Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Harrison Clark. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Harrison Clark. Sort by date Show all posts
Thursday 15 August 2019
Once on This Island, Southwark Playhouse | Review
Once On This Island
Stockwell Playhouse
Reviewed on Wednesday 14th August 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
The British Theatre Academy's production of the Caribbean-inspired Little Mermaid adaptation, Once On This Island is an enchanting show with dynamic, heart-wrenching performances, energy in spades and a glorious uptempo score. Through beautiful harmonies and high-intensity choreography, the young cast bring sunlight to rainy London and infuse a gust of tropical warmth into the magical story and score by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.
Once On This Island tells the legend of Ti Moune, a young orphaned peasant girl raised by Tonton and Euralie, who falls in love with a boy from a wealthy family on the other side of the island, Daniel. Guided by four Gods, Ti Moune rescues Daniel from a life threatening car crash and nurtures him back to health. However, though they may be divided by only a few miles, they are worlds apart and after promises made to the Gods, Ti Moune must see whether love can conquer all, including death.
At the heart of it, Once On This Island is a much needed delivery of the message of the need for inclusion for people from all walks of life. In a world doused in prejudice, where literal walls are being built and we are continually bombarded with stories of segregation, it's crucial that we speak loudly and take a stand to highlight the necessity for equality. The diverse BTA cast do an outstanding job of this and deliver the heart-warming but emotionally raw tale with grace and cohesiveness you would expect to see from older, full-time West End performers.
The BTA team have done an outstanding job of bringing the Tony Award Winning show to life in the pretty intimate space of the Southwark Playhouse. An ever versatile venue, it's fantastic to see it transformed to house a traverse stage where the performers integrate themselves into the audience, and interact as though they are locals wandering the streets. Lee Proud and Harrison Clark's dynamic choreography fills the space and works with the Calypso sounds and rhythms to create an upbeat party feel, as well as highlighting the more deeply emotive parts of the story. Thanks to the ensemble, there isn't a moment that feels under-energised and it's both enthralling and authentic to watch.
In the role of Ti Moune, eighteen year old Chrissie Bhima is otherworldly. Maintaining a poise and depth of someone much older, whilst imbuing the character with an innocence that draws the audience to her; she is a certain star in our midst. Bhima's killer vocals earn rapturous applause after her first solo and set the tone for the nuanced but electric performance she continues to give throughout.
Aviva Tulley as Erzulie is clearly born to perform and she brings the ethereal Goddess of Love to life with a vocal and physical warmth that calms the room. On the other hand, Jonathan Chen is the embodiment of energy as he brings Asaka to life. As the other gods, Kyle Birch (Agwe) and Martin Cush (Papa Ge) embody their elements well.
Sam Tutty is charismatic and sincere as Daniel, who shows genuine heartbreak as the pair struggle through their relationship, whilst, Marie-Anna Caufour oozes affection alongside divine vocals as Ti Moune's adopted mother Euralie. Special notice must go to Elliot Gooch who plays Armand among a variety of ensemble characters and stands out throughout thanks to his energy, facial expressions and witty interactions with both the cast and the audience. At the core, this is really a piece about community so it's a winning factor that the ensemble are so strong. The tight knit group work incredibly hard throughout and are consistently strong. Mention goes to Ella Biddlecombe and Grace Venus who draw the eye throughout.
Despite a few technical issues at the start with sound, the cast's energised portrayal of this provoking, mystical piece keeps the audience in the palms of their hands, and Simon Wells' simplistic but detailed set transports us to an island where magic really happens. The sweet story directed with a winning touch by Lee Proud, alongside vast vocal talent and and an authenticity that courses through, is a must see show this summer.
photo credit: Eliza Wilmot
Tuesday 31 December 2019
Olivia's Top Shows of 2019
This year I saw 150 shows, from glitzy West End productions to smaller fringe pieces and many UK tours. Before we step into the new decade, I want to feature some of my favourite pieces of the year and those which have stuck with me in some way.
Dolly Parton has been a family favourite growing up so this musical ticks all the boxes for me. 9 to 5 is a catchy, colourful celebration of girl power. With another tour planned for next year, this show is sure to delight audiences in 2020 and beyond.
