REVIEW| Pride & Prejudice (sort of) UK Tour

REVIEW| Pride & Prejudice (sort of) UK Tour

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Photo Credit:Mihaela Bodlovic

Pride & Prejudice (sort of)

UK Tour

The Rep, Birmingham

★★★★★

Like many people in the world I have a soft spot for the stories of Jane Austen, the romance, the strong female characters it all adds up to perfection. So when it was announced that one of Austen's most famous stories was getting a little make over Pride & Prejudice (Sort Of) I knew that I would need to get a ticket to check it out.

This unique and hilarious retelling of the classic story was a surprise to say the least, just when you think you know what to expect you are thrown another. It begins with the five female cast members as maids and staff for a large house in their smock dresses, boots and rubber gloves before beginning to retell the iconic story we all know and love in a way only they can. Isobel McArthur's writing keeps the story fresh but familiar, adding in humour, swearing and some strong language in such a way that it's not too much but just the right amount. 

The design of this show is excellent, both costume and set have been designed by Ana Inés Jabares-Pita.

 The brilliance of the costumes is that maid's smock is the base for all the other many various over costumes as each actor takes on a multitude characters and the set although simple in design is clever with its hiding holes and a grand staircase to hold all the action on.

Photo Credit:Mihaela Bodlovic

The cast of this show is small but mighty, a cast of five chameleon like actors who have many strings to each of their bows, having the skill and talent to take on all the main characters from Austen's classic story. Lucy Gray (pictured in the centre above) takes on the role of narrator of sorts as well as Charlotte Lucas and both Bingley siblings, the cruel and dislikable Caroline Bingley as well as the playful almost puppy like Charles Bingley all of which Gray takes on with skill and flare. Megan Louise Wilson also takes on two completely different characters with her portrayal of the sweet and kind Jane Bennett and also the owner of Rosings Park Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who is vastly less kind and cruel very cleverly.

Emmy Stonelake plays the pivotal character of Elizabeth Bennet, which was a joy to watch especially with the language that was unlike any Bennet sister I've ever heard and I really enjoyed her version of a very well known and loved character. Dannie Harris took on the other important character Mr Darcy will all the pomp and circumstance that was needed, I also enjoyed the nod to the famous lake scene from Colin Firth's version. Harris also takes on the role of Mrs Bennet with an ease, wit and humour too...truly excellent.

Photo Credit:Mihaela Bodlovic

Leah Jamieson, the final of the glorious quintet, seems to have the most fun in her roles as two of the younger Bennett sisters, Lydia and Mary as well as Mrs Gardiner. Jamieson, like all mentioned before was excellent in her roles and I truly thing that everyone on the stage was AMAZING. The show is absolutely hilarious, perfect for any fan of Jane Austen but also the complete novice to the story, it will entertain all. Fully worth a watch during the last few venues on this tour, hopefully it won't be the last we see of this phenomenal show.

For more information, click HERE.

 

REVIEW| Winnie the Pooh the Musical|London and UK Tour

REVIEW| Winnie the Pooh the Musical|London and UK Tour

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Photo:Pamela Raith

Winnie the Pooh the Musical

Bridge Theatre, London 

★★★★

The wonderful thing about Tiggers? That he is part of this sixty five minute show, currently playing at the Bridge Theatre in London before embarking on a UK tour later this year.

For me this show is a trip down memory lane, having been raised on A.A Milne and Winnie the Pooh and his friends so to experience this show, which is complete with life size full puppets alongside Sherman Brother's classic songs such as The Wonderful Thing about Tiggers alongside further songs and orchestration by Nate Edmondson and extra orchestrations, was a flashback to my childhood complete with warm fluffy feelings. This adaption comes from the mind of Jonathan Rockefeller with all the puppets coming from their studios and the whole look of the show is just right.

There is a small plot running through the musical as we follow Pooh on his adventure to find some honey, with all the mishaps such as getting stuck in a tree as well as little moments including a bouncing lesson from Tigger because "bouncing is what tiggers do best". With the target audience of the show being a lot younger than I, it is a great way to begin a small person's introduction to the wonderful world of theatre and even with bigger kids like myself the key message of friendship and caring for others is still a great one to hear, which even brought a tear to my eye on more than one occasion.

