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.

REVIEW| Dreamgirls (UK Tour)

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

 

Photo Credit:Matt Crockett

Dreamgirls (UK Tour)
Edinburgh Playhouse
★★★★

Dreamgirls is a show that for me came out of nowhere and made a massive impact on my small musical heart. I was initially introduced to the show by the 2006 film starring Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson, where I fell in love and the love got stronger when I saw the London production of the show at the Savoy Theatre in Spring 2018. So when the tour was announced I knew that I would be returning to a theatre to be serenaded once again.

I actually got so excited to see this show that I went to see it in Edinburgh, whilst I was on holiday and I have to say that there isn't many shows out there that I'd pause a holiday to go and see but Dreamgirls is one of them. The show follows The Dreams, three soulful singers, during the 1960s as they embark on a life of fame and fortune, through one of the most tumultuous but revolutionary periods of American music history. 

With Books and Lyrics by Tom Eyen and Music by Henry Krieger, and original London direction and choreography by Casey Nicholaw this tour has the same feel as the London production from four years ago, only that it is a touring show instead of a West End one which is brilliant for anyone who never got the chance to see it in London or like me if they just wanted to see this fantastic show again.

Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

At the centre of Dreamgirls is The Dreams themselves, Effie White, Lorrelle Robinson and Deena Jones. Each one of them has there own highs, lows and struggles throughout the show and each member shone in  their performances. Paige Peddle, pictured above on the left, plays Lorelle wonderfully. She was truly fantastic and one of my favourite performances of the evening. 

Deena was played by Natalie Kassanga, pictured above on the right, and was again incredible. The role felt like it was made for Natalie. I felt her performance so well and felt like I wanted to shield her from the relationship with her husband in Act Two as Natalie's performance of Deena and the fear she showed affected me so much. Her performance alongside Effie, played in our performance by Sharlene Hector in the song Listen had me in tears in my seat. Sharlene, who is the alternate Effie White that plays the role at certain performances, was nothing short of phenomenal with a powerful voice and amazing stage presence she had me in tears on three separate occasions including at the end of Act One with her rendition of And I'm Telling You, which had the entire Playhouse audience on their feet.

Photo Credit:Matt Crockett

Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

Moving away from the key trio, we have the men in the ladies lives. Curtis Taylor Jr, played by Dom Hartley-Harris is a character I know I shouldn't love but I can't help it. Curtis meets the three ladies at the very beginning of the show, almost by accident and ends being a key reason why they become who they become by turning manager to the group and love interest of two of the characters. This role is a very interesting one as it goes through many changes and by the end it is a character that you hope gets his comeuppance. I have previously seen Dom in other shows and this character is a complete change from anything I have seen Dom play before but he did it brilliantly, the man can do no wrong and my little midland's heart is very proud for him.

CC White, Effie's brother as well as the band's songwriter is played by Shem Omari James was also well played. I last saw Shem in a streamed performance of Songs for a New World in lockdown, where he sung one song and stole the show, so it was lovely to see him in person performing. Brandon Lee Sears as Jimmy Early however has to be one of my favourite characters of the show. The role of Jimmy Early goes through a lot throughout the entire show and Brandon shone in the role with so much charisma, character and joy with the song Jimmy's Rap being a pinnacle of his performance.

The entire ensemble were amazing, making every movement so smooth with choreography on point especially in the big group moments like Steppin' to the Bad Side still being one of my favourite moments.  The show was definitely worth pausing my holiday for and I will also be returning to this tour when it heads to Birmingham at the end of the year without a doubt in the world.

For information, to see where the tour is heading next and to buy your tickets, the official tour website can be found here. 

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