Six featured in last year's Top 10 list, but having seen it a few times this year, I thought it warranted a place once again. The fantastically, feminist musical is pure joy on stage and a complete treat. Enthralling audiences around the world with its pop/musical theatre crossover sound and the heart which is retained in all its incarnations, Six's world domination is only just beginning.
I mentioned the Broadway production of Come From Away last year, but 2019 saw the triumphant West End transfer of this show which is completely spectacular and special beyond compare. Telling the heartfelt story of the unity formed in a small village in Canada during the traumas of 9/11, the Celtic sounds and complete ensemble feel of the piece make it effective and oh so powerful.
Performed by members of the British Theatre Academy (BTA), the young cast transported audiences on a mystical journey of love and magic. Lee Proud and Harrison Clark created a production worthy of much acclaim and showcased some of the future stars of UK theatre.
Having missed the Open Air production of Jesus Christ Superstar, I was thrilled to get the chance to see it at the Barbican and it did not disappoint. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's score soared thanks to the ingenious staging which made the space feel as though it was outside, and Lee Curran's lighting which made the atmosphere both electric and intimate. Amazing performances all round made this a production not to be forgotten.
Not only was it a treat to see this enchanting song cycle by Dave Malloy brought to life by such talented actor-musos, but getting to experience the new space of the Boulevard Theatre was a delight in itself. The whole space feels fresh, welcoming, modern and all in all a wonderful addition to the London theatre scene. Ghost Quartet was a wacky mish-mash, but there's something about it that was truly enchanting.
The Cher Show | Neil Simon Theatre
If you'd told me at the beginning of the year that The Cher Show would be in my top shows, not just of 2019 but ever, I doubt I would've believed you. The cast were amazing but as someone unfamiliar with Cher's music and kind of bewildered by the whole idea, I didn't expect to come out beaming after one of the best night's ever at the theatre. The biopic musical tells the story of the superstar's rise to fame via three Cher's representing different times in her life. The performances are other worldly and the humour hits all the right spots. This is the embodiment of a grand musical and I can only hope it comes to the West End sometime soon!
The Jungle | St Ann's Warehouse
This is another show I missed in London but was lucky enough to catch in New York at the incredible setting of St Ann's Warehouse in Brooklyn. This is the most striking piece of theatre I have ever witnessed, and I can't even explain how spectacular the entire production was. The community feel that was created within moments of entering the theatre is like nothing I've ever experienced and every element of theatricality was so perfectly used to highlight the stories of those on stage.
The Adam Guettal musical was on my 'To See' bucket list, so it was a complete joy to experience the sumptuous score performed by such a stellar cast this year. The story about young Clara falling in love with Fabrizio on a trip to Italy is beautiful and made me want to go to and have my own romantic holiday accompanied by a beautiful classical soundtrack.
Fiver played a brief run at the Southwark Playhouse and earned itself much praise and many fans. With a fantastic score by Alex James Ellison, the musical follows the story of a £5 note and how it's value changes in the hands of various people. This was a completely unexpected treat of a show which completely enraptured me and left me feeling joyous, thanks to the wonderful mix of musical styles and fantastic array of stories involved. The superb cast of five gave everything and made it a real gem of a piece. A delightful musical, lets hope we see more of Fiver in the future.
Tuesday 7 February 2017
Reasons You Should Go And See RENT
So last night I saw the 20th aniversary production of Rent for the third time and it had the exact same impact on me, I was happy, sad, moved and just completely blown away. It truly is an impeccable production.
I reviewed the show when it was on at the St James (which you can read here) and other than small tweaks and the show of course being performed in a larger stage, not much has changed with the transfer so instead of writing another review I thought I would just do a post of me fangirling about the show and why you should go and see it!!
Firstly, THE CAST. This show wouldn't be a quarter of what it is without the incredibly talented cast. Every single member is powerful, committed and strong in their roles, there's a true feeling of community and it really feels as though you're watching real life play out on stage. Philippa Stefani is the true standout for me, her performance is just raw and heartbreaking and so well constructed that it's physically painful to watch. I can't help but watch Philippa every time she is on stage and it's just a joy to see her talent, passion and grit shine through on stage. Philippa's performance as Mimi is worth the ticket price alone! Billy Cullum is everything Mark should be, he's dorky but passionate and absolutely the perfect person to play the role. His voice is fantastic as well as his acting and its just brilliant. Lucie Jones and Shanay Holmes are perfect as lovers Joanne and Maureen; both having stand out solo moments and working harmoniously as a pair, again its perfect casting. Ryan O Gorman has such a soulful voice and is insane as Collins. Last night is had the pleasure of seeing Harrison Clark as Angel and he was great! He's stepped into the role wonderfully and pulls of the role with ease and grace. After seeing this cast I can't imagine anyone else playing the roles!
