Forever Young Critics Circle Review

Much to the delight of all regular theatre goers, Forever Young was coming back to the Playhouse for a second run. And much like the first time, the show was filled with a genius mixture of comedy and drama which is sure to entertain anyone. The acting is, if possible, better than last year and the singing is spectacular, personal highlights being “Light my Fire,” and the remarkably sensitive “Dying.” While at some points the slapstick humour felt a bit tired, the sentimental moments more than made up for it. This play definitely holds up on the second viewing and is definitely worth the cost of your ticket.

Sarah Ahmad, Nottingham High School for Girls

One word: fantastic. Having already seen the show during its previous run last year, I was excited in the run-up to the performance as I knew it was a show I had thoroughly enjoyed. I was, however, slightly apprehensive as with any time I watch something I have thoroughly enjoyed for the second time – what if it didn’t live up to my expectations?

I needn’t have worried. Just like the first time I saw it, the show managed to have me crying with laughter, and then deeply moved just minutes later. The songs effectively complement the plot, as well as being popular and well-known music, meaning the audience feel involved and can sing along. The incorporation of references to well-loved Playhouse productions such as pantomimes also help to involve the audience if they are regulars to the Playhouse.

This also applies to the references to certain Playhouse personalities – watch out for Giles Croft and Kenneth Alan Taylor! As always, the actors performed to an excellent standard – I may even go so far as to say to perfection. They are hilarious – even with having seen the play before so being aware of all the twists and turns of the plot I was driven to tears of laughter on more than one occasion.

I can highly recommend this production – I thought it was a genuinely hilarious evening, while still retaining deeply moving moments which caused the audience to think about the problems of growing old.

Holly Morrall, Nottingham High School for Girls

Well, the Nottingham Playhouse’s performance of ‘Forever Young’ gives you a completely new perspective on the lives of elderly people living in a care home. You would think your average old person who lives in a nursing home, just sleep, eat and poop. But not these old fellows! They are the last 5 people in the nursing home, and they are accompanied by just the one carer, who they all are in ‘very fond’ of. The background of Forever Young is that 10 years ago, in Hamburg’s Thalia Theatre they were having the main set of their stage rebuilt so they had to make a show which could take place in front of the safety curtain. They intended to only have this as a short production, but the crowds of Hamburg enjoyed the production so much, it has become a world famous musical. The glorious thing about Forever Young is that you can change the play slightly to suit your own theatre.

They include hit numbers in the play which include ‘I Will Survive’ by Gloria Gaynor. ‘Music’ by Madonna. Also they include other artists such as Bob Dylan and Aqua! There are many funny scenes throughout the show, and I guarantee you will hardly stop laughing throughout the play! Personally, I found myself laughing even after the scene had ended!

I would truly recommend going to see this play, I am very pleased myself that I went to see it, and would definitely go and see it again!

Matt Collins, The Blue Coat School

The hugely welcomedrevival of last year's hit production 'Forever Young' marks the beginning of a brand new season for Nottingham Playhouse. Because the fun-filled, music-packed comedy returns by popular demand, it is bound to have audiences rolling in to either re-live their memories, or to catch what rumours said they missed out on.

Set in Nottingham Playhouse itself in 40 years time, when it is no longer a theatre, but a retirement home for it's actors, seven Playhouse veterans play their future selves on a crammed stage of recognisable pieces of furniture and props entirely in front of the fire curtain.

What makes the show such a hit at the Playhouse in particular, is that not only do actors, designers, directors, and the odd piece of set or prop appear year after year, but so do the audiences. The show thrives on jokesreferring to past Playhouse productions and memorable people, and these go down famously due to the majority of the audiences having seen every show. Being quite a regular Playhouse audience member myself, upon my first glimpse of the set, Ifound myself saying 'Oh look, that’s from 'Tom's Midnight Garden' and 'There's the candy floss stall from Mother Goose!', and generally seeing how many things I could spot. And I wasn't alone, I noticed this game occurring all over the circle.

Forever Young pulls apart the stereotype often given to the elderly; boring. Because these characters are certainly not that. Its walking sticks and knitting needles out the window when this lot are left unsupervised, and sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll left to disgracefully take over.

While giving a remarkably comic performance asactors, the multi-talented cast also manage to deliverspotless vocals effortlessly.Having just finished an intense two months in Nottingham Playhouse’s Mother Goose, John Elkington, Rebecca Little and Alexandra James have no chance of resting their vocal chords. Having not much of a story, 'Forever Young' is held together by well-known classic songs and modern hits a like, including Mr. Elkington's staggering combination of over 30 songs into just one number! Moving from Aqua, to Bob Dylan, to Gloria Gaynor, the cast blow the audience away with this incredible musical sensation.

I would strongly recommend this to everyone over 14, this is the age restriction from the Playhouse, and I feel it is necessary due to the bad language used. However if you don't mind the bad language, and are looking to be easily entertained, and feel a new love for life, then YOU MUST SEE THIS!

But stronger than the music and jokes, is the final feeling throughout the smiling audience of the important message that is the basis of the show. From the characters, the audience realise that you've got to make the most of life, and enjoy every moment while you can. Because life's too short and it's impossible to be forever young.

Beatrice Findley, The Becket School

Forever Young is an extremely satirical play, focussing on different aspects of being confined to a care home and how elderly people are treated. The decision to use particular songs as a method of illustrating emotions was a very apt way to convey to the audience different emotions throughout the play and added a light element of comedy. Evidently, it most certainly never failed to trigger bouts of laughter amongst the audience and it appeared to be thoroughly enjoyed by all. Personally, I believed the play was particularly engaging in the areas whereby the music was used to heighten sad emotions. One of my minor criticisms would be that although the entire audience would not have understood all of the jokes due to various reasons, the quality of acting was superb and I would love to have the opportunity to see it again.