Photo:Pamela Raith

The cast of this show is clever in that it is eight adults and four children strong, with each performance requiring five puppeteers who play all of your favourite characters and a Christopher Robin. In the performance I saw was the amazing talents of Laura Bacon, Jake Bazel, Harry Boyd, Alex Cardall and Lottie Grogan with Charlie Man Evans playing the child role of Christopher Robins. Each talented member of the cast had the vocal lilt of each character and they had the characters down to a tea, almost to a point that you focus on the genius of the puppets than the puppeteers/actors who are moving them around.

With it's great cast, sweet and endearing story and amazing puppets, this little show is definitely worth a watch for anyone ranging from 2 to 102, whether it be during the rest of it's London residence at the small and intimate space or at some of the larger spaces it will be visiting on it's UK tour. For more information about the show and it's tour locations, visit the website here

REVIEW|Guys and Dolls at Bridge Theatre

REVIEW|Guys and Dolls at Bridge Theatre

Thursday, April 6, 2023

 

Photo: Manuel Harlan

Guys and Dolls

Bridge Theatre, London

★★★★★

Some musicals are up there in your favourites for different reasons, Guys and Dolls is up there for me as one of my favourite more "classic" shows but nothing had me prepared for stepping into the Bridge Theatre for this immersive version.

This production starts from the moment you enter the auditorium, especially if you pick to stand for the show in the stalls. You are greeted by Bunny Christie's set design paired with lighting design by Paule Constable which transports you to a new world, complete with neon signs above your head and Front of House Actors who are selling their wares which include hats, hot dogs and pretzels. You are welcome to interact with these sellers and they do a fantastic job of getting you in the mood for the show, as well as giving hints of the best places to stand for the show as they are also the people who move around the stage areas so you don't end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Christie has also designed the costumes with Deborah Andrews  which are also excellent a perfect mix of of the time the show is set alongside something that would be acceptable out in the "real world" in this time

Nicholas Hytner directs this production and has done an excellent job of putting the show in such a way that it, like the people in the stalls standing, moves around the stage with effortless energy and the choreography has been created by the iconic Arlene Philips and James Cousins and was absolutely glorious, there is something happening everywhere you look however I may never look at a carrot the same way again. 

Photo: Manuel Harlan

Moving on to the cast, they were phenomenal no other word for them. The talent on that movable stage was through the roof and the joy of this show is that you are literally right in with it all, which is truly an honour. From ensemble to "principles" this cast are so hard working and if I wasn't already stood up, I would have given them the world's largest standing ovation.

To name a few of my favourites would be difficult. Katy Secombe  was an excellent Good Time Charlie, never switching off the charm and charisma even in the interval where she has a key part in the interval performance. She engaged with everyone and anyone which was a joy to see. Cameron Johnson was a fantastic Big Jule, both in stature and talent, and it was a joy to see him perform again after previously seeing him in different shows last year. Cedric Neal as Nicely Nicely Johnson was the perfect person for the role. I have previously said that Cedric could sing the phone book and I would buy a ticket and that is still one thousand per cent true, his performance of Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat had everyone in the palm of his hand...truly electric.

Photo: Manuel Harlan

Celinde Schoenmaker and Andrew Richardson play our first pair of loves Sarah and Sky. They are the classic hate to love story, with Sky being bet he can't take Sarah to Havana only for them to fall in love with each other and I truly enjoyed Celinde and Andrew's chemistry through their story arc especially through song with my favourite moment being their duet I've Never Been in Love Before which was literally stunning to watch and hear. Our "more experienced couple" Nathan Detroit and Miss Adelaide, played by the brilliant Daniel Mays and Marisha Wallace, brilliantly played the couple who have been engaged for over ten years but still deeply in love, even if it's caused Miss Adelaide to develop a cold. 

It was a joy and honour and a pleasure to watch the entire cast perform up close and personal and I'm definitely considering a return visit before the run is over. I would one hundred per cent recommend buying a ticket to this amazing production before it closes on the 2nd September 2023.

REVIEW| The Great British Bake Off the Musical, Noel Coward Theatre, London

REVIEW| The Great British Bake Off the Musical, Noel Coward Theatre, London

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

 

Photo Credit:Manuel Harlan.

The Great British Bake Off Musical
Noel Coward Theatre, London

★★★★

So I have a question for you...Do you love the Bake Off and are you a fan or double ententres and slightly cheeky jokes?

If the answer is yes, then this is the show for you. I know that some have written off this musical and have said that not every television show and book needs to be turned into something else however this witty show with book & lyrics by Jake Brunger and Music & Lyrics by Pippa Cleary (of My Son's A Queer fame) is just what the doctor ordered. I laughed, I cried, I got completely emotionally invested in the characters, even feeling sad when certain characters got "sent home".

