Posts with the label reviews
Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts
Wednesday, 22 October 2025
Hot Mess a New Musical Review: A Pop-Fuelled Cosmic Love Story that Shines at Southwark Playhouse
Hot Mess: A New Musical
Southwark Playhouse Elephant
From the creative team behind 42 Balloons comes Hot Mess: A New Musical, a witty, vibrant, and surprisingly heartfelt new show that blends pop, science, and heartbreak with impressive charm. Produced by the Birmingham Hippodrome in association with Vicky Graham Productions, the show arrives in London following a sold-out Edinburgh Fringe run, and it’s already clear why audiences are falling for this offbeat, intergalactic romance.
Written and directed by Ellie Coote, with music and lyrics by Jack Godfrey, Hot Mess turns the relationship between Earth and Humanity into a metaphorical love story for the ages. After “a billion years of bad dates,” Earth finally finds her match in Humanity, and for a while, everything seems perfect. Life blossoms, technology advances, and things look bright... until, inevitably, the cracks begin to show. What starts as a cosmic honeymoon quickly spirals into a climate-conscious breakup, full of laughter, longing, and self-reflection.
The story may sound abstract, but the execution is wonderfully grounded. Playing at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant, the production thrives in an intimate setting, bringing the larger-than-life concept down to something beautifully human. The small space amplifies both the humour and the heartbreak, making it feel as though the fate of the planet is unfolding right before your eyes.
At the centre of the show are two knockout performances. Danielle Steers (Six The Musical, Bat Out of Hell) is magnetic as Earth; playful, warm, and commanding, with vocals that could shake tectonic plates. She brings both power and vulnerability to the role, embodying a planet who loves too deeply and gives too much. Opposite her, Tobias Turley (Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream, Mamma Mia! West End) makes a charming and nuanced Humanity, capturing the curiosity, creativity, and recklessness that define the character. His beautiful voice also gets a chance to soar as he gives a versatile performance, we're defnitely watching the rise of a powerhouse leading man. The duo's chemistry is undeniable- playful one moment and devastating the next.
The music, by Jack Godfrey, is a major highlight. It’s contemporary pop with theatrical intelligence. The songs are catchy enough to get stuck in your head, but layered with meaning. Each song adds emotional depth, moving the story forward rather than simply decorating it. What's also brilliant is that the sound feels fresh yet familiar, echoing the spirit of today’s best modern musicals while finding its own distinct identity.
Visually, Shankho Chaudhuri’s set and costume design make clever use of the intimate Southwark Playhouse. The stage evolves with the characters, what begins bright and vibrant gradually shifts into something darker, mirroring the show’s emotional journey. It's a great set up where minimalism meets playfulness, making the production feel much bigger than its modest footprint.
Hot Mess succeeds because it balances wit with sincerity. It’s self-aware and funny, but never cynical. The climate-change metaphor is present, but never heavy-handed, allowing the emotional story to take precedence. If anything, it’s a show about relationships. Between people, between us and the world we live in, and between idealism and reality.
There are moments when the pace could use tightening, and a few scenes feel like they could dig even deeper emotionally, but these are small quibbles in an otherwise glowing night of theatre. For a musical that manages to make audiences laugh, think, and even feel a little guilty about their recycling habits, Hot Mess is a rare gem.
If you love smart new writing, pop-driven scores, and musicals that wear their heart (and humour) on their sleeve, this one’s for you. It’s inventive, touching, wonderfully entertaining, and proof that sometimes the biggest stories can thrive in the smallest spaces.
★★★★
Reviewed on Wednesday 22nd October 2025 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Helen Murray
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Sunday, 28 September 2025
Swan Lake Review 2025: A Young Dancer’s Take on Matthew Bourne’s Iconic Ballet
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake (Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
I didn’t really know what to expect when I went to see Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, but it totally blew me away. First of all, the swans were played by men, which was surprising at first, but actually made the story feel way more powerful and intense. The dancing was amazing – super sharp and full of emotion. You could really tell what the characters were feeling, even though there were no words.
