NEWSREVUE continuing.

London.

NEWSREVUE

Canal Cafe Theatre The Bridge House Delamere Terrace W2 6ND.
Thu - Sun 9.30pm. Every week.
Runs 1hr No interval.

TICKETS: 020 7289 6054.
www.canalcafetheatre.com
Review: Geoff Ambler 19th June 2009.

Comedy and satire with a musical news beat.
Hidden in Little Venice, a few corners from Warwick Avenue and accessible by either barge or Bakerloo line, the Canal Cafe Theatre nestles beside the canal in what was, on a warm June evening, a wonderfully tranquil location.

Far from tranquil and apparently running since 1979, NewsRevue takes a topical look at stories dominating the news. With fresh material to prepare weekly and a battalion of writers working to keep the hour-long show up to date, it is possible that some news weeks could be hard work. This was not one of them. Predictable topics are presented unpredictably; Gordon Brown in general, and expenses in particular, had a lot of stage time.

Currently directed by Racky Plews, and with a seriously talented cast, the production occasionally takes a distinctive musical slant but rarely veers from being absolutely hilarious. Alongside obvious news stories, given a NewsRevue slant, come a number of surprises (Family Guy promoting Christianity) as well as some fantastic current affairs musicals; A Brown/Mandelson split becomes Sandy (Mandy) from Grease, an Osama workout video and, during a exceptional Chicago medley, Gordon Brown is Mr Cellophane and the Both Reached for the Gun puppet, before certain MP’s explain their expense claims during their Cell Block Tango. A wonderfully creative swordfight between Alistair Darling and Gordon Brown is worth a show of its own. It was a very good news week.

Richard Meek and Simon Lipkin are two of the funniest musical actors I’ve seen on stage this year. Both recently in Austentatious they continue to impress, proving that either good writing or a talent for finding the laughter, even with the bad jokes, brings results. Katy Heavens and Thaila Zucchi strengthen the team and prove fine mimics and with Racky Plews’ distinctive choreography and flair for the innovative the hour flew by.

NewsRevue has been running for decades and if the politicians keep providing the writers with a steady stream of inspiration it will run for quite a while longer> However the current cast, creatives and material suggest this could be the right time to take the barge across town.

Cast: Katy Heavens. Simon Lipkin, Thaila Zucchi. Richard Meek.

Director: Racky Plews.
Musical Director: Richard Bates.
Technical Director: Damien Robertson.

2009-06-24 01:17:32