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Thursday 6 October 2016
Murder Ballad, Arts Theatre | Review
Murder Ballad
The Arts Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 5th October 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed on Wednesday 5th October 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Press nights are always exciting but the atmosphere on this particular one was more electric than normal. If you're at all in the loop with the theatre community you must have heard about Murder Ballad! It seems to have been everywhere and since little snippets were released and previews began I'd only heard good things so I was super excited to finally see the show myself.
I'm one to encourage going into shows blind and this definitely one production to go into without looking up a synopsis. It's absolutely a show that you'll benefit from seeing with no preconceptions of the plot. All you need to know is that it follows three characters in a love triangle and a narrator who all merge into each others lives. Oh, and someone ends up dead! Intriguing right?!
The story is accompanied by a rock score which works well to give the story a sort of grounded realism. It really helps in the moments of anger and tension to build and crash and bring out every emotion on stage. This is a raw and gripping 90 minute fully-sung-through rock musical with love, darkness and death.
The cast of Murder Ballad are stellar and all give the outstanding performances you'd expect from these veterans of the stage. Kerry Ellis is a regular star of the West End and her portrayal of Sara really shows why. Her voice effortlessly glides into all the notes of this rock score. Her unique growl and rasp add a depth to the character and help to emphasise the emotions Sara feels, especially in the opening argument scene. The audience see the development of Sara's personality throughout and Kerry manages to capture all the little changes perfectly with an ease and innovativeness only seen in true stars. Her chemistry with Ramin Karimloo fills the whole room and they create a dark and believable pairing.
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| photo by Mark Brenner |
I have been a huge fan of Victoria Hamilton-Barritt for a long while now so was super excited to see her take on the deep, dark role of the narrator. Victoria's voice is on another level in this production; her sultry, beautiful tone completely fit the mysterious narrator. Not only is Victoria's voice insane but her facial expressions told a whole story of their own. No spoken or sung words were needed for Victoria to convey exactly what she was feeling, her little knowing glances into the audience conveyed 1000 words; its truly a joy to see how this lady owns the stage at all times!
Now onto the men... Ramin Karimloo is a favourite of the West End and Broadway alike with a number of huge roles under his belt. Most of his famous roles such as the Phantom and Valjean are more operatic, typical musical theatre roles so it was refreshing to see him showcase the rocky, raspy side of his voice as the dark and handsome Tom. As with Sara, we get to see a lot of character development with Tom, he goes from a young-lovesick boy to a possessive man in a short space of time and Ramin carries this transformation out with dexterity and all the nuances of the in-depth character are very clear.
Norman Bowman for me has one of the most underrated voices on the West End. He's starred in a number of shows but I personally don't hear enough about him. His voice blew me away whilst he played the role of the agreeable Michael and left me with chills at points. His character is less in depth that Ellis' and Karimloo's but he still achieves a well performed character arc.
Richard Kent's set design is innovative and adds a dimension to the show, making it exciting to watch and making you feel somewhat part of the action. The revolve cleverly highlights key moments and adds a nice flow to the show. The lighting is also very clever; from the single lightbulb on stage to the green and orange tinted lights later on; David Plater's design backs up the transitions of all the characters and heightens the tensions at the crucial points.
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| photo by Mark Brenner |
Sam Yates' direction has created a truly wonderful piece of contemporary theatre. Although I found the show to drag a little at the beginning, it soon picked up pace and I could physically feel my heart beating at points. The fantastic cast give faultless, lifelike performances which are so refreshing to see in these days of more fantastical productions. I truly enjoyed this show and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Its a unique, lively and deadly production which ticks all the boxes for an enjoyable night out! The realistic storyline and killer soundtrack are a deadly combination, leaving you on the edge of your seat, anticipating whats to come until the very last moment in this arresting production.
Murder Ballad is running at the Arts Theatre until December 3rd
Wednesday 1 November 2023
Bat Boy the Musical at the London Palladium Review: A Campy Delight
Bat Boy the Musical in Concert
London Palladium
I had the pleasure of spending Halloween at Bat Boy the Musical in concert at the iconic London Palladium, and it was truly a wild, wacky, and wonderful show. The talented cast, which included Jordan Luke Gage, Jodie Steele, and Trevor Dion Nicholas, delivered an electrifying performance that left the audience thoroughly entertained.
