Posts with the label london
Showing posts with label london. Show all posts
Showing posts with label london. Show all posts
Thursday 11 November 2021
Six the Musical, Vaudeville Theatre | Review
Six The Musical
Vaudeville Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 10th November 2021 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
Since opening in 2017 Six the Musical has taken the world by storm, with productions running in the West End, Australia and Broadway, as well as on tour and cruise ships. Laden with awards, critical, and audience praise, it's a history lesson you'll want to revisit time and time again.
In Six the wives of Henry VIII come back to life and remix five hundred years of trauma, grief, drama and exploits to decide who will get to lead their girl-power band. A series of stylistically varied songs chronicle their lives and how they got their place in the classic rhyme: Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived. It's an 80 minute treat that flies by in a whizz of comedy, vocal excellence, spangly costumes and heart.
The incredible women who make up the cast (at this performance: Jarnéia Richard-Noel, Courtney Bowman, Collette Guitart, Cherelle Jay, Sophie Isaacs and Hana Stewart) give first class solo performances, whilst also bouncing off of one another perfectly. The chemistry and camaraderie on stage is a joy to watch and alongside the stellar audience reaction, makes you really feel part of the girl power rewrite. From the opening beats the energy in Six's new home, the Vaudeville theatre, is completely frenetic and doesn't slow until you're brought back to the real world when you step onto the Strand.
Gabriella Slade's bedazzled costumes are the perfect combo of modern sass, mixed with historical elements. With Tim Deiling's fantastically precise and impactful lighting the women sparkle like royal disco balls and the whole production is an explosion of brilliance. Like the whole show, Emma Bailey's set has had a slight upgrade and continues to perfectly frame the Tudor tale. Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss' score continues to hit however many times you hear it and since last seeing the show, the small tweaks and tucks have made the whole thing tighter and chicer than ever before.
With huge energy, this royal riot is everything you could wish for and Six the Musical is sure to continue it's reign long into the future. Move aside Henry, it's these Queens we want to remember!
photo credit: Pamela Raith
Friday 2 July 2021
Wonderful Town, Opera Holland Park | Review
Wonderful Town
Opera Holland Park
Reviewed on Thursday 1st July 2021 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
As the world returns to a new normal, there aren't many better ways to spend a Thursday evening than enjoying a glorious musical in the beautiful setting of Opera Holland Park. Quick Fantastic have returned to the space to present Wonderful Town, the half-forgotten 30s musical which brims with exhilarating jazz and witty comedy.
Under Alex Parker's musical direction, Bernstein's score soars around the auditorium and reminds us just how brilliant the older Broadway musicals can be. The comedy on stage is matched perfectly with the music and the whole affair feels as rich and jubilant as can be. The musical diversity is also a treat to hearr, with an Irish jig, a beatnik scat and some moving ballads, there's really something for everyone.
The book by Jerome Chodorov and Joseph Fields is basically the story who two sisters from Ohio who arrive in the New York with dreams of taking the town by storm. The source material for the show was taken from autobiographical short stories by Ruth, the sister who longed for a writing career and chronicled her and her sisters' lives in The New Yorker. There are a number of little adventures the duo go on whilst finding their careers (and romances) which make for a highly entertaining and all round wholesome story.
Ruth is played with grit and wit by West End superstar, Louise Dearman, who seems almost made for the role of the sassy, vulnerable, bookish author. Of course Louise is vocally effortless and provides some real highlights, but she also shines in the humourous moments which help make the whole production feel so jubilant.
Balancing Dearman out is the equally brilliant Siubhan Harrison as Eileen, the sister who knows how to get what she wants but in the end is unwaveringly committed to her sister. The double act are a dream to watch and have the audience wrapped around their little fingers, especially during their smooth as butter rendition of Ohio.
The male love interests are performed by Ako Mitchell who is vocally divine and very authentic as magazine editor Bob; Roger Dipper who is utterly wonderful and so humourous as the bumbling Walgreens worker Frank Lippencott; and Alex Lodge who is suitably sleazy as newspaper hack Chick Clark.
