Wednesday, 20 April 2016
Funny Girl, Savoy Theatre | Review
I didn't properly comprehend that I was seeing Funny Girl until I was sat in the theatre. Funny Girl is such a pinnacle of Musical Theatre for me, I grew up watching Barbra Streisand perform the iconic role my whole childhood so it felt like a dream finally seeing Mr Arnstein, Fanny and the Ziegfeld girls in real life... well real life on stage but you know what I mean!
Since the revival came about I had heard nothing but good things about the whole show and Sheridan Smith's portrayal of the Brooklyn born Fanny Brice, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little skeptical. All my doubts flew away when Ms Smith stepped on stage though. There was a connection between Fanny and the audience from the get-go which made the transition of Fanny from a hoofer to a comic star and her dramatic love affair with Nick Arnstein that much more touching.
Sheridan put her own unique spin on the whole role, shying away from Streisand's original portrayal and really creating a whole new character. Her comedic timing was spot on and something I really enjoyed was the way Sheridan made songs seem more personal. 'People' for example. Instead of being a huge belt number, Sheridan shied away from that and made it more of a statement about the loneliness her character was feeling and even 'Don't Rain on my Parade' was more personal. I don't know how Ms Smith does it but it just felt magical.
I saw the show whilst it was still in previews so I am hoping to go back once its officially open (which is tonight if you're reading this the day of upload!) If you want to see magic created on stage then please go to this show. From the old vaudeville feel at the start to the vast emotions felt on stage, there's something in this show for everyone and you'd be silly to miss your chance to see such an iconic show on stage! Also a final comment: I cried as soon as I came out of the theatre so if that doesn't tell you how good it was then I don't know what will!?
Sunday, 3 April 2016
Samantha Barks, St. James Studio | Review
The reason for the concert was to give us all a taster of Samantha's upcoming album and supporting tour so there was a very excited atmosphere in the intimate St James Studio. Samantha opened the show with a stunning rendition of Disney's 'Go The Distance' and immediately showed off her vocal range. Samantha has such a brilliant personality that you can't help but feel like you're listening to a friend so when we all laughed at Sam's funny comments and anecdotes (including a hilarious one about being made into a meme) it was like a big group of friends laughing together which was really lovely. Especially in the small venue; there was a connection from the get go. The first half of the concert included so many wonderful songs such as a cover of "Blackbird", a jazzy version of "As Long As He Needs Me", "Stay" from Amelie and of course some original songs including "Hard To Find" which I am already obsessed with, I'm even more excited for the album now I've had a taste of what its like!
The whole first half flew by and during the interval we were all just awestruck at Samantha's voice, you could sense the thrill and excitement in the room so when Miss Barks came on stage for act two we were all buzzing for what was to come. Of course Sam didn't disappoint, the second half again included some originals and covers, my personal favourites were a sultry cover of "Summertime" and a beautiful cover of one of my favourite songs: "If I Die Young". The second act again went ridiculously fast but it finished with a bang! Samantha sung a reimagined version of "On My Own" and it was truly breathtaking.
Overall I had the most glorious night, made amazing by the fantastic friends and people I met there and of course by Samantha's flawless technique, stage presence and personality. The only negative of the night was that I wish it had been longer... I mean, Sam could sing for four hours and it still wouldn't be enough! I guess that's what albums are for though, to listen to over and over and over!!
If this preview was anything to go by, the tour and album are going to be astounding so I urge you, not only to pre-order the album but find a tour date you can go to and witness Samantha's brilliance in person, I one billion percent promise you, you won't be disappointed... and if you are then I will never see a musical again (and that's saying something!) Samantha is truly a force to be reckoned with and I am so thrilled and excited for everything Samantha is going to do in the near future. I'm so proud of Sam, and I will continue to support her in whatever she does, and I hope you do too!
Samantha's album available June 10th can be pre-ordered here
Tickets for Samantha's tour can be booked here
Also my lovely friend Hayley posted her thought on the concert which you can read here
Also my lovely friend Hayley posted her thought on the concert which you can read here
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