Posts with the label stagey
Showing posts with label stagey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stagey. Show all posts

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

Monday Night at the Apollo, Apollo Theatre | Review

Tuesday 25 May 2021

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 PhullAmy 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


Hiba Elchikhe Brings Together West End Performers For A New Musical Theatre Series

Thursday 5 November 2020

Wednesday 2 September 2020

16 Her-storical Facts That Didn't Make it into Six The Musical


Six the Musical isn't only full of absolute boppage, but also a fair few facts about the Queens we know and love. However, the 75 minute musical can't cover everything so here are sixteen herstorical facts you may not know...

1. Twenty one years Henry’s junior, Catherine Parr was actually named after Henry’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon, to whom Catherine’s mother had been a lady-in-waiting.

2. Before marrying Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon was married to his elder brother, Arthur. Arthur died of a mysterious “sweating sickness” shortly after their marriage, leaving Catherine a widow at just 16 years old.

3. Between Arthur’s death and her marriage to Henry, Catherine served Henry’s father (Henry VII) as the royal ambassador to Spain, making her the first female diplomat in European history.

4. The day after Anne Boleyn’s beheading, Henry got engaged to Jane Seymour, Anne Boleyn’s lady in waiting. While she was publicly proclaimed queen, her coronation never went ahead due to an outbreak of plague.

5. Catherine Parr was a dedicated patron of the arts, and she encouraged the spread of Renaissance humanism. When Spanish scholar Juan Luis Vives wrote a book arguing that women had the right to an education, he dedicated it to Catherine.

6. As a young woman, Jane Seymour almost married William Dormer, the son of Sir Robert and Lady Dormer. However, William’s mother canceled their engagement because she thought Jane wasn’t noble enough.

7. Two months before her execution, Anne Boleyn helped pass the poor law which said that “local officials should find work for the unemployed”

8. Contemporaries held Holbein’s pictures to be accurate depictions of the girls—not flattering misrepresentations, as the legend came to describe them. However, both Anne of Cleves and her sister Amalia wore veils covering their faces most of the time, so it is believed that it was a struggle to get them to reveal themselves for portraits.

9. Jane Seymour divided opinions, with one courtier saying she was “not of much beauty,” whilst another named her “the fairest of all the king’s wives.”

10. Henry’s treatment of Catherine of Aragon after their divorce caused a major rift between Henry and his daughter, Mary. To help curb Mary’s resentment, Henry forbid the mother and daughter from communicating, but sympathetic servants secretly carried letters back and forth between them.

11. According to one legend, Henry wrote the famous, anonymous “Greensleeves” to seduce the woman who would become his second wife, Anne Boleyn.

12. Catherine of Aragon remained married to Henry VIII for 24 years. Their marriage lasted longer than all of Henry’s other marriages combined.

13. Catherine Howard was at least two, if not seven, years younger than Henry's daughter Mary, so she found it very hard to be a motherly figure

14. Catherine of Aragon spent her final days as the image of Catholic piety. Though she had access to all of Kimbleton Castle, she remained in a single room, fasting and praying. 

15. During his courtship with Anne of Cleves, Henry also considered her sister, Amalia! After Holbein returned and Henry saw both portraits of the women, he went with Anne over Amalia. Many historians agree that the choice probably had less to do with looks, and more because as the younger daughter, Amalia had less hereditary rights than her sister. 

16. Whilst still married to Anne, Henry began a flirtation with Jane Seymour, even giving her a locket with his own portrait inside!

So there you have it, sixteen facts about the Queens of the castle! Hopefully it won't be long until we can rock out like royalty at the theatre, but in the meantime, stay safe and channel your inner queen!

16 Her-storical Facts That Didn't Make it into Six The Musical

Wednesday 2 September 2020

Monday 3 August 2020

A Stagey Guide to Singing... Rachel Tucker | Interview

Hello stagey people! Light seems to be shining at the end of the tunnel but there's still a distinct lack of theatre in our lives; so I thought today I would bring you a mini Q&A from the Rewrite This Story vaults. A while back I chatted to Rachel Tucker and asked her a few vocal technique related questions...


What are your go to warm ups?

I have a great warm up that a friend from New York introduced to me. A slow long warm up that slowly builds and is quite a classical warm up and it gets my break from my chest voice to head voice really smoothed out and warm.


You are the Queen of belting, do you have any tips? Do you change vowel shapes or anything like that?
It shouldn't really be the vowels you change it's the back of the throat. You can still sing the same vowel bright and belted with just some adjustment of the throat. It depends but I wouldn't really because it's nothing to do with the vowel shape, you should be able to belt any vowel or consonant. It's about the shape at the back of your throat. Space, space, space!


What are your tips for keeping your body and voice healthy?
Oh definitely to consume more water than you think is physically possible. Don't underestimate how much talking tires your voice, if you have a big sing just go on vocal rest, text friends and write things down. 

