A Damsel In Distress, Chichester Festival Theatre – review

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Vicky Edwards

Photo credit Johan Persson

A Damsel In Distress
Chichester Festival Theatre
Until 27 June
Box office: 01243 781312
www.cft.org.uk

Gad zukes! What a delightful piece of froth! Perfect for summer, especially given the Festival Theatre’s glorious setting (what could be jollier than a pre-theatre G&T in the park?), the 1930s novel by PG Wodehouse initially adapted as a play, and later as a film for which Gershwin composed songs, enjoys new life as a stage musical by Jeremy Sams and Robert Hudson.

A topping blend of music, song and ripping fun, the story is about as daft as they come. Maud, a headstrong 1920s English rose, is locked in the tower of a stately home and guarded by her dragon of an aunt who is determined to prevent her niece marrying a penniless poet. But it’s an American theatre director who is smitten with the girl. If he can’t sleigh the dragon then he’s set on shoving her out of the way so that he can at least declare his heart. Spamalot meets Downton Abbey. But with more tap dancing.

Marshalling the whole charming caboodle, Rob Ashford directs and choreographs. The score may not be the most memorable in the world, but a cast of ace singers and dancers give it all they’ve got, adding plenty of visual fizz as they belt and hoof with as much infectious enthusiasm as dazzling skill. Clutching mops, rakes, and even oversized quivering jellies, routines are high octane and high camp.

It’s a terrific team effort but Isla Blair as fire-breathing Lady Caroline is a splendid battle-axe. Richard Fleeshman as George and Summer Strallen as the feisty ‘damsel’ of the title are in superb voice, while Nicholas Farrell as the aging lord of the manor who rediscovers his va va vroom when he meets showgirl Billie (a warm and effortlessly sexy Sally Ann Triplett) is gloriously funny. Delighted to have found a siren who not only has a cleavage like the Rhonda Valley but who also shares his passion for pigs and roses, the pair provide some of the production’s most uproarious moments.

Further comedic expertise is demonstrated by Desmond Barrit as butler Keggs, and also David Roberts. Managing to switch roles between Perkins the theatre director and Pierre the highly strung chef, as the latter Roberts inspires yet more laughter. Richard Dempsey meanwhile is adorable as dim toff Reggie.

Designed by Christopher Oram, the set, as Reggie would say, is bally clever. Revolving rose gardens and castle turrets cunningly morph into the stage at the Savoy and the kitchen of a stately home.

Chekov it ain’t. Brilliantly executed blissful nonsense it most definitely is. Don’t be a frightful clot – book tickets today!

The Faerie Tree Book Review

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Catherine Balavage

I loved Jane Cable’s first book, The Cheesemakers House. It was her debut novel and won the suspense & crime category of the Alan Titchmarsh Show People’s Novelist competition in 2011. You can read the Cheesemakers House review here. Cables new novel is even better than the first. Her grasp of human emotion and character description is something to behold. She is a naturally talented writer, destined for even greater things. Cable captures the human condition perfectly, you have the feeling that she could write the phonebook and make it fascinating.

Frost is very proud that Cable is one of our writers and wrote a great series on the making of The Faerie Tree. This in no way influences my review, The Faerie Tree is an enjoyable book of depth. Robin and Izzie are great characters and everyone can relate to a lost love. But will they be reunited? Buy The Faerie Tree to find out.

How can a memory so vivid be wrong?

I tried to remember the first time I’d been here and to see the tree through Izzie’s eyes. The oak stood on a rise just above the path; not too tall or wide but graceful and straight, its trunk covered in what I can only describe as offerings – pieces of ribbon, daisy chains, a shell necklace, a tiny doll or two and even an old cuckoo clock.
“Why do people do this?” Izzie asked.
I winked at her. “To say thank you to the fairies.”

In the summer of 1986 Robin and Izzie hold hands under The Faerie Tree and wish for a future together. Within hours tragedy rips their dreams apart.

In the winter of 2006, each carrying their own burden of grief, they stumble back into each other’s lives and try to create a second chance. But why are their memories of 1986 so different? And which one of them is right?

Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular Review

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Jack Bowman

Inspired by the stunning decade of live Doctor Who recitals – including the 50^th Anniversary BBC Proms in 2013 – the Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular arrives in the UK for the very first time, celebrating the music of the world’s longest-running television series. A regular event for families in Australia, Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular makes its début here, now touring across Doctor Who’s homeland, doing so in style and (here in London, at least) to a packed celebrity audience, including the Twelfth Doctor himself – Peter Capaldi.

