2011
Aladdin - Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon
Paul Tate directs this with gusto.
(Bexley Times)
As the Emperor, the show's director, Paul Tate seems to have panto in his veins and has certainly turned up trumps for Croydon in both roles.
(Croydon Advertiser)
BABY-The Musical (July 2011)
I found myself longing for Mr.Tate, whom I thought gave the strongest performance to appear.
(Whats On Stage)
2010
Cinderella - Welwyn Garden City
Paul Tate and Chris Vincent were deservedly booed and cat-called as the shamelessly wicked Ugly Sisters.
THE STAGE
The stars of the show were Bobby Dazzler as Buttons and Paul Tate and Chris Vincent as the Ugly Sisters. These three people made me laugh, cry and wince with their comedic antics. The Sisters were terrific when being cruel to Cinderella, and Bobby as Buttons had a nice touch of pathos when needed.
WELWYN & HATFIELD TIMES
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
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)
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)
2005
Barnum
'More fizz than a bottle of bubbly! Clever scenic design and gorgeous costumes, it makes for an exceptional night out!'
(Indie London)
'Boisterous 'let's put on a show' razzmatazz! The large cast impresses with its verve and enthusiasm.'
(The Stage)
2004 to 2005
Cinderella
'An unmissable treat for all the family! Paul Tate managed to keep the fairytale alive with music and jokes that kept the crowd well and truly entertained.'
(Worcester Evening News)
'It would be a shame to miss it!'
(Bromsgrove Advertiser)
'Paul Tate's clever contemporary script paved the way for a smash hit annual panto at The Swan.'
(Worcester Standard)
2004
Well Hung
'This is just what London needs! A hilarious mix of comedy, thrills, mystery and camp, that blows away every cobweb on earth!'
(SLP)
2003
Bye Bye Birdie
'Hats off to all involved in this zippy production!'
(Musical Stages)
2002
Anything Goes
'An evening of pure delight! I wouldn't have missed this performance for anything! A moment of originality and flair!'
(Indie London)
2001
Little Shop of Horrors
'A production where everyone is perfectly cast. An overall excellent production.'
(The Stage)
'All the cast were amazing!'
(Tanith Messenger)
1997/98 Gaiety Theatre Isle of Man
Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood
At the helm of this extravaganza was the multi-talented Paul Tate who not only directed the show but starred as the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham. It is no exaggeration to say that his was a memorable performance and one with which it is unlikely that any member of the audience could find fault with.
(Isle of Man Examiner)
A riot of colour, music and fun, and a non-stop tribute to the very talented cast, with tight, flawless direction by Paul Tate.
(The Stage)