Billy Nevers is the washed up football player The Wreck, and Emma Harrold is his secret fiancé, Helen. Both do a great job of padding out their characters as well as providing super strong vocals and some light-hearted comedic moments.
The rest of the cast made up of: Jade Albertsen, Robson Broad, Ashley Daniels, Tamsin Dowsett, Gregory Haney, Jas[er Kajd and Natasha Leaver are super sleek throughout whilst bringing the vibes of 30s New York to life. Carrie-Anne Ingrouille's choreography is superb and a joy to watch.
From a conga to an incarceration there's a lot to enjoy and laugh at, and the cast do an outstanding job of making a semi-staged production feel full. Overall it's a wonderful night at Wonderful Town.
Photos by Danny Kaan
Friday 11 June 2021
West End Musical Celebration, Palace Theatre | Review
West End Musical Celebration (Concert)
Palace Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday10th June 2021 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
As two pioneers in making theatre accessible, diverse and welcoming, Shanay Holmes and Chris Steward have continually pushed through all of the setbacks of the last year to provide high quality, delightful entertainment. Most recently through their West End Musical Drive In’s and now through their West End Debut which was a full, flamboyant and fabulous celebration of, and return to theatre.
As hostess with the mostess, Shanay took us through the night with grace and passion. Like all the performers, it was really evident just how much theatre and the theatrical community means to her and the love throughout the auditorium was frenetic.
Joining Shanay were some of the West End's best: Sophie Evans, Alice Fearn, Ben Forster, Rachel John, Trevor Dion Nicholas and Layton Williams. It's unfair to pick favourite moments when every performance was a complete treat and the song selection was outstanding. From Defying Gravity, to a bluesy version of Don't Rain on My Parade and a sweetly sentimental rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow there was something for absolutely everyone. If that wasn't enough, the pre-show/interval playlist was also a stagey delight.
As well as this, the night featured a fantastic band, wonderful backing singers and excellently sleek dancers. Several standing ovations and plenty of chair dancing highlighted that the audience were completely on the performers side and were just as much a part of the show as those on stage, albeit with considerably vocal ability. Overall the whole evening felt like a high quality, well-oiled, musical theatre sensation.
Alongside the mile a minute song selection, the night also included the sparkling wardrobe of dreams. The sheer glitz, glam and spectacle of the whole night's proceedings felt so special to be a part of.
The night closed with a series of high octane numbers, including Don't Stop Believing, How Will I Know and One Night Only, which had everyone on their feet and proved that we really can have a good time, even under covid restrictions.
As the final chorus of The Greatest Showman’s From Now On rang out “and we will come back home”, I was reminded that the theatre really is home and if last night's concert is what it's like then never want to leave.
West End Musical Celebration runs at the Palace Theatre until Sunday 13th June 2021
Photos by Bonnie Britain
Friday 28 May 2021
Public Domain, Vaudeville Theatre | Review
Public Domain
Vaudeville Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 27th May by Olivia Mitchell
★★★
Francesca Forristal and Jordan Paul Clarke first premiered their verbatim musical Public Domain in January as part of the Southwark Playhouse's lockdown streaming series. Directed by Adam Lenson, they have moved to the Vaudeville Theatre to bring their fresh, British musical to in person audiences.
Public Domain is interesting in the way that it doesn't have a fixed narrative or structure. Instead it's a melange of different characters' lives and their journeys with social media. There are two influencers, Z who drops out of school at 16 to make YouTube his career but who really doesn't know what he's doing with his life; and Millie, a health and lifestyle vlogger who is all about the #positivevibes. Alongside these two, we also hear mostly from Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Dr Priscilla Chan. A number of other characters, all played by the extremely talented Francesca Forristal and Jordan Paul Clarke (who also wrote the book, lyrics and orchestrations) join together to take us back to the roots of Facebook and see how what started as a harmless way of keeping in contact, has become so ingrained in our everyday lives without us even realising.