And steaming after a big sing for sure- about 45 minutes with a facial steamer with a mouth piece and it'll bring down any swelling in your throat down, it should be for 30 minutes... at least!


Thanks so much to Rachel for answering these questions way back when! Stay safe and stay stagey!

-Olivia
Editor of Rewrite This Story


A Stagey Guide to Singing... Rachel Tucker | Interview

Monday 3 August 2020

Sunday 3 May 2020

The Return of the Movie Musical


During the Golden Age of Hollywood, movie musicals were abundant and arguably the most popular genre. However, with the move towards pop culture in the 1960s, their popularity dwindled and gave way to a more rebellious style and tone, which meant the all-singing, all-dancing, wholesome stories fell to the side.

Since then, aside from animated films, there have been a handful of live action musicals, with a few big hits such as Hairspray, Chicago and Mamma Mia!, but these have been largely hard to come by and a rare feature at the cinema. However, it seems that things are changing and we are in the midst of musicals coming back into the mainstream!

In some ways, the huge success of La La Land in 2016, a film which combined Old Hollywood with contemporary vibes, marked the return of movie musicals, with A Star is Born, Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman following in its footsteps and taking the box offices by storm. Disney's live action adaptations have also proved massive hits with Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King making huge profits. Of course there's also been the occasional flop... Cats.... (which I actually enjoyed) but on the whole, each release has highlighted the demand and appreciation for musical theatre.  

It seems that Hollywood are finally taking note of the power of theatre people and are giving us the sweet, sweet, high quality films we deserve. There are a whole host of movie musicals in the works which are hugely exciting. Some that I'm most looking forward to are:

In The Heights: This is my all time favourite musical and I just can't wait for the summer vibes, incredible music and general wonder of Heights to be played out on the big screen. The film was originally set for release next month but thanks to Miss Rona it's been pushed back to June 2021.

Everybody's Talking About Jamie: This brilliantly British musical is set for release in October and is sure to thrill as it tells the real-life story of Jamie New, the 17 year old drag queen who wants to go against the norm and be true to himself. We'll also get the chance to see wonderful Max Harwood take on the lead role which will be a real treat.

West Side Story: In what's sure to be another 'Star is Born' performance, Rachel Zegler will be starring as Maria in this Stephen Spielberg adaptation. The production photos that have been released so far look amazing and I cannot wait to see this sumptuous film.

The Prom: I saw this show on Broadway so it'll be wonderful and interesting to see a film version. I think this will transfer brilliantly; plus, Meryl Streep is set to star in it so it's already a win in my eyes.

Matilda: The original Matilda film is a complete classic that will always be a heartwarming treat and the musical evokes the same magical and wondrous vibes. Tim Minchin's music is so clever and will no doubt get us all tapping our feet in the cinema!

Merrily We Roll Along: Ben Platt. Beanie Feldstein. Filmed over 20 years. Okay so this isn't going to be out in the near future but I just can't wait to eventually see this movie. The whole concept sounds so exciting and the cast are absolutely stellar.

As well as these there are more live action adaptations in the works as well as a number of current Broadway musicals being transferred from stage to screen. These include Dear Evan Hansen, Tick, Tick... Boom! and Come From Away. All in all, it seems that we can expect a whole lot more musicals in the mainstream and I cannot wait! What upcoming movie musical are you excited to see?

Post by Olivia Mitchell

The Return of the Movie Musical

Sunday 3 May 2020

Tuesday 21 April 2020

City of Girls, Elizabeth Gilbert | Book Review

Life is both fleeting and dangerous, and there is no point in denying yourself pleasure, or being anything other than what you are."

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
Published: 4th June 2019 by Bloomsbury Publishing
★★★★★

This book is just a dream. From page one I was completely absorbed in the glorious world Elizabeth Gilbert has brought to life. I was so wrapped up in it all, that I felt like I'd open my front door and be on the bustling streets of 1940s Manhattan... needless to say I could not open said door because #lockdown but what a welcome escape from all the craziness.

In 1940, nineteen-year-old Vivian Morris has just been kicked out of Vassar College, thanks to her lacklustre engagement in her studies. Her parents send her to New York to live with her flamboyant aunt Peg, who owns and lives in a crumbling theatre called the Lily Playhouse. It's here that Vivian's life changes as she's introduced to a host of charismatic and larger than life luvvies. Her life changes to a mile-a-minute wild ride that has it's fair share of highs and lows. Without giving too much away, this is a coming of age story and a love story that's a joy to read.

I inhaled this book for a few reasons, firstly because I love theatre and I love New York, so I just wanted more of the sumptuous descriptions of the wildly theatrical life Vivvie was living in the Big Apple. Secondly because of the writing itself; Gilbert gives so much life and energy to her characters that they really feel real. I actually cannot believe I can't google search them and endlessly find information about the stars mentioned. Each character is fantastically defined with differences, attractiveness and flaws that make them both vivid an truthful. 


