Posts with the label theatre
Showing posts with label theatre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label theatre. Show all posts
Thursday 2 March 2023
Shirley Valentine, Duke of York's Theatre | Review
Shirley Valentine
Duke of York's Theatre
★★★★★
From the audience at the Duke of York's Theatre, it's clear that Shirley Valentine is a much loved story and after seeing Sheridan Smith's performance, I think it's only going to receive further love and praise. The one woman show follows disillusioned mother and wife Shirley as she reminisces on her "unused life" and wonders how she can really find herself and her happiness again. The show is a glorious manifesto on being a woman and is so incredibly moving in all the best ways. It celebrates the small things and highlights hardships so many people go through in such a seamless and engaging way. You truly couldn't ask for more.
Sheridan Smith has had many star turns in her career and is a hugely celebrated actress for good reason and this production completely hammers that home. Smith is completely born for this role, giving into it and making the audience feel like she's truly lived the life she talks about; and also making the audience feel like they've lived it with her. There's no way to not sound overly gushy, because Sheridan is just that good; her performance is an absolute dream and truly couldn't be better.
Watching this show, it's quite amazing to realise that, without being condescending, it was written by a man. Willy Russell has completely nailed the female spirit and the entire script feels incredibly natural. For a show written over thirty years ago, it remains as fresh and sadly relevant as ever.
Paul Wills' set is completely fitting for the story and allows the story to shine, almost becoming a character of its own, especially given the personification of the kitchen wall. The simplistic staging works perfectly as does the gorgeous lighting design from Lucy Carter. Understated lighting changes parallel the emotions Shirley is feeling and work well to really emphasise the most emotive moments.
What's so wonderful about this show, and I'm sure why it resonates with so many, is that it's all about a normal person. There's no larger than life drama or swooping romantic relationships, instead there's a genuine character discussing real life issues. In a way it's sad that so many can relate to Shirley's feelings but hopefully this show will help people realise that they are not alone and that your life, however small it may feel, is a glorious, stage worthy one too!
Under Matthew Dunster's excellent direction, with Sheridan Smith at her absolute best, this is perhaps one of the most grounded and well performed productions in the West End and I just wish everyone could see it. Stunning, stunning work.
Photo Credit: John Wilson
Reviewed on Saturday 25th February 2023 by Olivia Mitchell
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Tuesday 28 February 2023
Oklahoma, Wyndham's Theatre | Review
Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma
Wyndham's Theatre
★★★★
One of the most exciting and invigorating productions of recent time, Oklahoma at the Wyndham's theatre is truly a spectacle of theatre which uses a number of engaging elements to transform this old school show, into something which feels fresh and bracing.
Directed by Daniel Fish, the reimagined musical has lot of interesting moments and is a deliberately unsettling and provocative piece of theatre. This is a show which delivers some interesting social commentaries and has been updated to be relevant for contemporary audiences. As a commentary on mob mentality and societal positions, it's very effective and well done; and the plot/character change to the end completely turns the show on its head and leaves the audience to draw its own conclusions on right and wrong- a very impressive ending.
Among the changes, are those to the score which is totally switched up from how it's classically been heard. Daniel Kluger's arrangements allow the music to soar in a completely different way and make it sound as though it was written today. Hearing it like this, it's quite unbelievable that this is one of the first ever book musicals and even more so that it feels so relatable. One of the biggest differences is the vocal style of leading lady Anoushka Lucas as Laurey who in contrast to the usual soprano performance, sings the songs like the singer/songwriter she is; and really grounds the music in reality. Alongside Arthur Darvill who also plays the guitar on stage, there is an incredible level of vulnerability and angst shown throughout.
The rest of the cast are astounding and do an excellent job of interpreting the musical in their own way. As Ado Annie Georgina Onuorah is incredibly witty as well as being a vocal powerhouse, her rendition of I Can’t Say No is an absolute stand out and highlight of the show. Liza Sadovy is a powerful presence on stage and gives Aunt Eller a lot more autonomy than usual, especially in her romantic endeavours. As Will Parker James Patrick Davis is gloriously clueless whilst Stavros Demetraki is his own worst enemy. There's also a moving section with the dream sequence dance which Marie-Astrid Mence performs excellently. You couldn't ask for a better gelled, and talented cast.
