tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78076129473973617282024-03-25T23:41:26.456+00:00Eyes On StageFormerly Max and Mummy Blog. This blog focuses on theatre, live events and all things UK arts. Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.comBlogger979125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-6369711945690320692024-03-25T23:40:00.002+00:002024-03-25T23:40:21.856+00:00Jesus Christ Superstar UK Tour Review<p><b>Jesus Christ Superstar</b> originated as a concept album between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Since then it has been transformed into a film, and had many stage adaptations including the latest version. Originally taking place in the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, this production of Jesus Christ Superstar has been revamped and transformed into something that is like nothing you have seen in a Lloyd Webber show before. And in my honest opinion, it's made it all so much better! </p><p>Currently adapted for a UK tour, this version is hitting venues across the UK and has landed at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton for a week to inspire and entertain audiences. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAsdp87Erw8EWMZQePQ7DPw2LST4gKyTTo_jBUWB-qThxEv8_-qQcopkqAHBFpuzkDJiec6Xt587f9iLQ5Bd9XKXHlc4XJkt2WL4E5kHYI5rz0mGmQ7wuEyVKBDvS3LmsGWiwLtkkQwRoa-lcXv1qyQsSaBGJIq9lep2V2tOEKCNeytb4kotKMEDY24d6/s6269/JCS%20Palace%20hi%20res-07749%20retouched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4179" data-original-width="6269" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAsdp87Erw8EWMZQePQ7DPw2LST4gKyTTo_jBUWB-qThxEv8_-qQcopkqAHBFpuzkDJiec6Xt587f9iLQ5Bd9XKXHlc4XJkt2WL4E5kHYI5rz0mGmQ7wuEyVKBDvS3LmsGWiwLtkkQwRoa-lcXv1qyQsSaBGJIq9lep2V2tOEKCNeytb4kotKMEDY24d6/w640-h426/JCS%20Palace%20hi%20res-07749%20retouched.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The story of Jesus Christ Superstar follows Jesus' last few days of his life as he ventures through love, betrayal and sacrifice. You are introduced to characters that have a vital part in those last few days, and see how they interact and treat the title character in his last few moments before crucifixion. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Set to the soundtrack that wouldn't be amiss at a rock concert, there is a live band on stage and many of the actors themselves are playing instruments whilst they perform. There is a true blur between musical and staged concert and as someone who loves nothing more than both musical theatre and rock concerts, this was right up my street. In fact, <b>Ryan O'Donnell</b> as <b>Pilate</b> was the Jesus Christ Superstar version of Alex Turner from the Arctic Monkeys as he had the confidence of a rockstar whilst he played guitar on stage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The staging reflected the rock nature of the show with scaffolding, a giant metal crucifix, and microphones swinging around stage. Whilst I loved the microphone element of the show and how it was handed around similar to how the power in the show shifted, it was occasionally hard to hear some of the complex lyrics as clearly as I would have liked. Having said that, the phenomenal choreography that rippled around stage like a TikTok trend was hypnotic and entrancing. It's testament to the cast at how well this show told this fairly complex story with ease. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Luke Street</b> was absolutely phenomenal as <b>Jesus</b>. He truly owned the role of Jesus and truly had everyone on the edge of their seat. His vocal range was second to none and I didn't know if I was at a heavy metal concert with his growls and screams, or a musical theatre performance with his brilliant acting and heart. His rendition of Gethsemane was nothing short of perfection and was robbed of a standing ovation at the end of the song. His performance alongside <b>Shem Omari James </b>as <b>Judas</b> and <b>Hannah Richardson</b> as <b>Mary</b> proves that alternates work just as well in any role they are cast as. Both James and Richardson played their roles brilliantly and I loved the cold hearted cynicalness of Judas and the warm and loving side of Mary. