Posts with the label musical theatre
Showing posts with label musical theatre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label musical theatre. Show all posts

Monday 1 October 2018

Pretty Woman, Nedelander Theatre | Review


Pretty Woman
Nederlander Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 19th September 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★

The stage adaptation of the 1990 film, Pretty Woman, follows rich businessman Edward who hires Hollywood Boulevard sex worker, Vivian for his six days in Los Angeles and, well, things go from there...

The storyline is problematic in a number of ways, mainly because it centres on a man being able to buy and control a woman whilst she can escape all her issues by using sex. However, in the musical's book by Gary Marshall and JF Lawson, Vivian is self-reliant and assertive. In this show, it's Edward who has more of a journey,  struggling to face the world and relationships that come with it. 

The musical takes almost every element of the film and transfers them to stage with pep and heart. All the famous one liners are there and we are given an extra boost with the musical theatre-rock songs of Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. The cast give a sleek performance as well as providing spades of chemistry throughout.

As the leading lady in her Broadway debut, Samantha Barks is both fierce and vulnerable, supplying humour and spot on vocals throughout, with I Can't Go Back being a real memorable moment of the show. As her partner in crime, Andy Karl is sympathetic as Edward and the pair have incredible chemistry. Also stealing scenes are Orfeh who belts as if her life depends on it as best friend Kit; Eric Anderson as Happy Man/Mr Thompson who acts as the ever present storyteller and Tommy Bracco who is completely hilarious as Giulio.

Mention must also go to Brian Calì and Allison Blackwell who give spine tingling performances during the La Traviata scene and truly transport us to a grand opera.

Set wise, it's fairly simple but the design does a great job of bringing the iconic Los Angeles settings to life and alongside the costumes, showcase a piece which feels very of it's time, but with somewhat of an updated slant. All the well-loved costumes can be seen and it's a very faithful, engaging adaptation.

Jerry Mitchell is following his winning screen to stage formula with this production and has provided a show which fans of the film will adore. The outstanding leads and tight ensemble make this a high-octane, fun for all show. It's not perfect but it's certainly a fun night out and perfect for lovers of the original film.

Pretty Woman, Nedelander Theatre | Review

Monday 1 October 2018

Sunday 30 September 2018

Under the Hawthorn Tree, The MAC, Belfast | Review


Under the Hawthorn Tree
The MAC, Belfast 
Reviewed on Friday 28th September 2018 by Damien Murray
★★★★

Providing us with much-needed education of our own history through the accessibility of theatre, Charles Way’s premiere stage adaptation of Under The Hawthorne Tree by award-winning author, Marita Conlon-McKenna, works equally as well for adults as it does for children. 

Due to the darker nature of the story – that of the plight of three brave siblings as they journey alone across Ireland in search of unknown relatives at the height of the country’s devastating Potato Famine of 1845 – this production is aimed at families and children aged 7 and over. 

The 65-minute running time is just perfect for such a drama, with adults and older children getting totally immersed in the gripping storyline, while, being within their attention span, younger ones remain engaged enough to at least raise awareness and curiosity about the piece for future conversation. 

Commissioned by National Museums Northern Ireland, this joint production by The MAC in Belfast and locally-based award-winning international children’s theatre company, Cahoots, is a truly magical piece of theatre on many levels. 

Although magical in terms of theatricality and staging rather than this company’s signature brand of magic (illusions or tricks), Paul Bosco McEneaney’s direction strikes the right balance between story-telling and history-teaching about such a dark and serious topic. 

However, while the nature of the subject matter dictates that this is not a show for enjoyment, as such, there are moments to be enjoyed with a subtle sprinkling of gently humorous one-liners delivered with the innocence of a child. 

Ably supported with solid performances in numerous roles by Maggie Cronin, Julia Dearden, Adam Dougal, Colette Lennon Dougal and Frankie McCafferty, it is three younger performers - Maeve Smyth, Terence Keeley and Philippa O’Hara (although not as thin and scrawny as one would expect) – who have to carry the weight of this production as the ever present trio of siblings fighting for survival amid severe hardship throughout their perilous cross-country trek in search of an aunt they have never met. 

