And Did Those Feet - reviews

Although in reality it isn't that long since And Did Those Feet graced the stage as part of our Anniversary season, seeing it again (despite having seen it four times in 2007) felt good. Really, really good. Despite knowing sections of the script almost by heart I still, genuinely, laughed at the comedy. Particularly, at most things delivered by the wonderful Martin Barrass and also Naomi Radcliffe's dismay at the lack of opportunity to make her perfect day just that.

I think a fair few people in the audience find "something in their eye" when Jerusalem is played at the end, the difference with seeing the show the revival was the emotional impact of the scenes focused around Sue Twist [as Hilda] and her on stage and completely bereft husband, Alf, played by Huw Higginson. I never thought that seeing a grown man bouncing a football with a far away look in his eye and a trembling lip would bring me to tears but it did. I could blame that on being pregnant but it wouldn't be fair to do so. It is due to the heartfelt and very real performances of these great actors. Anyway, enough from me. Here is what the press are saying...

"Mark Babych’s revival of Bolton’s very own play, with universal themes, is an utter joy to behold." THE STAGE Read more here...

"...it is the comedy that is most successful in this play, both in the writing and the performances. Martin Barrass... achieves perfect comic delivery... The comic banter between Mark Letheren as Ted, the superb Naomi Radcliffe as Martha and Curtis Cole as Jim also works very well... Mark Babych keeps the pace well and adds some lovely little touches... great use of sound from sound designer Andy Smith... great fun and at times hilarious, tightly and imaginatively directed and very well performed." BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE Read more here...

"Foxton’s design is reliably wonderful, and it’s a real coup to have Arun Ghosh’s compositions... Naomi Radcliffe is a touching and confused Martha... Susan Twist (always excellent) and Huw Higginson are very impressive... Snappy and well-paced, the play is a copper-bottomed popular hit... a thoroughly agreeable night out." THE PUBLIC REVIEWS Read more here...

"At a time when, to many people, Bolton is struggling as a town, this is the sort of play that can make you really proud of where you live.This is a play for anyone who loves Bolton, its football team or who appreciates plays about social history. I could watch it seven nights a week - it really is that good." THE BOLTON NEWS Read more here...

"Former artistic director Mark Babych returns to the Octagon to deliver a wonderfully textured piece of work that never fails to entertain.And Did Those Feet certainly has that feel-good effect and leaves the audience feeling much happier and even moved by the experience, which, these days, is quite an achievement." WHAT'S ON STAGE Read more here...

"But if you saw the original production, as I did, you will surely welcome the chance to see it again. And if you didn’t, don’t miss it. You don’t have to be a Boltonian and football fan to enjoy it." CITYLIFE Read more here...

"This is an excellent production of a cracking script and a great evening’s entertainment with some moving performances. Having witnessed so many magnificent Octagon productions recently – not least the recent superb Midsummer Night’s Dream - I am sure it will go on to be yet another winner for the Bolton team. Go and see it..." WRITE OUT LOUD Read more here...

"The flashbacks to war are genuinely affecting... But there’s also a great deal of warm northern humour, notably from Martin Barrass reprising his role as eccentric newsagent Bob... revived by its original director Mark Babych... who seems to have added a lustre to an already highly polished product, aided by a revised script... Lesley Hutchinson’s slickly and imaginatively choreographed crowd scenes are a comic treat..." UKTHEATRENET Read more here...

"its appeal’s evident in the rousing cheers and standing applause at the end – not the predetermined yowls of first-night metropolitan cast-friends nor the relieved irony of school-parties, but genuine enthusiasm for a story that touches (indeed, hits fair and square) people’s hearts and minds." REVIEWSGATE Read more here...

And a transcript of the review from Clitheroe Advertiser...

Former artistic director, Mark Babych returns to the Bolton Octagon to direct a revival of a production of And Did Those Feet. He directed the world premiere of this play in 2007. The plot tells the story of the famous FA cup final of 1923 when Bolton Wanderers played West Ham in the first ever final at Wembley Stadium with its iconic twin towers. I have to confess I have little knowledge and even less interest in football. I was raised in a rugby playing family.

However I found myself drawn in and captivated by this play by Les Smith and Martin Thomasson. It is a pleasurable evening of nostalgia and humour with a great feel-good factor. All the Bolton references delight the home audience but even the visitors can enjoy the witty script. The story of Bolton’s triumph is told through the experiences of four men, Bob the endearing comic turn, (Martin Barrass)), brothers Ted, (Mark Letheren) and Jim (Curtis Cole) and Alf (Huw Higginson). Jim is an avowed communist who loses his job. Ted is planning his wedding to Martha (Naomi Radcliffe). Alf, despite the pleas of his wife Hilda (Susan Twist), cannot bear to watch the team since the death of his son Billy (Chris Finch) in the War. Billy appears as a ghost inspiring his father to recall just what the love of one’s team can be.