With Mrs Maisel vibes in terms of the humour and boldness of it all, this is a dream for anyone wanting a bit of glamour in their life. If we weren't in lockdown I think I'd now be on the hunt for a whole new wardrobe and copious Gin Fizzes!

What's also miraculous about this book is that it manages to be utterly laugh out loud humourous and lighthearted, whilst also being profound and inspiring. I did find a few times when the story lagged and I certainly think I could have been cut down in length, but I still wolfed it down! 

This is a captivating, evocative, entertaining and moving read that I loved and would highly recommend for anyone wanting glamour, theatre and emotion.

City of Girls, Elizabeth Gilbert | Book Review

Tuesday 21 April 2020

Saturday 18 April 2020

Lockdown but make it Stagey | 7 Ways To Be Theatrical During a Pandemic

Hello stagey people! Olivia here, I hope no one minds these more chatty style posts, but with all that's going on I wanted to switch it up a little bit and bring some more relaxed posts about how we can keep ourselves sane, and of course stagey, in these trying times. So with that, I'm sharing some of the ways I've been spending my time so that it might give you some ideas.


Online Courses: I signed up for both the Open University free courses and the FutureLearn courses. They have lots and lots of free courses in a whole host of subjects, ranging from beginner to advanced and are a great way to kill some time whilst keeping your brain active. So far, I've done three geography courses (I'm a bit of a geog geek) and am mid-way through a film and a music course. I've found them to be hugely informative and I've got my eye on a number of the Arts ones, including Approaching Plays and What Is Good Writing? You can sign up for free one the websites and do as many as you like!

Theatrical Artwork: Okay, so I'm not technically doing the artwork but I'm colouring in so it kinda counts, right?! The lovely John and Kayley aka The Stagey Couple have created a brilliant colouring in sheet featuring loads of wonderful shows and it's just excellent. The pair are creative, original and consistent with their content and I'm sure this isn't the only activity they'll provide us with during this lockdown.


Streaming Shows: If you're reading this, I assume you know that there are a whole host of shows being put online as well as other musical related media. I must admit I haven't watched loads but I thoroughly enjoyed Eugenius! and Jane Eyre. Also, Encore on Disney+ is my new guilty pleasure! I'm really looking forward to the future National Theatre productions that are streamed (fingers crossed for Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour) and it's great that there's so much on offer.

Concerts: As well as all the wonderful shows, there's been a load of streamed and recorded concerts. The Leave The Light On series is an excellent showcase of performers resilience and talent and also a wonderful way to sneakily snoop in people's houses, which we all secretly want to do! All the creative initiatives have been lovely to see, with Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton's release of Grounded their concert recorded live in their living room, proving a real favourite with the Bat fans! It's all just GREAT!

Q&As: This just seems like the most brilliant time to gain all the inside knowledge on this wonderful community we're part of and that's been easy to do thanks to the plethora of interviews being made available online. FYI I'm about to hit you with a self-plug... I recently started a podcast called Beyond The Boards with my friend (and amazing performer) Stephanie Rojas and we've been doing an interview series called Beyond the Isolation on our instagram. It's all about how creatives are thriving during this time and I've learnt some great things and felt very inspired.

Quizzes: If there's anything I've learnt during this lockdown, it's that I love a quiz! I can't even tell you how many I've taken part in but there are so many on offer and they're so fun! On Monday I took part in The Other Palace's theatre quiz and it was not only entertaining and informative, but was also a brill way of feeling part of the theatre community again. 

Baking: Okay so on the whole my baking has not been specifically theatre related but I feel like it's kind of automatically stagey 'cause it's near impossible to get your ingredients out without bursting into a Waitress number. I did make a pie inspired by the show the other day and it actually turned out pretty well so if you fancy whipping one up, I'll attach my video here. But yeah, baking is just real relaxing, just don't go Sweeney Todd to make it stagey!


So there are a few of my pandemic hobbies! I'm continually amazed at how well our community have come together to create and inform during this time and it can only make us stronger in the end! If you have any stagey ways that you're keeping entertained, let me know in the comments or on social media!

In saying all of this, it's also totally fine to do nothing during this time, you don't have to be working and grinding. Just do what calms you, what makes you happy and what you want to do. In a way we've been blessed with this time so use it however on earth you want!

Stay safe and stay stagey,
Olivia x

Lockdown but make it Stagey | 7 Ways To Be Theatrical During a Pandemic

Saturday 18 April 2020

Wednesday 15 April 2020

Laura Cassidy's Walk of Fame, Alan McMonagle | Book Review


Laura Cassidy's Walk of Fame by Alan McMonagle
Published: 5th March 2020 by Picador, Pan Macmillan
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

As a theatre fan (note: obsessive), I was thrilled when I was asked to review this book all about one young lady's journey to achieve her dream of stardom. Now it was not exactly what I expected. I had pictured Laura taking part in a rom-com esque battle to fight opposing actresses and pull out all the stops to achieve a coveted space on stage, and whilst that is a part of the story, the real driving force is Laura's mental struggles and falsely inflated sense of ego and stardom.

