Peter Viney's Blog

New on AROUND AND AROUND, the ESQUIRE label (LINKED). This venerable jazz label ran from 1947 to the 1970s, releasing some of the best British andAmerican jazz. It was a survivor which carved out a niche. The music is not the currently fashionable end of jazz, but the 1950s and 1960s sleeve designs are of greater interest.

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We did a two show visit to Bath, with August Wilson’s JITNEY the second day at Bath Theatre Royal. This 1979 play is the first in August Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle and this production is a Headlong / Leeds / Old Vic co-production which is currently touring. It’s set in an African-American jitney (unlicensed taxi) cab waiting room in 1977. Marvellous acting from the nine person ensemble. See the review. I’ve focussed on characters (which helps_ but no plot spoilers. The jumps from humour to tension are expertly handled.

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Review of The Tempest at Bath Theatre Royal’s Ustinov Studio (LINKED). A powerful and strangely different production from the new artistic director, Deborah Warner. It’s still on next week- there are as always a few ‘Covid gaps’ in the theatre. It’s one to see for the sound and light and a mesmerising Ariel from Dickie Beau.

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Follow the link to CYRANO (here), directed by Joe Wright, and starring Peter Dinklage in the title role, with Haley Bennett as Roxanne and Kelvin Harrison Jnr as Christian. It’s based on the stage musical and is now out on DVD. It’s one of my short reviews.

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I haven’t added to the 60s Retrospective for ages. Then I noticed that 1963’s ‘Live It Up!’ was getting a lot of hits. I have no idea why. But it had a “pop exploitation” movie sequel BE MY GUEST, in 1965, (LINKED) also starring David Hemming just before ‘Blow Up’ and Steve Marriott, just weeks before he co-founded The Small Faces. It was a B-movie ad there wasn’t much online. You don’t have to watch it, but the review might be fun. I give away the plot. The picture has David Hemmings on guitar, Steve Marriott on drums.

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The latest record label added to Around and Around is Pye’s 60s mid-price label, Golden Guinea (FOLLOW LINK). Though it had a lot of unremarkable stuff, there were gems among its massive list of LPs. and the article has lots of eye candy as well as budget labels in general.

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Review of major Americana band THE DELINES (follow the link.) It was a treat to get to see them in such an unusual location, St Mary’s Church in Twyford, near Winchester. A most interesting location for a band with a strong identity, and down to earth, sometimes chilling, lyrics.

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JACK ABSOLUTE RIDES AGAIN reviewed at the National Theatre (follow link). This play by Richard Bean and Oliver Chris looks all set to follow the success of ‘One Man Two Guv’nors’ which Richard Bean wrote and Oliver Chris co-starred in. It’s a rewrite / rethink of Richard Sheridan’s ‘The Rivals’ set on a Battle of Britain fighter base in 1940. Caroline Quentin is Mrs Malaprop. We thought it wonderful in every aspect and were shocked to find reviewers divided between those who agreed, and an ultra-PC groyup who totally failed to ‘get’ the humour. It’s their loss, but as well as reviewing the play, the critical reactions are also discussed. It will be around for a long time though. It’s a must see.

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Review of the National Theatre production of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Follow the link to the review). Directed by Simon Godwin with Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd) as Beatrice and John Heffernan as Benedick. National Theatre Shakespeare productions are always elaborate with marvellous sets and costumes. This is a very fluid, fast-paced production. It will be streamed to cinemas in early September. It’s one to note in the diary. Have a look at the review for the photos too.

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Review of OPERATION MINCEMEAT now on Amazon Prime (linked). Great cast, led by Colin Firth, and a retake of a true story (aren’t they all?) about the Allied plans to invade Sicily in1943. With some references to recent British World War Two films in general. No plot spoilers, but i suspect most know the ending.

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