Bereft of parents and following the death of their baby sister, the raggedly-dressed and dirty-faced trio are soon forced to grow up fast on this hazardous journey with eldest daughter, Smyth’s Eily, having no choice but to care for her younger brother and sister and adopt the role of both mother and nurse. 


As the ‘man’ of the family, Keeley’s young Michael has to constantly balance his feelings between bravado and fear, while youngest daughter, O’Hara’s Peggy, is allowed to retain her childish innocence and continues to be both surprised and appalled by others having to tell lies for the greater good. 

Together, they encounter death, home eviction, starvation, weakness, tiredness, injury, the threat of overcrowded workhouses, soup kitchens, disease, fever, infant death and the unforgivable attitude of neighbouring countries to the Irish nation during its time of greatest need; the mood only lightened at times by Carlos Pons Guerra’s gentle and playful choreography. 

Sabine Dargent’s set and costume designs were also successful as was James McFetridge’s lighting, which combined with the sparse set and effective sound effects to provide an atmospheric sense of darkness and bleakness. 

Surrounding the circular wooden performance platform throughout, musical director, Shane McVicker, and his small band - Darragh Murphy, James Nash, Rod Patterson and Matt Weir – did great justice to Garth McConaghie’s sometimes haunting, eerie and Celtic-based score, with beautiful vocals and harmonies from the three ‘children’. 

Killing over one million Irish people and forcing another million to emigrate, the author of the book states that ‘the tragedy of the Great Irish Famine is the story of Ireland and her people’ and she originally wrote the piece to help her own children to understand the human side of the tragedy. 

Sadly, with famine, hunger, disease and displacement throughout the world still part of our daily news, this piece is as relevant today as ever, and, for me, this story remains as much about the resilience of children as it is about the plight of the Irish nation. 

This magical production reflects the resilience and team work that the children in the story must have had to survive such an ordeal. 

Under the Hawthorn Tree runs at the MAC, Belfast until 7th October 2018

Photo credit: Carrie Davenport 

Under the Hawthorn Tree, The MAC, Belfast | Review

Sunday 30 September 2018

Wednesday 26 September 2018

Once on This Island, Circle in the Square | Review


Once on This Island
Circle In The Square
Reviewed on Tuesday 18th September 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★

Once on this Island is basically the show version a huge hug; filled with a heartwarming story, spectacular talent and amazing use of theatrical devices it's a truly brilliant piece of theatre.

The Circle in the Square theatre provides the perfect, semi-immersive space for this show which follows the story of Ti Moune, a young peasant girl, who with the help of the Gods, sets on a journey to unite with the boy who has captured her heart. The story itself is pretty random and far-fetched: Ti Moune falls head over heels with this boy she has only glimpsed at for a second (very Little Mermaid-esque) and decides she must dedicate herself to saving him. However, the way the story is told is truly beautiful.

Michael Arden has directed a feast for the eyes which is magical, moving and heartfelt in equal measure. The simplicity of the show is what makes it so special. The use of debris and fragments of clothes/products immerses us in the world and transports us subtly to a place ravaged by a natural disaster which has to piece itself together the best it can. Clint Ramos has done an outstanding job of bringing pieces together without making anything look tacky of lacklustre.



With musical gems such as Mama Will Provide, Waiting For Life and Why We Tell The Story, it's no surprise that this show is a hit. The Caribbean-infused musical theatre songs are catchy and supremely well performed. Despite premiering in 1990, the entire production feels fresh  and enticing and is undeniably a show to be loved by any audience members. 

The cast perform Ahrens and Flaherty's music with life and joy, Alex Newell's Mama Will Provide is a sure stand out, whilst Tamyra Gray brings an Angels in America vibe to the death God, Papa Ge who flicks around the stage with a menacing presence, especially in Forever Yours. Other stand outs include Quentin Earl Darrington who's booming voice fills the intimate space, Kenita R. Miller who draws the eye from the moment the audience enters the theatre and Isaac Powell who is vocally strong as Ti Moune's love interest, Daniel.

