Tag Archives: fest

Fest 4 – drama, music, music

Not the world’s best day of fest. Tomorrow will be better. Still.

Callum’s Will – I thought it was good. Strong acting. Strong storyline. Other people felt like it needed a second act.

Hear the music – lovely arias and vocal classics (from Lloyd-Webber to Ge Korsten). This was the first show. I’m hoping they decide to lose the mics – St Aiden’s Chapel is the perfect venue for Lana English’s powerful voice to really explore the space.

Shadow of Brell – Brell is known for intricate lyrics and a light touch, which is even more reason than usual to be annoyed with the shouting man.

Oh, and one show was sold out when we got to the door. Dinner at Hatters was lovely, though.

Fest 3 – comedy, comedy, music, music

Raiders – If you’ve never been to Raiders, it’s really difficult to explain; if you have been, you know how awesome it always is. Missed Luke Ellenbogen in this one but still marvellous.

Race Card – Siv Ngesi knows his audience and he is pulling some big crowds – the ushers were brining in extra chairs. Well played.

Afternoon concert, Louis Armstrong and Friends – otherwise great concert ruined for me by an usher manhandling me out of the way as I tried to go into the venue and then a dull, uninspiring female soloist trying to sing one of my favourites, “I dreamed a dream”

John Ellis – Go see it. Really good show, in spite of small audience. Guitar, lyrics, politics, fun.

Fest 2 – plastic bags, music, music, comedy

Afternoon of a Foehn – Fascinating piece performed with wind and plastic bags so life-like the audience couldn’t help but be enchanted

Gala concert – Excellent afternoon of music. Great performances from soloists, particularly Young Artist for Music, soprano Kelebogile Boikanyo.

Ping, sign and sting – Not always a school choir fan but this one pulled it off and CH2 were fascinating for their guitarwork. Interesting to see a guitar performance as part of a big show like this. Possibly more fun. Only crit would be: not entirely convinced by the staging that had the soprano section along the sides next to the audience – it was tough to catch the words of the other parts in some of the songs.

Money’s too tight to mention – SA’s comedians are growing up. Or at least using grown-up, real-life traumas to make funny shows. It works for Stuart Taylor in this piece.