Whilst there are humourous moments, the show could lean into the comedy more and have some more ramped up moments. The subdued moments work very well and the tension is continually built up but there aren’t any hugely contrasting moments of joy. The cast are unanimously strong but due to the stylistic choices of the show, there’s rarely a truly positively moment and at times it feels like the cast are constrained by the intense nuance and darkness.
The use of lighting (Scott Zielinski) is one of the most effective and exciting parts of the show. Beginning with the house lights up and the whole audience in plain view, the sudden changes to an eerie green hue and later on full blackouts, have an amazing influence on the story and how the audience feel about the characters. It’s quite incredible how a small lighting change can completely subvert a song and show it, both literally and figuratively, in a new light. The initial blackout which features Curly (Arthur Darvill) and Jud (Patrick Vaill) creates a theatrical atmosphere like no other. In a sort of asmr style moment, the full darkness, with even the fire exit signs turned off, means you can’t help but focus completely on the actor’s voices as they boom out via handheld mics. The already tense scene becomes completely unnerving for the audience and is a theatrical moment that will stay with audiences for a long time.
This is a very different Oklahoma to the one your grandparents know so you may want to consider that before booking (especially if planning on taking children) but for the boldness and pure invigoration that this show brings, it’s definitely worth seeing. A non-traditional production which is jarringly dark, Oklahoma will give you a theatrical experience like no other and is a stunning addition to the West End.
Reviewed on Saturday 25th February
photo credit: Marc Brenner
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Tuesday 21 February 2023
Sister Act (Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Sister Act (Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 20th February 2023
★★★★
If you're looking for a great night out, look no further than Sister Act. It's a heat-warming show that doesn't take itself particularly seriously, while also boasting a wonderfully talented cast and songs that'll have you dancing in your seat. The musical has got something for everybody and certainly feels like bang for your buck.
Based on the iconic Whoopi Goldberg film, Sister Act tells the story of wannabe singer Deloris Van Cartier (Sandra Marvin) as she's hidden away for protection in a nunnery by Mother Superior (Lesley Joseph) after witnessing her gangster boyfriend (Jeremy Secomb) kill someone. It's a riotously funny show which thrives on excellent characterisation and really cohesive staging.
Leading the show, Sandra Marvin has star quality and seems to get more and more comfortable in the role as the show progresses. Vocally she is really strong and does brilliantly at developing her character throughout and clearly has the magnetism needed in a role like this. Lizzie Bea really does the character of Sister Mary Robert justice and gives and incredibly sweet performance, which of course is vocally outstanding. There's a not much emotional development throughout the show so Lizzie never truly gets to connect with the audience but her performance is still a touching one. As the policeman Steady Eddie, Clive Rowe is lovely to watch and has some moments which border on emotional, if never quite peaking. His solo number is vocally perfect and a real standout of the show. However, there is a slight lack of nuance to his whole characterisation which means the audience never get a chance to truly root for him.
That being said, this is a still a completely enjoyable show and the cast perform Alan Menken's disco score with great energy. The individual personalities of each nun really shine and there are some proper laugh out loud moments.
Morgan Large's set literally frames the show perfectly and Tim Mitchell's lighting transforms the space into a party within moments. It's an incredibly cohesive show which is so sleek that it allows you to bask in the joy its feel-good fabulousness throughout.
Sister Act is an utterly crowd-pleasing musical which often ascends the superficial and has some thoroughly pleasing moments. There could be some more heart and a little more development of character motives to give everything a touch more impetus, but as a whole it's a Nun-derful treat of a night out that's worth a late bedtime.
photo credit: Manuel Harlan
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Monday 20 February 2023
Bag Yourself a Bargain This London Theatre Week | ad
*this post contains sponsored content*
There's one thing better than the theatre, and that's the theatre at an affordable price. Well thanks to London Theatre week, you can snap up an absolute bargain. From the 20th February to the 5th March, tickets are on offer for £15, £25, £35 or £45 which means there's something for many budgets.
