Posts with the label uk tour
Showing posts with label uk tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label uk tour. Show all posts
Tuesday 4 April 2017
Wonderland (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Wonderland (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 3rd April 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed on Monday 3rd April 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★
I finished performing in Will Todd's opera Alice's Adventures in Wonderland on Friday and have already taken another trip down the rabbit hole to see the UK Tour of Wonderland- I see an Alice theme becoming part of my life!
Frank Wildhorn, composer of one of my favourite musicals Bonnie and Clyde has reworked the Classic tale of Alice into a contemporary story about finding your place in the world. The story follows single mother Alice (Kerry Ellis) who lives in a bleak city with her ridiculously mature daughter Ellie (Naomi Morris). Stuck in a rut after her manipulative ex-husband kicked all her confidence out of her, she seeks a life away from the real world. When a bunny which promises to take her out of her mundane life hops in front of her, it seems like the logical option to follow him down the hole... or lift! Joined by their neighbour Jack (Stephen Webb) they end up in the magical and mysterious Wonderland.
The story is about self-belief and self-discovery and touches on some relevant issues. With Alice saying that "girls need to know that they should value themselves" and the rabbit expressing that "nothing can exist 'til you dream it first", it's sweet and heart warming.
Wonderland itself is bizarre, whimsical, quirky and truly bonkers. With all the well known characters such as the Queen and Hatter popping up throughout. Alice discovers that if she steps through the Looking Glass, she'll come out as a different version of herself. She toys with the idea of stepping through but is skeptical to return to the strong woman she was before.
Kerry Ellis is a star as Alice. Her vocals are faultless as she effortlessly belts out each number. Her stage presence is strong and it's joyful to watch her transformation throughout the show. Alongside Naomi Morris as her strong spirited daughter (who has a striking resemblance in voice and looks to Lilla Crawford) the pair create a lovely duo and a believable chemistry onstage.
For me the standout by far is Natalie McQueen. Her voice is off the charts and her scatty, feisty and extremely mad portrayal of the Hatter completely steals the show. She is compelling throughout and her facial expressions are enough to cure all types of illness!
Wendi Peters embraces the role of the evil Queen of Hearts well, mastering the comedic timing impeccably and showing off her superb singing voice. It's a shame how little time she is on stage as it would be lovely to see her for more than a fleeting moment at a time. Nevertheless, her portrayal is wonderful.
The score is brilliant with wit, pace and just the right amount of craziness but the script is a little weak. At times it feels forced and cringey , with the dialogue not adding much to the show other than filling time. Personally I feel that the overall downfall is that there is not a clear target audience. There are times where it seems better for young adults and adults but others where it's almost pantomime like and seems aimed at very young children. There is a lot of potential but I think there needs to be a little work done to make the show fully solid and fluid.
The music is engaging and enjoyable. The spectacular performers and witty moments make it a really enjoyable show to watch and a fun family night out.
Wonderland is on at the New Victoria Theatre until Saturday April 8th
Thursday 16 March 2017
La Cage Aux Folles (UK Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review
La Cage Aux Folles
★★★★
We're starting to see glimpses of summer but if you need something else to warm and brighten your life then the UK Tour of La Cage Aux Folles is the show for you! The production is high-kicking, glitzy, high energy and feather filled.
The Tony Award winning musical tells the story of Albin and Georges, a couple living idyllically in France. Albin moonlights as the drag star Zaza in the glamourous club: La Cage Aux Folles, which is owned by Georges. Their peaceful existence is put to halt when Georges' son (played by Dougie Carter) announces that he is engaged to Anne, the daughter of a politician: Dindon (Paul F Monaghan), who is against all things homosexual and wants to close down Georges' "den of debauchery"!
This is a story of love, family and individuality. The family struggle to stay as a strong unit whilst trying to change themselves to impress Anne's parents, therefore allowing their son to be happily married.
John Partridge, veteran of the stage, plays the larger than life Albin. Having recently seen John in Chicago, I was extremely impressed at his versatility on stage and ability to transform into someone else completely. The role is demanding both physically and emotionally, with moments of laugh out loud humour, to quiet moments of pin drop silent emotion. John perfectly nails the character, with the the right amount of sincerity and vulnerability to balance the over the top flamboyance.
Partnered with Adrian Zmed as Georges, the pair have a believable and touching relationship which works very well in the theatrical setting. West End legend, Marti Webb also gives a lovely performance as Jacqueline.
Overall the show is full of life, laughs and lunacy. There is enough energy to power London and enough sparkle to give the Chrysler building some serious competition! Every performance is energetic and the production is really a gem! For a fun, carefree night out, be sure to make a visit to La Cage Aux Folles!
La Cage Aux Folles runs at the New Wimbledon theatre until March 18th 2017 before continuing it's tour.
La Cage Aux Folles runs at the New Wimbledon theatre until March 18th 2017 before continuing it's tour.
