Posts with the label uk tour
Showing posts with label uk tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label uk tour. Show all posts
Wednesday 23 May 2018
Summer Holiday: The Musical (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Summer Holiday: The Musical (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 22nd May 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Based on the 1963 Cliff Richard hit, Summer Holiday: The Musical, taps into nostalgia and humour as a group of youngsters hop on a bus to live their dreams and go on a whirlwind adventure of self-discovery and love. The story follows four mechanics who, on a quest for the perfect summer holiday, travel around Europe on a double-decker bus as they plan a travel business. Along the way they meet a three person girl group and a runaway singer. Romance, laughter and catchy songs ensue.
Having not seen the film (it came out 33 years before I was born) I was not sure what to expect but this production delivered on so many levels and pleasantly surprised me. The humour is predictable and the plot isn't anything special but this is a high-energy, feel good show that's perfect for warm summer nights of escapism.
The set is basic but the big red bus certainly provides the wow factor. Steve Howell's design is simplistic without being basic and really helps highlight Racky Plews' fantastic choreography which is certainly one of the finest aspects of the production. The mixture of dance styles are extremely impressive. There are some West Side Story vibes as well as fabulous rock and roll moments. I didn't expect this show to be so choreography heavy but was very dazzled. The sleek movements are pulled off by the entire cast to great affect. There were a few errors such as dropped props but the professional cast did a wonderful job of covering up and making mistakes a part of the show.
Summer Holiday's cast give high-energy performances matched with strong vocals. Ray Quinn as Don gives an especially strong performance although his different accent whilst singing vs speaking did throw me a bit. However, he is a very strong singer, dancer and actor and is perfect for the role- suitably cheesy but well-rounded. As runaway singer, Sophie Matthew gives a lovely performance, with her bright eyes gleaming from the stage and her vocals shining during act two especially.
Each cast member does a great job of looking as though they're having fun on stage. This show is a real team piece with everyone working together well; particular stand out's are Billy Roberts as Steve and Alice Baker as Alma.
Summer Holiday: The Musical is lighthearted fun, perfect for those who want to reminisce on the 60s as well as those experiencing the story with fresh eyes. Take a break from the weight of the world and board the red bus for a few hours of carefree, musical fun.
Summer Holiday: The Musical runs at the New Victoria Theatre until May 26th before continuing it's UK tour.
Monday 14 May 2018
Miss Saigon, Palace Theatre, Manchester (UK Tour) | Review
Miss Saigon (UK Tour)
Palace Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 10th May 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
Boublil and Schönberg's Miss Saigon is one of my all time favourite musicals. I saw the show twice at the Prince Edward theatre and have watched the 25th Anniversary film countless times. The stunning music, moving story and all round spectacle, makes it one of the most emotive, moving and timeless musicals.
Telling the story of 17 year-old Kim, this classic musical set during the Vietnam War, is a story of love, pain and heartache. After watching her village burn, Kim is forced to accept a job in a Brothel, run by the Engineer. There she meets Chris, a GI, and their doomed romance begins.
Adapted from Puccini's opera, Madame Butterfly, this features one of the most swooping and virtuosic scores. Boublil and Schönberg's music draws you in from the opening notes and perfectly accompanies the high emotion and mental state of the characters. Expertly played by the outstanding orchestra, it's a complete and utter joy to hear the intricately stunning music live. The orchestrations are worth the ticket price alone.
At this performance the role of Kim was played by alternate, Joreen Bautista who's natural youth and vulnerability shines through from the moment she steps on stage. Vocally she is extremely strong but there were a few times where I was longing for just a bit more oomph. However, there's no denying that Joreen is a star in the making and at only 17 I'm sure she has an amazing theatrical career ahead of her. Kim's love interest, Chris, is played by Ashley Gilmour who is perfectly torn in the role. Ashley's vocals are outstanding, especially his performance of Why God Why? The two have great chemistry with one another and bounce off each other throughout the whirlwind romance.
Ryan O'Gorman plays Chris' fellow GI and later on crusader for the Bui Doi, John. Again the duo have a clear chemistry and genuinely seem like very close friends. Ryan's vocals are supremely strong and his character development throughout is fantastically clear and well thought out.
As the infamous engineer, Red Concepción is wonderful. His constant transitions from friendly to evil, mean you can never decide whether he's a 'goodie' or a 'baddie'. Red has perfectly mastered the humourous side of the role and has balanced it well with the mean, calculating side to create a well-rounded, multi-layered character. His performance of The American Dream is one of the most memorable theatrical experiences.