Vision Nine, working in association with BBC Worldwide have set about to present the very best musical experience that Doctor Who can offer, celebrating the series’ rich musical past. Focusing on the acclaimed work of Murray Gold – who has scored every episode of the series since its revival in 2005 – and with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC National Chorus of Wales, lead by Ben Foster, the Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular delivers on every level with assured confidence and a dazzling sparkle, all at the sweep of a Sonic Baton.

There is a clear and concise technical execution of the show in terms of staging, lighting and sound – written and directed by Paul Bullock – which adds to the slickness of Ben Foster’s elegant rapport with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC National Chorus of Wales – a rapport no doubt built up due to Foster long history of working with both groups, orchestrating and conducting Murray Gold’s music since David Tennant’s début episode back in 2005. Not one note, not one beat, not one cue is missed to make this look like an effortlessly smooth event – no easy feat when you find yourself coming under siege from the most terrible things the universe has ever bred.

Because, yes, beware! There are monsters! A Doctor Who concert would not be complete with a large, seemingly numerous collection Doctor’s most dangerous foes sweeping us up into events, threatening to disintegrate, assimilate or exterminate. Even though the fear factor for the audience was high, there were plenty of children in the families to comfort their terrified parents, no doubt assured by the presence of the Doctor himself. Or should that be Doctors? Because Peter Capaldi was not the only Timelord present – events were wittily and charming lead by the ever-charming Peter Davison (who played the Fifth Doctor) who bantered with the performers with great ease, forming a lovely verbal and visual comedic double-act with Ben Foster for the audience between sets, which climaxes with… sorry, sweetie. Spoilers. Also present for fans are the ever-versatile Nick Briggs (Big Finish Maestro, voice of the Daleks, Cybermen, the Judoon, and many more), and regular Doctor Who monster performers Paul Kasey and Jon Davey.

These touches are really the icing on the Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular cake – the real star is the music and those who perform it. With over ten years worth of material to choose from, this is two hours representing the very best Doctor Who has to offer. It isn’t until you step into the arena with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC National Chorus of Wales you can begin to feel the real power of Murray Gold’s scores and Ben Foster’s orchestration – unlike on television, you really can hear and feel the music on an immediate and effecting level. Added by silent (no pun intended) visuals, the emotional essence of each piece is able to immediately effect the packed audiences present. Particularly effective was the beautiful voice of Elin Manahan Thomas, who excelled with her vocal work on the Tenth Doctor’s swansong Vale Decem, and most movingly, Abigail’s Song (from Matt Smith’s first Christmas Special, A Christmas Carol).

Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular remains true to its roots and remembers that Doctor Who is a family show for children of all ages, and carries that through every second of the performance, and ends with the audience on their feet, applauding to the roof tops and calling for the TARDIS to be used to start the show over again, all as the Doctor Who reaches its crescendo. This half-term, whether you have to beg, borrow or steal a ticket, take a journey with Vision Nine, Murray Gold, Ben Foster, Peter Davison, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC National Chorus of Wales to have the ultimate musical adventure in space and time guaranteed to thrill everyone. Stylish, effecting and exciting, this might be the best treat for any Doctor Who fan in your family.

Tickets: http://www.doctorwhosymphonicspectacular.com/

A Vision Nine Presentation in association with BBC Worldwide

Easterleigh Hall At War Book Review

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Catherine Balavage

Many authors write about war. Some do it well and others not so much. What sets out the good writers is always the same thing: research. Talent matters of course and Margaret Graham has it in abundance, but she also puts in the valuable research time. Which is why the books she writes that are set during wartime are not only so captivating, but also so educational, So worthy of your time and attention. The characters are wonderful, you want to know more about them and what happens in their life, but the obvious attention to detail brings Easterleigh Hall At War up yet another notch.

Evie is the protagonist, a spunky young woman with ambition but also kindness in abundance. Evie is a wonderful character: a role model for anyone, even in the modern age. The Forbes family and the Brampton family are forever entwined: the Forbes are ‘downstairs’ and the Bramptons are ‘upstairs’, as it were. I don’t want to give too much away but this book is the second book in the series. Yes, a series. So you can really get stuck in and, trust me, you will want to. Margaret Graham is one of my favourite writers. So much so that she is now the contributing editor of this very magazine. I have read many of her books. Grab this one and the first Easterleigh Hall book if you have not yet read it. Then wait with baited breathe for number three. This book is prefect for lovers of Downton Abbey. Someone send Julian Fellowes a copy quick, it will be his next hit.

