Tag Archives: Liverpool

Pippin, Theatre Review. Unity Theatre, Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

Cast: Chris Walsh, Pete Fendall, Matthew Sheffield, Tom Loughlin, Steph Scrutton, Heather Burns, Eilish Mulvihill, Thomas Wiggins, Eugene Chong, Megan Key, Andrew Abrahamson, Kate Rugen, Andy Walker, Lizzie Paes, Charlotte Wilson, Steph Longmuir, Lily Maketansky.

Musicians: Josie Conti, Mark Newberry, Amy Fazakerley, Holly Burrows, Abigail Morris, Chloe Farrington, Tom Crowley, Xana Davies, Joe Barnes, Laura Copestake, Ben Dyer, Jonny Knight, Luke Thomas.

Pippin, Theatre Review. Unity Theatre, Liverpool. full post

(516 words, estimated 2:04 mins reading time)

In The Millennial Dome, Theatre Review. Fredericks, Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Cast: Alex Ferguson, Geraint R. Williams.

Much is made of the Millennial, to some this group of people who have come into the world after the nihilism and cynicism of Generation X are to be seen with a sneer and not so positive attitude or recommendation appearing on the corners of the mouths of those who came after the end World War Two, the so called Baby Boomers, and those to whom the Counter Culture was not just grasped for but willingly so. However, rather than the strident pessimism of the Generation X and the awkward suspicion of the baby boomer, for those immersed in the unhinged times of the 21st Century, being In The Millennial Dome is perhaps the hardest times of all, and those who fight within should be applauded rather than condemned.

In The Millennial Dome, Theatre Review. Fredericks, Liverpool. full post

(516 words, estimated 2:04 mins reading time)

Cartoonopolis, Theatre Review. Unity Theatre, Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

Cast: Lewis Bray.

To compare the same play by the same performer two years apart is to open yourself up to folly and yet as audience member rose in appreciation at the end of Lewis Bray’s magical return of his play Cartoonopolis, as they revelled as one in the life of boy to whom cartoons are a special friend, there can be no doubt that this is one of the most exceptional plays crowds are likely to see this year.

Cartoonopolis, Theatre Review. Unity Theatre, Liverpool. full post

(425 words, estimated 1:42 mins reading time)

Abichan, Gig Review. Studio 2, Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

Abichan at Studio 2, Liverpool. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Studio 2 in Liverpool has had the distinction of hosting bands that were to be seen as encapsulating a moment, of living in and outside of the framework of what was perhaps expected, and finally going beyond the call of duty; that a group can do this is to be seen as proof just how vibrant, how exciting the music is and even when the forces of destruction invariably start sinking their teeth into anything that is seen as not part of the high finance image they wish to portray, there is still the energy of those not willing to be pushed aside which carries the day into one of total groove and spirited beauty.

Abichan, Gig Review. Studio 2, Liverpool. full post

(423 words, 1 image, estimated 1:42 mins reading time)

The Mono LPs, Gig Review. Studio 2, Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

Seeing any one of Liverpool’s enjoyable and talented bands on the multitude of stages that hug the city is to be surely viewed as a mixture of honour and pleasure.

To be able to see the raw, the passionate and the creative mood in which is a source of life blood for The Mersey, is to know that the world still turns, that despite all the fury that government can reign down on the planet, there will always be groups and solo artists that stick their hands in the air and ask if the powers that be can cope with what’s coming next. The storm as it were fighting back with a smile, and that’s what you have in the sense of The Mono LPs, four musicians who make you sweat with anticipation and pure heart, who seriously pound the strings and the skin with venom and absolute assurance.

The Mono LPs, Gig Review. Studio 2, Liverpool. full post

(422 words, estimated 1:41 mins reading time)

Penny Mob, Gig Review. Studio 2, Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Penny Mob at Studio 2, Liverpool. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

They have travelled up from London to Liverpool before and gave the audience at District House a taste, a bountiful and very pleasing taste, of just exactly what they can achieve whilst on the stage and in a city which enjoys and respects musicians who give all they have to give from their soul, coming back to enjoy a second bite of the cherry in the form of Penny Mob was just the savoury trimming required.

Penny Mob, Gig Review. Studio 2, Liverpool. full post

(405 words, 1 image, estimated 1:37 mins reading time)

Liz Owen, Gig Review. Studio 2, Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

Liz Owen at Studio 2, Liverpool. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

The mix of Liverpool’s Studio 2 and the summer heat is always akin to the feeling of intoxication, overwhelmed by the sound of music that comes out of the artists’ souls who frequent the stage. It can seem that all is missing from life at that moment is the smell of a barbeque lingering in the cloudless air, a beach ball being tapped around and small children running around and making the most of spending time in the company of adults by asking awkward questions or being enthralled by the lady with the guitar belting out the tunes as she sits on the patio.

Liz Owen, Gig Review. Studio 2, Liverpool. full post

(444 words, 1 image, estimated 1:47 mins reading time)

Omnibus, Theatre Review. Unity Theatre, Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

Alice Bunker-Whitney in Omnibus. Photograph by Brian Roberts.

 

Cast: Gemma Banks, Alice Bunker-Whitney, Eva McKenna, Joel Parry, Danny Burns, Eithne Browne.

It is always a cause for celebration when a production comes to the stage and truly brings an audience together in its humour and the way it showcases new writing, the positive ways it uses all the actors with equal clarity and the wonderful way in which it shows the genuine appreciation due its Director. When that celebration coincides with the soft re-opening of a much loved theatre after months of renovation and updating, then it is not just a case of bring out the decorations and congratulations, then it is the keen observance and salute that only an Omnibus can provide.

Omnibus, Theatre Review. Unity Theatre, Liverpool. full post

(408 words, 1 image, estimated 1:38 mins reading time)

Phil Collins, Gig Review. Echo Arena, Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

Perhaps it was the sense of occasion, the bugle and drum pattern of history that could be felt amongst the Echo Arena crowd that signified a return, the memories of all who attended the first Phil Collins gig in many years, the first time that even without the other members of Genesis by his side that the drummer, the front man of many a music hit of his generation had stepped out in front of a crowd and sang a note of implication and beautiful awareness; perhaps it was the occasion, more likely it was the city and its people, for this was a welcome never to be forgotten, never to be anything but fantastic.

Phil Collins, Gig Review. Echo Arena, Liverpool. full post

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

Wonder Woman, Film Review. Picturehouse@F.A.C.T., Liverpool.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

Cast: Gal Gadot, Robin Wright, Chris Pine, David Thewlis, Connie Nelson, Elana Anaya, Lucy Davis, Ewan Bremner, Doutzen Kroes, Danny Huston, Mayling Ng, Eleanor Matsuura, Samantha Jo, Eugene Brave Rock, Saïd Taghmaoui, Emily Carey, Florence Kasumba.

Forget the Testosterone, the heroes of old who have dominated the screen since Michael Keaton first donned the Batman suit, with unbelievable results obviously, for there is a true dominant force on offer, a heroine for the age and one that strikes back at the tired old clichés of femininity and valour, of fearlessness and boldness. For in Wonder Woman, there really is a hero that everybody, boy and girl, man and woman alike, can truly admire and one which takes a huge swipe at the misogyny that has been rampant in cinematic heroes for far too long.

Wonder Woman, Film Review. Picturehouse@F.A.C.T., Liverpool. full post

(515 words, estimated 2:04 mins reading time)