Things definitely calmed down in April, I went to 2 musical concerts and one was very much better than the other, in fact the 2nd was one of the best I’ve been to! I was up to 31 by the end of March, let’s see how the numbers stack up for April
7th April – Two Strangers Carry A Cake Across New York – The Criterion Theatre. I’d had a quiet week and been unwell on the Saturday and didn’t fancy another day at home so I bought myself a last minute ticket to this quite lovely show. I saw it in Kilburn at the Kiln Theatre with my friend Sonia, who’d sung its praises. This is a double hander with Sam Tutty and Dujonna Gift. Douglas (Sam) is a naive Englishman in New York to go the his Dads wedding, a Dad he’s never met, Robin (Dujonna) is the bride’s sister, she picks him up at the airport. A delightful clash of cultures as they spend a day or 2 together; both performers have wonderful voices, I have one of the songs in particular, New York, on repeat! (32)
9th April – With All Our Hearts – The Adelphi Theatre. A concert to celebrate 75 years of the NHS, it was nice to be there but this wasn’t great! Alfie Joe was the headline act and he was apparently unwell. Oli Mabuse and DR Ranj were comperes for the night, with were ok but it was all a bit awkward. Rob Madge also taking a compere role was good to see as were Kerry Ellis and Marisha Wallace. Daniel Koek who stood in for Alfie Joe sang Bring Him Home beautifully. All of the young performers did a great job too. It was very odd with the talent available to hear Dr Ranj (not a singer) sing the final song. (33)
17th April – The Comeuppance – The Almeida Theatre. An unusual play where ‘Death” appears this is a dark comedy with a group of friends gathering for school reunion, 20 years after they graduated. Yolanda Kettle, Ferdinand Kingsley, Tamara Lawrence, Katie Leung and Anthony Walsh play the friends and Ferdinand Kingsley comes in as a name from the past who left unhappy memories with one of them. I enjoyed this, it was written for an American audience which meant some of the references were hard to follow. But overall it was an enjoyable play. (34)
23rd April – Machinal – The Old Vic. I rarely read up on plays I go to see, but for some reason I read in some detail about this one before I went. I’m very glad I did so, I think I wouldn’t have had a clue what was going on had I not. This is an unusual play to say the least, I’ve listen the description from the Old Vic website ‘ From the outside, Helen Jones and her husband had a ‘happy marriage’. Until she murdered him. Based on the true crime story of Ruth Snyder in 1928 that shook a nation, Sophie Treadwell’s seminal Machinal is a pulse-pounding journey of someone pushed to breaking point by the relentless machinery of life, expectation and convention’ Rise Seehy playing the murderer was quite incredible! Not an easy watch, but I’m glad I saw it (35)
24th April – Long Day’s Journey into Night – Wyndhams Theatre. I booked this because Brian Cox was one of the 5 actors and he didn’t disapppoint. A play that lasted over 3 hours (with an interval) I didn’t love it. Patricia Clarkson was playing a mother with mental health problems, I wasn’t;t sure if she was in character or just Goode, going through the motions. Lauris Kynaston and Daryl McCormack played brothers, it was interesting to see both live. The other star of the show alongside Cox was Louisa Harland who played a member staff, she added some humour to a pretty humourless play. (36)
24th April – For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy – Garrick Theatre. This had been on my list for a while and wow I’m so glad I went along. An incredibly important play it should be filmed and shown in schools up and down the country. I’ve lifted from the NImax site ‘Father figures and fashion tips. Lost loves and jollof rice. African empires and illicit sex. Good days and bad days. Six young Black men meet for group therapy, and let their hearts – and imaginations – run wild’ Starring Tobi King Bakare (“I May Destroy You”), Shakeel Haakim making his professional debut, Fela Lufadeju (“Santiago”), Albert Magashi (“Dear England”), Mohammed Mansaray (“Gassed Up”) and Posi Morakinyo (“Mandela”). At times funny, poignant, lively, quiet this is wonderful theatre, with some singing and dancing added in too. It addresses many important and relevant issues for young black men. (37)
29th April – Pippin 50th Anniversary Concert – Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. The very odd thing about this theatre is that it’s merely close to Drury Lane, not in it. This performance blew me away, a last minute decision to go with my friend Cory, it was a very good pick on his part! Alex Newell of Glee fame was quite incredible – words from the mouth of the writer – Stephen Schwartz : “Although there have been some excellent recent productions of Pippin in the UK, the show never gets to be heard with a full live orchestra and choir. This concert, with a cast led by the astonishing Alex Newell and produced under the always first-rate auspices of Katy Lipson’s Aria Entertainment and Carter Dixon McGill, promises to be a once-in-a-blue-moon event. I for one cannot wait to experience it!” Jac Yarrow as Pippin put in a great performance alongside Cedric Neal, Lucie Jones, Zizi Strallen and Patricia Hodge who stole the show. I thought I didn’t know Pippin, but it turned out I knew a fair few of the songs. A truly fabulous evening! (38)
30th April – Red Pitch – Soho Place Theatre – I’ve seen all but one of the productions at Soho Place and this was my 2nd visit for Red Pitch. A play starring Kedar Williams-Stirling, Emeka Sesay and Francis Lovehall I enjoyed this 2nd tome round as much as the first. A look at the life and aspirations of these 3 16 year olds. (39)
Favourite Musical Performance – Alex Newell. Favourite Drama Performance – the full cast of For Black Boys
365 Happy Days 