During childhood, when Laura's mother and sister were asleep, her father would fill her head with dreams of stardom as they watched classic films. When her father dies, Laura's whole life turns upside down and she never recovers from the trauma. Now in her mid 20s she hasn't managed to take Hollywood by storm and she lives an unbalanced life.

When a new Director comes to town, Laura thinks she will finally get her big break as Blanche DuBois in his new production of A Streetcar Named Desire. In an attempt to fulfil herself and make her father proud, she makes it her mission to land the role.


Needless to say, things don't go quite to plan. With Laura's globetrotting sister returning home and her kind-of boyfriend helping fill her head with daydreams, Laura begins a downward spiral and her feet fall out from beneath her in her own personal, Galway version of Streetcar.

I can't say this is in my top reads ever, but there's certainly some good moments and it's a very unique way to portray mental health. It's a hard book to explain because it doesn't really fit into a category. There are elements of contemporary chic-lit as well as darker moments, but it's never really dark enough to really be affective. Laura is continually an unreliable narrator so it's difficult to know how we should react. This partly makes it entertaining, having to try and pull apart the characters motivations and truth of her stories, but a lot of the time it feels laborious.

I found the writing somewhat hard to get into, which in part I think is intentional as it shows Laura's fragmented thought patterns, however, this didn't make it the most well paced book. The character development of course is essential but due to this, the key plot points often feel rammed in.


However, in saying all of this, I certainly think McMonagle has done a great job of showcasing passion for performing, and effectively creates some humourous scenes. There's a lovely sense of optimism throughout and you can't help but admire Laura's fervent desire to get her name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

Review by Olivia Mitchell

{AD PR Product- book gifted in exchange for honest review}

Laura Cassidy's Walk of Fame, Alan McMonagle | Book Review

Wednesday 15 April 2020

Tuesday 14 April 2020

Keep Up Your Craft in Lockdown | Online Theatre Classes

We may be confined to our homes but thankfully the theatre community are coming together to create an abundance of online resources and classes to keep us entertained, fit and ready for our return to the real world... whenever that may be.

I've complied a list of some of these classes and activities which may peak your interest…


Musical Theatre

West End Bootcamp are providing Monday masterclasses at 7pm. These include choreographed routines, vocal classes performing arts masterclasses. Classes are £7.50 for 75 minutes and can be booked by emailing theteam@westendbookcamps.com (Insta: @westendbootcamp)

Pros From The Shows, directed by Layton Williams, are giving daily 30 minute workshops with 15 minute Q&As at the end. The workshops are run on a pay-what-you-can basis and have so far featured Marisha Wallace, Lucie Jones, Liam Mower and many more. To book, email info@prosfromtheshows.com (Insta: @prosfromtheshows)

London Singer Studio have free classes at 11am each day, focussing on all aspects of singing and vocal health. (Insta: @londonsingerstudio)

Kreate Academy are providing dance classes, challenges, live q and a’s and so much more. All their classes are free and there’s a whole variety to choose from. (Insta: @kreateacademyofperformingarts)

The Sing Space have a mixture of paid and free regular classes with industry professionals. These include breathing workshops and West End Fit classes. They also have free daily singing warm ups with West End vocal coach, Rachel Lynes, each morning at 10.30. Many of the classes take place on Zoom or Facebook at The Sing Space Singer’s Hub (Insta: @thesingspace)

MT Livestreamers is a group of musical theatre students who are teaching a variety of Instagram live classes, from tap to relaxation, MT and Bollywood. (Insta: @mt_livestreamers)

Live Stream Arts Fitness are providing a vast timetable of fitness and MT classes which are all free. Most take place on Instagram live, with some on YouTube, Facebook and Zoom. (Insta: @livestreamartsfitness)

Lockdown Live London hosts a daily 6pm workout with a West End star; these have include the Queens of Six, Kelly Mathieson, Sarah O Connor and Jonathan Bailey. They take place on instagram live and stay up for 24 hours. (@lockdownlivelondon)

Broadway Weekends at Home is a hub for all things MT and all the classes are free. All classes are taught by Broadway and West End Performers and there are ones for all ages. (Facebook: Broadway Weekends at Home)


Dance

Magnetic Movement are offering a whole timetable of weekly classes from industry professionals. From beginners tap to pilates and advanced jazz there's something for everyone. The classes take part live on Facebook and Instagram and there are also tutorials on the Instagram page. (Insta: @mageneticmovement_1)

