The Chiltern Reviews
Speakeasy Tour 2025..with Gorka and Karen
Waterside Aylesbury
22/03/2025
***** Spellbinding experience” five stars
What an amazing experience seeing Gorka Marquez and Karen Hauer, two world class dancers set the stage alive!
The dancers keep you engaged throughout the show with great story telling in every dance from start to finish.
The music was a mix from the 1900’s, unlocking the door to an under-cover world of elegance and iconic dance flavours, which ranged with some Jazz, taking you back to the Burlesque Cabaret Clubs right through to the glittering mirror balls of Studio 54.
The dance styles were mixed, performed to perfection by all the dancers on stage, going from Mamba, Salsa, Charleston, Foxtrot and Samba, which certainly got you off your feet dancing to the songs which were perfectly sung and live performed by the band.
The staging and the costumes the whole cast wore, were beautiful and fitted the show perfectly.
The atmosphere that was created in the theatre, through the dancing, the music and everything put together in the show had everyone spellbound and in love with every routine and the storytelling.
Gorka and Karen got very creative with some exciting and dynamic new choreographies and mixed up a great evening of entertainment and escapism.
Reviewed by Josefine Pope
HAIRSPRAY, AYLESBURY WATERSIDE THEATRE,
17 FEBRUARY 2025.
JUDITH WATSHAM
**** “Amazing Energy throughout”
This is one of those ‘feel good’ musicals and there are many hit numbers in it, Good Morning Baltimore, Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now and You Can’t Stop the Beat being just being a few of them, which the cast delivered apparently effortlessly to the undoubted delight of the audience. The amount of energy coming off the stage was amazing.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre was nearly full on a Monday night which is an indicator of just how popular this show is, and there was an expectant buzz among the patrons as the curtain rose.
As anyone who knows the venue is aware, the stage is very big and there is no proscenium arch which means, of course, that there is a requirement for very tall scenery – the development of back projections has enabled many productions to tour successfully, and these were amazing in accurately setting scenes for modern audiences well used to watching film versions of big musical productions like this. All changes were slick and totally non-disruptive as we moved effortlessly from one venue to another. The live band at the back provided the accompaniment to a talented cast who sang and danced so energetically and enthusiastically.
Sound can present some small problems in these circumstances and as it was the first night I felt that adjustments were needed at times in Act I, especially in Motormouth Mabel’s big number which ends Act I which somehow lacked the impact of the number when I first saw the show in the West End years ago. This is no criticism of Michelle Ndegwa, who was perfect in the role, nor to the other performers on stage but rather down to the fact that there were, perhaps, too few of them to make the requisite impact in such a big space.
I think, perhaps, that the levels were adjusted in Act II as this was never a factor later in the evening.
Incidentally, the Act I sound issue is the only reason I have had to give this show four stars, otherwise it would have been higher.
By the last number, You Can’t Stop the Beat, the entire audience was on its feet giving the energetic and hardworking cast the standing ovation they deserved.
Undoubtedly this is well worth catching if you can.
Hairspray runs at Waterside Theatre until Saturday 22 February and then tours until April.
Reviewed by Judith Watsham
BIRDSONG
AYLESBURY WATERSIDE THEATRE
***** “Mesmerizing from beginning to end”
This play was amazing and can be described in just a few words – powerful certainly fits the bill; mesmerizing does too – and the entire audience was spellbound right from the start. You could have heard a pin drop, as the saying goes, most of the time. Beautifully and sensitively acted by the thirteen strong cast, over half of whom played other, named roles, and all of whom acted as both ensemble and crew, changing furniture and props to reset the many scenes slickly and very efficiently.
Yes, it is long, since there are two intervals, but the audience was so engrossed by the unfolding story that I am sure that they all, like me, did not notice; my companion and I were amazed how quickly the time passed and we seemed to reach both intervals very quickly!
The set itself was extremely well designed to enable all the different scenes to be played very effectively. These ranged from a French factory with busy workers to the trenches via the Battle of the Somme, and I was particularly impressed by the adjustable ceiling panel which added greatly to the effects when the Sappers were mining under the German lines. The lighting too was excellent and contributed so much atmospherically to the illusion.
The entire cast was totally invested in their assorted roles, some playing Frenchmen one moment and British soldiers the next.
If you plan to see this production, please note that it does carry an age warning for a very good reason as there are scenes which include both male and female nudity and explicit sex as well as suicide and violence. Real cigarettes are smoked on stage too and the effects of explosions with clouds of smoke could affect anyone with breathing problems so if this is you, don’t sit in the stalls!
Sebastian Faulks’s novel of the same name was brilliantly adapted for the stage by playwright Rachel Wagstaff who did complete justice to the original story – this reviewer had been a tad worried about it because so many favourite novels have suffered in the translation – this was enhanced by it.
