Thursday 4 May 2023
Pentatonix: The World Tour at the Eventim Apollo review: A shining celebration of musical talent
Wednesday 26 April 2023
Toby Sebastian at Omeara review: A stellar first headline show
Friday 21 April 2023
Ain't Too Proud at the Prince Edward Theatre review: A tumultuous tale told through stellar performances
A hit on Broadway, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, has finally opened in the West End and is a thoroughly entertaining, charismatic and soulful journey. The musical, with a book by Dominique Morisseau is a breathtaking celebration of the legendary Motown group, The Temptations, and their iconic music. Taking you on a journey through the highs and lows of stardom, it showcases how some of the most famous music was created and provides a really really fun night out.
The heart and soul of this musical are the performances which are unanimously nothing short of spectacular. The cast deliver powerhouse vocals that charm and mesmerise throughout and there are so many standout moments. The whole cast are spectacularly strong but mention must go to Cameron Bernard Jones, Tosh Wanogho-Maud, Ryan Carter and Michael James Stewart who really shine in their solo and ensemble moments. Each member who becomes part of The Temptations, does so with a real sense of nuance and the varying personalities and talents are showcased throughout; really capturing the essence and ethos of the original group.
Ain't Too Proud is a wonderful addition to the West End that features dazzling production value, and timeless music. A celebration of The Temptations and their impact on Motown, it will leave you humming their hits long after the curtain falls.
Wednesday 12 April 2023
The Mousetrap (Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Sunday 2 April 2023
For Black Boys..., Apollo Theatre | Review
Thursday 23 March 2023
Eugenius!, Turbine Theatre | Review
Wednesday 22 March 2023
The Way Old Friends Do, Park Theatre | Review
Saturday 18 March 2023
Further Than the Furthest Thing, Young Vic | Review
Wednesday 15 March 2023
Girl From The North Country (Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review
Thursday 9 March 2023
Bonnie and Clyde, Garrick Theatre | Review
Tuesday 7 March 2023
The Bodyguard the Musical (Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review
The Great British Bake Off Musical, Noel Coward Theatre | Review
Friday 3 March 2023
Fisherman's Friends The Musical (Tour), Richmond Theatre | Review
Thursday 2 March 2023
Sylvia, The Old Vic | Review
Someone of Significance, The Vaults | Review
Last night I attended a performance of Someone of Significance at The Vaults and unfortunately, it was one of the weaker shows I've seen at the festival. It basically chronicles the life of two business people and the issues they have when mixing work, politics and their social lives. In theory it could be entertaining, and whilst there are occasional moments and pieces of social commentary that make you think, overall it doesn't offer much and fails to really nail home any enduring messages.
Additionally, the technical aspects of the production leave something to be desired. The lighting and sound effects are often out of sync with the action on stage, and the incessant costume changes between every scene feel completely unnecessary and take you out of the action continually. These issues are frequently distracting and make is very difficult to fully immerse yourself in the story.