LaDuca Shoes have a host of classes and Q&As, including musical theatre jazz, contemporary and ballet. (Insta: @laducashoesuk)

Sharpe Academy have daily instagram live routines, fitness classes and audition workshops with industry professionals. These have included a Six routine with Vicki Manser and a ballet barre masterclass with Bradley Shelver. (Insta: @sharpeacademy)

MXM have dance classes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night and some children’s morning classes. They are 1 hour technique and routine classes which take place on instagram. (Insta: @mxmasterclass)

CLI Studios have regular live class events with renowned choreographers. Most classes are Intermediate/Advanced and are mainly Hip-Hop and contemporary. For any fans of The Ellen Show, this Sunday (19th) features a class with Twitch! (Insta: @clistudios)

Debbie Allen (Fame, Greys Anatomy) is holding weekly dance classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays (Insta: @therealdebbieallen) as well as offering Zoom classes through her dance academy, more information is available on www.debbieallendanceacademy.com

Capezio are offering a big timetable of instagram classes, with Body Conditioning, Locking and Tapping and Commercial just some of what’s available. (Insta: @capezio)


Ballet Specific

Tierney Heap is a current member of the Royal Ballet and a Bloch influencer, she is holding Instagram live classes on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10.30. (Insta: @tierneyheap)

Sander Blommaert is a former Royal Ballet dancer and is holding classes at 11am each morning on Instagram live. (Insta: @sanderblommaert)

Charise Logan (Renouf) is running barre focussed classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10.30. (Insta: @charise_renouf_)

Sarah Du-Feu is running a whopping 18 Instagram live classes a week suitable for all ages with a mixture of basic and intermediate classes. (Insta: @theballetcoach)

Russian Pointe Brand are running classes for all levels on their instagram, including flexibility and pilates classes. (Insta: @russianpointebrand)


Q&As/Masterclasses

Beyond the Boards is a new theatre podcast which is holding weekly Q&As with performers about their advice for thriving and surviving during lockdown. Previous guests have included Arun Blair-Mangat, Richard Carson and Genesis Lynea. (Insta: @beyondtheboardspod)

SingEasy have launched the SingEasy Diaries where they chats to special guests each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm. Guests include Jodie Steele, Amy Hart and Jai McDowall. (Insta: @singeasywestend)

London Theatre Direct are hosting Q&As, takeovers, bake-alongs and more, with stars of the West End in their Stagey Lockdown. (Instagram: @londontheatredirect)

The Showbiz Clinic run by dancer and choreographer Xena Gusthart is currently doing a series called Pivot Through a Pandemic which is £5 a session and takes place Monday's at 10am. There are also free one to one's available as well as live instagram Q&As. (Insta: @theshowbizclinic)

Stage One have begun a series on online webinars with industry professionals. They take place on Zoom and participants have the chance to ask questions as well as hear stories and advice. (Insta: @stageonenewprod)


There are so many more classes than this but these are just some of the ones on my radar. If you know of anymore, please let me know and I’ll keep this list as updated and comprehensive as possible.

Stay safe and stay stagey!




Keep Up Your Craft in Lockdown | Online Theatre Classes

Tuesday 14 April 2020

Monday 24 February 2020

Zorro, Cadogan Hall | Review


Zorro
Cadogan Hall
Reviewed on Sunday 23rd February 2020 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★

Fiery, Latin, wacky, soulful and brilliant, Zorro made a triumphant return to London last night, 12 years after its West End premiere. The story of Diego De La Vega who becomes the illusive Fox aka Zorro, to save his town from the tyrannical reign of his childhood friend Ramon, is the classic good vs evil that can't help but invest you with its sincerity and heart of gold. Add to this a score by the Gipsy Kings and a fantastic cast and you've got a great night on your hands.

The plot is wafer thin but in this concert setting, we really had the chance to go beyond that to focus on the fantastic Spanish music and the wonderful characterisation from the whole cast. Even in a full setting, I would imagine that the self-awareness of this show, means you can pretty much overlook the plot faults and just enjoy it for what it is- a heap of fun! There are many 'deep' moments peppered throughout the production, but they're equally balanced with camp humour and wit which lighten the tone and allow us to go on a pretty much carefree journey.

Ricardo Afonso was incredibly convincing and powerful as Zorro/Diego, giving a completely marvellous vocal performance and enrapturing the audience of Cadogan Hall. Delightfully tongue in cheek, with a great balance of sincerity, swagger and playfulness, there's not much more you could ask for from the debonair hero. In great contrast, Robert Tripolino was truly evil as the rapacious ruler Ramon and completely commanded the stage in every moment. Zubin Varla and Jo Parsons, gave solid performances and it's just a shame we didn't get the chance to see and hear more from them.


The love interest Luisa was performed with tenderness by Emma Williams, who revived her West End role and showcased her vocal dexterity, namely in her touching rendition of The Man Behind the Mask.