I do ballet myself, so watching this was honestly really inspiring. It made me want to work harder in class and try new ways of expressing emotion through dance. The way the dancers moved was so strong and full of feeling – it wasn’t just about being perfect, it was about telling a story.
The swan costumes looked wild and kind of scary, but in a cool way. Their design was so free and the way the feathers moved as they jumped and spun was incredible.
The music by Tchaikovsky was beautiful and dramatic, and the way it matched the dancing gave me goosebumps. I found the dream scenes confusing and strange but I could still follow it. My favourite part was the mini play because it reflected the story in such a funny and amusing way and the reactions from the pink lady was so funny . I especially loved when she dropped the purse and the queen rolls her eyes at her.
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake wasn’t like any ballet I’ve seen before, but I loved it. It was emotional, creative, and totally unforgettable.
★★★★
Reviewed on Tuesday 23rd September by Freya Myers
Photo Credit: Johan Persson
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Thursday, 25 September 2025
50 First Dates Musical World Premiere Review: A Fun, Heartwarming New Rom-Com for the Stage
50 First Dates the Musical
The Other Palace
Walking into the world premiere of 50 First Dates: The Musical, I didn’t really know what to expect. I haven’t seen the original film, so I came in with fresh eyes and no preconceptions. What I got was a fun, heartwarming tale full of laugh-out-loud comedy, sweet romance, and a cast that truly pours their energy into every moment. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely a crowd-pleasing new addition to the musical theatre scene.
The story follows Lucy, played by Georgina Castle, who is utterly charming in the role. She brings warmth, humour, and vulnerability to a character who could easily feel one-note. Opposite her, Josh St Clair shines as Henry, balancing comic timing with a sincerity that makes their relationship believable. Together, they make a likeable pairing, grounding the show’s quirkiness with genuine chemistry.
For me, though, the standout was Chad St Louis as Sandy, a Disney-loving character who lights up the stage every time he appears. His vocals are sublime, soaring, effortless, and memorable; and his comic flair makes him the kind of scene-stealer audiences will talk about afterwards. Natasha O’Brien is also perfectly cast as Delilah; she’s hilarious, bold, and brings a spark of chaos that keeps the momentum rolling. The rest of the ensemble is equally strong, with every performer pulling their weight to create a show that feels tightly knit and well-rehearsed.
At just one act and around 100 minutes, the show is lean and well-paced, managing to pack in both big laughs and tender moments. However, the ending does feel a little rushed, as if the creative team were racing to tie everything together before the curtain falls. Another ten minutes of breathing space might have allowed the conclusion to land with more emotional weight.
The music is fun and infectious in the moment, and the cast performs it with absolute gusto. The problem is that, like Lucy’s forgetful condition, none of the songs really stick in your head after you leave the theatre. They’re enjoyable while you’re watching, but there aren’t any standout motifs or melodies that elevate the show into instant-classic territory. A stronger, more memorable score would take 50 First Dates from enjoyable to unmissable.
Visually, the production is bright and colourful, with clever set design that helps transport the audience into its tropical, playful world without overcomplicating things. The choreography is light, cheeky, and matches the tone of the show, keeping things lively throughout.
In the end, 50 First Dates: The Musical is close to being exactly what you’d want from a rom-com on stage: it’s funny, heartwarming, and full of charm. The cast is excellent, the pacing is snappy, and there’s a lot of joy to be had in watching it. It might not yet be destined for the status of a theatrical classic, but it’s certainly a promising and highly entertaining premiere.
★★★
Reviewed on Wednesday 24th September 2025 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Pamela Raith
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Keywords: 50 First Dates musical review, world premiere 50 First Dates stage show, Georgina Castle Lucy 50 First Dates, Josh St Clair Henry 50 First Dates, Chad St Louis Sandy Disney 50 First Dates, Natasha O’Brien Delilah 50 First Dates, new musicals 2025 review, rom-com musical UK premiere.
