Preview - Slava's Snowshow, Royal Festival Hall

ONE of the world's most enchanting shows is back in South London for a record fourth consecutive year this Christmas.

The award-winning Slava's Snowshow arrives at the Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Centre this weekend for an extended run.

Created by Russian artist Slava Polunin, artistic director of the St Petersburg Circus, it is celebrating its 20th anniversary and has so far been seen by more than five million people worldwide.

Its UK producer, Matthew Gale says its appeal is down to its simplicity and beauty but admits it is difficult to describe.

"It's a beautiful show to watch," he says. "But it's difficult to explain what it is! It's physical theatre and completely non verbal. It's very clever, funny, full of visual delights and wonderful music but it's also very subtle.

"The clowns do some amazing and extraordinary physical tricks which are breathtaking to watch - although sometimes you wonder how they are physically possible!

"Each also has their own distinct personality and character on the stage and some are quite anarchic, some are quite cute, but they are all very silly and funny," he adds.

"Their facial expressions are fabulous - when one of them raises an eyebrow the audience erupts with laughter.

"It doesn't rely on a narrative per se but there are a series of vignettes and stories within it which relate back to peoples' childhoods so it touches the audience emotionally.

"It makes people feel like a child again. It's full of wonderment, positivity, ignites your curiosity and that's the joy of it."

Influenced by artists such as Chaplin, Marcel Marceau and Engibarov, Slava, and his company of clowns have created an imersive piece of theatre designed to appeal to anyone over the age of six.

Together they use a combination of theatrical clowning and visual spectacle to create a dream-like world where images melt into one another, a cobweb envelops the audience and one tiny piece of paper starts a blizzard of snow.

Throughout the show the clowns, who come from all over the world, interact with each other and the audience, sometimes going into the crowd to play with them or do a stunt.

It builds to a magical finale where the audience gets to play with giant balloons in the midst of a snowstorm.

"It's amazing to see everyone totally connect with the performers and get so involved in the show," says Matthew.

"It's a real visual treat from start to finish and the snow storm at the end is the most beautiful theatrical effect I have ever seen. It's pretty special.

"I've seen eight year olds skipping out of the show with their grandparents who are also beaming and skipping!

"It is fantastic to see people really come alive when they see it - it has a real energy, power, excitement and brilliance to it as well as a touch of magic.

"There are so many horrible and terrible things going on in the world at the moment sometimes you forget human beings are extraordinary and can do amazing things.

"So to see people being silly for the sake of it is joyous and this show manages to transport you to a different place which will leave you feeling elated and reflective - you will see the world in a different way.

"It's pure magic and perfect for Christmas."

Slava's Snowshow is on at the Royal Festival Hall until Monday, January 5. Tickets cost from £20 Visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk or call the box office on 020 7960 4200.

REVIEW - It's A Wonderful Life

FIVE STARS

Gerard McCarthy as George. Below, the cast. Photo credit Anton Hewins

IT may be in its infancy but the Bridge House Theatre in Penge has a belter of a Christmas show for its opening season.

It's A Wonderful Life is a new version of the classic film which starred Jimmy Stewart.

Written by Tony Palermo and directed by Guy Retallack, the uplifting tale of everyman George Bailey, is staged as a live radio broadcast in front of a live studio audience.

Set in 1949 and featuring a cast of six it is introduced by a rather jolly radio announcer, played by a superb Daniel Hill.

There is even a red "On Air" light above the door, hand held cue "applause" signs and - in a genius move - pauses during the show for adverts from the theatre's local sponsors.

For those who don't know the story, it concerns one George Bailey from the small American town, Bedford Falls.

George has always had big plans and dreams for his life, even as a young boy. He wants to escape his small town and see the world.

But thanks to his loyalty to his family and friends, and his sense of duty, he sacrifices every one of his dreams to stay in the small town he grew up in and take on his father's business.

One day though something happens that makes him believe his life is not worth living.

