Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Ben Stones. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Ben Stones. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday, 1 March 2024

Standing at the Sky's Edge at the Gillian Lynne Theatre REVIEW: A Perfect Tale of Hope and Connection


Standing at the Sky's Edge 
Gillian Lynne Theatre 

Standing at the Sky's Edge is a captivating journey that swept me off my feet and left me utterly spellbound. From the moment the lights dimmed and the first notes filled the air, I was transported into a world where every emotion felt raw and real.

The story, set across three generations, unfolds with such grace and authenticity, drawing the audience into the lives of the characters living in Sheffield's iconic Park Hill estate. Through their joys and struggles, their dreams and disappointments, I found myself rooting for each one of them as if they were old friends.

Whilst this is technically a jukebox musical, it doesn't feel clunky as is so often the case. Richard Hawley's compositions, with Tom Deering's orchestrations are a beautiful fusion of rock, folk, and soul, each melody weaving its way into the narrative to really capture the essence of the musical. The lyrics are so poetic and heartfelt, they brought tears to my eyes and chills down my spine. This is a masterfully crafted musical that is so different to other West End offerings, in all the best ways.

Set wise, Ben Stones has done a glorious job, bringing the industrial feeling of Park Hill to life, but also capturing the warmth which filled it. Mark Henderson's fantastic lighting design also contributes to this realistic feeling, with even the first scene literally brining the sunrise to life. From the bustling streets of Sheffield to the towering heights of Park Hill, every detail is so meticulously crafted that I felt like I was actually there, witnessing the story unfold before my eyes. In my opinion this is a show which needs multiple visits because there's just so much to see, every nook of the stage is filled with action and there are so many stories going on that you could watch ten times and still spot something new!

But what truly struck me was the way this musical resonated with me on a personal level. Despite never having set foot in Sheffield, I felt a deep connection to the characters and their journey. Their struggles felt familiar, their triumphs felt like my own and whilst I didn't directly relate, the emotions portrayed are so genuine and truthful, you can't help but be moved by the tales of hurt and hope.

These intense feelings are a testament to the vast ensemble cast who are outstanding in every way. Elizabeth Ayodele as Joy brings subtle but effective character growth that melds to her surroundings, whilst Samuel Jordan is every level of charming as Jimmy, both also give brilliant vocal performances, a common theme throughout the cast. Opening the show, Jonathon Bentley sets the tone for the piece and showcases his beautiful voice which equally shines during his other solo moments. Perhaps the character with the biggest arc is Harry, portrayed with such nuance and integrity by Joel Harper-Jackson. Mesmerising is a word which gets thrown around a lot but Joel's performance is utterly the embodiment of it, as he brings to life a character that feels so multi-dimensional and showcases his innate acting ability. As his loving housewife partner who slowly finds her voice, Rachael Wooding is a powerhouse, with another slow burn performance that peaks in the second act and has sniffles filling the auditorium. Laura Pitt-Pulford gives one of my favourite vocal performances of the show with 'Naked in Pitsmoor' and again, brings to life her character Poppy perfectly. Lauryn Redding is her ideal counterpart, serving some wonderful vocals, especially during the title song and also bringing some lightness amongst the heavy themes of the show. The entirety of the cast bring this world to life and they're all stars. Mention must also go to the booming bassist who growls and grounds the Act two opening number 'Standing at the Sky's Edge'.

In the end, Standing at the Sky's Edge isn't just about the music or the set design – it's about the human experience. It's about love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. It's a reminder that no matter where we come from, we're all connected by our shared humanity.

Standing at the Sky's Edge touched me in a way that few musicals ever have. It's a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of theatre. If you have the chance to see it, don't hesitate – it's an experience you won't soon forget, and the act one opening is one of the best theatrical moments possible to see on stage right now.

★★★★★ 
Reviewed on Thursday 29th February 2024 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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Tuesday, 16 June 2026

Operation Mincemeat UK Tour Review: The Five Star Musical That Is Every Bit as Brilliant Beyond the West End

The cast of Operation Mincemeat UK Tour on stage at Woking Theatre

A joyous, hilarious and heartfelt triumph
Operation Mincemeat (Tour) | Woking Theatre | ★★★★★


Some shows become hits because they're spectacular. Others become hits because they have one unforgettable song or a big star attached to them. Then there's Operation Mincemeat, a show that has become one of the UK's biggest success stories simply because it's brilliantly written, wonderfully performed, and absolutely bursting with heart.


