I actually won tickets to see this play in a Twitter competition! So firstly, thank you to Victoria Theatre, Halifax for picking me.

Pleasantries over, lets get on to a quick review of Teechers by John Godber.



Firstly, yes it is called 'Teechers' with a double 'e'. My spelling and grammar might not be perfect but that is definitely a word I've used enough to spell correctly.

Carrying on...

John Godber is a Yorkshire playwright. Big up to the North! He has written many masterpieces, one of the most famous is probably 'Bouncers'. A play that looks at contemporary and realistic issues. And 'Teechers' is no different.

This play really brought home how much teachers can impact, whether negatively or positively, on their students lives, especially in deprived schools. Coming from such a background myself, it hit the first emotional note but, carrying on...

Basically, three school children use the medium of drama to describe their final year of high school, particularly their relationship with their new drama teacher who believes in treating all children equally and igniting passion in learning. Again, as my job is as a member of a learning team, this hit the second emotional note....

And why not a hat trick as I also related to the students endearing and mostly childish friendships. High school is a jungle. A pretty terrifying one. Anything can go wrong, and to be honest it probably will but you have to fight through it (not physically, unless you come from a particularly rough school) But you WILL come out the other end. Maybe not in the best shape but alive never the less. It's the next steps in life that I think start to define you. Woah, sorry about that life rant!!

Anyway, a quick note on the actors themselves. There are only three. They play about five million parts each which is impressive. They all seamlessly melted into every character and it really showed the scope of their abilities as performers. From a sensible teacher, grumpy caretaker to mouthy teenager and many many more.

A fun show to watch, which everyone can relate to whether that's a character, some of the teachers or even the surroundings; those grubby lockers, drowning parka jackets or the 80s soundtrack to the show.

A nice nostalgic night out with strong performances from young upcoming actors.

I am a little late to the party, OK two months late but lets lock that tardiness into a box and focus on the wonder that is the Slava Snow Show.


This is an unforgettable experience, I won't call it a show as you do not sit back and simply watch actors on stage, you physically and emotionally experience this event.

This shows involves clowns but not your typical "intense stare, psychopath smile, knife holding" ones. These clowns are endearing, warming and without a doubt hilarious. You follow two different styles of clowns who are trained to perfection. It is amazing how a small movement of a body part could decide whether you laugh hysterically or indeed sigh with sympathy.

You are taken on a magical journey. A journey that ultimately makes no sense. If you want a gritty drama involving characters with motives, then leave the venue immediately. However, if you want two hours of wonder that erases work and family problems for a while, then this is your lucky day.

Adults suddenly revert into 5 year old children, indeed I was giggling as much as the toddler behind me! Where else can you watch a boat sailing through clouds, play with 10 foot inflatable balls and feel snowstorms inside a theatre! I feel sorry for any adult who wouldn't enjoy this event, as you would be missing a very innocent part of your soul. (harsh but true)

Magical, beautiful and honestly unforgettable.

I hope it returns this winter, where I plan on buying front row seats.

Cabaret the UK Tour jazz danced its political booty straight into the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford last September and I was lucky enough to park my rear in time for the show.

'Deliciously dirty and daring' Gina Cooke, 27.11.13

It is important to know the story is set in 1931, Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power. This political plot is the subconscious heart beat that drives the show and anyone with a basic knowledge of history would guess it is what inevitably darkens the plot.

The forefront of the story follows the life of ditzy performer Sally Bowles and American writer Cliff Bradshaw, who have a raunchy and rocky path ahead.

Siobhan Dillon portrays Sally as a youthful, excitable and slightly annoying performer searching for stardom. The characters self centered nature and fast paced dialogue initially irritated me but I think she brought much needed energy to what is a fairly dull story line. Her naivety and optimism enabled the audience a fresh angle at such a difficult part of history.

The Master of Ceremonies and compare of the show, Emcee, was played by Pop Idol winner Will Young. His voice was, as expected, technically the best, but his superb acting skills is what surprised me. Emcee is an odd, twisted and schizophrenic character, and one I imagine is a very difficult part to play. He also brings most of the shows humour, specifically look out for the bed scene. Comedy gold.

The bright lights and fosse dancing brought the story to life, helping to narrate the frivolous beginnings and inevitable demise of life in Germany.

Cabaret is a deliciously daring and dirty show full of oddity. The story is fairly basic, but the music, characters and choreography are exceptional.

This is one of my favourite musicals, so no pressure guys... Thankfully I was not let down by this touring production - in fact I was pleasantly surprised!

The musical is set in 1920's Chicago - who'd have guessed it?  It closely follows two murdering vixens, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly. Both whom desperately crave and fight for the media's attention. They are ushered along by a smooth yet sleazy lawyer who is no stranger to the paparazzi lifestyle; with a name like, Billy Flynn, I'm not surprised.

The first thing that hit me when the curtains opened, was the orchestra placed smack bang in the middle of the set! This is highly unusual as they are normally hidden away in a dark place under the stage - so I was excited to see what a difference this would make. The answer; a great one! I feel the visible band created a sense of inclusion on the audiences part. I honestly felt like I'd gone for a drink in a dodgy yet intriguing jazz club, enjoying the smoky atmosphere with a couple hundred other visitors. The band and the characters were fully aware of our presence, who made sure we followed their crime filled story. The orchestra were far from a hindrance as they became apart of the stage, where choreography and scenes were blended into the tier band stands; definitely utilising all of the available space on set.

So, I inevitably started comparing this stage version to the film version of 'Chicago' starring Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere. I know, I know. I shouldn't, as they're two completely different mediums, it would be unfair to do such a thing... but I have to at least acknowledge them. There were the obvious cinematography differences and lack of A-Listers but the stage version was a welcome change for these simple reasons:

1) Watching the 'bob fosse' themed choreography live, executed with excruciating precision was incredible.
2) It had a darker, slower paced and sexier feel - much more appropriate to the storyline.
3) Hearing the songs performed live by actors with impressive vocal skills always trumps pre-recorded versions.
4) Being a part of the live, jazz infused, underground bar (secretly a theatre) is not to be missed.

Ali Bastian combined a playful and naive Roxy with the seductive bite of a fierce lady. Perfection. Tupele Dorgu gave a fresh boost to the character of Velma, updating her to the 21st century. I have to give her credit for her high stamina as she powered through her many physically tough numbers and big ballads. Stefan Booth simply melted on stage as he played a smooth and manipulative Billy Flynn. He was quietly commanding which secretly screamed powerful. Finally I give a massive round of applause to the ensemble, as without them, it would not have been anywhere near as impressive. Ensemble you are unbelievably talented - I would class you the stars of Chicago.

This musical is guilty of murder and it is also charged on the account of being too dirty, devious and sexy. A combination not welcomed in reality, but sneaking away for a night of fantasy does no harm... right?

Could you 'literally' get away with murder?