Theatre & Performance – Page 8 of 12

MTS Presents ‘Bring It On’: From the Perspective of a Sideline Cheerleader.

15Nov

By Joanne ArcherNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

MTS Presents ‘Bring It On’: From the Perspective of a Sideline Cheerleader.

Orbital's Joanne Archer reviews Musical Theatre Society's performance of Bring It On. Every time I watch MTS perform I laugh, I smile, and deep down I am envious of their superhuman talents. Bring It On was no exception to the rule. Walking through the SU main hall doors, I realised that this show was unconventional, I became aware I was entering from “backstage”; the hall layout having been rotated to allow for a basketball court to be taped down to the SU flooring. With lockers, banners and photo collages, I immediately felt like I was in an American movie. The show itself was certainly not the “glorified High School Musical” that one might have assumed it to be. We follow in the footsteps of Campbell, the relatively down-to-earth and newly elected cheer captain of Truman High Sch...

4Nov

By Laura LawrenceNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

Stage School Trouble

E4's new structured reality TV drama 'Stage School' has caused a lot of controversy recently. So much so that after its very first episode a petition to have the show taken off air arose online. The argument is that the show is an utter misrepresentation of what stage school is actually like. Orbital spoke to Roho’s very own MTS president Stephen Johnson who felt that, 'E4's Stage School is a false representation of studying at drama school. Not only does it make for appalling TV, but is frankly dangerous to prospective drama school applicants who may be put off applying and for the entertainment industry in general. Performing arts can provide a stage for current important societal and political events. Stage school however, empresses the stereotypical vindictive and venomous behavi...

Drama Society presents ‘No Sex Please, We’re British’

28Oct

By Rosalie FallaNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

Drama Society presents ‘No Sex Please, We’re British’

Rosalie Falla reviews the first night of Drama Society's Week 5 Show. No Sex Please, We’re British by Anthony Marriot and Alistair Foot is a simply hilarious concept: when a newly-wed couple, Peter and Frances, receive a box of Scandinavian pornography in lieu of glassware, comedy ensues. Uninvited houseguests, a police investigation, a lost cheque, boxes and boxes of risqué material and many a mix-up make this a show worth seeing. Katie Dale’s and Niamh Dunne's directorial efforts succeed in bringing the British farce to the Jane Holloway stage in only five weeks, no mean feat considering the cast and crew balance intense rehearsals with their degrees- perfectly timed comedy is not an easy skill to master and yet Dale and Dunne's cast had the audience in fits. Speaking of the cast, ...

Royal Holloway dazzles with ‘A Night at the Theatre’!

23Oct

By Georgia BeithNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

Royal Holloway dazzles with ‘A Night at the Theatre’!

Orbital's Georgia Beith reviews the first showing of 'A Night at the Theatre'. A tremendous night of music, dancing and above all fun, ‘A Night at the Theatre’ showcases the very best of what Royal Holloway’s creative arts societies have to offer. In the two part variety extravaganza there is quite literally something for everyone. From burlesque to Shakespeare, horror films to gospel and Tamil, the huge array of talent on display makes it a little hard to believe that most acts were put together in a matter of weeks. Highlights include the uproariously funny ten-minute piece by the Holloway Players which is entirely improvised, the Ballroom and Latin Dancesport’s tribute to the King of Pop himself; Michael Jackson, and the absolutely stunning performances by the three soloists throu...

Bowie From Your Bottom: Midsummer at The Globe

3Aug

By George SomersNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

Bowie From Your Bottom: Midsummer at The Globe

Concealed in the midst of artistic director Emma Rice’s traditionally authentic season of Bard-based foolery, nestled within the open air glory of Sam Wannamaker’s theatrical baby, the controversial wackiness of the Kneehigh Theatre Group's updated, revamped and revitalised 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream' is a spectacle to behold. Colliding the wandering woodland players with the splendour of Ziggy Stardust, while regenerating the romantic comedy of the Demetrius-Helena spats via the hilarity of an on-off gay couple, Rice is utterly immersed in her element, with sold-out performances splitting Shakespeare purists and newly indoctrinated Bard followers into Marmite-like love or hate camps. This eccentric production has been both adored and loathed alike by critics. With self-deprecating Nick...