Having previously fallen in love with it in the West End, I was curious to see whether its magic would translate to a touring production. After all, some shows are so intrinsically linked to their original theatre that they lose something when they move elsewhere. I'm delighted to say that isn't the case here at all. If anything, Operation Mincemeat proves just how strong it is as a piece of theatre because it works absolutely anywhere.


Based on the astonishing true story of one of Britain's most audacious wartime missions, the musical follows a group of intelligence officers during World War II who hatch an extraordinary plan to deceive Hitler and change the course of history. Their idea is simple in theory but wildly bizarre in execution. Create an entirely fictional identity for a dead man and convince the enemy that the Allies intend to invade Greece rather than Sicily.


Sean Carey in Operation Mincemeat on stage


It sounds ridiculous because, frankly, it is. That's exactly what makes it so entertaining. The beauty of Operation Mincemeat is that it never forgets how absurd the story itself is, allowing the audience to laugh alongside the characters rather than simply learning a history lesson. Yet equally, it never makes light of the real stakes involved. That balance between humour and sincerity is where the show truly excels. One moment you're crying with laughter, and the next you're unexpectedly emotional. Very few musicals can pivot between those two extremes without creating tonal whiplash, but this one does it effortlessly.


The touring cast is phenomenal. Every performer has an enormous job to do, playing multiple roles and switching characters in the blink of an eye. Christian Andrews, Seán Carey, Charlotte Hanna-Williams, Holly Sumpton, and Jamie-Rose Monk are all exceptional, throwing themselves into every scene with incredible energy, commitment and precision. The chemistry between the company is infectious and that sense of camaraderie radiates throughout the theatre. You never feel like you're watching actors simply perform a show. You feel like you're watching a team of people having enormous fun telling a story they genuinely adore. That enthusiasm is impossible not to catch.


The staging is another reminder that theatre doesn't need huge moving sets or endless technical wizardry to make an impact. There is exactly the right amount of everything. The set (Ben Stones) pieces are simple but clever, allowing locations to transform effortlessly while keeping the focus firmly on the story. The costumes are equally ingenious, with tiny additions that instantly create entirely new characters, and the lighting (Mark Henderson) brilliantly supports every moment. The performances never compete with the design, the design never competes with the music, and the music never overwhelms the emotion. 


Everything exists in perfect harmony.


Holly Sumpton as Ewen Montagu in Operation Mincemeat UK Tour


The songs themselves are fantastic. Sharp, witty and endlessly inventive, they're packed with clever lyrics and genuine earworms, but they also know exactly when to pull back and let emotion take centre stage. It's impossible not to appreciate just how meticulously crafted every aspect of the show is. Even if you already know the true story, the pacing keeps you fully invested. If you don't know the outcome, it's even more thrilling.


Perhaps what I love most about Operation Mincemeat, though, is that underneath all of the jokes, quick changes and catchy songs, there's a huge amount of heart. It's a show about teamwork. About creativity. About ordinary people doing extraordinary things. About finding unconventional solutions when all hope feels lost. At a time when the world can often feel heavy, there's something incredibly uplifting about that message.


The touring cast of operation mincemeat during the bows of their first show


There's also something rather wonderful about the journey this musical itself has been on. From its small beginnings to becoming an Olivier Award-winning sensation, Broadway export and now a hugely successful tour, Operation Mincemeat has become one of British theatre's greatest modern success stories. And it deserves every second of it.


Joyous, witty, energetic, clever and completely unique, this is one of those productions that reminds you exactly why live theatre is so special. Some musicals entertain you for an evening. Operation Mincemeat stays with you long after you've left the theatre. Five stars simply isn't enough.



Reviewed on Monday, 15th June 2026 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Matt Crockett & Phil Tragen
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}

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Thursday, 2 March 2023

Sylvia, The Old Vic | Review


Sylvia
The Old Vic 
★★★★ 

Following its 2018 'work in progress' run, Sylvia has returned to The Old Vic, this time as a fully staged production. Telling the story of Sylvia Pankhurst- the daughter of the supreme Emmeline Pankhurst, leader of the Suffragette movement- the show is a fresh look at history, that feels inherently British in all the best ways.

The titular role is played by the utterly charming Sharon Rose, who gives a masterfully intimate performance, as well as showcasing her fantastic vocals. Sharon is really impressive at showing the gradual growth of Sylvia, as she finds her voice and what she stands for and feels continually authentic throughout. The character of Sylvia come across in a very relatable, endearing way and really allows the audience to root for her- a very special feeling.