Cait Ramsden, The Becket School

It’s not often that a show makes you roar with laughter, but Forever Young was “throw your head back and laugh” funny.

At first, I was a little apprehensive of the 80 minute first act. However, I relaxed into it, and was disappointed when the interval came!

The start of the show was slow paced, but fitting, as the characters moved at the same steady pace. The start was also an ideal opportunity to introduce all of the characters to the audience.

Sister Alex, played by the wonderfully stage- present Alexandra James, had to be my favourite character. Aside from having a beautiful voice, her “subtle” hints to the retired actors to “kick the bucket”, were hilarious, and have kept me laughing all week.

Credit must also go to Rebecca Little, for maintaining a realistic character the entire way through.

The best, and the funniest moment, came in Act 2. Who knew an elderly woman with a shot gun could be so dangerous?

With hints to the Playhouse panto, and references to top news stories, Forever Young has to be one of the best things I’ve ever seen. The cast and crew should be immensely proud of their work, which kept the audience laughing even after the final curtain came down.

Can I see it again please?

Bronwen Webster, The Blue Coat School

Forever young was a great show to see, I didn’t stop laughing all the way through the performance. If you’re looking for comedy then this show is for you, it’s back on high demand and is a fantastic show to see. I would say that it would properly be best for 12 + but anyone that would go to it would enjoy it a lot as it’s a very enjoyable show. With all the songs that are put in they all fit really well and make it even more enjoyable for the audience. Over all it’s a fantastic performance. And it’s worth seeing.

Fern Whelpton, Eastwood Comprehensive School

Four chairs. A grand piano. A mish-mash of old props and set. Portraits of our beloved directors past. Yes, here it is again for its second and bound to be successful run, ‘Forever Young’. Originally called ‘The Italia Vista Social Club’, the play that audiences love today originated from the German idea of having a small ensemble performance by their resident company, while set was being built for the next performance. These performances contained parodies from their own productions that the actors had performed. Indeed, with this 2011 version we see just the same thing. The Playhouse is glad to welcome back, 5 of the 7, regular performers from the first showing and with open arms and are proud to receive talents from some new but familiar faces. These include, Alexandra James, Rebecca Little, Marcus Powell and John Elkington. Giles Groft, director, even said that ‘there has been a few changes since the last time we performed this but it is still full of the same playfulness and innocent humour that it has always had’.

This light hearted comedy, set in 2040 where the Nottingham Playhouse has been converted from a theatre into a old peoples how, with some of the old actors inhabiting it, is full to the brim with musical numbers with a slight, ‘aged twist’ giving a message to the audience that, you are only as old as you think you are. With a little bit of adult humour and bad language the production really shows the fun frolics these old actors have and that no matter how old you are you can still have fun. The whole play was performed in front of the safety curtain with portraits of directors of today which in 2040 are dead and buried. Or in other places. The characters themselves had their own characteristics which together made a lively bunch who are looked after by a strict nurse, who does not believe the older generation is aloud to have fun. The contrast between the characters’ personas and the songs that they sang only added to the light hearted atmosphere that filled the auditorium. The gags were full of intertextual references to previous shows and pantomimes but were also very funny in themselves. Meaning that there was all ways laughter in the room with different levels of the audience’s understanding. Even though the play is a comedy, it faces a lot of contemporary issues on how the elderly are treated today. It is not at all patronising towards them but there are some very moving moments running coherently with the humour of the piece. These elderly thespians have some surprises up their sleeves.

Even the second time watching ‘Forever Young’ I was in stitches of laughter and I recommend this piece to the ages of 16 plus, who want a memorable evening full of laughter, with a little bit of Panto magic. This is a truly side-splitting production.

Lizzy Whynes, Bilborough College

What would happen if, in 40 years’ time, the Nottingham Playhouse was no longer a theatre and, instead of producing season after season of glittering plays, has been turned into an old folks’ home?

Yes, Forever Young makes its heavily-awaited return to the Playhouse this February, though not without some changes! Various popular culture references have been added and changed and musical choices have been swapped about, so don’t think that you’d be seeing the same stuff you went to see last year- it’s a whole new show (well, not entirely).

However, the Forever Young virgin need not be put off or intimidated by this lack of familiarity. The hysterical performance from the actors’ dialogue and the casual bursts into song within this theatre experience embrace the audience member into a relaxed and playful atmosphere in which everyone in the auditorium is invited to kick back and have fun.

This highly original theatre experience adapted by the wonderful minds of Giles Croft and Stefan Bednarczyk is so simple, yet makes so many powerful statements about the way the elderly are treated and how society views them. Forever Young is hilarious, amusing, moving and pays incredible homage to the Nottingham Playhouse.

“Rock and roll ‘til you die”

Sally Morton, The Blue Coat school

Forever young is Comical play directed by Giles Croft.

Are you ready for the long awaited comedy of the season? It's back after last years successful run!

The play set in the distant future and Nottingham Playhouse has now been altered into retirement home for the elderly actors , but the actors are not all they seem……..

The conventional elderly citizen would usually be quiet and placid, but not these wayward characters; they are completely the opposite.

As soon as the intolerable, insufferable iron fisted nurse turns her back the actors are determined to have a fantastic time and living their lives to the absolute maximum and intent on staying alive whilst the nurse would rather see them deceased.