Author Archives: Nick Hennegan

Writer and creator of The London Literary Pub Crawl.com. and a few plays. BohemianBritain.com. Event and Theatre Producer. Done quite a bit on the wireless too!

Edinburgh Fringe Review: I See You Watching.

Brilliant. Brutal. Beautiful.

🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷 – 5 out of 5 glasses of fine wine! (Or what ever YOU think it should be! Stars? 5 stars then. Love them! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️)

Blind Faith Theatre. Edinburgh Fringe. Gilded Balloon Patter House – Doonstairs. 20:30 (60 mins) 30 July – 24 August (not 11, 19) Tickets here.

Kylie Westerbeck and David Calvitto. Photo: Cameron Soeparto 

The shame and the shock of the ‘Me Too’ movement, quite rightly provoked a plethora of plays aiming to explore, explain and expose its true legacy of control. And initially, with its young attractive female on a bare stage and a suave, businesslike, besuited middle-aged man greeting us in the auditorium, I was expecting a perhaps traditional tale of male control and abuse. And I am also aware that I am a male of a certain age too.

But cleverly, this piece, devised by Melanie Stewart, who directs, John Clancy who wrote the text and Kylie Westerbeck who performs, adds much more to the whole debate of control, power and choice.

We, the audience, are part of the action. As we are greeted in the auditorium by the pleasant gentleman, it appears we are part of the team choosing… the what? The actor? It begins like a traditional actors audition, although the pleasant gentleman seems to almost know us and often refers to us in the process of his control. Are we there to help him with the process?

We soon discover a much less linear story.

It’s very clever and even occasionally becomes playful. And the two performers are masterful. David Calvitto gives us a master of ceremonies that brilliantly finds the right balance between control and trust. At the beginning, he is a monster, but Calvitto has the skill to create a monster that is not that obviously easy to hate. He’s not an EVIL monster. Just doing what he obviously thinks has to be done to this poor woman. The status quo? He treads a very delicate and nuanced line, particularly as the play develops. Which almost makes the situation worse!

And Kylie Westerbeck as the woman is nothing less than mesmerising. Her tour de force performance begins with a manic energy that perfectly physically conveys how desperately she wants to conform – and get ‘it’ right, even though the ‘it’ is constantly changing. And becomes evermore exhausting. She is so desperate and accepting of the ‘male gaze’ that it almost tips the balance of sympathy for her, which is another reason why this is such a cleverly challenging, but completely entertaining piece.

It’s technically clever too. Costume design is by Stephanie Nichols and is subtly spot-on – lavish but not distracting. There is also some very effective lighting (often difficult in a fringe show) and some snap-sharp cues.

And perhaps most cleverly of all, without too much of a spoiler, as the dynamic changes towards the end of the show, we perhaps, male and female, become aware, through the eyes and experiences of this woman, how we ALL want to be liked: we ALL want to do the right thing and make the right choices… and how we ALL… See You Watching!

A must see!

Edinburgh Fringe Mini-Blog. Day 4. A local foreigner!

My second day off.. which as I mentioned yesterday feels a bit weird, ‘cause you don’t normally do that at the fringe… but having the extra headspace, it became weirdly emotional. It kind of occurred to me that for many years I’ve spent 1/12 of every year in Edinburgh. And in various places… but for the last maybe 10 years I was with Mervyn Stutter’s Pick of the Fringe marketing folk, just off Holyrood and the Royal Mile. This year things have changed and I’m on the other side of town. So it was odd, given the pressures of presenting anything at the Fringe, to feel like I was ‘missing home’.

So I went down my old manor – the Royal Mile. As soon as I walked in to both the Waverley and the Tollgate Tavern Pubs, behind the bar they said. “Ah you’re back! Nice to see you again.” I kinda love the fact I was a regular, even if for only one month of the year! I even got a free beer at the one Pub as a thank you for our Lit Pub Crawl beer mats!

I’ve only ever been to Edinburgh for the Fringe (apart from one time when I opened a Superstore for a London Ad Agency! AND of course, last Christmas when the ‘A Christmas Carol’ I adapted and directed, performed by the brilliant Guy Masterson, was at Assembly Roxy over the festive period) And so, it was strangely emotional, particularity because some of the locals remembered me. Not Fringe folk, but local Edinburgh folk. It felt like Iwas being welcomed home. Only for a month of the year, but nice to see you back.

And how lovely is that?

Join us for the Edinburgh (NOT London!) Literary Pub Crawl every day at 3pm – Pleasance Dome! http://bit.ly/4knveha

#pub #edfrnge #edinburgh @edfringe @edfringeliterarypubcrawl @thepleasance #literature

Edinburgh Mini-Blog. Day 3

The Day The Winds Came!

Storm Floris took centre stage at the Edinburgh Festival today. it was an odd experience – made even more weird because I didn’t have a show today! More about that in a moment. And if I had, as a largely outdoor show (walking between pubs!) we would probably have had to cancel!