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ_myu7VQ-YyUwR2yrCG8tCV3n8zHviJszLvRce9-jDl09AY13Lw5qjc3RQNufT429h19LMSdtpNsDt4AQqpMFTutd2XxGiy2T1MZzr4vvTVojPcLqPwZKCnH5eVHoUndIeT36b-5hGtwaEP-GHY1LD1MZjYyhpby_l4Y9bS_QGzqdAQu9BiV82XMhb65/s8500/JCS%20Palace%20hi%20res-2313%20retouched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5667" data-original-width="8500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ_myu7VQ-YyUwR2yrCG8tCV3n8zHviJszLvRce9-jDl09AY13Lw5qjc3RQNufT429h19LMSdtpNsDt4AQqpMFTutd2XxGiy2T1MZzr4vvTVojPcLqPwZKCnH5eVHoUndIeT36b-5hGtwaEP-GHY1LD1MZjYyhpby_l4Y9bS_QGzqdAQu9BiV82XMhb65/w640-h426/JCS%20Palace%20hi%20res-2313%20retouched.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I loved the juxtaposition of parts of the show that led you from starkness to strangeness. With one moment you see Jesus beaten and bloodied but the next you see glitter thrown around stage as Jesus is being lashed 39 times. <b>Timo Tatzber</b> as <b>Herod</b> was incredible. His performance gave a sinister feel that was akin to the Emcee in the recent production of Cabaret with oddities and eccentricities that left you bewildered and entertained. I also felt that <b>Jad Habchi</b> and <b>Darius J James</b> as both <b>Caiaphas and Annas </b>were incredible. Their vocal range was insane and truly impressed me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Overall, this interpretation of Jesus Christ Superstar is what the show needed to feel fresh and relevant. Whilst there are some elements that I was not a fan of such as the constant use of microphones (which to someone who knows the show will be able to follow the story, but to new faces will leave them bewildered and confused), it was still a show that left me truly loving and appreciating this rock musical for what it is; arguably one of the best pieces that Lloyd Webber has ever written. It's captivating, creative and unashamed to make you uncomfortable at times, but that is everything that you need in this show. It's truly a breath of fresh air to a show that has previously been stagnant and stale, but is truly brought to life with staging and performances that will leave you head banging in your seat and giving standing ovations with belting vocal ranges. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton until 30/3/2024 before continuing on a UK tour until August 2024. More information can be found below:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/jesus-christ-superstar-2024/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mayflower Theare - Jesus Christ Superstar</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://uktour.jesuschristsuperstar.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jesus Christ Superstar UK Tour</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-77632325456286366222024-03-21T00:12:00.001+00:002024-03-21T00:12:50.436+00:00Welsh National Opera - Death In Venice<p> Despite having seen several, I still feel like I am new to the world of opera. The vast array of storytelling through song that has been updated, adapted, and changed for audiences over the decades means that what our parents saw and knew back in the day is interpreted in a whole new way today. </p><p>Welsh National Opera are one of those Operatic companies that do just that. Push the boundaries of what it is to be an opera to create something that captivates audiences for so many different reasons. In this Spring season, WNO have chosen to perform Death In Venice amongst other shows and I was lucky enough to catch this innovative show when it came to the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFLWZ7h89leEqwt7rAHBtM5Ricge2TMFMZJV5yI5ZHMX8Z4GbrHimv9YQrkN9e5YGjydipQHyXDApoL5apQy5KIwUZ-CzNsRzd-mwIZXhRR9tMb10CgerQAhcSJrr68OGz5HrbKUafIjSoJDJ5r5WaoEVvc445lb_uqwl1husX4kyI9D9pm7PPxGbq8Ly/s8419/WNO-Death-in-Venice-photo-credit-Johann-Persson-04094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5375" data-original-width="8419" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFLWZ7h89leEqwt7rAHBtM5Ricge2TMFMZJV5yI5ZHMX8Z4GbrHimv9YQrkN9e5YGjydipQHyXDApoL5apQy5KIwUZ-CzNsRzd-mwIZXhRR9tMb10CgerQAhcSJrr68OGz5HrbKUafIjSoJDJ5r5WaoEVvc445lb_uqwl1husX4kyI9D9pm7PPxGbq8Ly/w640-h408/WNO-Death-in-Venice-photo-credit-Johann-Persson-04094.