Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Tom Kitt. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Tom Kitt. Sort by date Show all posts
Wednesday, 8 August 2018
Bring It On, Southwark Playhouse | Review
Bring It On
Southwark Playhouse
Reviewed on Tuesday 7th August 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
If like me, you're constantly in a state of missing In The Heights then the British Theatre Academy's production of Bring It On is just the energetic, humourous, heart-felt fix you need. Based on the 2000 hit film, Bring It On follows follows cheer-royalty Campbell who's future is looking bright. She's just been named cheer captain for her senior year and is hoping to lead her team to National's glory. However, a sudden redistricting means she has to transfer to neighbouring Jackson High School where everything she knows is turned upside down...
With music by Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda it's no surprise that the score is incredibly catchy and fast-paced; hip-hop influences are seamlessly intwined with classic musical theatre tunes. Whilst the plot line is nothing new it is suitably modern and has the overarching messages of teamwork and empowerment which are always welcome.
Once Campbell is thrown into her new school world, things really get going. Former cheer mascot Bridget finds a new lease of life and an acceptance that she's never previously experienced, whilst, Campbell begins to realise that social conformity isn't all it's cracked up to be.
The young, vibrant cast do an outstanding job of bringing the school halls and cheer routines to life. Robyn McIntyre is wonderfully emotive and vocally stellar as the front-woman who drives the story onwards. Alongside her, Kristine Kruse provides not only comic relief, but great vocals and brings the message of unity to life. Isabella Pappas is brilliantly and brutally expressive as the token mean girl Skylar, also providing some shining vocal moments.
Other standouts include Clark James, Mary Celeste and Haroun Al-Jeddal who all draw the eye throughout and add a mountain of energy to an already highly spirited production.
Ewan Jones' choreography is sharp and works well in the small space of the Southwark Playhouse, providing enough movement to keep both the audience and the cast always on their toes and with enough cheer movements to keep the theme without it becoming tacky. Tom Paris' set alongside Ben Jacobs' lighting add even more fun and brightness to the show.
Of course this isn't a groundbreaking story but performed in such a vigourous and dynamic way, you can't help but love it. The entire cast give phenomenal performances and Bring It On is the high-kicking, fun-for-all show to put a smile on your face and a pep in your step.
Bring It On runs at the Southwark Playhouse until September 1st.
photo credit: Eliza Wilmot
Wednesday, 22 October 2025
Freaky Friday The Musical Announces Full Cast Ahead of Manchester HOME Premiere
Manchester audiences are in for a festive treat as Freaky Friday The Musical prepares to make its UK stage premiere at HOME Manchester from 27 November 2025, running through 10 January 2026.
Leading the cast are Rebecca Lock (Heathers The Musical, Here and Now) as Katherine, the overworked mother who finds herself magically swapping bodies with her teenage daughter Ellie, played by Jena Pandya (Come Fall in Love, Bhangra Nation).
They’re joined by a talented ensemble including Ian Virgo (Jesus Christ Superstar) as Mike, Samantha Ho (Cabaret) as Gretchen, and Beth Savill (Hamlet) as Hannah. Making their professional debuts are Jessica Butterworth as Savannah and Ellie Gilbert-Grey as Laurel. The cast also features Max Mirza, Morgan Gregory, Dylan Gordon-Jones, Waylon Jacobs, Tori Scott, Katharine Pearson, James Stirling, and Catherine Millsom, completing a powerhouse company.
Based on the beloved 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and Disney’s hit films, Freaky Friday The Musical brings the iconic body-swap story to life with warmth, humour, and a vibrant contemporary score. When mother and daughter suddenly find themselves living each other’s lives for a day, chaos, comedy, and compassion collide in a heartfelt exploration of family and understanding.
The musical is directed by Andy Fickman, who famously adapted Heathers from screen to stage, and produced by Paul Taylor-Mills (The Lightning Thief, Heathers The Musical). The creative team includes book writer Bridget Carpenter, music by Tom Kitt and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, the Tony- and Pulitzer-winning duo behind Next to Normal.
With choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento, designs by David Shields, and musical supervision by Will Parker, the show promises to be one of the most joyful musical theatre experiences of the season.
Expect laughter, heart, and a little holiday magic as Freaky Friday brings its feel-good message to Manchester before, no doubt, charming London theatre audiences next.
Friday, 7 November 2025
David Tennant and Caissie Levy Lead New National Theatre at Home Season
A Powerful Lineup Streaming Worldwide
The National Theatre at Home platform welcomes a stellar new winter lineup featuring David Tennant, Caissie Levy, and Juliet Stevenson in a trio of acclaimed productions.
From 25 November 2025, Tennant stars in GOOD, a gripping revival exploring morality and complicity in wartime Germany. The production, filmed at the Harold Pinter Theatre, also features Elliot Levey and Sharon Small, directed by Dominic Cooke.
From 2 December, Next to Normal joins the platform, starring Caissie Levy as Diana Goodman in Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey’s Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical, filmed at Wyndham’s Theatre.
Soon after, The Land of the Living, starring Juliet Stevenson, premieres online — a haunting new play by David Lan, directed by Stephen Daldry, exploring trauma, memory, and moral reckoning.
Bringing Theatre Home
Launched in 2020, National Theatre at Home now features over 100 productions, offering access to world-class theatre for global audiences. Subscriptions are £9.99 per month or £99.99 annually, with all titles available with captions and most with Audio Description.
For lovers of London theatre, musical theatre, and bold new drama, this season is an unmissable celebration of creativity on screen.
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