The set is simple but effective, with Libby Todd setting up see through screens that separate the actors and the audience, a clever nod to the divide between online personalities and their viewers. The space in the middle becomes the "real world" and the screens also provide the backdrop for a selection of extremely well done projections by Matt Powell. In a show about technology, it's delightful that there is so much of it used so well. The video overlays of real life comments made by Mark Zuckerberg amongst others are seamlessly woven in and the virtual choir who join for one number work really well. Cameo's by Donald Trump and George Bush also feel painfully poignant.
The verbatim musical takes quotes directly from posts, tweets, videos and other online content to create a semi-real, semi-distorted reality which is moved along by an entertaining techno-pop score. Forristal and Clarke are relentless and excellent in their performances and they cleverly highlight the struggles and contradictions of today's social media world, however, it does end up feeling a little one layer.
Whilst the topics covered are very affecting, especially that of the Facebook content moderators who were left scarred by watching hundreds of videos of abuse and murder, it was overall very 'the internet sucks, we're in an endless cycle of bad things'. Which to an extent is obviously true, but it would have been interesting to have a little balance with the more positive, community driven, wholesome sides of social media. There is a heart-warming moment with some senior citizens discussing their use of the internet but the positives felt somewhat outdated and brushed over.
That's not to say this isn't a good show though and aside from anything, it's a real treat to see a new, British musical paving the way in the West End. The music is incredibly catchy and the overall presentation of the show is great, it just feels like it's almost scratching the surface of what social media is, and what message the show wants to put across. This will certainly be a musical that has many iterations and it will be very interesting to see how it grows and changes alongside social media.
photos by Jane Hobson
Tuesday 25 May 2021
Monday Night at the Apollo, Apollo Theatre | Review
Monday Night at the Apollo
Apollo Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 24th May by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Since my last trip to the theatre in December, I have been dreaming of starting my week enveloped in the stagey comfort of musical theatre and I am oh so happy that last night my dream came true. Created by Wild Mountain Productions and presented by Greg Barnett, a spectacular lineup were brought to the stage of the Apollo to take us through a night of vocal gymnastics, diversity, humour and just a bunch of fun in the first instalment of Monday Night at the Apollo.
You couldn't have gotten a much better bunch than the first five performers in the series: Aimie Atkinson, Cassidy Janson, Lucie Jones, Cedric Neal and Julian Ovenden. Every artist gave powerhouse performances, as well as bouncing off one another and highlighting the fantastic camaraderie and community that comes along with the world of theatre.
After a lockdown of creating content online, forming a girl band and most recently performing on This Morning, seeing Aimie Atkinson back on stage was a real treat. Don't Rain On My Parade felt very apt as we all hold our breath hoping theatres can remain open and Aimie's performance was top notch. Sparkles galore, being a complete professional during technical difficulties and serving sassy vocals were the best reminders of why Aimie is quickly becoming West End royalty.
If you search "riff legend", it should really show a whole host of pictures and videos of Cedric Neal who is the definition of control. His smooth, pin-sharp vocals are passionate and utterly mesmerising. It's also incredibly impressive to see and hear how versatile he is as a performer, with So You Wanted to see the Wizard and Hold Me in Your Heart showcasing contrasting vibes but both being completely absorbing and joys to watch.
As always, Lucie Jones provided not only the most stunningly dexterous, ice clear and faultless vocals, but also showed off her excellent humour and stage presence which create a perfect performance. At this point I think Lucie just needs to star in everything and sing everything!
I also wouldn't complain if Julian Ovenden started singing everything, including phone books, instruction manuals, weather reports etc... His absolute dream of a voice carried so well throughout the night and I found myself in complete awe of the the technical ability he displays in every note. He really is a masterclass in the importance of support, diction and classical technique. All of his songs were honestly just joyous to hear.
Completing the line up, recent Olivier Award winner Cassidy Janson brought her usual magnetism and soulful vocals to the Apollo as she performed a variety of songs, with Nobody's on Nobody's Side proving a real highlight.
