Posts with the label review
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Saturday 25 February 2017
Lizzie, Greenwich Theatre | Review
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Lizzie
Greenwich Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 24th February 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed on Friday 24th February 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★
I've been finding it very hard to write this review because I honestly don't know what I thought of Lizzie. There were parts I loved and parts I didn't but overall I was kind of confused.
I suppose that could be seen as a good thing though. The show seems to get more disjointed as Lizzie's own mind gets more confused and crazy so it seems natural that after a well told story I, as an audience member, should leave feeling affected by the characters. So maybe confusion is a good thing?
Funny story, when I first saw this advertised quite a few months ago, I thought it was my wildest dreams coming true with Lizzie, meaning Lizzie McGuire... I was very wrong! The aforementioned Lizzie is in fact Elizabeth Andrew Borden who allegedly killed her father and stepmother with an axe in 1892. Whilst it's not the obvious choice of storyline, it works well with the rock music and insane lighting.
The show has recently finished a run in Denmark and has now made the transition to the Greenwich Theatre in London where it feels more like an arena concert than a stage show. There are minimal props so we are really able to focus on the story and impeccable voices of the four leads. The show opens with an eerie music-box tune which sets the dark, suspense filled show up perfectly. The powerhouse vocals are out of this world, with the ladies belting higher and higher with perfect technique throughout. The lyrics by Steven Cheslik-Demeyer and Tim Maner are cleverly tweaked and shaped depending on what's happening in the scene or in Lizzie's mind.
The cast are sublime with each woman holding her own and commanding the space. Bjorg Gamst as Lizzie Borden is impeccable, switching from innocence and sweetness to sheer and utter madness. Her eyes portray a thousand emotions and every movement she makes shows her transition to the manic killer who is truly revealed in act 2. Her sister, played by musical theatre royalty, Eden Espinosa, really comes into her own in act 2 and shows off her superb voice wonderfully. I previously saw Jodie Jacobs in 27: The Musical and was blown away by her killer voice. As Bridget Sullivan she gets to show off that voice again but also provides humour in this otherwise dark drama, often indirectly telling Lizzie to kill her parents in witty ways. Although it is unclear what her motivation for this is, she does it very well. Alice Russell, Lizzie's friend is played greatly by Bleu Woodward who again has a stunning voice and works very well with the other ladies. Her performance is tasteful and delicate and often provides a nice contrast to the loud, rage filled numbers in the show.
The lighting fit well with the erratic feeling but I felt at points it was too much with the lights and smoke covering up a lack of plot and coherence. My opinion is that with some developments and tweaks this could be a wonderful production. The cast are there, the songs are there and the basic ideas are there but it need to be refined to make it really flow. Again, the roughness does fit with with the story but to me it felt more like a piece of performance art than a show to come and just sit in your seat watching. If it's going to be performed like this then it would be good to somehow incorporate more audience interaction, like at a rock concert.
However, Lizzie is a fun show and it's wonderful to see a performance led solely by women. With a few tweaks this could be something incredible. I would still go and see it if you can because I guarantee it'll be like nothing you've ever seen before, and the vocals will blow you away!
Lizzie runs at the Greenwich theatre until March 12th 2017
photo credit: Soren Malmose
Lizzie runs at the Greenwich theatre until March 12th 2017
photo credit: Soren Malmose
Friday 24 February 2017
The Girls, Phoenix Theatre | Review
The Girls
Phoenix Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 22nd February 2017 by Olivia Mitchell★★★★
I'm going to start off by saying that this musical has flaws but they can be easily overlooked to enjoy this beautifully sweet and touching musical.
The story of The Girls was previously on the West End as a play but this new revival with music by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, has brought new life to it and really given it star treatment. The score is sweet and full of storytelling, although some parts are a little over the top and very "la la la, I'm going to sing a very literal song about my life now" they all work together to produce a lovely piece of theatre. You are sure to leave feeling inspired, joyous and full of laughter.
This show sums up Britishness. There are fetes, tea drinking, fish and chips and of course the typified version of green Yorkshire. The set is cleverly designed by Robert Jones with a mountain of kitchen cupboards creating the vast hills of England's countryside.
Personally I found the first half of the show dragged just a little as I was waiting for the calendar plan to appear which doesn't in fact happen until act two but the initial setting up of the storyline and many relationships is gracefully and tastefully done. Act two is full of laughs and moves at a much quicker pace with us finally seeing the iconic calendar shoot which is done hilariously!
