AN EVENING WITH THE LADIES OF THE CLIFF RICHARD FAN CLUB OF SUTTON COLDFIELD by Paul Westwood, Assembly Rooms, August 2023
‘The cast’s gentle chaos, directed by Clemmie Reynolds, is charming to watch’ - The Scotsman
‘It’s a beautifully written and is a perfectly performed production that reminds us what it’s like to be young, whether that’s literal or just in our hearts. Fanatical, feminine fun!’ -**** Four stars, West End Best Friend
‘This is gently immersive, a heart-warming piece that connects with the audience and draws them effortlessly into the world of 1995. The cast are talented, working very well together and the direction shows a skilful handling of a myriad of entrances, exits and interactions. A lovely show that reminds us of the importance of finding your people and how not to be alone.’ - EdinburghGuide
SKIN IN THE GAME by Paul Westwood, July-September 2019:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“Impeccable acting, terrific directing and great writing make this one of the best plays I've seen in a long time - and if this isn't an award-winning production then there really is no justice in the theatrical world.” The Act Drop
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A very impressive full-length debut from Paul Westwood... The three leads perform their powerfully naturalistic lines with immaculate timing and almost exhilarating rancour” The Spy In The Stalls
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The cast, the script and Reynolds’ direction ensure the audience is on the edge of their seats... Skin in the Game marks Paul Westwood’s full-length debut as a playwright. He is certainly a name to watch..” LondonTheatre1
“…the show is taut and the playing sharp and expertly choreographed by director Clemmie Reynolds” - The Peg
"it’s a compliment to the all-consuming claustrophobia of Clemmie Reynolds’ production that it’s a relief to leave." - The Stage
MUSCOVADO at Holy Trinity Clapham, V&A Museum, Theatre503 and on tour, 2014-15:
(Supported by Arts Council England, Theatre503, Graeae, Soho Theatre, V&A Museum)
“An absolute scorcher…This is a production which has been lovingly and delicately crafted. The direction is superb and no detail has been missed. From the beautiful set to the commitment of the actors this play is clearly a labour of love and a massive achievement. It proves yet again that sometimes fringe theatre can and does stand head and shoulders above many West End shows that could only hope to achieve the same emotions in their audiences. This show is overwhelmingly compelling. ” ***** 5 Stars – LondonTheatre1
"Audacious...gasp-inducingly brutal..an endearing microcosmic production. " - TimeOut London
"This production of Muscovado is a truly visceral experience. The sweat dripping from the bodies of the actors, confessions in candlelight and sacred song combine to make this church -although a world away from Barbados- a fitting and intimate space to witness some great writing from a promising future playwright. Reynolds’ direction successfully makes use of the church setting in allowing each character to share their vulnerabilities convincingly with the audience. The stage, set in a square round using modest furniture (moved only by slaves) works alongside the clever use of pulpit and altar to create numerous settings” **** 4 Stars.- Liam Blain, British Theatre Guide
“Evocative, atmospheric…Vividly staged in all its distressing force” – The Stage
“This isn’t theatre for the faint-hearted – it’s gruelling stuff. Go if you can.” – FemaleArts.com
“Compelling. A passionate piece of work that really ought to be seen not just because it’s Black History Month but because the lessons of slavery are still being learnt today. It is a necessary and daring insight into history that though should never be forgotten and should never be repeated. Go and see it!” – Ronke Lawal, Afridiziak
“Compelling theatre…The young cast exhibited very fine performances” – RemoteGoat
“It can be tricky to perform in a space that isn't a formal theatre, but the director Clemmie Reynolds used the space well, and placing the actors in the church established an early complicity and intimacy with the spectator that made the play itself much more disturbing…It is a credit to the script, the director and the actors, that despite the brutal setting and theme, it still provoked empathic and not only discomfited laughter.” - Sunny Singh, on her blog
“This searing production of Muscovado is such a blazing success because of that rare, sought-after thing – absolute cohesion. There’s not one element of the production letting another down. Everything from the set to the script, from the lighting to the sound hangs in striking harmony, while a team of singularly passionate actors give their everything to tell a story which is aching for an audience.”- Vanessa Bunn Extra! Extra!
“… an uncompromising portrayal of slavery in all its brutality while offering an alternative narrative that restores the humanity slaves are often denied in modern day tellings” – Ella Achola, Media Diversified
MONMOUTH at Marine Theatre Lyme Regis, 2017 (Community Play):
“The excitement and terror of these times…are vividly brought to life by an exceptional company” – The Fine Times Recorder
“Balanced and cleverly paced to ensure that what could have been a stodgy dollop of history was extremely lively and fun, while not in any way diminishing the seriousness of the subject matter… another fine achievement from the pen of Andrew Rattenbury, and the direction of Clemmie Reynolds.” – Bridport Review *****
‘The Tempest of Lyme’ at Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 2016:
***** “Enchanting…this is something that won’t be forgotten soon” – View News
**** “A wonderfully exuberant production, brought to Lyme by its own people” – Bridport Review
“What a glorious evening to watch such a special event” – Helen Stiles, Dorset Magazine
“A triumph no less. A great community effort.” – Oliver Ford Davies, Actor
‘Much Ado About Nothing’, RADA Festival, Russell Square, Clandon Wood Burial Grounds, and South West Tour:
“A gloriously original production” – **** (4 Stars) Everything Theatre
“Outstanding” – A Younger Theatre
“An afternoon of pure entertainment” – ***** (5 Stars), Surrey Advertiser
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at RADA Festival, Russell Square, Wintershall Estate, Burnt Norton House and on tour:
“Easily the most age-accessible Shakespearean play I’ve watched, with adults and children alike in hoots of laughter. Shakespeare is not elite with this company; it is alive and energetic, full of warmth, beauty and wit…” – Everything Theatre ****
“The opportunity to enjoy Shakespeare in the surrounding of a country estate with an audience of theatregoers, school children and dogs is a rare thing. The sleeping and waking moments are beautifully illustrated by an aerial silk performer suspended 15ft up in a tree, giving this plot of Surrey countryside and other-worldly feel. It is testament to Ms Reynolds’ direction that on a grey and occasionally cold afternoon the production kept the audience rapt.”– Andre Langlois, The Surrey Advertiser
“Set in the beautiful grounds of Wintershall Estate – with breathtaking views of the lake, flowering bushes, butterflies– The Burnt Out Theatre Company put on a truly pleasing performance of narcotic dreaminess, humour and wit. The lullaby duet performed by Titania (Natasha Cowley) and James Reynolds (composer) was achingly beautiful. All the actors provided highly-polished performances with plenty of energy. – Debrorah Harris, The Guildford Magazine
“The enthusiasm and knowledge of this young cast are infectious…The list of talent it draws on is endless… BurntOut Theatre is going from strength to strength” – Katie Jarvis, Cotswold Life
INDUSTRY TESTIMONIALS:
“A smartly written show and beautifully judged production” – Jane Fallowfield, Literary Manager, Royal Court Theatre
“A fantastic production. Such harrowing moments, heart-breaking to watch and difficult to listen to, cut through by a beautiful love story. Composition of both text and music individually excellent and combined, sublime.” – Adam Hemming, Artistic Director of SpaceArts, London
“A huge piece of work to have achieved. Such a difficult subject to find any way to speak of. A very clever piece of commissioning, great casting, really committed intelligent performances, really well directed” – Adrian Jackson, Artistic Director Cardboard Citizens
“Highly recommend” – Jules Haworth, Soho Theatre