Now I'm a fan for all seasons

Aug 17 2008 Elaine C. Smith

IF you are in London I would strongly recommend you see Jersey Boys at the Prince Edward Theatre.

Although a vehicle for songs by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (some of which I never even knew were theirs...great songs and a fab house band too) the difference between this and other musicals like Mamma Mia! is it actually has a story.

I also saw a fantastic show, that will be touring in spring, based on the classic movie Brief Encounter. They use bits of the original film, live music and song, and it all takes place in an old cinema in Edinburgh's Haymarket...with old-fashioned usherettes, ice cream, adverts, the lot. A brilliant idea.

I am doing my one-woman show again this Christmas at Oran Mor and it's always a daunting experience and I saw two other one-woman pieces this week - one about Hollywood costume designer Edith Head which was at the Fringe in Edinburgh last year and is now doing well in London.

The other was performed by veteran American Elaine Stritch (older readers will remember her in the 70s sitcom Two's Company with Donald Sinden).

I know how hard it is to stand up there alone but I will not moan again having seen Elaine do two hours herself - and she's 82! Unbelievable - and a lesson to us all about keeping going.