24 Apr 2016
The 39 Steps is perfectly suited to Bruiser’s pared down aesthetic. The use of props, set, lighting and sound combine to create living rooms, train carriages and hotels and if any company can convince you that three ladders are the Forth Bridge, this is the one to do it.
1 April 2016, No More Workhorse
39 Steps – Lyric Theatre – Review
24 Apr 2016
Herein lies the beauty of this piece – one minute you’re laughing, the next you’re wondering, next you’re tapping your feet to Matthew Reeve’s sparse yet inspired musical score. I’ve reviewed a Lisa May/Bruiser play before, but the past is the past and if you’re only as good as your current show, May, the Lyric, Bruiser and all the team behind and in front of this fab production are simply flying. Three curtain calls leave hands blistering at the last clap of the palm, a great play. Go see.
Conor O’Neill, 31 March 2016, CultureHUB Magazine
The 39 Steps | Review
24 Apr 2016
It is impossible to fault this production, it is little wonder that the entire Lyric Theatre rise to its feet in triumphant applause as the curtain falls. This is a well-polished, sublimely executed glimpse into what can be achieved on a stage with a tiny cast, some stellar movement and a lot of hard work.
Colm G Doran, 1 April 2016, The Reviews Hub
The 39 Steps – Lyric Theatre, Belfast
24 Apr 2016
With popular music from the likes of Little Mix and Bruno Mars plus nods towards musicals including Matilda, Les Miserables and Chicago, there’s something for everyone to sing and dance along to and even got my mum up on her feet learning how to Whip and Nae Nae.
Michelle Norris, The Enquirer, 12 December 2015
Panto Review: Jack and the Beanstalk
24 Apr 2016
The key to creating a successful family pantomime is integration with the intended audience. This is not something that can take place overnight and for the last nine years, Simon Fielding has endeavoured to create the perfect Christmas entertainment for the residents of Basildon… Fielding evidently puts his heart and soul into this production but the pay-off is worth it, resulting in one of the most distinctive pantomimes in the country.
Paul Vale, The Stage, 14 December 2015
https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/2015/jack-and-the-beanstalk-review-at-towngate-theatre-basildon-unequivocally-inspirational/
24 Apr 2016
With minimalist stage and sparse props – the entire set is really nothing more than a short set of stairs painted white with the American flag as a backdrop curtain – the actors under the direction of choreographer Fleur Mellor, manage to re-create the scenes surrounding the famous Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show and the romantic tension between ace sharpshooters, Annie and Frank. Full credit goes to Matthew Reeve, music director and orchestrator for his fast-moving, free-flowing scores especially the uplifting song, “There’s No Business like Show Business,” performed with a flourish several times.
Sean Hillen, 18 October 2015, Examiner.com
http://www.examiner.com/article/theatre-at-the-mill-celebrates-fifth-anniversary-with-a-dynamic-musical