The play opens in Heaven on Christmas Eve where the head angel tells rookie angel Clarence that he must save George from committing suicide - and that if he does he will earn his wings.

Clarence is then taken back in time to see how George has arrived at his fateful decision before he tries to stop him from carrying out the deed.
Taking on multiple roles, the entire cast is outstanding and they use the small stage well.

In particular Gillian Kirkpatrick as the head angel and Sophie Scott as Mary, George's wife both excel.

But it is Gerard McCarthy who shines as George. Showing a whole range of emotions with the dilemas George faces throughout his life, he successfully portrays him as a decent man who only wants the best for his family and for whom the audience is rooting for from the off.

Overall it is a glorious, entertaining and heart-warming story and in the intimate setting of the Bridge House Theatre this new version is an absolute winner.

It's A Wonderful Life is on at the Bridge House Theatre, High Street, until Sunday, January 4.

Tickets from £12.50. Visit www.bhtheatre.com or call the box office on 020 8133 0311.  

Interview Elliot Barnes Worrell

BY his own admission Elliot Barnes Worrell wasn't interested in Shakespeare much when he was at school.

However, the 23-year-old's view of the Bard changed when he saw a production at the Ovalhouse theatre "with two black guys doing Hamlet".

"I really got it," he says. "The poetry was beautiful. I was a rapper at the time and realised Shakespeare was better than me!

"He was talking about raw emotions, strife, fighting, love and loss - everything that is still relevant to what's going on today. So he's for everyone."

The visit changed his life. For not only did he discover a love for Shakespeare's poetry but it encouraged him to become an actor.

And now, nearly 10 years later, Elliot has realised his dream and can be found on stage after having bagged the roles of Prince John and Francis in the Royal Shakespeare Company's (RSC) production of Henry IV Parts I and II.

The show which started out at the RSC's Stratford theatre earlier this year has just finished a small nationwide tour and is now at the Barbican.

And the Forest Hill actor says he is loving every minute.

"It's been an amazing journey," he says. "As a kid growing up in Peckham I didn't really connect with Shakespeare.

"My granny had travelled all over the world when she was younger and used to tell us stories about her adventures in all these different countries. My mum used to read books to us instead of letting us watch TV so it gave us a taste of story telling and performing.

"However, I went to a comprehensive with metal detectors and where fighting was a way to survive.

"My teachers didn't have much passion for Shakespeare either."

However after the Ovalhouse experience Elliot went to see as much theatre as he could and became a regular visitor to venues such as the Southwark Playhouse.

He also realised he really wanted to perform so one of his teachers encouraged him to apply to the Brit School. Happily it was a good move.

"I was very lucky," he says. "At my comprehensive you were valued by who you could beat up. When I went to the Brit School in Selhurst it was a case of being valued for diversity and how hard you worked.

"For the first time it was OK to be who you are."

A place at Central School of Speech and Drama followed and since finishing drama school he has written poetry and has appeared in Doctor Who, the last ever Poirot starring David Suchet as well as the RSC's production of Richard II last year, alongside David Tennant.

He also won a special commendation in last year's Ian Charlson Award for actors under 30 - something he said was a "real surprise".

But it's the stage which is his passion and he attributes his success to one thing - "hard work".

"Working on Doctor Who was great but I always wanted to be a classical actor and when I got the RSC contract I wasn't going to miss it!" he laughs.

"However, everything that has happened to me is a down to good fortune and more especially hard work," he adds.

"I have grasped every opportunity - I wrote loads of letters to the RSC because I wanted to work there and it paid off in the end. You can't sit back as nothing will come to you if you do."

And he says he's enjoying being part of the RSC team and bringing the shows to life in London.

"The roles I play are both very different - Francis is young and innocent whereas Prince John is machiavellian, sly and reptilian - and it's amazing to be able to play them both," he says.

