Theatre May/June.qxp_Layout 1 12/05/2021 14:10 Page 1
Theatre
Theatre previews from around the region
The Comedy Of Errors Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 15 - Thurs 17 June; Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sat 10 - Sun 11 July; Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove, Sat 17 July
Zany funsters Oddsocks make a welcome return with Shakespeare’s much-loved laughter-fest. And actually, by comparison with a number of the bard’s other comedies, this one really does have the capacity to
tickle a modern-day audience’s collective funny bone. As indeed do Oddsocks, who’ve been touring the Midlands and beyond for 30 years. “Our inclusive approach means that varied communities across the UK are able to engage with theatre,” say the company’s founders and husband-and-wife team, Andy Barrow and Elli Mackenzie. “We aim to tell good stories in a fun, informative way, gently challenging people’s perceptions and the way in which they react to theatre.”
Macbeth
Old Herbaceous
Absurd Person Singular
Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 24 - Wed 26 May
The Core Theatre, Solihull, Sat 19 June
Malvern Festival Theatre, Tues 29 June Sat 3 July; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry - Wed 23 - Sat 25 June
Having been spurred into action by the prophesies of three supernatural women and egged on by his conniving wife Macbeth’s desire to be king of Scotland sees him slaughtering first Duncan and then Banquo. As the pressure mounts and his grip on sanity weakens, he decides to commit even more atrocities - including the murder of women and children... This latest version of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy is presented by the award-winning Daniel Taylor Productions.
24 whatsonlive.co.uk
This well-reviewed one-man show brings with it a sense of nostalgia for a bygone age. Described as ‘Downton Abbey with gardening tips’ (a sure sign that it’s offering something a little bit different!), it sees Giles Shenton playing Old Herbaceous - the legendary head gardener, Herbert Pinnegar - and presenting a humorous but poignant observation of relationships between the classes in a simpler time. As an added bonus, you may well return home with a much-improved understanding of all matters horticultural...
Alan Ayckbourn’s Absurd Person Singular charts the progress - and decline - of three couples in three kitchens during three Christmas gatherings, with each couple ending up getting more than they bargained for. One of the playwright’s most pleasing comedies, it’s an enduring piece that’s lost none of its biting edge and, typically, showcases human failings with hilarious results.