Also reviving her (Olivier Award Winning) role, was Lesli Margherita who deservedly garnered much applause as the vivacious, smouldering gypsy Inez. Lesli's rendition of Bamboleo will be a memorable moment for everyone at Cadogan Hall and we can only hope she'll be back on London soil soon!

Under the baton of Freddie Tapner, the LMTO orchestra brought vibrant energy to the Hall, with exceptional guitar and percussion woven throughout the entire score. The foot stomping music was fully realised thanks to Paul Smith's sound design which was wonderfully balanced and showcased every single performer and musician brilliantly.

Entertaining and enthusiastic, Zorro was a perfect way to spend a Sunday. Hopefully the rapturous reception is enough to bring this musical back to London very soon. Viva el Zorro!

photo credit: Darren Bell

Zorro, Cadogan Hall | Review

Monday 24 February 2020

Wednesday 19 February 2020

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review


Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre 
Reviewed on Tuesday 18th February 2020 by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★★

Beautiful opens with music icon, Carole King sitting alone on stage at a piano, singing to a sold out audience at Carnegie Hall. In an instant the piano moves out of view and we are taken to a Brooklyn apartment where a 16 year old Carole, with songs sing sell and dreams to dream, arrives on stage.

It's from here that we follow King through the trials and tribulations of her life from the vivacious teen, to young mother, wife, divorcee and eventually solo Grammy Award winner. From the outset Daisy Wood-Davis is engaging and endearing; giving a performance as Carole which certainly blooms throughout the musical and ends on a high. Her unique Brooklyn accent is strong, and whilst her performance is not always completely convincing, Wood-Davis does a solid job at bringing the legend to life. 

What's impressive about this musical is how cleverly the scenes transition from the song-writing to the actual performances. The famous artists appear to perform the songs as the final lyrics and chords are written and highlight just how fast the music world moves. At times, some of the ensemble are a little lacklustre in their performances, but it's still nice to get a chance to hear the music of The Shirelles and The Drifters. 


Aside from the music, the show mainly focusses on the relationship between Carole and her husband/lyricist Gerry Goffin. Played by Adam Gillan, Gerry is equal parts endearing, fragile and gushy. His vocals are strong and the chemistry between the pair, especially in the young love phase at the start, is very enjoyable to watch. We also see writing rivals/best friends Cynthia Weil (Laura Baldwin) and Barry Mann (Cameron Sharp) who want to succeed in all aspects of their lives. The pair give great vocal performances and bounce off one another well.

Many aspects come together to make this such a wholesome and enjoyable musical, including the excellent set design by Derek McLane which seamlessly transforms the stage and provides a welcoming backdrop for every moment. Alejo Vietti's costumes are also highly detailed and it's great to see how fashions changed as well as the music. Also, giving standout performances are Susie Fenwick as Carole's witty New York mother; Jordan Fox who shines in his vocal moments and Carly Cook who draws the eye throughout and gives an excellently polished performance all round.

A sentimental musical which captures all generations and celebrates the talent and drive of Carole King, and showcases the music industry Beautiful is certainly worth the watch. 

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical plays at the New Victoria Theatre until 22 February and then continues its tour

photo credit: Helen Maybanks

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review

Wednesday 19 February 2020

Thursday 23 January 2020

Sex/Crime, Soho Theatre | Review


Sex/Crime
Soho Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 22nd January 2020 by Jake C Macpherson
★★★

The show opens to a simplistic set draped in plastic sheets and not much else but a single sofa – so many questions were initially made as an audience member as to what was going to happen throughout the next 60 minutes. This added to the complete suspense that was felt from the get go.

The production opens with the sudden entrance of ‘A’ and ‘B’. ‘A’ offers a service to recreate the killings of famous serial killers for the pleasure of random men. Enter ‘B’ who has booked himself in for an ‘authentic experience’ this doesn’t quite turn out to be what he has paid for…

Alexis Gregory, who plays ‘B’ in the production also wrote the show. Combined with the direction of Robert Chevara they have created this dark, new piece of theatre, which at moments is so relatable and humorous for a London audience. Names of well-known London locations are scattered liberally throughout the piece, giving the audience a real sense of place and time. This generally gives an immersive feeling. Gregory has a very unique style of writing and is very straight to the point in what he wants the audience to hear. The cut-throat reality of what is being said is jarring, but at moments feels almost poetic.


Multiple themes are explored throughout the show: the age of social media, violence, sexual fantasies and queerness to name a few. I don’t particularly feel as though all of the themes are easily translated and it is left to the audience to make personal conclusions throughout. But I do feel as though this adds to the performance. The sharp-witted humour often carries the piece and is well received by the entire audience.