Easterleigh Hall at War is available here.

The second novel in a compelling new series set in County Durham just before and during the First World War.

England is at war and Easterleigh Hall has been turned into a hospital for the duration of the hostilities.

With its army of volunteers and wounded servicemen, cook Evie Forbes is determined that everyone will be properly provided for, despite the threat of rationing and dwindling supplies.

All the while she waits for letters from her fiancé and beloved brother, fighting on the Western Front.

Then the worst happens – a telegram arrives with shattering news. And Evie wonders if she’ll have the strength to carry on…

You can read A Day in The Life of Margaret Graham here.

Martin Wishart Restaurant, Shore, Leith | Restaurant Review

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Frostie

By Mary Cooper

One of the most prominent eateries in Edinburgh is the Michelin starred Martin Wishart Restaurant, Shore, Leith.

Leith, once a vibrant port and a stopping off point for royalty en route to Holyrood, was famous for glassmaking; exporting bottles to Bordeaux for their excellent wines, and shipbuilding.

In the 13th Century, the port of Leith welcomed ships from all over the world. They would deposit their wares to be distributed throughout Scotland and beyond.
Over the years these industries faded and Leith became a rundown area of Edinburgh.

In recent years, however, it has enjoyed a rebirth and has become ‘the’ place to be. Upmarket delicatessen stores and top class restaurants sit comfortably alongside local pubs and student accommodation to create a unique blend of vibrant shabby-chic.

Chef Martin Wishart, learnt from the best – Chef Marco Pierre White among them – and has developed his own voice in the unique world of super-chefs.

The Shore, where MW is situated, is a cobbled street with cafes and restaurants dotted along its length, all of them overlooking the sparkling Waters of Leith. On warm days, crowds of people sit at tables under gaily-coloured parasols, enjoying the sun in this windless, sheltered sun trap. The ambiance of this street sets the tone for the treat to come at MW.

From the moment you step through the door you know that MW is a special place; full length windows stretch along one wall, overlooking the sparkling Waters of Leith.

The service is discretely attentive and the food delicately delicious, from the pink frothy beetroot meringues, served alongside other tiny mouthfuls of Amuse Bouche, to the sharp sorbets and each perfectly proportioned dish to follow, then, just when you think can’t eat another bite, along comes the dessert menu.

The attentive, well informed sommelier will help you chose wines for each course, from champagne on arrival – refreshing with pink meringue – to digestif which you can sip and savour at your leisure.

The quiet but not subdued atmosphere of MW Michelin starred restaurant, offering a three course lunch at an amazing £28,50 Tuesday to Friday and wines from £26 a bottle, is an affordable luxury we all deserve once in a while.
MW is proof that there is more to fine dining than, simply, dining.

For more information, email: info@martin-wishart.co.uk or call on 0131 553 3557.

Lunch
Tuesday to Friday — 12:00–14:00
Saturday — 12:00–13:30

On Saturday only the a la carte and tasting menus are available.

Dinner
Tuesday to Saturday — 19:00–22:00
The restaurant is closed on Sundays & Mondays.  

Review: The Rehearsal at the Minerva Theatre, Chichester

Posted on May 17, 2015 by Vicky Edwards

Photo credit: Catherine Ashmore

The Rehearsal
By Jean Anouilh

The Minerva Theatre, Chichester. Until 13 June
Box Office: 01243 781312 www.cft.org.uk

Anouilh has fallen out of fashion somewhat in recent times. Having seen Chichester’s revival of The Rehearsal one wonders why.

An insightful, dark and sharply witty comedy that is almost musical in its fluidity, the setting is a French chateau in the 1950s. The absurdities of class and relationships are in the spotlight as Count Tiger (Jamie Glover) revs up for one of his legendary parties. Deciding to include a performance of Marivaux’s The Double Inconstancy by way of entertainment, he hustles together a cast that includes his wife (Niamh Cusack), his mistress (Katherine Kingsley) his wife’s lover (Joseph Arkley), Lucille, a young resident nursemaid to a dozen orphans (Gabrielle Dempsey) and Hero, his old school friend and chronic alcoholic (Edward Bennett).

Rehearsals descend into a thinly veiled slanging match as both Tiger’s wife and mistress realise that he has fallen for the young nanny. Copping off with people of ‘their own kind’ is quite acceptable, but a servant? The shame! And worse, Tiger appears to have actually fallen in love, and that doesn’t suit at all. Resorting to trying to frame the girl for theft, a plan that swiftly comes apart, the Countess enlists the help of Hero, persuading the hopeless drunk who ‘likes breaking things’ to help her to boot out the little commoner with all speed.

