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.



REVIEW|My Son's a Queer (But What Can You Do?)

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Photo Credit:Mark Senior


My Son's a Queer, But What Can You Do?
Garrick Theatre, London
October 2022
★★★★★

Like many people, I was reacquainted with the wonderful Rob Madge in the glory days of lockdowns, in which he made many a funny video on social media or with their excellent Leave the Light On streamed concert. During 2020, Rob also started writing this hit autobiographical one person show called My Son's a Queer, But What Can You Do? in which they tell their own story growing up in the West Midlands, complete with costume changes, songs and projected home movie clips on a large screen at the back of the stage.

The show, which is set in Rob's childhood living room and follows their journey through childhood, weaving each story with humour, laughs and emotions leaving you gripped for the entire sixty five minutes. The show also features songs written by Rob and Pippa Clearly that will stay in your head and hearts for long after the show has ended.

Photo Credit:Mark Senior

Everyone has the ability to take something from this show, you will laugh, cry and want to be an honorary Madge. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to see this show during it's run at the Garrick Theatre, after past runs at Turbine Theatre and also the Edinburgh Fringe. 

The show runs at the Garrick until 6th November and I would 100% recommend the show to everyone, maybe pack a tissue or two. Hopefully this show will not end here, it needs a tour or stream so that everyone has the chance to see this excellent show. 









 

REVIEW|Fisherman's Friends the Musical (UK Tour)

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Photo Credit:Pamela Raith

Photo Credit:Pamela Raith

Fisherman's Friends the Musical (UK Tour)
Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
17/09/2022
★★★★★

Every once in a while there is a show that is everything you need in a show form, a warm hug in musical form. Fisherman's Friend is a fine example of that, this new feel good UK based and written classic is definitely a new favourite, just after one watch.

Based on the true story of the chart topping vocal group Fisherman's Friends and the 2019 movie of the same name name, it has a heart-warming feel mixed in with all the acapella sea shanties that you could wag a heaving line at. 

Written by Amanda Whittington and Directed by James Grieve, this show brings the story to life alongside toe tapping music under the direction of James Findlay and with line heaving choreography by Matt Cole.

The versatile set design and excellent costume by Lucy Osbourne, works so well especially the versatile set, which has many a hidden storage compartment or secret double life and works wonderfully alongside lighting and sound designed by Johanna Town and Dan Samson respectively.

Having not seen the film or known the story prior to seeing the show, it was all a surprise and I really enjoyed it all unfold in front of my eyes and the cast were all amazing, a proper community just like the show would want. 

Photo Credit:Pamela Raith

 If there's one thing I like in a show it is an actor/musician and this show has eight of them, playing over fifteen different instruments between then, filling the theatre with the gorgeous folk sounds as well as playing various other roles through the show.

The fishermen themselves, Hadrian Delacey, Dakota Starr, Pete Gallagher, Anton Stephans, Robert Duncan, James Gaddas and Dan Buckley were all brilliant to watch, with voices that blended spectacularly together and with great characters that made you want to take the journey to Port Issac itself to visit The Golden Lion for a drink with them all. The best bunch of men, truly.

Photo Credit:Pamela Raith

My ultimate love of the show however was Parisa Shahmir,who plays Alwyn. Her voice throughout the show was stunning to listen to, especially during the song Village By The Sea (written for the show by James Findlay, that I have become mildly obsessed with). Her chemistry alongside Danny, played by Jason Langley, and the rest of the cast was beautiful to watch and I really enjoyed her characters journey throughout the show and Parisa's portrayal of it.

This show is so feel good, home grown and perfect. I recently heard it called the "English Come From Away" and I can really agree with that. If you are looking for a show, all about the power of community and togetherness then look no further than Fisherman's Friends. Currently touring up and down the length of the UK as well as a brief stop in Toronto, Canada over Christmas, it is a show for all to see and I recommend that you do.

Information on where the tour goes next and to book your tickets, you can click here.

PoliNations, Birmingham

Saturday, September 3, 2022



September in Birmingham City Centre just got a whole lot more colourful. As part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival, alongside the amazing Commonwealth Games this summer, a whole new wash of colour has sprouted in Victoria Square right in the centre of the UK's second city.

PoliNations is "a super-natural wonderland celebrating the natural diversity in our gardens and culture" a magical playground for all the senses created and produced by Trigger Collective and is commissioned as part of UNBOXED:Creativity in the UK that shows the wonder of nature but also the beauty and natural diversity around every corner. Complete with areas to sit, relax and recharge, listen to a talk by creatives, experts and intellectuals as part of their lunchtime talks or take part in a variety of activities in the Wondersphere in the adjacent Chamberlain Square.



