Friday, 5 May 2017

Places, Lea Michele | Album Review


Places
Lea Michele
Reviewed by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
Lea Michele's second solo album, Places was released on April 28th and flew to the top of the US pop charts, reaching number one almost as soon as it came out. It features a number of emotional ballads as well as some more upbeat songs which all flow together and scream emotion at every moment. In a recent interview Lea said that this album is more her true sound with both pop and musical theatre influences mixed in, it's not an album where she tries to fit a mould or sell to a certain market, it's just her.

Places is very slow-ballad heavy which could be a problem for some people but I thrive on those sorts of songs and honestly can't think of anything better than an all-out, belt for your life, dramatic album so I love it! The lyrics are theatrical and every song really plays to Lea's strengths as a singer, hitting each note with enough power and force to match Barbra and Celine.

This album flows very well indeed, each song holding its own and nothing is there just to fill space. Places is the perfect album for so many occasions, be it getting ready to go out, driving with the windows down, hiking or just while you're in the house living your best life. There's a song for everything and it's so personal and intimate that it feels like the exact album to accompany life and all its goings on.

The intimacy is what really makes Places special. Lea is baring her soul and showing us all her ups and downs through these songs. I want to tell you my favourite song but honestly it changes every five minutes so I can't but at the moment I am loving 'Run To You', 'Heavy Love' and 'Sentimental Memories'. The theme throughout the album is one of empowerment and pushing through whatever life throws at you. There is motivation beyond belief with 'Anything's Possible' especially, making you feel like you can conquer the world!

The amazing thing about Lea's voice is how it manages to be so strong but raw at the same time. She shows off her wide range well and moves between voice parts so smoothly it's just joyous to hear. Lea has always been an idol of mine and hearing this elegant piece of work made me even more inspired by her. 

Places refers to the call before starting a show where you're called to your place for the beginners call. The title seems very apt as it marks the start of a new chapter for Lea but to me I see the title as the sign to take my place, listen to this album, feel strong and motivated as hell and then to run at life full speed and live each moment to the fullest. So if you want to be inspired by both brilliant songs and flawless vocals then this is definitely an album you need in your collection. Lea really comes into her own and it's evident how much love and time has gone in to making this the best album it can be. Bravo!

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Sunday, 30 April 2017

Late Company, Finborough Theatre | Review


Late Company
Finborough Theatre
Reviewed on Friday April 28th 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★

Late Company is one of the most moving and well executed plays I've seen. Written by award-winning Canadian playwright, Jordan Tannahill when he was only twenty-three, it follows two families dealing with the roles they played in the suicide of a young boy. 

Michael and Debora Shaun-Hastings are the parents of teenager, Joel who died by suicide a year earlier. They have invited the Dermots: mother and father Tamara and Michael and their son, Curtis  who played a big role in the bullying that led to Joel's suicide, round for dinner to build bridges and get "closure". The play is a study of grief, cyber bullying, parental guidance and homophobia among many other issues.

Of course this is a heavy subject and there's no avoiding that but the admirable thing with this play is that nothing is pushed or over emoted. The issues come forward naturally and the audience become greatly involved. The intimate setting, brilliant acting, writing, stage design and lighting all play a key factor in  allowing the audience to get lost in the production. At points I forgot I was watching as an audience member and really felt that I was at the dinner party. 

The small cast of five are all equally outstanding with Alex Lowe, Lisa Stevenson, Todd Boyce and Lucy Robinson playing the roles of the parents in a heartfelt way but fully showing the flaws in their parenting techniques and world views. David Leopold is exceptional as Curtis, embodying the teenage withdrawal and innocence perfectly and conveying so much with few words and short sentences. 

Praise must be given to Michael Yale for his faultless direction which established the permeating emotion to seep into every audience member. There was such intimacy but it didn't feel overwhelming, almost as if we were all flies on the wall watching the dinner party unfold. Yale's handling of the script is sympathetic, pure, relevant and intelligent. 

Late Company is more relevant now than ever and the entire company manages to bring the issues forward in a stunning way. It's an engaging look at the society we live in and the how impacts of what we do, which may seem innocent, can affect people. It encourages us to look at our own actions and to make sure we face problems head on instead of avoiding them and potentially facing horrific consequences. These issues surround us at all times so there's no point pretending they're not there and Late Company has done a wonderful job at bringing them to the forefront. 

 Late Company runs at the Finborough Theatre until 20th May 2017

Photo credit: Charlie Round Turner
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Saturday, 29 April 2017

Alice's Adventures Underground, The Vaults | Review


Alice's Adventures Underground
The Vaults
Reviewed on Thursday April 27th 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★

Alice's Adventures Underground at The Vaults underneath Waterloo station is not just a show, it's an experience. An experience which everyone should have. It's magical, mystical, unique and altogether brilliant.

