Showing posts sorted by relevance for query musical theatre. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query musical theatre. Sort by date Show all posts
Monday 26 March 2018
Why We Should 'Be More Matilda'
There are a lot of inspiring stories in this world, and for me, some of the best can be found in Musical Theatre. Some people think musicals are all about the fun, the glitz and the glamour, but really there are some truly inspiring stories intertwined with all of that. Stories of overcoming the impossible, reaching for your dreams and fighting adversity. At first, whilst enjoying the show, you may not realise the true depth of the story but it's there and I believe that we can learn a lot from the stories of the musicals.
On international women's day, there was a lot of talk on social media about the most inspiring women in musical theatre. Plenty to choose from but the twitter tag that really stood out to me was Be More Matilda. Despite being the smallest leading lady in the West End, Matilda is certainly inspiring, and the show as a whole has this wonderfully motivating story. So why should you choose to 'Be More Matilda’?
Matilda the musical, whilst being full of fun and humour, has an incredible story of fighting for what is right at its heart. It is a classic little versus large story, with a little girl coming up against her giant of a headmistress, with Matilda determined to turn the tables. Matilda the musical creates a world where children can teach adults the lessons they deserve and teaches the audience that you can do anything as long as you are determined.
Little Matilda Wormwood, despite her size, is stubborn and won't take no for an answer. She knows that it is not right that Miss Trunchball treats the students of her school like prisoners, or that her parents treat her like dirt, and she is intent on teaching them a lesson. As she says, 'Even if you find that life's not fair, it doesn't mean that you just have to grin and bear it'. Matilda is a strong character, she knows that things need to change, and she uses her incredible mind and fighting spirit to prove everyone around her wrong and change her life for the better.
In Musical Theatre, there are a few characters that champion the idea that 'Even if you're little you can do a lot' and Matilda is just one of them. You could also mention Les Miserables Gavroche, the tough talking urchin who fights to the death alongside the rebellious students, or Barnum's General Tom Thumb who uses his circus act to celebrate his small size with a proud proclamation that Bigger isn't better.
Despite her size and the fact that the clear majority of the adults around her want to silence her, Matilda comes out on top. She fights against it all, using her brains and her determination to right all the wrongs in her life. Matilda is inspired by the stories she reads in her books, and she understands how those characters could have changed their stories. With that inspiration, she is able to change her own story. She believes that the biggest event can begin with the tiniest start, and even though you're small, you can do anything you want to do.
Matilda the Musical teaches everyone who watches it a wonderful lesson. It tells everyone that if you have a problem, you shouldn't just sit around and let it get on top, because that is a way of saying that it's okay, when it really isn't. The show teaches that you are the creator of your own story and no one else can write that story for you.
So, whether you decide to be the tiniest mite who packs the mightiest sting or decide to take advice from Mrs Wormwood and Rudolpho in Loud and give yourself permission to shine, maybe it's time to decide to Be More Matilda.
Comment down below how you're going to Be More Matilda or which other musical theatre characters inspire you...
Comment down below how you're going to Be More Matilda or which other musical theatre characters inspire you...
Article written by Becky Wallis
Wednesday 3 October 2018
Mean Girls, August Wilson Theatre | Review
Mean Girls
August Wilson Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 19th September by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
It lives up to the hype. It truly lives up to the hype.
Mean Girls follows Cady Heron, who moves from the wilds of Africa to the wilds of suburban America, where instead of facing lions, malnutrition and loneliness, she faces boy drama, social issues and the struggle to stay true to herself. Shortly after joining North Shore High School, Cady is shown the various cliques that inhibit the halls. When the most popular girls at school, The Plastics, invite her to join their group, her real friends see it as a perfect way for her to go undercover and infiltrate the cool kids who rule the school.
The musical is based on the 2004 movie of the same name, written by Tina Fey who adapted her own work from screen to stage. The music is by composer of various television songs and Tina's husband, Jeff Richmond, lyrics are by Nell Benjamin who also wrote for other hit screen to stage musical, Legally Blonde. This is a super high energy musical which is perfect for all audience types (although perhaps a little mature younger children).