The supporting cast are equally as impressive, Gerald Santos as Thuy, Aicelle Santos as Gigi and Elana Martin as Ellen do a wonderful job of progressing the story, emoting their scenes and delivering stellar vocals.
Miss Saigon is musical theatre at it's best. A direct transfer from Broadway, this touring production has lost none of it's sparkle and is full of so many intricacies that the experience is visceral and moving.
Miss Saigon begins a 6 week run at the Bristol Hippodrome from May 16th.
photo credit: Johan Persson
Thursday 10 May 2018
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (UK Tour), New Theatre Oxford | Review
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (UK Tour)
New Theatre Oxford
Reviewed on Tuesday 8th May 2018 by Nick Fisher
★★★★
Carole King rightly occupies a place in the pantheon of great American songwriters and this lively production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, is a fitting tribute to her musical legacy.
The performance begins with King, propelled to stardom by her solo album ‘Tapestry’, sitting at her piano in Carnegie Hall. All too quickly, we are taken back to her teenage years, living with Mum in a Manhattan apartment striving to become a songwriter. She is revealed as a slightly awkward yet determined teenager who meets her future writing partner and husband, Gerry Goffin, when studying education at college. After she becomes pregnant, the pair marry and embark on their career as hit-makers for Don Kirsher known as the ‘man with the golden ear’ who made stars of King, Neil Diamond and Neil Sedaka amongst others.
We are taken at a rapid clip through some classics including, ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ originally performed by the Drifters, ‘Will you Love Me Tomorrow’ by the Shirelles and ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling by Barry Mann and the Righteous Brothers. The show portrays vividly the look and feel of Kirshner’s song-writing factory, a rabbit warren of cubicles inhabited by young writers, desperate to write hits for the Billboard 100. At the factory, the pair meet friends and competitors, lyricist Cynthia Weil and composer Barry Mann. The witty and smart Weil and the comic, charming Mann, provide a light-hearted secondary duo who are destined to live happily ever after. Indeed, the pair have been married since 1961 which is in sharp contrast to King and Goffin who both remarried 3 times following their divorce. In fact, it is during this intensely productive period at the factory when the first cracks appear in their relationship. Goffin’s desire to stay out every night to immerse himself in the music scene conflicts with King’s desire for domesticity coupled with an intense desire to make it as a songwriter.
In Act 2, we are taken, albeit it at a slightly slower pace, from 1962, with ‘Chains’ initially released by the Cookies and in 1963, covered by the Beatles. We are then treated to some classics, ‘Walking in the Rain’, and ‘It’s Too Late’, culminating in a wonderful rendition of ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman’ originally recorded one year before her divorce from Goffin in 1968. The final scene takes us back to the Carnegie Hall show in 1971, the year when King released her seminal solo album, Tapestry, one of the best-selling albums of all time. It is at this point when Goffin makes a final appearance. The pair had lost contact since King’s move to Los Angeles in 1968 and Goffin takes the opportunity to express his appreciation of how much she had achieved in her career. It doesn’t matter if this actually happened, it portrays a deep love and respect for the woman and the writer. In any case, in a statement following his death in 2014, King described Goffin as her ‘first love’ and how he had a ‘profound impact’ on her life.
Overall, this is a rip-roaring musical roller coaster ride. The quality of the music, led by Musical Director Patrick Hurley, really cannot be faulted, from the tight harmonies and wonderful choreography in Act 1 to the evocative songs in Act 2. This is not a history lesson in any sense even though this is a period rich in social and political change including the racial integration of the University of Alabama in 1963 and the height of the Vietnam War in the early 70s. Was King affected by these momentous events and did it affect her music? Almost certainly, but at the end of the day it was Goffin’s lyrics which serve as a narrative for the time.
This brings us to the performances. Bronté Barbé is superb as Carole King. Her voice is captivating and her performance of Natural Woman was incredibly moving and captured perfectly a tumultuous stage in King’s marriage to Goffin. Playing Goffin was Kane Oliver Parry who had a palpable chemistry with Barbé. Nevertheless, his Brooklyn accent was unconvincing and needs more work.
Almost eclipsing Barbé was Amy Ellen Richardson as Cynthia Weil. She brought maturity and depth to the role including stand-out performances in ‘Walking in the Rain’ and ‘He’s sure the Boy I Love’. Her partner, Barry Mann was sensitively played by Matthew Gonsalves and he introduced some moments of real humour.
