Ruthless - Arts Theatre

Only one thing... himself!

I've actually met him on (at least) three occasion- once with his husband- and whilst on each occasion the conversation was brief, he now recognises me by face.

He even gave me his theatre programme once, which I later sold on eBay.

Funny that! He once gave me a programme too at the opening of a big musical.

Shenton has become ridiculous; I no longer respect his opinion. Ever since he branched out with the aptly named Theatre Mates website, his partisan tendencies have become ever more pronounced. “Mates” (whether they be performers, creatives, management or website advertisers) will get a fantastic review whatever they do, with any failings glossed over, while “non-mates” (an ever increasing circle, it would seem) will be pilloried out of little more than petty spite.
Comments such as those about Ruthless on Twitter, and the totally unprofessional quote yesterday of a random Facebook comment about Chicago, show just how low he has sunk - maybe he’s paid by clicks now and needs to generate them?
Of course the performances in Ruthless are “broad”; that’s the whole point. It’s supposed to be over the top and silly; did Shenton seriously go into that expecting subtle nuances? And who is he to say that a revival is pointless? We don’t all jet constantly between London and NYC (moaning about how tired we are from all the theatre we’ve GOT to see) - I, for one, was delighted for the opportunity to see Ruthless, and I really enjoyed it.

Clearly The Times didn't see the same show that we all did. Gave it 2 stars and didn't like Tracie Bennett.
They seem incapable of giving any musical more than 2 stars.

It's just become tradition with that role for it to be played by a man. It started back in the original priduction, because I read a story somewhere a while ago now, saying that the original actor showed up to the audition and simply gave the best audition of anybody else and was cast. From there, it has just stuck. Jason gives a great performance here, he really is fabulous and knows exactly what he is doing, so I can see why he was cast. Its not just star casting, it really does work!

And the same arguement can be made for old women always being cast as a 12 year old boy in Peter Pan. 😂😂

So I popped along to the Arts Theatre this afternoon to see Ruthless. The theatre itself has see better days, would appear to being held together with Duct tape! As for the toilets my cats litter tray is bigger! The staff were friendly though and it had a nice atmosphere about it.

The show had me in fits of giggles from the off. Jason Gardiner was hilarious as was Tracie Bennett- as I watched her, I thought she would make a good Dorothy Brock when Lulu’s 42nd Street run ends ( The dates would seem to fit as well)

I won’t drop any spoiler but although Act 1 was funny, it was a bit slow getting going but by the time Act 2 came around there was no such issues. Had me laughing in fits for it’s entirety.

I probably would not return for a 2nd visit and was happy I got the seat (Stalls Row A) for £20

Saw this tonight not knowing what to expect and found it delightful and funny.

Grabbed one of the front row seats that appeared online at about 10:30am (don’t know if they were unsold day seats). Perfect view. The stage isn’t particularly high and, with it being a small stage, everything takes place close to the front anyway.

First half is really funny, very home sitcom setting like. Second half has a scene change and still funny but slightly less so. It is, of course, all very tongue in cheek. A huge number of lines are recycled from other musicals and songs are in the style of other more famous ones, but I think you’d have a great time whether you spot these or not (I picked up a few references but missed a load too).

Could have done without the series of loud gunshots, but at least they were recordings rather than live weapons.

All the cast were great and have quite a theatre pedigree between them. A good result for this small venue and also one of the few times I’ve been there with the temperature not being an issue.

One less desirable note. I’m sure someone in front grabbed some unattended programmes on the way out and put them under his newspaper. Probably should have said something but it happened too quickly. Just not the sort of thing I’d expect to see in a theatre.

Which reminds me that there is no security in place or bag checks at the Arts, unusual in this day and age.

Anyway, a recommended performance and go for the front seats if you can. Great fun.

My bag was checked last night. Oddly most theatres check as you enter the building, but I was checked as I showed my ticket to enter the auditorium.

Saw this today and thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots of laugh out loud, high camp fun with a terrific cast who were superb - and their timing was impeccable. I’m not sure how it would have come across with a different set of actors in the roles, but this cast are great. And Tracie Bennett, Drury Lane is just a short stroll down the road when this closes...