Creatively it was the perfect homage to a beloved show with Set, Costume and Cake Designer Alice Power hitting the nail on the head giving the whole musical the feel of the tv programme whilst also being its own being and the direction by Rachel Kavanaugh and Choreography by Georgina Lamb just worked perfectly alongside each other too.

The ensemble cast were excellent too. Firstly our two judges for the show Pam and Phil (inspired by Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood) were iconic in their own ways, giving the nod to their alter egos in a funny but loving way. If Prue and Paul ever want the series off Hayden Gywnne and John Owen-Jones would be the perfect replacements.

Photo Credit:Manuel Harlan.

Presenters Kim and Jim played by Zoe Birkett and Scott Paige were another iconic duo with brilliant energy throughout the show, bouncing perfectly against each other as well as working along the bakers too. Speaking of the bakers, I loved that each baker had their time to shine, either getting their own song/solo or part of dialogue or moment and it truly felt like the bakers Grace Mouat, Claire Moore, Catriana Sandison, Charlotte Wakefield, Damian Humbley, Jay Saighal, Michael Cahill and Aharon Rayne were an excellent little family.

I absolutely loved this show, from its music to its story and especially the cast, it is definitely worth a watch and most definitely on the list for one of my most favourite shows of 2023 so far.

Information and tickets can be found on their website here.

REVIEW|Mamma Mia UK & International Tour 2023

REVIEW|Mamma Mia UK & International Tour 2023

Sunday, January 22, 2023

2022 Cast Photo.Credit:Brinkhoff/Mögenburg

Mamma Mia (UK & International Tour)

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

★ ★ ★★

There is nothing more exciting than when a tour begins at your home venue, especially when that show is a modern classic such as Mamma Mia so when it was announce that it would begin its 2023 UK & International tour in the Wolverhampton Grand, you know I returned for another trip to Mediterranean.

This show is such an institution, currently in its 23rd year in the West End and also with it's own VERY popular movie version so the crowd were in good spirits and the show did not disappoint and neither did the cast. The hard working ensemble were amazing to watch, giving 110% to every move they make and never seeming to break a sweat.

First person on the stage Jess Michelmore who plays Sophie owned the stage from the first beat, with her gorgeous voice and glorious chemistry with each of her prospective dads, her mum Donna and her Fiancé Sky (played by the scot Christopher Foley), who already have great chemistry playing the young couple in love brilliantly.

2022 Cast Photo.Credit:Brinkhoff/Mögenburg

The "dads" were another highlight of the show. Each one has their solo moments with both their "daughter" Sophie and with their ex lover Donna and each had their time to shine. Harry played by Neal Craig brought a fun aspect to the song Our Last Summer which I've not seen before and Sam played by Richard Standing worked excellently alongside real life wife Sara Poyzer as Donna. Obviously we all know how their story ends but it was great to watch the journey between the two ex lovers throughout the show.

Phil Corbitt as Bill was possibly my favourite of the trio mainly down to his work with Nicky Swift as Rosie in the second act, which was one of the best performances during the song Take a Chance on Me I've ever seen, I literally howled with laughter.

2022 Cast Photo.Credit:Brinkhoff/Mögenburg

Speaking of Rosie, let's finish with what have to be the true stars of the show, Donna and the Dynamos otherwise known as Donna (Sara Poyzer), Rosie (Nicky Swift) and Tanya (Sarah Earnshaw), who were absolutely excellent.  

Sara's portrayal of Donna was incredible, with so much power, heart and emotion behind her performance, you can believe that you are in for a good watch with this seasoned performer of this character having played it previously in the West End and in past tour productions too. Same with Swift's performance as Rosie, who was just excellent as the slightly comedic role of Donna's best friend. Sarah Earnshaw's portrayal of Tanya was something new for me having seen Sarah previously on stage in different shows but I truly enjoyed her taking on this new role.

It's safe to say that I would 100% recommend this tour production if it is heading towards you over the next few weeks and months, before ending the tour with a little jaunt to the home of ABBA themselves Scandinavia. Tour details and tickets are available from the Official Website.