Jonny Woo (‘A’), and Alexis Gregory (‘B’) play the two polar opposite characters in acting style and personality. During the show it's clear their relationship grows closer together and finds a balance between their emotional states. Both Woo and Gregory work well to hold an entire audiences’ engagement and towards the end, the audience do begin to connect with both characters. The chemistry between them was clear from the moment they entered the stage, and they both remain strong throughout.

It's hard to imagine this show re-staged in a bigger venue, as the Soho Theatre really offers a sense of intimacy and the tension of the piece really translates well in a black box studio Theatre. In essence Sex/Crime is a vulnerable and intimate piece of theatre which tackles the fetish of sexual violence in a modern society.

SEX/CRIME runs at the SOHO Theatre until 1st February 2020

photo credit: Matt Spike

Sex/Crime, Soho Theatre | Review

Thursday 23 January 2020

Friday 10 January 2020

Once (UK Tour), Fairfield Halls | Review


Once (UK Tour)
Fairfield Halls
Reviewed on Thursday 9th January 2020 by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★★★

Embarking on a UK tour, Once tells the story of Girl meeting Guy. He, is a Dublin busker on the brink of walking away from music after having his heart broken and feeling unheard in a bustling world; whilst, she is a force for change who exudes positivity from the moment their worlds collide. In the space of a few days, their lives become beautifully connected and changed forever. The musical is an evocative piece, which slowly creeps up on you to warm, break and soothe your heart in equal measures. It's a love letter to music and identity that deserves to be seen and heard.

Emma Lucia is a certified star as Girl, as she gives an assured performance, filled with warmth, vulnerability, encouragement and love. Girl is married to an unseen man who walked out on her, and has a daughter who has her heart. Lucia's incredibly truthful performance is outstanding from start to finish, as are her vocals which ring out with a clarity and strength that utterly absorbs the audience. Alongside her, Daniel Healy is perfect as Guy. His angst fuelled performance of Leave opens the show with the grit, intensity and honesty which courses through it until the end. Healy's musical performances are highly impressive as he shows exceptional vocal control.

The music is just beautiful, with so many breathtaking moments. Much of Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová's music does not in fact move the plot along, but each piece perfectly evokes the feelings and emotions of the Dublin setting and the characters living there. The musical synchronicity between the entire cast is second to none, with every member completely connecting to one another as they tell a story about music and humanity. The exceptional ensemble work is showcased throughout, but is especially striking during the reprisal of Gold, where every breath, pause and inflection feels as though they're coming from a single body as opposed to a group of individuals. This is just one of many magical moments which make this musical so special and affecting.



Libby Watson
's set almost looks like a painting when we first see it. Staying as a pub throughout, small items are brought on to signal when the action changes location. A tool desk for the hoover shop, a microphone for the recording studio and a bed for the bedroom are just some of these details. The whole thing feels cosy, like a tale that's been handed down through generations is being told over a drink- a real hug of a show. It's really incredible how Peter Rowe has directed a production that feels so intimate despite the size of the theatre it's housed in.

Amongst the vast deep moments of the plot, there are also some extremely humourous aspects which evoke the highs and lows of everyday life excellently. Girl and Guy's friends scatter the story with moments of reality. There's Reza, confidently played by Ellen Chivers: trouser ripping Svec, (Lloyd Gorman) who is hilarious; Andrej who is the embodiment of optimism accompanied by the divine voice of James William-Pattison; and Dan Bottomley as the music shop owner who longs to feel needed. The supporting characters bring some of the most profound moments through their reactions to Guy and Girl's music. Both the bank manager (Samuel Martin) and recording engineer Eamon (Matthew Burns) start out nonchalant but are so transformed by what they hear that they completely change their views and become wholly invested. The power of music is obviously evident in every fibre of Once and it's joyous to see.

The audience can't hep but be attentive throughout as Once has the magical ability to completely wrap them up and take them on a journey that is pure and delicate. Of course this a show about music, but what's even more magical is how spectacularly the entire team make the most out of silence. Each pause feels completely natural but intentional at once as an atmosphere like no other is formed. This is a complete delight of a musical that must be experienced. It's not jazz hands and drama, but instead, is melancholic, unashamedly romantic and wholeheartedly wonderful.

Details about the Once Tour can be found here

photo credit: Mark Senior

Once (UK Tour), Fairfield Halls | Review

Friday 10 January 2020

Friday 13 December 2019

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Pantomime), Richmond Theatre | Review


Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Panto)
Richmond Theatre 
Reviewed on Thursday 12th December 2019 by Nicola Louise
★★★★

It seems like yesterday I was sent to review my first pantomime, but here we are again a year later. This time its Snow White at Richmond Theatre where the stars are big and -evident from the multitude of advertising and glitzy theatrical splendour- so is the budget!

