January 2010 Archives

I spent the morning at the Echo arena showing why I write and the Holiday on Ice skaters...skate.
Following my turn on the rink with Kyran Bracken and the patient, kind cast of the Spirit show, I have a new-found admiration for Dr Hilary Jones and Todd Carty.

Has anyone caught up with the Aubrey Williams exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery yet?
If not then I'd really recommend that you do - it's not huge but the works are full of lusciously vibrant colours and interesting subjects.

Bill Kenwright's new touring version of Whistle Down the Wind (the musical) opened at the Empire this week and I popped along to review it last night.
I'd meant to re-watch the classic Hayley Mills/Alan Bates film before I went, but I was pleased that I hadn't in the end because it may have confused the issue.

People are being given a chance to see what goes on "backstage" at Lipa next week.
For the first time in eight years, the institute is making its annual showcase of artist-inspired interactive set designs and 3D installations open to the public.

Young performers are being sought to take part in Oliver! at Southport Theatre this spring.
Auditions take place for the show next Sunday, January 31 at the Adelphi hotel in Liverpool.

It may have lost out in the TV rating battle to ITV rival X Factor, but Strictly Come Dancing is certainly still a draw if the size of the crowd at the Echo arena last night was anything to go by.
There must have been around 6-7,000 people in there to see 2009 champ Chris Hollins, Wallasey rugby imp Austin Healey and their celeb cohorts put through their paces.

So Phill Jupitus will be stepping into Edna Turnblad's shoes (and fat suit) when Hairspray arrives in Liverpool in August.
It was likely to be either the Buzzcocks team captain, currently doing duty in the West End production of Hairspray, or Brian Conley who is also deputising for Michael Ball at some venues on tour.
Still, it's also great news that our own Les Dennis is set to appear alongside all three as Edna's loveable but crazy hubby Wilbur.
He told me at Christmas that he was in talks with Michael Ball about a possible role in the show, and now it's official. It will also be Les's third visit to the Empire this year as he's also in High School Musical 2 which is in town from February 1 for a week.

Some may think he looks far too angelic and baby-faced to play a dangerous fugitive, but that's just what Jonathan Ansell will be doing when he arrives at the Empire next week.
The former G4 singer is taking on the role played by Alan Bates in the 1961 film, but this time in a full-blown musical version penned by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

He's been involved in a few fund-raising theatrical evenings over the years, but Leslie Lawton hasn't directed a show proper in three decades.
That is about to change when the Ray Cooney classic Funny Money opens at the Royal Court this month.

THE organisers of a new one act play festival for Liverpool are calling for actors and crew to help make it a success.
Write Now will feature eight one act plays and two rehearsed readings at Liverpool's Actors' Studio between Friday March 26 and Saturday April 3.