"It's a great cast, I'm still in awe at being able to work with its director Greg Doran, and it's a fabulous production - really exciting and full of drama.

"It's brilliant."

Henry IV Parts I and II are on at the Barbican Theatre, Silk Street until January 24. Tickets from £10. Visit www.barbican.org.uk/ or call the box office on 020 7638 8891.

Bridge House Theatre Penge

WITH cuts in funding across the arts, it's a brave man or woman who sets up a theatre in these financially austere times.

However that hasn't deterred Guy Retallack and Rachel Tucker.

The director and his actress wife felt so passionately about the need for a theatre in their town that they decided to set one up themselves.

With no government grant or Arts Council funding, the pair founded The Bridge House Theatre in Penge.

"When I moved to Penge and met Rachel we realised there was no theatre in the immediate area and we felt there should be," says Guy.

"The Croydon Warehouse had gone and although we have the Jack Studio in Brockley and of course Theatre503 in Battersea they are quite far away.

"We both work in the theatre, had already fallen in love with the area so we decided to find somewhere local where we could have a theatre of our own."

He says it was a "crazy dream" but one which became a reality thanks to an evening at his local - The Bridge House.

"Rachel and I went on a hunt around the area and one night last year we were sitting in the pub and by chance, sitting next to the owners," says Guy.

"We got chatting and told them about our vision and asked if they had a room upstairs which we could transform into a theatre.

"They said yes, showed us the space and we fell in love with it. It's absolutely the perfect place - with high Victorian ceilings and is right in the heart of this vibrant part of South East London. So that was that!"

And so the theatre was born with the couple transforming the room to a 60-seat venue.

It was funded entirely by them and they now rely on ticket sales to help pay for the running and other costs.

Last winter they staged a production of A Christmas Carol, which was so successful they had to add more dates, before a four-week run of Macbeth. Since then they have put on shows from two visiting companies not to mention hosting comedy nights.

This season has seen a production of The Frida Kahlo Of Penge West and their Christmas show It's A Wonderful Life has just opened. It will be joined by The Uglies Take Penge which opens today.

Along the way their production of Macbeth earned them two nominations from The Offies (The Off West End Theatre Awards) and they have been invited to take that production to the Shakespeare Festival in Germany next year.

"It's been an incredibly exciting journey for us so far," says Guy. "We have achieved so much in such a short space of time which is really special but we have worked so hard to make it happen.

"We have got a brilliant relationship with the pub, have attracted some incredible actors to work with us and are very proud to have been nominated for these awards.

"We've also had a great reaction from the many people who have come to the shows and who have told us how much they like the fact we are here.

"It is absolutely fantastic and a great endorsement - their reactions have shown us that there is a real need and desire for a theatre in Penge!"

Along the way they have also been joined in their venture by producer Rob Harris and they are currently working up a list of plays to bring to the theatre's stage next year.

And Guy admits he is "incredibly ambitious" for the future.

"We want the theatre to host a rich and varied programme of shows - with something for everyone - and so we will be doing the classics, musicals, showcasing new writing as well as family shows and comedy gigs.

"We are hugely ambitious for the future and hopefully as the venue grows and develops our programme will grow as well," he adds.

"What's great is that the space is very versatile and exactly what a Fringe Theatre should be. Most of all though we want to be able to stage high quality productions with a ticket price that is competitive and affordable - and have a reputation for that.

"There is masses we want to do but we know that with the support of the local community and this fantastic pub, we can do it."

It's A Wonderful Life is on at the Bridge House Theatre, High Street, Penge until January 4. Tickets cost £12 for adults and £10 concessions. The Uglies Take Penge is on until December 21. Tickets cost £12.50 for adults and £8.50 for children.

Visit www.bhtheatre.com or call the box office on 020 8133 0311.  

PREVIEW - Treasure Island at the National Theatre

IT'S a dark and stormy night. Jim, an inn-keeper’s granddaughter, opens the door to a terrifying stranger. At the old sailor’s feet sits a huge sea-chest, full of secrets. Jim invites him in – and her dangerous voyage begins.

