Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday 5 July 2019

Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky on Taking Her Version of Rizzo on Tour in Grease the Musical | Interview

Grease is the epitome of a cult-classic musical, after various revivals and reinventions, there's a new tour taking over the country. In this refreshed production, Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky takes on the iconic role of Rizzo and took the time to chat to us all about the experience...


Tell us a bit about your career and highlights so far? 
My first job out of college was cover Nabalungi/Swing in The Book Of Mormon (West End). I stayed there for a year and had the best time there. I then went into Bat Out Of Hell as ensemble/1st Cover Zahara. I have been so lucky to have the experiences I had and the memories I made on both of those jobs. We performed for Prince Harry, performed at Proms in the Park in front of thousands. Mental really. I’m now performing as Rizzo in Grease the UK and Ireland Tour and am having the time of my life. I’m so grateful for the career I’ve had so far.


You finished performing in Bat Out Of Hell at the beginning of the year which featured the iconic Jim Steinman music. Grease is a cult favourite, what’s it like bringing these well-loved songs and characters to life? 
It has been amazing learning and performing this well-loved musical. I grew up with Grease, my family and I watched it pretty much every weekend, I used to sing Hopelessly Devoted To You and There Are Worse Things I Could Do to my teddies in my room haha! So to be performing in it every night really is a dream come true. I never tire of the music and it’s been amazing getting to put my own stamp on the characters, particularly Rizzo. 


Rizzo is a very layered character, which sides of her are you most excited to discover and perform? 
Rizzo is a very layered character indeed. I wanted to try and explore as much of her as I can, and I’m still learning about her every performance I do. I love getting to play the fun, nonchalant side of her seen in Look At Me I’m Sandra Dee as well as the heartbroken side of her in There Are Worse Things I Could Do.


Does this production stick true to expectations from the movie? 
This production still has the fun loving elements from the film; however the creative team have really encouraged us to focus on the truth of the story. We are working class teenagers growing up in the 50s facing all sorts of problems such as body image, love triangles and pressures to fit into society. It’s a lot grittier than the film.


What part of touring are you most excited about? 
It’s my first tour so I’m super excited to get on the road. I think I’m most excited about seeing other parts of the country and exploring. I love travelling! 


If you could play any other character in the show, who would you play? 
If I could play any other character in the show it would have to be Kenickie. He is just so bloody cool! He also sings Greased Lightnin’ and that gets me pumped every time I hear it. 


What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage? 
The last thing I do before I step on stage is usually drink some water, have a mint and take a couple of breaths just to focus myself. I start the show in the first wing on my own so it usually gives me time to get myself together and focus on the show. 


You have a five minute break in rehearsals, what are you doing? 
If I have 5 minutes in rehearsals I would probably be eating, ha! Or recapping dance steps usually. 


What’s a fun fact that people might not know about you? 
If I wasn’t an actress I would love to be a journalist. I love writing and talking to people. I have short novels that I have written at a young age in my room.


What’s your best piece of advice for an aspiring performer?
LOVE WHAT YOU DO! Keep yourself healthy and keep learning. Never stop working hard. See as much theatre as you can to keep your motivation going.


Grease is currently touring the UK and Ireland, information and tickets can be found here

Interview by Editor, Olivia Mitchell

photo credit: Manuel Harlan 


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Sunday 7 October 2018

Bat Out of Hell, Dominion Theatre | Review


Bat Out of Hell
Dominion Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 4th October 2018 by Becca Cromwell
★★★★★

All Revved Up with somewhere to go, I was excited as I made my way to the Dominion Theatre to see one of my favourite musicals, Bat Out of Hell.

Bat Out of Hell is a jukebox musical based on the music made famous by the beloved Meatloaf, written by Jim Steinman. Featuring hits such as Two Out of Three Ain't Bad, Paradise by the Dashboard Light and its namesake Bat Out of Hell, it's a larger than life extravaganza, perfect for fans of Steinman/Meatloaf.

The electric Bat Out of Hell burst onto the theatre scene in early 2017 when it opened in Manchester. Since then it has been through a number of iterations, making its West End debut at the London Coliseum last summer, performing a run in Toronto and returning to London at its current home, the Dominion Theatre. The show is also set to take off on a US tour as well as other productions worldwide.

The story (or lack of) is set in Obsidian; a post-apocalyptic version of Manhattan, which has been ravaged by chemical wars. These caused a group of teens (the Lost) to become frozen at the age of 18. The main story focuses on Strat, the leader of the Lost and Raven, the daughter of Falco, the tyrannical leader of the city. The two fall in love a la Romeo and Juliet, and the rest is history. 

The plot is based on both Romeo and Juliet and Peter Pan, but the whole thing is very thin. If you go to this show wanting a proper story, you will be let down, but if you go into it for the spectacular aspects of amazing performances and unreal special effects then you'll love it.

