I’m
not much of a theatre critic, saving all my best criticism for my nearest and dearest - at that time of the month! But I know what I enjoy at the theatre, and I really enjoyed the New Vic’s first ever production of Shakespeare’s Othello. The title role was played by a black actor, Ewen Cummings rather than a white actor painted black and Jane Lancaster, power-dressed, played the Duke of Venice - two coups for the price of one! The play was set in modern times with Othello looking particularly street-wise and trendy in his camouflage trousers. Tragically for everyone, himself included, appearances can be deceptive and he proved to be oh so gullible. Iago, a supreme grease ball, played by Tom Watt (a.k.a. Lofty - Eastenders) made me want to boo and hiss every time he slimed onto the stage, whereas Desdemona made me want to cheer and clap. And as for Emilia, played by Janice McKenzie. I’m speechless. If my husband had requested I appropriate (nick -Ed) for him a hanky belonging to another woman, my suspicions would have been aroused immediately. To my knowledge there’s only one thing men do with their hankies, beside blow their nose, and I wouldn’t have been up for it! As it happens, Iago did neither, just used it as further proof that Desdemona was playing away from home, and it proved fatal, the stage being littered with bodies before the night was out.
The
emotions aroused within me by the actors and their superb interpretation of the play, left me feeling wrung-out. I had been so involved in the action, just as I imagine Shakespeare's audience would have been on seeing the play for the first time. I’d recommend you go and see it, but unfortunately it’s been and gone. So instead, I recommend that you go and see anything else that’s on at the New Vic. Hopefully, you’ll have an enjoyable evening. Maureen Cuell |
 The new season at the Film Theatre College Road Stoke is well underway. The full programme is pinned to the notice board in the computer room. On Friday & Saturday 222nd 23rd January Elizabeth is a recent release. “Brimming with royal intrigue, court conspiracies, violence, sex, treachery, bloodshed and even a touch of cross-dressing, ‘Elizabeth’ is a superior historical soap opera that shrewdly side-steps all the clichés of the British costume drama, “with its bold, often modern approach” (Variety). Also recommended - “Dancing at Lughnasa” (adaptation of award winning play by Brian Friel - Thurs 11th-Sat 13th Feb), “Buffalo 66” (Tuesday 16th Feb) and “Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas” (Another recent release featuring Johnny Depp - this is an hallucinogenic journey into the drug crazed mind of a sports reporter and his Samoan partner on an assignment in Las Vegas in the 70’s - Fri 26th & Sat 27th ). |
 Halle Concert of Music by Rossini, Rachmaninov and Brahms at the Victoria Hall, Hanley on 29th January 8pm (01782 207777)
Anthology
of the Beatles at The Royal, Hanley, Thursday 11th Feb (01782 207777)
QEII
also at The Royal, Hanley Friday 15th Feb
South
Pacific a production by the Porthill Players again at The Royal 15th - 20th Feb
Kenny
Ball and His Jazzmen at the New Victoria Theatre, Newcastle Under Lyme Thursday 11th Feb .8.00 pm (01782 717962)
Keele
Concerts
Academy of St Martin -In-The-Fields Chamber Ensemble - Monday 25th January 8.00pm Westminster Theatre Chancellor’s Building.
New
Perspectives with Norma Winstone - Monday 1st February Westminster Theatre Chancellor’s Building - George Gerswhin - A centenary celebration
Schidlof
Quartet Monday 8th February - same venue as above - Quartets by Wolf, Shostakovitch & Beethoven
Membership
of Keele Concerts Society & Booking Information - 01782 717058 |
 at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
All sorts - New display until Summer 2000 World
Signs Tania Mouraud - 9th January - 21st February - First major solo exhibition of the leading French Artist Tania Mouraud. World Signs will include a new work specifically for Stoke on Trent Clarice
& Contemporaries - 20th January - 21st February. This display commemorates the centenary of the birth of Clarice Cliff. Associated activities details from reception - 01782 232323
Romans
Galore -27th & 28th February. A spectacular Roman weekend back by popular demand for 7 ticketed sessions. Adults £2.50 Children £2.00 Tickets from reception 01782 232323 |