There are mixtures of sounds and styles which makes this musical feel very fresh in the current theatre climate. There's pop, contemporary musical theatre, soft-rock, classic musical theatre and so much more which brings the show right up to date and keeps the audience on their toes. Each character has it's own musical feel which fits perfectly; Regina for example has slow, drawn out music which keeps us all in her web of power, whilst Gretchen has to sing everything quickly so as not to be cut off by Regina and Cady's songs are all very Disney-esque and flouncy. The songs of Mean Girls are sure to become regulars in rep folders, karaoke essentials and just earworms in general.
Ashley Park as Gretchen Wieners is so solid and provides a masterclass in committing to your character and putting the work in to make you believe every moment. She is hilarious and vocally stunning as Gretchen but the way she embodies the character is truly what makes the performance special. Kate Rockwell is dippy to perfection as the iconic Karen Smith and she really shines during Sexy which has the audience howling. Jennifer Simard is hilarious and versatile as Mrs Heron/Ms Norbury/Mrs George. Her voice is outstanding and she again brings the memorable moments of the film to life but puts her own spin on them.
At this performance, Cady Heron was played by understudy, Becca Petersen who is wonderful in the role both vocally and acting wise. Compared to the film, I felt much more sympathy for Cady and due to her kindness and innocence, found her a much more likeable character. Her being drawn to the allure of popularity feels natural although we still see the awful way she abandons her true friends.
Barrett Wilbert Weed as Janis is outstanding. From the first moment of Cautionary Tale she is completely natural in the role and it feels as though the real Janis has been plucked out of Illinois and placed on the August Wilson stage. Her best friend, partner is crime, Damien is played superbly by Grey Henson who is comedy on feet and it feels as though it was written in the stars that he would play the role.
The stand out of the show has to be Taylor Louderman who is everything and more as the head Plastic, Regina George. Her voice soars so effortlessly that it's like she's being auto-tuned in front of our eyes. Again, the way Taylor embodies Regina is mesmerising to watch and she is so spot on with every aspect of her performance. Someone Gets Hurt and World Burn are two of the best theatrical moments I've ever experienced.
Technically this show is sensational. The sets by Scott Pask are super simplistic but work well in a jenga-like way to transport us to the few locations of the show; with the screens not only bringing the show into the digital age, but providing constant stimulation for the audience. Modernity is also brought through Gregg Barnes' costumes which are intimately thought out. The Plastics of course, are dressed like they're constantly at an afternoon tea but the rest of the cast look like real, current students. So often with shows set in High Schools, the costumes are unrealistic or even outdated; the playbill states the the show takes place in "The Present" so it will be interesting to see whether the costumes change over time to fit with trends or whether the show becomes synonymous with 2018. Small details such as the theatre 'geeks' wearing actual show merch and Janis letting her hair grow out (perhaps symbolising her desire to avoid conformity), make the show feel truthful and grounded.
Tina Fey's book brings all our favourite moments from the Mean Girls film to life but the addition of new witty one liners and more character development means nothing feels recycled. Mean Girls is fresh and funny as well as having a strong moral heart which highlights bullying and acceptance. If you want a grool night out, get yourself along to the August Wilson theatre... and for us in the UK, lets start a stagey prayer circle for a West End transfer!
photo credit: Joan Marcus
Thursday 17 February 2022
Natalie McQueen and George Maguire to Star in West End Transfer of Bonnie and Clyde
DLAP Group are delighted to announce that George Maguire and Natalie McQueen will star as Buck and Blanche Barrow in the West End premiere of the cult-favourite BONNIE AND CLYDE THE MUSICAL at the Arts Theatre from Saturday 9 April 2022. Further casting to be announced in due course. www.bonnieandclydemusical.com
Olivier Award winner George Maguire and West End star Natalie McQueen reunite to reprise their roles as Buck and Blanche Barrow following the phenomenal response to their performances as part of Bonnie and Clyde In Concert at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in January 2022.
George Maguire is the winner for the Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for his performance as ‘Dave Davies’ in Sunny Afternoon. His other theatre credits include 35mm: A Musical Exhibition at The Other Palace Studio, Oliver! at the London Palladium and the European tour of Rent.
Natalie McQueen’s West End credits include playing ‘Doralee Rhodes’ in 9 to 5 The Musical at the Savoy Theatre, Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre and Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre. Her other theatre credits include the UK tour of Wonderland, Murder Ballad at the Arts Theatre and Starlight Express at The Other Palace.