What's great about these offers is that you can see something which might otherwise but out of budget. Hugely popular shows such as Matilda, Book of Mormon, The Lion King and Wicked are available at these discounted prices, so it's the perfect time to check them off your list. London Box Office aim to include all West End shows so there's certain to be one for you, or even better, this is the ideal time to buy a gift for someone else without breaking the bank!
The shows available include: Back to the Future: The Musical, Wicked, Disney's The Lion King, Disney's Frozen the Musical, TINA - The Tina Turner Musical, Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman: The Musical, Newsies, OKLAHOMA!, Mamma Mia!, Crazy For You, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Mousetrap, Matilda the Musical, Grease The Musical, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Book of Mormon, The Great British Bake Off, Groundhog Day, Peaky Blinders: The Rise, Only Fools and Horses The Musical, Sylvia, Jersey Boys, We Will Rock You, Bat Out of Hell, Witness for the Prosecution, The SpongeBob Musical, George Takei's Allegiance, The Choir of Man, Bonnie & Clyde, Heathers The Musical, Cinderella in-the-round, 42nd Street, Symphony of Sorrowful Songs - English National Opera, The Dead City - English National Opera, The Rocky Horror Show, The Walworth Farce, Windfall, Titus Andronicus, Brilliant Jerks and more...
So Honey Whatcha Waiting For? Get searching and grab yourself a ticket for your favourite (or soon to be favourite) show. With tickets for over 60 shows with London Theatre Week, available for a limited time only, there really isn't a better time to book! Happy stagey days!
No Limits, Turbine Theatre | Review
Turbine Theatre
Reviewed on Friday Friday 17th February 2023
★★★
Currently playing at the Turbine Theatre, No Limits, a song cycle by Sam Thomas is a number of vignettes of millennial/gen z life which are uniformly well performed but sometimes lack enough depth to really make them pop.
That’s not to say the show is bad at all, but there are a few songs which don’t quite pack a punch and you’re left wanting just a bit more. As a song cycle, cohesion isn’t necessarily expected but I do think this piece could be elevated by having a bit of a through line to hold it all together and guide its journey so it’s a bit less of a mish-mash of individual stories.
However, as performances go, you truly couldn’t ask for more than those that this cast provide. The five strong ensemble give impeccable vocals.
Hannah Lowther (#Catfish) is masterful in her nuanced facial expressions, which convey so much emotion through the tiniest movements. She’s a vocal athlete who sounds completely in control at all times and is an absolute dream to watch and hear. Playing the #Fighter Michael Mather has some fantastically strong vocal moments, especially when bringing his rockstar dreams to life. As #Dreamer Natalie Paris is the embodiment of a star. With a tone that is buttery and riffs for days, her vocals are enough to rival anyone in the top 40 and she provides some of the most moving performances of the evening. Mary Moore (#Funemployed) really gets a chance to shine in this show and it’s a treat to see. She not only gives a brilliant vocal performance but is also incredibly witty and they also have excellent chemistry with all the other performers. Owen Clayton as #Romantic is the perfect compliment to the cast and is sweetly endearing in their performance and once again serves killer vocals throughout.
It's particularly impressive how well the five person cast use the small space of the Turbine stage. Thanks to Justin Williams' sleek set and Rhys Wilkinson's great movement direction, it never feels like they're on top of one another (except when necessary!) and the whole thing flows very well.
Alex Musgraves' lighting helps to elevate each song, for example transforming the space into a comedy club vibe for one number, and Richard Carter's sound design makes the piece feel intimate and personal.
No Limits is sickly sweet at times but overall its an ode to positivity and the importance of your own stories. It's not groundbreaking but it's a really good night out with an absolutely wonderful cast.
photo credit: Danny Kaan
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Friday 17 February 2023
The King and I (Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 16th February 2022
★★★★
A gem of classic musical theatre, The King and I is in top form as it embarks on a sparkling UK tour. brimming with humour and character growth, Bartlett Sher's production is a less menacing version of the show which still provides all you could ask for in a night out at the theatre.