Whilst this is truly an ensemble piece, with the cast filling the space with sounds and movements whilst every 'solo' piece takes place, the heart is definitely Hailey Kilgore as the young Ti-Moune. Her voice and performance is compelling and heart-wrenching whilst remaining vulnerable and full hearted. There's no doubt that Hailey will be a staple on Broadway stages from years to come as she performs free from constraint  and provides one of the most moving and nuanced performances I have ever witnessed.

photo credit: Joan Marcus

Once on This Island, Circle in the Square | Review

Wednesday 26 September 2018

Friday 14 September 2018

Thriller Live! (4000th Show Gala), Lyric Theatre | Review


Thriller Live! (4000th Show Gala)
Lyric Theatre 
Reviewed on Wednesday 12th September 2018 by Emma Gradwell

★★★★

This week Thriller Live! celebrated its record breaking 4000th performance with a glittering Gala Night featuring special guest performer Peter Andre for one night only.

It was also the launch of a year long collaboration with The Prince's Trust with proceeds from tickets sales to be donated, and a commitment from the Thriller Live! team to provide experiences and mentoring over the next year, which will help to support young people to develop the confidence and skills they need to realise their ambitions through workshops, art projects, Q&A sessions and opportunities to experience the show. 

Before the show began, the atmosphere was really electric. There were dedicated fans packing the audience, many of whom had been to see the show many times before. 


Comedians Russell Kane and John Culshaw started off proceedings with an introduction for the evening and delivered with humour and style. 




For anyone not familiar with Thriller Live!, the show is a nostalgic and fond journey through Michael Jacksin's musical career from the early days of Motown and The Jackson Five to beyond his Bad album. 

Bouncing onto the stage came the adorable Xhanti Mbonzongwana as a young Michael. His beautiful voice and sharp dance moves took us back to his early career with songs such as ABC and I Want You Back. Backed by an excellent ensemble it was a great performance and got the audience up and on their feet right from the off. 


Making his way back to Thriller Live! to perform as an adult Michael was Kieran Alleyne who has previously performed as little Michael in the early days of Thriller Live! Well observed mannerisms and slick dancing in Michael's staccato style made his performance mesmerising. The ensemble dancers in this production really have their work cut out. For most part the show is very high tempo and the choreography is both complex and gruelling. They make it look effortless and it really did make the crowd go wild with excitement. They are clearly having a great time on the stage and this is reflected in how well it is received by the audience. 




The vocalists that carry the choreographed routines so beautifully are excellent. With stand out performances noticeably coming from Vivienne Ekwulugo and David Julien. For this special evening we also had the privilege of seeing Peter Andre performing alongside the cast. He first took to the stage to perform the emotionally charged ballad She's Out of My Life, which he did wonderfully. He had the audience gripped from that moment. His performances came across as polished and his duet with Vivienne on I Just Can't Stop Loving You seemed truly heart felt. 

My only criticism of the show is that some of the high energy performances are very clearly lip synced to a backing track and with so many great vocal performances it's hard to understand why that is. However, this really was a THRILLING night. The audience loved it, the partnership with The Princes Trust is to be applauded and I am sure the show will continue to entertain in the future. 




Thriller Live! is booking at the Lyric Theatre until 7th April as well as a UK Tour

photo credit: Betty Zapata


Thriller Live! (4000th Show Gala), Lyric Theatre | Review

Friday 14 September 2018

Heathers, Theatre Royal Haymarket | Review


Heathers
Theatre Royal Haymarket
Reviewed on Monday 10th September 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★

Every so often a show comes around which receives an exceptional amount of hype and has the West End buzzing. Heathers is currently that show and the good news is that it truly lives up to it. Based on the 1989 film starring Winona Ryder, this musical adaptation is full of energy and humour as it balances the line between political correctness and incorrectness. We find ourselves drawn towards the darkness but also cringing at the atrocities that go on.