Carole King will always be a shining star of world music. She has written or co-written over 400 songs recorded by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Neil Diamond, Diana Ross and the Beatles. She has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, recorded 25 solo albums, the second of which, ‘Tapestry’ remained at the top of the Billboard 100 for a record-breaking 15 weeks. Come to this performance, stick some dimes into the jukebox and join the baby boomers dancing in the aisles in celebration of a cultural icon.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is at the New Theatre Oxford until 11th May 2018
Tuesday 8 May 2018
Kinetics (Film) | Review
Kinetics (Film)
★★★★★
Sue Wylie’s stunning play, Kinetics has been adapted for film. The moving story is told through the eyes of Rose who has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. She meets Lukas, a free-runner with whom she forms an unlikely friendship. Both have a desire to move and be free and ultimately remind one another that life is worth living.
'Accept, adapt, adjust' really sums up this play in a nutshell. Not only is it a beautiful story but it raises awareness of Parkinson's a relatively unknown disease that affects around 127,000 people in the UK alone.
Lukas played by Roly Botha is a wonderful addition to the film. He adds so much movement and fluidity; a brilliant contrast to Rose. He has heaps of talent, not only acting but also free running. His story within the play is touching and the interplay between the characters really gives out a message of hope.
A special mention must go to Steve Eaton Evans who plays Mr Burton and successfully portrays an older gentleman with Parkinson's who eventually gives the best advice of the whole film.
Rose played by Sue Wylie is a wonder to see. She really does tell her story well. Her play is well worded and very powerful, while staying respectful to those suffering from Parkinson's. By telling her own story regarding her diagnosis of Parkinson's and how it affects her both in her job and personal life is simply beautiful.
I urge anyone and everyone to watch Kinetics either in film or play version as it has so much potential not only to spread awareness with Parkinson's but also as it gives the audience a wonderful feeling of hope.
Review by Isobelle Desbrow
Wednesday 25 April 2018
Son of a Preacher Man (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Son of a Preacher Man (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 24th April 2018 by Valerie Field
★★
Son of a Preacher Man is directed by Craig Revel Horwood. Based on the music of Dusty Springfield, I expected good things. Unfortunately the story is not very believable and times the production felt disjointed and rather amateurish.
As I have never seen any of Craig's work before it’s difficult to compare, but I wouldn’t have thought this was his best.
The three main characters are brought together because they are all looking for love. They decide to go to ‘Soho’ to find the record shop of the 60s named ‘The Preacher Man’ as they had heard the owner was someone who everyone went to for advice, especially when it came to ‘Love’. Unfortunately the owner had died and it was now a coffee shop run by his not so clever son, played by Nigel Richards.
Alison, a young widow played by Michelle Gayle had a very good singing voice. I felt she should have been more involved in the show as Alice Barlow who played Kat was definitely not such a good singer, although she came across as very confident in her acting. The reason she wanted to go to the record shop was because her gran who had just died told her the story of ‘The Preacher Man’
Paul played by Michael Howe remembers going to shop in the 60’s and was hoping to rekindle a lost love from those days.
I felt the show had been advertised around Dusty Springfield and I was disappointed that more was not mentioned about her as I thought the production was going to include some of her life. A photo of her on stage or as a backdrop I feel would have enhanced her songs and made some form of connection rather than being completely unrelated.
The singing by the ensemble was not the best and I don’t think it worked very well having the musicians on stage throughout. The girls playing the Cappuccino Sisters however, were very energetic and a gave a lively and uplifting performance throughout.
The second half of the show was so much better and more lively and ‘Dusty Springfield’ inspired although it still wasn't the best.
I do feel anyone going to see it because of Dusty Springfield could be a bit disappointed, but in saying that it was an entertaining and enjoyable evening and the audience seemed to appreciate it. Go along for fun but don't expect a masterpiece.
Son of a Preacher Man runs at the New Victoria Theatre until 28th April
Wednesday 18 April 2018
Evita (UK Tour), Storyhouse | Review
Evita (UK Tour)
Storyhouse
Reviewed on Tuesday 17th April 2018 by Becca Cromwell
★★★★
Set mostly in 1940s Argentina, Evita focuses on the life and death of Argentinian actress turned political figure Eva Perón. Eva Duarte is a budding actress who tries her luck in Buenos Aires and ends up dating and eventually marrying Juan Perón. The first act of the show tells the tale of the Peróns’ rise to power in Argentina, with the focus on Juan Perón’s election as president and Eva becoming the First Lady of Argentina. In the second act, we see the aftermath of Eva’s ‘Rainbow Tour’ of Europe, which ends in her health declining, and eventually her death.