Rodgers and Hammerstein's score is the beating heart of the musical and truly stands the test of time; with stunning overtures and a whole array of musical treats, it’s wonderful to hear such a full and charging score played so well, especially for a touring production with only 11 musicians. Under Christopher Mundy’s musical direction, there’s not a moment of the score which lacks. At times there is a slight lack of balance between the physical instruments and the vocals but this is a minor flaw in a majorly good musical experience.
As English school teacher, Helen George is brilliantly charming, making it clear why the kingdom fall so in love with her. There are moments where her vocals lack oomph and words are occasionally lost but overall her portrayal of Mrs Anna is sugary sweet. To balance, Darren Lee is commanding as the King of Siam and frequently borders the line between scary and kind, but never quite shows a really terrifying wrath. What works well is the excellent chemistry between Lee and George, who from their very first interaction create a frisson of energy which flows throughout the whole piece. The pair bounce off one another so well and have an incredibly natural banter which is really great to watch.
Marnienella Phillips is a complete standout as Tuptim. Her vocal performance is so well supported and her evident classical training really fits the piece. Phillips also nails the emotional aspect when trying to escape with her forbidden love (the vocal powerhouse Dean John-Wilson). Cezarah Bonner is well rounded as Lady Thiang and Caleb Lagayan has some dynamic moments as Prince Chulalongkorn.
This touring version isn't quite as grand as its West End counterpart which is to be expected, but it still manages to boast some great set (Michael Yeargan) pieces which help to bring the sprawling Siam palace Catherine Zuber's costumes are very reminiscent of the time period and really move well on stage. For example in the iconic Shall We Dance number, Mrs Anna's dress shines in the light (Donald Holder) and looks almost magical.
As touring productions go, The King and I really is the cream of the crop. It's pretty long but not a moment drags and it really is all that's good about old school musical theatre. Entertaining and enchanting, this show is well-worth seeing!
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Wednesday 15 February 2023
Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty (Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 14th February 2023
★★★★
In this spookily spellbinding production, Matthew Bourne entices us into a darkly fantastical world full of fairies and vampires. Bourne's signature spin of surrealism is combined with Tchaikovsky's timeless score to create a twisted ballet that is engaging, if at times lacking in soaring emotion.
Whilst Sleeping Beauty is a much-loved fairytale, if the Disney version is your only reference point, you'll be quite surprised at what takes place on stage. This modern interpretation of an originally medieval tale, toes the line between reality and fantasy and really leans in to the Gothic elements to create a ballet with distinct acts that span centuries and allow for some very interesting moments.
From the outset Lez Brotherston's set takes us to palace which feels eerily perfect and things go from there. Alongside Paule Constable's lighting, the whole show always feels like it's teetering on being a dream (or a nightmare) and you never quite know what's real and what's not.
The show is a real frenzy of drama, with various characters on their own personal journeys, and at times there's a slight lack of fluidity but on the other hand, this chaotic energy does add to the dark, frantic vibes.
As always, Bourne has assembled a stellar cast of dancers who perform both stunning solos and precise ensemble numbers. Katrina Lyndon is stunning in her youthful portrayal of the cursed Princess Aurora, whilst her suitor, Leo, The Royal Gamekeeper is played gloriously by Stephen Murray. The duo work especially well together and really shine in their romantic moments. Paris Fitzpatrick is suitably menacing as Caradoc and is a sort of omnipresent demon overseeing the ballet. Stephanie Billers also gives an emotively strong performance as Queen Eleanor and Daisy May Kemp is also a standout in her role of Miss Maddox.