It’s a well-meshed cast with terrific individual performances, not least Edward Bennett who is simply mesmerising as Hero. Shallow, cynical and permanently sloshed, as his desperation and despair becomes increasingly evident the effect is both nerve-shredding and heart-breaking.

Etiquette and manners doing little to disguise the cattiness of their verbal scuffles, Niamh Cusack and Katherine Kingsley are marvellously acerbic as the wife and the mistress, while Gabrielle Dempsey gives Lucille perfectly proportioned perception and vulnerability.

Translated and directed by Jeremey Sams, this is an accomplished and compelling production. Do not miss.

Sake no Hana, St James’ Street Restaurant Review

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Paloma Kubiak

Cherries are one of my favourite fruits. As a child I loved picking the ripe, deep-red pearls from my grandparents’ garden as I continued to practice handstands on the same patch of fading green grass.

So when hearing of the new menu at Sake no Hana (part of the Hakkasan group) to celebrate the Japanese cherry blossom season, I was very much looking forward to the experience.

The evening promised a meal under sweet-smelling cherry blossom trees and behind the somewhat ordinary exterior, we were seated in the bar area, which was alight with blossoming pink flowers.

We would be dining from the new Sakura Gozen menu (£32) and to get our evening started, we sipped on the violet risshun two-part cocktail, with its fruity and sour blend that got the juices ready for the main.

It consisted of a carafe with jinzu gin, green chartreuse, grapefruit juice, shiso, burlesque bitters and in a miniature jug which accompanied the gin, there was belsazar rose vermouth, maraschino cherry, cranberry and lemon juice.

Oliver, the charismatic bar manager advised us to start with the jinzu gin before adding the vermouth and the combination stirred both a sweet and sour taste on the palette.

The white miso soup was steaming hot with slithers of spongy tofu and specks of spring onion. It was wholesome, with a hint of garlic and it was a pleasant starter to the evening.

Next, our waitress, Manon bought over the sesame spinach with cassava chips. The spinach was wonderfully slimy and the nutty sprinkle of sesame seeds contrasted with the texture of the wood flavours of the crispy cassava chips.

As it made its way to our table, I couldn’t help but wait in anticipation. The Sakura crystal box was simply beautiful. It consisted of kuro kampachi, salmon, seabream sashimi otoro, chu toro, akami nigiri, spicy tuna, salmon avocado and California maki.

The translation – succulent strips of prime, fresh fish encasing mouth-size nodules of rice, accompanied with strips of ginger and a green ball of hot wasabi.

The raw salmon and sea bream slithered on the tongue and both mine, and my fiancé’s favourite was the spicy tuna slice.

We thought the evening was over, until our waitress bought over the baked Sakura cotton cheesecake with fresh cherries, cream cheese and cherry sorbet (£8).

Just like the crystal box, the cheesecake was alluring with specks of sweet cherries, slices of crunchy pavlova and it was accompanied by the tangy cold taste of the cherry sorbet.

It cleansed the palette while the cherry blossom and vanilla macarons, with cherry blossom tea ganache, (£1.80 each or 5 for £8) was the perfect ending to a fine dining experience in the heart of Mayfair as each bite oozed a rich chocolate flavour in the mouth.

At the end of our meal, Oliver showed us around the Grade II listed restaurant just upstairs which boasts a £6 million renovation project.

Diners enter via a single escalator and as it’s considered bad luck to go back on yourself, the exit is via an escalator which loops around the other end of the restaurant.

I was impressed by the sheer number of customers on a Friday night and by the authentic Japanese decoration that included walls lined with bamboos.

The bar area where we dined was quieter and more intimate than the restaurant and we enjoyed a very fine meal in Mayfair (it’s also very reasonably priced), just around the corner from The Ritz.

Alfresco Dining Helped Along by Hardy’s Wines By Margaret Graham

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Thank heavens Thomas Hardy travelled from Devon to the south of Australia in 1850, because, within a short while, he began to work with John Reynell, South Australia’s first winemaker and learned the skills of winemaking. Soon Thomas had moved on to become his own master, beginning within a long blink of an eye to create wines that ‘would be prized in the markets of the world’.

Summer is coming. So, what about a few ideas for recipes and some Hardy wines to go with them. Try them and see how Thomas’ efforts have borne fruit.

