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Neverland Comes To Colchester! Accessibility Review Of ‘The New Adventure’s Of Peter Pan’

/ thevicritic / 1 Comment

Hi everyone! The festive season is upon us, and you know what that means—it’s Panto Season!

I was thrilled to be invited to The Mercury Theatre to see their latest production, The New Adventures of Peter Pan, directed by and starring the incomparable Anthony Stuart-Hicks. This is a show brimming with laughter, joy, and plenty of heart, making it the perfect family outing this Christmas.

The story picks up after the original Peter Pan tale, but peace doesn’t last long. Captain Hook, burped back up by the crocodile, is out for revenge! The chaos and comedy that follow are nothing short of spectacular.

From the very beginning, the stage bursts with vibrant colour and energy. The set design, the most elaborate The Mercury Theatre has ever created, is a visual feast. Bright, bold hues and dramatic lighting make every moment pop. For those with some sight, the clever contrast between costumes and backgrounds ensures key characters like Peter Pan, Wendy, and Captain Hook are easy to spot. It’s a thoughtful touch that highlights the production’s commitment to accessibility.

The cast is phenomenal. Alexandra Barredo as Wendy and Sasha Latoya as Tinkerbell deliver outstanding vocal performances that will leave you in awe. Jazz Evans as Captain Hook is a delightfully evil presence, clearly relishing every moment on stage. His charisma adds depth and charm to the role, making him a memorable villain.

The image depicts an individual dressed in an elaborate pirate costume, complete with a large black, wide-brimmed hat adorned with golden epaulettes and a red, ornate jacket. They are holding a silver hook in place of a hand, suggesting they are portraying a character like Captain Hook. The background is filled with dramatic red lighting and various signs, creating an intense and adventurous atmosphere. The intricate details of the costume, such as the lace cuffs and the sash around the waist, add richness to the scene, indicating a possible theatrical performance or themed event.

Of course, no Mercury Theatre panto would be complete without Anthony Stuart-Hicks and Dale Superville, playing Sherry Smee and Smee, respectively. These two are comedic geniuses, effortlessly bringing the audience to tears of laughter. Whether it’s your first panto or your fiftieth, they make you feel at home, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Their chemistry and humor are the beating heart of this show, and they’re a big reason why audiences return year after year. I strongly believe that the one year they are not there and the theatre brings someone else in, it will not be the same. I, for one, will be completely gutted when that happens because they are truly beloved by me and the whole of Colchester and Essex!

The image depicts a vibrant, colorful stage scene from a circus or amusement-themed performance titled 'Neverland Amusements.' In the center, under a bright purple and pink sign, stand two performers dressed in elaborate, whimsical costumes. The performer on the left, possibly female, wears a yellow, red, and green striped outfit with a puffy skirt, while the performer on the right, possibly male, is in a multicolored outfit with blue pants. They are surrounded by a variety of props, including a decorated cart filled with playful objects. The background is adorned with bright lights, creating an atmosphere of excitement and wonder.
This image depicts a vibrant stage performance with a fantastical theme. Centered on the stage, a group of performers, including men and women dressed in elaborate costumes with floral and nature-inspired designs, are frozen in a celebratory pose with their arms raised. The background features a dramatic and colorful scenery of an enchanted forest, illuminated with bright, shimmering lights resembling stars, and a radiant burst of light or fireworks at the top center, adding a magical atmosphere. The mood conveyed is joyous and festive, enhanced by the rich colors and dynamic arrangement of the performers.

Accessibility Recommendations:

If you have some useful sight, aim for Row E or closer for a great view of the action. For limited vision, rows A-C offer a closer perspective, but be prepared—you might find yourself part of the show, especially if Sherry Smee is nearby!

For blind or visually impaired patrons, there are two Audio Described performances: on 7th December at 2 pm and 18th January at 7 pm. These include a Touch Tour before the show, allowing you to explore the set, costumes, and props hands-on. The Mercury Theatre’s dedication to accessibility is clear, and these features make the magic of panto truly inclusive.

Running from 23rd November 2024 to 19th January 2025, The New Adventures of Peter Pan is a laugh-out-loud adventure filled with festive cheer. Whether you’re young or young at heart, it’s a magical experience not to be missed. Tickets can be purchased along with more information about the accessibility performances can be found here on The Mercury Theatre website!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Until next time,
The VI Critic

Sherry Smee & Smee (Anthony-Stuart-Hicks & Dale Superville) Play Some Crazy Golf!