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Penned by Benjamin Britten as his last opera in 1971, Death In Venice takes inspiration from the original Thomas Mann novella. It follows the take of a world renowned author (Gustav Von Ascenbach) who, whilst having a moment of writers block, books a holiday to Venice in order to get his creative juices flowing. However what he does not intend to happen is to build an infatuation on a young aristocrat named Tadzio. Set amongst the time of Cholera, this story of obsession, infatuation, and death is dramatic and intense to say the least. </p><p>Having never heard a Britten show before, I was pleasantly surprised to hear it in English, having previously heard most operas in Italian. Having the language as English allows this opera to be a brilliant toe-dip into the genre of opera whilst also allowing the audience to not have to gaze at the Surtitle screen at the top of the stage. However the screen was handy in the moments of softness and sinceriety as the vocal talent of lead performer Mark Le Brocq was nothing short of phenomenal. For a character that never tends to exit stage, his stamina and vocal range was second to none. Adding his vocals to a chorus of brilliant WNO performers just enhanced his voice and gave you an almost cinematic sound that left you soaring in your seat. </p><p>Tadzio and his family were played by a group of aerial performers from NoFit State Circus and spent the show silent yet telling their own story for the audience. You watched them soar around the stage in the same way that the singer's voices soared around the audience to create something quite remarkable. I was so impressed with the way the cast were able to stage acrobatics and complete them with precision and accuracy whilst creating music to our ears. It was nothing but cohesive and it honestly just seemed to work. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hosp1bTJZanvEy6aHOa2N37hqB1T_euoNhdW0tWWA-2TGcwUGDmzXZnnuforRM3-6NGyOtfS1u0_TcdIwUZ_AqoeIXSXvqwTZYixXhQROSE7QXJa3ImaaNdngmt5MGNPGfiEkeeB7AILFZ03M-fuUOPICjIozgnh2NyGUuNlMaUH3jOy9bIz-daH2ewW/s8083/WNO-Death-in-Venice-photo-credit-Johan-Persson-07449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5389" data-original-width="8083" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hosp1bTJZanvEy6aHOa2N37hqB1T_euoNhdW0tWWA-2TGcwUGDmzXZnnuforRM3-6NGyOtfS1u0_TcdIwUZ_AqoeIXSXvqwTZYixXhQROSE7QXJa3ImaaNdngmt5MGNPGfiEkeeB7AILFZ03M-fuUOPICjIozgnh2NyGUuNlMaUH3jOy9bIz-daH2ewW/w640-h426/WNO-Death-in-Venice-photo-credit-Johan-Persson-07449.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Death In Venice was a true show of two halves. A gorgeous aerial dance show akin to Cirque Du Sole with an operatic soundtrack to whisk audience members away, you are pushed to believe that this show comes in at nearly three hours long. The time just soars by when you are engrossed in what is unfolding on stage. Welsh National Opera continue to push the boundaries of what makes an innovative and engaging opera, and I can truly say that their repertoire is nothing short of eclectic, engaging, and entertaining for all. </p><p>Death In Venice is part of the Welsh National Opera Spring season and continues on a UK tour. For more info, please follow the link:<a href="https://wno.org.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://wno.org.uk/</a></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-8071012821166336822024-03-13T23:34:00.002+00:002024-03-14T07:05:06.584+00:00Matthew Bourne - Edward Scissorhands Ballet Review<p>Whilst the cult 1990 classic Tim Burton film Edward Scissorhands might not be the most obvious choice for a ballet, Matthew Bourne has yet again worked his magic to create something quite wonderful and special. Originally on stage in 2005, this production is back on tour and leaving audiences in love with the tale of the boy that has scissors for hands. </p><p>As a young teen obsessed with anything Tim Burton, Edward Scissorhands was a film that had a special place in my slightly odd, emo heart. To see it adapted from the screen into a Matthew Bourne ballet was nothing short of perfection and truly transported me into the world of a much loved tale. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzPs58wJZLb-Dr8PKuIxsZvH9SpTsFntnXIdL16iLGbaBSwA1UCnxpNSDi6hAqsezg3sctK2QQTtrbl4GG5kbQbJsauPz4rZGAFhxeHoH7VX8LeBR2pkkRQ05SdKEAAFXqXQDHLpoeZRuHln2oDwN6VAkWpsFMGMWlO7yowUKd1q3_Zzjh-XIEgFM0HBt/s8049/XX%20and%20Liam%20Mower%20Edward%20in%20EDWARD%20SCISSORHANDS.%20Devised_%20Directed%20and%20Choreographed%20by%20Matthew%20Bourne.