This story is friendship is truly beautiful and is something that is universally relatable. The cast are all equally talented and their performances are refreshing and genuine throughout. The relationship between Annie (Joanna Riding) and Chris (Claire Moore) is especially touching and makes you value and appreciate your friends even more. The whole cast have wonderful chemistry with one another and really seem to enjoy their time performing.
The whole production is filled with light and positivity as well as showing the trials and hardships of life. In a time when it can often seem like women are always bringing each other down, it's lovely to see a show which restores your faith in friendship and sees such a strong group of women holding each other up and working together to create something beautiful. This is a lovely, reflective, heart-warming production which reminds us that there's always light even when we feel as though we're surrounded by darkness.
The Girls is currently playing at the Phoenix Theatre until July 15th 2017
Photo credit: Matt Crockett
The Girls is currently playing at the Phoenix Theatre until July 15th 2017
Photo credit: Matt Crockett
Wednesday 22 February 2017
The Wild Party, The Other Palace | Review
The Wild Party
The Other Palace
Reviewed on Tuesday 21st February 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
Having only been familiar with the Lippa version of The Wild Party, I was not really sure what I was getting myself into with this one. I was ready for a crazy, wild, dramatic experience and that's certainly what I got!
The Other Palace, formerly the St James Theatre has certainly chosen the right piece to mark it's relaunch. This wild, wild party is sure to make anyone want to return! The Wild Party is based on Joseph Moncure March's racy 1928 poem and is so energetic and frenzied from the start that you can't help but love it and be drawn into the raving, crazy world LaChiusa has created.
The show tells the story of Queenie, a Broadway wannabe who's instead become a pained woman with a huge hole in her life, and her comic lover, Burrs, who throw a berserk party to escape from the boredom of their everyday life. We meet their friends and enemies who each have a story to tell and get way too mixed up in the ever-growing craziness of the wild, wild party.
Frances Ruffelle is completely and utterly brilliant as Queenie. With rawness and vulnerability mixed in with sex and vivaciousness creating a fantastic, larger than life character. It's truly an honour seeing this legend of the stage perform.
Frances works alongside another legend: John Owen-Jones who shines and really shows off his incredible voice as the dark, scary Burrs.
For me, it's Victoria Hamilton-Barritt who steals the show as Queenie's frenemy, Kate. Her sultry, soaring voice is stunning and so unique that she just steals every moment she's in. Not only that, but she never stops acting, every facial expression and movement is well thought out and perfect for her character- she's truly a star.
Ako Mitchell and Lizzy Connolly as Eddie and Mae are wonderful. Having recently seen them both in other shows, Ragtime and Vanities respectively, I knew their voices and performances would be special but they completely blew me away and were incredible.
Other stand outs were Dex Lee as Jackie and Melanie Bright as Sally. Dex's voice is stunning and he soars over every note so easily and his performance as the slimy character is fantastic to see. Melanie's beautiful soprano voice rings out and she creates magical moments on stage. Finally, Gloria Obiango and Genesis Lynea are outstanding as the brothers, seeming almost like a 20s Greek chorus! Their synchronicity is flawless and they're just great.
Drew McOnie's choreography and Richard Howell's lighting create the sinful, frenzied, drunken, 20s mood perfectly and create something so magical that you can't bear to tear your eyes away!
Overall this is a truly glistening production and if you want a raunchy, sexy, debaucherous night that is still full of glitz and glamour then this is the show for you!
Sunday 22 January 2017
Promises Promises, Southwark Playhouse | Review
Southwark Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 18th January 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Promises Promises contains the only musical theatre score ever written by the great pop writer Burt Bacharach and his lyricist partner Hal David. Based on the 1960 film The Apartment, Promises Promises tells the story of Chuck Baxter, a junior executive (played by Gabriel Vick) at a leading New York insurance company who aims to climb the corporate ladder by loaning his apartment out to be used by his co-workers for their extra marital affairs. However, things get complicated when Baxter realises his boss is having an affair with the object of his affections Fran (played by Daisy Maywood.)
The story is straight forward, witty and instantly enjoyable. The two leads carry the show fantastically so the audience becomes instantly attached to the trials and tribulations of both their lives. This is helped by the intimacy of the Southwark Playhouse which seems to be providing hit after hit at the moment. The staging is simple but effective and the choreography fits wonderfully in the venue.
