The Three Little Pigs, is not just for kids

The Three Little Pigs ... is not just for kids

This well loved childrens fairytale has been updated in the most perfect way.  With wonderful and whitty songs cleverly creating by George Stiles & Anthony Drewe which are incredibly catchy and capture the childrens attention and enables them to really respond well as they are told the story of the 
three little pigs through the delight of song.

For parents in the audience there is one particular song that mother pig sings to her baby pigs that really tugs on the heart strings called "Perfect for a Pig"  indicating to the audience that children grow up and to quote Drewe's lyrics 
"there is a big wide world beyond the window"

The big bad wolf played deliciously by Simon Webbe (Blue,Strictly) really gives the show that extra bite!! With the wolfs bluesy number 'a bit misunderstood' explains how he's not really that bad and that his behaviour is only due to the way he has been brought up. This also allows the grown ups to fall a little bit in love with the wolf "Webbe's" vocals.

Beautiful beltress Alison Jiear (Britain's Got Talent, Hot Mikado) plays the ever so loving "Mother Pig" with constant ease and warmth. Her big number 'A real pig sty' blew the roof off  the Birmingham town Hall.  "Jiear's" vocals in this production is worth your ticket prices alone and her little cameo as the Aussie builder was a very cute touch.

Bee, the environmentally friendly piglet is portrayed strongly and sweetly by the glorious Leanne Jones (Hairspray). "Jones's" rich voice glides beautifully over the Stiles and Drewe score with comic timing that's second to none together with  overflowing charm and expression, this fine actress has well and truly earned her place at the "palace".

Bar,the muscly and strong minded piglet was played suavely by Taofique Folarin who was full of character and brought the perfect balance of attitude & care to his performance.  

Q, the most intelligent of the piglets was delivered divinely by Daniel Buckley whose fantastic vocal talent  seemed effortless and brought much innocent and tenderness to this well loved children's story.

*The Three Little Pigs* 

runs till the Sunday the 6th September 2015

at the Palace Theatre

Tickets and information available at  www.3littlepigslive.com

IN THE HEIGHTS by Impulse

Let Me Tell You Something You Don't Know! 

Set in a highly Spanish populated neighbourhood in New York 

"Impulses" slice of summer "in the heights" transports the Crescent Theatre audience straight to the neighbourhood of "Washington Heights". With easy on the eye semiotics and A static yet sensible & smart set. The attention to detail was sublime.

With a sizzling ensemble cast of truly fine actors lead by Jake Sharp who played the some what Greek chorus of the story overflowing with charisma and charm he brought a ease & naturalistic feel to his portrayal of USNAVI

With that said the evening belonged to "Katie Astbury" it's very rarely seen such fine acting from an actress of her age. Showing emotional maturity above and beyond her years. Then as an audience member to see her character "Nina" lost in her own mind and worrying she had let down her community then to see her fall gently in love with  Benny played dashingly by "Stuart Sneade" was a relief. Within the crowd scenes "Astbury" held character though out and with sharpness and strength. With vocals that leave you breathless "Astbury" is a true definition a Star!

The comic relief of the production  Daniella cleverly played by the beautiful beltress"Becci Steen" and the stunningly simple side kick "Carla" played by Alicia Albanese Was a match made in heaven.

A special mention to the younger member of the leading cast "Olly Derham" who held his own against this strong company .

The mature members of the company are a pleasure to watch
Kevin "Phil Jackson", Camilla "Debbie Owen" and the heart warming Abuela Claudia "Steph Coleman" delivered there songs with the perfect amount of power.

Bright bold and sassy choreography created by "Rebecca Haydon" was executed to a high standard & left the audience not knowing where to look. "Haydon" used every square-inch of the stage to her advantage. To her credit there is a fine line between a fall stage and a crowded stage and it never felt crowded.

The director of this piece is a director after my own heart. knowing exactly what the audience needs to see but not spoon feeding them. Allowing the audience to choose where to look to find the story for their selves which makes an audience member feel much more involved and emotionally attached to the characters. "Luke Renwick" and his attention to detail  is a gift to armature theatre and deserves more credit then he gets for such a young director.

Www.impulse-productions.com