Rob Brydon to make his West End Debut in Alan Ayckbourn’s “A Chorus of Disapproval” alongside Nigel Harman and Ashley Jensen

Rob Brydon is set to make his long overdue West End Debut alongside Nigel Harmon and Ashley Jenson  in Alan Ayckbourn’s riotous comedy “A Chorus of Disapproval”, directed by Olivier and Tony award-winner Trevor Nunn. Joining the trio on stage will be Teresa Banham, Daisy Beaumont, Georgia Brown, Rob Compton, Matthew Cottle and Steven Edis, with further casting to be announced shortly.

The Pendon Amateur Light Operatic Society’s production of The Beggar’s Opera is going off the rails, that is until a handsome but shy young widower Guy (Harman) joins the group. An instant hit with the company’s ferociously zealous director Dafydd (Brydon) and the show’s leading ladies, including Dafydd’s wife Hannah (Jensen), Guy soon gets more than he bargained for as he discovers that all the best action happens off-stage. Classic songs fill the air as the drama on stage is mirrored by the romantic rivalry and small town squabbles causing a stir in the wings of this ambitious local show.

Not seen in London since the National Theatre’s hit production over 25 years ago “A Chorus of Disapproval” aims to steal the limelight once more in the West End this Autumn. Despite regularly appearing on TV chat and panel shows, it is his performance in Gavin and Stacey that excites me most about  Rob Brydon making his West End Debut. He is one of these people who is naturally funny so this show will be perfect for his West End Debut! Nigel Harman was most recently seen in Shrek The Musical for which he won an Olivier Award. I saw him twice in the role and he is also another naturally funny performer. He built up a fantastic relationship with the audience which always led to him receiving the biggest cheer during the bows. Ashley Jensen has previously appeared in Ugly Betty and Extras.

The play will run from 17th September 2012 until 5 January 2013 at the Harold Pinter Theatre where South Down/The Browning Version is currently on.

Visit http://achorusofdisapproval.com/ for more information.

Review: South Downs & The Browning Version at The Harold Pinter Theatre

South Downs & The Browning Version

The Harold Pinter Theatre

Performance: Wednesday 25th May 2012

I really did not have a clue what to expect as I walked into the Harold Pinter theater, only 2 weeks after seeing the final performance of Absent Friends at the same theater, to see two, one act plays. The first is a new play called South Downs which was written David Hare, especially to go with Sir Terence Rattigan's play The Browning Version. Both focus on boys boarding houses set in the 1960s. My favourite play by far was South Downs. If the Browning Version been on first I think I would have enjoyed it more. Watch this video to find out more about the shows

Anna Chancellor was the best actor in the shows. Her experience shows as she delivered two faultless performances. Her scenes as Belinda Duffield were incredibly touching in South Downs. Then in the Browning version she really made me believe she was this horrible, wicked wife. Nicholas Farrell was also outstanding and again faultless, I completely understood every single emotion he went through despite not being a similar age or similar profession as his character. She had a fantastic entrance in South Downs, as she was the first woman in the play it felt strange to see her, I had kind of forgotten that females existed. 


Mark Umbers gave an interesting performance as Frank in The Browning Version. At first I liked him, then I loved him, then I didn't like him, them I liked him, then I hated him and then I ended up respecting him for doing the right thing. I like it when actors play their characters as human beings, who aren't stereotyped as one personality who always behaves the save way. We got to see how he behaves around students, colleges and lovers making him a much more relatable character. He also had great chemistry with all his fellow actors and I really do not know how... but he managed to pull off that outrageous white suit! I could not believe how experienced Jonothan Bailey is, still at such a young age. He was a very likable character and I would be interested to see his other work.  


And that brings me on to the actor everyone has been talking about... Alex Lawther. Firstly I do not know how he manages to balance A Levels with the West End. I had heard a lot about this actor. It did take me a while to warm to him, at first he was annoying but by the end of the show I was completely intrigued. You go on such a journey with him, slowly learning more about his character and why he is the way he is.

I would recommend this show to any actor, espiaclly training/aspiring actors. The acting is fascinating to study. I would suggest people of the older generation, especially those who went to boarding school should buy their tickets now. It has great characters and gives you the occasional chuckle. It's nice to see something different. To find out more and to book tickets http://www.browningversion.com/. TKTS also regulars has discounted tickets.

TKTS Brent Cross Closes - I don't know how I'll cope

The Brent Cross branch of TKTS closed yesterday (26th April 2012). They have not announced why however I guess it was because not enough people used it. I regularly went there and think it is such a shame the Brent Cross branch has closed.

An official statement on the TKTS website said 'The curtain comes down on TKTS Brent Cross but the show goes on. After almost four years at Brent Cross shopping centre, we’re sorry to say that TKTS Brent Cross has now closed. But don’t worry you can still buy your half price and discount theatre tickets from TKTS in Leicester Square, at the Clocktower building.'

However it's not all bad news 'As a thank you to all our customers at Brent Cross, we’re giving you a voucher to save an extra £3 per ticket at TKTS Leicester Square, where you’ll find the same wide variety of London’s West End shows. Pick this up from the Brent Cross information desk near Marks & Spencers on the upper level throughout May.' You can also by TKTS theatre tokens from WHSmiths in Brent Cross.

Coming Soon On West End Frame

REVIEW: South Downs/The Browning Version

Coming: Monday 30^th April 2012

I went to see this interesting new production at the Harold Pinter Theatre last Wednesday (25^th April) and enjoyed it. I liked the way one play focussed on the children at boy’s boarding schools and the second play focused on the teachers behind the boarding school.

A NEW POLL

Coming: Friday 4th May - Thursday 24th May

Following the success of our last three polls we will be launching our new poll at the beginning of May. This one will be running for longer than any of our previous polls - two and a half weeks! Check back soon to find out what the poll will be!

REVIEW: The Book Of Mormon Soundtrack

Coming: Early May

I never really listen to musical soundtracks until after I've seen the show. However I've heard so much about The Book Of Mormon I just had to buy it.... and I love it! It is a great musical soundtrack and I cannot wait to write a review on it!