From the beginning, I was captivated by the sheer talent on the stage. The entire cast gave an utterly heartbreaking and incredibly moving performance, which will take me a long time to forget. As with a lot of Bill Kenwright’s productions, the set was minimalistic, but it worked. Although there were a few technical issues, which are expected from the first night, the show ran smoothly. The ensemble and child cast were astounding, with all of them giving great performances. The dance sequences were mesmerising and the harmonies were more than impressive.
Eva Perón was played by Madalena Alberto, who made it look completely effortless. Madalena is known for playing Eva in the Dominion Theatre and London Palladium productions and on a previous UK Tour of Evita. From the beginning she gave an impressive performance, even managing to keep her vocals flawless as she was crying.
Che, played by Gian Marco Schiaretti, is the narrator of the show. He spends most of the show observing and narrating the public’s view of what is happening, which brings depth to the story and the characters. Known for playing this role in previous productions, Gian gave a convincing performance and hit the high notes flawlessly.
Perón himself is played by none other than Jeremy Secomb, who is most known for his impressive list of West End credits, including hit roles such as Javert and Sweeney Todd. Jeremy gave a vocally fantastic performance, and exuded raw emotion throughout. He brought the part to life and made us really feel for him towards the end of the show.
Evita is definitely not a show to miss, and the UK Tour continues until June. Grab your tickets whilst you can.
photo credit: Pamela Raith
The Rat Pack- Live From Las Vegas (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
The Rat Pack- Live From Las Vegas (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 17th April 2018 by Valerie Field
★★★★
The Rat Pack Live opens with Garrett Phillips who plays Sinatra introducing himself and the show and trying to get the audience participation go. Unfortunately this didn't quite work out as the theatre was very under-booked.
Once this initial opening was over and the show got going everyone enjoyed his performance. He has a great voice and even the look of Frank Sinatra. In fact if you closed your eyes it could have been him. Philips really knows how to channel the musical master.
Nigel Casey also has a good voice but unfortunately doesn't come across as relaxed and cool as his character Dean Martin. There was a change of actor at the last minute for Sammy Davis Jr. He was played by last night by Darren Charles who I must say was a very good entertainer but didn't quite come across as his character.
Part way through the show we are introduced to the Burelli Sisters played by Laura Darton, Amelia Adams-Pearce and Joanna Walters. This brings glamour and a bit of pizzazz to the show as their performances are very, very good.
The late appearance of Nicola Emmanuel as Ella Fitzgerald really lifts the show as she is fantastic- it's a shame she is not utilised more in the show.
The orchestra are great and all the music and songs are brilliantly and energetically performed. Unfortunately for the cast the theatre was fairly empty but the audience who were there were very appreciative and gave them a standing ovation after the rousing rendition of My Way.
Anyone who is Sinatra fan will enjoy the show. The music is nostalgic, well performed and provides fantastic entertainment. The Rat Pack- Live From Las Vegas is well worth a visit and I had a very enjoyable evening.
The Rat Pack- Live at Las Vegas runs at the New Victoria Theatre until 21st April before continuing it's tour.
Tuesday 17 April 2018
The Band (UK Tour), Bristol Hippodrome | Review
The Band (UK Tour)
Bristol Hippodrome
Reviewed on Tuesday 17th April 2018 by Isobelle Desbrow
★★★★
The Band tells the story, as the name suggests, of a Band, but more importantly a group of friends who have been reunited after tragedy; by their love of said band.
The first act of the story centres around a group of friends Rachel (Faye Christall), Heather (Katy Clayton), Claire (Sarah Kate Howarth), Debbie (Rachelle Diedericks) and Zoe (Lauren Jacobs) who’s love of The Band and a competition win from Debbie takes them to Manchester to watch their favourites live. After some tuneful singing and dancing we learn that tragedy strikes; this leads to a wonderfully worded tear jerking moment. They are all fabulous young actress who really hold the story together in the first act.
We move on to meeting the adult Rachel (Rachel Lumberg), Claire (Alison Fitzjohn), Heather (Emily Joyce) and Zoe (Jayne McKenna) who bring the first act to a real show-stopping end with their spectacular rendition of Shine. Their energy and passion is very enjoyable to watch and continues into the second act.