Laurence O'Keefe had huge success with his adaptation of Legally Blonde and has applied his winning formula once again to bring this show to life with a camp, sassy and at times melancholic score. The plot follows Veronica Sawyer, a girl who is 'different' to the others at her school and longs for unity between all cliques and social standings. However, in order to make it through High School, she befriends the rulers of the school, the "lipstick gustapo" made up of three girls named Heather. Our protagonist then meets a brooding new boy, Jason J.D Dean who turns out to be a kill happy psychopath. From there on there are deaths, parties, funerals and a whole lot of destruction.

When the movie came out in 1989 it became an instant hit and then received a cultish following when it opened off-Broadway in 2014. The show's transition to the West End has been no different as teens and young adults flood to the theatre with scrunchies in hair and  pleated skirts on to see this wildly fun but disturbing musical brought to life.



The entire cast bring this show to life with vivacious passion and immense talent. Leading the gang, Carrie Hope Fletcher is a powerhouse as she battles between what's right and wrong and what she wants to do to boost her social standing/love life. Carrie steps  on stage to well deserved cheers and blows the roof of with her entire performance, especially her new song 'I Say No' which gives her a backbone and the rough 'Dead Girl Walking Reprise'. Veronica's moments of strength are certainly where Carrie shines but she is also humourous and likeable as she swoons over JD.

Under Andy Fickman's direction, Jamie Muscato plays the mysteriously murderous JD with an intensity that you can't help but be drawn to. Whilst it's not wise to partner up with a murderer, we all love a bad boy and the combination of JD's smooth talking and Jamie's perfectly rough voice make us feel for him a little bit, even though he becomes a monster before our eyes. Muscato's frenetic energy in 'Meant To Be Yours' is certainly a theatrical highlight of the year.

The three Heathers waltz around the stage as one but have quirky personality traits which are owned and embodied by each. As leader of the pack, Heather Chandler who "floats above it all", Jodie Steele is brilliant. Her permanent scowl, sharp movements, sublime vocals and stellar comedic timing make her perfect for the role. Sophie Isaacs brings an innocence to Heather McNamara which is interesting to play out. Whilst she is part of the mean girl group, it's clear from the outset that she is merely following the pack and wishes to break away. Isaacs' rendition of Lifeboat is a pin-drop silence moment which stands out in the show. As the final Heather, Duke, T'Shan Williams is feisty and aggressive, with her solo Never Shut Up Again earning her laughs and cheers from the audience. 



Stand outs of the cast also include Jenny O'Leary who gives a moving performance of Kindergarten Boyfriend, Rebecca Lock who brings the entire theatre to life with her fiery, belt-tastic Shine a Light and Christopher Chung and Dominic Andersen who are humour embodied as the jocks who combine to create Kram. Ensemble members Lauren Drew and Olivia Moore also catch the eye throughout.

Gary Lloyd's choreography is especially effective with the Heathers, namely during the iconic Candy Store which sees them sashaying round the stage but in true Heathers style, being in complete control the entire time and never stepping out of sync with one another.

Mention must go to Ben Cracknell's lighting, which like the music, intensifies every emotion on stage. Particularly effective are the varying tones of light between the characters. The Heathers are of course lit in their iconic colours (brought to life vibrantly through David Shields' costumes) but whats most striking are the moments when Veronica is lit in warm spotlights whilst JD is basked in stark, almost grey tones. This highlights the contrast between the true evil and the kind-of-forced-into-evil in a clever way.



Most of the subject matter of this show is uncomfortable but sadly ever present: bullying, suicide, murder, depression. Heathers does a good job of satirising the sensationalism of them and shines a light (pun intended) on the fact that unity and kindness are always the way forward.

Whilst this isn't a light hearted show in content, the songs are crazily catchy, the talent level is ridiculously high and it's just a really good night out. For Big Fun, get down to the Theatre Royal Haymarket!