The evening absolutely wouldn't have been the musical success it was without the stellar band who both backed the singers and also shed light on the importance of live music. The synchronicity and musicality was evident throughout and it really seemed like everyone was thrilled to be back on stage. The simplistic stage adorned by rugs and bathed in warm light worked brilliantly to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Also streaming online via Thespie the future Monday Night at the Apollo events are sure to be complete treats and the perfect way to bring back the stageyness we've all been missing.
photo credit: Danny Kaan
Thursday 5 November 2020
Hiba Elchikhe Brings Together West End Performers For A New Musical Theatre Series
In collaboration with Nimax and The Theatre Café, West End performer Hiba Elchikhe is thrilled to announce a brand-new musical theatre based web series: Out Of The Darkness, Into The Spotlight.
Bringing a little bit of glitter to the grey, this three-episode series hopes to not only entertain, but shine a light on the performers who are keeping the West End alive, even during lockdown.
Hiba, who is currently starring in the West End hit Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, and who has created the series says “In a time of such uncertainty I am so excited to be able to bring together a spectacular group of freelance artists, that are representative of the UK.”
Featuring a line up of stellar creatives, each episode shines a “spotlight” on something different: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Musical Theatre and Christmas. The first episode is set to premiere on November 18th, with the next two going live on November 25th and December 9th. Each episode will feature a different line-up of star performers, running at approximately 45 minutes and including a mixture of songs. Performers include: Danny Becker (Prince of Egypt, Aladdin), Courtney Bowman (Six, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Danielle Steers (Six, Bat Out of Hell), Hiba Elchikhe (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Brooklyn), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Les Misérables, Heathers), Sejal Keshwala (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Tim Mahendran (& Juliet, Spring Awakening), Grace Mouat (& Juliet, Six), Trevor Dion Nicholas (Hamilton, Aladdin), Liam Tamne (Prince of Egypt) and Noah Thomas (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie).
As well as Maisey Bawden, Paul Bradshaw, Rhiane Drummond, James Gillan, Shanay Holmes, Rob Houchen, Melissa Jacques, Emma Kingston, Carl Man, Frances McCann, Scott Paige, Sharun Phull, Amy Trigg and Andrew Patrick Walker, with more to be announced.
Tickets are available from: https://www.thetheatrecafe.co.uk/2020/11/news-out-of-the-darkness-into-the-spotlight/
#IntoTheSpotlightConcert
Wednesday 21 October 2020
Back To The Future To Release Original Cast Recording
Masterworks Broadway is delighted to announce that in early Summer 2021, it will release the Original Cast Recording of Back To The Future The Musical.
The musical is scheduled to open in early Summer 2021 at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End and features new music by multi-Grammy winners Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard alongside classic songs from the movie.
As a special treat for audiences eager to connect with Back to the Future and to the exciting musical adventure awaiting them, Back to the Future Day on 21st October 2020 sees the release of the single ‘Back in Time’ featuring Olly Dobson.
Mark Cavell, President of Sony Masterworks notes: “I am thrilled beyond all measure that Sony Music Masterworks will be bringing you the fantastic music from this great show, featuring a host of new songs from the combined talents of Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard together with firm favourites from the movie”.
Behind this eagerly-anticipated stage show are Producer Colin Ingram (Ghost – The Musical) and Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators of the Back To The Future film trilogy. The show moves to the West End following an out-of-town opening in March 2020 at the Manchester Opera House where it was enthusiastically received by critics and public alike. Roger Bart and Olly Dobson will reprise the roles of ‘Dr Emmett Brown’ and ‘Marty McFly’ respectively. Also returning are Hugh Coles as ‘George McFly’, Rosanna Hyland as ‘Lorraine Baines’, Cedric Neal as ‘Goldie Wilson’, Aidan Cutler as ‘Biff Tannen’ and Courtney-Mae Briggs as ‘Jennifer Parker’.
Based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film, the musical has a book by Bob Gale and new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard, with additional songs from the film including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode.
Back To The Future The Musical is directed by Tony Award-winning director John Rando (Urinetown, On The Town), alongside the multi Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team of Tim Hatley (set and costume design), lighting design by Tim Lutkin, lighting consultant Hugh Vanstone, Gareth Owen (sound) and Finn Ross (video), with choreography by Chris Bailey, musical supervision and arrangements by Nick Finlow and Illusions by Chris Fisher. Orchestrations are by Ethan Popp and Bryan Crook, with dance arrangements by David Chase. Casting is by David Grindrod Associates.