There’s an old showbiz adage about how the show must go on. But not if your audience might get hurt by flying debris! So early last night, with news of the oncoming storm, the major venues began announcing the performances and venues that would be closing today. Even the frenetic and fabulous Pleasance Courtyard announced it would close in the day opening again at 7:30 pm tonight as the winds abated.

It’s very odd for me though, because most Fringe performers, if they are dong the whole festival, as I am, will usually only take one day off in the month – usually the middle Monday. But because I’m feeling old (and, tbh, I have more media duties this year) I decided this time to commit almost Fringe heresy and have EVERY Monday and Tuesday off! This Monday, it’s already made a difference. I’ve got a lot sorted in my room despite The Almost Constant Slamming Doors Of Nick’s Student Digs. (See Day 1 Mini Blog!) And oh, by the way, I bought earplugs yesterday, for last night. It seems to be working even though they are uncomfortable and I was actually woken by the violent VIBRATION of a closing door last night!

But I’m out now and I’m sitting in the pub just around the corner from the digs, The Abbey, looking at literally hundreds of bottles of Whisky as I write this! Apparently it has over 700 different whiskies! Fortunately for my liver, kidneys and wallet, I’m not really a shorts drinker, but every time I look at the bottles I cannot help think of my good friends John Slater, Guy Masterson and in an earlier life, Brian Norton, who enjoy a quality dram! I’m quite missing them at the moment – all but Brian are in Edinburgh – and I’ve had all day on my own, but if often happens if you’re creating things, so I can’t moan.

So another day off tomorrow but I’m going to have to get some serious Marketing done. Need to move a few more tickets just to pay the rent! Budgets later!

Cheers!

Join us every afternoon (but not Monday or Tuesday!!) at 3pm in the Pleasance Dome! http://bit.ly/4knveha

Edinburgh Fringe Mini Blog. Day 2

I’d forgotten quite how frantic, phonetic… yet fantastic the Edinburgh Fringe is. It’s the biggest open arts festival in the world – and I’m at it!

I also aware that I’m no longer a kid but an older man. It manifests itself in energy at the moment, although it’s still early days and I am still getting into the swing of things. And I’m kinda in the front line, presenting the show, rather than sitting in the dark as the director with actors.

But we had another brilliant Edinburgh (NOT London!) Literary Pub Crawl today again, with people from all around the world; the USA, Canada, Switzerland, Germany oh… and Scotland! I end up in the final pub talking with a chap who works for the home office and his girlfriend, who works for the University of Edinburgh. We leave at 7 o’clock, some hours after the official tour finishes! It takes me awhile to remember where I live! It’s not big and it’s not clever, but such is the life of a writer and presenter of a Literary Pub Crawl. Another 10 out of 10!

Cheers!

Join us every afternoon at 3pm in the Pleasance Dome! http://bit.ly/4knveha

Edinburgh Fringe. Day One

Edinburgh Fringe, 2025. Mini Blog, Day One.

A few Crawlers!

Although it’s officially day one of the Fringe, I actually arrived four days ago ago, so it’s not really for me.

It’s a fact that more shows have opened in this little corner of the world than any other city in the world, although it still feels a little bit quiet.

I’ve now done the second of our new Edinburgh (not London) Literary Pub Crawl and again I’m struck by how lovely it is meeting the people who come on The Crawl. They like literature and they like a drink. What’s not to like about that!

My digs are proving a bit difficult. I’m sharing a purpose built student accommodation block with 10 other people, all who have very noisy closing doors. (I do too, but over the years I’ve got used to closing them, rather than letting the door springs do their work! The door to the communal kitchen has a sensor on it and if it’s open for more than 60 seconds it sets off an alarm. Fire prevention gone mad! (Although I guess I’d be grateful for if something really did go wrong.)

I’ve got my press pass and Industry passes today as well. At the moment I’m just concentrating on getting our show done but I’m very very keen to share the work of other artists in Edinburgh.

I actually went to the Assembly Club Bar, which is pass access only – so becomes like a private members club – after a certain time. It’s where I’ve been going during my contemporary years of the Edinburgh Fringe and where most of the people I know hang out and where I met them.

Tonight is a bit quiet, but I did bump into the brilliant David Calvitto – an actor who has a show up here which I’ll tell you more about later – and Paul Levy, the brilliant man who set up Fringe Review website – he’s from Brighton. And the two of us ended up going to Tesco’s to buy some supplies and although I’ve not met any of my other 10 flatmates, I’m going to take the plunge and put some frozen stuff in the fridge. Them’s the brakes aren’t they. So glamorous! Rock ’n’ roll.

And we’re live down the Pub at the Edinburgh Fringe!

Crawlers at the Bedlam Theatre Bar.

The Charles Dickens Edinburgh (NOT London!) Literary Pub Crawl has started brilliantly with Crawlers from the USA 🇺🇸 Germany 🇩🇪 Canada 🇨🇦 Switzerland 🇨🇭 oh yes… and Scotland! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Join us every day from 3pm. @thepleasance @edfringe

Details

Help us make magic!

