Melanie C

Sporty Spice, Melanie C has joined the cast of Blood Brothers as Mrs Johnstone. It will be interesting to see how well she copes. I’m sure she will be great for the show. There’s bound to be a lot of interest in a scouse spice Girl in such a scouse role. There are already reports that  Baby Spice, Emma Buntun, will be supporting Melanie on Monday. And both Posh and Becks are believed to be doing the same.

I’m looking forward to seeing the show on Wednesday. Every other time I’ve seen this production in London, it’s had me in tears, I’m hoping Mel will do the same!

The Three Musketeers

This is a somewhat belated recommendation, as the season has ended, but should this  speedy romp ever energetically throw itself near your doorstep, then make sure you clasp your overflowing goblet close to your chest, ensure your preferred means of defence – sword, dagger, pistol – is well oiled and grab the nearest lusty knave or wench (why not both) to accompany you on this breathless journey. They don’t stop. There’s fight scene after acrobatic fight scene. Everyone on stage has a magical ability to transform themselves utterly. There was literally a cast of thousands, well hundreds, as the three Musketeers and D ‘Artagnan fought the Cardinal’s men. Amazing what can be done with a a couple of beards and a moustache.

Favourite funny bits?

• All four in D ‘Artagnan’s cramped open air room needing to step out side to cry One for All…
• Duke of Buckingham
• The guys – they’re just so cool
• Baggy boots
• 

  Eavesdropping the Cardinal's evil plans

  Mme. Bonacieux’s flirtatious luring of D ‘Artagnan

• King Louis XIII’s fear of Balls
• Stunningly accurate knife throwing – every one landing in the middle of the forehead, amazing.
• Horses
• D’Arty’s summersault
• Wicked Laughs
• Battle of Crecy – defeating the English during breakfast
• Sword fight 1, 2, 3
• Duke of Buckingham
• Frying pan fights 1, 2, 3
• Sister Maria in the Convent
• Beheading…

I must know, there must be other Musketeer devotees out there – What did you think?

A Midsummer Night's Dream

They rip through the script at an amazing pace, always clear and with plenty of space for innuendo and slap stick. Hermia was blowing smoke out of the ears at one point. We loved it. And there were plenty of us, tables, chairs, chandeliers, boaters, blazers and all the other accoutrement. Those who brought rugs where privileged to be seated at the front – we were in that category although we were on black plastic bags – not quite the same class. Nevertheless, we were close enough to catch Helena’s head as it was kicked into touch by a steaming Hermia (Lizzie Dive or was that Ivy Dizzle, Zed Zilivy?) This prompted a request as to whether there was a doctor in the house. She recovered herself quickly enough however, and we raced on to the second half.

When it pelted down. All we lacked was the thunder and lightning. The noise was deafening. They had to really shout to be heard, and costumes where getting soggier. I felt very cosy on my black plastic bag sitting under my broken umbrella, hugging my cushion.
But they played on, as they do, with as much gusto as ever. It was a wonderful performance. And A Midsummer Night’s Dream is still one of my favourites.