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

REVIEW|Nativity the Musical

REVIEW|Nativity the Musical

Sunday, December 18, 2022

Photo Credit:Pamela Raith

Nativity the Musical

Birmingham Rep
★ ★ ★ ★★

We all have our favourite Christmas films, for some it's Elf, for some others it's Die Hard, for me, hands down it's Nativity.  The musical version, which had it's premiere in 2017 in Birmingham, has all the beloved songs from the film alongside additional songs written by Debbie Isitt and Nicky Ager, who are the people behind the music in the film. The show, which has been on a few tours since its initial run, has returned to the Birmingham Rep for this festive season and I returned to St Bernadette's Primary School for a little Christmas Joy.

The creative team for this production remain mostly the same as previous productions including David Woodhead's set design and Tim Mitchell's lighting design, which gives the show the feel of a well warn warm Christmas jumper to a repeat viewer like myself but to a new watcher it still has it's surprises and new exciting places to explore with your eyes.

The cast themselves are excellent. Firstly the real stars of the show, the children-from both schools Oakmoor and St Bernadette's, were amazing. Very impressive, super cute and talented to boot. The "big kids" in the show (the adults) were a great ensemble too. From the return to Jamie Chapman and Jemma Churchill who played Patrick Burns and Mrs Bevan respectively. It was a pleasure to watch both take on their roles again especially Jamie in his various role in the show including my current personal favourite of dancing Christmas Tree which caused me a good titter in my seat.

Photo Credit:Pamela Raith

The key duo of Mr Maddens and Mr Poppy with played by Billy Roberts and Ben Lancaster. "Paddens" were the perfect duo as their energies and characters worked so well against each other. Ben took the role of Mr Poppy to just the right level of funny, leaving me laughing and was a very talented roller skater and Billy played Mr Maddens in such a way that endeared you to him wanting to get on a plane to bring home his long lost love back for him to right the Christmas wrong.

The "villian" of the show, Mr Shakespeare, a teacher at a rival school was played this year by Matthew Rowlands and he was brilliant. I have had the joy of watching Matthew perform in a few shows over the past few years but this role is something different from him with him playing the "bad guy" and I really enjoyed seeing him take this role on.

Jennifer, Mr Madden's lost love and Hollywood's own, was played by Daisy Steere who was an absolute delight to watch and her work alongside Cameron Johnson as the Hollywood boss was lovely to watch as she helped to make him more kind...a Christmas Miracle.

The entire cast were excellent and a joy to watch and love Tom Hext who played the hilarious Mr Rye as well as working with the other teachers and adult ensemble and swings Ralph Bogard, Sydney Isitt-Ager, Callum Train, Eliza Waters and Louie Wood who were absolutely fantastic and truly looked like they were having the best time on the stage.

Photo Credit:Pamela Raith

As I'd hoped this production has all the joy, happiness, sparkle and shine that I could shake a tinselled stick at, it is the perfect way to enter the Christmas season with and if you want the festive feeling to keep going past the 25th, you can catch Nativity the Musical at the Birmingham Rep until 7th January 2023.