Friday 21 January 2022
Moulin Rouge! the Musical, Piccadilly Theatre | Review
Monday 12 October 2020
The Show Must Go On, The Lost Alhambra | Review
With the fate of theatre hanging precariously right now, in a happy medium and potential loophole, cabaret style nights out appear to be one of the few ways live theatre can still go ahead. One venue which is making this happen (and happen in style) is The Lost Alhambra in Leicester Square. The Show Must Go On is an immersive, cabaret dining experience which packs a punch. The night is complete with a 3 hour show, a 2 course meal, welcome cocktail and bottomless prosecco, you couldn't really ask for more!
Drag performer Poppycock hosts the night alongside some of musical theatre's best stars as they take us through a show via the score and some of the text. At this performance we got the treat of Chicago, which fits wonderfully into the dimly lit space of The Lost Alhambra; upcoming performances include Hairspray, Mamma Mia, Rocky Horror and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
In theory, this is like any other cabaret but it feels so much stagier than anything I've experienced before. As you walk in you are greeted background music from some of the most popular and current shows, the staff all seem to love theatre and the whole thing feels like an immersive show, full to the brim with theatricality.
The venue itself is an instagrammer's dream, with pink decor, vintage feeling bathrooms and a Photo Booth to document the night (it's £4 and you get an email with the photos and gif as well as your print out keepsake). The luxurious space is perfect to let your troubles slide away, and the unlimited prosecco which starts flowing from the moment of entry doesn't hurt either! Mention must also go to the staff who are excellent at not only being attentive but also create a wonderful atmosphere from the get go. You really feel part of something special and this only helps to get the room buzzing for the upcoming night of performance.
At this performance, Poppycock was the hostess with the mostest, welcoming us with a rousing rendition of Don't Rain on my Parade, before heading full throttle into the night, taking on various roles and perfecting the balance between ringleader, comedian and vocal dynamo. Laura Tyrer reprises her West End role as Velma Kelly, with Haley Flaherty as her partner in crime, Roxie Hart and Oliver Tompsett as the quick talking lawyer, Billy Flynn. Poppycock takes on basically every other role from Amos Hart to Mary Sunshine.
Each of the performers show off their impeccable talent and really transport us to the world of Chicago. An audience full of prosecco can definitely be noisy but the cast do an exceptional job of keeping everyone engaged and giving a truly top notch performance. Particularly impressive is the three-person Cell Block Tango and the energetic, high-kick filled I Can't Do It Alone.
The tickets start at £50 for everything and 1 hour of prosecco, with the top price being £65 for 2 hours of prosecco. It sounds a little pricey but for the amount and quality of the evening it's well worth it; plus the 10pm curfew means you can have an excellent night out and still be in bed at a reasonable time! I would certainly love a trip back, would weekly be too excessive?
The Chicago theme was excellent and the future performances are sure to be just as good. If you're looking for a way to get your theatre fix, look no further than The Show Must Go On. Not only is this a spectacularly wonderful night out but it's also a beacon of hope for the future of theatre. Get yourselves down to Leicester Square and live your best stagey life.
Sunday 4 October 2020
Cabaret All Stars, Proud Embankment | Review
Wednesday 14 August 2019
Refresh (Concert), Spiegeltent | Review
Thursday 25 April 2019
Ain't Misbehavin', Southwark Playhouse | Review
Wednesday 23 January 2019
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, The Other Palace | Review
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical is at The Other Palace until March 16th 2019
Monday 21 January 2019
Songs for Nobodies, Ambassadors Theatre | Review
Monday 3 December 2018
Carmen, Royal Opera House | Review
Tuesday 20 November 2018
Benidorm Live (UK Tour), Bristol Hippodrome | Review
Saturday 13 October 2018
Lucie Jones, Live at Zedel | Review
Despite only having about 24 hours to put this concert together, the entire thing felt sleek and polished. MD for the concert was the outstandingly wonderful, Sarah Travis who looked and sounded as if she was born to play the piano. The banter between the pair is hilarious and they work together so well, that even moments which go slightly wrong, almost feel as if they're scripted.
Saturday 14 July 2018
The IDA Girls (Concert), The Other Palace Studio | Review
Saturday 7 July 2018
Champagne for Clementine, Live at Zedel | Review
Thursday 24 May 2018
In Conversation With... Freya Parks | Teddy | Interview
Yeah it's a complete dream to be playing rock 'n' roll on a stage!
For anyone that hasn't seen the show, can you explain what it's about and how you fit into it?
Teddy is set in the 50s, if you could transport to any other era, when would you go to and why?
You not only get to play live during the show, but also after the show. What's been your best audience reaction post-show?
Female-empowering, gritty, nostalgic, heartfelt....ROCKIN'!!!
If you had a magic wand, which show would you do next?
What's your number one piece of advice for aspiring performers?
Thank you so much Freya for taking the time to do this interview. Teddy runs at The Vaults until 3rd June.
Tuesday 27 March 2018
Liza Pulman Sings Streisand (UK Tour), Live at Zedel | Review
Friday 8 December 2017
The Barricade Boys: Christmas Cabaret, The Other Palace Studio | Review
The Barricade Boys are at The Other Palace until December 23rd