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Thursday 16 March 2017
La Cage Aux Folles (UK Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review
La Cage Aux Folles
★★★★
We're starting to see glimpses of summer but if you need something else to warm and brighten your life then the UK Tour of La Cage Aux Folles is the show for you! The production is high-kicking, glitzy, high energy and feather filled.
The Tony Award winning musical tells the story of Albin and Georges, a couple living idyllically in France. Albin moonlights as the drag star Zaza in the glamourous club: La Cage Aux Folles, which is owned by Georges. Their peaceful existence is put to halt when Georges' son (played by Dougie Carter) announces that he is engaged to Anne, the daughter of a politician: Dindon (Paul F Monaghan), who is against all things homosexual and wants to close down Georges' "den of debauchery"!
This is a story of love, family and individuality. The family struggle to stay as a strong unit whilst trying to change themselves to impress Anne's parents, therefore allowing their son to be happily married.
John Partridge, veteran of the stage, plays the larger than life Albin. Having recently seen John in Chicago, I was extremely impressed at his versatility on stage and ability to transform into someone else completely. The role is demanding both physically and emotionally, with moments of laugh out loud humour, to quiet moments of pin drop silent emotion. John perfectly nails the character, with the the right amount of sincerity and vulnerability to balance the over the top flamboyance.
Partnered with Adrian Zmed as Georges, the pair have a believable and touching relationship which works very well in the theatrical setting. West End legend, Marti Webb also gives a lovely performance as Jacqueline.
Overall the show is full of life, laughs and lunacy. There is enough energy to power London and enough sparkle to give the Chrysler building some serious competition! Every performance is energetic and the production is really a gem! For a fun, carefree night out, be sure to make a visit to La Cage Aux Folles!
La Cage Aux Folles runs at the New Wimbledon theatre until March 18th 2017 before continuing it's tour.
La Cage Aux Folles runs at the New Wimbledon theatre until March 18th 2017 before continuing it's tour.
Wednesday 24 July 2019
The View Upstairs, Soho Theatre | Review
The View Upstairs
Soho Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 23rd July by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Whilst victories in the LGBTQ+ community are rising, and social attitudes and actions are, for the most part, much more positive, there's still much to fight for, as Max Vernon's musical highlights.
In its European premiere at the Soho Theatre, The View Upstairs cleverly creates a conversation between the past and present by visiting the UpStairs Lounge, a New Orleans gay bar which was the subject of an arson attack in 1973 which killed 32 people. The tragic story is one which has often been wiped out from history and was even minimised by news outlets at the time, so it's an honour to see it brought to life so thoughtfully.
The story follows Wes, the 2019 "influencer" and fashion designer who is buying the dilapidated bar in the modern day. His estate agent leaves, and in a somewhat mystical, drug-filled flurry of curtains, he is transported back to the bar as it was on the day of the fire. Who we are then introduced to are the various people, decked out in bell bottoms, who find solace and friendship in the safe space the UpStairs provides. Wes' eyes are gradually opened to he struggles of being gay in the 70s and he questions how he leads his life in the modern day.
Wes is a smartphone-addicted go-getter who often veers into a caricature of a Gen Y person, but is still intensely entertaining and relatable. As a whole the book features a lot of stereotypes which are not always believable enough, but there are hilarious one-liners throughout, as well as many thought-provoking moments.
What the script lacks is made up for in spades by the utterly phenomenal cast. Tyrone Huntley is effervescent in his performance and provides vocals which need to be heard; Huntley also manages to create a fantastic balance between impudence and vulnerability, which really makes the audience root for him. The chemistry between the entire cast is second to none, with Wes and Patrick (Andy Mientus) providing especially well thought out interactions. Mientus draws the eye thanks to his incredibly subtle but highly calculated movements which make him seem as though he isn't acting at all.
The uniformly thrilling cast bring vocals that will cause involuntary whoops and goosebumps in equal measure. Among a team of stars, Carly Mercedes Dyer and Cedric Neal stand out because of their powerhouse voices which ring out with sincerity as well as power. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt is magnetic as the caring, religious mother Inez; whilst Garry Lee provides vocals and sass and her drag queen son Freddy. John Partridge and Declan Bennett are well rounded and striking in their performances and Joseph Prouse and Derek Hagen give memorable, if brief performances. This is a fantastic ensemble piece which has momentum and catchy tunes, but more importantly, heart.