Heathers runs at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until 24th November

photo credit: Pamela Raith

Heathers, Theatre Royal Haymarket | Review

Thursday 13 September 2018

Wasted, Southwark Playhouse | Review


Wasted
Southwark Playhouse 
Reviewed on Wednesday 12th 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★

With a cast of just four, Wasted tells the story of the Brontë siblings and their journeys to success, and questions (to an extent) what makes a legacy and how fulfilment is achieved. Whilst there are some catchy songs and the cast do a good job conveying the struggles of 18th century women, Wasted is drawn out and somewhat uninformative.

The entire show has a tonne of potential and with tweaks could certainly be a coherent, enjoyable show. However, in it’s current state it feels somewhat self indulgent and the basic story (the girls struggle, eventually get published but feel they have Wasted their lives) is stretched unnecessarily to fill almost three hours. 

The cast are helmed by West End superstar, Natasha Barnes who has made a triumphant return to the stage after giving birth to a beautiful baby earlier this year. Working with Christopher Ash's demanding score, Natasha leads the show with faultless vocals and outstanding commitment to the level-headed, dreamer Charlotte Brontë.


As her brother who aims to be famous, Matthew Jacobs Morgan is suitably humourous but troubled. As her sisters, Emily and Anne, Siobhan Athwal and Molly Lynch give strong performances although at times it is hard to understand what is being said. This may be due to mics but does mean that it takes real attention to keep up with the story. 

Another issue is the amount of repetition. The first act especially feels like we hear the same thing over and over again; after the first 10 minutes it was clear the girls “need to work” but we were told several more times which instead of reinforcing something important, felt unnecessary and added to the length of the show dramatically. 

Wasted could easily have been performed as two separate shows. Both act one and act two have good starting and finishing points which would make for solid 90 minute straight-through shows but together just felt too much.

Despite it's flaws, it is wonderful to see such an experimental, new, British musical and the cast do an outstanding job of bringing a mischievous, fresh view of the Brontës.

Wasted runs at the Southwark Playhouse until 6th October

photo credit: Helen Maybanks

Wasted, Southwark Playhouse | Review

Thursday 13 September 2018

Monday 10 September 2018

Proms in the Park, Hyde Park | Review and Five Reasons to Go


I have always loved the BBC Proms especially the last night which I have only ever seen on the TV. I was never really that aware of its alter ego The Proms in the Park, that is until last night. A friend and I were not only fortunate enough to attend this musical extravaganza but we were also given access to the VIP and Press arena. I can honestly say that it was one of the best evenings out I have ever had. 

Every year the line-up of performers changes, this year as in previous years the event was hosted by the multi-talented Michael Ball. He was absolutely perfect in this role, linking everything seamlessly whilst making everyone feel included and thoroughly enjoying himself, which was totally infectious. 


The afternoon kicked off at 3pm with the BBC DJ Tony Blackburn, who was then followed by the London based, Country, Folk, Pop quartet The Wandering Hearts. We were then treated to outstanding performances from The Rock Choir with the BBC orchestra followed by Lisa Stansfield, who performed some new material and wowed us all with her older hits. Matt Goss was next accompanied by the BBC Big Band, his set was not only excellent, but he also personally surprised and shocked a superfan. 



Another highlight was the hugely talented and energetic cast from Bat out of Hell, led by Jordan Luke Gage and Christina Bennington, who had everyone on their feet belting out the songs. Just a small plug, if you only go to one show in London this year go and see Bat out of Hell, you won’t be disappointed! Also, on the bill was the young saxophonist Jess Gillam and award-winning songwriter Albert Hammond who were both outstanding. 

The Maltese opera star Joseph Calleja was wonderful, and my personal favourite Josh Groban performed a truly beautiful version of Somewhere over the Rainbow, among other stunning songs. It was then time for the headline act which this year was Gladys Knight. What a fantastic performance she gave, she still has the most incredible voice and had all 40,000 of us dancing and singing along to all the hits we know and love. 