The Latest News from the Maverick Theatre Company.

Happy August! 

I’m back now from the USA (how LOVELY were the Kansans!) 

We’re now at the Edinburgh Fringe with our SECOND, Charles Dickens (NOT London) Literary Pub Crawl. We’re out every day at 3pm so come and say hello if you’re in Edinburgh.

There are more details here ​

However possibly even more exciting is our new, all-comers-welcome, open-access production for West London. ANYONE who fancies trying ANYTHING in theatre – front of house, onstage, backstage, music, production, etc – can come and have a go and get top tuition and mentorship – for FREE – in our second People’s Company production.

Our first People’s Company production was a large-scale version of Henry V – featuring dancing and partying around Shakespeare’s tale. This time we may be looking at a new musical idea, if we can secure the funding.

Can you find just £2 to support the project? We have already had an indication that if we can find more than just TWENTY supporters, the local authority development fund will donate over £9k! As a working class organisation, this is tremendous news. We have about a month left to raise the funds needed. And if we can, this will be a terrific event for West London – and lead to other projects elsewhere in the country.

Please help if you can. If you need any more information please email me – but the details are here!​

Some of the original Birmingham People’s Company on stage.

We’re working on a series of thank-yous for supporters through free tickets, special gifts and online and in-person events. 

​PLEASE HELP THIS SPECIAL AND UNIQUE ARTS PROJECT IN ANYWAY YOU CAN. ​

Thank you very much.

Hope to see you soon,

Nick x

Nick Hennegan. Artistic Director and Teaboy.

​

Ozzy Osbourne. RIP Bohemian Brummie.

The musical term ‘Heavy Metal’ was born in Birmingham in the English Midlands. Bands like Led Zeppelin and, of course, Black Sabbath. I was born and dragged up in Brum and worked on radio stations BRMB, BBC WM and Chrysalis station The Arrow. It’s a great area, with great people. One of the people I worked with was Tom Parker. This is his personal take on a local legend.

A distraught Osbourne Family in Broad Street, Birmingham.

It was branded ‘The Summer of Sabbath’ in Birmingham. It’s certainly lived up to the billing. Whenever I’ve been ready to close the book and move on, something else happens and I get dragged back in.

First there was the months of anticipation for the gig. Then, as it got closer, I was fortunate to become involved. Working at the opening of the museum exhibit with Sharon Osbourne. Making videos around the city of all the Sabbath-related attractions. Being among the privileged few to be present as the band was granted the Freedom of the City. The gig itself. And as I wallowed in the afterglow of that unforgettable couple of weeks, that, I thought, was that.

But after the highs came the lows.

The shock of Ozzy’s death. Being despatched the following day to capture the city’s reaction. The opening of the condolence books. Looking on as metalheads from across the world descended on Birmingham once again, much sooner than planned.

Then, on Sunday, I received a call to ask if I would like to be involved in a final ride around Birmingham for the Prince of Darkness. I didn’t need to be asked twice.

And so we came around to today. As I took my privileged reserved spot next to Black Sabbath bridge, I watched in awe as the general public gathered in their masses – tens of thousands of them – to salute our city’s finest son.

Then there was the heartbreaking moment when the family arrived, broken, and I found myself in the odd predicament of trying to capture the occasion in spite of the tears streaming from my eyes.

I wasn’t prepared to find it so emotional. In many ways, I think it was suppressed grief for my own dad. My love of all things Ozzy and Sabbath came from him, and my emotions over the last few weeks have been so wrapped up in his memory. Seeing the Osbournes going through the same heartbreak that the Parkers did a couple of years ago, only with the added pressure of the eyes of the world watching them… Wow. It hit me right in the feels.

But, amid the sadness, there was pride. A demonstration of Birmingham at its best, and the reasons why Ozzy strikes a chord with us so much.

As Brummies, we live our lives being sneered at, the constant butt of the joke. So, when we see somebody who sounds like us become one of the coolest people in the world, of course we latch onto them. He was ours, and the city was his.

It says a lot that Ozzy remains so revered despite being a complicated man. Delving into his past uncovers some uncomfortable truths. But it only adds weight to the feeling that we view him as one of our own. We see through his flaws. We forgive his mistakes. And that’s true love.

He is, however, a textbook case of the power of atonement. He always owned his mistakes and took responsibility for them. There was no apportioning of blame. No wallowing in self pity. Just a steady resolve for self-improvement. That PETA and The Alamo were among the social media accounts lining up to pay tribute last week says everything. Hundreds of millions of pounds raised for charity as his final act of redemption was the icing on the cake.

Legacy assured. Our greatest Brummie.

And so, as Ozzy left Birmingham, so ended our Summer of Sabbath. For real this time.

And while there will be no more cause for emotional outpourings from me, I’ll still show my love for Ozzy by quietly indulging in my love of his music, whilst encouraging my son to indulge in his.

Just like my dad did.

You know I will. I really will.