Posts with the label uk tour
Showing posts with label uk tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label uk tour. Show all posts

Monday 26 March 2018

Signed, Sealed, Delivered (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review


Signed, Sealed, Delivered (UK Tour) 
New Victoria Theatre 
Reviewed on Friday 20th October 2017 by Glenys Balchin 
★★★★

Signed, Sealed, Delivered, hit musical tribute show featuring Lejaune André, the star of The Magic of Motown, playing homage to Stevie Wonder.

The show included many of Stevie’s extensive memorable songs featuring the Grammy award winning Signed, Sealed, Delivered as well as Superstition, Higher Ground, Master Blaster, Sir Duke, Part-Time Lover, Isn’t She Lovely and the biggest international hit of all time – I just Called To Say I Love You, plus many, many more!

The performance tonight was really a show of two halves Lejaune André being Stevie and then Lejaune as himself singing Stevie Wonders music. Although, he remained dressed as Stevie with the braids for the second half so I found that a little disjointed visually.


He was joined on stage by a seven-piece band and four backing vocalists, who were all good musicians and singers  but  at times seemed not to be at ease on the stage or uniformed in their overall performance collectively. Two vocalists Portia and Nathan delivered a more polished performance than the other couple. 

The same can be said for the band the brass, percussionist and drummer section were more  in tune with the overall stage performance than the keyboards and guitarists. The two guitarists really did not look like they wanted to be on stage and were not engaging with the audience, so it was very distracting. 

The same cannot be said, about Karen Straw who not only pulled off a polish performance on the trumpet, danced incredibly well, was energetic and mesmerising to watch


Lejaune Andre performance also, was well received by the audience and enjoyable to watch, if a little uncomfortable when he was first led onto the stage by the female vocalists, as Stevie Wonder.

The first half of the show had been hampered with technical difficulties and at times it was difficult to always hear the other singers but the second half was more enjoyable. The rendition of Happy Birthday had everyone up on their feet dancing in the aisles. The finale of Signed, Sealed and Delivered was executed well; the whole overall stage presence and performance of all the cast came together much better in the second part of the show.

That is why I would rate this show a four out of five and not a five,  as there is room for improvement, a start would be for the guitarist and keyboard player to look like they wanted  to be be on stage!

Signed, Sealed, Delivered (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review

Monday 26 March 2018

Saturday 24 March 2018

Don Giovanni (Welsh National Opera Tour), Mayflower Theatre | Review


Don Giovanni (Welsh National Opera Tour)
Mayflower Theatre 
Reviewed on Friday 22nd March 2018 by Lucy Jardine 
★★★★

This performance of Don Giovanni was part of a short Welsh National Opera (WNO) season at the handsome, art deco Mayflower Theatre in Southampton. WNO are touring England and Wales until mid-April performing Don Giovanni, Tosca and La Forza del Destino and based on this performance I would recommend seeing any of the three productions if you can.

Don Giovanni is one of Mozart’s best known operas, first performed in Prague in 1787. The events take place in 18th century Seville and this production is true to the original setting, with elaborate costumes to match. The production is sung in Italian, but surtitled in English on a discreet display high above the stage, so you can easily follow the words and see where the story is heading.

Our hero – or anti-hero – is the amoral libertine Don Giovanni (played by Gavan Ring), whose only purpose in life is to seduce as many women as he can, using whatever mixture of money, deception & physical violence is necessary to complete the task.  


Somewhat reluctantly aided and abetted by his servant, Leporello (David Stout), Giovanni attempts to seduce the newly-married peasant girl Zerlina (Katie Bray), while avoiding her husband Masetto (Gareth Bynmor John) and trying to elude his former lover, Donna Elvira (Elizabeth Watts), who cannot make up her mind whether the man who betrayed her deserves forgiving or murdering.

Meanwhile, Donna Anna (Emily Birsan), attended by her steadfast lover Don Ottavio (Benjamin Hullett), is bent on avenging the killing of her father, the Commendatore (Miklos Sebestyen), at the hands of a masked assailant who's eventually revealed to have been the Don himself.