Then came the iconic flag waving finale, it was so amazing to be part of this experience which was being mirrored over at the Royal Albert Hall. We all played our part in the rousing renditions of Land of Hope and Glory and Jerusalem. A spectacular firework display was a very fitting end to a truly wonderful day. I hope to be fortunate enough to go again next year and as if the musical performances aren’t enough of a reason to go, here are 5 more: 

  • This event is in the most glorious setting of Hyde park in central London, arrive early and take a stroll around this magnificent space. Maybe take a boat out on the lake, marvel at the stunning plants, trees and statues or simply sit peacefully and watch the world go by for a while, before entering the arena. 
  • This is a wonderful iconic event to attend, whether with a group of friends, as a couple or a family but even if you went alone you wouldn’t be for long. The camaraderie amongst the attendees was like nothing I have ever experienced at a large event or concert. People of all nationalities and ages from tiny tots to shall I say a more mature contingent were sharing, stories, drinks, food and lots of laughter. 
  • Whatever your taste in music there is absolutely something for everyone, from musical theatre, to Opera, rock, pop and disco. This is a wonderful opportunity to see a multitude of fantastically talented artists at one venue. 


  • The organisation of such a huge event, 40,000.00 people attended, is mind boggling and needs to be seen to be believed. I have no idea how something like this is put together so slickly. From the fabulous selection of food and drink vendors, the security, the staging, lighting, superb sound and visuals to the properly plumbed in toilets. Certainly, a feat of engineering in themselves. 
  • This event is a wonderfully eclectic mix of music, food, fun and revelry mixed with the superb Pomp & Circumstance associated with the Proms. In the words of a fellow reveller “it made you proud to be British”. 
★★★★

Review by Melanie Mitchell

photo credit: Mark Allan

Proms in the Park, Hyde Park | Review and Five Reasons to Go

Monday 10 September 2018

Saturday 8 September 2018

Unexpected Joy, Southwark Playhouse | Review


Unexpected Joy 

Southwark Playhouse 
Reviewed on Friday 7th September 2018 by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★★

Unexpected Joy, more like an unexpected delight of a show. The latest of Aria Entertainment’s shows to hit London, Unexpected Joy follows three generations as a grandmother, mother and daughter come together after not seeing each other for a long time. There are secrets, past tensions and varying viewpoints which have the potential to break the family apart. This is a heartfelt show that just like real life, features moments of humour, sadness, joy, angst and above all, love. 

The show opens with Joy (Janet Fullerlove) welcoming us to her concert which is celebrating the life and music of her late husband, Jump. From the onset we see that Joy is a larger than life character who has always been a free spirit and is the opposite of her daughter.

Jodie Jacobs gives a moving performance as Rachel/Rainbow, the mother who is struggling to balance her beliefs with change and is losing her relationship with her daughter. Jacobs shows her internal struggle with a perfect subtlety and moments of pure vocal perfection. 


In her professional debut, Kelly Sweeney gives a mesmerising performance as the youngest family member, Tamara, who longs to break free of the constraints her mother has so carefully put on her in an attempt to not expose her to too much. Kelly brings an innocence and energy to Tamara that you can't help being drawn to and her impeccable vocals are to die for.

As Lou, Melanie Marshall brings humour and truth in equal measure and gives a fantastically vibrant performance. As the only person not in the family by blood, it's interesting to see how Lou becomes the mediator and is able to more easily see each side of the story. 

Bill Russell and Janet Hood's musical is a wonderfully nuanced show which brings light to a number of ever relevant issues without being overwhelmingly preachy. Amy Anders Corcoran's direction means that issues with race, social acceptability, and attitudes towards change are approached and discussed in a natural way. The fact that there is not a solid resolution at the end of the show just makes it that bit more truthful.


Unexpected Joy not only shows us the importance of family but also the importance of music to heal; with a number of catchy songs and tight and beautiful harmonies, it really showcases how music can transport us. 

The message throughout, that we should always take each others view points into consideration, even if we don't agree with them is needed now as ever. There will always be some common ground between people, you just have to be willing to look for it.