We all know the story of Show White and how she was ordered to die at the hands of her evil stepmother; and this story is no different even if it does start a little unusually. Prince Harry arrives at the palace where Snow White is due to celebrate her 21st birthday, as childhood sweethearts they’re drawn to each other once again after having been apart for so long.

James Darch is great as the charming Prince Harry, with a pantomime hero look about him. Mia Starbuck is as sweet as Snow White can be, with her flowing black hair and porcelain skin she glows with beauty and shines when she sings. Panto’s by nature are a bit cheesy, especially with the panto prince, however, this isn't the case with Richmond’s production. Both Snow and Harry are not your typical panto hero’s, some may say this won’t do but as a lover of panto’s for many years, I felt this gives it an edge above the others.

Jason Sutton as the dame is as funny as ever, along with John Clegg  as played Muddles, the son. The pair are a great double act who bounce off each other with chemistry that sparks on stage.

Some may remember Clegg from Britain’s Got Talent where he wow’d audiences with his talent for impressions and it isn’t hard to see why. Clegg's rendition of ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ where he portrays a range of different characters is something I did not expect, and is an excellent moment in the production.


Each year Richmond has a big name to draw people in to it's festive offering, this year its Jo Brand as the evil Queen Lucretia. As funny as she is, her incredibly dry humour often feel misplaced within the tone of this panto. However, Brand's ‘I don’t care’ attitude brings something new to the show and is certainly entertaining. The director and producers have clearly worked around Brand's lack of singing talent and focused more on her wit, a stellar choice on their part.

Like all Pantos, there's a mish mash of popular music, in this case Ed Sheeran amongst others. Some songs seem out of place and a bit cliché, as if the writers are trying to reach out to the teenagers in the crowd, so to say ‘look, we’re hip as well’.

With a talented bunch of actors and great performances from the 7 men who portrayed the Dwarfs, (this year Richmond opted for tall actors rather than go for actual Dwarfs), this show protrudes enough sweetness and glitter than you can shake a stick at.

Fun for all the family and even the little ones get involved at the end.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is running at Richmond Theatre until Sunday 5th January 2020

photo credit: Craig Sugden

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Pantomime), Richmond Theatre | Review

Friday 13 December 2019

Thursday 28 November 2019

Rigoletto, New Victoria Theatre (Glyndebourne Tour 2019) | Review


Rigoletto
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 27th November 2019 by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★★

Surprisingly this is the first time Rigoletto has been part of Glyndebourne's rep but Christiane Lutz's radical rewrite definitely proves a welcome addition. Verdi's dramatic revenge tragedy based on Victor Hugo's play is full of emotion and provides great opportunities for stand out performances.

Rigoletto, the hunchbacked jester, seeks revenge on his employer, the Duke of Mantua for generally being a bit of a jerk, but mainly for kidnapping and seducing his daughter, whom he has protected and kept hidden for most of her life. There are disguises, storms and in the end it's Rigoletto who loses the most. 

In Lutz's production, the plot has been transferred from 16th-century Mantua to 1930s Hollywood, where a hunchback-less Rigoletto has become Charlie Chaplin and his vicious employer the Duke, is a movie director. In this version the opening scene features courtier Monterone's daughter committing suicide seemingly due to the way the Duke (encouraged by Rigoletto) took advantage of her and then tossed her aside. She leaves behind a baby daughter Gilda whom Rigoletto adopts, but not before both he and the Duke are cursed by the distraught courtier. What follows in a 17 year gap and an incestuous relationship (neither the Duke or Gilda ever find out they are in fact father and daughter), envisaged by neither Hugo or Verdi. 


Overall the changes are mostly effective but the plots feels much more complicated than necessary and it's hard to follow the various relationships, with the end of act one leaving many audience members scratching their heads. The whole added dynamic of Gilda and the Duke proves less compelling and more confusing. That's not to say this production doesn't work and the modernised setting is very effective, but some of the changes feel too dramatic to have not been resolved by the end of the opera.

However, the singers are top notch and this is an opera worth visiting purely for the drama and intensity of the score. At this performance, Nikoloz Lagvilava was unwell so the role of Rigoletto was sung by Michael Druiett and walked on stage by Jofre Carabén van der Meer. Duiett gave an outstanding vocal performance which resonated beautifully and conveyed every emotion exceptionally. Having the role acted separately was actually extremely effective, with Jofre almost taking on the role of a silent movie star against the film set background from Christian Tabakoff. This added a new element to the opera and in a way, let Gilda shine throughout. 

As Gilda, Vuvu Mpofu achieves great success in her vulnerable performance and her top register soars elegantly. Matteo Lippi's resilient Duke is surprisingly charismatic despite his flawed personality and is entertaining throughout.

Despite being somewhat hard to follow, this is a strong production with great theatrical elements, that are entertaining and superbly performed.

Rigoletto, New Victoria Theatre (Glyndebourne Tour 2019) | Review

Thursday 28 November 2019