%20Photo%20by%20Johan%20Persson.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5607" data-original-width="8049" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzPs58wJZLb-Dr8PKuIxsZvH9SpTsFntnXIdL16iLGbaBSwA1UCnxpNSDi6hAqsezg3sctK2QQTtrbl4GG5kbQbJsauPz4rZGAFhxeHoH7VX8LeBR2pkkRQ05SdKEAAFXqXQDHLpoeZRuHln2oDwN6VAkWpsFMGMWlO7yowUKd1q3_Zzjh-XIEgFM0HBt/w640-h446/XX%20and%20Liam%20Mower%20Edward%20in%20EDWARD%20SCISSORHANDS.%20Devised_%20Directed%20and%20Choreographed%20by%20Matthew%20Bourne.%20Photo%20by%20Johan%20Persson.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>The story follows a young boy called Edward, who after dying is remade by his father into a new boy. Except his dad passes away before giving him hands, leaving Edward with scissors in their place. Left alone and lost, Edwards happens upon the folks of his local community who both take him under their wing as an orphan but also vilify him for being different to everyone else. What ensues is a witty yet heartwarming tale about belonging, family, and finding love in the strangest of places. </p><p>Adapting a much loved tale into a ballet is not a small feat, but Matthew Bourne has done so with such success it feels like this is a true extension of the original Burton story. What I loved is that the ballet captured the perfect essence of dark humour, gothic fantasy, and fairytale nature to replicate the story in it's own way. I found myself chuckling to myself one minute and become choked up the next due to the sheer brilliance of the adaption. The fact that so many original elements were still in the story was fantastic and I loved the moving ice sculpture scene along with the classic and hilarious hair cut montage. </p><p>Set to the hauntingly beautiful music of Danny Elfman and adapted for the stage by Terry Davies, it's nothing but nostalgia for fans of the film, yet also feels classic and timeless for ballet fans too. The perfect fusion for any audience member. I also loved how fitting the staging and costuming were for the show, with Edward Scissorhands outfit being the most perfect tribute to the original piece, with messy hair included. The staging was reminiscent of 1950's postcard life and I adored how they fully utilised the whole set to create storybook moments, whilst also making it feel as thought it was nothing short of cinematic.</p><p>Liam Mower took to the stage as Edward Scissorhands and he was so utterly perfect in the role and truly captured the innocence and naivety of the character to create something mesmerising and captivating. His movement on stage with Ashley Shaw who played Kim Boggs was hypnotic and you couldn't help but adore their closing duet in the cemetery. The whole cast was enigmatic and entrancing and seemed to be having the best time on stage. I loved looking around the ensemble and seeing so many different things happening that I feel that I could watch the show over and over again and find something new to discover. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwNxkHSnV7WhPJj7dUUFs1jnrnhgThK5ChPoxFNEyqoJVdyMOxvc4IFliksJqs1r_UVN6zOuhhTpnPZZScrNCV95DJ4BVn-nDRgq3Yoe-W_A_yUNYVaIL76DdBM3h_KP14ln3at85qFMj6xi1DOyIZfgx3WQKb_w9tn9ffI3UFrNGz5pI31Tc1lQ1wzdI/s6993/Edward2023JP_04045.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5238" data-original-width="6993" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwNxkHSnV7WhPJj7dUUFs1jnrnhgThK5ChPoxFNEyqoJVdyMOxvc4IFliksJqs1r_UVN6zOuhhTpnPZZScrNCV95DJ4BVn-nDRgq3Yoe-W_A_yUNYVaIL76DdBM3h_KP14ln3at85qFMj6xi1DOyIZfgx3WQKb_w9tn9ffI3UFrNGz5pI31Tc1lQ1wzdI/w640-h480/Edward2023JP_04045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Matthew Bourne has done it again with his adaptation of Edward Scissorhands. He has created something truly mesmerising and magical, and captured the innocence, energy, and humour in this classic cult film to create something that is just as special (if not more) than the original source. It is a truly wonderful show for ballet veterans, and those just dipping their toes in and I left the theatre with my heart full and a huge grin on my face. A must watch ballet for anyone that loves the dance genre, and those that might be sceptics. Edward Scissorhands is a truly moving show that captures the essence of love and sorrow whilst knocking you sideways with a perfect blend of comedy amongst the