Sunday, 7 September 2025
Grease the Immersive Movie Musical Experience | REVIEW
Grease the Immersive Movie Musical
Battersea Park
If you’ve ever watched Grease and wished you could be part of Rydell High for a night, Grease: The Immersive Experience is exactly that dream come true. From the second you walk in, it’s like the movie has exploded into real life around you. The sets are ridiculously detailed- from the moment you walk in, it’s like the film comes alive! The set design is magical with full 50s fairgrounds, classrooms, and drive ins, the costumes are spot-on, and everywhere you look, there’s something happening. The diner is ready to serve you a milkshake, the lockers look like they’ve been there for years, and yes, Greased Lightning is sitting there in all its chrome glory. Even the little things, like the signs, the menus, and the jukebox lighting, feel spot-on.
One of the things that really blew me away was the casting. These actors don’t just play the characters, they look and act like the real deal. Danny has the swagger, Sandy has the sweetness, Rizzo has that perfect mix of sass and charm… it’s almost eerie how close they are to their movie counterparts. You can tell the casting team put a lot of thought into getting the right people for each role.
The way the show works is pretty clever, it’s happening all around you. Scenes are popping up in different corners at the same time, and you can choose where to go and who to follow. It’s exciting, but it also means you’ll miss things. You can’t possibly see it all in one go, but honestly, that’s part of the magic. You could come back three or four times and still spot new moments, new interactions, or even jokes you didn’t catch the first time.
Now, it wasn’t all perfect. At the start, there were some sound issues (a few lines got lost under the music) but as the night went on, it got much better. Once it clicked, the energy, the music, and the performances all came together beautifully.
If you know Grease, you’re going to have a blast spotting all the little nods to the movie. If you don’t know it, you might find the whole thing a bit confusing, because the show doesn’t really slow down to explain who’s who or what’s happening. But for fans? It’s pure joy.
Bottom line? Grease: The Immersive Experience is a big, loud, colourful party of a show. It’s chaotic in the best possible way, it’s packed with detail, and it’ll make you feel like you’ve just stepped into one of the most loved musicals of all time.
A must-do for film lovers, musical fans & immersive theatre junkies. Greased Lightning never looked so good!
★★★★
Reviewed on 6th August 2025 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Danny Kaan
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Keywords: Grease Immersive Experience London, Rydell High immersive theatre, immersive Grease review, Grease stage show, immersive musical London, Grease immersive cast, Grease theatre London review.
Saturday, 23 August 2025
Evita at the London Palladium: Rachel Zegler Soars in Jamie Lloyd's Bold, Electrifying Revival
Evita
London Palladium
Sometimes you sit in a theatre and know you are witnessing something truly historic. That’s exactly how it felt watching Jamie Lloyd’s new production of Evita at the London Palladium. This isn’t just another revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s political rock opera, it’s a seismic moment in musical theatre, led by a cast who feel destined for greatness.
At the centre of it all is Rachel Zegler, who delivers a performance so thrilling, it’s hard to believe this is her London stage debut. I’ve followed Rachel’s journey since 2017, from YouTube covers to West Side Story, and to see her now, utterly at home on the Palladium stage, is nothing short of awe-inspiring. She looks and sounds like she was born for this exact role at this exact moment in theatrical history. Her Eva Perón is fierce, vulnerable, ambitious, and magnetic; and every note of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” soared as though it were written for her. We are watching the rise of a star, and how lucky we are to be along for the journey.
Alongside her, Diego Andrés Rodriguez is astonishing as Che. Wry, commanding, and vocally electric, he narrates Eva’s rise and fall with biting precision. At times sardonic, at times full of fire, his performance anchors the show with clarity and bite. Rodriguez is a talent I need to see as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar one day, his presence and vocals would be unforgettable. James Olivas also gives an excellent turn as Juan Perón, balancing political ambition with quiet tenderness. The chemistry between Zegler, Rodriguez, and Olivas is magnetic, their trio of performances form the show’s beating heart.