Based on the books by Lewis Carroll, we travel around the whimsical Wonderland meeting a variety of characters in a number of different, fantastically designed locations. The great thing about this event is that it's always different and everyone's experience is completely unique. Depending on your choices, you follow varying routes and the multiple casts and audience members mean that everything is always different.

Upon entering Wonderland, we're ushered into a room filled with photos, chandeliers, dusty books and of course, a looking glass. A blonde haired, blue eyed girl appears and seems to have forgotten who she is, asking "who am I?" before disappearing and leading the way for our adventure to begin.

The excitement can be felt in the room as we are taken to make our first decision of the night: 'eat me' or 'drink me'. This determines which path we will take, and with 24 adventures happening at the same time, it's basically impossible to be part of the same show twice. We're given a playing card and split into suits who are each led by a performer who guides us madly through the labyrinth of wonderland.

The impressive thing about this immersive experience is how seamless it is. Not a beat is missed and each moment is so well planned that nothing is clumsy or rushed. It's mind-blowing how slick it is. The characters are crazy and mad but performed perfectly, I particularly loved Zara Plessard as the Queen of Hearts. I don't want to give too much away about the characters and story because not everyone sees them all and it's definitely best to go into this without any preconceptions but every moment is truly brilliant and the its honestly does get curiouser and curiouser at every turn.

If you get the chance to go to this magic underground then please do! You're guaranteed a theatrical experience like no other, it's bewildering, breathtaking, beautiful and an absolute must-see.

Alice's Adventures Underground runs at The Vaults until 23rd September 2017.
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Wednesday, 26 April 2017

Funny Girl (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review


Funny Girl (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday April 25th 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
Funny Girl is one of my absolute favourite musicals  and was one of the first reviews I ever wrote (which you can read here.) I saw the show when it was in previews at the Savoy Theatre and never had the chance to go back so I was very excited to see it again on it's UK tour to see if it still lived up to my initial praise. I am very pleased to say that it did and even exceeded it!

Funny Girl tells the story of the young Jewish girl, Fanny Brice who longs to be a star and is not going to take no for an answer. Whilst many people in the industry brand her as "not pretty enough", her comedic talent, natural stage presence, strong voice and sheer determination allow her her big break as she becomes a star with the Ziegfeld Follies. Along the way she meets the mysterious Nick Arnstein and we follow the ups and downs of their rollercoaster relationship. 

The simplistic but beautiful set and staging takes the audience to 1920s New York perfectly with the precise amount of extravagance and spectacle to add to the show and story without detracting from it at all. Most of the scenes take place on the created stage and backstage where Fanny is performing and the use of other theatrical elements is very cleverly used such as spotlights, curtains and mirrors. 

The entire cast are sublime with the versatile, energetic ensemble completely bringing the ornate dance scenes to life. Especially impressive was the dance which included pointe shoes with taps on them. The choreography is spectacularly sharp and show-stopping and executed faultlessly.

Natasha J Barnes as Fanny Brice is completely and utterly mesmerising. Her stage presence is outstanding and she absorbs the audience into the world of Miss Brice flawlessly. Her portrayal is warm and witty, with sensational vocals and sublime comedic timing. It's not only her high energy moments which are impeccable though but the quiet moments of vulnerability where we really see what a brilliant actress she is. Music That Makes Me Dance was a particular stand out moment for me as the entire audience was not only silent but seemed as if they were so enraptured in the moment that they were holding their breath. It was a truly magical theatrical moment. I was thoroughly blown away by Barnes and can't wait to see her continue to become a star of the stage and the blazing supernova she deserves to be. 

Fanny's charismatic love interest is played by Darius Campbell who takes on the role very well. He is engaging and his strong voice carries well and pairs flawlessly with Barnes' especially in Who Are You Now which is touching and emotive. He has just the right mix of charm, wit, mystery and darkness to fully show the multiple layers of the problematic Nick Arnstein.

I am so impressed by this entire production and it is absolutely the best touring production I have seen. The calibre of every moment is top notch and I was mesmerised throughout. Funny Girl has every element necessary and ticks all the boxes needed for a wonderful theatrical experience. Natasha Barnes steals the show with her astonishing performance; she is truly the greatest star and a complete inspiration.

Funny Girl runs at the New Victoria Theatre until April 29th 2017 before continuing on it's UK tour.
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Tuesday, 25 April 2017

Grease (UK Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review


Grease (UK Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Monday April 24th 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★

Grease was certainly the word last night at the opening night of the show at the New Wimbledon Theatre. The classic hits and story which are loved by many had brought a varied crowd who all seemed extremely excited for a carefree, upbeat night at the theatre. With an abundance of hair-gel and budding romances that's exactly what the production provides, it's not faultless but it's feel-good fun.

