be intrigued, be inspired
the passion8words
The passion8words is presented by Jeff Thomson.
on air - fun 8 word theatre reviews.
online - full reviews written by Jeff.
Click on the letters below for the show you're interested in.
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HOBSON’S CHOICE
TOURING
“Hobson’s Choice” was written in 1915 but this production packs a punch as powerful as sixties ‘kitchen sink’ drama.
The earlier productions I have seen of this play by Harold Brighouse now appear to have emphasised a secondary strand - the coyness of developing love - resulting in ‘a reality romance’ but this production swept me along with its attention to detail and a ‘new’ intensity.
The anchor is undoubtedly John Savident (for many years a stalwart in TVs ‘Coronation Street’) but who effortlessly drifts centre stage and orchestrates the evening. However, he is well supported by Carolyn Backhouse as Maggie, his elder daughter and a reluctant thirty-year-old spinster. Despite opposition she goes ahead and marries the shy but talented Willy Mossop (Dylan Charles) and jointly they become a success in direct competition with the cantankerous Mr Hobson senior.
There is an appropriate fractiousness revealed as jealousies and ambitions grate one against the other. The settings are claustrophobic; the colours invariably sepia or sooty black. Mr Hobson’s choice is ultimately to link-up or shut-up; to link with Maggie and William or shut up shop. Not much of a choice really – a Hobson’s Choice!.
I loved it. And if you believe you know this play, director Jonathan Church has a few surprises in store!
HOT FLUSH
TOURING (reviewed at RICHMOND THEATRE)
With Hot Flush you get exactly what you'd expect from a musical about the menopause starring ex Three Degree Sheila Ferguson, Rula Lenska and Marti Webb; cheesy songs, libido gags, a dance with a "rabbit" and plenty of anti-men sentiment, which is hardly surprising as each male part was played by Sam Kane as though he was a dirty old man in a politically incorrect panto.
Its a night out for the girls and the audience appeared to be full of mothers and their grown up daughters, with men in short supply. If you want something highbrow, give it a miss but if your looking for a girls night out with an excuse to eat chocolate and drink wine - Hot Flush fits the bill perfectly.
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"passion is a genuinely new concept in radio"
