STRAWBERRY JACK

The latest play by Joe O'Byrne

Seen at The Robert Powell Theatre, University Of Salford Campus saturday 10th December 2011

How does he keep doing it?

 I ask myself this question every time I have the great pleasure to witness the birth of yet another classic piece of theatre from the mighty Joe O’Byrne. The Bolton-based writer/director/actor unleashed his latest creation, ‘Strawberry Jack’ this week, and delivered yet another 5 star effort.

We should be used to this by now.  Consistency is this man’s middle name, and work of this quality will surely find a bigger audience soon. ‘Strawberry Jack’ is the latest instalment in O’Byrne’s series of plays located on the fictional northern England estate of Paradise Heights. You don’t have to have seen the previous works; ‘Rank’, ‘The Bench’, or ‘ I’m Frank Morgan’, but if you’re one of the lucky ones who have, then  ‘Strawberry Jack’ will reward you on so many  levels.

This is the story of disfigured doorman Jack Grundy (who sports a half face of angry red; the result of a horrific childhood accident that has scarred him inside and out). Jack, as played by the always superb Ian Curley, is a character that any actor worth his salt would kill to play. A brooding, guilt-wracked, cornered beast of a man who elicits our sympathy and fear in equal measures. Multi-faceted and Shakespearean in tone. Jack has a secret, which can only lead to tragedy, and O’Byrne’s build-up to Jack’s awful fate takes us through every emotion going. Gorgeously atmospheric music from Ruth Parfitt and the enigmatically-named  ‘Tangled Man’ adds enormously to the play’s impact. There’s even a theme song, the haunting ‘Gemini Man’, co-written by O’Byrne and performed in a spine-tingling erotic fashion by the wonderful Stella Grundy.

Jack and fellow doorman ‘Deaf Freddie’ (the remarkable David Edward-Robertson) work at The Ace Of Spades, a notorious nightclub owned by legendary gangster Frank Morgan (unseen here, but check out his previous appearances in ‘I’m Frank Morgan’ and O’Byrne’s superb short film ‘The Watcher’).  Curley and Robertson make a delicious double act, swapping razor sharp bitchy remarks that serve to mask a deep underlying respect that will be sorely tested. Junior doorman Dave (a dynamic  Matthew Ganley)and his scummy little girlfriend (a delightful Jo Kirkham) represent the drug-fuelled, cold-hearted new generation willing to sacrifice anybody for a few quid. Alice Brockway as Mandy opens proceedings with a gut-wrenching monologue concerning her ordeal at the hands of a local psycho, and impresses throughout as the only woman to get under Jack’s skin. A touching and humorous scene inside a derelict church sees Jack encounter an angel (Jo Kirkham again), which contrasts nicely with a later scene involving a demonic crime boss (O’Byrne) who gets his just desserts. O’Byrne also plays Jack’s ailing Uncle Mel, who provides a good few lighter moments in the play, before writer O’Byrne pulls the rug out from under us.

‘Strawberry Jack’ has more twists and turns than Tarantino, a good deal more originality than any Guy Ritchie geezer-fest, and comes straight from the heart. O’Byrne’s aim is true, and if you’re fortunate to be in the line of fire, then whatever you do, don’t duck; stand rock steady and take everything he offers. Give him and his incredible cast and crew your undivided attention.

Next up from Paradise Heights is ‘Torch’. Kill for a ticket.

Review originally written for http://www.thepublicreviews.com/

James Bond is back in 'SKYFALL'

EON Productions have just released the following information on the new Bond film. I'm excited!!

Official SKYFALL Announcement

3rd November 2011

Press Release
Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli today presented the cast of the 23rd James Bond adventure, entitled SKYFALL. The film, from Albert R. Broccoli's Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is directed by Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his third film as James Bond 007. The screenplay is written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan. SKYFALL, which goes into production on Monday, November 7th, will begin its worldwide roll-out in the UK and Ireland on October 26th 2012 and in North America on November 9th 2012.

Joining Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli and Director Sam Mendes were members of the cast of SKYFALL, including: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Dame Judi Dench, Naomie Harris and Berenice Marlohe. The filmmakers also announced Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney and Ben Whishaw.

In SKYFALL, Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

"We're so delighted to have Sam Mendes direct SKYFALL and be working once again with Daniel Craig. We've a great script, an extraordinary cast and an incredibly talented creative team for this latest James Bond adventure," said Wilson and Broccoli.

