Tag Archives: park

Hobson’s Choice, Regent’s Park Open Air

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There is something so exhilarating about attending an open air production, especially when you are escaping from a super-urban city like London. I always choose Holland Park for opera and Regent’s Park for plays and musicals, and I am never disappointed.

Hobson’s Choice is a humble play, a quaint and old-fashioned comedy by Harold Brighouse. It is a bashful and modest opening show for the Regent’s Park 2014 summer season, but it is an enjoyable and touching story and, on press night, the audience seemed to delight in the light-hearted humour and nuanced acting.

It is the ultimate underdog tale. Selfish and lazy shoe shop owner Henry Horatio Hobson has three daughters to deal with since becoming a widower. He debates marrying them off but detests the lack of control that may lead to, and definitely won’t spend money on them. And so his eldest daughter, Maggie takes charge, coupling herself with the meek, uneducated, but brilliantly talented young boot-maker Willie Mossop and vows to change their lives forever. After a series of comical events, the young couple triumph and Hobson is left with whatever scraps of business and reputation he can retain. An unlikely love story with a satisfying finale.

The rotating set is very successful, simple and functional with a rugged-retro charm. It creates a believable sense of place and transports us back in time. The play is immaculately cast, each character seems so comfortable in their role taking on the 1960s character and Northern accent with no trouble at all. The interactions between the ensemble are so natural, it is a joy to watch. Mark Benton leads the cast as the drunken father, he is full of oomph and anger and causes much entertainment. Most memorable though is the defying couple, Jodie McNee as headstrong Maggie and Karl Davies as the reformed man, who depict their evolving relationship on stage with ease and elegance.

As long as the sun shines this vintage production will continue to enchant Londoners, the perfect escape at the end of a long day in the office.

Continues until 12th July, book tickets here.

The Victoria, Hotel and Restaurant, Richmond

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The Victoria Hotel and pub in Richmond is as quaint and cute as the area that surrounds it. Moments away from leafy Richmond Park (though we couldn’t find it on our night time stroll) and a short walk from Sheen High Street, it is an idyllic location in the middle of the West London suburbs. Quiet and sleepy, it is the ideal place for a small romantic pub-hotel.

Our room was small and cosy with all the necessary essentials: iron, kettle with tea and coffee and a full length mirror of which I was particularly appreciative. The decor in the Victoria is simple and stylish, traditional and very homely. The functional bathroom was petite and ideal for a quick freshen up, with a powerful shower and pleasant smelling Neutrogena toiletries.

The cheerful restaurant downstairs was full and buzzing when we went down, ravenous and anticipating a feast. The British inspired menu offers rustic, simple but well executed dishes… high quality comfort food. We enjoyed hefty steaks and devilish triple fried chips (au Heston) and delicious, sophisticated salads. The light rosé they recommended suited the mood and hot summer evening perfectly and fruity fresh desserts provided us with a sweetness kick before bed.

It was unfortunate that we were staying on the hottest night of the year… when we trudged upstairs after dinner, the room was stifling even with the windows open and a bedside fan. Our bed was very comfy, though I couldn’t enjoy the full benefits of the fluffy duvet. Richmond is blissfully quiet and during the night the silence is particularly obvious to one coming from a much busier area of London.

Breakfast in the morning was simple and classic: an assortment of continental treats or cooked breakfast for those that desire it. We munched on soft, buttery croissants and freshly roasted coffee before walking out into the Richmond sunshine.

The Victoria is the perfect place to lock yourselves away: with easy connections into London you are close enough to activities in the frantic centre of town but far enough away to recollect your thoughts and refresh before returning to the fray.

More information here.

http://www.thevictoria.net/

Ragtime, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

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There is something enchanting about hearing music in a park, it sends tingles down your spine and is particularly affecting. This passionate and energetic production of Ragtime benefitted enormously from the wide open space… the music flowed freely and the show felt more captivating and inclusive.

This production is revived by Timothy Sheader (who has previously won the Olivier ‘best musical revival’ accolade three years running) – he presents a show that is impressively resolved. Regent’s Park has developed quite a reputation with its musical masterpieces: recently Hello Dolly, Into the Woods and Crazy for You have all received rave reviews on this chameleon stage.

The narrative of the present show, based on the EL Doctorow novel, is not always clear. The story begins at the clearing of a rubbish heap, a boy is tuning a radio until the mellow soft hum of ragtime music begins seeping from the speakers. The next three hours offer an overview of America a decade before the First World War. The spotlight is on three families and their quests for happiness and life satisfaction: an immigrant, Tateh and his daughter, Coalhouse Walker (a Harlem pianist), and an incongruous Wasp family.

I found Stephen Flaherty’s music hauntingly touching, with very human melodies. The sadness of the uneven rhythms and the lurching tunes can’t fail to transport the listener. My favourite moment came with the song ‘Daddy’s Son’ sung by the very able Claudia Kariuki (as Sarah): a dreamy song that seems to resonate through the whole park. The cast, spurred on by the tremendous band, work together as a team and I thought the chorus numbers were particularly strong. Of the lead roles it is Rolan Bell as Coalhouse Walker and John Marquez as Tateh who impress particularly: kind, bold men trying to make their mark on the world. David Birrell is less believable as Father despite giving a great performance as Theseus in the parallel show, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

This production is not without awe-inspiring tricks… Harry Houdini (Stephane Anelli) escapes from a straight-jacket upside down in the air, and Evelyn Nesbit (played by smiley Katie Brayben) swings high over the stage on a precarious swing. It is a balance of these highs and lows that make this show so appealing, capturing our attention from start to end and teaching us a little history along the way. And despite the melancholy nature of this musical, Sheader ensures the audience leaves the theatre feeling spirited and touched by the tale of Ragtime.

Ragtime continues at Regent’s Park until 8 September, book here.