        
Here are reviews/previews for Handsworth & Hallam's shows that have appeared in the media Half A Sixpence Review - The Sheffield Telegraph - 24th June 2011 by Bernard Lee Based on HG Wells' Kipps and written as a vehicle for the song and dance talents of Tommy Steele in 1963, this was hardly a great musical then and time hasn't caused it to mature into one. David Heneker's generally lively music and light-fingered tunes might not pull any trees up but is often characterful, the 'knees up' number that is Flash, Bang, Wallop! for instance. Heneker also wrote his own lyrics, although Handsworth and Hallam Theatre Company's splendid staging in a 'new version by Warner Brown' contains nine numbers in which he is the lyricist. The lively production skilfully directed by Dee Clarkson with Claire Harriott's choreographed big set pieces coming off extremely well, has occasional ear-cringing moments resulting from over-amplification. Beyond aural redemption is the amplified piano in a hidden sextet of six musicians, the other five been more or less indiscernible. It sounds like an ill-tuned upright accompanying a silent film. Never remotely calling to mind the role’s creator, Mark Holmes is a credible Kipps in every respect encompassing the many demands put on him, while an empathy with the spunky performance of Ann by Helen Holmes is explained by the fact they are husband and wife. Mark Harris is a particularly oily Walsingham, Steve Mather a suitably hammy Chitterlow and there are excellent performances from the younger talents of Emma Townend, Gina Townend, Danni Birks, Louise Walker, John Crowther, Josh Holliday and Adam R Walker. But HHTC needs to do something about its 'sound design'. Half A Sixpence Review - The Sheffield Star - 23rd June 2011 by Stephen Grigg Handsworth and Hallam Theatre Company's version of this classic musical is a sweet-natured affair. Arthur Kipps goes from rags to riches and back again to prove the old adage, that money can't buy you happiness. Or love for that matter. Mark Holmes as Kipps puts his heart and soul into his performance. He is on stage practically 99 percent of the time and barely gets a chance to catch his breath. The best tune he thumps out is Flash, Bang, Wallop! (Stick it in the family album) helped by the rest of his wedding party, dressed in terrific period costume. Their dancing is choreographed by Claire Harriott. Mark shares an easy chemistry with working class love interest Ann, played by real life wife, Helen Holmes. A class divide and a mother in law from hell puts paid to his romance with Helen Walsingham, played by Emma Townend however. Steve Mather lights up the stage as Chitterlow, the bonkers thespian who helps Kipps on his way to ill fortune. Mark Harris is enjoyably despicable as snooty Young Walsingham who swindles Kipps. The shop girls have a hand in one of many comic set pieces. As Kipps is, for once, giving miserable boss, Shalford, a dressing down, they cover their faces in synchronised and mouthed shock-horror. The Company are to be commended for the stage construction. The backdrops showing Kipps's drapery shop and the "Crystal Palace" were tremendous. The live sextet of musicians adding impact to the songs. Half A Sixpence Preview - The Sheffield Telegraph - 10th June 2011 Half A Sixpence Preview - The Sheffield Star - 7th June 2011 Cinderella Review - The Sheffield Star - 20th January 2011 by Stephen Grigg Handsworth & Hallam Theatre Company has produced a thoroughly enjoyable version of this ever popular tale. Our eponymous heroine is at the beck and call of her ghastly stepsisters. However soon a trendy Fairy Godmother, complete with mobile phone and 80's legwarmers, unites with lovable Buttons. A bit of magic ensures "She shall go to the ball". It's a real ensemble performance with every player fizzing with enthusiasm. The dancers aged from about 3 to 50 smile brightly and glide about the stage, singing and dancing. Mark Holmes and Adam L Walker are wonderfully over the top as the ugly sisters. Katie Mather and Sally Brown gel well as Cinderella and Prince Charming and both have terrific voices. Gareth Carson keeps the audience vocal with his lovesick Buttons. Almost stealing the show is the excellent and sorely underused Alex Fergusson as Dot the Fairy Godmother (as in .com geddit?). The sartorial elegance prize goes to the ugly sisters for a series of fabulously hideous outfits. (Sorry Cinders). There are plenty of laughs here. Grabbit and Snatchit use a google map to find Hardup Hall. Also there are the inevitable innuendos, which will go over children's heads. "The princes ball's get bigger each year." The seldom, praised lighting crew have a blast too. When the ugly sisters are hatching a plan to stop Cinderella be with Prince Charming, their evil nature is clear as the stage is bathed in a red hue. New publicity officer David Bradley is a good sport as he gets mercilessly picked on by The Ugly Sisters. |