Birdsong runs at Waterside Theatre until Saturday 15 February.
Reviewed by Judith Watsham
Calamity Jane.
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. 15 January 2025
**** Four Stars “ Get down to the Hoe Down”
his new production of the 1950s musical – the film version of which starred Doris Day – arrived for the start of its UK tour in Aylesbury this week and played to an enthusiastic audience, most of whom were obviously familiar with all the hit songs from the original.
There were no big show-stopping song and dance numbers – primarily I suspect because almost the entire cast – the ensemble and some of the principals – formed the on-stage (and very mobile) band and it is a tad difficult to dance the Cancan, for example, as it appeared in the original show whilst holding a fiddle or cello! Only two of the band, the Musical Director on keys and the percussionist remained out of sight in the wings throughout. All the performers were multi-talented, acting, singing, dancing, most of them wielding musical instruments at the same time. Full of verve and enthusiasm they lit up the stage.
The tall set was very impressive; with the addition of a couple of draw cloths (to change the scene on the Golden Garter’s small stage within a stage) and some props it served to give the audience a variety of venues for the storyline to progress. Particularly clever was the use of the onstage piano and a few props to create an instant stagecoach. The different levels provided by balconies gave the instrumentalists more space to accompany musical numbers which did not involve them in their roles in the ensemble numbers.
Lighting was cleverly designed and very effective, especially the large metal hoop which was raised and lowered as the scene demanded.
In the title role Carrie Hope Fletcher rapidly grew into the part as the story progressed and paired well with Vinny Coyle as Wild Bill Hickok.
The Finale, after the curtain calls, gave the audience an enthusiastic hoe-down of a dance routine which sent them out happy with many humming along! At The Waterside until 18th January and then touring nationwide until September.
Reviewed by
Judith Watsham
The Further Adventures of Peter Pan – Aylesbury Waterside
Tuesday 10th December 2025
Production company – UK Productions
****4 Stars..”Get Hooked for Christmas”
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre’s panto season started with a swashbuckling bang as we were treated to a night of fun, frivolity and frolics on Tuesday on their gala night. Waterside was jam packed with eager young faces waiting to be entertained and they weren’t disappointed. We were treated to Pyrotechnics, Confetti cannons and Andy Collins – BBC 3 Counties Breakfast DJ, as Smee leading the iconic 12 days of Christmas routine! Top tip – if you are sitting in the stalls take a waterproof coat!
The story tells the tale of how things have moved on in Neverland following the demise of Captain Hook. But he’s back and he wants his ship and his crew back – even if they are a dim-witted acrobatic crew. Peter Pan played by Bradley Riches (Netflix’s Heartstopper, Celebrity Big Brother), a roller-skating Tinker Bell - Leanne Garretty and Ethel Mermaid Emma-Jay Thomas seek to thwart him with the help of Emily Darling (Wendy’s great, great granddaughter) – Maeve Byrne.
Mark Moraghan (Holby City & Coronation Street) played a dastardly Captain Hook and the acrobatic scene on board The Jolly Roger brilliantly executed by pirate trio, The Nitwits Tristan Crabtree, Shane Hampden and Jack Robbins was a particular highlight.
What’s lovely about panto is there is always plenty of audience interaction and there was plenty of that in this production, including an extended toilet roll throwing session! My only slight gripe was that it ran for almost 3 hours which was a long time for younger audience members particularly on a school night! But it was gala night so that might have contributed to the extended length on this occasion, and it didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment factor.
Great lighting, set and sparkling costumes all add to the magic and the band led by Jamie Noar all added to the magic of the evening.
Directed by Chris Nelson for the 10th year, choreography by Adam Scott and very well supported by the ensemble: Charlotte Day, Molly Lewin, Jessie May Simmons, Ryan Webb and Charley Vincent, and junior crews Castielli School of Dance and Allstars Academy.
A very enjoyable evening overall. is running until Sun 5 Jan 2025.
Mandy Watsham Dunstall
Nobody- A dance circus Adventure
Aylesbury Waterside
**** “Does not disappoint”
Having not seen a Motionhouse dance show before, I was unsure of what was to unfold before me on the stage. The title description left me intrigued as to what it was all about, but the production of Nobody a dance circus adventure did not fail to disappoint and we were enthralled.
From the programme notes we understand that each of the 7 performers are playing two roles, a crow and a human, and they creatively explore the relationship between the crow representing the inner voice, and the human character as they struggle to connect with reality and each other. There is a sort of structured chaos at points where the dancers are literally weaving and flying and tumbling around each other.
The second act brings a greater sense of fluidity and freedom as the humans find themselves working in tandem with each other and the crows have disappeared.