Tuesday 14 March 2017
Shirley Valentine (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Shirley Valentine
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 13th March 2017 by Glenys Balchin
Reviewed on Monday 13th March 2017 by Glenys Balchin
★★★★★
I am old enough to have seen the Oscar nominated Shirley Valentine film nearly thirty years ago but never the play. Therefore I was not sure whether or not I would enjoy the one woman show without the famous Costas played by Tom Conti in the film. But I was not disappointed. Jodie Prenger shone as brightly as Pauline Collins had thirty years ago as Shirley Valentine.
For the duration of two hours Jodie Prenger marched and swaggered to dominate the stage and all the time cleverly engaging and drawing in her the audience. You totally forgot she was on her own as she brought the other characters to life on stage. I would certainly recommend this show to my friends but with the caveat that they are women of a certain age.
The play itself is about a bored and disillusioned Liverpudlian housewife who is trying to find her identity and get back her “unused life”. Her adventures starts when her best friend invites her to go to Greece on holiday with her. She takes up the offer of a trip as she feels dissatisfied, neglected and ignored by her husband and family, now that her children have flown the nest. She goes to Greece for a two week holiday but decides to stay and as she feels no one would miss her at home.
Don’t be mistaken into thinking this is a Greek tragedy, it is a heartfelt emotional comedy with Jodie Prenger performing with impeccable comedic timing to make you laugh and cry at the same time. Willy Russell is amazing in understanding the psyche and intellect of women. This comedy may have been written three decades ago, 1986 to be exact, but is still just as relevant today, which in a way is a sad thing for me to have say, as you would have thought that we would have moved on. On saying that the age of the leading lady probably would now be older and there certainly are more opportunities for women these days to follow, as long as they have the right encouragement at home.
As for depicting the era I thought the kitchen set was a throwback of my Mum’s kitchen in the eighties when I was growing up so, for me it was a real nostalgic trip down memory lane. I thought it was a good decision to keep to the original decade of when the play was written rather than updating to the current day. The special effect when Jodie Prenger cooks eggs and chips during the play added an authentic touch plus Jodie really knew how to work the kitchen so fully believable.
My only criticism on not depicting the 80’s accurately would be Jodie’s hair which was more the fifties style rather than over permed shaggy haircut or that of the late Lady Diana’s hair style. The music could have been more eighties and when she was in Greece a little bit more Zorba but that may have distracted from the performance.
There is no doubt that Prenger owns the stage and mesmerises her audience with her larger than life personality which carries this revival of Shirley Valentine from the opening to the curtain call. To give an amazing performance like Jodie delivered must be attributed to the way she has been directed by the legendary Glen Walford, who has skilfully nurtured Jodie’s talent to enable her to deliver a fast-paced performance which does not falter nor lose energy from the fast paced monologue.
My first thought of seeing Shirley Valentine is that it would feel out-dated, not funny and never equal the performance of Pauline Collins, so I was very happy to say that I have been proven totally wrong. The Willy Russell script has clearly stood the test of time, and Jodie Prenger was absolutely sensational in the part. It was a great night at the theatre it made me laugh but at the same time I came home thinking about my own “Unused Life”.
If you are a woman of a certain age then this show is a must for you, it will make you laugh, give you great pleasure and happiness a real nostalgic trip back to the eighties.
Shirley Valentine runs at the New Victoria theatre until March 18th 2017 before continuing on its UK Tour
Shirley Valentine runs at the New Victoria theatre until March 18th 2017 before continuing on its UK Tour
Thursday 10 November 2016
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a heartwarming, beautiful and triumphant tour full of joy.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 9th November 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed on Wednesday 9th November 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one of those musicals you feel like you've always known about. You could ask anyone and they'll be able to rattle off the title song without a moments thought. There's just something magical about it that can transport to back to your childhood in a moment. James Brining's production adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams is delightful, enjoyable and exciting to watch. Based on the film of the same name Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tells the story of the struggling inventor Caractacus Potts who is carried away on a magical adventure with his children Jemima and Jeremy.
The production is a very beautiful one indeed, with very clever use of video designed by Simon Wainwright which alongside Simon Higlett's well constructed set design creates a melancholy sort of atmosphere whilst easily transition from scene to scene.
Jason Manford is charming and sweet as Caractacus Potts, bringing his own twist to Dick Van Dyke's iconic character. His voice shines throughout, especially in his heartfelt performance of 'Hushabye Mountain'. Charlotte Wakefield works alongside Mansfield as the beautiful Truly Scrumptious. Their chemistry is extremely natural and Charlotte's performance is sincere and heartfelt all the way through.
Jos Vantyler's childcatcher is suitably chilling, adding moments of darkness to the otherwise upbeat musical. Boris and Goran played by Sam Harrison and Scott Paige are absolutely fabulous, adding humour and lots of fun throughout- especially through their rendition of 'Act English'. They really hold the show together, interjecting with just the right amount of exaggeration and innuendo for the duration of the show.
This is a charming production which evokes childhood memories and joy whilst having you tapping your feet and singing the songs all the way home. It's Truly Scrumptious indeed and a must see for a sugary sweet night out!
