed in her obsession for a big career and appalled by her lack of morality. There’s more than a hint of social commentary in the comedy and the play uses Doris’ shy, ‘by the book’ assistant, Peggy as a good contrast to her mentality. Tanith Garcia is mesmerising in the role and captures the complexities of Peggy’s character masterfully. Mark Ewins wonderfully encompasses the essence of an archetypal sleazy media editor through Sidney, crafting an authentic character by analysing every detail down to the shifty body language. Meanwhile Graham Forbes brought an endearing charm to the awkward, straight-laced accountant Douglas, and his deadpan delivery made for some unexpectedly hilarious moments. And a special mention for Matt Field’s turn as Doris’ young boyfriend Eduardo, whose infectious energy and commitment to his character’s quirky adolescent mannerisms was a breath of fresh air. The impeccable groundwork laid out by the play’s first half had me both perplexed and intrigued- I didn’t know what was coming but I knew it’d be a ton of fun – and it was. But nothing could’ve prepared me for the genius post interval shenanigans that left the audience enthralled, disorientated and roaring with laughter. One particularly tasty piece of character centred humour involves Doris and Peggy bickering while ordering a pizza, while the latter’s sudden outburst to Eduardo in defence of her boss left the audience in hysterics. The show has a recommended age limit of 18 and over and – during these times of often over-sanitised comedy TV shows, films and theatre productions – definitely provides some of the non-PC humour we all used to enjoy. ‘Silly Cow’ is truly critique proof and you can watch it at Droitwich’s Norbury Theatre from 7.30pm every evening until Saturday, October 1.

Tristan Harris 16th Dec, 2022 On a freezing cold winter’s night, there was no better way to warm up than with a great traditional fun and family-friendly panto and Hook’s Revenge delivered just that. The story centres on the evil Captain Hook – after defeat last time – returning to Neverland in a bid to kill Peter Pan and the crocodile. From the off with the opening chorus-filled extravaganza, this was a joy to watch and you could tell those on stage were having just as much fun. The first night is always a daunting task but this talented cast rose to the occasion – everyone played their part. Among the performances were Natasha Lane as Polly Darling and Daisy Green as Tiger Lilly who were both fantastic and excelled during their solo numbers. Dave Healing and James Ralley reprised their evil henchmen roles – this time as Skull and Bones – and you could tell from the brilliant chemistry they had a finely-tuned double act. It was a good first outing as dame for Tony Madden as Nurse Bedpan – he worked the crowd well and Archie Marks was an audience favourite as Ozzy (Crocodile) Fundee. The pair were involved in the most hilarious scene of the night with the digeridoo – packed full of double entendre and definitely one for the adults. Likewise, Cerys Gillard did well in her first principal role as feisty fairy Tinkerbell. Alex Johnson made a welcome return as the very self-assured Peter Pan. Charlie Sample (Tootles), Poppy Ralley (Nibs), Millie Chamberlain (Slightly) and Benjamin Felthan (Cubby) worked well as the Lost Boys and, likewise Eva Derbyshire, Amelia Marson, Eleanor Vernalls, Rosa Marks, Molly Taylor and Daisy Yarnold were a solid band of mermaids. But the performance of the night went to Dave Berrisford as Captain James T Hook. I went into this wondering how he could top last year’s performance (which was excellent) but he at least equalled it. He led this production in the title role and, as well as a stunning almost operatic solo in the second half, he owned the stage and – and his infectious Scooby Doo style laugh – had an unbelievable rapport with the crowd. Such was his performance – as a supposed baddie – he won over quite a few younger members of the crowd (and some adults), epitomised when, during the fight scene when Peter Pan was on the back foot, a girl in front of me shouted out ‘kill him Hook’. If you would have offered those watching an extra hour of ‘An Audience with Captain Hook’ afterwards I think they would’ve visited the bar for some liquid refreshment and then happily returned in their droves. Panto performances do not come much better than this. The signature UV puppets which All and Sundry has become renowned for was once again a magical scene and a great way to take us into the break. The choreography from Stage Door Dance Academy was also faultless and the group excelled themselves with the scene in the second half on board the Jolly Roger which incorporated gymnastics and cheerleading style pyramids. This was an impressive opening night – some of the microphone issues need addressing and there were a couple of lines forgotten but the latter just added to the hilarity as this closely-knit cast clearly had each other’s back and covered with a few giggles. Well done to director Alison Berrisford for another fantastic panto – she continues to ensure the people of Bromsgrove (and from further afield) have quality traditional theatre to watch in the run up to Christmas. I’m returning with my family for the final night and am already looking forward to see how it grows and develops.