Musically, Evita remains as bold as ever. First staged in 1978, Lloyd Webber and Rice’s rock-opera score brings Eva Perón’s rise to power and enduring legacy to life with urgency and flair. From the bombastic “A New Argentina” to the delicate “Another Suitcase in Another Hall,” the music is at once energetic and informative, serving as both history lesson and thrilling theatre. What makes Jamie Lloyd’s revival so fascinating is its refusal to spoon-feed. The production embraces ambiguity, encouraging the audience to interpret rather than simply receive. For newcomers to the show, this approach might feel a little confusing at times, but for me it was exhilarating. It felt intelligent, trusting the audience to piece together the threads for themselves.
Visually and technically, the production is equally impressive. Jon Clark’s lighting is stark and expressive, shaping scenes with atmosphere and tension. Fabian Aloise’s choreography is muscular, dynamic, and precise. The ensemble moves like a single organism, their synchronicity so tight it’s genuinely breathtaking. Every gesture feels purposeful, from the smallest flick of a wrist to the explosive full-company numbers. The ensemble themselves are powerhouse performers, bringing passion and intensity to every scene. Their strength and unity echo the fervour of Eva’s Argentina, adding another layer of urgency to the storytelling.
Equally vital is Adam Fisher’s sound design, which balances the soaring vocals and Lloyd Webber’s powerful score beautifully. In a theatre as grand as the Palladium, clarity can sometimes be an issue, but here every lyric, every guitar riff, every heartbeat of percussion landed perfectly.
For those unfamiliar with Evita, the show traces the life of Eva Perón, Argentina’s First Lady from 1946 until her death in 1952. Born into poverty, Eva clawed her way into the limelight, first as an actress and then as wife of President Juan Perón, becoming a powerful, controversial figure adored by the working classes and reviled by the elite. Lloyd Webber and Rice’s score examines her legacy with both admiration and critique, embodied in the narrator Che’s cynical commentary. It’s part biography, part cautionary tale, part celebration and in Lloyd’s hands, it feels fiercely relevant once again.
This Evita is not just a revival; it’s a reinvention. Jamie Lloyd has stripped away the excess and laid bare the story, allowing the music, the cast, and the raw energy of the ensemble to speak for themselves. The result is electrifying- a production that feels both timeless and urgently modern.
Walking out of the Palladium, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had just witnessed a career-defining moment for Rachel Zegler and a bold new chapter for Evita. It is an intelligent, gripping, and emotional triumph. Simply put, this is theatre at its most alive.
★★★★★
Reviewed on Tuesday 22nd July 2025 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Marc Brenner
Keywords: Evita London Palladium review, Jamie Lloyd Evita review, Rachel Zegler Evita London, Diego Andrés Rodriguez Che Evita, James Olivas Juan Perón Evita, Fabian Aloise choreography Evita, Jon Clark lighting design Evita, Adam Fisher sound design Evita, Evita 2025 revival London.
Monday, 7 July 2025
Sabrina Carpenter at BST Hyde Park Night Two: Pure Pop Joy and Five-Star Fun
Sabrina Carpenter
BST Hyde Park
Sometimes a concert doesn’t just entertain you, it transports you. That’s exactly how it felt watching Sabrina Carpenter at BST Hyde Park (night two). In the best possible way, I was thrown back to a Year 6 disco: glittering pop anthems, dancing with friends, and that carefree joy of singing along at the top of your lungs. It was nostalgic, youthful, and utterly irresistible.; especially after a characteristic British summer thunderstorm tried to thwart and dampen the day!
Sabrina Carpenter has blossomed into a world-class entertainer, and this show proved it beyond doubt. Her vocals were pitch-perfect, her stage presence magnetic, and her ability to connect with the crowd effortless. She knows how to make a massive outdoor stage feel intimate, talking to fans with warmth and humour between songs, before flipping seamlessly back into high-energy performance mode.
The production itself deserves a shoutout. Beyond the slick staging, lights, and choreography, the clever skit videos threaded throughout the night gave the concert a unique theatrical flair. They were playful, funny, and made the whole experience feel more immersive, almost like we were stepping into Sabrina’s glittering pop universe.