This performance saw the debut of Hannah Khemoh as Emmeline Pankhurst. Really coming into her own towards the end, Hannah gave a commanding performance, with great vocals and really shone in moments when the whole family came together.

Completing the Pankhurst family are Ellena Vincent as Christabel and Kirstie Skivington as Adela, both of whom give impressive performances and show some wonderful character development. Kelly Agbowu is absolutely fantastic as Mrs Flora 'The General' Drummond, giving a truly commanding performance that's superbly entertaining.

A complete standout role, is Jay Perry as Winston Churchill, giving a performance which is so so enjoyable and witty that you can't help but side with him, even when he's stamping on the Suffragette movement! As his wife Clementine, Verity Blyth is a dream. Her beautiful voice soars around the auditorium and her witty, sweetly conniving performance is so enjoyable to watch. Rounding out the Churchill trio is the matriarch, Lady Jennie, played at this performance by Jade Hackett who is equally as strong, and provides some really unexpected moments that have the audience in the palm of her hand. Both Alex Gaumond and Sweeney provide vocal moments as Kier Hardie and Silvio Corio respectively.

This is definitely a show where the cast really take the forefront, with costuming and sets that are fairly simplistic, but that work exceptionally well. Andrzej Goulding's animation and video brilliantly add dimension to the show, whilst Natasha Chivers' lighting is both emotive and exciting. Combined with Ben Stones' set and costume, the show is a visual delight; at times almost feeling like a film. The black and white majority, combined with splashes of red is incredibly striking.

Whilst this is a musical which excels in many aspects, there are parts which don't quite hit the spot. At times the dialogue is somewhat clunky and some characters don't get enough development to be truly effective. Even Sylvia herself, only really comes into her own towards the end and it takes a bit too much time for her story to get going. The end of the show comes across rushed, with loose ends suddenly being tied up and Emmeline's character doing a complete 180. Of course the show is based on real events, but as it covers so many years, some moments don't get the justice they deserve, whilst others get a bit too much. However, musically the show is choc-a-block with fun, fiery moments. Kate Prince, Josh Cohen, and DJ Walde's score is exciting and multifaceted. The lyrics and musical styles, paired with the great humour that's woven in, feel perfectly British and are truly effective. 

Sylvia is an innovative production which does a mostly great job at telling the story of some really powerful women. There are parts which come out of nowhere and moments when you feel a bit awkward, but at the same time you can't help but enjoy yourself! For the faults it has, this show remains a really fun night out, that boats a top notch cast and has a lot of charm.

Reviewed on Monday 27th February 2023 by Olivia Mitchell
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}

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Tuesday, 9 May 2023

Operation Mincemeat at the Fortune Theatre a review: The must see musical of 2023


Operation Mincemeat
Fortune Theatre
★★★★★

If you're looking for a unique and intriguing musical, then look no further than Operation Mincemeat in its West End transfer to the Fortune Theatre. This production tells the incredible true story of a WWII deception operation, that although morally grey, helped Britain win the war and it does so with style, charm and heart in spades.

The star of this exciting musical is undoubtedly the music which manages to be both catchy and poignant, with some of the wittiest lyrics in the West End right now. The book, music and lyrics are expertly constructed by SpitLip founders David Cumming, Natasha Hodgson, Zoë Roberts and Felix Hagan (four of whom also star) and the whole show is maelstrom of musical magic. You'll find yourself continually laughing out loud and then all of a sudden wiping tears from your eyes as this hug of a musical manages to wrap you around its theatrical finger.

Every performance from the talented cast -completed at this performance by Claire Marie Hall, Jak Malone and Geri Allen (in her cover debut)- is a standout one. The precision with which they perform is just astounding and thanks to the script, there's a perfect balance between humour, satire and drama.

Aesthetically, Operation Mincemeat is a sleek mission. Ben Stones' set and costumes are perfectly evocative of MI5 and wartime London, as well as having a healthy dose of camp dramatics. One scene in particular features costumes perfect for a bedazzled version of Sweeney Todd! Really clever direction by Robert Hastie and joyous choreography by Jenny Arnold both let the story and performances to soar and ideally balance the line between allowing the performances to be genuinely funny without being cringe inducing. Shoutout must also go to Publicity Designer Bob King Creative for the genius artwork which accompanies the show. Once you see it, you won't un-see it!

In summary, this show is the epitome of fun. Poking fun at everyone and everything it is a satirical, stupendous, stomper of a show that will have you entertained and inspired. The new must-see musical, it needs to be booked immediately!

Reviewed on Tuesday 2nd May 2023 by Olivia Mitchell

{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}

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