#KeepTheSecrets: Harry Potter Play Reviewed

7Jul

By Beth CarrNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

#KeepTheSecrets: Harry Potter Play Reviewed

Beth Carr reviews the highly anticipated Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ahead of its official opening in late July Walking up to the Palace Theatre, it is clear that this is the only place in the West End to host Harry Potter's eighth story. Visually spectacular, the Victorian red brick frontage is reminiscent of Hogwarts and the interior is equally magical, benefiting from a refurbishment especially for J. K. Rowling's newest creation. The theatre was surrounded by eager fans and as doors opened the queue was already winding around the entire building. A warm welcome awaits spectators from security and staff, and after parting ways with an unfortunate packet of BBQ Beef Hula Hoops (no food is allowed into the theatre but you can take in water bottles) we were soon seated, ready to enj...

Film adaptation of Wicked announced to be released in 2019

27Jun

By Beth CarrNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Film & TV, Theatre & Performance

Film adaptation of Wicked announced to be released in 2019

The adaptation has been discussed since 2004, but was viewed by some fans as a mere rumour after news of the film had gone quiet. Universal Pictures, however, confirmed via Twitter that the motion picture is scheduled for release on 20th December 2019. Within 24 hours, their tweet has received over 5,000 likes and 7,500 retweets, with speculation already rife about who will play the lead characters and visible excitement from eager followers. The musical phenomenon WICKED comes to the big screen. In theaters 12.20.19. pic.twitter.com/rFojgh56oH — Universal Pictures (@UniversalPics) June 16, 2016 Wicked retells L. Frank Baum's 1900 story The Wizard of Oz, popularised by the 1939 film, from the perspective of the witches, exploring their childhoods and how they came to take the titles o...

MTS showcases talent with Summer Cabaret

16Jun

By Jessica Beach-ThomasNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

MTS showcases talent with Summer Cabaret

With its annual show, MTS kicks off the post-exam term of Pimm’s drinking in Founders quad with their ‘Summer Cabaret’. Orbital sends its resident photographer Jessie Beach-Thomas to investigate the action and interviews Violaine Brunelin, a member of the production team. Jessie’s take: ‘Colourful, glittery- everything you would expect from a musical!’ From watching Summer Cabaret, a show directed by Max Harris and presented by both Pippa Gentry and Matthew Siveter, I was very impressed. It is clear to see why so many of MTS’s shows have been sold out throughout the year. MTS take pride in their inclusivity, with both auditioned roles and full cast numbers that do not require any auditioning. If you aren’t into the performing side of things, there is plenty of opportunity for students to...

Savoy Kicks Off Half-Centenary with ‘Pirates Of Penzance’

21Mar

By George SomersNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Music, Theatre & Performance

Savoy Kicks Off Half-Centenary with ‘Pirates Of Penzance’

"Everyone we capture says he's an orphan. The last three ships we took proved to be manned entirely by orphans, and so we had to let them go. One would think that Great Britain's mercantile navy was recruited solely from her orphan asylums — which we know is not the case." With Holloway’s oldest society celebrating its golden anniversary, it seems fitting for Savoy to open 2016 with one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s best-known operettas: ‘Pirates of Penzance’. Brilliantly witty, self-mockingly fickle and proposing possibly the most ingenious ‘Get Out Of Jail Free’ card in theatrical history (when in doubt, declare your adoration of Queen Vic), ‘Pirates’ has everything we’ve come to expect from a comic Savoy production: superb vocals, charming silliness and Will Davidson’s amusing variety of...

Humour, Mystery and a Séance…What more do you need?

5Mar

By Elisabeth CarltonNo Comments

Culture & Literature, Theatre & Performance

Humour, Mystery and a Séance…What more do you need?

While they may not all be drama students in the Drama Society, their acting could have fooled an Emmy committee. Blithe Spirit was a hilarious, mysterious production, centred around a 1920’s dinner party where a séance takes place to entertain guests. With a seven person cast, I would have expected to feel the performance lacking in characters, but each member consumed the space of Jane Holloway Building and put on a performance to remember. Director George Priestley (3rd year Music student) did an amazing job with costume, casting, and set design as the audience was level with the stage, which added to the ambience of the overall performance. The audience was captivated from the moment Ellie Smit walked on stage, as Blithe Spirits began. Laughter rippled through the audience as Sarah Doug...