As you might expect from the full title of the opera, “Il dissoluto punito, ossia il Don Giovanni” or “The Rake Punished, or, Don Giovanni”, things do not end well for our main character when he finally has to face something that he can’t bribe, beat up or outwit.

Overall this was an enjoyable performance with a strong cast, but Emily Birsan as Donna Anna and Katie Bray as Zerlina stood out for the combination of great singing and good acting they brought to their roles. David Stout as Leporello also outshone his master on a number of occasions.

photo credit: Richard Hubert Smith



Don Giovanni (Welsh National Opera Tour), Mayflower Theatre | Review

Saturday 24 March 2018

Wednesday 21 March 2018

Cilla (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review


Cilla (UK Tour) 
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 21st March 2018 by Melanie Mitchell 
★★★★

Cilla The Musical, intertwines the story of the rise from teenage typist to number one singing star, with the evolving love story between her and her future husband Bobby Willis.

In the 1950’s Liverpool was becoming increasingly well known, worldwide, for its unique style of music known as the Mersey beat. It was in the clubs around Merseyside that the young Cilla White worked as a coat check girl, often performing on stage along side the likes of Gerry and the Pacemakers and most notably the Beatles. When Brian Epstein discovers the 20-year-old Cilla at the Blue Angel Jazz Club, her meteoric rise to fame begins. 

The set design is superb, cleverly changing from the tiny flat in which Cilla lives with her family to the Clubs and streets of Liverpool. You really get the feeling for the area at the time and that you are part of the audience in the now legendary Cavern club.


The lighting changes throughout, reflecting the mood of each scene, especially in the second half when Cilla is an international star with her own UK TV show. My only criticism was that from where I was sitting at times it was quite blindingly bright. 

Kara Lily Hayworth is simply superb as the young Cilla. She absolutely brings the character to life, showing not only Cilla’s humour and confidence but also her naivety of the industry at the time. Her Liverpudlian accent is excellent and if you closed your eyes you would of thought Cilla was in the room. Kara’s singing voice is absolutely faultless, perhaps a bit sweeter and dare I say more professional than our Cilla’s was. However, this is probably down to her classical training background.

Carl Au, plays Bobby Willis, Cilla’s long-time boyfriend who goes on to become her manager and Husband. Carl is totally believable in the part and has an extremely good singing voice.


The part of Brian Epstein is played by Andrew Lancel, an extremely talented performer who you may know from Coronation Street and The Bill. You may not know that he also has an excellent singing voice as well. He plays the tortured Epstein brilliantly, giving a sadness and poignancy to the role that I hadn’t expected.

The whole company give a sparkling, lively and energetic performance, especially when playing the various groups such as The Beatles and Gerry and the Pacemakers. However, the standout group performance for me was the casts portrayal of the Momma’s and the Poppa’s rendition of California Dreaming.

Cilla The Musical is showing at the New Victoria Theatre until 24th March 2018. Get a ticket if you still can, not only will you see some fabulous performances and hear some wonderful singing, you are guaranteed to have a most enjoyable evening and a Lorra Lorra fun!

photo credit: Matt Martin

Cilla (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review

Wednesday 21 March 2018

Friday 16 March 2018

Wicked (UK Tour), Bristol Hippodrome | Review


Wicked (UK Tour) 
Bristol Hippodrome 
Reviewed on Thursday 15th February 2018 by Isobelle Desbrow 
★★★★★

Come with me to the Emerald City...


Wicked is a phenomenal show that has been taking the West End by storm over it’s 11 year run and I’m pleased to say that the tour equally amazing. The cast couldn’t have been better and it was a privilege to be able to watch Glinda’s understudy take to the stage during the matinee performance at the Bristol Hippodrome.

Amy Ross’s Elphaba is the seamless combination of good and wicked. Every note she sings is bone chillingly beautiful and her stellar diction allows us to hear every word and become immersed in the story. A stand out was ‘Defying Gravity’ which was a perfect way to end Act 1 and left me eager so the final half.