The campy nature of the production was evident from the get-go, and it added to the overall charm of the show. The exaggerated characters, over-the-top antics, and quirky humour all contributed to a delightfully eccentric atmosphere that had the audience in stitches. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt in particular is a complete comedic superstar, perfectly bouncing off the crowd and having everyone in stitches from the smallest movement or expression.
However, it wasn't all smooth sailing. There were some noticeable sound issues throughout the performance. Missed lines and an uneven balance between the orchestra and vocals meant that, at times, it was challenging to hear the lyrics properly. While these technical hiccups did momentarily detract from the overall experience, they were overshadowed by the sheer fun of the show.
For those unfamiliar with the story, Laurence O'Keefe's Bat Boy the Musical is a quirky tale about a half-human, half-bat creature who is discovered in a cave and taken in by a family in a small town. The musical explores themes of acceptance, prejudice, and the complexities of human nature, all while delivering it with a humorous and satirical touch.
Despite the sound issues, the show's humor and the cast's stellar performances shone through. The witty one-liners and comedic timing of the actors had the audience roaring with laughter, making it easy to forgive the occasional technical glitch.
Jordan Luke Gage gave an endearing performance as the title Bat Boy, showcasing stupendous vocals as well as really well done and hilarious characterisation; continually rising to new heights, I cannot wait to see what he takes on next. Jodie Steele's portrayal of the struggling sister balanced superbly with Gage's and had some solid development and growth throughout. Completing the family pack, Trevor Dion Nicholas gave a vocal powerhouse performance and made the morally wild father a stand out performance. Tosh Wanogho-Maud was a complete powerhouse, giving some of the best vocals of the night, despite not having a hugely developed character. The entirety of the supporting cast and choir also did an excellent job of bringing the Bat Boy world to life.
One aspect that truly stood out was the effective and simple staging. The use of minimal sets and props allowed the audience to focus on the characters and the story. It was remarkable how such a straightforward approach could be so striking and immersive. This also allowed Rhys Wilkinson's well thought out and adapted movement to really shine and add a finessed element to this one night only performance.
Bat Boy the Musical was a wild, blood filled, hoot of a musical, with a fantastic cast and an abundance of humour. While the sound issues were a minor drawback, the overall experience was thoroughly enjoyable, leaving the audience with smiles on their faces. A hilarious and campy musical done so well!
★★★★
Reviewed on Tuesday 31st October
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Wednesday 25 May 2022
Line-Up for West End LIVE is Unveiled
A packed line-up of 34 hit West End shows has been unveiled so far ahead of this year’s West End LIVE, a free and unticketed celebration of London’s world-leading theatre scene which comes to Trafalgar Square on the weekend of 25 and 26 June. More acts are due to be announced in the next few weeks, as London gears up for the biggest ever West End LIVE.
Tens of thousands of theatre fans are expected to flock to the capital for this year’s musical theatre spectacular, enjoying free performances from dozens of top shows - from long-running favourites Hamilton, Les Misérables, Wicked, Six, The Book Of Mormon, Disney’s The Lion King and Matilda The Musical, to new shows making their West End LIVE debut, such as Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Legally Blonde, My Fair Lady, Disney’s Beauty And The Beast, Back To The Future - The Musical and Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical.
This unique event, a joint production by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), unites London’s theatre industry every year and brings people of all ages into central London to experience the best of the West End - from the city’s unparalleled culture scene to food, drink, fashion, nightlife, retail and more.
As excitement builds for West End LIVE, anyone visiting central London in the next couple of weeks - and who happens to look up - might catch one of a series of surprise, pop-up performances by West End shows on iconic London rooftops, an opportunity to get a feel for things to come from one of the world’s most spectacular outdoor theatre events. Details for these ‘Sing it from the Rooftops’ events will be teased before each appearance on the West End LIVE and Official London Theatre social channels, and anyone lucky enough to witness one will be in with a chance of winning a West End LIVE queue jump. The first pop-up performance will take place today (Wednesday 25 June) at 4pm, in Covent Garden’s famous piazza on the SUSHISAMBA balcony.
Sky VIP are welcomed back as sponsor for West End LIVE 2022, having also supported last year’s event. Once again, they will be offering their customers the chance to watch from the exclusive Sky VIP viewing area onsite, plus win some fabulous prizes.