At the height of the Great Depression, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow went from two small-town nobodies in West Texas to America's most renowned folk heroes and the Texas law enforcement's worst nightmares. Fearless, shameless, and alluring, Bonnie & Clyde is the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire country. The show features the songs “Raise A Little Hell”, “This World Will Remember Me” and “Made In America”.
When Bonnie and Clyde meet, their mutual cravings for excitement and fame, combined with a desperate need to lift themselves out of the endless banality and poverty of West Dallas, set them on a mission to chase their dreams. Their bold and reckless behaviour turns the young lovers' thrilling adventure into a downward spiral, putting themselves and their loved ones in trouble with the law. Forced to stay on the run, the lovers resort to robbery and murder to survive. As the infamous duo's fame grows bigger, their inevitable end draws nearer.
Bonnie and Clyde The Musical has a book by Ivan Menchell (Blended [movie], The Cemetery Club, Death Note The Musical), a Tony Award nominated score by Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll and Hyde, The Scarlett Pimpernel), lyrics by Don Black (Tell Me On a Sunday, Sunset Boulevard, Mrs Henderson Presents). The production will be directed by Nick Winston (Director of the feature film Tomorrow Morning, MAME, The Royal Variety Performance) with Set and Costume Design by Philip Whitcomb (Atlantis, Stones In His Pockets, MAME) and Musical Supervision from Katy Richardson(SIX, Rent, Jersey Boys).
Friday 11 June 2021
West End Musical Celebration, Palace Theatre | Review
West End Musical Celebration (Concert)
Palace Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday10th June 2021 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
As two pioneers in making theatre accessible, diverse and welcoming, Shanay Holmes and Chris Steward have continually pushed through all of the setbacks of the last year to provide high quality, delightful entertainment. Most recently through their West End Musical Drive In’s and now through their West End Debut which was a full, flamboyant and fabulous celebration of, and return to theatre.
As hostess with the mostess, Shanay took us through the night with grace and passion. Like all the performers, it was really evident just how much theatre and the theatrical community means to her and the love throughout the auditorium was frenetic.
Joining Shanay were some of the West End's best: Sophie Evans, Alice Fearn, Ben Forster, Rachel John, Trevor Dion Nicholas and Layton Williams. It's unfair to pick favourite moments when every performance was a complete treat and the song selection was outstanding. From Defying Gravity, to a bluesy version of Don't Rain on My Parade and a sweetly sentimental rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow there was something for absolutely everyone. If that wasn't enough, the pre-show/interval playlist was also a stagey delight.
As well as this, the night featured a fantastic band, wonderful backing singers and excellently sleek dancers. Several standing ovations and plenty of chair dancing highlighted that the audience were completely on the performers side and were just as much a part of the show as those on stage, albeit with considerably vocal ability. Overall the whole evening felt like a high quality, well-oiled, musical theatre sensation.
Alongside the mile a minute song selection, the night also included the sparkling wardrobe of dreams. The sheer glitz, glam and spectacle of the whole night's proceedings felt so special to be a part of.
The night closed with a series of high octane numbers, including Don't Stop Believing, How Will I Know and One Night Only, which had everyone on their feet and proved that we really can have a good time, even under covid restrictions.
As the final chorus of The Greatest Showman’s From Now On rang out “and we will come back home”, I was reminded that the theatre really is home and if last night's concert is what it's like then never want to leave.
West End Musical Celebration runs at the Palace Theatre until Sunday 13th June 2021
Photos by Bonnie Britain
Tuesday 7 June 2022
Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for Billy Elliot the Musical
Curve has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming Made at Curve production of Billy Elliot the Musical.
The first new UK production is directed by Nikolai Foster (A Chorus Line, Sunset Boulevard – At Home, West Side Story) and will run at the Leicester theatre for six weeks only from Thursday 7 July to Sunday 14 August. Press night will take place on Thursday 14 July.
The titular role of Billy Elliot, the miner’s son with a passion for ballet, will be performed by Leo Hollingsworth from Nottinghamshire, Alfie Napolitano from Northamptonshire, Samuel Newby from Hertfordshire and Jaden Shentall-Lee, whose family live in Leicestershire.
Billy’s dance teacher Mrs. Wilkinson will be played by West End and Broadway legend Sally Ann Triplett, whose iconic roles include Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes (National Theatre and Theatre Royal Drury Lane) and Young Phyllis in Follies (Shaftesbury Theatre), as well as Martha in the recent Made at Curve UK tour of White Christmas.
