1. Play Reviews and Performance Pitch Katie O’Brien, Jamie Beaton, Claire Browne, Michelle Thompson

2. John Buchan’s ‘The 39 Steps’ Adapted by Patrick Barlow Winner Best New Comedy- Laurence Olivier Award 2007 The 39 Steps was an awe-inspiring comedy which we saw at the The Theatre Royal with a cast of just four (three men, one woman). They competently and hilariously acted out around 130 characters, with quick pace and unique visual concepts, the play managed to keep us laughing and on the edge of our seats. The 39 Steps is about a young bachelor in the mid Thirties, thrust into a dramatic Spy story who is sent across England, with the intention of stopping secret English information from reaching German hands. We really enjoyed watching this production but we would have liked to have seen the other versions of the story developed in the same way. Visually, the set was extremely basic but worked perfectly. The use of characters bringing on and occasionally holding vital set parts was used very comically with characters holding props in place while other used them. This would not have worked with a larger cast. Hosting the play in a theatre of a similar period helped to collaborate a feeling of historical authenticity. On the other hand, presence in a smaller theatre, where there would be less obvious space between the few props and actors involved, would also work.

3. ‘ The Hired Man’ by Melvyn Bragg & Howard Goodall The Castle, Wellingborough, Northampton “ The Hired Man, a new British musical, acclaimed to be epic, nostalgic and romantic by the reviewers.” We felt the piece limited, and with a small audience range there was not enough information on the background of the story. Without the music, basic piano, occasional trumpet and violin set below beautifully arranged harmonies, we were left slightly bemused, while the older audience members found it much more interesting. Set in the agricultural areas of Cumbria at the beginning of the 20 th century, this timeless story tells of the story of a young married couple and the struggle to make a living of the land. This leads onto the interruption by the onset of the First World War. The novel, adapted by New Perspectives, has produced a high quality touring theatre piece, praised for its energy, imagination and theatrical flair. With a small but well built set, making interesting use of the limited space, was rarely used during the first Act and seemed unconnected to the play as a whole. But as we returned to the second Act the set came into a world of its own, with areas of the set used as trenches and underground coal mines one could appreciate how unique and well constructed it was. Using the small gaps below raised levels, which we believed were unnecessary before the interval, were then used as coal mines where the characters crawled around below.

4. Trent Dance presents Fame Original plot conceived and developed by David de Silva. Book by Jose Fernandez. Lyrics by Jacques Levy. Music by Steve Margoshes. NTU’s Trent Dance present a story of New York’s young, hot talent, seeking fame and fortune, and the challenges they face along the way. Expectations were high for Trent Dance’s third performance. They had set themselves a tough challenge, directing, producing and choreographing the piece. Costumes, set and choreography were to a high standard. Unfortunately, early problems with sound distracted the audience from becoming acquainted with the storyline and however hard each performer persisted, the first half of the show was a constant battle with poor sound quality. Limitations on actor’s abilities also slowed audience interest. Few of the lead roles were adequately talented, many hitting bum notes although no-one forgot lines. However, the actors playing the roles of Carmen and Mable carried the play as well as familiar lyrics, which just reminded the audience of the play’s true potential.

5. The Analysis VS Cinema Theatre Cheaper: usually £3.50 - £15. Higher range of prices: up to £100. More widely known ‘household names’ and highly advertised. Real live talent, less edited, more inspirational. Larger range of ‘products’ Highly cultural and more inspiring than common cinema Has the ability to let the audience view things far too dangerous and unobtainable in theatre. (Use of CGI for example) Limitations due to health and safety but much more of an experience- a true night out. Easily accessible and allows for repeat viewing (DVDs) Casts constantly change, Retours may not live up to previous expectations.

6. “ May Contain Nuts” Group Two presents……