What struck me most, though, was the vibe of the whole evening. Hyde Park was buzzing with positive energy, with fans of all ages singing along to songs like "Espresso" and "Feather". There was a real sense of community joy, the kind that only happens when thousands of people come together to share in music that makes them feel good.
By the end of the night, it was clear why Sabrina Carpenter has quickly risen to become one of pop’s most exciting stars. She delivered a show that was polished, heartfelt, and brimming with personality. A five-foot-five-star performance!
★★★★★
Reviewed on Sunday 6th July by Olivia
Photo Credit: Jordan Hughes
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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Saturday, 5 July 2025
Finneas at BST Hyde Park: Intimate, Effortless, and Full of Heart | Review
Finneas & The Favors
BST Hyde Park
On a festival bill filled with big production and spectacle, Finneas at BST Hyde Park stood out for his quiet confidence and stripped-back artistry. His set was a reminder that sometimes all you need is a guitar, a piano, and a voice to hold a massive crowd in the palm of your hand.
The setlist was a thoughtful mix of songs from his solo work and tracks he’s best known for co-writing. Highlights included "For Cryin' Out Loud" and "The Kids Are All Dying", which showcased his sharp, reflective lyricism, and "Break My Heart Again", performed with aching vulnerability. He also sprinkled in fan favourites like "Till Forever Falls Apart" and "I Lost a Friend", each delivered with a natural ease that made it feel like we were watching a friend play songs for us in his living room, albeit on one of the biggest stages in London.
One of the evening’s most special moments came when Ashe joined him on stage to debut their brand-new collaboration The Favours. The chemistry between the two was effortless, and the crowd knew instantly they were witnessing something unique. It was the kind of surprise that turns a good set into a truly memorable one.
What makes Finneas so compelling as a performer is how relaxed and natural he is on stage. He doesn’t try to overwhelm with spectacle; instead, he wins you over with warmth, wit, and honesty. His vocals were rich and expressive, while his musicianship, moving seamlessly between guitar and piano, gave the set a layered texture without ever feeling overproduced.
In a festival setting where bigger often feels better, Finneas proved that intimacy can be just as powerful. His Hyde Park performance was understated brilliance, a reminder of why he’s not just a Grammy-winning producer and Billie Eilish’s collaborator, but a formidable artist in his own right.
★★★★★
Reviewed on Friday 4th July 2025 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Virginie Viche
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Keywords: Finneas BST Hyde Park review, Finneas live London 2025, Finneas concert setlist 2025, Finneas Ashe The Favours debut, Finneas Break My Heart Again Hyde Park, Finneas UK live review.
Noah Kahan at BST Hyde Park Review: A Heartfelt, Joyous Evening of Music and Community
Noah Kahan
BST Hyde Park
There are some concerts that feel bigger than music- they feel like a gathering of hearts. Noah Kahan at BST Hyde Park was one of those nights. From the moment he stepped on stage, guitar in hand, to the final singalong under the London sky, it was less of a gig and more of a shared celebration.
Performing outdoors suited Noah Kahan’s earthy music perfectly. His blend of heartfelt storytelling, folk-infused melodies, and soaring choruses carried beautifully across the park. Songs like "Stick Season" and "Dial Drunk" weren’t just performed, they were felt, sung back by thousands of voices in a wave of communal energy. There was a palpable sense of connection, as though everyone present had lived through the same heartbreaks and joys woven into his lyrics. His vocals were nothing short of remarkable- clear, emotive, and strong enough to fill the huge outdoor space without losing intimacy. I've seen Noah live performing this album several times now and every one has felt new and powerful.
The evening was full of surprises, none more special than the appearance of Lewis Capaldi as a guest. The roar of the crowd when he walked on stage was deafening, and the chemistry between him and Kahan was genuine and joyful. It was a reminder of the power of music to bring artists and audiences together in unforgettable moments.