Fabian Aloise and Ruthie Stevens's choreography is slick and feels part of the characters own movements. Lee Newby's set is basic but evocative as is Nic Farman's lighting which expertly matches the moods of the show, although at times felt just a bit too dark.
Jonathan O'Boyle has directed a moving production which feels like an homage to those fighting for gay rights in the past, those fighting now and those who are yet to realise they need to fight.
photo credit: Darren Bell
Thursday 3 February 2022
Peter Andre to play Vince Fontaine in Grease at the Dominion Theatre
Peter Andre will make his West End debut playing the role of Vince Fontaine at certain performances in a new production of Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey’s iconic musical GREASE opening at the Dominion Theatre on Tuesday 17 May 2022, with previews from Tuesday 3 May 2022. GREASE is directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips.
Dan Partridge (Link Larkin in Hairspray UK tour & Pepper in MAMMA MIA! West End) and Olivia Moore (Waitress at the Adelphi Theatre & Heathers at Theatre Royal Haymarket) will star as Danny and Sandy respectively, with Jocasta Almgill (& Juliet at Shaftesbury Theatre) as Rizzo, Paul French (GreaseUK tour) as Kenickie, Mary Moore (Little Women at Park Theatre) as Jan, Jake Reynolds (professional debut) as Doody, Lizzy-Rose Esin-Kelly (A Chorus Line at Curve) as Marty, Damon Gould (Pretty Woman: The Musical at Savoy Theatre) as Sonny, Eloise Davies (Be More Chill at The Other Palace) as Frenchie, Jessica Croll (Hairspray UK tour) as Patty Simcox, Katie Lee (Matilda The Musical at Cambridge Theatre) as Cha Cha, Ronan Burns (West Side Story at Curve) as Johnny Casino and Corinna Powlesland (An Officer and A Gentleman at Regents Park Open Air Theatre as Miss Lynch. Darren Bennett (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy Theatre) will play Officer Mailie and Vince Fontaine at certain performances.
They are joined by Jack Harrison-Cooper, Pearce Barron, Rishard-Kyro Nelson, Ellie Kingdon, Remi Ferdinand, Kalisha Johnson, Imogen Bailey, Kevin O’Dwyer and Carly Miles. Further casting is to be announced.
Peter Andre said “I'm beyond excited to be making my West End debut playing Vince Fontaine in Grease at the beautiful Dominion Theatre. Grease is such an iconic musical and we can guarantee audiences will have the most wonderful evening listening to songs we all know and love. We can't wait to see you there!"
GREASE originally opened in Chicago in 1971, followed by a move to Broadway in 1972, where it received seven Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. During the show's eight-year run at the time, little known actors including Peter Gallagher, Patrick Swayze and John Travolta all appeared in the production, with Richard Gere understudying many roles before going on to star as Danny Zuko in the 1973 London premiere. GREASE was first performed at the Dominion Theatre in 1993 before transferring to the Cambridge Theatre in 1996. It returned to the West End, opening at the Piccadilly Theatre in 2007.
The 1978 film adaptation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is the fourth highest-grossing live action musical of all time. The musical features beloved songs, including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted To Youand You’re The One That I Want.
GREASE has designs by Colin Richmond, orchestrations and musical supervision by Sarah Travis, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall and Richard Brooker, video and projection design by Douglas O’Connell and casting by David Grindrod CDG.
This production of GREASE is produced by Colin Ingram for InTheatre Productions, Donovan Mannato, Playing Field, Gavin Kalin, and Curve.
Thursday 6 July 2023
Sam Bailey, Kevin Clifton and Giovanna Fletcher to Star in the UK Tour of Everybody's Talking About Jamie
Exciting news for the UK Tour of Everybody's Talking About Jamie! The musical has announced some new additions to the cast. Kevin Clifton, known for winning Strictly Come Dancing, will be playing Hugo/Loco Chanelle from March 25 to July 15, 2024. Giovanna Fletcher, an author, podcast host, and winner of I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, will portray Miss Hedge from January 8 to March 23, 2024. Then, X-Factor winner Sam Bailey will take over the role of Miss Hedge from March 25 to July 15, 2024.
Kevin Clifton expressed his excitement about joining the UK Tour after his involvement in the movie, praising the show's inspiring and uplifting nature. Giovanna Fletcher described Everybody's Talking About Jamie as a wonderful show with great music, dance, and humour, emphasising its universal tale of courage and acceptance.