Alfresco entertaining is a quick and easy way to gather groups of friends and family in an informal setting to enjoy the long summer evenings. Whether you’re hosting a Bank Holiday BBQ, heading out for a picnic or enjoying the weather with some outdoor dining, Hardy’s has a summer wine to match any occasion. Here are some tips to help you whip up a fuss free night of entertaining to make the most of the summer months.

For alfresco entertaining in the garden with friends, complement the longer evenings with tea lights in jam jars and add to the atmosphere with your favourite summer soundtrack, but keep it low, or you’ll have the neighbours joining you.

Simple bite size appetisers are a good idea, such as smoked salmon canapés. Serve on blinis with crème fraiche and pair with a delicious glass of Hardys Stamp Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay (Asda, £8,99RRP). This medium-bodied wine delivers fresh lime with hints of nectarine and apricot and a fresh, zingy finish

Freeze summer berries to use in place of ice cubes – add some frozen berries to your Hardys Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay (Asda, £9.75RRP) for the ultimate summer tipple

Prepare in advance and whip up fruit based dessert the day before. For the perfect wine pairing, serve with a glass of Hardys Stamp Shiraz Rosé (Tesco, £7.99RRP

This wine… We came, we tried, it conquered. You can see from the photo that we chilled, sipped, and drank..

So, the scent: Full of the summer fruits – strawberry, cherry & citrus aromas, with hints of spice.

Palate: the fruit flavours continue, true and rich, smooth and creamy, with soft tannins & excellent fresh acidic finish. Perfect for alfresco dining.

For something a bit special, serve up a classic Antipodean surf and turf dish to really wow your friends. Try Lantana Café’s onglet and mackerel recipe that can be paired with both red and white wine, in a nod to the meat and fish flavours. Match with Eileen Hardy Pinot Noir (www.hardys1853club.com , £34.99) and William Hardy Adelaide Hills Chardonnay (www.hardys1853club.com, £11.99)

Onglet with baby gem lettuce, smoked mackerel, popped wild rice and gochujang dipping sauce

Ingredients

6 x trimmed Onglet steaks (approximately 200g each), seasoned well with salt and pepper 200g x boneless smoked mackerel fillets, flaked2-3 baby gem lettuces separated into whole leaves (approximately 4 leaves per person) 30g wild rice. Sunflower oil for popping the rice. Gouchugang dipping sauce (recipe below)

Preparation

1. To make the popped rice, add enough oil to a heavy bottomed pan to just cover its base and place over a high heat. When the pan is hot, add the wild rice and shake the pan vigorously to coat the grains thoroughly. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to medium high, and shake the pan until you can hear the rice popping.

2. Reduce the heat to medium low and keep shaking the pan until the popping slows. Note that wild rice will not make as much noise as popcorn does so listen closely. Tip the popped wild rice onto a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain.

3. To cook the steaks, place a fry pan over a medium to high heat and when hot, add a couple of teaspoons of oil. Depending on the size of your fry pan, place 2 or 3 pieces of onglet into the pan (don’t overcrowd the pan) and cook each side for 5 minutes until nicely browned. Repeat until steaks are cooked and then transfer to a plate and allow to rest for 5 minutes.

4. When ready to serve, place the flaked mackerel fillets under a grill for a couple of minutes to warm slightly. Arrange the gem lettuce leaves on a serving platter or board. Slice the onglet on the diagonal into 1cm thick slices and place these over the gem lettuce leaves- a couple of slices per leaf. Scatter the flaked mackerel over the top of the steak and place dollops of the dipping sauce on top. Finally, scatter the popped rice over the platter. The idea is that people help themselves with their hands and create little parcels with the gem leaves.

Gouchugang dipping sauce

This will make more than you need for this dish but it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week and used as a condiment with other meats or noodle dishes.

Ingredients 1/4 cup kochujang (red pepper paste)* 1/3 cup daenjang (soybean paste) or miso paste*5 cloves garlic, minced. 1 green chilli, deseeded and chopped finely. 2 spring onions, finely chopped2 tablespoons rice wine*1 tablespoon honey1 tablespoon sesame oil. Black pepper to taste. Water to thin, if needed *Available from Asian supermarkets

Preparation: Mix the ingredients well and chill. Depending on the type of kochujang and daenjang you use, your sauce may be too thick. You can thin with water or sesame oil. Credit – Lantana Café, Shoreditch

All that’s needed is the sun, and it’s breaking through…

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