Thursday 27 May 2021

Here Come the Boys, London Palladium | Review


Here Come The Boys
London Palladium
Reviewed on Wednesday 26th May by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★★

Here comes the sun, here comes the bank holiday, here comes some form of normality and most importantly, Here Come The Boys. In their West End transfer, following a successful UK tour, four of Strictly's favourite boys take to the stage to showcase their impeccable dance skills and take us on a journey of styles and music.

Backed by an excellent ensemble of professional dancers, Aljaž Škorjanec, Pasha Kovalev, Robin Windsor and Graziano di Prima are joined by Strictly celebrity finalist Karim Zeroual, who also hosts the night in a fiercely entertaining dance contest. The audience play they key role in "deciding" who wins each round and ultimately becomes the King of Dance. The boys are also joined by Nadiya Bychkova who is utterly brilliant and serves some girl power realness throughout.


A latin filled first half, followed by a ballroom and swing filled second half mean there's something for everyone, with Karim's tiktok segment also proving an audience favourite. The selection of top 40 music, combined with great mash ups and reworked versions of classics works really well, and the resident DJ does a great job of engaging the crowd, although it perhaps would be nice to have some aspect of live performance, just to add some extra oomph. 

It's a show which knows exactly what it is and thrives off of giving the audience completely what they want. Of course the dancing is outstanding but aside from that there is witty banter between the performers on stage and cheeky smiles, winks and bum-wiggles with the audience. 

Here Come The Boys almost feels like the winning combo of Magic Mike and Strictly Come Dancing. There are moments that feel highly cheesy but what else would you expect? It's a really fun, glitzy and enjoyable night out that'll leave you smiling and tapping your toes, what more could you want?

Photos by Fiona Whyte for The TCB Group
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Tuesday 25 May 2021

Monday Night at the Apollo, Apollo Theatre | Review



Monday Night at the Apollo
Apollo Theatre 
Reviewed on Monday 24th May by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★★

Since my last trip to the theatre in December, I have been dreaming of starting my week enveloped in the stagey comfort of musical theatre and I am oh so happy that last night my dream came true. Created by Wild Mountain Productions and presented by Greg Barnett, a spectacular lineup were brought to the stage of the Apollo to take us through a night of vocal gymnastics, diversity, humour and just a bunch of fun in the first instalment of Monday Night at the Apollo.

You couldn't have gotten a much better bunch than the first five performers in the series: Aimie Atkinson, Cassidy Janson, Lucie Jones, Cedric Neal and Julian Ovenden. Every artist gave powerhouse performances, as well as bouncing off one another and highlighting the fantastic camaraderie and community that comes along with the world of theatre.

After a lockdown of creating content online, forming a girl band and most recently performing on This Morning, seeing Aimie Atkinson back on stage was a real treat. Don't Rain On My Parade felt very apt as we all hold our breath hoping theatres can remain open and Aimie's performance was top notch. Sparkles galore, being a complete professional during technical difficulties and serving sassy vocals were the best reminders of why Aimie is quickly becoming West End royalty.

If you search "riff legend", it should really show a whole host of pictures and videos of Cedric Neal who is the definition of control. His smooth, pin-sharp vocals are passionate and utterly mesmerising. It's also incredibly impressive to see and hear how versatile he is as a performer, with So You Wanted to see the Wizard and Hold Me in Your Heart showcasing contrasting vibes but both being completely absorbing and joys to watch.

As always, Lucie Jones provided not only the most stunningly dexterous, ice clear and faultless vocals, but also showed off her excellent humour and stage presence which create a perfect performance. At this point I think Lucie just needs to star in everything and sing everything! 

I also wouldn't complain if Julian Ovenden started singing everything, including phone books, instruction manuals, weather reports etc... His absolute dream of a voice carried so well throughout the night and I found myself in complete awe of the the technical ability he displays in every note. He really is a masterclass in the importance of support, diction and classical technique. All of his songs were honestly just joyous to hear.

Completing the line up, recent Olivier Award winner Cassidy Janson brought her usual magnetism and soulful vocals to the Apollo as she performed a variety of songs, with Nobody's on Nobody's Side proving a real highlight.