The whole event is completely free and in place from 2nd-18th September, with different activities happening throughout the whole run, all available to view through the PoliNations Website whether you spend a while at the Teatime Tuk Tuk enjoying a free cup of Chai (available every day twice a day 11am and 3pm) or watching a performance at the Mother Tree Stage, the range of activities is so vast that I can't list them in one post.

Open from 8am to 10pm daily, with all paths around the installation wheelchair accessible and many events and talks having a BSL interpreter and audio description, it is a must visit for all over the next three weeks.

REVIEW| The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at Gillan Lynne Theatre

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Photo Credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
 


Photo Credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Gillian Lynne Theatre, London
10/08/2022
★★★★★

Some shows out there are destined for big things, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe currently playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London's glittering West End is one of those shows.

I first saw this show during its UK Tour and I fell in love with its magical feel and nostalgic story. The show is based on the original story by C.S Lewis and is directed by Michael Fentiman and immerses you into the magical world of Narnia complete with full sized amazing lion puppet that has been designed by Max Humphries and directed by Toby Olie.

The stage's set design and costumes by Tom Paris alongside Lighting design by Jack Knowles and Sound design by Ian Dickinson and Gareth Tucker gives the show its magical feel, complete with illusions and magic created by Chris Fisher so excellent that even after two watches I still can't figure out. Creatively this show has been finished to the highest order in all aspects.

The cast complete with many actor-musicians, moving with choreography by Shannelle "Tali" Fergus is no mean feat, moving both actors and their instruments around the stage with great ease as well as creating some brilliant large group moments including the start of act two, with its very special guest.


Photo Credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

Photo Credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

The cast was full of new faces and tour faces. The Pevensie children Robin Sinclair, Ammar Duffus, Shaka Kalokoh and Delainey Hayles worked brilliantly of each other, you would not have guessed that Delainey only started this show when it began in London as their family chemistry is second to none.

Other new faces in this London production include Emmanuel Ogunjinmi, Myla Carmen, Jasmine Colangelo, Julian Hoult, Ashlee Irish, Sean Lopeman, Micha Richardson, Ciaran Roger and Charlotte-Kate Warren who work wonders alongs the tour performers Scott Brooks, Rachel Dawson, Oliver Grant, Matthew James Hinchcliffe, Shaun McCourt, Christina Tedders, Johnson Willis, Jez Unwin, Chris Jared and Samantha Womack who were great to watch again.

Samantha Womack returns as the White Witch, verging just on the right side of scary for a family friendly show, and remains one of my favourite performances in the show alongside Oliver Grant's Head Cruel character and the two work brilliantly well.

The collective quartet behind Aslan, Oliver Grant, Sean Lopeman and Shaun McCourt as the puppeteers and Chris Jared as the actor and voice of Aslan. How they all work together to create one character is very clever and excellently portrayed by the four actors.

The beavers played wonderfully by Christina Tedders and Julian Hoult are two of the stars of my show, two characters who are on the outskirts of central characters but that lighten the stage with every appearance, they are always a joy to watch work together and some of their lines have become some of my new favourite catchphrases to say in day to day life.

This show is one for anyone and everyone, a tale that all know told in a magical and exciting new way. 1000% recommend for all the family, a perfect first show for any new theatre go-er young or old. Currently showing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London until 8th January.

Tickets can be bought straight from the LW Theatre Website. Get your tickets now, you will not be disappointed.

REVIEW|Kinky Boots in Concert at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane

Saturday, August 13, 2022

Photo Credit: Mark Senior
 
Photo Credit: Mark Senior

Kinky Boots in Concert
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
09/08/2022
★★★★★

It is no secret that Kinky Boots is up there as one of my favourite shows, the story and its message of acceptance of yourself and everyone else is one that needs to be heard. I have seen Kinky Boots multiple times in London and on Tour so as soon as I heard that the concert had been announced I was ready to book and then when they sprinkled in some cast glitter I was sold.

This show has seen me through good times and bad, shaped my life and hugged my heart through it all. This production, which was a staged concert, had the feel of the show just without some of the large choreographed moments and with the music being played by the amazingly talented London Musical Theatre Orchestra and with background ensemble vocals being performed by the London Musical Theatre Chorus alongside actors taking the main roles on stage.

Creatively it was amazingly complete with excellent lighting designed by Ben Cracknell and sound by Tom Marshall, which alongside the direction by Omar F. Okai kept the feel of the full show in this concert but also made it a treat for the eyes and ears. Literally Creatively Flawless.