The Director of Photography is Roger Deakins, a nine-time Oscar® nominee who previously shot the films Jarhead and Revolutionary Road for Mendes. The Production Designer is Oscar® winner Dennis Gassner, who previously designed Quantum of Solace and collaborated with Mendes on the films Road to Perdition and Jarhead. The Editor is Stuart Baird, A.C.E., whose many credits include Casino Royale. Jany Temime, whose many credits include the Harry Potter series, In Bruges, and Children of Men, is the Costume Designer. Action specialist Alexander Witt is the 2nd Unit Director. Gary Powell is Stunt Co-ordinator, Chris Corbould is SFX Supervisor and Steve Begg is Visual Effects Supervisor, all of whom have worked on previous Bond films.

BriefingThe 23rd James Bond film, "Bond 23", will commence principal photography in November 2011 for a UK release on October 26th, 2012 and the USA on November 9, 2012. MGM will produce, finance and distribute 007's 23rd adventure in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Daniel Craig will be returning as the legendary British secret agent, alongside Judi Dench as "M", with Sam Mendes directing a screenplay written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan. Five-time 007 composer David Arnold will score James Bond's 23rd official on-screen adventure.

It it will be the longest gap between Bond movies without a change in the lead role. In addition, 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the EON Productions series of James Bond films.

YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE: The Legend Of Liverpool FC

Review

The Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool

If you're a Liverpool FC fan, then I cannot recommend this production highly enough. If you're a fan of entertaining, full-bloodied, passionate, engaging theatre in general; I STILL cannot recommend this production highly enough. I'm not a Liverpool FC supporter. In fact, it's probably best that I remain silent about where my football loyalties lie. But it matters not a jot; I was utterly blown away by Nicky Allt's musical comedy-drama (call it what you will). This is a show about passion, belief, family, and unswerving loyalty.

The Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool is the perfect venue for this kind of rollicking good old-fashioned entertainment, with it's cabaret style seating (and pie and mash for under a fiver!), and classic 30s Art Deco design. Add to all this the fact that several old LFC faces were in the audience (I sat right behind Phil Thompson, who graciously responded to my friend patting him on the back and asking for an autograph!). There was also Phil Neal, chuckling away, Roy Evans, David Fairclough, Allan Kennedy, and even a couple of young aspiring stars from the reserves. Who could fail to be moved in this company? The whole evening had an atmosphere of religious devotion, and I half expected King Kenny Dalglish to make an entrance in a red Pope Mobile.

The cast were uniformly excellent, with local legend Pauline Daniels holding it all together with wit, charm, and a few barbed one-liners (ad libs?). The story concerns a typical working class Liverpudlian family, who in the course of scattering Granddad Tommy's ashes at Anfield, take us on an emotional roller coaster ride through all 119 years of LFC history. And here is where the hard-working cast really earn their money, playing a bewildering variety of parts as we progress through a century of English history. Heartstrings are tugged at when we encounter teen-age Liverpudlians in the trenchs of WW1, and their descendents keeping the red flag flying through WW2 and beyond. I won’t go into detail about the historical events covered, but believe me you’ll feel like you’re reliving every moment of the Reds history alongside legends such as Keegan, Case, Fowler, Dalglish, Gerrard, and many more. Even poor old Michael Owen gets an honourable mention (even though the cast fall silent at the sight of his image, and we are treated to an elongated pause as the sound of blowing tumbleweed fills the auditorium). The stage set by Mark Walters comprises of a huge screen showing non-stop documentary footage of LFC matches, with a football terrace below, the bar of ‘The Twelth Man’ pub on one side (yes, I believe there‘s no ‘f‘ in Twelth; at least on this occasion!), and a live band on the other. Half the production’s job is done by the screening of match footage and images of players and managers past and present (Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, in particular, are revered as Gods), which cannot fail to rouse the passion of the hometown audience, but it is to the company’s immense credit that they do not rely on historical images alone. Mark Moraghan and Anthony Watson are a fine double act, whether playing drunken supporters or teenage, ‘car-minding’ scallies. Jamie Hampson as Tia belts out the title song with gusto, and more than holds her own against the more experienced cast members. Special mention must go to Lenny Wood as young Kenny. With a face as pliable as Jim Carrey, and some superb slapstick skills, this young actor is a real star. Of course, there are tears along the way, and the tragedies of Heysel and Hillsborough loom large as we head towards the 1980s. There is a particularly moving scene regarding the deaths of 96 supporters in the 1989 F.A. Cup semi final, and Mark Moraghan delivers a superb tribute to those who lost their lives. The actor seemed genuinely overcome during this scene, and it is a testament to his skill that he was able to play his character whilst dealing with such an emotive and , I suspect, personally heartfelt topic.