The coordination, strength, gracefulness, agility and balance are exceptional as the dancers smoothly tell the story and trust each other as they hurl themselves off the set into each other’s waiting arms!
Simon Dorman’s set is extremely clever. There is an enormous cube which can be used as a cage or gymnastic bars. At other times it becomes a piece of scenery as various images are projected onto it and other smaller pieces around the stage as well as the back drop becoming a city scape in the first act.
It is a highly skilled cast who worked tirelessly leaving us feeling almost breathless as we watched them soar around the stage.
Motionhouse co-founder and choreographer Kevin Finnan created this piece along with his team of seven dancers, and his creativity and imagination are very much in evidence throughout this piece.
All in all a fascinating evening of consummate skill that we and the rest of the audience thoroughly enjoyed and engaged with.
Reviewed by Mandy Dunstall on Tuesday 30th April
It will appear in the Chilterns Review this week and David will talk about it on his weekly radio show on Box Office Radio.
Calendar Girls The Musical Aylesbury Waterside Runs until Saturday.
Judith Watsham
*** - “Catch it if you can please”
There must be very few people in the country who have not lost a relative or a close friend to, what one of the characters in this piece calls, this “shitty” disease of cancer. This is undoubtedly why the true story resonates so strongly with audiences up and down the country – usually culminating in a standing ovation as happened at the theatre last night.
I confess to knowing both the original play and musical version of this story very well, but this touring version has been ‘reimagined with new songs’ which has meant that several characters have been cut -resulting in a loss of some of the scenes and a complete change of set.
The show benefitted from some of this editing but, in my opinion, lost some of the impact by cutting others.
The action now takes place in a restored tithe barn type of village hall with a high beamed pitch roof, polished floor, and a view of the distant Yorkshire Dales out of the window. The audience only really appreciates the beauty of the setting, which has influenced the characters of the protagonists, at the curtain call when parts of the set fly upwards to show the full glory of the view.
However, I felt that the addition of the bright coloured strip lighting outlining the shape of the hall and its roof detracted from the rest of the set – just my opinion naturally.
In this version, every scene has to be played within the hall, so a few pieces are flown in, and props added, to let audiences know that we are now in a hospital or at the WI National Conference at the Royal Albert Hall. This works well. What does not work so well are the two scenes, one a solo song in the actor’s home, the other in the flower shop run by two of the principal characters. I think that trying to work out why these three were in the hall was a tad puzzling, especially as the lighting did not isolate the players sufficiently.
The cast, nearly all with good music, TV, and film credits under their belts, were full of energy and enthusiasm, on the whole acting and singing very well. Any ensemble vocal numbers were also well performed.
An enjoyable show combining a great many comedic moments with tragedy. Do try and see it if you can.
Playing at Aylesbury Waterside until Saturday March 30th then touring until May.
Waterside Aylesbury
Runs until Saturday 25th November
The Full Monty – ***** “Well worth a watch!”
The ultimate girl’s night out, that will have you laughing from the opening line.
Based on the Fox Searchlight Pictures Motion Picture, this award-winning play by Simon Beaufoy has been directed by Michael Gyngell and choreographed by Ian West who have done a fantastic job in bringing the show to life on stage.
The story has Gaz, played by Danny Hatchard, wanting to get back into work and make some money, to be able to support his son. He therefore comes to the idea of being coming a male stripper, together with his best friend Dave, played by Neil Hurst.
Soon the group grows to 6 men, who are all happy to learn how to dance and take their clothes off in the process. They learn a routine and the grand finale has them doing their show in their local pub on a Friday night!
The colours used are quite faded, to recreate the bleak atmosphere the characters faced, following the closing down of the steelworks. Though it is focused on showing the struggle the characters faced back then, there is plenty of room for comedy, fun and humour throughout. The music choices are great, to ensure the audience gets more involved, clap along and enjoy themselves watching the show. The cast is brilliant, and every member really gets into character throughout.
Well deserved the standing ovation at the end, it was humorous, fun, and worth seeing - 5 stars!
Reviewed by Josefine Pope
Madagascar,
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Judith Watsham
**** 4 stars “Full of energy and fun”
The average age of the recent Waterside audience plummeted as this family show attracted dozens and dozens of pre-school and primary age children last night, all with parents and grandparents tagging along. It was lovely to see this generation, reared on computer generated entertainment become absolutely absorbed by live theatre. One slightly puzzled toddler couldn’t understand why he could not rewind a bit he particularly liked when he had watched film versions.
The scenery, especially in a touring production like this was excellent but once again I must criticise the lighting when it was directed at the audience. Please keep it on the action and not let it roam! It certainly distressed one youngster near me.