Michael, Billy’s best friend will be performed by Bobby Donald, Lucas Haywood, Ethan Shimwell and Leicester’s Prem Masani, who will make his stage debut in the production.
All hailing from the East Midlands, Pearl Ball, Caitlin Cole, Lola Johnstone and Ellie Copping – who returns to Curve’s stage having previously appeared as Susan Waverly in the 2018 Made at Curve production of White Christmas - will share the role of Debbie, Mrs. Wilkinson’s daughter.
Joe Caffrey, who previously performed in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical, will join the cast as Billy’s Dad Jackie, while Broadway and West End sensation Rachel Izen will play Billy’s Grandma Edna. Luke Baker (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the Made at Curve UK tour of Grease) will play Billy’s older brother Tony and Jessica Daley (recently seen in Made at Curve productions of White Christmas and The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber) will play Billy’s Mum.
The adult company will be completed by Craig Armstrong as George, Minal Patel as Big Davey, Cameron Johnson as Mr. Braithwaite, Micky Cochrane as Scab, Robin Paley Yorke as Lesley, Christopher Wright as Mr. Wilkinson, Michael Lin as Pit Supervisor, Jonathan Dryden Taylor as Posh Dad, William Atkinson as Older Billy and ensemble, and Steph Asamoah, Tori McDougall, Anna Rossa and Louie Wood as members of the ensemble.
The young company of ballet dancers and boxers, most of which are Midlands-based or have local family connections, will feature Willow Adamson, Maddie Seren Ashley, Oliver Back, Aneeka Kaur Bains, Ella-Rose Blackburn Price, Harvey Clarridge, Lily Corkill, Miley Dalton, Matisse Didier, Isabelle Francis, Ethan Galeotti, Rahul Gandabhai, Isla Granville, Uzziah Gray, Orlaith Rae Hunt, Ava Rose Johnson, Ava Mia Komisarczuk, Kyrelle Lammy, Lienna-Jean Langdon, Tahlia Maddox, Lorcan Murphy, Nesisa Mhindu, Sophia Pirie, Hayden Polanco, Gopal Thacker and Mirabelle Varakantam.
The Made at Curve production of Billy Elliot the Musical will by choreographed by Lucy Hind, with Musical Supervisor and Musical Director George Dyer. The set will be designed by Michael Taylor with costumes designed by Edd Lindley. Also joining the creative team are Lighting Designer and Curve Associate Ben Cracknell, Sound Designer Adam Fisher, Props Supervisor Lizzie Frankl, RYTDS Resident Assistant Director Lilac Yosiphon, Birkbeck Trainee Director Thyrza Abrahams, Associate Choreographer James Berkery, Dialect Coach Elspeth Morrison, Fight Director Kev McCurdy and Head Chaperone Helen ‘H’ Mclaren-Frost.
Children’s casting is managed by Jo Hawes, with adult casting led by Curve Associate Kay Magson CDG.
Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:
“We are beyond excited to share our extraordinary cast for Lee Hall and Elton John’s astonishing musical Billy Elliot, ensuring this summer in Leicester is truly memorable.“Billy Elliot is a musical filled with incredible characters, epic ideas and at its heart, the story of a young boy who has the passion and courage to dance down a different path from the one prescribed for him. We are thrilled to be working with our four Billys - Alfie, Leo, Jaden and Sam - and the entire young company - all hugely talented, brimming with energy and representing the very best young talent in the UK today.“And leading the entire company, theatre legend Sally Ann Triplett takes on the role of the inspirational teacher we all need in our lives, Mrs. Wilkinson. Joining Sally, we are proud to welcome a first-class company to Curve, totally 55 performers! This is by far the most ambitious show we have staged at Curve and there is no better time to present this musical which recognises the value of culture in our society, the importance of expressing your truest self and gives a voice to the courageous working-class communities who are depicted in Lee Hall’s astonishing play. All beautifully framed by Elton John’s electrifying score.”
Based on Stephen Daldry’s BAFTA-winning 2000 film starring Jamie Bell and Julie Walters, Billy Elliot the Musical features music from Elton John and book and lyrics by Lee Hall. The musical first premiered at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre in 2005 and went on to win a host of international awards, including four Olivier Awards and ten Tony Awards.