Unexpected Joy is a beautiful piece of theatre which allows us to see viewpoints of everyone and understand that although families argue, at the end of the day, everything they do for one another is for love. A female led production with wonderful songs, a heartfelt message and a whole lot of love, there's no reason not to see Unexpected Joy.

Unexpected Joy runs at the Southwark Playhouse until 29th September

photo credit: Pamela Raith

Unexpected Joy, Southwark Playhouse | Review

Saturday 8 September 2018

Friday 7 September 2018

Five Reasons to see Eugenius



I've been lucky enough to see Eugenius throughout it's journey, from it's first public concert at the London Palladium, to its first stay at The Other Palace and now at its triumphant return. It's wonderful to see such a fun British show become an audience favourite and a cult classic. At risk of full on repeating myself, instead of reviewing the show again, I bring you a list of reasons why should see it...

It's the Definition of Catchy- If you're a fan of upbeat, 80s inspired music and heartfelt ballads then this show is for you. If you don't find yourself humming "go Eugenius" or "Don't shoot for the stars, shoot higher" basically all the time after seeing the show, then you are very good at escaping musical earworms! (It's in my head even just from writing those words)

The Cast are Superstars- The talent on the stage of The Other Palace is unreal. Rob Houchen perfectly embodies the geeky Eugene who loves comics more than life and dreams of a brighter future where he will "inherit the earth". Laura Baldwin's voice is complete perfection as she balances angst, humour and joy with ease. Dan Buckley is the ultimate musical theatre comedian and Scott Paige brings the ideal level of sass to The Other Palace. Basically, this cast are astronomical and deserve to be seen.




It Allows us all to be G.E.E.K Geeks- However hardcore we try and be, deep down (or not deep down in my case) we're all geeks. This show allows us to embody this whilst living our best 80s lives. The message of the show is all about acceptance and inspiring us to strive for more, which is pretty great indeed.

The Whole Show is Pure Fun- Eugenius is one of the most self-aware shows I've ever seen. There are so many parts that are ridiculous and super cheesy and it does have it's faults but it knows that and doesn't try to be anything more than it is, which is a pure fun-fest. For a light-hearted, truly joyous night, get yourself along to Eugenius.




The Fans Are the Best- It's my belief that the fans can make or break a show. Regardless of what critics/reviewers say, a shows fanbase can spread the love and word quicker than wildfire. Sitting in row G I had a wonderful view of the fantastic fans who took up much of the first two rows and who were giving as much to the cast as the cast were giving to the audiences. Their beaming smiles, instant applause, knowledge of every word and action in the show and love on social media is heartwarming to watch. Go see Eugenius purely to see what the fans are raving about!

Eugenius runs at The Other Palace until October 21st 2018 

Post by Editor, Olivia Mitchell

photo credit: Scott Rylander

Five Reasons to see Eugenius

Friday 7 September 2018

Wednesday 5 September 2018

Six, Arts Theatre | Review

 
Six 
Arts Theatre 
Reviewed on Friday 31st August 2018 by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★★★★ (it seems only right)
 
As someone who grew up spending her weekends visiting Hampton Court Palace, Six is  pretty much my ideal musical. Bringing the wives of Henry VIII to us live in concert and changing HIStory to HERstory this show is a celebration of girl power and shows us that there's far more to the rhyme we all grew up hearing.
 
Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, Six is fresh, modern and unlike anything I've experienced. The lyrics are fast paced and extremely clever but draw you in so much that at no point do you find yourself struggling to understand them. Each Queen has a distinct style which works fantastically. From the jazzy feel of Catherine Parr's solo to Catherine of Aragon's Beyoncé style song, all the music feels relatable and makes you feel you could be friends with any of the Six ladies.
 
 
Each Queen is inspired by current pop-stars with the cast bringing clear influences from pop culture as well as making the roles truly individual and memorable. As their respective wives (Ex-Wives *mic drop*) Jarneia Richard-Noel, Millie O'Connell, Natalie Paris, Alexia McIntosh, Aimie Atkinson and Maiya Quansah-Breed are outstanding. It's unfair to talk about them individually as they all bring so much to the show and despite having solo's, make this show the united, ensemble piece it's meant to be.
 