The onstage band open the show with a high energy performance of 'Grease is the Word' which created an electric atmosphere and introduced the powerful instrumental players and ensemble in a brilliant way. Leading the cast as the sweetly innocent Sandy is musical theatre favourite Danielle Hope who is marvellous in the role. Her voice is strong and she captures the character extremely skilfully. Danielle certainly shines in the role with her rendition of the 'Sandra Dee Reprise' being a particular standout of the whole production.

Her romantic counterpart Danny Zuko is played by The Wanted's Tom Parker who seemed slightly out of place and nervous but did come across well at points. As the show went on he seemed to settle into the role more but there's definitely some room for improvement in terms of overall performance. Similarly, the other celebrity name, Lousia Lytton as the fiesty Rizzo is lacking a certain something. Her energy is high and her sass comes across well but her vocals let her down at points.

The ensemble are absolutely outstanding though, with each one owning their quirky roles perfectly and showing off their boundless stage presence. Gabriella Williams is absolutely splendid as Patty Simcox, her dancing, acting and whole performance is stellar and she provides hilarious comical moments through her peppy, excitable, exaggerated performance. I also loved Michael Cortez who was extremely energetic and had some brilliant one liners which he delivered with great comedic timing. 

Arlene Phillips' choreography is retro and sleek and creates a great visual. The energy is the real key in this show and each move seems well thought out to provide optimum power and spirit. 

You can't fault the production values of this show and despite some lacking moments it ticks all the boxes for an infectious night out and will please anyone who is a fan of the iconic musical. 
Grease runs at the New Wimbledon Theatre until April 29th 2017 before continuing on it's UK Tour.
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Saturday, 22 April 2017

An Intimate Evening with Lea Michele, Shoreditch Town Hall | Review


An Intimate Evening with Lea Michele
Shoreditch Town Hall
Reviewed on Friday April 21st 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★

I, like so many others, went through a huge, and I mean huge Glee phase. I had all the merchandise, all the dvds, cds, posters, the lot! Seeing my Facebook 'on this day' I think it was all I ever thought about. Every day a status memory pops up saying something along the lines of "watching Glee... love it so much! Rachel woo! xx" so I was pretty deep in the obsession, and yes, I used to put kisses after my status'!

Anyway, Glee was my life so in turn, Lea Michele was too. Lea as Rachel Berry was everything I wanted to be, yes she was over the top and a demanding diva but beneath it all she was a hardworking talented individual who knew what she wanted. She motivated me to work and improve myself and added even more to my musical theatre obsession. Needless to say when last week Lea announced she would be coming to the UK to do a London concert, my 13 year old self came right back. My excitement levels were through the roof and I booked to see her at the Shoreditch Town Hall straight away!

So there's my little background story, now lets get on to the review of the actual concert. Honestly, Lea could have sung the phone book and I would have been happy but she did so much more than that and created a really beautiful night and performance. One of the key factors in the concert being so warm and welcoming was the fact that you knew everyone in the room was feeling the same. We were all (I'm assuming) Glee fans back in the day and were shocked and excited to finally see Lea over in the UK so a lovely, excited, contented buzz filled the room from the get go.

The concert included a taster of the upcoming album Places which is released on Friday April 28th as well as some songs from Michele's first album Louder and a medley of songs from Glee. Each number seemed well thought out and there were lovely introductions given to each one about what the song means to Lea or a little anecdote about the writing process.

Lea has a grace and elegance that makes everything look so effortless. She is sophisticated and simple whilst being rough and vulnerable at the same time. For me personally, Lea has always been such an icon that I never really thought of as a real person. I know it sounds crazy but I'm sure (at least I hope) some of you know what I mean! Lea has always been this idol of talent, beauty and creativity that I never imagined I'd see in real life, so seeing her close up, in the flesh on stage was kind of weird and didn't feel real. I also found it hilarious every time she swore not only because it accompanied a funny story but because it made her seem so normal and genuine. 

Each song was performed wonderfully along with the fabulous band who were impeccable and sleek with Misty Boyce providing the main back up vocals effortlessly and wonderfully. Particular stand-out tracks for me were 'My Man' and 'Battlefield' which are two of my favourite songs anyway but they were done so well I even felt emotional listening.

 The tracks from Lea's upcoming album Places were exciting and beautiful and I'm sure the whole album will be exquisite. Lea has such a stunning tone to her voice that soars easily and adds warmth to every note which comes out of her mouth. At just over an hour, I would have liked  the concert to be a bit longer but with only a weeks notice and I'm assuming a lot of jet lag, it was understandable that it wasn't overly long. 

The Shoreditch Town Hall was the perfect venue for this intimate concert, creating an impressive setting whilst still feeling warm and personal. Overall it was a radiant night and I only hope that Lea will come back to the UK soon to do further performances and show off more of her impressive vocal talents and stage presence.

 Lea Michele's album PLACES is released April 28th 2017

Photo credit: Andrew Timms
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