Tickets for Billy Elliot the Musical at Curve be purchased on Curve’s website www.curveonline.co.uk, over the phone by calling 0116 242 3595 or in-person at Curve’s Box Office.
photo credit: Marc Brenner
Saturday 6 August 2022
South Pacific, Sadler's Wells | Review
South Pacific
Sadlers Wells
Reviewed on Friday 5th August 2022
★★★
First performed at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2021, Rodgers and Hammerstein's soaring South Pacific is back for a 2022 summer season at Sadler's Wells Theatre.
It has been over seventy years since the release of the original production which covers a number of issues such as class, race and gender, and this revival is visually and vocally beautiful but doesn't quite hit the right note for a contemporary audience.
Rodgers and Hammerstein's score is a delight to hear, with so many of musical theatre's most popular tunes popping up, including I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair and the stunning Some Enchanted Evening. The full orchestra alongside the outstanding cast, namely: Julian Ovenden as Emile De Becque, Gina Beck as Ensign Nellie Forbush, and Rob Houchen as Lt. Joseph Cable, do a stellar job of bringing the score to life and showcasing the sounds of the Golden Age of musical theatre.
It's the plot which features some troubling moments that don't quite sit right for a 21st century audience. Whilst this production does handle aspects well, for example by making a real moment of You've Got To Be Carefully Taught (which was a progressive song for its time) the overarching elements of racism are extremely strong, as is the Westernised view placed on everything. Of course, this is a piece of its time and should be viewed as such and there are aspects which are very much still relevant for today's audiences but the strong negative undertones did detract from what is otherwise a thrillingly giddy romance.
However, aside from plot, this is a visually as well as vocally stunning show. Peter McKintosh's set perfectly transports us to the various spaces of the island and the mystical Bali Ha'i. The cavernous space of Sadler's Wells Theatre is used to the shows advantage and has some real wow moments, especially during act two.
Whilst there are flaws with South Pacific there's no denying that it's a lush show with a number of glorious aspects. For fans of classic musical theatre this should definitely be on the list, as well as those who want to indulge in the fantastically sweeping voices of the top notch cast.
Tickets for South Pacific can be purchased via https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk/
Thursday 12 May 2022
Jeremy Jordan to Perform Live in London
Fourth Wall Live is thrilled to announce that Broadway star Jeremy Jordan will be performing a solo show live in London at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on Monday 29 August 2022. Pre-sale sign up is open now. www.fw-live.com/jeremy
This marks Jeremy’s fourth solo engagement in London after three previous sold-out runs as well as the sold-out Bonnie and Clyde in Concert at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in January of this year. The show is an opportunity for Jeremy to celebrate the some of music he is most loved for performing as well as personal favourites both old and new.
Jeremy Jordan is a Broadway performer who is best known for Newsies (Tony, Grammy, Drama Desk nominations), Bonnie and Clyde (Theatre World Award), American Son, Little Shop of Horrors, West Side Story, Waitress and Rock of Ages. On television he has appeared as a series regular on Supergirl, Smash, and Disney's Tangled. His film credits include The Last 5 Years, Joyful Noise, American Son, Newsies. He will soon star as the tenacious record industry giant, Neil Bogart, in the upcoming feature film, Spinning Gold. Jeremy is also a singer-songwriter whose concerts and cabaret shows have won awards and acclaim worldwide.
Benjamin Rauhala is one of the Broadway community's most trusted music directors and collaborators. He is the Music Supervisor and co-creator of Disney Princess - The Concert, touring over 90 cities in North America throughout 2022. He was named Best Musical Director at the 2020 Broadway World Cabaret Awards. He has toured the world as the music director for Jeremy Jordan, the Tony-nominated star of Broadway's Newsies and The CW's Supergirl. He is also the music director for Academy Award Winner Ariana DeBose, Halston star Krysta Rodriguez, Tony nominees Derek Klena, Jennifer Damiano, Kathryn Gallagher, Nashville star Kyle Dean Massey, and Frozen stars Caroline Bowman and Austin Colby. He was the Associate Music Director for the world premiere of The Secret Life of Bees at the Atlantic Theater, directed by Sam Gold, with music by Duncan Sheik. He worked on the music team for both Bartlett Sher's Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof and the Broadway production of Duncan Sheik's American Psycho simultaneously during the 2016 season. His Off-Broadway credits include David Byrne’s Joan of Arc: Into The Fire at The Public Theater and The Marvelous Wonderettes at Theater Row. He previously served as music director for Hit List, the meta-musical from the NBC television show SMASH and is an Original Programming Producer at Feinstein's/54 Below, where he has created dozens of sold-out concerts, including the Broadway Loves Series, that has famously honoured Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Celine Dion and many more beloved pop icons.
