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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, December 23, 2022

 

A review of Aladdin at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

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.



A review of Aladdin at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

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

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.






REVIEW| The Commitments UK Tour

Saturday, October 29, 2022

 

Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz

The Commitments (UK Your)
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
★ ★ ★ ★


Originally Written for Theatre and Tonic.


The Commitments, based on the book by Roddy Doyle and directed by Andrew Linnie (former Commitment member from the London West End Run) brought me many surprises. I had not seen the show in its last tour or when it was in London and I hadn’t even seen the 1990s film of the same name but I really enjoyed my evening at the theatre.

The underdog story of a group of “nobodies”, oddities and misfits, who under the caring and passionate arm of their manager, self-professed music fan Jimmy, played brilliantly by James Killeen in this production to become one of “the hardest working bands in Dublin”. The story is humorous but heartfelt. It’s a show of great soul music, with 20 soul classics including Mustang Sally, Try a Little Tenderness and I Heard it Through the Grapevine to name a few. It will leave you dancing in your seats and a warm feeling in your soul.

The Commitments in the show are played by an excellent team, each playing their own instruments live on stage, from guitar and bass to saxophone and trumpet. Each character has their moments in the plot, from the middle-aged horn player (Jimmy the Lips played by Stuart Reid) who makes his way through the backing singers to the saxophone player (Dean played by Conor Litten) who strikes fear in the band with his new love of jazz.

Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz

Vocals of the band come from the “backing singers” The Commitmentettes Imelda, Natalie and Bernie (Ciara Mackey, Eve Kitchingman and Sarah Gardiner respectively) and the “lead singer” Deco. The girls have amazing vocals singularly and together, the harmonies they create are stunning. I’m so grateful they get their time to shine throughout the show like Deco, played in our performance excellently by alternate James Deegan, leads the band brilliantly with his powerful, soulful voice…even if he isn’t their favourite person in the band at times.


The rest of the cast blends brilliantly with the band, the ensemble is small but mighty and performs many roles and tasks throughout the show. Nigel Pivaro plays Jimmy’s Da and brings his own version of dad humour to the role, being supportive to his son and the band from his armchair and finally Mickah, the band’s security played spectacularly by Ronnie Yorke had me laughing probably more than it should have with his hard man character, complete with a bald head and bright red Doc Martins, ready to take out anyone at any moment.


Photo credit: Ellie Kurttz

I had a great time watching the show, the set was brilliantly designed by Tim Blazdell with lighting design by Jason Taylor and sound by Rory Madden, which truly came into their element in the finale of the show where it becomes more of a concert.

This show has the lot..a great and talented cast, fantastic music and a good amount of laughs. If I had one negative it would be that the ending to the story is very sudden after a lot of great storytelling, it is suddenly over. But maybe that is just the thing, I enjoyed it so much I didn’t want to end. 


If you want a great evening of excellent entertainment and a good time, I would definitely recommend grabbing a ticket to see this show, whilst it is out on tour until July 2023. Tour dates and tickets are available through the website.

REVIEW|The Color Purple UK Tour

Thursday, October 27, 2022

  

Manuel Harlan

The Color Purple, UK Tour
Birmingham Hippodrome
★★★★★


Written originally for Theatre and Tonic.

Every so often a show comes along that will remain with you for a while, whether in the mind or soul it is always there to give you comfort and hope. For me, one of these is The Color Purple is one of these. I was lucky enough to see this show in 2019 as part of the collaboration between the Birmingham Hippodrome and Curve, Leicester. When it was announced that the same production, with most of the original creatives would be returning for a seven venue UK Tour, running until early November 2022 I jumped at the chance to be reunited with this production.

The show, based on the novel by Alice Walker, was created by Marsha Norman, Allee Willis, Brenda Russell and Stephen Bray and tells the heartbreaking, hard-hitting but empowering story of the central character Celie, who goes through so much during her journey in the show including childhood pregnancy, rape and abuse from her father and later husband, known mostly as Mister. 

However, she discovers the power she has within thanks to the amazing women she finds in her life, from her sister Nettie to the fiercely independent Sofia and through the love she finds with the glamourous singer Shug Avery and also in herself.

Me’Sha Bryan takes on the role of Celie this time and was incredible as she takes the audience along with her, making you feel all that she is going through culminating in her big moment in Act Two “I’m Here”, which left the audience with goosebumps and teary eyes.

Bryan is joined by other new cast members Bree Smith as Shug Avery, Aaliyah Zhane as Nettie, Ahmed Hamad as Harpo and Jimand Allotey, who is making her professional stage debut as Squeak.

Manuel Harlan

Manuel Harlan

Completing the cast was the amazing ensemble of Kyle Birch, Kayla Carter, Joshua Clemetson, Esme Laudat, DeeArna McLean, Monifa James, Nathaniel Morrison, Alex Okoampa and Neil Patterson who all shone. The talent on stage was clear to see and you can see how much it truly means to each and every cast member on that stage as demonstrated in the movement during the finale of the show The Color Purple (Reprise).


Creatively, a lot of the names from 2019 production return. Direction by Tinuke Craig wih revival direction by Lakesha Arie-Angelo and Musical Supervision by Alex Parker. The wonderful choreography by the amazing Mark Smith shone out again, with big numbers such as Push the Button making you want to get up and join in. 


Alex Lowde’s cleverly simplistic set design worked perfectly alongside Joshua Pharo’s lighting and video design, which uses clever projections help to move the story through Celie’s life.


Returning cast from the 2019 run include Ako Mitchell as Mister, Anelisa Lamola as Sofia, KM Drew Boateng as Pa, Rosemary Annabella Nkruma as Darlene and Karen Mavundukure as Doris/Alternate Celie. It was lovely to see them perform again, some in different roles but all brilliant just the same.

This show is one that stays with you for a long time, leaving you with a warm heart and a teary eye. A must-see over the next seven weeks in Plymouth, Northampton, Salford, Cardiff, Southampton and Norwich.



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