The evening absolutely wouldn't have been the musical success it was without the stellar band who both backed the singers and also shed light on the importance of live music. The synchronicity and musicality was evident throughout and it really seemed like everyone was thrilled to be back on stage. The simplistic stage adorned by rugs and bathed in warm light worked brilliantly to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Also streaming online via Thespie the future Monday Night at the Apollo events are sure to be complete treats and the perfect way to bring back the stageyness we've all been missing.

photo credit: Danny Kaan
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Monday 23 November 2020

The Digi Creative release Theatrical Coffee Table Book


The Digi Creative release Dear Audience, a theatrical coffee table book filled with over 140 pages showcasing the Arts industry. With exclusive imagery, personalised letters to the Audiences, and more, this book is a celebration of Theatre and everyone who works in it.  

Featuring Lucie Jones, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Cedric Neal, Lambert Jackson Productions,  Layton Williams, Alice Fearn, Nicole Raquel Dennis, Rachel Tucker, Carl Man, Paul Taylor-Mills, Sejal Keshwala, Frances Ruffelle and so many more. 

15% of profits will be donated to Applause For Thought a triple award-winning organisation that facilitates lower-cost Mental Health; support, talks, accredited courses, and bespoke Mental Health and Well-being Consultancy for all those working within the Arts and Entertainment Industry.


Digi Creative co-founder, Sophie Ross says: “We hope that this coffee table book will bring joy in a time when the Arts industry needs to be celebrated the most. Theatre is made up of so many people, (this being just a small percentage) and it’s important to showcase that at every given opportunity. I’m so proud of Danny and I for creating something that is an homage to this year and something we can look back on in years to come. Super grateful for everyone who gave up their time to be involved and can’t wait to share the book with everyone.”

 

Digi Creative co-founder, Danny Kaan says: I’ve always wanted to make a coffee table book but making it in 2020 feels even more special. The number of people that were willing to be involved was overwhelming and shows how supportive this industry is and how passionate we all are for the Arts. Combining Photography and my love for this industry has been a joy and I’ve honestly had the best time. Seeing so many faces in a time where human contact has been so limited has been heartwarming and wonderful”.

 

Pre-order the book here: www.dearaudiencebook.com (Christmas guarantee)

General on-sale Wednesday 25th November 10am (second batch delivery)

Pricing £35 with worldwide shipping available

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Thespie Present Streamed Concert Series with Dozens of UK Stage Stars


Theatre discovery platform Thespie today announces the Reunited Series, bringing together more than two dozen of the UK’s top musical theatre artists for a series of filmed concerts premiering throughout December. Developed by Aimie Atkinson, Thespie’s Creative Producer and the Olivier nominated star of Pretty Woman and SIX), each concert presents ensemble music performances (filmed in COVID-secure London venues), and ranges from musical theatre hits, to pop music, to favourite Christmas songs. The program of each concert has been developed by the artists involved and will also include intimate interview footage.

 

The concerts are designed to inspire global theatre audiences, by bringing the UK’s best musical theatre talent directly to their homes this holiday season. The artists collectively represent over two and a half centuries of experience on UK stages; their recent credits include The Prince of Egypt, Pretty Woman, SIX, & Juliet, Come From Away, Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and Kinky Boots.

 

Thespie Creative Producer Aimie Atkinson commented, “We’re thrilled to be bringing you our first shows—high-energy, joyful concerts with great production values and astonishing vocal performances. I am so in awe of the level of talent working with us to make these December shows incredibly special. You are in for a treat.”

 

The series begins with the premiere of Unlimited: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz on 3 Dec at 8pm GMT, a celebration of the famed composer’s works including Wicked, Pippin, Godspell, Children of Eden, and The Prince of Egypt, Schwartz’s newest musical. The nine artists in the concert (Nikki Bentley, Sophie Evans, Alice Fearn, Alexia Khadime, Melanie La Barrie, Carl Man, Dianne Pilkington, Liam Tamne, Oliver Tompsett) all starred in Wicked during its first 14 years in London, and two (Khadime, Tamne) are in the current cast of The Prince of Egypt. Schwartz himself will make a special appearance in the program, with further details to be announced.