Unfortunately Helen Woolfe (Glinda) wasn’t performing for this performance. Instead we were treated to the equally cheerful and Popular Charli Baptie who has an excellent voice and plays a fabulous, frilly, humourous Glinda who manages to have depth, light and shade in her performance. 

The glorious music is note perfect and I was pleased that it was not too loud (as I have experienced previously) so dialogue could still be heard whilst it was being accompanied.

The dancing was crisp and spell blindly visually; whilst the cast’s singing made each song sound new and exciting. The quality of this tour is almost West End standard and I’d thoroughly recommend anyone who can’t get to London, to see this show as it flies round the UK on it’s current tour.

If you get the opportunity, spend One Short Day watching Wicked as it’s a tour not to be missed!

photo credit: Matt Crockett

Wicked (UK Tour), Bristol Hippodrome | Review

Friday 16 March 2018

Thursday 15 March 2018

Cilla (UK Tour), Bristol Hippodrome | Review


Cilla: The Musical (UK Tour)
Bristol Hippodrome 
Reviewed on Tuesday 13th March 2018 by Isobelle Desbrow 
★★★★


Cilla: The Musical is a refreshing and fun new musical about the life of the one and only Cilla Black. Just a few years after her death it lovingly remembers her life as a singer and tv presenter.

Kara Lily Hayworth is a breath of fresh air; her wonderful characterisation of Cilla along with her strong Liverpudlian accent and blissfully wonderful singing voice would do Cilla proud. Her rendition of ‘Anyone Who Had a Heart' which drew he first half to an end is a performance I’ll never forget. With a flawlessly clear and powerful voice it really did give me goosebumps!

The second act opened and was met with tears, laughter and applause. Unfortunately I’m unable to give a full review of the second act as there were 2 medical emergencies. However what I can say is that when the cast returned to the stage they were met with yet more applause. The whole cast were spectacular in closing and finished with a standing ovation.


It was wonderful to see so many different tributes to amazing bands and singers on the stage in one night, that thanks must go to the exceptionally talented musical director Scott Alder who managed to make The Pacemakers', The Beatles' and Cilla Black's music flow seamlessly.

This was a wonderful production, I only wish I had time to watch it again! All the cast and crew should be incredibly proud of themselves not only for their performances, but also for being able to end the show in such spectacular fashion even after a break.
Cilla runs at the Bristol Hippodrome until 17th March before continuing it's tour.

Cilla (UK Tour), Bristol Hippodrome | Review

Thursday 15 March 2018

Wednesday 14 March 2018

The Sound of Music, Palace Theatre | Review


The Sound of Music (UK Tour) 
Palace Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 13th March 2018 by Becca Cromwell
★★★


The Bill Kenwright production of The Sound of Music has embarked on another UK tour, but this time with Lucy O’Byrne and Neil McDermott at the helm. Based on the 1959 Rogers and Hammerstein musical of the same name, the film became one of the highest grossing films of all time. 

The well-loved story shows Maria Rainer, a young Postulant at the Nonnberg Abbey who is sent to be the Governess for the Von Trapp Family after not fitting in at the Abbey. It is there that she meets Captain Georg von Trapp and his seven children Liesl, Friedrich, Luisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta and Gretel. During her time as Governess, the Anschluss begins where the Germans invade Austria, and the second act of the show depicts the struggles and changing moods during this time.

Lucy O’Byrne is known for becoming runner up on ITV’s The Voice in 2015 and landed the role of Maria in the previous UK tour of this production. Since then, O’Byrne has gone on to play Fantine in Les Miserables in the West End, and has now thrown herself back into the iconic role of Maria von Trapp for the 2017/2018 UK Tour. Originally played by Julie Andrews in the 1965 film, she has big boots to fill. The vocals were impressive and her portrayal of Maria was fantastic. It was well acted and believable.

Neil McDermott plays the Naval Captain Georg von Trapp, who after the death of his wife lost touch with his children. McDermott is known for playing Ryan Malloy in BBC’s Eastenders, amongst many other theatre roles. With a strong voice, McDermott gave a fantastic performance.