Director Bob Eaton throws everything but the kitchen sink into this fabulous production, and I am certainly looking forward to his Xmas show, ‘Little Scouse On The Prairie’.

‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ runs until Saturday 29^th October.

This review originally appeared at www.thepublicreviews.com
You can see it here: http://www.thepublicreviews.com/youll-never-walk-alone-royal-court-theatre-liverpool/

NORTHERN BROADSIDES meet CHEKHOV at THE LOWRY, SALFORD: Win 2 tickets!!

WE ARE THREE SISTERS premieres at The Lowry Theatre, Salford on Tuesday 20th September. For more information check out: http://www.thelowry.com/event/we-are-three-sisters

I bloody love Northern Broadsides, and they're back with a play about those broody, brilliant Brontes. And two of you lucky people can go and see 'em for nowt. That's absolutely NOWT!! Read some publicity from The Lowry Theatre below:

We Are Three Sisters

Haworth 1840s; in a gloomy parsonage where there are neither curtains nor comforts, Charlotte, Anne and Emily Bronte light up their world with outspoken wit, aspirations, dreams and ideas. And throughout their confined lives intensely lived…. they write.

A pair of tickets is available for opening night – Tuesday 20^th September

All you have to do, folks, is answer this question:

What is the name of the Bronte sisters' brother?

Email me at brianinchester@yahoo.co.uk with your answer, your full name, and telephone number. The winner shall be announced here (unless they wish to remain anonymous, of course) on Tuesday 13th September. Good luck!

DOCTOR WHO returns

Steven Moffat on the new series on BBC1 from Saturday 27th August...

The wait is almost over. The second part of the thrilling new series of Doctor Who begins on 27 August 2011.

The rules have changed, and the game is deadlier than ever. Out in the universe, where the earthly rules of time and space do not apply, Amy and Rory know only too well that their baby daughter needs them. For Melody Pond is destined to become River Song, mysterious archaeologist and convicted murderer – the woman who killed the best man she ever knew...

The Doctor leads Amy and Rory across centuries and galaxies in a desperate search for baby Melody, but a terrible and inescapable date looms large. At 5.02pm on 22nd April 2011, the Doctor will die. These are his last days, and the quest for Melody his final mission.

The search will result in a crash landing in Thirties Berlin and will bring them face to face with the greatest war criminal of all time. And Hitler. Old friendships will be tested to their limits as the Doctor suffers the ultimate betrayal and learns a harsh lesson in the cruellest warfare of all.

A distress call from a terrified little boy will break through all barriers of time and space and lead the Doctor to visit the scariest place in the Universe. George's bedroom. George is terrorised by every fear you can possibly imagine. Fears that live in his bedroom cupboard. His parents are desperate – George needs a doctor. But allaying George's fears won't be easy. Because the monsters in George's cupboard are real.

An unscheduled visit to a quarantine facility for victims of an alien plague – a plague that will kill the Doctor in a day – leaves Amy trapped. Alone, Rory must find Amy and bring her back to the TARDIS before the faceless doctors kill her with kindness. But Rory is about to encounter a very different side to his wife.

In an impossible hotel, the Doctor, Amy and Rory find themselves checked-in but unable to check out. Walls move, corridors twist, rooms vanish and death lies in wait for every visitor. But the Doctor's time has yet to come. He has one last stop to make on his final journey. His old friend, Craig Owens, desperately needs his help – a new and unfamiliar presence is wreaking havoc in Colchester. And then come the Cybermen. But time catches up with us all and the Doctor can delay no more.

By the shores of Lake Silencio, in Utah, all of time and space hang in the balance. And a NASA astronaut is waiting..."

And MATT SMITH's views:

With viewers still reeling from the shocking news that River Song is actually Amy and Rory's baby, Bafta-nominated actor, Matt Smith, provides a sneak-peek at what is coming up in the new episodes of Doctor Who.

"I thought it was brilliant because it's such a great science fiction pay-off," explains Matt as he reveals how he felt when he learnt the truth about River Song. "Steven Moffat set it up so well and it now leaves the story open to go in so many different directions. She's Amy and Rory's daughter which is mad, but yet brilliant, and it's going to be really interesting to see how the dynamic between all of the characters shifts."

Despite Melody Pond being kidnapped at the end of A Good Man Goes To War, Matt says viewers can rest assured that Alex Kingston, who plays River Song, will be back and there are more shocks in store. "We get to learn a lot more about River in Let's Kill Hitler" he explains, "and she's on her best flirty form; the River I love! It's certainly Alex's episode and we had great fun filming the scenes, so hopefully we have some good on-screen chemistry."