They join returning partners The Northbank and Edwardian Hotels and sponsors Art of London, Capco Covent Garden, The Crown Estate, Derwent London, Great Western Railway, Heart of London Business Alliance, New West End Company, The Portman Estate, Regent Street & St James’s, Shaftesbury, Veolia, Victoria Business Improvement District, Victoria Westminster Business Improvement District and Whitehall Business Improvement District.
Eleanor Lloyd, President of SOLT, said:
‘London’s theatres are the envy of the world, and West End LIVE is a highlight of the theatrical calendar for so many - not just the countless fans who converge on Trafalgar Square to enjoy a wealth of incredible live entertainment, but also the hundreds of performers and crew involved in putting on what is always an unforgettable weekend. We are delighted to continue to work so closely with Westminster to deliver West End LIVE, and hugely grateful for the support of Sky, who have a long history as champions of theatre and the arts.’
Cllr Tim Roca, Deputy Leader at Westminster City Council, said:
‘West End LIVE is a much-loved annual event that brings together the musical theatre community in celebration of the world-class theatre we have right on our doorstep. One of the main aims the new administration has for the council is to make culture, arts and leisure accessible to everyone living in Westminster, not just the few. We want to encourage all residents, especially those in disadvantaged communities, to participate and join in cultural opportunities and big, fun events such as West End LIVE so we can bring all our communities in Westminster together.’
Joel Keoghan, Head of Brand Partnerships at Sky said:
Sky is delighted to be part of West End LIVE again. This annual celebration of London’s world class theatre is a fantastic event and a highlight in the arts calendar. It’s a great opportunity for us to host and thank our customers, getting them closer to the entertainment they love through Sky VIP.
Official London Theatre will be backstage throughout the West End LIVE weekend sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes content across our social channels.
West End LIVE remains free and unticketed as in previous years. The event will be BSL interpreted by Sue MacLaine, Marco Nardi and Caroline Richardson.
List of shows appearing at West End LIVE 2022
More shows and acts will be announced in the lead-up to the event
& Juliet
Back To The Future - The Musical
Disney's Beauty And The Beast
Bonnie And Clyde The Musical
The Book Of Mormon
Chess, Kinky Boots and Treason at Drury Lane
The Choir Of Man
Come From Away
Dear Evan Hansen
The Drifters Girl
Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World The Musical
Disney's Frozen
Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical
Grease The Musical
The Great Gatsby
Hamilton
Heathers The Musical
Jersey Boys
Legally Blonde The Musical
Disney's The Lion King
Magic Mike Live
Mamma Mia!
Mary Poppins
The RSC’s Matilda The Musical
Les Misérables
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
My Fair Lady
Only Fools And Horses The Musical
The Phantom Of The Opera
Pretty Woman: The Musical
Six
South Pacific
Tina - The Tina Turner Musical
Wicked
photo credit: Pamela Raith
Wednesday 14 August 2019
Refresh (Concert), Spiegeltent | Review
Refresh (Concert)
Spiegeltent
Reviewed on Tuesday 13th July 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Refresh is a fantastically exciting cabaret series created by Ryan Carter. The idea is that a cast of talented, fresh west end performers, bring a set list to life that features re-worked versions of many well know musical songs.The concerts are designed to celebrate musical theatre and entertain fans of the genre, but also to provide a gateway experience for those less knowledgable or invested in it. After a selection of concerts, Refresh is taking a short residency at the Underbelly festival to captivate audiences in the intimate Spiegeltent setting.
The set features an eclectic and wholly enjoyable series of songs. From the beautifully haunting Kiss The Air by Scott Alan, to the Hamilton classic You'll Be Back, there's certainly something for everyone. The joy of Refresh is that even if a song is not your favourite originally, the inventive re-imaginings will have you seeing and hearing it in a new way. Highlights of Jo Noel-Hartley and Ryan Carter's arranging, include It Won't Be Long Now, My Favourite Things and the thrilling Rewind mash-up of the history of musical theatre.