They join the previously announced cast members Ivano Turco as Jamie New, Rebecca McKinnis as Margaret New, Shobna Gulati as Ray, and Talia Palamathanan as Pritti.
The cast also includes John Partridge and Hayley Tamaddon during specific periods of the tour. The rest of the cast for the 2023-24 UK Tour includes KY Kelly, Garry Lee, David McNair, Akshay St Clair, Jordan Ricketts, Liv Ashman, Rhiannon Bacchus, Geoff Berrisford, Jessica Daugirda, Finton Flynn, Annabelle Laing, Luca Moscardini, Joshian Omana, Thomas Walton, Takayiah Bailey, and Georgina Hagen.
After successful runs in the West End, a sold-out UK & Ireland Tour, and an award-winning film, the show will kick off at The Lowry on September 7, 2023, and visit various cities across the UK, including Sunderland, Nottingham, Bromley, Birmingham, Cardiff, Brighton, Leeds, Blackpool, Llandudno, Oxford, Southampton, Newcastle, Wolverhampton, Woking, London, Bristol, Plymouth, Sheffield, Liverpool, Eastbourne, Portsmouth, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Northampton, Bradford, Milton Keynes, Hull, and Leicester.
Everybody's Talking About Jamie tells the story of Jamie New, a sixteen-year-old from a council estate in Sheffield who doesn't quite fit in and is fearful of the future. With the support of his loving mother and friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice and bullying to step into the spotlight and become a sensation.
This musical sensation, described as funny, outrageous, and touching, is suitable for the whole family and shouldn't be missed. With an original score of catchy pop tunes by Dan Gillespie Sells, lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, and a script by Tom MacRae, the show is choreographed by Kate Prince and is set to become a sparkling coming-of-age musical that will have everyone talking about Jamie for years to come.
Sixteen: the edge of possibility. Time to make your dreams come true.
photo credit: Matt Crockett
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!
Thursday 20 October 2016
Chicago (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Chicago (UK Tour)
On Monday the 16th of October I was fortunate to be invited to see Chicago at Woking theatre. The show is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins and the original stage production, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse.
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 17th October 2016 by Melanie Mitchell
★★★★★Reviewed on Monday 17th October 2016 by Melanie Mitchell
On Monday the 16th of October I was fortunate to be invited to see Chicago at Woking theatre. The show is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins and the original stage production, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse.
The show remains true to the original with all the familiar songs and routines, performed with enthusiasm and gusto by all cast members. The dancers both male and female are all amazing, lithe, slick and extremely flexible; performing complexly choreographed routines on a fairly small stage.
The reason for the lack of space is that the Orchestra share the stage with the performers, playing a pivotal role in the production, making it a lot of fun to watch, keep your eye on the conductor.
Roxy Hart is played by Hayley Tamaddon of Emmerdale fame. She makes the role her own with a combination of cuteness and humour accompanied by a lovely singing voice. A very talented and accomplished performance with excellent comedic touches, perhaps lacking somewhat in sex appeal
Jessie Wallace, is perfectly suited to the role of Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, she played the role extremely convincingly. I was completely surprised by her amazing voice, strong, clear and powerful. I completely forgot her as Eastenders Kat Slater.
John Partridge also an ex Eastender takes the role of Billy Flynn, he is suave and sophisticated and suitably cold in the role. Again I was surprised at his singing voice, very good projection although I felt that diction could be improved at times. He holds the longest, in tune note I have ever heard in a stage production, amazing.
A D Richardson gives a convincing performance as Mary Sunshine! You’ll see what I mean if you go to the show. Neil Ditt as Amos is suitably pathetic, downtrodden and loyal gaining sympathy and support from the audience, his rendition of Mr Cellophane is heartfelt. Sophie Carmen – Jones takes the role of Velma Kelly and in my opinion steals the show. Amazing singer and dancer a vivacious performance that oozes sex appeal. Sophie is definitely one to watch.
The staging of the whole show is very cleverly done for a fairly small stage, my only criticism would be that when some of the performers are caught in the ‘green lighting’ it makes them look rather ill. That might have been to do with the angle of my seat though.
Chicago is on at Woking New Victoria Theatre until Saturday 22nd of October, I would urge you to get a ticket for a most enjoyable, fun, feel good show.
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