Back to the set which slid on and off, turning as required with panels opening to display performers and the trailing tropical island vegetation. The New York skyline worked very well as did the tropical palms in Act II. All changes were slick and well-rehearsed by the cast responsible for the changes.
The programme is colourful and full of information, much of it to appeal to young children with, for example, facts about the lives of the real animals depicted on stage by the actors in beautifully designed costumes.
The very energetic dancing and singing brought the characters to life and, although I have never seen the animated film on which the story is based, I was told it was true to the original concept.
A true family show, Madagascar has everything to appeal to a young audience – colour, lively music, a brilliantly costumed cast and a simple, easy to follow plot. At the end everyone was on their feet, singing and dancing along with the dozen actors on stage.
Running in Aylesbury until Saturday November 18th and then touring.
Reviewed by Judith Watsham
Strictly Ballroom – 4 stars
The Midlands Arts Magazine Chilterns Page
Waterside Aylesbury runs until this Saturday
Family favourite and feel-good evening out!
If you are after a fun evening out, wanting to watch a show that lightens your mood and makes you laugh then you are in for a treat with this one!
Based on the book by Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce, this musical has been directed by Craig Revel Horwood and co-choreographed by Jason Gilkison who both have done a fantastic job, bringing the show to life on stage and capturing the audience in the moment.
The story has Scott Hastings (Kevin Clifton) wanting to add a new spin to the traditional dance competitions, however he needs to find, coach, and encourage a new dance partner Fran (Faye Brookes) to join him and compete in the finale.
Kevin Clifton’s presence doesn’t go unnoticed, he owns the stage whether it is with the dancing or the singing itself, and the same goes for Faye Brookes paired with some great acting skills.
You can be prepared to see a lot of varied dance styles, from solo dances, to partner and group dances as well as some amazing vocal performances from the cast, including Kevin Clifton, Faye Brookes, and Gary Davis, who is playing Barry Five.
The staging and production are kept simple, but it works for the type of show this is and it still has a very homely feel to it.
It is like a modern Dirty Dancing; the show is worth seeing.
As you are in for a fun night out with good music, great singing and dancing and the odd uproar of laughter!
Absolute treat for the whole family!
Runs until 17th June in Aylesbury.
Sue Pope
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Musical
Waterside Aylesbury
Runs until Saturday 13th May.
Four Stars “The feel-good hits keep raining down.” ****
A solid touring favourite for many a year and an effective trailblazer of the jukebox genre. It may be an early example of the style but there is good reason for its popularity and for why it managed an amazing twelve year run in the West End. Written over two acts by Alan Janes it features the hits and the story of Buddy Holly. In truth the narrative plays second fiddle and is relatively condensed in content, a snapshot on a sadly curtailed short life. It is the energy and charisma of a hugely talented company plus the feel-good hits of Holly that keeps us all smiling and rolling along. The role of Buddy Holly is understandably alternated between a couple of performers, for us at the Waterside, Christopher Weeks grabbed the guitar and oversized glasses and gave an outstanding performance, holding the show with an optimistic and endearing style as well as delivering the Buddy sound and moves with great care, swagger, and technique. That passion and depth together with a flash of humour is not an easy recipe to mix but Weeks does it with an enviable ease whether tackling the more poignant True Love Ways or rocking it out to Oh Boy!”
Holly and his loyal bunch of Crickets ease away from the chains of country and western and via an eye-opening night on the stage of The Apollo Harlem they strike a deal with a larger-than-life rock and roll producer who spots the talent and is keen to help, promote and take a share of that said deal. And after been given a nod Buddy and the boys are allowed to play the way they know and love and are keen to share with the American public. This they do with huge success, and a string of top of the chart hits swiftly follows, as does his unique sound and worldwide fame and all before he was 22. We remain grateful to this day for his writing talent, producing some of the standards of the era that are still thankfully the staple of many a radio station Heartbeat, That’ll be the Day, Raining in my Heart and Peggy Sue.”
The production values have no doubt lapsed a little since its heyday at the Victoria Palace, copious doubling of characters and a set that had the look of simplicity and styled for easy packing. Not only were the company buzzing with energy particularly with the non-stop finale, but they could turn their hands to at least one instrument each.
The second half takes off at a canter, more of a concert and much less dialogue, culminating in brilliant turns at a 1959 Winter Dance Party in 1959, headlined by Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper and Buddy himself. Miguel Angel and Christopher Chandler excel and have a big slice of fun as Richie and The Bopper respectively. The three stars were killed in a tragic airplane crash in snowstorm following the concert.
Prior to the tragedy it’s party time and the fun and the indeed the songs are equally infectious.
Join the party and have some fun while you can. It runs until Saturday at the Waterside.
Credit: Hamish Gill