sincerity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Edward Scissorhands runs at the Mayflower until the 16th March before continuing on a UK tour. For more info: <a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/edward-scissorhands-2024/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Edward Scissorhands</a></div><p></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-16339872258659195602024-03-06T23:32:00.000+00:002024-03-06T23:32:17.597+00:00Rambert : Death Trap - Review<p> Rambert are one of the most exciting, innovative, and daring dance companies around. Proud to be one of the most diverse of dance companies around, Rambert push the boundaries for what it means to be a dance group whilst entertaining the world with shows like nothing you have seen before. One thing I love about Rambert is how accessible their shows are. Not only are they like no other dance show you have seen before, they also push at the boundaries of what it means to be a dance show to leave the audience on the edge of their seats, and new viewers to dance falling in love with the medium. Each show I have seen by Rambert has honestly stayed with me forever.</p><p>Death Trap is no different. A uniquely dark yet hilarious look at life, death, and everything in between. Death Trap takes you on an emotional rollercoaster as you are plunged into a show that leaves your heart racing from the intensity of the live band, your eyes watering from chuckling so much, and feeling like you have been moved from the true raw emotions of what is being portrayed on stage. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nU7yw6YPcZMNWnaygTw0VA4YNYF5e0B2PHR96cLnPYOHJ5XoTM9feuK48gdYMiUuTVzUWtkUg0l7LmnpApAPi2r9-2JJSddrFaH_wWqPy_hZXcx5UTXk_Vj1CyfusfiQlYHNO9yoaAaNmVI02yDgfkcizeIYO5wUSNPS6efYdvh00Wtn_XKTQshqB5Pj/s1080/Rambert%20social%20size.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nU7yw6YPcZMNWnaygTw0VA4YNYF5e0B2PHR96cLnPYOHJ5XoTM9feuK48gdYMiUuTVzUWtkUg0l7LmnpApAPi2r9-2JJSddrFaH_wWqPy_hZXcx5UTXk_Vj1CyfusfiQlYHNO9yoaAaNmVI02yDgfkcizeIYO5wUSNPS6efYdvh00Wtn_XKTQshqB5Pj/w640-h640/Rambert%20social%20size.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Split into two halves, you are introduced to two sets of characters across two completely different stories. Created by Ben Duke, each piece is cleverly theatrical and musical telling an exceptional set of stories based on death, life, and the absurd. </p><p><b>Cerberus</b> is loosely based upon the mythological story of Orpheus and Eurydice. A tragic love story where Orpheus ventures into the underworld to bring back his love. However in this retelling, Eurydice is a young dancer about to perform and Orpheus is her stage hand. The piece opens with the voice of a young woman telling us how nervous she is about beginning her piece, and how stage right is her birth whilst stage left is her death. As dancers venture across the stage, you soon see that music is what takes them to their untimely journey into the underworld. </p><p>With crashing drums and a beat that mimics a heart beat, I could feel my heart racing in the audience as dancers frantically move across stage in both unison and in panic. I loved how the theatre woven into the piece allowed it to move in such a seamless way, but also allowed the audience an insight into the mind of our young rescuer. With brilliant comical touches amongst the tension, you couldn't help but feel hypnotised by the movements on stage throughout. Dressed completely in black, the piece felt reflective of a funeral at times and almost felt like people going through the grief process whilst the intrepid soloist attempted to save his dancer. A truly stunning and dramatic piece. </p><p><b>Goat</b> felt like a complete juxtaposition to the first piece we watched. As the curtain raised for the second act you weren't too sure if the piece had started, or if you were watching a show come to life. With a video camera on stage and a tv screen linked to it, this allowed the camera man to break the fourth wall and engage with the audience in a way that I had never seen before in a dance show. With dancers piecing together a set behind, you are introduced to our host for the evening, who not only puts everyone's minds at ease, but also poked fun at the absurdity of the first dance. Throughout the piece, the host is interviewing dancers, pretending he is