A stand out however, was Megan Llewellyn as the Mother Abbess. Her voice was absolutely astounding. Even though she does not make too many appearances in the show as the Reverend Mother, you certainly knew about it when she did. 

The child cast were superb, providing incredible vocals for their ages. They were true professionals from the beginning through to the end and I hope to see them go far in their careers. The rest of the company all gave very good performances, leading to a fantastic performance of the show. 

I was pleasantly surprised with the production, and it deserved a bigger audience than the one it got. I would recommend seeing this when it comes to a theatre near you in the future, as it is a highly enjoyable family show.

The Sound of Music UK Tour unfortunately comes to an end this week; however I hope to see it tour the UK again in the next few years.

The Sound of Music, Palace Theatre | Review

Wednesday 14 March 2018

Birdsong (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review


Birdsong (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre 
Reviewed on Tuesday 13th March 2018 by Steve Willox
★★★★


This excellent performance warranted a viewing full house, however this was not to be, with only approx 150 seats occupied at Birdsong's opening in Woking.


Rachel Wagstaff has cleverly adapted Sebastian Faulks' novel Birdsong into a thought provoking play.  The play takes place mainly on the Western Front in France during World War I (1916 - 1918) but intertwines back to 1910 in Amiens where we meet Stephen Wraysford before his involvement in the war.



A well designed set allowed for the easy movement from 1910 to World War 1 to pass effortlessly. Enabling us to see, through flashbacks, Stephen's memories of the love of his life, Isabelle.  Low lighting gave a feeling of life in the trenches and also highlighted when there was an explosive moment of gun fire and shells.




A small but skilful cast, playing many different roles, brought Faulks's novel to the stage in an emotional and moving way.  Tim Treloar gives a soul-stirring performance as Jack Firebrace; eager and intense when rallying his mates whilst tunnelling under enemy lines, but  sad and emotional at the death of his son.  The rest of the cast were also adept at bringing this moving and evocative novel to the stage.



Whilst initially this may not have been our first choice of theatre viewing we are so very glad that we went.  A beautiful love story, inter weaved with the horrors of war. We would thoroughly recommend this production of Birdsong.

Birdsong runs at the New Victoria Theatre until March 17th before continuing it's tour.

Birdsong (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review

Tuesday 13 March 2018

Hairspray (UK Tour), Edinburgh Playhouse | Review


Hairspray (UK Tour)
Edinburgh Playhouse
Reviewed on Monday 12th March 2018 by Michèle Duck & Viv Conway
★★★★★


The funny, daring and radical story of Hairspray truly dances to its own beat. After the last curtain fell at the Edinburgh Playhouse, the residue of hope of change was left in the air. Mark Goucher, Matthew Gale and Laurence Myers present the story of Hairspray with an exceptional cast and orchestra, based on the New Line Cinema film by John Waters. 

The musical tells the story of racial segregation in America and the fight for racial equality. From mentions of Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, the audience are reminded of a struggle that although portrayed as historic, is still relevant today all over the world. The story of bravery, friendship and ‘doing what is right’, is told in a charming and compelling manner through the lyrics of Scott Whittman and Marc Shaiman. The story is told through the bright, naïve  eyes of Tracy Turnblad and her passion for dancing. As Tracy’s understanding of herself and world widens, her ambition grows into a galvanising desire for change. 


It is hard to know where to start with such a talented and energetic cast. Every cast member brought life and vitality to the performance and executed the complex choreography with vigour, precision and enjoyment in equal measure. 

A particularly captivating and poignant performance from Motormough Maybelle (Brenda Edwards) in I Know Where I’ve Been, caused the audience to tangibly hold a collective breath. Her words wove a story of segregation which although targeted to the 1960s, still rings true in the current global climate. This song tells a heartfelt story of loss and struggle and the promise of a better life. One wonders when we may truly get to the ‘Promised Land’ that Martin Luther King described in his speech the day before he was assassinated. 

