Choir of London Trust Bursary Scheme Recital 2008

Adam Rafidi, Lina Khalil, Nirval Abu Shusheh, Naseem al-Atrash

At the end of July I was told about a Recital event that was due to take place during August here in London which was to feature a talented group of Palestinian kids and the Choir of London. Sam West would also be present to introduce it. On the day itself I made my way to the Wigmore Hall and found a seat a little way off from everyone else. The hall started to fill with people and then the Recital commenced. Sam appeared on stage and did his introduction which was interesting. The children then walked on and began playing their musical instruments. They played extremely well despite them only having about a week to learn everything. There was singing, solo pieces, group pieces. The whole thing was pretty impressive. The Violins were a favourite of mine. When I was a kid myself I used to always want to play the violin yet it was impossible at the time because I was left handed. I remember crying my heart out to my mother because I didn't understand why I was told no by my teachers. I loved classical music from a really young age and I still do to some extent. Even in the present day I am fascinated with watching people playing instruments. I think it's so clever to be able to master something like that, and to produce such beautiful music. So at the Wigmore Hall seeing those children perform in front of everyone was incredible. They were so talented. The last song of the afternoon was by far the best. This combined the children, the Choir of London and the guest singer Allan Clayton. It was fantastic. A very moving experience that will stay with me forever.

More info here...
Bursary Scheme 2008

New season 2009...
Includes Sam West's new Middle East Project

Dealer's Choice Review 2007/8

The Menier Chocolate Factory poster

Only two months after Betrayal had ended, Samuel West was back in the theatrical headlines again with his revival of a Patrick Marber play called Dealer's Choice. This time at the Menier Chocolate Factory, within walking distance of the historic Southwark Cathedral. My first challenge however when I went to see this show was to find the entrance. Unbeknown to me this was only possible once you went through its restuarant and along a corridor at the back of the building which was a bit odd. There in quite intimate settings the box office, bar and auditorium were finally reached. Phew!

When I obtained my ticket and had found a nearby bench to plonk myself down on, I became aware of a very strange noise emanating from the autitorium. Over and over it played before ceasing abruptly and there instead at the door stood Sam clutching his notepad. Aha! I thought, realising that he must of been having last minute sound checks. Before long the audience were ushered in to their seats which were more like padded benches. I found a place to sit and the show began a few minutes later. I found Dealer's Choice to be very cleverly written and almost double that with the direction. Sam did an excellent job. It was both an extremely amusing play with lots of emotional outbursts of one sort or another. It made me laugh many times as well as feel pity for some of the characters. I went back to see it a few more times and even dragged a friend along with me once because it was that good.

A couple of months later Sam West transfered his production of Dealer's Choice to the Trafalgar Studios in Whitehall. This was a great turn of events.

The Trafalgar Studios poster

The setting had changed and the stage somehow looked smaller, but the magic of this terrific play was not lost due to the amazing cast who made all this possible. I went to see the play a couple more times, once this included a Q&A given by the company and Sam himself. I was really pleased that my question (which was heavily edited by the whatsonstage hosts) was asked. It was very entertaining but like all things in this world...it ended way too soon. I am so glad that Dealer's Choice got nominated a few times with various theatre awards. It was well deserved that's for sure.

Betrayal Review May 2007

Robert (Sam) with Emma (Dervla)

After Sam West returned to London after resigning as Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, I was delighted to discover that he was to star in a new West End revival of the Harold Pinter play called 'Betrayal'. The show itself is quite short at only 90 mins without an interval. The story consists of three characters, Jerry played by Toby Stephens, Emma played by Dervla Kerwin and Robert played by Sam West. It revolves around a secret love affair between Jerry and Robert's wife Emma. I thought it was very clever at the way Pinter chose to write the scenes in reverse. A very confusing concept until you see the very last scene which allows the whole story to fit together. It must of been quite challenging for the cast to play these characters with all the emotional scene complexity. I actually saw this production several times and noticed extra little things I had missed before. And what fascinates me the most about Pinter is his past. I read that he began his life in an area not too far from where I live now. It's utterly amazing that Pinter managed to achieve so much. I admire him for that. My heart goes out to Sam's character Robert. Sam portrays his inner grief perfectly. Sam has a talent for portraying misunderstood men. Poor bloke.

Steve Pimlott Memorial Review 2007

Follow the links...

Pimlott Foundation

Brief note on the service, A Pollard

I went along to this memorial for Steve Pimlott in May 2007 after it was advertised both on the Internet and TV. I also heard that Sam West would be taking part. I had felt a little awkward at 1st being there having never seen any of Pimlott's work but I knew that he must of been an amazing person to produce such and outpouring of grief over his loss. The event itself was very moving and pulled every heart string possible. My eyes constantly filling with tears throughout the event when hearing his story, and the many accounts from people who had known him. The performance of his young daughter and wife onstage, as well as the videos Steve had made himself about his life and death were extremely moving. I remember seeing Sam come onto the stage to do Richard ll, and later to take part with the choir at the end when everyone sang "You'll never Walk alone". A song that I last heard at a school friends funeral many years ago. It was all very touching. At the very end Red Roses were thrown into the audience from the stage. I left the theatre soon after feeling quite sad. I may not have known Steve, but in a way a part of me now did.