Gabriel Vick's Chuck is instantly likeable through his attractive sparkle and optimism. His asides to the audience are witty and well written and along with his characterised movements create a wonderfully relatable character.
Daisy Maywood as Fran is truly spectacular. She is strong and sensible whilst still having a vulnerable side in terms of dealing with her somewhat unrequited love. Maywood's voice is impeccable, with her performance of 'A House is Not a Home' being the definite stand out moment of the show.
At almost three hours, the musical could probably be edited and cut down slightly but its certainly a fabulous base. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole production and can see a West End transfer in the near future of this sparkling and heartwarming production.
Promises Promises is a joy to watch and although the storyline is extremely dated in terms of attitudes towards women it is a stunning period piece with plenty of heart.
The story is straight forward, witty and instantly enjoyable. The two leads carry the show fantastically so the audience becomes instantly attached to the trials and tribulations of both their lives. This is helped by the intimacy of the Southwark Playhouse which seems to be providing hit after hit at the moment. The staging is simple but effective and the choreography fits wonderfully in the venue.
Gabriel Vick's Chuck is instantly likeable through his attractive sparkle and optimism. His asides to the audience are witty and well written and along with his characterised movements create a wonderfully relatable character.
Daisy Maywood as Fran is truly spectacular. She is strong and sensible whilst still having a vulnerable side in terms of dealing with her somewhat unrequited love. Maywood's voice is impeccable, with her performance of 'A House is Not a Home' being the definite stand out moment of the show.
At almost three hours, the musical could probably be edited and cut down slightly but its certainly a fabulous base. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole production and can see a West End transfer in the near future of this sparkling and heartwarming production.
Promises Promises is a joy to watch and although the storyline is extremely dated in terms of attitudes towards women it is a stunning period piece with plenty of heart.
Saturday 29 October 2016
Side Show, Southwark Playhouse | Review
Side Show
Southwark Playhouse
Reviewed on Thursday 27th October 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★Reviewed on Thursday 27th October 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
Side Show is an original musical which is unique in more than one way. Firstly because it tells the story of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton and secondly because it flopped not once but twice on Broadway. The original 1997 production ran for a mere 91 performances with the more recent 2014 revival running for only 56, perhaps it was not a Broadway audiences cup of tea or perhaps it did not have the finesse and omph which this current production does.
Thursday 13 October 2016
Chicago (UK Tour), Churchill Theatre | Review
Churchill Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 10th October 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed on Monday 10th October 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
Chicago is one of those classic musicals that everyone knows. It was one of the first ones I ever saw and it certainly holds a special place in my heart so I was thrilled when I heard about its UK tour. The overall production is fantastic and its one of the few shows I've given a five star rating!
The Churchill Theatre, Bromley provided a wonderful setting for this over the top, fabulous show. The music is of course fantastic and having the band on stage and involved in the action was wonderful and engaging. The staging is classic, elegant and sexy just like the show; with a simple tiered setting, a few extra chairs and two ladders coming in and out from the wings of the stage. Along with the faded mood lighting, the overall effect is simple but perfectly fitting for the show.
The whole cast is fantastic. Sophie Carmen-Jones embodies Velma Kelly to a T, giving a sultry, dramatic and slick portrayal and really shining in the production. Hayley Tamaddon gives Miss Roxie Hart a cheeky edge and truly manages to capture Roxie's development to a scheming seductress desperate for fame. I felt she really settled into the character as the show progressed and was extremely confident in her singing, dancing and acting- an all round great performance! John Partridge plays the sleazy Billy Flynn extremely well and you could tell from the audience reaction how engaged they were with his performance. Jessie Wallace also demonstrates her vocal abilities which I certainly didn't know she had and Mama Morton was wonderfully suited to her.
The 1920s setting of Chicago gives it a vintage feel which you can't help but feel attracted to. The swinging jazz numbers have you tapping your feet and make you feel as though you've been pulled into to a secretive speak-easy like environment. Chicago must be one of the sexiest shows around so if you're looking for inspiration to go to the gym just look at this cast! Everything about them is enviable, including the killer leg kicks and ridiculous figures!
I adore this show and if the full house was anything to go by then I think a lot of people do. If you can manage to snap up a ticket for the tour then you are guaranteed a sublime, sexy, sultry and sparkling night out!