Edna and Wilbur Turnblad (Matt Rixton and Norman Pace) were a down to earth, honest and side-splitting double act, which really brought life and humour to the show. Whether forgetting their lines was intentional or not, their realistic and relaxed roles bounced (literally) off each other in a light-hearted and warm rendition of You’re Timeless to Me. 


Annalise Liard-Bailey brilliantly executed her goofy portrayal of the ‘best-friend’, Penny Pingleton with perfect mix of humour, talent and relatableness. Laird-Bailey is one to watch.

However, the stand out performance of the show came from Seaweed (Layton Williams). Williams brought his character to life, and before the audience knew it, Seaweed became the leading man. Between his back flips, his energetic and sensual rendition of Run and Tell That, William’s raw talent and clear love of musical theatre shone though, infecting the audience with his energy. This leading role take-over was very appropriate considering the shows storyline of the journey to equality.  

Overall, the 2018 cast of Hairspray tells a family friendly and warm hearted story. Through its upbeat songs (who doesn’t love a singalong encore), the audience are left with the important underlying message of standing up for what you believe is right, no matter your size. After all, all that really matters is the size of your heart.

Hairspray runs at the Edinburgh Playhouse until March 17th before continuing it's tour.

photo credit: Darren Bell

Hairspray (UK Tour), Edinburgh Playhouse | Review

Tuesday 13 March 2018

Wednesday 7 March 2018

Hairspray (UK Tour), Bristol Hippodrome | Review


Hairspray (UK Tour) 
Bristol Hippodrome 
Reviewed on Monday 5th March 2018 by Calvin Welsford  
★★★★


Hairspray has always been a show I’ve been dying to see live. I fell in love with the 2007 movie and then most recently with NBC’s tv special, Hairspray Live!  starring Kristin Chenoweth, Jennifer Hudson and Dove Cameron, to name a few!

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have high expectations of the show, because I did. Thankfully the show lived up to these; it was so amazing and a lot funnier than I’d anticipated.

I think my expectations were so high as previous cast members have been very strong and unique, such as Ariana Grande, Matthew Morrison, Harvey Fierstein and Queen Latifah. But the UK tour cast did a phenomenal job of bringing the characters to the stage and evoked the same emotions I’d previously felt and hoped for. 

Max Rixton & Norman Price completely stole the show with their version of ‘You’re Timeless To Me’. A unscripted innuendo ‘I can feel your bells’ managed to have the audience and the cast laughing for several minutes. It was clear that the two actors on stage had a good connection as there were non stop innuendos and comebacks during the whole scene. 


Rebecca Mendoza made an impressive professional debut as the larger-than-life, Tracy whilst Layton Williams and Edward Chitticks were fabulous as Seaweed and Link.

Although the show overall was incredible, the only thing which I personally think could be improved would be the set. During certain scenes the background is projected on a screen rather than being an actual set piece. This felt a little lacking and made the show feel slightly amateur.

However, I can’t knock the performances of the cast or the direction- everything else was 10/10. Mention must go to Drew McOnie’s choreography which perfectly fits the vibe of the show and is energetic throughout.

If you like musical theatre and especially Hairspray, I’d 100% recommend seeing the current UK Tour!

Hairspray is at the Bristol Hippodrome until 10th March, before continuing its tour.

photo credit: Darren Bell

Hairspray (UK Tour), Bristol Hippodrome | Review

Wednesday 7 March 2018

Wednesday 28 February 2018

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review


Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (UK Tour) 
New Victoria Theatre 
Reviewed on Tuesday 27th February 2018 by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★★★

The New Victoria theatre was a buzz last night as an excited audience took their seats to take a trip down memory lane with the sentimental songs of the 60s. I must admit when I sat down I wasn't really a Carole King fan having never really been exposed to her music, but two and a bit hours later I was well and truly a lover of all things Carole and have been playing Tapestry on repeat all morning. 

Beautiful opens with King (played expertly by Bronté Barbé) sitting alone on stage behind a piano and singing her heart out to a packed audience at Carnegie Hall. Suddenly the piano moves out of view and we are thrown into a Brooklyn apartment where a 16 year old Carole with big dreams and songs to sell arrives on stage.

