Monthly Archives: June 2003

THEATRE REVIEW: Simon Russell Beale in Stoppard’s ‘Jumpers’

By Ray Bennett LONDON – A professor of moral philosophy named George, played superbly by Simon Russell Beale (pictured) dictates his arguments for a speech in defense of the existence of God while, in the adjacent ballroom-sized lounge of his … Continue reading

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THEATRE REVIEW: Roy Williams’ ‘Fallout’

By Ray Bennett LONDON – On an inner-city estate, in an opening more heard than seen due to clever staging, a straight-A black student is stomped to death, his head “used for a football,” his running shoes stolen. Four young … Continue reading

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CONCERT REVIEW: Shirley Bassey’s 50th anniversary

By Ray Bennett Shirley Bassey received a five-minute standing ovation just for showing up at Wembley Arena on June 14 and that set the standard for the rapturous response that greeted all 22 songs in her 105-minute set. It was … Continue reading

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FILM REVIEW: Charlotte Church in ‘I’ll Be There’

By Ray Bennett LONDON – “I’ll Be There” follows the Elvis Presley pattern of how to introduce a hot young musical talent to the movies – in this case, Welsh classical singer Charlotte Church – and it’s the right way … Continue reading

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THEATRE REVIEW: Toyah Willcox in ‘Calamity Jane’

By Ray Bennett LONDON – When Doris Day blew in from the Windy City as the buckskinned tomboy in the movie “Calamity Jane,” she was ornery but toothsome and it didn’t take much for handsome Howard Keel to figure out … Continue reading

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