Tuesday 11 October 2016
This Little Life of Mine, Park Theatre | Review
This Little Life of Mine
The Park Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 7th October 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed on Friday 7th October 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
A few weeks ago I published a post full of excitement for the new British musical This Little Life of Mine; well I just saw the show and my excitement was well aimed. This is a new, exciting, relevant and realistic musical which is so perfect for growing up and living in London.
Thursday 8 September 2016
Vanities, Trafalgar Studios | Review
Vanities: The Musical
Trafalgar Studios
Reviewed on Wednesday 7th August 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Vanities is a musical adaptation of Jack Heifner's play with a script by Heifner himself and lyrics/music by David Kirshenbaum. Its London premiere at Trafalgar Studios is certainly a triumphant one, with radiant performances from all three ladies and extremely catchy and refreshing music. Set in the 70s one would assume the themes of the musical could be dated but in fact the plight for happiness, friendship and success are just as prevalent now.
Thursday 1 September 2016
Little Shop of Horrors (UK Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 23rd August 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Little Shop of Horrors is one of those cult musicals that everyone has heard of but not necessarily seen. I'd seen the film years ago and knew some of the songs but all I remembered was that its about a plant and this was my first time seeing the musical by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken onstage.
This is certainly a weird musical. We follow Seymour the shop assistant of Mushnik's flower shop who finds fame when he discovers an unusual, unknown plant with a mind (and appetite) of its own which he uses to win over his co-worker Audrey.
For me the standout performance was given by our Seymour, Sam Lupton who has just finished a three year run playing Boq in Wicked. He has a wonderful voice and perfectly embodies the quirky, geeky Seymour. I also adored the Greek chorus-esque divas Sasha Latoya, Cassie Clare and Vanessa Fisher. Stephanie Clift was heartwarming as Audrey, with an especially beautiful rendition of 'Somewhere That's Green', which although being somewhat contrived with the special effects was a very nice moment of the show.
Overall the cast were superb with wonderfully honest performances and although this story is very eccentric and the moral very twisted, its a brilliant show which is well worth checking out for a fun and enjoyable night out.
Little Shop of Horrors will be touring the UK until Saturday November 26th.
Further information and tickets can be found at www.littleshopuktour.com
Saturday 13 August 2016
Children of Eden, Union Theatre | Review
Children of Eden
Union Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 12th August 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
★★★★★
Inspired by the Book of Genesis, Children of Eden tells the timeless and beautiful story of bringing a child into the world and becoming a parent. It features stunning music and lyrics by acclaimed composer Stephen Schwartz, who is perhaps most well known for Wicked which continues to play all over the world, and a book by the fantastic John Caird who along with Trevor Nunn, adapted and directed Les Miserables.
Wednesday 20 July 2016
Footloose (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
For a self-confessed musical theatre obsessive its slightly shocking that I'd never seen either Footloose film but it was certainly nice to see a show I had absolutely no ideas about for once. I was very excited to experience something completely new to me and I was not let down!
Monday 18 July 2016
That's Entertainment (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
If you want to be transported back to the glam and sequins of the 40s and 50s then this is the show for you. If you want a strong storyline and a West End feel then this is not the show for you. There's no disputing that this show is full of glamour and sparkle but it kind of felt like there were two shows in one.
Thursday 7 July 2016
Breakfast at Tiffany's, Theatre Royal Haymarket | Review
Lets start out by saying that Breakfast at Tiffany's at the Theatre Royal is not the same as the 1961 film starring Audrey Hepburn.
Unlike the film, this play sticks very closely to the novel by Truman Capote, therefore, the production, adapted by award winning Richard Greenberg is set in the 1940's as opposed to the 60's, automatically creating a different feel to the film we've grown to love.
Friday 1 July 2016
Jeremy Jordan, Hippodrome Casino | Review
You may know him as the heart throb of tv from hits Smash and Supergirl or from his leading Broadway roles in Newsies and Bonnie and Clyde or maybe you're just hearing his name for the first time now.
Whichever it is, all you need to know is that Jeremy is one of the best, if not the best male singer; with a hilarious stage presence, magnetic personality and absolutely stunning voice, he's really the definition of the whole package.
Whichever it is, all you need to know is that Jeremy is one of the best, if not the best male singer; with a hilarious stage presence, magnetic personality and absolutely stunning voice, he's really the definition of the whole package.
Last night I got to witness this package all wrapped in a bow at the last of Jeremy's first ever London concerts, the fastest selling performances the Hippodrome Casino has ever seen! There's something really special about watching performers in these sort of venues because they're so intimate and you just know that every single person is there to support who their watching. The whole room was buzzing before Jeremy came on stage and the excitement could be felt all around, it didn't feel like there could be more joy but when Jeremy stepped on stage the whole room went crazy.
