Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Jacqui Dubois. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Jacqui Dubois. Sort by date Show all posts
Tuesday, 28 February 2017
Ghost (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Ghost (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 27th February 2017 by Valerie Field
Reviewed on Monday 27th February 2017 by Valerie Field
★★★★
Despite all the drama and speculation that has been surrounding this show, I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it very moving and well acted. I have never seen the film but know of the story and have heard all about the iconic scene at the potters wheel so I was a bit surprised that more wasn't made of that scene on stage. The fact that this is my only major criticism shows how much I enjoyed the show.
The scenery was great and scene changes were smooth and convincing with each set feeling exactly like the place it was portraying and the characters fit into it perfectly. The special effects were brilliant and really added to the show, although sometimes they did feel a little unnecessary, altogether they added a very nice layer to the performance.
The acting, dancing and songs were great and very entertaining, memorable and enjoyable. Carolyn Maitland was wonderful as Molly and has fabulous chemistry with Andy Moss as Sam. Both their voices are strong and they are convincing as the characters.
Jacqui Dubois as Oda Mae was a definite stand out and was fantastic on stage, stealing the show at points and really showing off her star power. Garry Lee Netley as the Subway Ghost deserves a special mention as he was a great presence on stage and suited the character wonderfully.
My only other criticism is that I did feel sometimes the orchestra was a bit too loud when the solos were being sung as it seem to drown the singer's voices slightly. This was probably just an issue that night.
Apart from that the show was great and I enjoyed it immensely and will definitely recommend it. The cast are strong and well rounded. The sets, costumes and effects fit the show precisely and overall it was a great night out seeing a much loved musical. All in all I think the whole show came together really well and was a very entertaining evening.
Ghost runs at the New Victoria theatre until March 4th and then continues on it's UK tour.
Photo credit: Matt Martin
Wednesday, 15 October 2025
Here & Now The Steps Musical Tour Review- A Pop-Fuelled Jukebox Ride That Charms
Here and Now: The Steps Musical (Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Here & Now is a vibrant, glitter-filled night of pop nostalgia that wears its heart- and its sparkly costumes- proudly on its sleeve. Built around the iconic hits of Steps, this jukebox musical takes place in a brightly lit supermarket called Better Best Bargains, where dreams, heartbreak, and friendship collide in equal measure.
At the centre of the story is Caz, played with warmth and power by Rebecca Lock, whose vocals soar through the theatre and whose emotional honesty gives the show its core. When her life takes an unexpected turn, she and her co-workers are forced to re-evaluate their choices and embrace a “Summer of Love” that doesn’t quite go to plan. Alongside her, Blake Patrick Anderson (Robbie), Jacqui Dubois (Vel), Rosie Singha (Neeta) give great performances and their chemistry is lovely to see. River Medway also has some brilliant moments as Jem. Finty Williams is a comic delight as Patricia, the dry, sharp-tongued store boss whose perfectly timed one-liners steal more than one scene, I wish we got a little bit more of her story. The rest of the cast bring great energy and charm, with tight ensemble work that keeps the show lively and fast-moving.
Visually, the production is dazzling. Tom Rogers' supermarket set transforms fluidly, bursting with colour and clever design touches, while Howard Hudson's lighting shifts between campy exuberance and tender intimacy. It’s a feast for the eyes, even if sometimes there’s so much going on that it’s hard to catch every detail. Matt Cole's choreography is slick and punchy, perfectly capturing the upbeat essence of Steps while grounding it in musical-theatre storytelling.
Where the show falters slightly is in pacing and clarity. With so many interwoven storylines and emotional beats, some scenes feel rushed, and the final moments could benefit from a little more breathing room. At times, the sheer spectacle overwhelms the subtler emotional notes, but when it lands, it’s joyous.
Despite its imperfections, Here & Now is a fun, heartfelt celebration of pop, love, and second chances. Rebecca Lock is a standout, Finty Williams adds sparkle and humour, and the ensemble delivers with infectious enthusiasm. It may not reinvent the jukebox-musical format, but it’s packed with enough charm, choreography, and nostalgia to leave audiences smiling and maybe even dancing their way out of the theatre. A glittery supermarket of pop, heart, and pure nostalgia!
★★★★
Reviewed on Tuesday 14th October 2025 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Pamela Raith
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Tuesday, 15 April 2025
Ghost the Musical UK Tour: Great Cast, Ghostly Magic, But Time for a Refresh? | REVIEW
Ghost the Musical (Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Based on the beloved 1990 film starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, Ghost the Musical first premiered in Manchester in 2011 before transferring to the West End and Broadway. With a book by Bruce Joel Rubin (who also penned the original screenplay) and a pop-infused score by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard, the musical brings romance, loss, and the supernatural to the stage. The current UK tour proves there's still plenty of love for this story and though a few creaky moments show its age, the emotional core and a jaw-dropping central performance keep it engaging and enjoyable.
This touring production is anchored by a genuinely great cast, with standout performances across the board. At the heart of it all is the phenomenal Rebekah Lowings, whose portrayal of Molly is nothing short of spellbinding. Her vocals are among the best I’ve ever heard. Rich, emotional and technically flawless, she brings such raw depth to the role that you can’t help but root for her from her very first note. Honestly, I want to see her in everything from now on.
Josh St. Clair also provides some great vocal moments and makes for a compelling Sam, navigating the tricky emotional beats of his spectral role with sensitivity. As Carl, James Mateo-Salt is a real standout, bringing a great intensity to the role and some top level vocals to match, while Jacqui Dubois as Oda Mae delivers excellent comic timing and vibrant charisma, perfectly lifting the mood just when it’s needed. The show benefits from this balance of emotional sadness and humour, which helps it maintain a fairly fast pace and keeps the audience emotionally invested throughout.
That said, Ghost the Musical does show its age in places. Some moments feel a little on the cringe-worthy side, especially in the dialogue and transitions, and it’s easy to imagine how a subtle modern refresh-whether through design or direction- could polish off the rougher edges. The choreography also feels a little mismatched with the tone of the piece; while the dance breaks are energetic, they often feel more suited to a pop concert than a supernatural love story.
Despite that, the show offers some strong technical elements. The special effects (particularly those ghostly illusions) are slick and satisfying, and the lighting does a lot to establish mood and movement. While the sound mix could use some fine-tuning (a few ensemble lyrics got lost in the score), the overall production values are solid for a touring show.
Ultimately, this Ghost might not be reinventing the wheel, but it’s still an entertaining and emotionally satisfying night at the theatre. With a cast this talented, and a leading lady who deserves every starring role coming her way, it’s easy to overlook some of the creakier bits. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the film or simply in the mood for a musical that blends romance, comedy, and a touch of the otherworldly, this tour is worth catching.
★★★
Reviewed on Tuesday 15th April by Olivia
Photo Credit: Alastair Muir
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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