New monsters are also set to make an appearance, sending children and adults alike scuttling behind the sofa in true Doctor Who style. "I think it's fantastic the way the show can tap into people's primal fears as children" says Matt, specifically referring to Mark Gatiss's episode Night Terrors. "Mark has come up with a really clever idea by featuring a dolls house with terrifying and creepy dolls – it's a brilliant adventure-packed episode and Danny Mays, who guest stars, is superb in it."

The Tin Tin actor isn't the only high-calibre guest artist to secure a role in Doctor Who. Upcoming episodes also feature funny men David Walliams and James Corden. "James reprises his role as Craig, who appeared in The Lodger last year," explains Matt. "He's back in an episode which also features the Doctor's arch enemies, the Cybermen. We had such fun on set; it was hard to keep a straight face when we were filming.

"David Walliams was also hilarious" continues Matt. "He plays a character called Gibbis and he had to wear a lot of prosthetics for the part. Once he was all made up he looked a lot like a giant Mole, so it was hard to take him seriously!"

However, Matt's tone does become more serious when talking about the fate awaiting the Doctor...

"The Doctor died at the start of the series" explains Matt. "He was shot in the future by someone in a space suit and, despite the adventures he goes on in these next few episodes, inevitably he's moving closer towards his own death. Amy, Rory and River are aware of his fate but they have no way of stopping it. I can't tell you what happens but Steven has set up an explosive finale."

But can he reveal if his Stetson makes an appearance? "Yes, I can tell you the Stetson is back; I do love a good hat!" chuckles Matt. "The Doctor also has a new coat; a long green moleskin one. We always wanted the Doctor's outfit to evolve and the coat certainly kept me warm when filming during the winter.

"I still haven't lost my clumsy streak though," sighs Matt. "We were filming the final scenes last month in a cornfield and, needless to say, I was the one who tripped over and twisted my ankle!" If only there had been a doctor around...

CAPTAIN AMERICA: The First Avenger

FILM REVIEW

As a child in the early 1970s I read a lot of Marvel Comics' output, and I quite liked Captain America. Despite appearances, the character wasn't so much a flag-waving super patriot, but a decent old-fashioned guy (active during WW2, he is frozen in ice, and awakens in the modern day), who is made fun of by more hip and 'with it' types. Thankfully, director Joe Johnston and Marvel Studios have successfully transferred the good captain to the big screen, and given us a glorious retelling of his origin story, neatly setting up next summer's blockbuster, 'The Avengers', where Captain America will team up with Iron Man, Thor, and The Hulk.
Chris Evans gives a great performance as Steve Rogers, transformed from a 90lb weakling into a strapping 'super soldier' by kindly scientist Dr Abraham Erskine (a charming performance by Stanley Tucci) with the help of engineering whizz kid Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper). In his early scenes, Evans' head is grafted (by special effects) onto the body of a much smaller actor, and (to quote the late Eric Morecambe) you can't see the join. We warm to the sickly young man as he suffers one humiliation after another; whether it be at the hands of local bullies, rejection by the girls, or failure to be accepted in to the military. All he wants to do is fight for his country, and with his indomitable spirit he is the perfect candidate for Dr Erskine's experiment.
Tommy Lee Jones is his usual reliable self as the gruff but humane Colonel Chester Phillips, while upcoming British actress Hayley Atwell shines as Steve's love interest Peggy Carter. The romantic scenes are nicely underplayed by Evans and Atwell, with Peggy's growing admiration for Steve's courage blossoming into deep affection.
The main plot sees crazed Nazi scientist The Red Skull (Hugo Weaving) attempting to take over the whole planet with the help of an ancient religious artefact. Only one man can stop him, but the politicians have decided that our hero must be paraded around as part of a propaganda exercise rather than risk their expensive investment on the battlefield. Once again Steve Rogers faces endless humiliation as he is dressed in a series of ill-fitting costumes and forced to take part in corny Busby Berkley inspired stage shows and shoddy adventure movies. The film-makers cleverly address the sheer outlandishness of a red, white and blue costumed character called 'Captain America' existing in a realistic wartime environment. The character IS ridiculous, but it is Steve's integrity and moral strength that eventually elicits sympathy and admiration from his fellow soldiers and, more importantly, we the audience. With Peggy's support, Steve decides he must play the super hero for real, and engage the enemy in the field.
Director Johnston handles the action sequences effectively, and there is a lot of fun to be had watching Captain America taking on hordes of Nazis and despatching them with ease. But it is the quieter scenes that work best, and a top notch cast really breathe life into characters that began as truly two dimensional creations. Alan Silvestri's music is suitably heroic and bombastic, and there's a great cheesey song over the end credits you'll be humming in your head for hours after you leave the cinema.