 

Oops!... I Streamed It Again... premieres 10 Dec at 8pm GMT and is a high-energy concert of favourite classic pop, rock, and musical theatre songs. The concert is performed by five artists who met as part of the original company of the UK musical & Juliet: Jordan Luke Gage, Tim Mahendran, Grace Mouat, Oliver Tompsett, and 2020 Olivier Award Winner Cassidy Janson.

 

Next up is the return of the artists from The Reunion, with an empowering concert of songs by famous girl bands through the decades: Girl Power premieres 17 Dec at 8pm GMT. Expect the tight harmonies and true sisterhood vibes that these artists have come to be known for since they first met as the original West End queens of the musical SIX. Girl Power stars Aimie Atkinson, Alexia McIntosh, Grace Mouat, Millie O’Connell, Natalie Paris, Maiya Quansah-Breed and Jarneia Richard-Noel.

 

Finally, the fourth instalment of the Reunited Series arrives on the 21 Dec at 8pm GMT. All I Want For Christmas Is Theatre is a love letter to the tradition of seeing theatre with those you love during the holiday season. More than three dozen top UK theatre artists are lending their talents to this special concert, featuring classic Christmas songs of all styles. Performers from Unlimited, Oops!... I Streamed It Again, and Girl Power will all be featured, alongside more than a dozen more, to be announced in the coming weeks.

 

Streaming tickets for a single concert are £12.50 ($15) if booked early (by 30 Nov), or £15 ($18) if purchased in December. (10 other currencies available.) Purchasers of the first three concerts will have 72 hours to watch, and purchasers of All I Want For Christmas Is Theatre will have 7 days to watch with their households. An Extended-Access bundle (£37.50/$45 in Nov; £45/$54 in Dec) gives purchasers access to all four concerts from their premiere through 31 December, and provides a 25% discount over booking the concerts separately. All concerts and the bundle can also be purchased after their premiere, with the same window of access (72 hours, 7 days, or through 31 Dec.)

 

The Reunited Series and Thespie’s original content initiative support its work to foster the connection between artists and audiences on its theatre discovery platform. Thespie’s first original production, The Reunion, was one of the bestselling paid theatre streaming events in the UK, selling tickets to 3600 households across 65 countries; and employed 35 live entertainment workers who received over £30k in income from the event.

 

Thespie founder Tyler Stoops said, “Watching our first concert, The Reunion, revived my spirits, and hundreds of viewers told us how meaningful it was, how inspired they were, and how much fun they had. So I’m thrilled we can deliver four more concerts for audiences at home around the world, just in time for Christmas. I think all of us are ready for some joy and excitement.”

 

Thespie offers listings for theatre streaming, theatre music & audio, theatre eBooks, educational resources, live London theatre, theatre news, and more. Audiences can use Thespie to stream the Reunited Series and more than 400 other shows, or to discover over 1000 more shows available on other popular platforms and services, such as Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Audible.

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Thursday 5 November 2020

Hiba Elchikhe Brings Together West End Performers For A New Musical Theatre Series


In collaboration with Nimax and The Theatre Café, West End performer Hiba Elchikhe is thrilled to announce a brand-new musical theatre based web series: Out Of The Darkness, Into The Spotlight.


Bringing a little bit of glitter to the grey, this three-episode series hopes to not only entertain, but shine a light on the performers who are keeping the West End alive, even during lockdown.


Hiba, who is currently starring in the West End hit Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, and who has created the series says “In a time of such uncertainty I am so excited to be able to bring together a spectacular group of freelance artists, that are representative of the UK.”  


Featuring a line up of stellar creatives, each episode shines a “spotlight” on something different: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Musical Theatre and Christmas. The first episode is set to premiere on November 18th, with the next two going live on November 25th and December 9th. Each episode will feature a different line-up of star performers, running at approximately 45 minutes and including a mixture of songs. Performers include: Danny Becker (Prince of Egypt, Aladdin), Courtney Bowman (Six, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Danielle Steers (Six, Bat Out of Hell), Hiba Elchikhe (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Brooklyn), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Les Misérables, Heathers), Sejal Keshwala (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Tim Mahendran (& Juliet, Spring Awakening), Grace Mouat (& Juliet, Six), Trevor Dion Nicholas (Hamilton, Aladdin), Liam Tamne (Prince of Egypt) and Noah Thomas (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie).