broadcasting live, making the piece a mix of uncomfortable and fascinating at the same time. </p><p>Goat then leads on to show the audience that this is about sacrifice. Inspired by the music and spirit of Nina Simone, a live band (and gorgeous singer!) takes you on a journey of a group making a sacrifice for the future. The movements and synchronicity on stage were almost hypnotic and you truly were thrown into a world that seemed both morbid yet curious. With a beautiful musical arrangement happening, this piece felt like a somewhat celebration compared to the dramatic grief of the first piece. I won't give too much of the piece away, but the duet towards the end was absolutely stunning and had me running it through my head the whole way home. </p><p>Each dancer within the Rambert company worked with such elegance, poise, and professionalism to create a show that was utterly breathtaking and absurd. I honestly loved it from curtain up until final bows and a group like Rambert is the perfect example of what accessible theatre truly is. With a brilliantly diverse cast, I was truly taken away by this brilliant show. Thank you Rambert for creating something wonderful, I can't wait to see what is created next. </p><p>Death Trap runs at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton until 07/03/24 and then continues on a UK tour. It's worth mentioning that most venues are hosting a BSL/audio described performance. </p><p>For more info and to book tickets, please visit the links below:</p><p><a href="https://rambert.org.uk/whats-on/death-trap/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RAMBERT: DEATH TRAP</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/rambert-death-trap-2024/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MAYFLOWER THEATRE - RAMBERT: DEATH TRAP</a><br /></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-23909788190987520882024-02-13T23:13:00.004+00:002024-02-13T23:13:45.153+00:00Sao Paulo Dance Company - Dance Consortium<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dance Consortium is a platform that exists to enable dance companies from around the world to tour the UK and Ireland. Made up of 19 theatres, it allows companies that wouldn't necessarily have the platform in the UK to showcase their work a way in which they can celebrate their dance and style. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This time is the turn of Sao Paulo Dance Company that pairs heat and energy to bring together colourful and classic dance styles in an awe inspiring show that captivates audiences from curtain up until curtain call and beyond. Bringing together the choreography of three brilliant artistic directors, this showcase is something truly special and meant to be seen on a huge stage like the Mayflower's. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuUcedgC2aqSYxONPw3_fI5mKFktxLHx_h4LqtqJepBjTFwUsokqh2xtrtlfF09CV-wHIf75ybmIt_ISArqXC8SyoWvZBvbNCbjTJGUFECdBiBDjxIESXnKBeNk39mYPApnDq5yA4vccEr97SFxbhR-02iULm6KB0QYgQIMW5yv2eYmuNsdqOU2qFjJIq/s4780/SPDC_Agora_20230614_MG_1945_Photo_Iari_Davies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3414" data-original-width="4780" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuUcedgC2aqSYxONPw3_fI5mKFktxLHx_h4LqtqJepBjTFwUsokqh2xtrtlfF09CV-wHIf75ybmIt_ISArqXC8SyoWvZBvbNCbjTJGUFECdBiBDjxIESXnKBeNk39mYPApnDq5yA4vccEr97SFxbhR-02iULm6KB0QYgQIMW5yv2eYmuNsdqOU2qFjJIq/w640-h458/SPDC_Agora_20230614_MG_1945_Photo_Iari_Davies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Anthem (25 mins) - </b>Anthem opens the show with a bang. A blend of frantic movements with hypnotic yoga-like poses throws you as an audience member as you are shown identity, life cycles and more by choreographer Goyo Montero. Teamed with an uplifting soundtrack that verges on ethereal at times, you are whisked away and are at times in utter disbelief that time has flown so fast. I loved that the simplistic costuming ensured that identities were hard to distinguish and those subtle differences allowed audience members to see changes and individuality peering through.