Accessibility Review Of ‘My Mother’s Funeral: The Show

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Hi everyone, and welcome back to another review! At the time of writing this, I’ve also released another review called Art, which is well worth checking out after you finish reading this one. I’ll link it here.

This time, I went to see My Mother’s Funeral: The Show, an original production from the Mercury Theatre. Having just come from the Edinburgh Fringe, I had high hopes, and let me tell you—it didn’t disappoint!

My Mother’s Funeral tells the story of Abigail, as she and her family come to terms with the sudden death of their mother in hospital. With very little money, Abigail has to juggle organising the funeral while trying to make a living as a young playwright. The story tackles sensitive topics like grief and loss of a loved one, which might hit close to home for some viewers. It’s a brave subject to explore, but the show handles it beautifully.

The limited space of the studio was used expertly! For most of the show, the set consisted only of lighting and sound, with a microphone at times on a hexagon shaped-like stage. Thanks to the talented cast and brilliant direction, a fancy set wasn’t needed. The final scene’s setting only added to the brilliance of everything that preceded it, enhancing the emotional depth. The intimate nature of the small space, with the front row as part of the stage setting, made the experience feel personal and engaging. I loved this aspect! You feel directly connected to the characters as they look at you during moments of joy or pain.

The image shows a person dressed in orange overalls standing on a stage with a black background, giving the impression of a theatrical performance or rehearsal. The individual is holding their right hand up, possibly adjusting their hair, as their left hand is clenched into a fist at chest level. The backdrop is dark, with minimal visible details, enhancing the focus on the person. Some red seats can be seen in the lower right corner, suggesting it might be a theater or auditorium setting. The lighting is directed towards the person, creating a spotlight effect, and there is a sense of concentration and intent in the posture and stance.
Photo Credit: Nicole Young

Being so up close and personal with the actors allows you to see everything in great detail. As someone with sight loss but still some useful vision, I found this particularly helpful. The lighting is used effectively to reflect characters’ emotions, sometimes casting the stage in very dark or very bright tones. However, this is primarily a dialogue-driven show with few physical elements to miss. Because the space is mostly dark unless lit by stage lighting, it can be challenging to distinguish characters, costumes, or props. I’d recommend getting a front-row seat in Row B at a minimum for the best view.

Row A is arranged in a catwalk-like seating format, with a few seats reserved for the actors during scenes when they’re not performing. While there is no audience participation, being so close to the action may appeal to some, but it’s optional when buying tickets.

The image depicts an indoor scene with two individuals. A male figure stands in the background, wearing a dark blue jacket, with his hands in his pockets. He stands in a relaxed posture, looking towards the foreground. In the foreground, there is a female figure seen from the back. She has dark hair, which is tied back with a large bow accessory, and is wearing an orange sleeveless top. The scene appears to be dimly lit, suggesting an intimate or dramatic setting, possibly in a theater or a similar performance space. The overall mood seems contemplative and focused, indicating a moment of interaction or confrontation between the two characters. The background is dark, with indistinct details, but it reveals hints of red seats, further reinforcing the impression of a theater environment.
Photo Credit: Nicole Young

Unfortunately, this production does not offer any accessible performances or touch tours, which is something I would’ve liked to see as an option. If you have little to no vision, you can still enjoy this show comfortably since it is largely dialogue-based. However, a touch tour could be beneficial for those who might appreciate a chance to experience the physical props and scenery before the show. I hope the Mercury Theatre considers adding this in future productions.

Overall, My Mother’s Funeral is a fantastic show that takes you on an emotional journey in just one night. I highly recommend it. With tickets ranging from as low as £4 to £16, it’s an affordable and enriching night at the theatre. The show runs only on the 20th and 21st of September 2024 at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester, so hurry and grab your tickets while you can! I’ll leave a link to the tickets and the theatre’s website here.

Until Next Time,
The VI Critic

Trailer:

Accessibility Theatre Review Of ‘BindWeed’ At Colchester’s Mercury Theatre

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I had the privilege of attending the production of “BindWeed” at The Mercury Theatre in Colchester, and I must say, it was a profoundly moving experience that left a lasting impression on me. The show tackles the harsh realities of domestic abuse, shedding light on the experiences of both men and women, and does so with an intensity and sensitivity that is both rare and commendable.