As well as Maisey Bawden, Paul Bradshaw, Rhiane Drummond, James Gillan, Shanay Holmes, Rob Houchen, Melissa Jacques, Emma Kingston, Carl Man, Frances McCann, Scott Paige, Sharun Phull, Amy Trigg and Andrew Patrick Walker, with more to be announced.


Tickets are available from: https://www.thetheatrecafe.co.uk/2020/11/news-out-of-the-darkness-into-the-spotlight/


#IntoTheSpotlightConcert


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Wednesday 21 October 2020

Back To The Future To Release Original Cast Recording


Happy Back To The Future Day!

Masterworks Broadway is delighted to announce that in early Summer 2021, it will release the Original Cast Recording of Back To The Future The Musical.

The musical is scheduled to open in early Summer 2021 at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End and features new music by multi-Grammy winners Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard alongside classic songs from the movie.

As a special treat for audiences eager to connect with Back to the Future and to the exciting musical adventure awaiting them, Back to the Future Day on 21st October 2020 sees the release of the single ‘Back in Time’ featuring Olly Dobson.

Mark Cavell, President of Sony Masterworks notes: “I am thrilled beyond all measure that Sony Music Masterworks will be bringing you the fantastic music from this great show, featuring a host of new songs from the combined talents of Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard together with firm favourites from the movie”.

Behind this eagerly-anticipated stage show are Producer Colin Ingram (Ghost – The Musical) and Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators of the Back To The Future film trilogy. The show moves to the West End following an out-of-town opening in March 2020 at the Manchester Opera House where it was enthusiastically received by critics and public alike. Roger Bart and Olly Dobson will reprise the roles of ‘Dr Emmett Brown’ and ‘Marty McFly’ respectively. Also returning are Hugh Coles as ‘George McFly’, Rosanna Hyland as ‘Lorraine Baines’, Cedric Neal as ‘Goldie Wilson’, Aidan Cutler as ‘Biff Tannen’ and Courtney-Mae Briggs as ‘Jennifer Parker’.

Based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film, the musical has a book by Bob Gale and new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard, with additional songs from the film including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode.

Back To The Future The Musical is directed by Tony Award-winning director John Rando (Urinetown, On The Town), alongside the multi Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team of Tim Hatley (set and costume design), lighting design by Tim Lutkin, lighting consultant Hugh Vanstone, Gareth Owen (sound) and Finn Ross (video), with choreography by Chris Bailey, musical supervision and arrangements by Nick Finlow and Illusions by Chris Fisher. Orchestrations are by Ethan Popp and Bryan Crook, with dance arrangements by David Chase. Casting is by David Grindrod Associates.
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Tuesday 13 October 2020

Woking's Nova Cinema Set to Open This Week



Woking’s brand-new, Nova Cinema reveals a full refurbishment, an out-of-this-world rebrand, plus a series of exciting events and bespoke programming, all launching from 15th October 2020.

Thanks to a joint investment from Woking Borough Council and venue owners, Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), Nova Cinema is about to become the town centre’s brightest new star, boasting some of the best technology on offer within commercial cinema, and an unrivalled food and drink offer.
 
The new Nova Cinema now has seven stylish screens, including the flagship Screen One with state-of-the-art laser projection and Dolby Atmos sound, and the more intimate, premium Screen Seven where you can find luxurious electric reclining chairs and order tasty treats from your seat. The refurbishment also introduces a cutting-edge media suite for community and business hire, plus, the opportunity to book cinema screens for private functions.
 
An all new food and drink offering includes the refreshments bar in the main foyer and the addition of the luxury Nova Bar upstairs, which offers table service and a specially crafted menu of wines, beers and spirits with many products sourced from local businesses. An array of staple cinema snacks will be available from both, including popcorn, nachos and sweets, as well as ‘create your own’ gourmet hot dogs and vegan dogs.
 