Fourth Wall Live (FWL) is a live entertainment company that produces events, concerts and on-stage shows. This January FWL presented Bonnie & Clyde the musical in concert for two nights to a sold-out audience at Theatre Royal Drury Lane starring Broadway favourite Jeremy Jordan. This concert broke Drury Lane box office records selling out a 2-night run in less than 6 minutes.
FWL regularly brings Broadway artists to the UK, previous concerts include Broadway and TV regulars Chita Rivera, Keala Settle, Laura Benanti, Sierra Boggess, Kelli O’Hara, Laura Michelle Kelly, Megan Hilty, Tituss Burgess, Jeremy Jordan, Matthew Morrison, Erich Bergen, Eden Espinosa, Julia Murney and Cynthia Erivo. Other concerts include West End and UK Stars solo concerts including Michael Ball, Matt Cardle, Kerry Ellis, Oliver Tompsett, Hannah Waddingham, Sharon D Clarke, Bonnie Langford and Jenna Russell.
Tori Amos’s musical The Light Princess was presented to critical acclaim, as a special one-off concert in the summer of 2018. Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella and Zorro The Musical were presented with musical-all-star-casts in 2019 and 2020 respectively to sold out audiences.
Fourth Wall Live also regularly partners with the Hippodrome Casino, in November-December 2020 they produced 25 nights of socially distanced entertainment, proudly being the first live concert event post lockdown in the UK. Season two at the Hippodrome concerts ran from September 2021 to December 2021 and featured 20 nights of musical entertainment from the world of musical theatre and pop cross over.
Saturday 3 October 2020
The Theatre Channel, Episode One | Review
Innovation is coursing through the theatre community, as new ideas and ways to spread the joy of performance are brought to life everyday. One of these ways is the new brainchild of The Theatre Café and Adam Blanshay Productions: The Theatre Channel.
The channel is a series of musical episodes which celebrate the all-singing, all-dancing joy of theatre as well as showcasing fantastic performers and the café itself. Each episode is roughly half an hour long and features a different group of stage stars, as well as the Café Four (Alyn Hawke, Emily Langham, Sadie-Jean Shirley and Alex Woodward) who appear in each episode as a sort of omnipresent group of musical theatre muses. The performers are encouraged to perform songs or roles they've not previously had the chance to, which leads to an eclectic episode of musical excellence.
The first episode opens with the café four performing the very fitting Coffee in a Cardboard Cup, in which they use pretty much the entirety of the café to showcase their vocal, dance and acting skills; they're definitely a talented bunch! From then Tarinn Callender takes us on a soulful journey with On Broadway and Lucie Jones serves her stunning, clear-as-glass vocals with a brilliant rendition of Maybe This Time. Amongst an abundance of flowers, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Oliver Ormson bring the classic duet, Suddenly Seymour to life brilliantly. Jodie Steele takes things up an octave (and a level) as she gives a gender-switched version of Heaven on Their Minds from the roof of the cafe, which oozes sass and strength. Rounding off the episode, Matt Henry is smooth and oh so stirring with Let It Sing from Violet and Jenna Russell is completely excellent in every way with Sondheim's Ladies Who Lunch.
Whilst of course the performances are uniformly wonderful, it's the production value which really makes this series worth the hype. Ben Hewis' outstanding videography is sleek, high quality and just beautifully shot; and alongside Bill Deamer's choreography-which is astoundingly bold for happening in such a small space- the whole thing feels much more cinematic than any of the online theatrical offerings so far.
The creative team clearly have a strong vision and there's no doubt that each episode is going to be a step bigger and bolder. With themed episodes in the works including the upcoming Halloween episode, there are sure to be surprises galore. With everything from the vocals to the finished product being recorded on the premises, this really is a celebration of not only theatre and performance, but the Theatre Café itself where the arts still has the space to thrive, even when performances themselves are few and far between.
With a great team behind it, this series is a treat for those missing theatre and a gem of an online offering. Once purchased for £12 you have unlimited access to the episode so you can relive the stagey goodness time and time again. So grab your laptop and take yourself on a virtual trip to the theatre.
★★★★★
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