From the moment the play began, the acting by the entire cast was on a whole other level. Each actor brought their character to life with such depth and authenticity that you couldn’t help but feel their emotions. The pain, fear, hope, and strength of the characters were palpable, and the interactions between them were charged with raw emotion. This level of performance drew the audience into the story in a way that was both immersive and impactful.

One of the standout elements of “BindWeed” is its exploration of the session leader’s background. Her history as a former police officer with the Met Police added layers of complexity to her character. This deep dive into her past provided a nuanced perspective on her motivations and the challenges she faces, both professionally and personally. It was a brilliant narrative choice that enriched the overall storytelling and provided valuable insight into the broader context of domestic abuse support work.

The studio setting at The Mercury Theatre offered a simple yet intimate atmosphere that was perfectly suited to the show’s themes. The minimalist approach allowed the focus to remain squarely on the characters and their stories. The lighting design was equally effective, with its simplicity enhancing the mood of each scene. The darker lighting in certain scenes heightened the tension and underscored the gravity of the situations being depicted.

The image depicts a dramatic scene, from a theatrical performance. - The scene takes place in a dark room with a circular stage at the center. - Overhead, there are various objects such as chairs and props suspended, contributing to a cluttered and intense atmosphere. - The lighting is focused intensely on the person standing at the center of the stage, creating a spotlight effect. - Additional lights are pointed towards the stage, enhancing the dramatic effect and ensuring the audience focuses on the central figure. 3. **People**: - There are a total of six individuals present. - One person is prominently standing in the middle of the stage, appearing to be the central character.
Photo: Will Green

In terms of accessibility, the auditory elements of the performance were particularly significant. The dialogue was clear and well-articulated, ensuring that the story could be followed without visual cues. The emotional weight carried by the actors’ voices conveyed the necessary context and depth, allowing all audience members to fully engage with the narrative.

“BindWeed” is more than just a play; it’s an important piece of theatre that shines a light on an often-hidden issue. The Mercury Theatre’s production does justice to this difficult subject matter through exceptional performances, thoughtful storytelling, and a production design that prioritises the emotional journey of its audience.

If you have the opportunity to see “BindWeed,” I highly recommend it. It’s a powerful, intimate exploration of domestic abuse that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the issue and the people it affects. This is theatre at its most compelling and transformative.

This show is very much for all, so as a result is massively accessible. Even though there are no accessible performances for this show, which is of course a little disappointing. I feel as if you don’t really miss out on a whole lot without Audio Description as the cast do such an amazing job! But I wouldn’t be me, If I didn’t say it would have added more to make the show even more accessible.

I thoroughly enjoyed ‘BindWeed’ it is by far the best show I have seen so far this year within the local theatre circle. Tickets are quickly running out, but if you can get a ticket for this show I can highly recommend it! Everyone from cast, crew and all backstage did an amazing job!

‘BlindWeed’ is running at The Mercury Theatre in Colchester until 22nd June 2024! For more information please do check out The Mercury Theatre website by clicking here!

Content Warnings For This Show Are: This performance contains swearing, violence, blood, misogynistic conversation, reference to domestic abuse, coercive control, rape and sexual assault, reference to murder and suicide, and references to children obtaining and sharing pornography.

Until Next Time,

The VI Critic

The image appears to be a poster or cover for a written work titled 'BINDWEED' by Martha Loader. The background of the image shows a room with several empty chairs arranged in a circle. The room is old and somewhat dilapidated, with greenery and weeds growing on the floor, suggesting a sense of abandonment or neglect. The sunlight is streaming through the windows, adding a contrasting element of light to the otherwise gloomy scene. The title 'BINDWEED' is prominently displayed in large, bold letters across the center, while the author's name, Martha Loader, is written below it in a slightly smaller font. Overall, the mood of the image conveys a sense of mystery or intrigue, possibly hinting at themes of abandonment, nature reclaiming space, or group meetings in a forgotten place.

Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Importance Of Being Earnest’

/ thevicritic / 1 Comment

Hello everyone, and welcome to the first theatre review of the year 2024! It’s great to see another year of theatre performances starting. To kick things off, I recently watched ‘The Importance Of Being Earnest’ at The Mercury Theatre in Colchester.