Nova Cinema is completely COVID-safe and the team will be going above and beyond government requirements in order to make sure this is the safest place you can be, apart from your own home. Extra time has been added between screenings to allow for a thorough clean and all auditoriums will be treated with electro-static sanitising agents. A fully fresh air supply from brand new air handling units will circulate throughout all areas of the building. For further details, please see the website: novacinema.com/your-visit

On Thursday 15 October, the new venue throws open its doors with a full programme of films on offer, including the perfect mix of the latest releases including Bill & Ted Face the Music, 23 Walks, La Haine, Sonic and Pinocchio to name a few, as well as several specially curated seasons.

Simon Thomsett, Nova Cinema’s Venue Director, says “We are so proud to announce that the countdown is finally over, and the time has come to welcome in the people of Woking and beyond.
 
“We have got some incredible events coming up in our launch programme that we have curated to cater for everyone. With tickets now on sale through our new website, we cannot wait for you to experience it all for yourself – it’s going to be a stellar opening season!”
 
This is a magical moment for film-lovers in Woking, and for the town as a whole. The refurbishment of the ATG run venue is a significant step in Woking’s regeneration, and the launch collaborates with Woking Borough Council’s initiative to revitalise the town centre.
 
For tickets visit: novacinema.com
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Monday 12 October 2020

The Show Must Go On, The Lost Alhambra | Review


The Show Must Go On (Chicago)
The Lost Alhambra 
Reviewed on Friday 9th October 2020 by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★★★

With the fate of theatre hanging precariously right now, in a happy medium and potential loophole, cabaret style nights out appear to be one of the few ways live theatre can still go ahead. One venue which is making this happen (and happen in style) is The Lost Alhambra in Leicester Square. The Show Must Go On is an immersive, cabaret dining experience which packs a punch. The night is complete with a 3 hour show, a 2 course meal, welcome cocktail and bottomless prosecco, you couldn't really ask for more!


Drag performer Poppycock hosts the night alongside some of musical theatre's best stars as they take us through a show via the score and some of the text. At this performance we got the treat of Chicago, which fits wonderfully into the dimly lit space of The Lost Alhambra; upcoming performances include Hairspray, Mamma Mia, Rocky Horror and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.


In theory, this is like any other cabaret but it feels so much stagier than anything I've experienced before. As you walk in you are greeted background music from some of the most popular and current shows, the staff all seem to love theatre and the whole thing feels like an immersive show, full to the brim with theatricality.




The venue itself is an instagrammer's dream, with pink decor, vintage feeling bathrooms and a Photo Booth to document the night (it's £4 and you get an email with the photos and gif as well as your print out keepsake).  The luxurious space is perfect to let your troubles slide away, and the unlimited prosecco which starts flowing from the moment of entry doesn't hurt either! Mention must also go to the staff who are excellent at not only being attentive but also create a wonderful atmosphere from the get go. You really feel part of something special and this only helps to get the room buzzing for the upcoming night of performance.


At this performance, Poppycock was the hostess with the mostest, welcoming us with a rousing rendition of Don't Rain on my Parade, before heading full throttle into the night, taking on various roles and perfecting the balance between ringleader, comedian and vocal dynamo. Laura Tyrer reprises her West End role as Velma Kelly, with Haley Flaherty as her partner in crime, Roxie Hart and Oliver Tompsett as the quick talking lawyer, Billy Flynn. Poppycock takes on basically every other role from Amos Hart to Mary Sunshine.


Each of the performers show off their impeccable talent and really transport us to the world of Chicago. An audience full of prosecco can definitely be noisy but the cast do an exceptional job of keeping everyone engaged and giving a truly top notch performance. Particularly impressive is the three-person Cell Block Tango and the energetic, high-kick filled I Can't Do It Alone.




The tickets start at £50 for everything and 1 hour of prosecco, with the top price being £65 for 2 hours of prosecco. It sounds a little pricey but for the amount and quality of the evening it's well worth it; plus the 10pm curfew means you can have an excellent night out and still be in bed at a reasonable time! I would certainly love a trip back, would weekly be too excessive?


The Chicago theme was excellent and the future performances are sure to be just as good. If you're looking for a way to get your theatre fix, look no further than The Show Must Go On. Not only is this a spectacularly wonderful night out but it's also a beacon of hope for the future of theatre. Get yourselves down to Leicester Square and live your best stagey life.