REVIEW|Cinderella at Bristol Hippodrome

REVIEW|Cinderella at Bristol Hippodrome

Monday, December 26, 2022

Photo Credit: Stephen Lewis

Cinderella 

Bristol Hippodrome

Seen: 23rd December

Running until 31st December 2022

Whilst on a trip to the West Country to visit my brother, I took a break to visit the Bristol Hippodrome to see their pantomime 'Cinderella'. With their lead names including Craig Revel Horwood as the evil Baronette Hardup and local favourite Andy Ford as Buttons, this show had all of the best bits of a classic panto from jokes about the local area as well as some almost slightly risky jokes for the adults and some classic slapstick for the younger members of the audience to boot.

The show, written by Alan McHugh with additional material by Andy Ford himself, follows the classic story of the fairy tale started with the Fairy Godmother Alison Jiear setting the scene and starting the show with a gorgeous song before introducing the audience to Cinderella, played by Lauren Hampton and also the ensemble who worked tirelessly throughout the show, singing and dancing and being a key part of the show. Lauren made an excellent Cinderella alongside her Prince Charming, who in my performance was played brilliantly by understudy Solomon Davy and together they had impeccable chemistry especially as according to the cast at the end of the show had been "thrown together" at short notice the day before and the same with Daniel Norford as Dandini, Prince Charming's sidekick.

Photo Credit: Stephen Lewis

Revel Horwood's Strictly prowess was tested with a fantastic dance moment in the second act and he was to quote himself "Fab-u-Lous" and if you are a fan of the show then you will not be disappointed as there are many references and catchphrases that he uses on the telly. His villain character is very fun and not too scary, he almost made me not want to boo him as I was enjoying his performance throughout the show alone as well as along side his two "evil step daughters" Tess and Claudia played by Leanne Jones and Catherine Morris. 

So a great cast, sprinkled in with some panto laughs, fantastic costumes and topped with festive magic, it had even the adults up and joining in at times. It also made me realise how much fun a pantomime can be and why it is definitely worth exploring different theatres because you never know how much fun it will be.

The panto is running at the Bristol Hippodrome until 31st December and it would a disaster if you missed it. Tickets are available through the ATG website here.

 

REVIEW|Aladdin at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

REVIEW|Aladdin at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Friday, December 23, 2022

 

Originally written for Theatre and Tonic.

It has been about fifteen years since my last pantomime, so it was time to return to the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre for this year’s panto Aladdin, written and directed by Will Brenton filled me with nostalgia and excitement.

Filled with a mix of well-known pop songs, such as ‘Domino’ and ‘Relight My Fire’ as well as some slightly adapted musical theatre classics, there’s a little something for everyone leaving you dancing in your seats. These songs mixed in with some classic they’re behind you, screaming at mummies, pyrotechnic entrances and even a little fire and you’ve got yourself a classic pantomime.

The cast this year has a wealth of talent both new and experienced, from the eight-person strong ensemble to Dame Dot Twankey (Ian Adams) playing his sixth pantomime at the Grand.  Adams’ work with Tam Ryan playing Wishee Washee is a thing of joy to watch, stealing the show on a few occasions, with jokes for old and young alike to enjoy and laugh at. I also really enjoyed their work alongside Ian Billings as the Notary in their “Wolverhampton Song” which they completed in a super speedy style.

Zoe Birkett, fresh from her run in Moulin Rouge in London’s glittering West End, shone like a marvellous jewel as the Spirit of the Ring, blasting the roof of the theatre with her fantastic vocals for all to hear, especially in Act Two where she starts the half with a glorious rendition of ‘Don’t You Worry Bout a Thing’ as well as aiding the flight of the Magic Carpet with a lovely version of ‘Defying Gravity’ from Wicked.

Abanazar was played by Michael Greco. Probably better known to people of a certain age as Beppe in Eastenders played a great panto villain as he was not too scary but fun to boo at. The Genie played by Duane Gooden was full of energy and magic, my only wish was that he was on stage more.

Aladdin himself was played by Ben Cajee and Jasmine was played by Sofie Anné. Although they were the main pair, I feel like their parts of the story were slightly rushed, which was a shame especially as the children in the audience knew Ben well and were rooting for him. Sofie’s voice was stunning and I would have really enjoyed hearing more.

For me, Aladdin at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre took me back to my youth in the best way possible, I really enjoyed myself and even got involved with all the call-and-response moments. Plus as a person with a slightly nervous disposition, I can report that there weren’t too many loud noises, bangs and flashing lights which is great for people like me and children alike.

The panto is running until 7th January 2023 and it’s definitely worth a watch. Book your tickets.

*Disclaimer: AD | Gifted Tickets