Outstanding Offering For The New Year
The Palace Theatre has proved itself to be a source of entertainment and inspiration for nearly 100 years.
Ticket holders have also been privy to a diverse and promising start to the programme for 2008 and the most outstanding offering for the New Year was the two hander 'Visiting Mr. Green'. Starring TV's favourite Mr. Loudmouth in the shape of actor Warren Mitchell who is known to many as Alf Garnett from the popular TV series ' Til Death Do Us Part'. Accompanying him throughout the marathon performance was young actor Gideon Turner as Ross Gardiner - the young character that is saddled with the American version of community service with Mr. Green as his temporary legal ramification. A run down down town New York apartment created the set for this gentle and intelligent performance with witty nuances from the veteran Mitchell who proved his delivery and razor tongue were no reflection of his notably frail demeanour. However this was also used to comedic advantage as there were many suspended minutes as Warren struggled the few steps up the unforgiving rake to reach the off stage bathroom set. This procedure was peppered with quips from the veteran actor to cover the slow process and quaky limbs but did not detract from his wonderful and beautifully observed performance of a stubborn old Jew residing in New York and forms an unexpected alliance with the nonchalant young man who finds himself saddled with caring for him. With just two characters to hold the storyline together, the two actors delivered complementary and delightful performances.
Other offerings from a more local origin included 'The Fantastic Mr. Fox' from local producer, Bruce James, which gave the younger theatre going members to chance to join in with songs and laughter in this fun filled family show. It is cheering to see that Southend offers artistic businesses the chance to thrive in a predominantly London led enterprise and should be highly recommended for future productions at the local theatres. Stand up comedy came in the shape of Stewart Lee and Jon Gaunt and blood and guts came in many bizarre shapes during the gore fest that is 'Circus of Horrors'. It takes a strong stomach and vivid imagination to make the most from this macabre merry-go-round of razor eating, knife wielding, and flame bearing Gothic performance artists but is always extremely professional and can offer the 'alternative' community sector of Westcliff an unique night out of entertainment.
Southend Spyglass.