Paul Tate

2005 - 2006

Jack and the Beanstalk

'Written and directed by Paul Tate, who stole the show as the hilarious Dame Trott, this is an up to the minute take on the classic tale of Jack. Contains a laugh for every member of the family.'

(Worcester Standard)

'Pantos don't get more traditional than this. Penned by Paul Tate for the third year in a row, it's liberally sprinkled with local and topical gags. The evening proved a constant titter.'

(Hereford Times)

'It captivated young and old alike, entertained all and sundry, and was a credit to anyone involved in Paul Tate's production.'

(Evesham Journal)

2007

The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas.

THERE'S something very special about watching a theatre performance as intimate as this.

And when you're being entertained by a 26-strong cast as gorgeous, energetic and downright talented as the gang from The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, you know you're experiencing a real treat. For two scintillatingly sexy hours, pulsating with utter naughtiness, the small audience are taken on a barnstorming journey of both laughter and tears. There are also a few chances to feast on some genuinely eye-popping moments. Pats on the back to the brave boys who leapt through the theatre in their birthday suits at the end of Act I.

The musical, made famous by Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds in the Oscar-nominated 1982 film version and written by Larry L. King, Peter Masterson and Carol Hall, centres around the Chicken Ranch - a Texan bordello which faces closure thanks to a moralising TV reporter's campaign. The music is upbeat, tremendous fun and, at times, wholly spine-tingling. As Chicken Ranch madam Miss Mona, Suzie Chard puts in an outstanding performance, especially during Girl, You're a Woman. Moving stuff indeed.

But it is multi-talented Richard Swerrun (he also choreographed the whole she-bang) as reporter Melvin P Thorpe who steals the show. Hands down. With his hilarious dancing, dodgy wardrobe, enviable repertoire of facial expressions and a cracking script full of cracking one-liners, Swerrun is undoubtedly the star. The crowd positively ripple with anticipation every time he walks on stage.

Credit also to a splendid, young chorus line who seduce the audience with aplomb. It's almost exhausting watching them. Under Paul Tate's expert direction, this is quite an extraordinary show and anyone who was there should feel privileged to have seen it at such close hand at the Landor. But there's no question that it deserves a chance on a bigger stage. Watch out West End.

(Daily Mirror)

'This show is an excellent excuse for the large cast to raunch, camp, vamp and grind to their hearts content! An outright success!'

(Rogues and Vagabonds)

'Brilliant! Amazing! It's a must for everyone who loves musicals!

A sure-fire hit! Wow! Wow! Wow!'

(What's On Stage)

'Slick choreography by Richard Swerrun. A lively and entertaining night out. Deserves a longer run, or even a transfer!'

(Musical Stages)

'Superb show! Great Cast! Excellent! I would recommend it four times over!'

(My Clapham)

2009

King and I - Aberystwyth

You cannot fail to be whisked away to Musical heaven by The King and I currently playing for the summer at Aberystwyth Arts centre. It is an absolute joy from start to finish. I had a tear in my eye on more than one occasion, and a smile so wide at other times I could have lit up the promenade. Jennifer Tanarez and Makakilo Ancheta as the doomed lovers Tuptim and Lun Tha, sang with passion and looked beautiful. Shona Lindsay was every inch a West End Star as Anna, ably supported by Marcus Cunningham as The King, resplendent in bejewelled costumes. I totally believed their performances. A magnificent vocal performance from Joanne Henry as head wife, matched equally in strength by Paul Tate as The Kralahome. When told to 'Whistle a Happy Tune' I wanted to, when asked 'Shall We dance?' I did, with glee!

WESTERN MAIL

Aberystwyth Arts Centre have done it again, and delivered a magnificent summer musical with The King and I. I will even stick my neck out and say that this is the best show I have seen in years! Sumptuous costumes throughout, and a Buddha as tall as the stage, along with many a West End performer, I cannot wait to see what they pull out of the bag for next year!

Shona Lindsay who played Anna sang with beauty that has rarely been bettered at The Arts Centre, and Marcus Cunningham was a strong, manly King with a glint of cheekiness that endeared him to all. One other performer who really stood out playing The Kralahome was Paul Tate. I wouldn't want to meet him on a dark night!

Full marks also to a wonderful Lady Thiang in Joanne Henry. The director Anthony Williams will reign supreme for many a year.

CAMBRIAN NEWS

2008

Cinderella-Shaw Theatre London 2008/2009

Jolliness abounds! There is a true panto performance from Suzie Chard as Buttercup, and of course the undoubted stars of the show are the Uglies who sport an incredible array of ridiculous costumes. Paul Tate, who wrote the show, is Holly, and his partner in criminality is Welsh Actor Christopher James Jones. An evening of high energy and enjoyment.

Ham & High

CINDERELLA WAS SIMPLY MAGICAL!

Everyone involved with Cinderella at The Shaw Theatre should be congratulated on entertaining myself and my Family on Christmas Eve. We all had a fantastic evening. It was a truly traditional show that brought a smile to everyone in the audience. Britt Ekland and Dominic Littlewood starred in the pantomime, but two other performers who shone for me were Paul Tate and Christopher James Jones as the Ugly Sisters. They reminded me of variety acts that I used to see in the 1960s. Perfect comedy timing and hilarious grimaces with costumes galore. I can't wait for next year!

CAMDEN GAZETTE