Reviews
Below are a selection of reviews from a few of the more recent BLODS productions - large and small.
‘Allo ‘Allo
The play 'Allo 'Allo! is based on the hugely successful British television series of the same name, which ran for seven seasons from 1982 to 1992. The play tells the story of René Artois, a hapless café owner in occupied France during World War II.
René is forced to juggle the demands of his German occupiers, the French Resistance, and his own personal life, all while trying to keep his café running.
Deathtrap
The play "Deathtrap" is a black comedy thriller by Ira Levin. It was first performed in 1978 and has since become one of the most popular and enduring plays of its genre.
The play tells the story of Sidney Bruhl, a successful playwright who is struggling to write his next hit play. He is visited by his former student, Clifford Anderson, who shows him a suspenseful thriller that he has written. Sidney is impressed by the play and offers to help Clifford get it produced. However, Sidney soon realizes that Clifford's play is too similar to his own work. He begins to fear that Clifford is planning to steal his ideas.
School Of Rock
The musical School of Rock is based on the 2003 film of the same name. It tells the story of Dewey Finn, a struggling rock musician who is kicked out of his band. Dewey then poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school, where he discovers that his students are talented musicians. He decides to form a rock band with them and enter them into the Battle of the Bands, but he has to keep their extracurricular activities a secret from the school's uptight principal, Rosalie Mullins.
Along the way, Dewey teaches his students about rock and roll, self-expression, and following their dreams. He also learns a thing or two about himself and the importance of family and friendship.
The Wedding Singer
The Wedding Singer is a musical based on the 1998 Adam Sandler film of the same name. The show is set in 1985 and follows the story of Robbie Hart, a wedding singer who is left at the altar by his fiancée. Robbie becomes disillusioned with love and starts to ruin weddings with his cynical singing.
One day, Robbie meets Julia Sullivan, a beautiful waitress who is engaged to Glen Guglia, a wealthy Wall Street broker. Robbie and Julia fall in love, but their relationship is complicated by the fact that Julia is already engaged.
Robbie tries to win Julia's heart, but he is constantly thwarted by Glen and his henchmen. In the end, Robbie and Julia overcome all obstacles and get married in a big, over-the-top wedding.
Are You Being Served?
The play "Are You Being Served?" is a stage adaptation of the classic British sitcom of the same name. The play is set in the Grace Brothers department store, and follows the misadventures of the staff of the women's and men's departments.
The play begins with the staff preparing for a sale of German goods. However, their plans are interrupted when they are told that they are being sent on a staff holiday to a one-star hotel in Spain, while the store is refurbished.
Elf
Elf the Musical is a stage adaptation of the popular 2003 film of the same name. The musical tells the story of Buddy, a young orphan who accidentally crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. Buddy is raised by the elves, unaware that he is actually human.
Years later, Buddy learns the truth about his origins and decides to travel to New York City to find his biological father. Along the way, Buddy meets a variety of characters, including his half-brother, Michael, and his love interest, Jovie. Buddy also tries to spread the Christmas spirit to the cynical New Yorkers.
Shrek The Musical
Shrek the Musical is a musical based on the 2001 DreamWorks Animation film of the same name. The musical tells the story of Shrek, a grumpy ogre who lives alone in a swamp. Shrek's life is turned upside down when Lord Farquaad, the evil ruler of the neighboring kingdom of Duloc, banishes all fairy tale creatures to Shrek's swamp.
Shrek makes a deal with Farquaad to rescue Princess Fiona, who is being held captive in a tower guarded by a fire-breathing dragon, in exchange for getting his swamp back. Shrek sets off on his quest with the help of Donkey, a wisecracking talking donkey.
Along the way, Shrek and Donkey encounter a number of fairy tale creatures, including Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man, and the Three Little Pigs. Shrek also learns more about Princess Fiona and her secret.
‘CCTV’ & ‘Wilfred Slept Here’
The play CCTV is a dark comedy written by British playwright Sarah Kane. It was first performed in 1996 at the Royal Court Theatre in London. The play is set in a CCTV control room, where three operators, Ben, Bob, and Clare, monitor the lives of ordinary people through CCTV cameras.
The play Wilfred Slept Here by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall is a comedy about a group of people who are drawn together by their admiration for the poet Wilfred Owen. The play is set in the 1960s, and follows the story of a group of young people who are planning a production of Owen's poetry.
Jekyll & Hyde
Jekyll & Hyde is a gripping musical that delves into the complex and dark psychological transformation of Dr. Henry Jekyll. Set in Victorian London, the story follows the brilliant yet tormented scientist as he embarks on a dangerous experiment to separate the good and evil within human nature.
Dr. Jekyll, motivated by his desire to eliminate the evil that plagues mankind, formulates a potion that brings out an alter ego, Edward Hyde. Through this drastic experiment, he hopes to prove that goodness can triumph over darkness. However, as the potion takes effect, Hyde emerges as a vile and ruthless embodiment of Jekyll's inner demons.
The Addams Family
The Addams Family musical is a darkly comedic musical comedy with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. It is based on the characters created by Charles Addams.
The musical tells the story of Wednesday Addams, the eldest daughter of the Addams family, who has fallen in love with a "normal" boy named Lucas Beineke. Wednesday invites Lucas and his family to dinner at the Addams mansion, and the two families clash over their different values and lifestyles.
The Addams family is a close-knit and loving family, but they are also quite eccentric. They enjoy all things dark and macabre, and they are not afraid to be different. The Beinekes, on the other hand, are a more traditional family. They are uptight and conservative, and they are horrified by the Addams family's strange behavior.