Cabaret
By Kander & Eb
4th-7th January
Studio Theatre, mac
“The decadence of pre-Third Riech Berlin was powerfully captured in Birmingham as 130 youngsters invaded mac for ‘Cabaret’. The large cast gave the scenes in the Kit Kat Klub real atmosphere creating the authentic nightclub ambience. The cast dealt maturely with a script that tackled Nazism, prejudice and sexuality, making Stage2’s ‘Cabaret’ a powerful, memorable experience. Jeremy Hancock’s Cliff Bradshaw was strong and thoughtful, Paul Ready was touching as kindly Herr Schultz and Naomi Gudge excellent as Fraulein Schneider. But for me the night belonged to Paul Pinfield whose Emcee was a mesmerising malevolent master of sleaze.” Birmingham News
Find Me
By Olwen Wymark
13-15th April
Studio Theatre, mac,
Six years on we returned to our inaugural production, this time giving it a grander treatment with a larger cast on a larger set on a much larger stage! The production featured the first lead role from Jack Trow who went on to train at Rose Bruford before becoming a regular member of Stan’s Cafe, BirminghamÃs foremost experimental theatre company.
Visions in the Eastern Dust Mirage
Devised by Stage2
17th-18th July
Studio Theatre, mac
“A Birmingham arts centre will be buzzing with the sound of young voices as acclaimed youth theatre group Stage2 take it over! Stage2 have nabbed both spaces to present two different shows ‘Cider with Rosie’ and ‘Visions in the Eastern Dust Mirage’ as dreamt by Habib Nami. Featuring over 100 members of the company, Visions is a modern day fairytale about good vs. Evil with Stage2 joined by a brace of former members and local contemporary dancers.” Evening Mail
Cider with Rosie
By Nick Darke
18th-22nd July
Hexagon Theatre, mac
“The young actors magically recreate the world of Lee’s childhood, bringing just the right mixture of joy and pathos to the tale. All acquit themselves admirably but a special mention should go to Nick Allcock whose Loll captures the gawky innocence of boyhood and the ever excellent Naomi Gudge who really gets under the skin of Laurie’s dreamy spirited mother and has a fine singing voice to boot.” The Birmingham News
14th-26th August
Roxburgh Studios Edinburgh
“Out of a well constructed chaos of accents tumble episodes of pre-war Cotswold life which are funny and savage by turn in this engaging adaptation. Energy and excellent ensemble work are its most marked characteristics. Nick Allcock and Jeremy Hancock tandem their way through the author’s youth and adolescence as the younger and older Laurie – the former’s impish innocence a good foil for the latter’s wistful confidence and easy control.” The Scotsman
Tom & Viv
By Michael Hastings
13th-16th December
Hexagon Theatre, mac
“A young company makes Michael Hastings’ story of the rocky relationship between T. S. Eliot and his wife look, sound and feel absolutely right. Jo Taylor (Viv) is an expressive delight of many emotions in her battle for sanity. Paul Ready’s Tom grows in stature from deference, diffidence and doubts to become a man able to bury his abiding love in the course of his advancement. These two finely tuned performances are beautifully supported by Victoria Sayce (Rose), Jeremy Hancock (Maurice) and Paul James Parker (Charles) in Liz Light’s excellent production.” Evening Mail
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