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Thursday 8 October 2020

Rachel John on Bringing Back Live Theatre | Songs For a New World | Interview

After the success of the online streamed version of Jason Robert Brown's Songs For a New World, Lambert Jackson have brought the musical back as one of the first live, in person performances in the West End. Theatrical powerhouse Rachel John will be starring in the show and is extremely excited to get back to performing...


You’re going to be starring in Songs For A New World, can you tell us a bit about how it all came about and your journey with the show so far?
I was approached by Lambert Jackson with the exciting idea of being a part of a virtual production of the show. It was unlike anything I had done before, so I was excited to see the way that this format would translate through the screen and into people’s homes. After the show was streamed, we received the exciting news that we would be performing at the Palladium. I felt so blessed.


2020 has been crazy to put it mildly, has all the theatrical innovation in a time when the arts can’t run normally made you love what you do even more?
The innovation that has occurred during lockdown has been very inspiring and has shown me the strength and creativity of our theatre industry. I have had a renewed sense of my love of story-telling and have been reminded how we refused to stop sharing our gifts.


What’s one thing you’ve taken away from lockdown?
There are many things that I have taken away from lockdown, but if I had to pick one it would be valuing family time. I have had more time to speak to my family abroad and here and it has been a blessing.


Going back to live performances must be super exciting, what are you most looking forward to?
I am looking forward to working with a company again and I am really looking forward to hearing and seeing the live audiences. I miss the tangible feeling of the audience. The electricity.


When theatres are fully running in the (hopefully) near future, what show would you like to see first?
I cannot pick what I would like to see first! I am just eager to get back to support my fellow performers and soak up the atmosphere.


What can audiences expect from Songs For a New World?
Audiences can expect to come on a journey with us through this incredible song cycle. Jason Robert Brown’s lyrics and melodies will touch their hearts.


How do you want people to feel after experiencing Songs For a New World?
I would like people to experience the joy of being back together, even if there is distance. I would like them to feel hopeful and optimistic.


Songs for a New World plays at the London Palladium 11th October 2020
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Sunday 4 October 2020

Cabaret All Stars, Proud Embankment | Review


Proud Cabaret
Proud Embankment
Reviewed on Friday 2nd October 2020 by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★★

With theatrical nights out so few and far between (for obvious reasons) each opportunity to experience live performance is a real treat. With the weather getting colder and the nights getting longer, Proud Cabaret is a perfect remedy for the gloom which is so often prevalent these days, and is a treat for anyone craving some glitz and glam in their lives; plus you get to see West End superstar Kerry Ellis headline the night.

The evening takes place at Proud Embankment, a bustling venue under the arches of Waterloo bridge. You're escorted in by ushers draped in feathers and sparkles (including a glitzy face mask, of course) and it almost feels like entering a speak easy where unknown adventures will take place. The tables in the venue are socially distanced and you are asked to wear your own face mask any time you stand up or move around. As well as the performances the ticket includes a wonderful Japanese fusion three-course meal and a welcome cocktail, provided by head chef, Antonio Vacca. The food is outstanding, and a show in itself.

The show/event itself occurs in the round over two levels. Each table has a great view of the action and the varying levels of the acts themselves means every view is completely unique. The night is jam packed with world class circus and cabaret performers who keep you on the edge of your seat and completely invested from start to finish. The whole thing feels very vintage but with a modern twist; there's classic burlesque numbers mixed in with mime, sword swallowing and aerial work. There's no story or dramatic structure as such but the whole thing flows well and feels very dreamlike. Each week features a slightly different line up but they are all high class and high quality.

The through-line of the show is Kerry Ellis who appears periodically throughout the evening to wrap us around her finger with her powerhouse vocals. She is a certified star who controls the stage with elegance and power in perfect balance. Ellis' rendition of Diamonds Are Forever is completely brilliant and like each song, is followed by rapturous applause. 

It's a treat to see any sort of live performance these days, but performances of such high standards make it even more of a treat. A night of decadence which evokes the Jazz age, Cabaret All Stars is definitely worth a visit.
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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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