Samuel West and Joanna Lumley 2007

Another talk hosted by Samuel West and another visit by me to the great city of Sheffield. An area where my maternal grandmother was born (in Loxley). This time the reason for visiting wasn't just because I really wanted to see Sam again, no. It was to also see the wonderful Joanna Lumley who was starring in a show at the Crucible called the Cherry Orchard. Now Joanna and I have met before when I was a kid. I used to live for a time in an area near to Crouch End in North London and I learned from a friend that Joanna lived a few streets away. Think we were only about 12 at the time and Joanna was Purdey in the New avengers on TV so us friends decided to knock on her door to ask if Purdey was there. haha. I remember chickening out at the last moment and watched from behind a parked car as my friends were sent their marching orders from a very peed off looking bloke who was standing in front of the silhouette of Joanna as she waited just inside the door. Poor woman. It was funny at the time but we soon got bored and moved onto fresh adventures elsewhere.

So anyway back to the present day and me now entering the Crucible theatre where I met a friend who was also attending the same event. We were given on arrival a pencil and a slip of paper and asked to write down a question we wanted Joanna to answer in the Q&A bit in the second half of the evening. We then had to drop it into a small white bucket that was positioned on a table closeby. I had previously thought of mine already, which was about a tv programme Joanna starred in when I was a kid called 'Sapphire and Steel'. An epic show of its time. And my question was asking how did they make her eyes glow blue (LX or SX question) I didn't expect anything else to happen so in the last part of the evening I was gobsmacked when Joanna mentioned my question and wanted to know who had asked it! I bravely raised my hand in response but couldn't speak because my mouth had dried up. Sam pointed me out by saying something like "There she is!" to a roar of laughter from Joanna, the audience and myself who by now was trying to hide behind my hand. hehe! Joanna explained to me how her eyes glowed blue which was really interesting...but sadly I didn't write it down so I can't remember all that was said. *doh* But anyway it was a really great event for me...my 2 mins of limelight and to be honest it was pretty cool.

Samuel West and Michael Palin 2007

I went to Sheffield to see Sam West hosting a talk with the multi talented Michael Palin. I've been a big fan of Michael's ever since Monty Python so for me there was a double reason why I wanted to attend this event. He's a friggin legend. Earlier in the day I was surprised to stumble upon a sectioned off area of the pavement. I went over to investigate and found out that Michael Palin was standing there to officially open something. At the same time I took a phone call which was a big mistake. I looked up to see Michael very close to me greeting fans. My hands were full so he withdrew his outstretched hand after saying hello. Damn it. Can't believe I missed an opportunity like that. I must be mad. I did take photos though and a few of the many pigeons that were trying to drown themselves in the nearby fountain round the corner. Strange town this. Later on I went to the talk event and was intrigued by everything. Michael's many adventures...and Sam's insights too that are equally as eye opening. So pleased to learn that Sam loves trains. My dad was a 'fireman' on the old steam trains in Cumbria during the 50's and 60's. He still loves trains with a passion and often visits Carlisle station to view them and some of his old colleagues who used to work with him. I love watching all the Michael Palin travel programmes. I especially liked the Himalaya and the Sahara series. He makes it all look so easy. I would love to go those places myself, but not sure I could cope with the food or the heat/cold...or the creepy crawlies.

As You Like It review February 2007

Three events. The Q&A. The play. The talkback

The month was February and once more I was back in Sheffield, this time for a few days. I had tickets to a Q&A chat with Sam West (who was directing it), the play itself, and also a talk back event (with the company) all at the Crucible theatre. The first day was the Q&A chat with Sam. And along with everyone else who had tickets, I took to my seat and awaited for Sam to appear onstage. I was wearing a jokey t-shirt at the time which Sam probably didn't notice since I was seated in the 4th row. The logo said something like "Jun66 Rules OK" on the front, and this was my insane idea of acknowledging the fact that Sam & I were both born in the same month and year. Crazy I know. When Sam eventually arrived he apologised for looking rough due to illness that he'd just recovered from, although he looked pretty normal to me. Sam began to explain all about his production of Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' which was really interesting. I thought it quite sweet that he was clutching a printed out Wikipedia page of the play (bless him) as well as his notes. I really enjoyed all the insights he had to offer over a vast range of topics...and not all play related either! Sam also recommended a book to us called 'Clamorous Voices, Shakespeare's women today' by Carol Rutter, which I later bought and read enthusiastically. The subject matter reminded me a lot of the sort of material my Mother used to have on her bookshelf while I was growing up. The q&a part was very amusing and I particularly liked the way Sam showed us how different stage props worked, except for the noise and the light effects which scared the s***t out of me! (ha ha) There was a huge globe structure on a wire that descended from above Sam's head which was pretty cool. Sam explained this was the Sun. Why of course! But sadly like all things Sam related...the chat had to end and we all went our separate ways until later on in the evening.

As You Like It...

When the play began I was sat in the front row unsure of what to expect. I had seen other productions of As You Like It...but this was quite different. Namely because of the set design and the costumes. I felt sorry for that poor lonely tree that looked as though it had been run over by a steam roller. The story was sometimes fun, frequently insane and at the same time a bit sad, and those noisy lights got me time and time again! I liked all the characters, especially Touchstone who amused me greatly. It was a wonderful evening, and a really good Sam West production.

The Talk back...

My last evening in Sheffield and after my third sitting of the play, the audience were invited to stay for the talk back event with the company of As You Like It. Most of the actors attended it, including Sam. Lots of people asked questions, and the company gave us a summary of what they did to develop their interpretation of this particular Shakespeare's play. It was very entertaining. After the talk back had finished I was making my way out of the theatre, when I noticed Sam standing there on the main staircase listening to a fan. He looked very subdued like in a daze. I later found out that his good friend Steve Pimlott had tragically passed away the previous day. On Valentine's Day as well. Very sad. :(