Another reason you should see this show is of course because of THE MUSIC. Jonathan Larson's score is as stunning and moving now as it ever has been and will leave you with tingles, tears and love. Each harmony is stunning and every note feels in place, nothing seems forced or over performed. The music truly does stand on it's own but along with the wonderful cast it is just a dream.
Lee Proud's CHOREOGRAPHY adds a whole new layer to the show, the movements are quick and seem spontaneously natural. They are precise and inventive but not at all intrusive to the storytelling.
There's a billion more things I could say about this production but honestly you just need to experience it for yourself. It's really like nothing I've experienced before and it's hard to put this perfection into words so just get a ticket, immerse yourself in the show, soak every moment in and experience it for yourself.
Rent is playing at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley before touring much more of the country. For information about the show and to buy tickets, visit www.rentonstage.co.uk
To read my full review of Rent, visit: http://www.rewritethisstory.com/2016/...
To see my vlog of Rent, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4WYv1d7h9Q
To see what a Rent obsession looks like, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu1G2n8EQFM
Friday 2 July 2021
Wonderful Town, Opera Holland Park | Review
Wonderful Town
Opera Holland Park
Reviewed on Thursday 1st July 2021 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
As the world returns to a new normal, there aren't many better ways to spend a Thursday evening than enjoying a glorious musical in the beautiful setting of Opera Holland Park. Quick Fantastic have returned to the space to present Wonderful Town, the half-forgotten 30s musical which brims with exhilarating jazz and witty comedy.
Under Alex Parker's musical direction, Bernstein's score soars around the auditorium and reminds us just how brilliant the older Broadway musicals can be. The comedy on stage is matched perfectly with the music and the whole affair feels as rich and jubilant as can be. The musical diversity is also a treat to hearr, with an Irish jig, a beatnik scat and some moving ballads, there's really something for everyone.
The book by Jerome Chodorov and Joseph Fields is basically the story who two sisters from Ohio who arrive in the New York with dreams of taking the town by storm. The source material for the show was taken from autobiographical short stories by Ruth, the sister who longed for a writing career and chronicled her and her sisters' lives in The New Yorker. There are a number of little adventures the duo go on whilst finding their careers (and romances) which make for a highly entertaining and all round wholesome story.
Ruth is played with grit and wit by West End superstar, Louise Dearman, who seems almost made for the role of the sassy, vulnerable, bookish author. Of course Louise is vocally effortless and provides some real highlights, but she also shines in the humourous moments which help make the whole production feel so jubilant.
Balancing Dearman out is the equally brilliant Siubhan Harrison as Eileen, the sister who knows how to get what she wants but in the end is unwaveringly committed to her sister. The double act are a dream to watch and have the audience wrapped around their little fingers, especially during their smooth as butter rendition of Ohio.
The male love interests are performed by Ako Mitchell who is vocally divine and very authentic as magazine editor Bob; Roger Dipper who is utterly wonderful and so humourous as the bumbling Walgreens worker Frank Lippencott; and Alex Lodge who is suitably sleazy as newspaper hack Chick Clark.
Billy Nevers is the washed up football player The Wreck, and Emma Harrold is his secret fiancé, Helen. Both do a great job of padding out their characters as well as providing super strong vocals and some light-hearted comedic moments.
The rest of the cast made up of: Jade Albertsen, Robson Broad, Ashley Daniels, Tamsin Dowsett, Gregory Haney, Jas[er Kajd and Natasha Leaver are super sleek throughout whilst bringing the vibes of 30s New York to life. Carrie-Anne Ingrouille's choreography is superb and a joy to watch.
From a conga to an incarceration there's a lot to enjoy and laugh at, and the cast do an outstanding job of making a semi-staged production feel full. Overall it's a wonderful night at Wonderful Town.
Photos by Danny Kaan
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