The Band are played by AJ Bentley, Nick Carsberg, Yazdan Qafouri Isfahani, Curtis T Johns and Sario Solomon. You can clearly see why they were chosen from the BBC series ‘Let It Shine’ as they all have exceptional voices and while not always at the forefront of the singing, they add a professional and clean backing track to all songs.
A special mention I feel must go to the costume and set design team, as they somehow manage to create amazing scenes in a very short amount of time. Over both halves I counted no less than 15 costume changes, each telling a story of their own. As for set, being able to create a plane, or bus on stage so simply but with great effect was amazing to see.
Going into the second act we follow older Rachel. 25yrs on from when we first met this group of girls. Rachel Lumberg is an exceptional actress and deserves a lot of praise for the emotion and brilliance she brings to the part and really does bring the second act together.
The Band in the second act also really shine. During the first act they are mainly used as backing singers, however come act 2 they belt out some powerful and exceptionally sounding verses and choruses for some of Take That’s best know songs. They made the show a musical.
Overall the show was a success, if given the chance I would go and watch it again, as I felt the cast was exceptionally strong even when the story lacked motivation.
The Band runs at the Bristol Hippodrome until 21st April before continuing it's tour.
Photo credit: Matt Crockett
Thursday 12 April 2018
Showtime from the Frontline by Mark Thomas, Theatre Royal Stratford East | Review
Showtime From The Frontline
Theatre Royal Stratford
Reviewed on Tuesday 10th April 2018 by Nicola Louise
★★★★
Walking into the Theatre Royal Stratford East, you're greeted with a medium sized board with images projected on it with a no smoking poster written in Arabic and a no guns sign with tape around the wall, the three chairs sitting on the stage await the comedians. The set is basic and unchanging but there is still a wonderful atmosphere.
Mark Thomas walks on stage followed by Faisel Abu Alhayjaa and Alaa Shehada, the introductions begin and the comedic race begins.
Showtime from the Frontline is a story telling performance based on Thomas's experience in the Jenin refugee camp, Palestine. He tells the story of how he came to be in the camp and how the comedy workshop was set up to bring comedy and laughter to the Middle East.
Setting up a comedy workshop in a Palestine refugee camp was never going to be easy, but with the help of Thomas's very funny and talented students, Alhayjaa and Shehada, it became a ride to remember. The audience are taken on a journey right into the heart of the workshop and are shown and told exactly how this was done.
The show never slows the pace, and from beginning to end you're captivated, wanting to know how the story transpires. With real life footage of other students within the camp and workshop, the show is both hilarious and thought provoking.
Showtime from the Frontline highlights the struggles facing Palestine with Israel in a way that's light-hearted but also shines a light on the real life issues going on.
Ending it's tour at the Theatre Royal Stratford East until the 21st of April I couldn't think of anywhere better for such a performance of it's kind.
photo credit: Steve Ullathorne
Wednesday 11 April 2018
Sunset Boulevard (UK Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review
Sunset Boulevard (UK Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 10th April 2018 by Glenys Balchin
★★★★★
Sunset Boulevard is wonderful musical with great music, amazing performers, awesome staging and lighting and superb costumes and makeup. The atmosphere on opening night was electric and the New Wimbledon theatre provided an iconic setting for this fabulous musical.
I had my trepidation’s about whether I was going to enjoy Sunset Boulevard. I had seen the film telling the dark tale of the fading Hollywood silent screen goddess trying to make a comeback who gets intwined in a dark world with her young screenwriter and lover; but I doubted how it would work as a musical. How wrong was I to doubt this wonderful operatic music of Andrew Lloyd Webber alongside the brilliant writing and lyrics of Christopher Hampton and Don Black. The melodramatic film-framework is embellished to bring Sunset Boulevard up to the heights of a Grand Opera.
The entire cast must be congratulated on their performance but in particular Ria Jones who is sensational. Her character interpretation is phenomenal as she becomes Norma Desmond. She engages with the audience immediately as we're drawn into her world of despair and the larger than life dramatisation of sorrow grief of yesteryear.
To go with that outstanding acting performance is Ria's fantastic voice- how does that voice come from such a diminutive frame!? I have to say I was wondering how Ria would compare with the voraciousness of Gloria Swanson in the 50’s movie, well she did! What’s more-she is every inch a frightening diva; as Norma tumbles into madness in the final scene - “Mr DeMille Lights Cameras” Ria Jones herself has reached the realms of a superstar and I can’t wait to see her in another production.
