10/02/2012
‘Read all about it!’ That famous newspaper quote could not be more apt than today as we have some splendid news to share with you.
Be delighted by Jenny’s interview with Lyn Gardner in The Guardian.
Chaz Jankel and John Turnbull talk Blockheads, musicals and Graeae on BBC6 Music with Lauren Laverne (About 1hr 40 mins into the show).
Jenny’s interview on BBC Radio Suffolk and her blog leave us wanting more.
Pyjamas and hot tips… It’s all your body and brain needs. Lyn Gardner’s recommendations and pyjama talk.
Disability Arts Online join us at rehearsals for a sneak preview.
We had a ball in 2010 – so did the press! Here’s what they said…
‘Oi, oi! Paul Sirett’s new musical fashioned around the music of Ian Dury is rough, ready and bloody brilliant.’ - Time Out Critic’s choice ****
‘It’s always engaging. And in those moments when the story, the rock ‘n’ roll mentality and the music come together, it’s unstoppable.’ - Times2
‘Reasons to be Cheerful – The Musical is a Graeae Theatre Company triumph. The BBC-banned Spasticus Autisticus is joyfully defiant.’ – The Guardian
‘The energy and anarchic attitude are faultless.’ – The Daily Telegraph
‘The music is brilliant and there are moments of crude punk genius.’ – The Times ****
‘The commitment and passion shown by every member of the cast was faultless, the songs were performed brilliantly and the story was told in a sensitive and touching way. This is a show not to be missed, you will come out of the theatre full of joy and enthusiasm for life, as well as a greater appreciation for the power music has over us all. We all have a bit of anarchy in us, and this show gives us the opportunity to let it out!’ - The Public Review *****
‘The stage gives off a million volts.’ – The Guardian
‘Anarchic, punk-strewn, Reasons to be Cheerful really hits the jackpot. The company’s demand for mainstream recognition can no longer be ignored. A puckish, mind-blowing two hours with an energy and brilliance you’ll seldom see bettered. Vocalists John Kelly and Garry Robson are simply astounding whilst Stephen Lloyd’s jumping jack flash, Vinnie, and Stephen Collins’ strutting Colin carry all before them. Fabulous.’ – Reviews Gate
‘Gleeful, raucously vulgar. It is, to put it mildly, Chaucerian. But it’s got a heart of gold.’ – Daily Mail
‘This is entertainment that leaves no one out.’ – The British Theatre Guide
‘An excellent performance that underlines Dury’s legacy of songs and will I guarantee, have you singing his songs for days to come!’ - Live Music 24
‘Without doubt the finest thing I’ve ever seen at the theatre.’ - Diss Express
‘For those who have never heard of Ian Dury, this is a good show, for those who have, it’s a must. It’s definitely a reason to be cheerful.’ - Spoonfed ****
‘Forget that glass ceiling. This lot raise the roof.’ - East London Recorder
‘It’s in your face, well acted, funny, loud and drags you and your senses back down memory lane to have a great time again.’ - Words of Colour
‘With its top notch cast and band of musicians and a great song book, you’ll leave the Theatre Royal wanting to bring Colin home in your pocket, wishing for a medical miracle for Vinnie’s dad and with hope for the future. It’s a toe-tapping, uplifting experience. Go and see it!’ - BBC Ouch!
‘This is a well acted story and the laughs and the punk rock soundtrack are always around the corner to make sure the audience came away with another reason to be cheerful.’ - Ilford Recorder
‘Reasons to be Cheerful is a good night out.’ - What’s On Stage
‘Reasons to be cheerful is an outstanding feat with actors both wheelchair-users and non-users working the stage.’ – Up Your Street
‘Reasons to be Cheerful is a show I can highly recommend.’ - The Londoneer
‘High energy.’ – The Theatre Guide
‘Vocalist John Kelly who actually sounds very much like the much-missed Dury.’ – Ipswich 24
