ZIPP!
South
Shields Customs House
Tuesday
19th - Saturday 23rd September 2017
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Melissa Cavanagh with Chloe Hazel Oliver & Afnan Iftikhar
Photo: Shelley Punchon |
Gyles Brandreth's script may not
always quite hit the mark, but it's so admirably performed with such freshness
and vigour that allows you to forget this show is technically fifteen years out
of date. Gareth Hunter and his team have actually updated the 100+ list of
numbers that form Zipp - a show that aims to perform the best bits of the best
one hundred musicals out there- without compromising the linking narrative. So
the new favourites are in.
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Chloe Hazel Oliver
Photo: Shelley Punchon |
But the show really thrives on
Hunter's masterful direction, drawing on his experiences of Encore and the
Laffalangs to keep this myriad of styles and compositions consistently
entertaining. Performers Afnan Iftikhar, Melissa Cavanagh and Chloe Hazel
Oliver all have equal opportunity to show why they are so talented in this
field. While each one is uniquely superb, their interactions showcase great
on-stage chemistry. They are backed live by Musical Director Rhys Chambers who,
ironically, really shines when he is isn't so expertly playing the grand piano.
Tying the whole show together is narrator/ringmaster/M.C Peter Grant, who, although better known
for broadcasting, certainly appears very much at ease on stage as well keeping
the spectators at ease.
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Peter GrantPhoto: Shelley Punchon |
It's not easy to define Zipp. Eclectic
and silly, it is both tribute and send up of Musical Theatre. For some it is a
chance to see any big West End hit without being in London. For others, it is an introduction
to the genre. In all cases, it is incredibly amusing, and an extremely fun night
out at our theatre.
Review by David Foster
Tickets:
Zipp! runs from
Tuesday 19th - Saturday 23rd September, at 7.45pm, with a Thursday and Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.
Tickets are priced
£17, or £15 for Friends of The Customs House. Contact the box office on (0191)
454 1234 or visit www.customshouse.co.uk.
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