Christina Bennington leads the stellar cast as the rebellious teen Raven, alongside Jordan Luke Gage who recently took over the role of the blond haired, blue eyed, black hearted, Strat. Both give wonderful performances and have great chemistry with one another. Like the entire company, Jordan and Christina both have exceptional vocal skill. On this particular performance, Zahara was played by Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky, who was astounding, and Ledoux was played by Sam Toland, who gave a fantastic performance. As Raven’s parents Falco and Sloane are Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton, who both give outstanding performances, and add comedic elements which are highly entertaining.

The ensemble really bring the show together with pitch perfect harmonies and notes to die for. My personal favourite part of the show is Objects In The Rearview Mirror, where the ensemble bring me to tears with their heartfelt performances.

During this performance there appeared to be some microphone issues but these were only minor and did not distract much from the fantastic performances.

From start to finish this show is a hit. The vocals are flawless and Emma Portner's choreography (as wacky as some of it is) is phenomenal. Each and every person in this show is a superstar. The lack of story is certainly made up for by the intensity and emotion with which the full cast perform.

With the show remaining in London until January 2019, and a major US tour about to begin, I thoroughly recommend Bat Out of Hell for an entertaining night out.

For tickets and information about the show, visit https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk

photo credit: Specular


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Wednesday 11 January 2023

Six the Musical, Vaudeville Theatre | Review


Six the Musical
Vaudeville Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 10th January 2022 by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★★★

Entering the Vaudeville theatre last night there was a bustling energy, not just because everyone was excited to see Six but because the cast of the highly addictive tv show, the Traitors were in the audience. Murmurs of “traitor” and “faithful” filled the air and the buzz was certainly something, who knew we’d all be so starstruck!? However, once the curtain was drawn it was all eyes on the Queens and a glorious 75 minutes followed.


Going into a new year it’s great to see that Six the Musical is as vibrant and wonderful as ever. The current queens of the castle do an outstanding job of keeping the energy of the show fresh and truly engaging so that both first time audiences audiences and longtime Six fans can feel like they’re experiencing something special. 


The cast, made up of Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky, Baylie Carson, Claudia Kariuki, Dionne Ward-Anderson, Koko Basigara and Roxanne Couch are a complete group of powerhouses who give stellar solo performances as well as backing up and complementing each other brilliantly. The camaraderie on stage is clear to see and really adds to the overall message of empowerment and support which is at the heart of the show. Special mention must go to Baylie Carson who is an absolute dream to watch as they bring something completely fresh and charming to the role of Anne Boleyn; I cannot wait to see all their future theatrical endeavours (Fangirls UK please!)


Having been playing at the Vaudeville theatre since 2021 the show feels completely settled and has perfectly upgraded from its first long term home, the Arts, to now filling the space on the Strand. The bigger space allows more to witness to wonder of the musical but the clever, cosy set design means none of the intimacy is lost. Emma Bailey's design is the ideal backdrop for this concert style musical. The simplistic framework really allows the performances to shine but there are also some really clever elements such as the throne which rises up grandly. Paired with Tim Deiling's lighting, you really do get the fully visceral concert experience.


A Tudor tale like no other Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss' show continues to get better and better and there's no end in sight for its reign of brilliance. Six the Musical will have you bowing down to the queens and then on your feet to dance along with them- go see this show.


photo credit: Pamela Raith


{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}

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Tuesday 6 February 2024

Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical extends its season at The Other Palace


Bill Kenwright Ltd is delighted to announce that the London premiere of Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical (“Sexy, smirky... a fast, funny guilty pleasure” - Evening Standard) will extend its acclaimed season at The Other Palace by 5 weeks to Sunday May 19th.

The cast of  Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical is led by Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky and Daniel Bravo as manipulative step-siblings Kathryn and Sebastian.It also features  Abbie Budden as Annette and Rose Galbraith as Cecile, Josh Barnett as Blaine, Jess Buckby as Ms Bunny Caldwell/Dr Greenbaum, Nickcolia King-N’Da as Ronald and Barney Wilkinson as Greg, with an ensemble of Craig Watson, Nathan Lorainey-Dineen, Charlotte O’Rourke and Verity Thompson.
Step-siblings Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil, manipulative monsters flushed with their own sexual prowess, engage in a cruel bet: Kathryn goads Sebastian into attempting to seduce Annette Hargrove, the headmaster’s virtuous daughter.  Weaving a web of secrets and temptation, as the two set out to destroy an innocent girl - and anyone who gets in their way - their vengeful crusade wreaks havoc on the students at their exclusive Manhattan high school and the diabolical duo become entangled in their own mesh of deception and unexpected romance, with explosive results...

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