There are some clever tricks, such as the pastiche of early films and newsreels and some catchy clog dancing that enliven the action and as the climax approached I found myself thrilled with anticipation at the prospect of victory. For a little while I was a real footie fan. This is a heart-warming reminder of a splendid achievement by a Northern Football Team and the Town that made them. (Pippa Munro Henden)

You can book tickets by calling 01204 520661 or clicking here.

A brand new blog feature....

As you are probably aware I am the main contributor (for 'main' perhaps read 'only') which is a shame. Not only because even I get tired of my own voice (that, my colleagues will find hard to believe) but also because I have a whole bunch of witty, amusng creative types here at the Octagon that I am sure can knock up a word or two. Oh and then there's Fraser!

When he is not influencing the minds of young people as a classroom assistant the lovely Fraser gallantly mans our Ticket Office. He is not short of a thing or two to say, has little in the way of fancy airs and graces or ideas above his station and usually has an interesting viewpoint on what happens on stage! Oh and he thinks he's funny. I actually think he is funny too but I would never tell him that. So at our last press night as he told me what he thought of the show, I asked him if he could be our man on the inside and whether he would write his thoughts on the shows for the blog - an alternative review if you will.

Well Fraser is obviously a better teacher than he is student. I received numerous excuses as to why he hadn't done his first review. Having now recovered from the national paper shortage that he tells me is in full swing and and then rescuing his words from the jaws of a dog, I am delighted to present to you his first review.....okay his first review with a fair bit of editing as Fraser is also a little, let's say, risque with his analogies (think Russell Brand prior to Manuel-gate). So here is the 'universal' graded review. If you want the PG rated one then you need to speak to him yourself....

Pre (Show) Amble
The anticipation before a show is always exciting. Will it be a modern masterpiece that leaves you more than a little excited? Or will it have all the allure of watching paint dry? Who knows, but that’s the beauty.

Working on the Box Office you’re privy to a glimpse behind the scenes, feel the buzz of the show, and witness the variety of customers that buy tickets.

Take for example the kindly elderly lady who was a bit unsure of the production. You have to be able to read the people, feel what their needs are. Well, one mention of old fashioned underwear, bouncing and high spirited comedy galore, the twinkle in her eye flashed SOLD to the saucy madam! It’s going to be a mischievous show me thinks.

The Lights Go Down
Ah, the first thing you catch sight of is the set. Bit sparse. They’ve stripped this one down, but look trampolines, anything that has trampolines in must be worth a look, surely? Think how much better your office would be with trampolines, I bet there’s a stirring in your gut. Could it be a masterpiece!

The actors are already milling around, this sets up a relaxed atmosphere, feels less formal, good, good. They’re an assorted bunch of odd-bods, I mean that in a nice way! It becomes clear why the set has been stripped back, to frame these larger than life people, crafty that is. I think a gaudy set would be like too much sugar for a diabetic and send you into shock.

There’s highlight a-plenty through out. The physical comedy works a treat, there as stupendous sword fights. It involves the actors miming whilst the sound effects are made for them by the other cast members. It is ten times better than if they had just actually used swords and fought, the action works on several planes, stuffing the stage full of movement, t’was a hoot.

Plus there is perhaps the greatest sex scene ever seen at the Octagon, between the character Columbina (Joanna Holden) and Arlecchino (Dudley Rees), no need to avert those sensitive eyes though, there isn’t copious amounts of flesh on offer, just manic energy, loud music and a trampoline workout (no really).

The cast keep it bobbing along, as you can always tell when it looks labored, luckily there’s no weak link in this cast. There’s usually one lurking amongst them, dragging them down (the Liz Hurley effect I think it’s called). Nick Haverson plays the twins of the title, and it’s his boundless enthusiasm and energy that forms the solid centre. He plays it big, bold and funny, just right. Anything less and it would have been like a truck struggling to get up the hill with too small a motor.

Before you know it lights up and 2 hours has passed, no time for the clock watchers here my friend, oh no.

Aftermath
Time to get other people’s impressions of the show. Most of the people on ticket office go on the opening Friday, they are always like unofficial staff do’s i.e. can get a bit messy! There’s young Gools, actually called Julia, but they’re ten-a-penny in the Octagon, common as muck you could say. The name, not the person, she’s a corker!

Gools in her world-wisely astuteness reckons it’s great to come buzzing out of a show on a Friday night. There have been one or two shows that, while great, make you want to introduce Mr Head to Mrs Oven. But not this one...

Other comments come rolling in, “I love Florindo’s accent”, “His entrance was amazing”, “I’m dragging my friend along to come again”. People are talking about it. Always a good sign.
All in all a mighty fine night. Shortly after came the alcohol induced blackouts….

So I heartily recommend it!

Fraser.