It's been a long time since my last theatre review. Over fifteen weeks, to be exact, which is the longest I've gone without stepping foot in a theatre auditorium – and writing about it – for two years at least. This changed last night, however, when I found myself on a very unusual Zoom call; one like no other.
Two weeks ago, Nuffield Southampton Theatres (NST) was the first theatre to announce its fall into administration, after the blow of the Coronavirus pandemic took its toll on the cultural community.
I originally wrote this poem, Curtains Up, in support of Nuffield Southampton Theatres (NST) and their fundraising efforts, since they hold a place close to my heart. But really, this poem is for all theatres and performers. You are so missed, and we will be there once again when the curtain goes up, ready to cheer you on.
What an absolute whirlwind February was! My 2020 mantra of 'Less Is More' has been well and truly left in the dust.
A man who is good with his words may find his way to many a woman's heart; unless, in Cyrano De Bergerac's case, his face is less pretty than the phrases he turns.
Make It SO 2020 (10-29 February) saw 19 locally-created, work-in-progress shows being performed and showcased over three weeks in NST's Studio space. The festival – in its second year! – was a chance for actors and creators to get feedback on performances and gain much-needed reactions, while getting their names out to new audiences.
Last weekend I made my first trip to Chichester Festival Theatre; a venue I've wanted to visit for a while! My excuse, finally, was to review A Monster Calls for Broadway World UK, which I had heard good things about and had volunteered to watch.
Adapted and directed by Liam Gifford, assisted by Rosie Peters, and produced by Holly Mitchell, this version of Twelfth Night is NST Youth Theatre's latest production; and while the script is all Shakespeare's, this is well and truly a modern-day rom-com.
Southampton's Mayflower Theatre asked me to go on a 24-hour solo adventure to preview the world stage premiere of Band of Gold at Nottingham's Theatre Royal before it arrives in our city in February.
It's time for my first theatre review of 2020, and I'm kicking off the new decade by heading Down Under with the dazzling cult hit Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at Southampton's Mayflower Theatre.
Jo Fisher Writes 