MOJO

Saw MOJO last night by Black Yak. Great little theatre, old building realy suited the 1950's play. It wasn't completly a comedy, there were some serious bits, but tons of laughs. Very very funny in places. Particulaly the guys who played Sid and Sweets, with really fast dialog to each other. They were a scream, especially Uncle Tommy. Mikey was a good contrast being the serious one. The oter guys were good too especialy the crazy one. Very funny show, needs bigger audiences. Go sse it.

I would agree that the venue is an excellent choice for MOJO. I thought that Mikey needed to deliver his lines louder and more firmly as he is meant to be in charge. Sid and Sweets have put a lot of work into their characters and it is great to see them bouncing the lines off each other. Definitely a play for the younger to get a laugh from, even with the serious bits in it. The lighting looks good and if you go to the Mechanics Instutute you will be amazed at what Michael had to work with.

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Just out of interest, how well do you feel it will travel to the Glasshouse (upstairs of the Brass Monkey)?

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Being the director of the show I was excited when the whole Brass Monkey thing got the go ahead and even more excited when I saw the venue and cast were ecstatic about performing in a pub.

It is a smallish room up stairs at the Brass Monkey, very much the same size as the Mechanics Institute. The set is simple, The lighting is minimalist leaving room for the fast paced dialogue to come across.

So with a small amount a reblocking the show will fit in with a minimal impact on the show.

Speeking of Mojo, there are only two shows in the "what's on" section for tonight "The Ashes of Great Men" and "Mojo".
So if you have seen "The Ashes of Great Men" come and see "Mojo".

But if you haven't seen "The Ashes of Great Men" go and see it and see "Mojo" tommorow night.

Hi Michael

MICHAEL McALLAN wrote:
> Speeking of Mojo, there are only two shows in the "what's on"
> section for tonight "The Ashes of Great Men" and "Mojo".
> So if you have seen "The Ashes of Great Men" come and see
> "Mojo".
>
> But if you haven't seen "The Ashes of Great Men" go and see
> it and see "Mojo" tommorow night.

hehehe

thanks for that!

Yes, Ashes finishes on Saturday night while Mojo has a couple more weeks to go.

Don't miss either of them!

Cheers
Grant

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Well, checking out MOJO on Thursday night, I was dismayed. Only because the audience was so tiny. Even though the lit up "MOJO" sign out the front attracted many passers by, none joined the twelve inside.

Nonetheless! Loved the humour of the show. It was very rude, but it was damn funny! Great performances by Nick Donald (Potts) and Alex Jones (Sweets) who seemed to have been transported from "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" into the 1950s.

Shenandoah Bruce as "Baby" was disturbing, only because he created his character so thoroughly, hence was able to manipulate every thought I held to his character. Damn you!

Micky played by Matt Penny was perhaps the most consistant actor/character. The authority he exuded mixed with his 'working class' honesty was superb. Damn fine job.

Adam Shuttleworth's character "Skinny" was not quite hilarious, not quite serious, but a mixture of wimpiness and pride. His underwear at the beginning of the show explains a lot about his true character. I wanted to sympathise with Skinny, but in the end, he just didn't have enough balls to earn my respect. That's not a slur against Adam - that's just the character! Adam's interpretation was interesting, but I would've liked to have seen him in a different role.

Silver Johnny #1 - Troy Hall - was ...well...hardly there. He got into S&M and swearing when he was on stage though. And he got to wear the best suit.

Speaking of costumes - loved the shoes, but felt the pants should've been a lil bit longer. I know that the show-off-socks was fashionable, but I just giggled too much when the boys sat down.

Lighting was most groovy and well set, especially for the small hall. Props were interesting. I loved the guns, and the tacky cake was put to good use! Congratz on getting the jukebox, and for Michael Lee's repair work during scene changes. Setting of the different scenes was spartan, but in hindsight, too many sequins would've spoilt the action. Music was appropriate and fun, although I wanted to make requests.

Altogether, I enjoyed the show, but I believe "the more the merrier" -- as in "the more audience members the better". Check out the show if you can - it looks the type that will just keep improving every night!!

Babar's Sister

Actually, you should go see Mojo TWICE. Once at the Mechanics Institute, and once at the Brass Monkey. The actor playing Silver Johnny changes you see, and him being such a pivotal role, it's absolutely vital that you see both incarnations, just to be sure you've got the maximum possible understanding of the show. It's like James Bond, or Dr. WHO.

That is all.

Just want to add my two cents worth and say congratulations Michael, cast and crew. It has been said I know, but Alex and Nick's rapport on stage is quite something and people should go to this show if only to witness this. Though there are many other good reasons to see it of course!

It was disappointing to see such a small audience - hopefully it will pick up this week.

Good luck at the Glass House.