The cast is made up of vocal powerhouses: Sam Carlyle, Kayla Carter, Linnéa Didrick, Ben Farrall, Adam Gillian, Abbi Hodgson, Charlotte Miranda Smith, Baker Mukasa and William Lloyd. Each performer brings something beautiful to the stage and even more magic is created when the team come together for their group pieces. The rapport between the cast is highly entertaining and it's clear that everyone's hearts are really into making Refresh as sleek and absorbing as it is. Stand out performances include the quartet rendition of Kiss The Air, Abbi Hodgson's There Once Was a Man, and the rousing opening Do You Hear The People Sing? The musicality and versatility of each performer is evident and it's fantastic to hear vocalists in a raw but professional and high quality performance.
Mention must go to the brilliant lighting design which continually adds to the varying moods of the songs, as well as providing visual treats on its own, and making the experience more visceral. Ryan Carter's design of the graphics and videos which accompany must equally be applauded as they are lively, vibrant and entertaining, and also embody the ethos of Refresh as a whole.
For a night of musical theatre that is different to what you'd expect, pay a visit to see the Refresh gang. Not only are the performers fantastic, but the whole philosophy of the group is something which should be applauded and championed. It should also be noted that following Papa Can You Hear Me? my mum whispered "Babs would be proud" which is high praise indeed and a definite reason to experience these outstanding revitalised performances.
Friday 11 March 2022
Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical Extends Booking Period
Producers have today announced that the hit production Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical has extended booking until 29 January 2023. The critically acclaimed production has been playing to sell-out ecstatic crowds since October last year at the Lyric Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue and it has just been nominated for 4 Olivier Awards, including BestNew Musical.
Producers said: “Bob’s music has a power to heal, and bring joy and life and happiness to the whole world. In these difficult times we are so pleased that audiences are feeling the positive vibrations reverberating around the Lyric Theatre which we have made our home. ONE LOVE to all nominees and welcome to our family, the brilliant Michael Duke.”
This news comes as new images are released of Michael Duke who has taken over the role of Bob Marley from Arinzé Kene. Duke has been performing for 20 years, starting his career as Young Simba in The Lion King. He has appeared in the West End run of The Inheritance, West Side Story at the Royal Exchange in Manchester, Beautiful: The Carol King Musical, Thriller Live and The Rat Pack LIVE! (all in the West End).
On Tuesday this week it was announced that the show had been nominated for 4 Olivier Awards including Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical for Arinzé Kene, Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Gabrielle Brooks and Best Original Score or New Orchestration for Orchestrator Simon Hale.
Award-winning director Clint Dyer channels the creative quest and spiritual power of a universally embraced icon, in this critically acclaimed production which features Marley’s magical, revolutionary songs and a book by award-winning Lee Hall.
Lose yourself to the rhythm of 'Exodus', 'No Woman No Cry', 'Waiting in Vain', 'Three Little Birds', ‘I Shot the Sheriff’, 'Could You Be Loved', 'Redemption Song' and many more.
The explosive production celebrates the immense life and timely message of Jamaican soul rebel Bob Marley - from a life of poverty to visionary international superstar. Crucial fellow soul rebels in the cast include the sensational Rita Marley and the I Three and his inspiring brothers in arms, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer and Lee ‘Scratch Perry’.
The full cast features Michael Duke (Bob Marley), Gabrielle Brooks (Rita Marley), Shanay Holmes (Cindy Breakspeare), Sophia Mackay (Judy Mowatt), Melissa Brown-Taylor (Marcia Griffiths), Jacade Simpson (Bunny Wailer), Natey Jones (Peter Tosh), David Albury (Alternate Bob Marley) Daniel Bailey, Craig Blake, Charles Blyth, Luke Buck, Maxwell Cole, Athena Collins, Viquichele Cross, Kimmy Edwards, Raphael Estavia, Henry Faber, Cannon Hay, Llewellyn Jamal, Savanna Jeffrey, Kieran McGinn, Rohan Pinnock-Hamilton, Cleopatra Rey, Julene Robinson, Lawrence Rowe, Nate Simpson, Amarra Smith, Archie Smith, Declan Spaine, Jaime Tait, Teddy Wills.
‘It’s not all that glitters is gold, half the story has never been told’
From the hills of rural Jamaica, armed only with his overwhelming talent, Bob Marley applied himself with resolute determination to achieve international acclaim for his prophetic musical message – a gospel of love and unity.
photo credit: Craig Sugden
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