I was excited to see this play as it is based on a popular book with a worldwide reputation. The plot revolves around two men, one of whom lives a double life under a different identity. This leads to a complicated love triangle between the characters.

I first need to say that the cast in this show was amazing and had a real passion for the material. It was also really clear from the show that the direction and style of the show wanted to stay very true to the original text, which I preferred. 

The use of simple settings and staging, along with effective contrast, helped to make it very clear to distinguish between each character. They all had a unique sense of fashion and style that added to their individuality. The great use of colour was visually pleasing and added to the overall experience. Each character had a distinct way of speaking, making it easy to understand who was talking to whom and who was on stage at any given time.

The image depicts a whimsical, theatrical scene. There is a woman standing on the left, dressed in a floral dress with her hair up, looking upwards. She is next to a small round table with a pink cloth and two red chairs. In the center, there is a large, ornate fireplace with a pile of red and white roses spilling out from it. Above the fireplace hangs a large, round, dark mirror with a pink frame. On the right, a man in a pink suit with a blue bow tie leans on a high counter, looking towards the woman. The backdrop is a lush wall of greenery and flowers, and there are three birds suspended in the air as if in mid-flight. The floor has a checkered pattern in light blue and white.

The lighting used in the show was simple yet effective in illuminating the entire performance. I appreciated this as there was not a single moment where I had difficulty seeing what was happening on stage. The only instances of darkness were at the beginning and end of each act, which did not cause any significant problems.

I have always struggled with the different types of language used in some plays for example Shakespeare’s plays, and there was a few elements in this play too. However, the comedy throughout the whole show fully made up for this. 

The image shows a man standing in a room with a playful and confident expression. He is holding a red book in his left hand and resting his right hand on the back of a white, ornate sofa. He is dressed in a colorful outfit: a teal robe with a floral pattern, a maroon sweater, pink pants, and a brown belt. Behind him is a bookshelf filled with neatly arranged books in various bright colors. The room has a light blue wall and a grayish-blue floor.

The story itself I had never done at school so was not aware of this play or book before seeing this show. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this production from start to finish. The story was engaging and compelling, and the cast did nothing but add to this. It had everything you could want. A love triangle, death, comedy, betrayal, secrets. It has it all. It was great to see a predominantly female cast apart from the two male leads which I don’t see very often it was great to see and something which should happen more.

I think in terms of accessibility then, if you have some useful version. You will love the great use of lighting, scenery and colour. Along with amazing costumes. If you would like an up-close look at this, then I would recommend sitting in the centre of row D which is pictured below. If you limited to no vision. You will still get a great deal out of this show. There are of course some visual elements you will miss but there is an audio-described performance available along with a Touch Tour, to get even more up close and personal with the cast and set of this outstanding show. 

The image shows a stage set designed to look like an elegant room. The room has a pastel color scheme with light blue and white checkered flooring. The walls are adorned with white paneling and decorative moldings, and the backdrop features a painted sky with fluffy clouds. On the left side of the stage, there is a white bookshelf filled with colorful books. In the center of the room, there is a classic white sofa with ornate detailing. To the right, there is a small round table covered with a pink cloth, upon which rests a lamp with a fringed shade, and a single chair that matches the sofa's design. Above the table, on the wall, is an oval-shaped mirror with a pink frame. There are two wall sconces emitting a warm light on either side of the mirror. The overall atmosphere of the set is whimsical and charming, reminiscent of a fairytale interior.

You really would not go far wrong in getting a ticket for this outstanding show. This has been put together brilliantly in the only way The Mercury Theatre can. If it can go on tour I really think it should. Let the rest of the country get to see how good this first-class show is! 

‘The Importance Of Earnest’ is running at The Mercury Theatre in Colchester from 7th – 16th March 2024. Go and get your tickets by clicking the link here!

Until Next Time,

The VI Critic  

The image is a promotional poster for a play. It features a person dressed in a pink suit with a large pink rose for a head. The person is holding a teacup close to where their mouth would be. The background is olive green with ornate gold designs on the corners and sides. The title "THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST" is prominently displayed in large white letters, with "by OSCAR WILDE" and "directed by RYAN McBRIDE" in smaller text below.

A Trailer Of The Show In Animation:

A Interview With Director Ryan McBryde: