Theatre
‘ Review of the Year
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For a good three years before its first shows opened in February of this year, the possible merits and demerits of the NTS, were hotly debated.
I Given all the possible pitfalls, chy Featherstone has steered a skilful course between the many obstacles she faced, and the new body is to be congratulated At the end of a year in which we saw such triumphs as Black Watch, Roam (pictured), Realism and Tutti Frutti only a curmudgeon would begrudge them an accolade, for their successes far outweigh their failings. But it isn’t just the shows that have been showcased - some of the acting talent Scotland has been rich in, as well, has been given a big stage to work on. Aside from those mentioned in our Top 100 in the features section, actors like Andrew Clark, John Kazek and Samantha Young, to name but three, have found new and auspicious stages on which to display their abundant talents. I Elsewhere. as well, it's been a good year. At the Arches. the Autumn season boasted the marvellous Spend a Penny. a tight and amazingly compelling series of monologues performed in a public bog, while over at the Citz. Tom Fool, which featured stunning performances and a play that, perhaps because of its politicality. created an electrifying effect that British audiences are seldom exposed to. These two alone will guarantee that the NTS won't have it all their way at award time. But there are a couple of theatrical memories that will haunt me long after others in a strong year have faded. One, from visitors to these shores, New York company TEAM, whose Particularly in the Heartland seemed to point the way for future political theatre. was an experience never to forgotten. Also, a National Theatre project. working, but this time on the same small budget as TEAM. Home East Lothian from Catherine Wheels might course through the mind many years hence. One hopes for another year like 2006.
98 THE LIST 14 Der; 2006 A Jan 200/
ALADDIN King's Theatre, Glasgow 0000
The pitch Rather more the story of Wishee Washee. a redundant shepherd trying to break into his mother's laundry business. than of his brother Aladdin who falls foul of the Wicked Abana/ar after failing to get a magical lamp out of a cave. Amid flying carpets. time bends and appearances by a virtual l-{laine C Smith later, it all ends With three weddings and an incarct-zration. Not forgetting community singing. sweet throwrng and dancing girls. of course. The verdict With god like panto genius Gerard Kelly tWIsting his ankles. raising his eyebrows and generally sweeping the audience off its feet. nothing can go wrong. Nor is it likely to With such strong support all round. notably from f r'ic Potts as a down and dirty dame. Julie Wilson Nimmo as a chattering So Shy and Steven McNicoll and Gavin Mitchell as a knockabout double act. lhey're easily good enough for you to forgive the dated references to the Teletubbies. the f-)r(x2laimers and lynne Truss. lMark fisher)
WULLIE WHITTINGTON Tron Theatre, Glasgow 0000
The pitch Young Wullie Whittington is ready to take the leap from being last year's understudy to this year's romantic lead in the self referential world of the l’antosphere. l-lis chief obstacle is that his singing's as flat as a pancake and it looks as if his second cousin twice removed. Dick Whittington ~~ a genuine l’rrncipal Boy — Will return to claim top pri/e as chief champion chanter in the
XY Factor. Disillusionment and dirty tricks follow before our banished hero returns to save the day.
The verdict for the freshest plots. silliest gags and most tireless of ensembles. you really can't beat the lron's briou seasonal offerings. Even Without arch-ironrst Forbes Masson on board. this year's panto by (Bordon Dougall and l-‘letcher Mathers is a postmodern treat that lays bare the “facts of panto life‘. exposing the 'dangers of having cziSual duets'. and still delivers the full quota of hissing and booing. lMark Fisherf
JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH
Citizens‘ Theatre, Glasgow no
The pitch When the parents of James Henry Trotter get killed by a rampaging rhino on Edinburgh's Princes Street. the b0y is forced to move in with his ghastly Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker. After two years as their slave. he meets a mysterious stranger who gives him a
Aladdin
bag of magic glowing worms. Accidentally spilling them, he makes his fruitless tree produce an enormous peach which. wrth its contingent of outsize insects. turns into an escape route to New York City.
The verdict Jeremy Raison's production is bright and colourful, with a host of cheerful performances. but Roald Dahl‘s story lacks the forward momentum to make compelling drama. Once free of the tyranny of his aunts. Paul J Corrigan's James has no further goal to achieve ~ just a few navrgational hitches to sort out. As a result. David Wood's adaptation frequently drifts aimlessly. little helped by Hilary Brooks' dreary songs. It looks great. however. on Jason Setithgate's set and the young audience enjoys the ride.
(Mark Fisher)
PINOCCHIO
Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, until Sat 30 Dec 000
The Pitch Total ASBO case Pinocchio (Jariies-Anthony Pearson) is a