The Ladies in Waiting aka the on stage band bring energy and even more power to Six. Emma Bailey's set is simplistic in the tiny space of the Arts Theatre but extremely fitting, with the black box almost becoming a chapel where we can worship these powerful women. Tim Deiling's lighting helps achieve the pop concert vibe and is especially effective in Haus of Holbein where Anna of Cleves' tells her story accompanied by strobe lights and fluorescent neck ruffs.
 
 
Carrie-Anne Ingrouille's choreography is sharp and fills the space extremely well. Alongside Gabriella Slade's fabulous and flirty costumes and Jimmy Jones' chiselled makeup looks, the ladies really do own the Arts Theatre and become the hottest girl group in London.
 
Six is inventive, coherent, uplifting and full to the brim with talent. The varying tempos and genres make the piece continually engaging and the "Britishness" of it all is truly wonderful when so much of the West End is currently/soon to be dominated by imported shows. Henry VIII may have been the Tudor King, but these Queens are the rulers of London theatre.
 
Six runs at the Arts Theatre until  14th October, and then tours around the country
 
photo credit: Idil Sukan

Six, Arts Theatre | Review

Wednesday 5 September 2018

Friday 31 August 2018

There is Nothing Like a Dame, Cadogan Hall | Review


There is Nothing Like a Dame (Concert) 
Cadogan Hall
Reviewed on Thursday 30th August 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★

Combine four of the most talented female performers to have ever graced the West End stages and a celebration of 100 years of Women in musical theatre and you have a stellar debut show from Lambert Jackson.

West End superstars Rachel Tucker, Louise Dearman, Ria Jones and Alexia Khadime joined forces to showcase some of the most iconic female roles of the last 100 years and highlight the positive changes that are happening for women in the industry. Every song seemed to top the last and it was a truly uplifting night at Cadogan Hall.

The concert opened with all four ladies floating onto the stage accompanied by rapturous applause to perform Anything Goes which set the benchmark for the night extremely high and began our journey through a number of beautiful solo's, duets, trios and quartets.


The ladies gave all round stellar performances, with highlights including a great medley of Rodgers and Hammerstein songs; Rachel Tucker sung a hilariously drawly version of I Can't Say No, Alexia Khadime a playful I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Outa My Hair, Ria Jones a graceful Shall We Dance and Louise Dearman a pin-drop perfect, You'll Never Walk Alone.

Since seeing Louise Dearman in her solo concert earlier this year, I have been continually surprised by her versatility as a performer and she once again showcased her ability to transform both her vocals and mannerisms to fit any style. Louise is truly a musical theatre chameleon; her performance of I Dreamed a Dream was certainly a stand out.

Other highlights included Ria Jones' With One Look from Sunset Boulevard which brought the audience to their feet, Alexia Khadime's heartfelt, Home from The Wiz and a lovely rendition of In His Eyes from Jekyll and Hyde from Rachel Tucker and Louise Dearman. Mention must also go to the wonderful duet from the three former Elphaba's, Louise Dearman, Alexia Khadime and Rachel Tucker who put a fresh spin on The Wizard and I.


The audience were also treated to a peek at the future of the West End with a great and powerful performance of Don't Rain on my Parade from Daisy Greenwood who won a competition to perform at the concert. Aged only 17, she commanded the stage and is sure to be seen again among the great performers.

It must also be pointed out how fantastic all four ladies looked, donning two glamourous gowns each and embodying the superstar vibes. Also joyous to watch, was the way all the women supported one another and watched each other as if in awe. Women supporting women is just as important now than it's ever been and it's wonderful to see women who could so easily see each other as competition, admire each other and celebrate talent. 

If the next 100 years of musical theatre is filled with performances like the ones this night provided then it will be truly wonderful!

Photo credit: Danny Kaan

There is Nothing Like a Dame, Cadogan Hall | Review

Friday 31 August 2018