The support acts added even more magic to the night. Finneas set the tone with his thoughtful, polished set, joined by Ashe to debut their brand-new collaboration The Favors. It felt like being part of a moment of music history, hearing a song live for the very first time. Gracie Abrams followed with her signature mix of tender vulnerability and lyrical honesty, winning over the crowd with ease. By the time Noah Kahan walked on, the atmosphere was already charged with warmth and anticipation.
What stood out most was the sense of community. People weren’t just watching; they were connecting. Strangers danced together, whole sections of the park swayed in unison, and voices blended on choruses like an impromptu choir. There was a joy and openness that made Hyde Park feel smaller, more intimate, despite the scale of the event.
The staging and sound were excellent too. The production kept things simple, letting Noah’s music take centre stage, while the big screens ensured even those at the very back felt part of the action. As the sun set and the stage lights came to life, it all came together to create a truly magical atmosphere.
In the end, this was a reminder of why live music matters. Noah Kahan at BST Hyde Park was uplifting, emotional, and filled with moments that will stay with the audience. With his heartfelt songs, powerful voice, and the gift of making a massive park feel like a fireside gathering, Noah proved he’s not just one of the most exciting artists of his generation, he’s one of the most unifying too.
★★★★★
Reviewed on Friday 4th July by Olivia
Photo Credit: Virginie Viche
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Keywords: Noah Kahan BST Hyde Park review, Noah Kahan live London 2025, Lewis Capaldi Noah Kahan Hyde Park, Finneas and Ashe The Favours live debut, Gracie Abrams BST Hyde Park support, Noah Kahan concert review, outdoor live music London 2025, Stick Season live Noah Kahan.
Saturday, 28 June 2025
Review: Olivia Rodrigo at BST Hyde Park review: A True Pop Star
Olivia Rodrigo
BST Hyde Park
Seeing Olivia Rodrigo headline BST Hyde Park was a full-circle moment for me. I first saw her at the Hammersmith Apollo during the Sour tour when she was a young star with undeniable talent, still finding her footing as a live performer. Then I caught her again at the O2 on the GUTS tour, where she proved she could own a massive arena with confidence and charisma. But this Hyde Park show? This was the glow-up fully realised.
Performing outdoors in front of tens of thousands, Olivia was nothing short of phenomenal. Her vocals (which we all know are strong on record) soared in the open air, raw and powerful yet full of nuance. She didn’t have backing dancers this time, which meant the spotlight was squarely on her voice and stage presence. And she delivered in spades. From the venomous bite of "Vampire" to the cathartic scream-alongs of "Good 4 U", every song landed as if it were a greatest hit, which, at this point, most of them are.
Hearing some of the GUTS Spilled deep cuts like "So American" in this setting was particularly special. Plus, tracks like "Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl" and "All-American Bitch" carried a wild, anthemic energy under the summer sky, while "Traitor" and "Drivers License" offered quiet, spine-tingling moments of vulnerability.
A surprise appearance from Ed Sheeran added an extra layer of magic, the kind of left-field collaboration that festivals like BST thrive on. It was joyous, unexpected, and gave the night a unique stamp that no other show could replicate.
What struck me most was how Olivia has grown not just as a singer, but as a storyteller and performer. She commands the stage with ease, speaking to the crowd like old friends, then pouring every ounce of herself into each lyric. She’s funny, emotional, fierce, and unafraid. A true pop star for this generation.
Leaving Hyde Park, it was impossible not to feel excited for what’s next. Olivia Rodrigo is no longer just a breakout artist, she’s one of the defining voices of her time. I can’t wait for her next album, her next tour, and the next chapter in a career that’s already shaping up to be iconic.
★★★★★
Reviewed on Friday 27th June 2025 by Olivia
Photo Credit: sophiajcarey
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Keywords: Olivia Rodrigo BST Hyde Park review, Olivia Rodrigo GUTS live, Olivia Rodrigo Sour tour Hammersmith Apollo, Olivia Rodrigo O2 Arena review, Olivia Rodrigo live London 2025, Olivia Rodrigo Ed Sheeran Hyde Park, Olivia Rodrigo Vampire live, Olivia Rodrigo Good 4 U live.
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