From here we follow Carole through the ups and downs of her life from the energetic teen to mother, wife, divorcee and Grammy award winner. From the opening scene to the very end, Bronté's Carole is endearing, humourous and engaged with the audience. Her incredible voice, acting and spot on accent hold the show up and our hearts really ache whenever Carole experiences a set back.


The show mainly focuses on the relationship between Carole and her husband/lyricist, Gerry Goffin. Played by Kane Oliver Parry, the character is raw and passionate and the chemistry between the pair is compelling to watch. Alongside we see their best friends and writing rivals, Cynthia Weil (Amy Ellen Richardson) and Barry Mann (Matthew Gonsalves) who are comedic as well as being fantastic singers. The rendition of their hit 'You've Lost That Loving Feeling' was a standout as well as a clear audience favourite.

Beautiful cleverly transitions from the song-writing to the actual performance with the artists appearing to perform the songs as soon as the final chords and lyrics were written. These moments were humourous as well as being genuinely good and allowed the audience to revel in the delightful music by the likes of The Drifters and The Shirelles.


This production is indeed Beautiful and the perfectly moving, magical, sentimental way to spend a few hours. Myself, my mum and those around us found ourselves smiling throughout, just proving that this show has what it takes to enrapture audiences of all generations.  The talent of Carole King is undeniable and I can't help but think that no 2000s artist will stand the test of time to have a musical made about them in the future! Whether you think you're a fan of Carole or not, you're sure to recognise many of the hits and leave feeling elated, with a new sense of love and appreciation for the songwriting industry.

Beautiful runs at the New Victoria Theatre until March 3rd before continuing it's tour.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review

Wednesday 28 February 2018

Monday 26 February 2018

Madama Butterfly, New Theatre Oxford | Review


Madama Butterfly (UK Tour) 
New Theatre Oxford
Reviewed on Friday 23rd February 2018 by Donna Meredith
★★★★★

Being new to Opera, I arrived at the New Theatre Oxford keen to experience Ellen Kent’s production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.

The story of young Japanese girl, Cio-Cio-San, who sacrifices her Japanese roots and traditions when she marries Lieutenant Pinkerton of the American Navy immediately captivated me.

As the opera starts, the matchmaker Goro is showing Pinkerton round the home he will share with Butterfly. 

The marriage ceremony is beautifully portrayed amidst much excitement as the bride is prepared for her nuptials. The vibrant colours and costume design are mesmerising.

The arrival of Cio-Cio-San’s Uncle Bonze marks a change in mood as he clearly displays his intense displeasure with her choice of husband and her contradiction of ancient customs.

Despite her uncle’s anger Cio-Cio-San enters in to the marriage idealistically, for lifelong love. The flighty Pinkerton however sees the marriage as a short-lived affair. He inevitably leaves the country promising to return in one year. Three years later Cio-Cio-San is still patiently waiting, believing that one day he will return and they will be reunited. Cio-Cio-San’s servant Suzuki is her loyal companion during Pinkerton’s long absence

In Act 2 Consul Sharpless arrives announcing the expected arrival of an American ship, Cio-Cio-San is filled with joy at the prospect of the imminent return of her beloved husband. She proudly introduces Consul Sharpless to her and Pinkerton’s son: Sorrow. Consul Sharpless does not have the heart to destroy Butterfly’s joy, by sharing the news that Pinkerton has remarried whilst in America. 

In anticipation of her husbands return Cio-Cio-San joyfully begins decorating her home with flowers. Whilst Suzuki and the child sleep Cio-Cio-San waits eagerly for Pinkerton's return. As the hours pass Cio-Cio-San gives in to exhaustion and joins her servant and child to sleep.

Sharpless and Pinkerton arrive at Cio-Cio-San’s home accompanied by Pinkerton’s new American wife. Cio-Cio-San is overjoyed when she wakes to hear her husband’s voice. Her joy at the sight of her beloved Pinkerton is clear to see. It is left to the ever-faithful Suzuki to explain to Cio-Cio-San the true intentions of Pinkerton’s visit. The realisation the he has not returned for her, but to take her son from her, and raise him with his new wife in America is met first with disbelief and then acceptance. 