Photo Credit:Mark Senior


The cast were pretty special too. Led by the glorious Cedric Neal as Lola/Simon, Joel Harper-Jackson as Charlie and Courtney Bowman as Lauren, alongside Graham Bickley, Duane Gooden, Hannah Lowther, Kayleigh McKnight, Madison Swan, Nikki Bentley, Sean Needham, Ahmed Hamad and Daisy Wood-Davis.

Cedric was outstanding as Lola, a role they were born to play, putting all of their heart and soul on the line, which when you learn about the journey Cedric has been on with this role through the years. It was also great to see Joel perform as Charlie after he last took on the role on the UK Tour, especially after you remember that over the last two weeks Joel has done two of these staged concerts, his career is really on the rise as of late.

Lola's angels played by Ashley Samuels , Eli Caldwell, Finton Flynn, Jayred Lempriere, Jordan Bennett and Ross Carpenter were outstanding, from the moment they arrived on stage until the final bows, absolutely exceptional and I was in love with them all.

This was the greatest homage to a great show and literally highlighted that this show needs a return in full either in the West End or on Tour. The audience were one hundred per cent behind it all and was the perfect way to spend my birthday weekend.

REVIEW|The Cher Show (UK Tour)

Friday, August 12, 2022

 

Photo Credit:Pamela Raith

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

The Cher Show (UK Tour) 
Curve Theatre, Leicester
★★★★★

There are some shows out there that as soon as they are announced, you know you need a ticket. Some may be down to hype, some due a to cast announcement and others are so special you know you need to see them. The Cher Show, which had its European premier at the Curve Theatre in Leicester before touring the UK until Spring 2023 had all the boxes ticked and I was lucky enough to see it on opening night.

This show, which features 35 fantastic hits and a book by Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, The Addams Family), shows all the aspects of Cher from her sudden rise at sixteen, through the highs, lows and higher higher, all with the most perfect level of humour, shimmer and sorrow. Using not just one actress playing Cher but three separate Chers, nicknamed Babe, Lady and Star, who portray different portions and moments in the icon's life but also supporting each other through the entire show.

The creative behind this production is full of amazing names. Arlene Phillips directs with grace and understanding and Oti Mabuse's choreography is visually stunning, mixing a range of styles together in the most excellent energetic way. Gabriella Slade's costumes fill the stage with all the glitter and glitz that you'd expect from a show about one of the most glamorous women in pop.

The set design by Tom Rogers, which looks like the backstage of a concert with rack after rack of costume hangers, from floor to rafters, is very effective and my personal favourite props were the ones indicating the passing of time, which varied from light up numbers to mannequins and my personal favourite a set of traffic lights. Alongside the set the lighting design by Ben Cracknell completed the concert feel of the show another hit from Cracknell here.

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

The thing about this show is that it could be thought that it is merely a tribute act to the icon, the myth and the star herself, with her mannerisms and one of a kind voices but this is so much more and the three Chers are nothing short of perfect and on point casting.

Millie O'Connell plays Babe, the youngest of the Cher characters, who gets flung into stardom at a relatively young age where she meets Sonny and becomes the start of who she is now. Millie's Babe is played so well and she really plays the young star who is almost naive to it all, with O'Connell's own mix of the character perfectly. Following Babe comes Lady played by Danielle Steers, who continues on the story and dominates the stage in voice and spirit. I was unable to take off my eyes off Danielle, Lady has a lot to go through and it is portrayed so well by Steers. Finally finishing off the trio in comes Debbie Kurup as Star and that is what she is, her vocals like the other two were amazing and her presence as the ultimate diva is a thing of wonder. The casting of these three was perfect as was the rest of the cast.

The supporting men in her life, Sonny played by Lucas Rush, Bob Mackie played by Jake Mitchell and Greg Allman, Rob Camiletti, Phil Spector and Joe Southall all played by Sam Ferriday all shone. Rush's Sonny who goes through a lot from the doting lover, husband and father to the intense, fiery and passionate manager, who loses sight of the love in his life was a wonder to watch. Ferriday's multiple character and wig changes were all executed so well and Mitchell's Bob Mackie was the perfect support to Cher through everything. The ensemble of this show work their socks off throughout the show and hardly break a sweat even throughout Mabuse's amazing but quick choreography and are a joy to watch especially through the big dance moments.

Complete with a finale to end all finales the show saw the roof and smashed it into a million sequinned and studded glittering pieces. The show will leave you humming all the songs and running to the box office to box another ticket (or ten). 

If you don't believe my review, believe in life after love and head to the official website to see where and when it is coming to a theatre near you. Get the newest hottest ticket in UK theatre and you will not be sorry.
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