Such is the beginning of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale Treasure Island, a story of murder, money and mutiny.

A thrilling new adaptation of the story by Bryony Lavery is being brought to life on the Olivier stage at the National Theatre as part of its winter season.

Among its star-studded cast is Peckham actress Gillian Hanna who plays Jim's granddaughter. It is a role she tells me she's enjoying playing, not least because she gets to keep her feet firmly on the stage.

"It's a hugely exciting production and swash will be buckled all over the place," she chuckles. "There is adventure, swords, fighting, the climbing of rigging and unfurling of the sails - which thankfully I don't have to do but it's all very exciting and terribly dramatic!

"I have found a rocking chair on the stage so I get to oversee things a bit."

For fans of the book Gillian says the production is "pretty faithful" to it and promises it will be "quite scary".

"There are some real jolly 'yo ho ho' types of course but there are some really horrible guys that will kill anyone in their way to get their hands on the money so it's quite scary," she says.

"It's pretty faithful to the bones of the book though there are a few tweaks."

John Silver for example will not be played as an old man but rather someone much younger and rather than Jim living at the inn with her mother, this version sees her live with her grandmother.

"Bryony wanted to make her a lot older," says Gillian. "She's a lovely character. They have this inn on the edge of nowhere but it's hard to make a living and they have a hard life. They don't eat a lot of the time because they are so poor.

"She's very protective of her family but she's a very tough granny and she's a great part to play."

Gillian was able to have input into her characterisation and put her foot down about one aspect of the make up.

"When we were discussing the character they wanted me to have warts," she says. "But because she's the equivalent of a good fairy and she's the grandma who people rely on, I said no. Warts in this sort of show when you are dealing with archetypes have to be on bad characters."

Warts aside it's clear Gillian is enjoying being part of the production which she describes as "huge".

"It was the whole package that appealed," she says warmly. "It's such a classic story - an iconic piece of English literature. It is incredibly well written and rattles along. There are a lot of people who say it's the best book he ever wrote.

"I suppose it's sewn itself into the fabric of our cultural life. The language in it isn't convoluted - it's relatively straightforward and is a real adventure story.

"It's also lovely to work at the National as you are treated so well," she adds. "And it's lovely to work on something that's so big. It suits the Olivier because it's such a huge stage. It's great fun and is a very special show."

That Gillian became an actress in the first place was rather by accident than design though she admits it suits her as she "can't sit still".

"I could never do an office job for eight hours a day," she laughs. "My mum made me take a secretarial course for something to fall back on but I lasted two months - I just couldn't do it.

"By pure fluke I went to university in Dublin to do modern languages. A friend of mine wanted to audition for something at the drama club but was a bit shy so I went along with her and, oh dear, I got the part instead!"

Despite this early success Gillian says she still didn't consider acting as a career. So she continued with her studies, gaining a first class honours degree.

"I did do a few more plays while I was there and then someone asked if I was going to do this properly and a director said he knew someone who ran a theatre in Liverpool. It was the Everyman but I was so idiotic I didn't realise!" she laughs.

"The Everyman called me and in the end that was that."

She then moved to London, eventually settling on Peckham, a place she says she loves and has since enjoyed a successful career both on stage, as a translator, writer and playwright.

"I've lived here for 30 years and have the whole world on my doorstep," she says. "It's fabulous, and I love being near Peckham Rye which is where the oak tree William Blake had his vision of an angel. I'd like to think it's true but I've not seen on yet!

"I love the variety of this job," she adds. "TV, theatre, film, writing, they all present different challenges and different ways of working - besides it's a bit too late to retrain as a brain surgeon!"

Treasure Island is on at the National Theatre until Wednesday, April 8. Tickets from £15. Visit www.nationaltheatre.org or call the box office on 020 7452 3000.