The overwhelming sorrow that Cio-Cio-San experiences at the loss of her son leads the heart-breaking climax of this sorrowful tale as she takes her own life. 

I found the whole performance beautiful,mesmerising and ultimately painfully sad. The stage setting is simple and in fact the same for both acts. Clever lighting by Valeriu Cucarschi subtly uses shadow on the paper walls to give great visual impact. The Korean soprano Maria HeeJung Kim as Cio-Cio San gives an impressive performance, ably supported by Giorgio Meladze as Pinkerton and Zara Vardanean as Suzuki.

A mention must also go to Vasyl Vasylenko’s superb conducting of Puccini’s music.

It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with Ellen Kent after the performance and congratulate her on bringing together a very talented cast and succeeding in making opera accessible to the masses. I arrived as a first time opera goer and left as a firm fan – next stop Tosca!

Madama Butterfly, New Theatre Oxford | Review

Monday 26 February 2018

Tuesday 20 February 2018

Flashdance (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review


Flashdance (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre 
Reviewed on Monday 19th February 2018 by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★

If you want some ab-inspiration then Flashdance is the show for you. I saw the show in Wimbledon back in October and wasn't the biggest fan, however, knowing what to expect I was pleasantly surprised. Everyone seems a lot more settled into their roles and there was much more of a flow throughout. 

Flashdance centres around the story of Alex, a welder who dreams of being a dancer and attending the distinguished Shipley Academy. On her journey she meets a dapper love interest who also happens to be the boss' son. Aside from this there are some other side plots such as Jimmy who wants to make it big as a comedian, his girlfriend Gloria being pulled into a seedy drug filled world at a rival club and the imminent job cuts for all the apprentices. With regards to these I feel the same as previously that they're not really explored enough to be of that much importance but I totally get that they have to be in there to pad out the show.

But Flashdance is all about the classic, big money numbers which are delivered with spades of energy and commitment. Hits such as 'Gloria', 'What A Feeling' and 'Manic' are instantly recognisable and work brilliantly to hype the audience up and draw them into the Flashdance world.


A lot of the other songs are a little unmemorable but they vigour they are performed with makes up for it. Joanne Clifton is exceptional as Alex. From Strictly fame she's of course known for her dance but seeing her on stage performing Matt Cole's choreography is extra special. She's magnetic and draws you in even when performing a group number. Her vocals are strong although at times I found her diction lacking but she is certainly cut out for the role and I can see why she has abs of steel from being that full out every night! As her rich-boy boyfriend, Ben Adams is equally as strong. Whilst his pop vocals are not commonplace in the musical theatre world, they are strong and fit with the character. The pair have a lovely chemistry and really draw you into the story.

I have to mention Colin Kiyani as Jimmy who again gave me Ben Platt vibrato vibes and Hollie-Ann Lowe who was versatile and vulnerable as his girlfriend, Gloria. Again, the two have a sweet chemistry. Sasha Latoya is vocally breathtaking and equally humourous whilst Sia Dauda and Demmileigh Foster (who is literally Victoria Hamilton-Barritt reincarnated) were full out in their high octane numbers as Kiki and Tess.


There were a few technical issues such as mics being too quiet and the irony wasn't missed when one of the girls' top wouldn't stay done up when singing about keeping her clothes on! Totally no ones fault though and a very small detail in a big production. I'm also not a big fan of megamixes at the end of shows but there's no denying that it got everyone up on their feet and in a good mood as they left the theatre. 

Flashdance isn't the most astounding piece of theatre but it's high energy from start to finish with some memorable songs that'll definitely get stuck in your head. For a fun night out that'll leave you smiling and in my case, dancing round the house, then be sure to pay a visit to this 80s classic on stage.

Flashdance runs at the New Victoria Theatre until February 24th before continuing it's UK Tour.

Flashdance (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review

Tuesday 20 February 2018