Thursday 8 October 2020
Rachel John on Bringing Back Live Theatre | Songs For a New World | Interview
After the success of the online streamed version of Jason Robert Brown's Songs For a New World, Lambert Jackson have brought the musical back as one of the first live, in person performances in the West End. Theatrical powerhouse Rachel John will be starring in the show and is extremely excited to get back to performing...
You’re going to be starring in Songs For A New World, can you tell us a bit about how it all came about and your journey with the show so far?
I was approached by Lambert Jackson with the exciting idea of being a part of a virtual production of the show. It was unlike anything I had done before, so I was excited to see the way that this format would translate through the screen and into people’s homes. After the show was streamed, we received the exciting news that we would be performing at the Palladium. I felt so blessed.
2020 has been crazy to put it mildly, has all the theatrical innovation in a time when the arts can’t run normally made you love what you do even more?
The innovation that has occurred during lockdown has been very inspiring and has shown me the strength and creativity of our theatre industry. I have had a renewed sense of my love of story-telling and have been reminded how we refused to stop sharing our gifts.
What’s one thing you’ve taken away from lockdown?
There are many things that I have taken away from lockdown, but if I had to pick one it would be valuing family time. I have had more time to speak to my family abroad and here and it has been a blessing.
Going back to live performances must be super exciting, what are you most looking forward to?
I am looking forward to working with a company again and I am really looking forward to hearing and seeing the live audiences. I miss the tangible feeling of the audience. The electricity.
When theatres are fully running in the (hopefully) near future, what show would you like to see first?
I cannot pick what I would like to see first! I am just eager to get back to support my fellow performers and soak up the atmosphere.
What can audiences expect from Songs For a New World?
Audiences can expect to come on a journey with us through this incredible song cycle. Jason Robert Brown’s lyrics and melodies will touch their hearts.
How do you want people to feel after experiencing Songs For a New World?
I would like people to experience the joy of being back together, even if there is distance. I would like them to feel hopeful and optimistic.
Songs for a New World plays at the London Palladium 11th October 2020
Sunday 4 October 2020
Cabaret All Stars, Proud Embankment | Review
Proud Cabaret
Proud Embankment
Reviewed on Friday 2nd October 2020 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
With theatrical nights out so few and far between (for obvious reasons) each opportunity to experience live performance is a real treat. With the weather getting colder and the nights getting longer, Proud Cabaret is a perfect remedy for the gloom which is so often prevalent these days, and is a treat for anyone craving some glitz and glam in their lives; plus you get to see West End superstar Kerry Ellis headline the night.
The evening takes place at Proud Embankment, a bustling venue under the arches of Waterloo bridge. You're escorted in by ushers draped in feathers and sparkles (including a glitzy face mask, of course) and it almost feels like entering a speak easy where unknown adventures will take place. The tables in the venue are socially distanced and you are asked to wear your own face mask any time you stand up or move around. As well as the performances the ticket includes a wonderful Japanese fusion three-course meal and a welcome cocktail, provided by head chef, Antonio Vacca. The food is outstanding, and a show in itself.
The show/event itself occurs in the round over two levels. Each table has a great view of the action and the varying levels of the acts themselves means every view is completely unique. The night is jam packed with world class circus and cabaret performers who keep you on the edge of your seat and completely invested from start to finish. The whole thing feels very vintage but with a modern twist; there's classic burlesque numbers mixed in with mime, sword swallowing and aerial work. There's no story or dramatic structure as such but the whole thing flows well and feels very dreamlike. Each week features a slightly different line up but they are all high class and high quality.
The through-line of the show is Kerry Ellis who appears periodically throughout the evening to wrap us around her finger with her powerhouse vocals. She is a certified star who controls the stage with elegance and power in perfect balance. Ellis' rendition of Diamonds Are Forever is completely brilliant and like each song, is followed by rapturous applause.
It's a treat to see any sort of live performance these days, but performances of such high standards make it even more of a treat. A night of decadence which evokes the Jazz age, Cabaret All Stars is definitely worth a visit.
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