In the metaverse of Matthew Bourne, this show completes his trio of twisted fairytales, and there's even somewhat of an ode to Swan Lake with the Act Two fairy dance. Whilst it's not the most moving of pieces, it's certainly got some outstanding moments and is a change from the usual takes on a classic story. For something uniquely dark, Sleeping Beauty is well worth a visit.
photo credit: Johan Persson
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Thursday 2 February 2023
Full Tour Cast of Annie Revealed with Craig Revel Horwood, Paul O'Grady and Jodie Prenger and More
Michael Harrison and David Ian are delighted to announce full casting for the forthcoming UK and Ireland tour of their smash hit production of the musical ANNIE opening at Curve, Leicester on Saturday 25 February 2023. Joining the previously announced Craig Revel Horwood and Paul O’Grady, will be Scottish BAFTA winner Elaine C Smith and Jodie Prenger, all starring as ‘Miss Hannigan’ at various venues. Alongside them will be Alex Bourne as Oliver Warbucks, Paul French as Rooster, Amelia Adams as Grace Farrell, and Billie-Kay as Lily St. Regis. The title role of Annie is shared by Zoe Akinyosade, Harlie Barthram and Poppy Cunningham. They are joined by three teams of young performers who play the residents of Miss Hannigan’s orphanage.
Completing the cast will be Emily Barnett-Salter, Alistair Beattie, David Burrows, Sergi Ibanez, Rosalind James, Belle Kizzy Green, Ellie May-Wilson, Martin McCarthy, Phoebe Roberts, Lukin Simmonds, Matthew Sweet, Dawn Williams, and Tommy Wade-Smith.
*Full tour dates, including details of at which venues Craig Revel Horwood, Paul O’Grady, Elaine C Smith and Jodie Prenger star, are in the listings below. www.anniethemusicaltour.uk
Craig Revel Horwood is probably best known as a judge on all 20 series of BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing. He returns to the part of Miss Hannigan having played the role to critical acclaim in this production in both the West End and on tour. His other West End Theatre credits include Munkustrap in Cats, Miss Saigon at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and Harry in Crazy for You at the Prince Edward Theatre. Craig directed and choreographed Strictly Ballroom the Musical which is currently touring the UK and Ireland, and the 2016/17 tour of Sister Act the Musical, as well as the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour. He also choreographed the film Paddington 2.
BAFTA Award winning television, radio and stage star Paul O’Grady returns to Annie having first played the role of Miss Hannigan at the Victoria Palace Theatre in 1998. His other theatre credits include playing the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium and many pantomimes including Cinderella and Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the London Palladium. On television he is best known as the host of ITV’s Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs, Paul O’Grady’s Great British Escape, The Paul O’Grady Show, Channel 4’s Blind Date and BBC One’s Blankety Blank. He is also a highly celebrated writer, having written both autobiographical and fictional books and recently completed a 14 year run as a presenter on BBC Radio 2.
Elaine C Smith is perhaps best known for playing Mary Doll in the BBC comedy Rab C Nesbitt, as well as her role as Christine in the BBC sitcom Two Doors Down, for which she won a Scottish BAFTA for Best Actress in 2018. On stage she consistently headlines major pantomimes, having just finished her 13th year at Glasgow King’s Theatre. She played Cora in the original UK Tour and West End run of Calendar Girls as well as playing Susan Boyle in the UK tour of I Dreamed A Dream which she co-write with Alan McHugh.
Jodie Prenger recently joined ITV’s Coronation Street as Glenda Shuttleworth. Her West End credits include A Taste of Honey at the Trafalgar Studios. Oliver! at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, One Man Two Guvnors at Theatre Royal Haymarket and Spamalot at the Playhouse Theatre. On tour she has appeared in Abigail’s Party, Shirley Valentine, Annie, Fat Friends, Tell Me on A Sunday and Calamity Jane. On television she has appeared in the BBC’s Shakespeare & Hathaway, Years and Years, Casualty and Waterloo Road.
Alex Bourne returns to Annie as Oliver Warbucks, having played the role both in the West End, Toronto and the UK Tour. His other theatre credits include Edna Turnblad in the UK Tour of Hairspray, Sam Carmichael in the UK Tour of Mamma Mia!, Khashoggi in We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre, Billy Flynn in Chicago at the Adelphi Theatre and Lex Hogan in Eugenius! at The Other Palace. On film he can be seen in Sony Pictures’ Cinderella.
