Under The Umbrella, Theatre Review. Unity Theatre, Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Cast: Mei Mac, Laura Tipper, Charlotte Chiew, Minhee Yeo.

It is in the exploration of another’s history that we find that we have more in common than we may believe at first sight. By listening to a story that we might find fantastical, unbelievable, uncompromising in its detail and one that isn’t afraid to show emotion, we might find the empathy and understanding in which to not only accept a different culture, but praise those who bring out the very best of its ideals and philosophy.

Under The Umbrella, Theatre Review. Unity Theatre, Liverpool. full post

(476 words, estimated 1:54 mins reading time)

Shetland: Series Five. Television Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Cast: Douglas Henshall, Alison O’Donnell, Steve Robertson, Mark Bonnar, Julie Graham, Lewis Howden, Anne Kidd, Rakie Avola, Derek Riddell, Catherine Walker, Ayanda Bhebe, Lorn Macdonald, Owen Whitelaw, Tracy Wiles, Isabelle Joss, Conor McCarry, Robin Laing, Ryan Fletcher, Meghan Taylor, John Kazek, Francis Mayli McCann, Angus Miller, Emma Mullen, Olivia Barrowclough, Titana Muthui, Erin Armstrong, Kirsty Stuart, Natali McCleary, Kate Dickie, Jenni Keenan Green, Itxaso Moreno, Therese Bradley, Robert Cavanah.

Shetland: Series Five. Television Review. full post

(463 words, estimated 1:51 mins reading time)

Easter Treat At The Playhouse As Around the World In 80 Days Kicks Off In Liverpool.

This Easter, the Playhouse will be the first port of call for a returning production of Around the World in 80 Days, before embarking on a voyage across the Atlantic to New York.

From 17th-20th April, Phileas Fogg invites audiences to travel around the globe in a production set to delight both children and adults, without leaving the comfort of the Playhouse.

The mysterious and fabulously wealthy Phileas Fogg wagers his life’s fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days. Join Fogg and his loyal valet Passepartout, as they voyage from the misty alleys of Victorian London, to the exotic sub-continent and the Wild West, in a race against the clock.

Easter Treat At The Playhouse As Around the World In 80 Days Kicks Off In Liverpool. full post

(324 words, estimated 1:18 mins reading time)

Edinburgh Fringe Run For Gary Edward Jones’ Sensational Something About Simon.

New show celebrates life and music of legendary American singer songwriter Paul Simon

Something About Simon is heading for this year’s Edinburgh Fringe after impressing audiences and critics alike during its premiere performances. The new show celebrates the life and musical talent of legendary American singer songwriter Paul Simon.

And ahead of its Fringe debut this summer, the show – which stars Gary Edward Jones – will also play three pre-Edinburgh dates across the North West and North Wales.

The Albert Halls in Bolton were recently announced – and now performances in Crewe and North Wales have also been confirmed.

Edinburgh Fringe Run For Gary Edward Jones’ Sensational Something About Simon. full post

(553 words, estimated 2:13 mins reading time)

Make Your Way To 81 Renshaw Street For An Evening With Neil Campbell And Friends This April.

On Thursday 4th April, 81 Renshaw Street presents an evening of music with Liverpool composer/guitarist Neil Campbell.

The night will open with an energetic solo set, followed by a duo set for guitar and cello with cellist Nicole Collarbone. Then, ending the evening, the three-piece version of Neil’s latest group project, After the Flood Trio (with Marty Snape on acoustic guitar and Roger Gardiner on 8-string Overwater bass), will perform trio “chamber” versions of music from the band’s recent eponymous 2018 album.

Make Your Way To 81 Renshaw Street For An Evening With Neil Campbell And Friends This April. full post

(161 words, estimated 39 secs reading time)

Stones In His Pockets, Theatre Review. Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

Cast: Owen Sharpe, Kevin Trainor.

People don’t just change when they appear in front of the cameras, they alter their own perception of who they are, what their purpose is in life, for some it can be the glare of the lights that brings out the worst in them, for others, it is the removal of the make up that takes the gloss and the shine of what they once thought was glamour and all that could be desired.

Stones In His Pockets, Theatre Review. Playhouse Theatre, Liverpool. full post

(392 words, estimated 1:34 mins reading time)

The Ryk Mead Band, Me & The Blues. Album Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

We must be allowed the right to demand the perpetual freedom of self-expression. Such an emotion of humanity should not be considered a luxury, available to only those with the sentiment of deep lined pockets or the backing that their own particular flight of fancy is to be indulged in; and yet for whatever reason we as a species insist on tight rules, unyielding regulations and laws that keep the art of self-expression as one that is praised but not given freely to all.

The Ryk Mead Band, Me & The Blues. Album Review. full post

(404 words, estimated 1:37 mins reading time)

Midsomer Murders: Death Of The Small Coppers. Television Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Cast: Neil Dudgeon, Nick Hendrix, Fiona Dolman, Annette Badland,  Ann Eleonora Jorgensen, Mark Benton, Peter Egan, Ellie Haddinton, Ray Fearon, Thusitha Jayasundera, Ella Kenion, John Light, Niamh McGrady, Chance Perdomo.

It never does a television series any harm to rejuvenate itself every now and then, it arguably suggests an element of self-awareness that it is willing to go through the process of reincarnation, like an insect that becomes sheltered in its cocoon, when it re-emerges out into the sunlight it can be seen to be more colourful, more illuminating than it had the chance to be before.

Midsomer Murders: Death Of The Small Coppers. Television Review. full post

(431 words, estimated 1:43 mins reading time)

Green Day’s American Idiot To Visit The Playhouse This July.

A special tenth anniversary tour of a rock musical with music by multi- Grammy award-winning band Green Day will visit the Liverpool Playhouse from 9th-13th July.

American Idiot features hit songs from the band including Boulevard of Broken Dreams, 21 Guns, Wake Me Up When September Ends, Holiday and the blockbuster title track American Idiot.

American Idiot follows three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9/11 world. A story of youthful disillusion and mistrust, the production draws parallels with the U.S.A. today, where school children have mobilised to form an impressive campaign for gun law reform.

Green Day’s American Idiot To Visit The Playhouse This July. full post

(251 words, estimated 1:00 mins reading time)

10CC, Gig Review. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. (2019).

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

There is a gracefulness to be thanked for, saluted even, when it comes to enjoying an evening in the presence of one of the finest songwriters of British Pop/Rock history; for when you are in the company of Graham Gouldman and 10cc you instinctively feel the elegance and accomplished hand of musical professionalism resound throughout the venue and reflect the light like diamonds of the faces of the sell-out crowds that give any evening its permanent vibe.

10CC, Gig Review. Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool. (2019). full post

(452 words, estimated 1:48 mins reading time)