Moving on to Ria ‘s co-star, Danny Mac, the Strictly Come Dancing finalist really holds his own against the formidable singing voices of Ria Jones and Adam Pearce. As Danny’s ex strictly judge would say “I didn’t like it I LOVED it” his performance is excellent, enjoyable, energetic, easy on the eye and his rendition of Sunset Boulevard is extraordinary.
Special mention of the fabulous Max, Norma's butler played by Adam Pearce who's voice is astounding and Molly Lynch who gives a mesmerising performance playing sweet Betty.
The scenery is particularly atmospheric. On the top it's fairly simplistic but once you look closer there's a level of complexity which is intrinsic to the whole plot developing. The use of lighting and old films gives you shivers down the spine, as if you are a prisoner in that oppressive mansion yourself.
The costumes capture the Hollywood era perfectly, bringing glitz and glamour. Norma’s flamboyant, elegant and surreal costumes, life and personality really make her one of the most iconic of characters.
Last but not least, praise must go to the orchestra who provide the heartbeat of the musical playing the opulent and lavish musical scores of Andrew Lloyd Webber, which are resounding in my head from last night. The songs provided magical moments bringing the whole show together as the cast performed them pitch perfectly.
I cannot praise this show enough, it was a wonderful experience to watch this truly brilliant cast transfer me to a world of “make believe”. The thing I love about theatre is it's escapism, the world of suspense from reality and when I see a show like this it makes me to want to go more and more. So, if there's one theatre trip you have to do this year, make it Sunset Boulevard!
Sunset Boulevard runs at the New Wimbledon Theatre until April 14th before continuing it's UK Tour.
photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Thursday 29 March 2018
Son of a Preacher Man (UK Tour), Storyhouse | Review
Son of a Preacher Man (UK Tour)
Storyhouse
Reviewed on Tuesday 27th March 2018 by Becca Cromwell
★★
Set in modern day Soho, Son of a Preacher Man focuses on the lives of three people dealing with loss and heartbreak who turn to the past to find answers. All three of them end up at a record shop named the Preacher Man, which got its name from the man who ran it. In the 60s, all your troubles would be solved through music and advice from the shop’s owner, making it one of the most popular places of its time.
The story focuses on Kat, who recently lost her grandmother, Alison, who realises she’s in love with someone she can’t have and Paul, who still pines over a man he first fell in love with 40 years ago. The three of them venture to where the shop used to be in a search for advice and closure, only to find it no longer exists. Distraught, they meet the son of the shop’s owner Simon, who is the son of a preacher man. Simon takes it upon himself to help them, and with a little help from his deceased father, does just that.
The storyline is rather cheesy, which is to be expected from a jukebox musical, and features plenty of Dusty Springfield’s hits including The Look of Love, I Only Want To Be With You and of course, Son Of A Preacher Man. There are also plenty of other sixties hits thrown in for good measure, such as Cilla Black’s You’re My World.
Kat, played by Alice Barlow, is a young girl suffering the loss of her grandmother, who turns to her grandmothers’ favourite place, which just so happens to be the Preacher Man, for comfort. Alice is known for playing Rae Wilson on Hollyoaks, and being a previous contestant on The Voice. Alice delivered solid vocals and gave a good performance as Kat, and impressed many of the audience with the sheer quality of her voice.
Alison, played by Michelle Gayle, is a teacher turned tutor who recently lost her Husband, Jim. Alison turns to the Preacher Man for advice on her new love, and learns a lot from it. Michelle Gayle is known for playing Hattie Tavernier in Eastenders, signing a record contract and releasing two albums with BMG and starring on Grange Hill as a child. Michelle gave a good, believable performance, with impressive vocals to match.
Simon is played by Nigel Richards who has had an extensive and impressive career in musical theatre, including Enjrolas and Grantaire in Les Miserables, and the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera. Nigel gave a convincing performance as the shy but loveable Simon and I was suitably impressed.
Paul, a man who is still lusting after his first love, is played by Nigel Howe. Nigel has had an affluent career in theatre, TV and Film, with over 40 acting credits to his name on IMDB and almost as many theatre credits. Nigel gave a decent performance as Paul, making the audience really feel for him in the process.
With Craig Revel Horwood choreographing the show, I expected more in terms of choreography, which left me a little disappointed. However, the lack of choreography was made up for by most of the cast members occasionally playing instruments on stage.
Son of a Preacher Man continues its UK tour until July.
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!
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
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