Paul French was most recently seen as TinMan/Hickory in The Wizard of Oz at Curve, Leicester. His other theatre credits include Kenickie in Grease at the Dominion Theatre and in the production’s UK Tour and Double J in Saturday Night Fever at the Peacock Theatre. On film he can be seen in Visualize Films’ Tomorrow Morning.
Amelia Adams has most recently been seen in the UK Tour of Friends! The Musical Parody. Her previous theatre credits include Lois Lane/Bianca in Kiss Me, Kate for Welsh National Opera, Mary Delgado in Jersey Boys at the Piccadilly Theatre and on tour, Martha Burelli in The Rat Pack at the Haymarket Theatre and on tour. She has also appeared in the UK Tour of Hairspray and Spamalot both in the West End and on tour.
Billie-Kay recently appeared as Angel in Anything Goes at the Barbican and its UK and Ireland tour. She has also appeared as Dale Tremont in Top Hat at The Mill at Sonning and in 42nd Street at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. On film she has appeared in Disney’s Dis-Enchanted and Beauty and the Beast, and Sony Pictures’ Cinderella.
Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search…
With its award-winning book and score, this stunning production includes the unforgettable songs ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life’, ‘Easy Street’, ‘I Don’t Need Anything But You’ and ‘Tomorrow’.
ANNIE has Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin and a Book by Thomas Meehan. It is directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster with set and costume design by Colin Richmond, choreography by Nick Winston, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Richard Brooker.
The producers of Annie cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Completing the cast will be Emily Barnett-Salter, Alistair Beattie, David Burrows, Sergi Ibanez, Rosalind James, Belle Kizzy Green, Ellie May-Wilson, Martin McCarthy, Phoebe Roberts, Lukin Simmonds, Matthew Sweet, Dawn Williams, and Tommy Wade-Smith.
*Full tour dates, including details of at which venues Craig Revel Horwood, Paul O’Grady, Elaine C Smith and Jodie Prenger star, are in the listings below. www.anniethemusicaltour.uk
Craig Revel Horwood is probably best known as a judge on all 20 series of BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing. He returns to the part of Miss Hannigan having played the role to critical acclaim in this production in both the West End and on tour. His other West End Theatre credits include Munkustrap in Cats, Miss Saigon at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and Harry in Crazy for You at the Prince Edward Theatre. Craig directed and choreographed Strictly Ballroom the Musical which is currently touring the UK and Ireland, and the 2016/17 tour of Sister Act the Musical, as well as the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour. He also choreographed the film Paddington 2.
BAFTA Award winning television, radio and stage star Paul O’Grady returns to Annie having first played the role of Miss Hannigan at the Victoria Palace Theatre in 1998. His other theatre credits include playing the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium and many pantomimes including Cinderella and Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the London Palladium. On television he is best known as the host of ITV’s Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs, Paul O’Grady’s Great British Escape, The Paul O’Grady Show, Channel 4’s Blind Date and BBC One’s Blankety Blank. He is also a highly celebrated writer, having written both autobiographical and fictional books and recently completed a 14 year run as a presenter on BBC Radio 2.
Elaine C Smith is perhaps best known for playing Mary Doll in the BBC comedy Rab C Nesbitt, as well as her role as Christine in the BBC sitcom Two Doors Down, for which she won a Scottish BAFTA for Best Actress in 2018. On stage she consistently headlines major pantomimes, having just finished her 13th year at Glasgow King’s Theatre. She played Cora in the original UK Tour and West End run of Calendar Girls as well as playing Susan Boyle in the UK tour of I Dreamed A Dream which she co-write with Alan McHugh.