Jeremy opened the show with a hilarious parody of Everything's Coming Up Roses called Everyone's Come To See Me, starting the night on a high which only went up. Jeremy continued performing a mix of all his best songs as well as some originals which will be on his upcoming album, including a beautiful song written for his wife called Memories of Loving You. His infectious personality combined with his killer vocals made an unforgettable evening with jokes and anecdotes creating a wonderful relaxed evening. Jeremy's partner in crime for the night was his hilarious Musical Director Benjamin Rauhala who not only played magnificently but had everyone in hysterics throughout!
There's no way I can pick a favourite part of the concert because I was literally in love with every second of it but I couldn't write this post without mentioning the incredible cover of Take me or Leave Me which Jeremy and his beautiful wife sung (couple goals right!?) and also his medley of song requests. This truly showed off Jeremy's talent, singing clips of songs form Cats to Celine Dion all note perfect and just stunning.
The amazing thing about Jeremy is not just his personality and talent but the way he connects with each song and makes the audience feel like they're experiencing every moment personally. Jeremy is an absolute star and deserves so so so much praise. For anyone reading this I advise you to watch all of the videos you can find of Jeremy, watch everything he's in and buy his album when it comes out! And Jeremy, if by any crazy twist of fate you're reading this, then I want to say thank you for an absolutely brilliant night and please please please come back to London very soon!
Tuesday 14 June 2016
Samantha Barks Tour, Churchill Theatre | Review
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| Source: https://twitter.com/TheAlexEllison/status/742769269935616001 |
She has also starred in a number of shows such as City of Angels, Chicago, Cabaret and Oliver and has been working on a number of films recently which are set to be released soon and has just released her self titled album under United Music.
Thursday 19 May 2016
The Raunch, Spiegeltent | Review
The Raunch is a show starring the Most Wanted of the international cabaret and circus scene and featuring a toe tapping, disco-hoedown soundtrack.
Sunday 3 April 2016
Samantha Barks, St. James Studio | Review
Monday 19 October 2015
Shoshana Bean Concert, The Singer's Lounge | Review
Despite watching Shoshana online and listening to her albums for years, this was the first time I had seen her in concert, and with a 54 below vibe where you can order food and drinks whilst listening to some amazing music, the intimate venue provided the perfect atmosphere to witness the amazingness of Ms Bean.
Thursday 15 October 2015
In The Heights, King's Cross Theatre | Review
From the moment I stepped into the King's Cross theatre and was transported from the busyness of London rush hour to a bustling Subway station in New York, I knew this show was going to be something special. I'd heard the buzz since previews began and with all the hype around Hamilton I was expecting great things from the brainchild of Lin-Manuel Miranda, and oh boy, I was not let down at all!
In The Heights is set over the course of 3 days and centres on a small community living in Washington Heights in the Northern tip of Manhattan- a place where the doors are always open, the music is always flowing and theres always gossip to be heard. The community is full of the hopes and dreams of those trying to build a better life whilst keeping their traditions with them. In The Heights won four Tony awards in 2008, a Grammy Award and was also nominated for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Miranda's mix of typical musical theatre melodies with a rap score perfectly creates an energy and story that you can't help but fall in love with. Combined with Drew McOnie's athletic, racy and hip-swivelling choreography the show has an urban salsa vibe which totally complements the West Side Story-esque plotline.
Each musical number is delivered impeccably by the stellar company and superb band. Sam MacKay's Usnavi tells the struggles of wanting to leave but needing to keeps his roots exquisitely; whilst Joe Aaron Reid's Benny combines both comedic and emotional scenes in a seemingly flawless way whilst interacting perfectly with the other characters namely Kevin (played by David Bedella) and Nina (played by Lily Frazer) both of whom's killer acting and vocals make every scene pop and flow. Jade Ewen's incredible belting skills are shown off in her portrayal of Vanessa and a special mention must go to Victoria Hamilton-Barritt who despite being heavily pregnant still manages to dance and sing like crazy! The whole company are harmonious and truly feel like the community they are portraying.
Luke Sheppard's production creates the perfect night out with an electrifying energy that will leave you wanting to salsa your way to the box office to book another night in Washington Heights.
***** 5 out of 5 stars
***** 5 out of 5 stars
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