Tim Harding, Reviews Hub, October, 2026

"Entertaining and passionately performed...

"...a very compelling narrative he gives us. Forbidden love, secretive meetings, a disapproving maid, and a near-death experience with a carriage all make for an excellent story. 

"Pianist Rebecca Weston plays a series of well-chosen and well-known Beethoven melodies, with a delicacy that perfectly supports the storytelling." 

William Stafford, Bum on a Seat Reviews May 2026

"A compelling presence and a captivating storyteller...Venables has us in the palm of his hand.

Euan Rose Euan Rose Reviews, May 2026

"A unique talent indeed. Venables exudes tremendous energy and his ability to switch roles with a gesture or a laugh is a joy to watch."

Dr Jefny Ashcroft – Midlands Fringe Reviews July 2026

"Cleverly spun; a tale from two strands of the great composer's life.

"Mike Venables' one-man show was intelligent, passionate and full-throated.  His vocal range was a major asset in a performance embracing thundered commands from Beethoven's tyrannical Father - so abrupt they made me jump in my seat - to imitations of flirtatious, simpering countesses.

"Another stand-out feature must be that the live music, performed by the highly talented Rebecca Weston, was truly integrated. You didn't have to be a classical music buff to find the piano excerpts delightful, relevant and enhancing. A change of mood or scene was skilfully indicated by a new melody. Particularly telling was the transposition from the poignant beauty of the 7th Symphony's, 2nd Movement to the unmistakable notes of Ode to Joy that finished the show. Mike used Beethoven's comments on the 7th (where the ecstatic Viennese crowd demanded an immediate encore) to show that the play was as much about Beethoven's self-belief and courage as his genius."

Sample of Premiere Night Audience Messages:

Sofia: Massive well done. Thanks for entertaining me and engaging me with interesting content that really made me think.

 

Steve: Hi Mike. Your show was great. I think that's the best one you've done. Really excellent.

Emma: I really loved every minute of it and thought you were absolutely brilliant in it as I knew you would be! You made it look super easy to do a very challenging thing tonight and that in itself is a great skill and compliment… more people should be lucky enough to be able to see it 

Alan - a real tour de force last night and very well received

Ed - Excellent show, Mike. Very impressive, moving and inspirational. Great to see you in your element.

Lin: Just wanted you to know I LOVED your performance this evening. Gripped throughout. I was there in Beethoven’s world, thoroughly pulled into the story so convincingly told. 

Ian- Brilliant night. Many congratulations

Gillian - well done mike it was an enchanting piece, it drew you in and the story about Beethoven was really engaging

Mell: Your performance was outstanding, it was engaging, interesting delightful and informative. You brought all the characters to life

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