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REVIEW: Not Dead Enough: Theatre Royal

In twenty-five years’ of theatregoing you tend to forget things. How many Hamlets have I seen? I’ve certainly seen two Hedda Gablers. Or was it a Hedda and a Miss Julie? Whatever happens I can’t imagine ever forgetting this production of Not Dead Enough. In its own way it was one of the most striking plays I’ve seen.

It starts off as a decent, sober-minded police procedural. A woman is brutally murdered and DS Roy Grace (Shane Richie) has to gather evidence and sift through clues aided by his pathologist girlfriend Cleo (Laura Whitmore). He’s also helped by Sgt Glenn Branson (Michael Quartey) who, although a police officer, seems to have been modelled on a Dr Who companion. He certainly gets a lot of stuff explained to him. The main suspect is the deceased’s husband Brian Bishop (Stephen Billington). The first act ended with my notebook bursting with unanswered questions and possible leads. The play skilfully sets up an intriguing mystery which I fully expected to be revealed in the second act.

What I was not expecting was an absurdly camp piece of Grand Guignol which makes a Tod Slaughter melodrama seem like Ken Loach. It takes the hoariest of murder-mystery twists – a twist I thought had been outlawed sometime in the mid ‘40s – and, outrageously, ramps it up by about 50%. Plus it has a villain who, in the midst of his monologuing, half-sings some of the dialogue in true demented nutter style as he reveals – in great detail – his dastardly plan. His motivation for said plan seems to have been borrowed from some long-forgotten Victorian gothic novel.

The villain is so shameless he actually says of his handcuffed victim that ‘she’s a bit tied up at the moment’. It was then I started to look round the auditorium to make sure the audience were seeing what I was seeing. I was beginning to fear it was all a glitch in the matrix. But, reassuringly, others were chuckling along at the sheer ridiculousness of it all.

At this point reviewing tradition dictates I should say something about the acting. But I’m too fixated on the question of whether this was intentionally some kind of comic deconstruction of the genre with a knowing postmodern nod at its most obvious tropes. But if it was then why play the first half straight?

OK, the acting: The cast do a sterling job. Richie is very good at portraying the everyman police officer who has no bizarre quirk and, refreshingly, isn’t a maverick. Whitmore manages to get the right balance between likeable love interest and calm professionalism. The villain is quite remarkable, astounding even, in his lip-smacking villainy.

As a collectors’ item this is worth a visit – it seems doubtful you’ll see anything quite like this at a theatre ever again. Unless, perhaps, you get a time machine.

Continues at the Theatre Royal, Brighton until Saturday 18.

For more details and tickets click here.

PREVIEW: Hundred Watt Club – Burlesque and Cabaret

Photo by Ayesha H
Photo by Ayesha H

An intimate night of vintage inspired, raucous entertainment!

Dust off your top hats and polish those stockings – Hundred Watt Club’s evening of burlesque and cabaret is back in town with another rip-roaring, gender-bending, tassel-twirling night of abandonment!

Starring the incredible ‘body of burlesque’, showgirl Bettsie Bon Bon and gin-addled drag clown Mr Joe Black. With tragic humour from shape-shifter Arran Shurvinton, neo-striptease from Hundred Watt Club ringmaster Lena Mae and eye-watering circus tricks from human pretzel, Twisted Nymph.

All held together by Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening, mischievous songbird Dawn Gracie.

Producer and performer Lena says: “I adore bringing Hundred Watt Club to Brighton, it’s always so much fun as the audiences are welcoming and wonderful. March’s show promises everything from the sublime to the downright ridiculous. Something for everyone!”

Harley Quinn & Joker: Photo by Scott Chalmers
Harley Quinn & Joker: Photo by Scott Chalmers

The Hundred Watt Club produces theatre shows, club nights and pop up shows featuring some of the best UK and international burlesque and cabaret artists. Founded in 2008 by Lena Mae, a Surrey based burlesque dancer, the first event in an intimate theatre was a sell out and the show continues to go from strength to strength with events across the country!

Admission is strictly over 18s. Not for the faint hearted, adult themes employed and embraced!


Event: Hundred Watt Club – Burlesque and Cabaret

Where: The Old Market, 11a Upper Market Street, Brighton

When: Friday, March 10

Time: 8pm

Cost: Tickets are £15(£12 concs)

To book tickets online, click here:

Or telephone: 01273 201 801

B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival: Valentines Tea Dance hosted by Maisie Trollette

Now in his 83rd year, David Raven aka Maisie Trollette will be hosting a Community Tea Dance at the Phil Starr Pavilion, tomorrow, February 14 for Valentines Day and to celebrate LGBT History Month.

Maisie will be joined by vocalist Gabriella Parrish and they both extend a welcome to everyone between noon-4.30pm to join them for tea, cakes and a little tipple at the licensed bar if they so wish.

The heated Phil Starr Pavilion is located in the heart of the Gay Village in New Steine Gardens.


LGBT History Month is an international month-long annual observance of LGBT+History and the opportunity to commemorate and remember the bravery of those who campaigned and spoke out over the years to help us achieve the freedoms and equality we enjoy today.

The PHIL STARR PAVILION, New Steine Gardens, Brighton, BN2 1PB has a fully functional stage, light and sound system with heating and licensed bar.

This ground breaking affiliation seeks to engage the city in the wide range of issues highlighted through the work of the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum, as well as partner/stakeholder work.


Event: Community Tea Dance hosted by Maisie Trollette with vocals from Gabriella Parrish

Where: Phil Starr Pavilion, New Steine Gardens, Brighton

When: Tuesday, February 14

Time: noon – 4.30pm

Cost: Free entry

The Phil Starr Pavilion
The Phil Starr Pavilion

FOOD & DRINK: Celebrate your Valentines at Camelford Arms

Spend a perfect candle lit evening with your loved one at the Camelford Arms on Tuesday, February 14.

The three course romantic Valentines Menu costs £25 per person, or book a table for two in advance (£50) and receive a free bottle of house wine with the compliments of the Camelford management.

Dinner will be served from noon – 11.30pm and walk-ins are welcome all day.

Treat yourself to one of their specially selected Valentine’s cocktails, costing just £10 for two.


Choose from:

STARTERS
Seared King Scallops served with creamed peas and prosciutto

Almond-crusted Goats served with cheese, peach and fig salad

MAIN
Chargrilled Fillet 8oz Steak served with creamy mushroom sauce, chips and salad

Grilled Fillet Of Sea Bass served with spring onion, sprouting broccoli and new potatoes

Aubergines filled with spinach and mushrooms served with roasted potatoes and vegetarian gravy

DESSERTS
Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Crème Brûlée

To make a reservation: 01273 622386

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