Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Elisha Harris. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Elisha Harris. Sort by date Show all posts

Tuesday 3 October 2017

Legally Blonde (UK Tour), Bristol Hippodrome | Review


Legally Blonde (UK Tour)
Bristol Hippodrome
Reviewed on Monday 2nd October 2017 by Elisha Harris

Legally Blonde is an absolute must see! I've had the Original London Cast Recording on repeat ever since it was released and have always been obsessed with the soundtrack. The songs are upbeat, funny and so catchy and although I can't hold a tune; I often find myself belting 'oh my god' like it was written for me on regular occasions. That being said, I don't know what kept me from seeing this beautiful show for so long, but I can assure you it won't be long until I'm back! 

I must admit I struggled to imagine Lucie Jones as Elle before the performance but the second she appeared on stage she took my breath away, her vocals are completely out of this world I was in complete awe. I hadn't seen her in anything since her X factor days so I didn't know what to expect but she was incredible. The other standout for me has to be Rita Simons as Paulette. She had me in tears of laughter from start to finish, and has such a versatile voice; it gave my shivers! In the future, I'll make a conscious effort to see her in any other shows she does.

The cutest cast members have to be Bruiser & Rufus. Rufus didn't do exactly as he was told this evening as he wandered on stage before his cue and long story short, the crowd was in hysterics, and Lucie took 3 attempts to finish her line as she was laughing so hard.  The audience roared with cheer when she completed it, it was hilarious! Despite that little mishap, both adorable dogs stole hearts every time they took to the stage. 

The whole company gelled together so well, I feel so privileged to have witnessed such an incredible performance. 


Legally Blonde is playing at Bristol Hippodrome until October 7th, don't miss out; I promise you won't regret it!

Tuesday 22 October 2019

On Your Feet! (UK Tour), Wales Millennium Centre | Review


On Your Feet!
Wales Millennium Centre
Reviewed on Monday 21st October 2019 by Elisha Harris
★★★★★

On Your Feet! tells the story of the legendary Gloria Estefan's beautifully tragic life; how she and her husband Emilio Estefan combined dance with a Latin soul sound and took over the music scene. 

When I get the opportunity to experience a show I don’t know much about I make sure to go into it completely blind. I went in having not known much about the story, didn’t know many of the songs and didn’t even see if I recognised any of the cast to add to the experience. Fantastically, this production was mesmerising from start to finish. The incredible cast grasped the audience’s attention instantly and continued to wow until the very last moment. 

Philippa Stefani shook the auditorium with her power house voice playing Gloria Estefan. Her transition from a shy, closeted song writer to a captivating and compelling lead lady was deeply authentic. Having seen Stefani in previous productions I had high standards, but she went above and beyond what I was expecting. Philippa was born to play this part, hands down. 

George Ioannides played a perfect portrayal of Emilio Estefan. The chemistry between both Gloria and Emilio was so believable, such a power couple which was brought to life by two brilliant actors. 

Special mention to Madalena Alberto and Laura Friedrich Tejero. These lovely ladies played Gloria Fajardo and Consuelo. Both voices were mesmerising, Laura in particular truly blew me away as her comical timing was on point. 

The energy from the entire cast was captivating. Every single person looked like they were having a brilliant time- I just wanted to join them on stage! 

Overall it was a brilliant performance, one I wish was here for much longer than a week! I truly recommend seeing this show before it leaves. 

On You Feet! runs at the Wales Millennium Centre until October 26th before continuing its tour 

Wednesday 30 October 2019

9 to 5 The Musical (UK Tour), Wales Millennium Centre | Review



9 to 5 (UK Tour)
Wales Millennium Centre
Reviewed on Tuesday 29th October 2019 by Elisha Harris
★★★★★


9 to 5 The Musical is a sensational representation of what women had to endure when it was believed to be a ‘man's world’. Something which still plagues the modern day but is fortunately diminishing.


There’s nothing like escaping from your 9 to 5 reality to witness a world-class musical, and this production is most definitely that! This show is so unpredictable from start to finish. and everything is perfection. 

Amber Davies is impeccable, her comedic timing and powerhouse voice make for a perfect Judy. Amber presents the the purest transition from a reserved, meek housewife to a fearless, self assured business woman who will not take no for an answer.

The other two leading ladies, Caroline Sheen, who's temporarily moved from the West End production to the UK tour, and Georgina Castle blow the roof off the Millennium Centre. Between Caroline’s quick wit and gorgeous voice, and Georgina’s mesmerising vocal range, they compliment each other perfectly. I could listen to them sing all day long! 

The standout performance of the evening is Sean Needham who plays the ballsy, know it all boss, Franklin Hart Jr. He portrays the dishonest, antagonistic boss excellently. Sean really brings the role to life, he is witty, insanely entertaining and his facial expressions are priceless. For a character you’re meant to hate, it's hard not to belly laugh at every line he says- a real comical genius!

Overall this production is not one to miss, the ensemble are brilliant, the sound design is excellent, you can hear every voice individually when needed yet the harmonies were perfect. If you want to spend 2 hours in side-splitting, ball crunching laughter, 9 to 5 is the show for you! 


9 to 5 The Musical plays at the Wales Millennium Centre until 2nd November before continuing its tour







Thursday 16 November 2017

Tiger Bay, Wales Millennium Centre | Review



Tiger Bay the Musical 
Wales Millennium Centre
Reviewed on Wednesday 15th November 2017 by Elisha Harris
★★★★★

Tiger Bay is a prime example of ‘deeds not words’. I am a Cardiff girl myself so to be able to return to my home City and watch the most beautifully portrayed musical, about the history of my heritage was just magical.

Every cast member had exactly the right accent, whether natural or not and it was held throughout. They truly captured the Welsh essence needed to make the show as authentic as it could be. The songs are beautiful and reminded me a little of Sweeney Todd at times. 

Love, passion and heartbreak are just 3 of the elements that bring this radiant story together. The storyline is quite similar to Les Miserables in the way it develops; just substitute the french with the welsh and you're half way there!


I was blown away by the voices of each and every cast member in this production but the two that stood out for me have to of been Vikki Bebb and John Owen-Jones whom play Rowena Pryddy and John (Third Marquess of Bute). John portrays a stern, powerful Marquess yet when he sings, it is tear-jerking and the contrast between the two is stunning. His emotion, and passion during each moment of his performance had me welling up in seconds. He most definitely lived up to what I expected and more.

Vikki, from the moment she started singing took my breath away. From her note perfect harmonies to her precisely timed dancing she stole the show. I couldn’t think of anyone better to bring the character of Rowena to life- she does a beautiful job.

I had the pleasure of having little Ruby Llewelyn as Ianto for last nights performance, had you not opened your eyes, you’d never believe she was merely 11 years old. Her confidence and empowering stage presence is overwhelmingly brilliant and she has the sweetest voice -worth the trip alone.

There are an additional 10 ‘waterboys’ in the cast ranging from ages 10-14, each brought such character and the harmonies were absolutely mesmirising.

ZoĆ« George as one of the shop girls is highly impressive also, with her beautiful voice and stage presence. I have seen her in a few other productions over the years and she never disappoints! All I can say is the casting director deserves a pat on the back, as each and every role was cast to perfection. 

Playing at Cardiff Millennium Centre until 25th of November. Tiger Bay is a true gem, and you’d be a fool to miss it!

photo credit: Polly Thomas