Certificate 12A
Directed by Joe Johnston

THE WATCHER

FILM REVIEW
Originally published by The Public Reviews at http://www.thepublicreviews.com/film-the-watcher-a-tale-from-paradise-heights/

Written & Directed by Joe O'Byrne

Produced by Chris Lane

Ken Loach style kitchen sink realism meets Martin Scorcese’s more elevated archetypal storytelling, in this latest tale from the fictional Paradise Heights estate. Writer and actor O’Byrne (who also plays the pivotal role of enigmatic loan shark, Frank Morgan) has created a chillingly believable world not a million miles away from the mean streets of Salford and his home town of Bolton. But forget any comparisons with the cosy old world view of Coronation Street, or even the plastic scallies of Shameless; here is a place where the dead impinge on the living, and surviving is something to be mightily proud of.

Joe O’Byrne has written several previous stage plays and films utilising characters from Paradise Heights, and now we have the latest installment, 'The Watcher'. On a shoestring budget, this is a supreme example of what can be acheived when one has a cracking script, a dedicated team of first rate actors, a dynamic director, and a will of iron.

It is Halloween, and Polish taxi driver Marek (Ian Curley) trawls the desolate streets of the Paradise Heights housing estate looking for fares. With the Police having issued warnings about marauding gangs of mask-wearing youths, local residents cower behind their front doors. Freak atmospheric conditions are affecting radio communications, further enhancing Marek's feelings of isolation and dread. With a stunningly hypnotic and unsettling music score by Barry Thompson, we are firmly in John Carpenter territory here, with more than a nod to the classic 'Halloween', and the flawed 'Escape From New York'. Colin Warhurst's photography gives a slick sheen to everything, and there's some beautifully lit scenes, with night-time aerial shots of the estate adding a dream-like quality to the story. Everyone is on edge, and everyone is watching. Marek looking out for business, and a small girl and her mother peering out at the dead streets and dreading the return of 'the man'. That man is Frank Morgan, the type of man you wish you'd never heard of. O'Byrne is a master at structure and pace, and keeps the viewer in suspense right up until the very end. Character information is drip fed, and the palpable sense of tension is expertly cranked up to disturbing levels. When, halfway through the film, O'Byrne himself appears from the shadows as the grim-faced Morgan, we are left in no doubt that here is a man with a past, and a very uncertain future. Indeed, he could well be a dead man walking; as could many of the characters in this film. Firmly anchored in everyday realism, 'The Watcher' has supernatural overtones, and a brilliant atmosphere oozes from the screen, threatening to shred one's nerves to pieces.

                                           Colin Warhurst and Joe O'Byrne

The cast are uniformly excellent. Ian Curley is a class act, and gives an unselfish and understated performance as the hapless Marek. As with all O'Byrne's characters, we get the feeling that this man has a wealth of stories to tell, and this is merely one of them. There is a fabulous turn from David Edward-Robertson as Danny, an embittered ex fireman nursing an intense hatred of Frank Morgan, and O'Byrne himself plays Morgan with lashings of steely-eyed charm that the likes of Jason Statham would kill to have an ounce of.

'The Watcher' is a perfectly formed gem of a film, and deserves a much wider audience. This is where the real heart of British film-making beats loud and strong. Forget the mainstream trash clogging up screen after screen at the local multiplex, and do yourself a big favour. Who watches 'The Watcher'? Everybody should!

Available to view online in the next month.

For more information on 'The Watcher' and Joe O'Byrne's Paradise Heights, take a look at the blog here: http://lowtalesfromtheheights.blogspot.com/

THE WATCHER

Joe O'Byrne

O'Byrne on set

For some very very very irritating reason, I seem unable to copy and paste articles on this blog at the moment. Therefore, I shall refer you to The Public Reviews website, where my review of Joe O'Byrne's cracking new film appears: http://www.thepublicreviews.com/film-the-watcher-a-tale-from-paradise-heights/

THE WATCHER

Many apologies. There seems to be a problem uploading the review. Watch this space, folks!

IT'S BEEN A WHILE.....

... but I'm back.

Review of Joe O'Byrne's fabulous new film up very soon!!