Jodie Prenger recently joined ITV’s Coronation Street as Glenda Shuttleworth. Her West End credits include A Taste of Honey at the Trafalgar Studios. Oliver! at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, One Man Two Guvnors at Theatre Royal Haymarket and Spamalot at the Playhouse Theatre. On tour she has appeared in Abigail’s Party, Shirley Valentine, Annie, Fat Friends, Tell Me on A Sunday and Calamity Jane. On television she has appeared in the BBC’s Shakespeare & Hathaway, Years and Years, Casualty and Waterloo Road.
Alex Bourne returns to Annie as Oliver Warbucks, having played the role both in the West End, Toronto and the UK Tour. His other theatre credits include Edna Turnblad in the UK Tour of Hairspray, Sam Carmichael in the UK Tour of Mamma Mia!, Khashoggi in We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre, Billy Flynn in Chicago at the Adelphi Theatre and Lex Hogan in Eugenius! at The Other Palace. On film he can be seen in Sony Pictures’ Cinderella.
Paul French was most recently seen as TinMan/Hickory in The Wizard of Oz at Curve, Leicester. His other theatre credits include Kenickie in Grease at the Dominion Theatre and in the production’s UK Tour and Double J in Saturday Night Fever at the Peacock Theatre. On film he can be seen in Visualize Films’ Tomorrow Morning.
Amelia Adams has most recently been seen in the UK Tour of Friends! The Musical Parody. Her previous theatre credits include Lois Lane/Bianca in Kiss Me, Kate for Welsh National Opera, Mary Delgado in Jersey Boys at the Piccadilly Theatre and on tour, Martha Burelli in The Rat Pack at the Haymarket Theatre and on tour. She has also appeared in the UK Tour of Hairspray and Spamalot both in the West End and on tour.
Billie-Kay recently appeared as Angel in Anything Goes at the Barbican and its UK and Ireland tour. She has also appeared as Dale Tremont in Top Hat at The Mill at Sonning and in 42nd Street at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. On film she has appeared in Disney’s Dis-Enchanted and Beauty and the Beast, and Sony Pictures’ Cinderella.
Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search…
With its award-winning book and score, this stunning production includes the unforgettable songs ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life’, ‘Easy Street’, ‘I Don’t Need Anything But You’ and ‘Tomorrow’.
ANNIE has Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin and a Book by Thomas Meehan. It is directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster with set and costume design by Colin Richmond, choreography by Nick Winston, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Richard Brooker.
The producers of Annie cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
photo credit: Matt Crockett
Wednesday 1 February 2023
My Son's a Queer (But what can you do?), Ambassadors Theatre | Review
Ambassadors Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 1st February 2023 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
Let’s start off by saying that this show is the most joyous and heartfelt 75 minutes I’ve maybe ever experienced in the theatre. Rob Madge has taken the highs and lows of their childhood to create a show which celebrates individuality in the most spectacularly jubilant way.
During lockdown, Rob became an online sensation after sharing their childhood home videos of the shows they’d put on with the help of family, and now these performances have been brought to stage in a flawless way. The show is a manifesto on being authentically who you are, and really couldn't do a better job at highlighting the joy and freedom that the Arts can bring.
There are a number of incredibly poignant parts to the show, especially when Rob discusses the harsh way they were treated growing up by both pupils and teachers. They showcase how incredible their family have been and put forth such a strong message of acceptance. Whilst not everyone may have such a positive experience, the show has the lovely message that found family can be even better than those related by blood and if we all support one another, the world will be a much brighter place.
The great writing (Pippa Cleary), outstanding comedic timing, brilliant direction from Luke Sheppard and insurmountable talent of Rob Madge mean there truly aren’t enough adjectives to describe how moving and entertaining My Son’s a Queer is. Not only is it narratively successful, it also includes some wonderful vocal moments, as well as a spectacular array of costumes by Ryan Dawson Laight and the whole package is faultless; every element just works.
Rob is a natural storyteller and entertainer who has the audience in the palm of their hand from the get go. They'll have your cheeks hurting from laughing and your nose running from crying and it’s all worth it to experience this gem in the crown of brilliant British theatre. My Son's a Queer (But what can you do?) is everything theatre should be.
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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