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is on at the New Victoria Theatre until November 19th, after which it will continue on its tour round the county. To book tickets visit ATG tickets.
Photographs by Alastair Muir
Thursday 20 October 2016
Chicago (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Chicago (UK Tour)
On Monday the 16th of October I was fortunate to be invited to see Chicago at Woking theatre. The show is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins and the original stage production, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse.
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 17th October 2016 by Melanie Mitchell
★★★★★Reviewed on Monday 17th October 2016 by Melanie Mitchell
On Monday the 16th of October I was fortunate to be invited to see Chicago at Woking theatre. The show is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins and the original stage production, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse.
The show remains true to the original with all the familiar songs and routines, performed with enthusiasm and gusto by all cast members. The dancers both male and female are all amazing, lithe, slick and extremely flexible; performing complexly choreographed routines on a fairly small stage.
The reason for the lack of space is that the Orchestra share the stage with the performers, playing a pivotal role in the production, making it a lot of fun to watch, keep your eye on the conductor.
Roxy Hart is played by Hayley Tamaddon of Emmerdale fame. She makes the role her own with a combination of cuteness and humour accompanied by a lovely singing voice. A very talented and accomplished performance with excellent comedic touches, perhaps lacking somewhat in sex appeal
Jessie Wallace, is perfectly suited to the role of Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, she played the role extremely convincingly. I was completely surprised by her amazing voice, strong, clear and powerful. I completely forgot her as Eastenders Kat Slater.
John Partridge also an ex Eastender takes the role of Billy Flynn, he is suave and sophisticated and suitably cold in the role. Again I was surprised at his singing voice, very good projection although I felt that diction could be improved at times. He holds the longest, in tune note I have ever heard in a stage production, amazing.
A D Richardson gives a convincing performance as Mary Sunshine! You’ll see what I mean if you go to the show. Neil Ditt as Amos is suitably pathetic, downtrodden and loyal gaining sympathy and support from the audience, his rendition of Mr Cellophane is heartfelt. Sophie Carmen – Jones takes the role of Velma Kelly and in my opinion steals the show. Amazing singer and dancer a vivacious performance that oozes sex appeal. Sophie is definitely one to watch.
The staging of the whole show is very cleverly done for a fairly small stage, my only criticism would be that when some of the performers are caught in the ‘green lighting’ it makes them look rather ill. That might have been to do with the angle of my seat though.
Chicago is on at Woking New Victoria Theatre until Saturday 22nd of October, I would urge you to get a ticket for a most enjoyable, fun, feel good show.
Monday 3 October 2016
Pride and Prejudice (UK Tour), Churchill Theatre | Review
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| Benjamin Dilloway and Tafline Steen as Darcy and Elizabeth. Photo: Simon Turtle, Artwork Feast Creative |
The Churchill Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 22nd September 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed on Thursday 22nd September 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." Perhaps one of the most well known openings ever, Pride and Prejudice has a lot of steadfast fans and a lot to live up to on stage. Although this production naturally loses some of the semantics of the original text it is a solid and elegant production.
Simon Reade has skilfully created a production which although condensed, manages to keep the heart and sincerity of Miss Austen's original novel. We follow the Daughters of a country gentleman and a mother all-too-eager to sort their lives out; the five Bennett sisters find themselves in need of securing their position in society in the only way they can, through marriage. We see Jane- played heartwarmingly by Hollie Edwin- as she falls dopily in love with Mr Bingley, played wonderfully by Jordan Mifsud. The other sisters Kitty, Lydia and Mary played by Anna Crichlow, Mari Izzard and Leigh Quinn respectively are all characterised extremely well to really show the dynamic of the Bennet family. Felicity Montagu shines as the over attentive mother, adding moments of hilarity and truly commanding the stage.
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| Pride and Prejudice. Photo Johan Persson © 2016 |
Of course the heart of the story and romance are the headstrong Elizabeth and brooding Mr Darcy. Tafline Steen fabulously captures Lizzy's humour and vivaciousness as well as her deeper self-assuredness. Working alongside Benjamin Dilloway as the stiff gentleman Mr Darcy they make an engaging couple. Their emotions fill the auditorium and their fast paced verbal exchanges permeate the stage with electricity.
Siân Williams' uncomplicated choreography works beautifully to frame each scene and enhance moments of intimacy, such as Lizzy and Darcy's first moment alone, to moments of humour when Mr Collin's hilariously tries to interrupt a foursome dance. The simple staging works wonderfully to frame the piece, with Max Jones' innovative wrought-iron design on a revolving stage allowing a wonderful flow through each scene and to each part of the various settings in the story.
This is a wonderful production with a true and good heart. Its an all round satisfying production which had the audience feeling an array of emotions and truly enjoying Jane Austen's work in a new setting. Darcy and Elizabeth's love are a triumph as great as this production!
To book tickets for the tour and to find out more information about the production look here: http://www.prideandprejudiceplay.com/
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