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Gnawa (23 mins) - </b>From the artistic mind of Nacho Duarto, Gnawa brings the heat and sultry, sensual dancing of the night. Set to the ritualistic, almost hypnotic music of North Africa, this piece is in your face and intimate at the same time. I loved the juxtaposition of the ensemble dancers with the duo that threw themselves around the stage and danced in perfect harmony together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Agora (20 mins) - </b>A dance set to percussion, it was as hypnotic as watching a metronome move over and over. With each dancer moving in time to the ever changing beat, this dance choreographed by Cassi Abranches was colourful, flirtatious, and almost trance like in it's movement. With dancers running, jumping, and throwing themselves around the stage in frantic movements, it was hard to find something to focus on as there was so much to take in all at once. But that is somewhat the beauty of a dance like this, you aren't expected to absorb everything; merely understand the nuances and messages that you take from it. </div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL517PyOcB_GPZVZyvz57ozToppb393JyZCpb5RzSJWMFO6hnPbb2VpdLEPTBfFZ2_sTS4Tgm7Hayq8Hfhc6QgVROZtire_yK5u9cy_o9y5o9ZDyL0ILJU-dKVx5cEyIc2BxFDY2bOu_xI405gfeoHCHe8-cLhQiusbEX68HJ7rEKttt4hgsImxmApVkPI/s6000/SPDC_Anthem_MG_8242_Photo_Iari_Davies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL517PyOcB_GPZVZyvz57ozToppb393JyZCpb5RzSJWMFO6hnPbb2VpdLEPTBfFZ2_sTS4Tgm7Hayq8Hfhc6QgVROZtire_yK5u9cy_o9y5o9ZDyL0ILJU-dKVx5cEyIc2BxFDY2bOu_xI405gfeoHCHe8-cLhQiusbEX68HJ7rEKttt4hgsImxmApVkPI/w640-h426/SPDC_Anthem_MG_8242_Photo_Iari_Davies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Whilst each dance was different in it's own way, you can clearly see that Sao Paulo Dance Company has a specific style of dance than ran throughout the show. A perfect blend of lyrical, contemporary, and ballet, it truly felt raw, honest, and chaotic all whilst being hypnotic and relaxing at the same time. Each dancer showed stamina, poise, and precision in each dance, and truly showcased some beautiful dancing on the Mayflower Theatre stage. With a simplistic yet striking costuming and lighting team, your eyes were truly transfixed on each move the dancers made on stage, and allowed the audience members to feel submerged in the show. </p>Running at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton until 14/2/24, Sao Paulo Dance Company continue their tour of the UK with the support of Dance Consortium and visit various venues around the UK until the 23rd March. For more information and tickets, please follow the link to the Dance Consortium site: <a href="https://danceconsortium.com/touring/sao-paulo-dance-company/book-now/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dance Consortium</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxw0rY29QquMP3QHy1qtzChA-78Z2qutLZJLYqm8MZEc8PZXJCDuw0dmTcqc9zYU76FxGaeMyrQJl5QO_4wcwIaipwdLu1-bE7KoU0mRCjzdKGRRUmHTpr2giKpKq2i4gXVuUs10B4YlRFg8PdzvmceBXjiHhIaF-X0sjFVQ2aB8Qb6I0rYNJF0zmgcUN/s4294/SPDC_Gnawa_20230614_MG_1995_Photo_Iari_Davies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3067" data-original-width="4294" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxw0rY29QquMP3QHy1qtzChA-78Z2qutLZJLYqm8MZEc8PZXJCDuw0dmTcqc9zYU76FxGaeMyrQJl5QO_4wcwIaipwdLu1-bE7KoU0mRCjzdKGRRUmHTpr2giKpKq2i4gXVuUs10B4YlRFg8PdzvmceBXjiHhIaF-X0sjFVQ2aB8Qb6I0rYNJF0zmgcUN/w640-h458/SPDC_Gnawa_20230614_MG_1995_Photo_Iari_Davies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-58957919719214439492024-02-02T22:42:00.002+00:002024-02-02T22:42:27.730+00:00Drag 'N' Drop! - Lighthouse Poole<p> Merging gender ideology and quantum physics initially seems like one of the strangest combinations that you can get in a drag show. I mean, on the surface there seems to be hardly any similarities between the two. One is science, and one is all about gender identity. Yet Drag 'N' Drop by Ri Baroche does just that in a wild and wonderful show that puts what it means to be an individual in the world under a microscope. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Uzb_jPMg-xqiOPnLc21NhQtkxIdSaHmWAV9Xt0JcX0cwpSVrjtKkkJdvlQzE7w_ff8lPvzb8jjnDYlcb5Sv6eZ2GOcqr06NHwlwpkRS_2LturDTNl2miFXJ_vC6C1CDmFGwTBAYARuLFImRv_VMXgxVybVE9vT9xbMAtOeLawzL4YX5Gdz1wbwk7ewI_/s1958/2a27b3_7ce81f60b2f14bf6937051decc755bb4~mv2.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1958" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Uzb_jPMg-xqiOPnLc21NhQtkxIdSaHmWAV9Xt0JcX0cwpSVrjtKkkJdvlQzE7w_ff8lPvzb8jjnDYlcb5Sv6eZ2GOcqr06NHwlwpkRS_2LturDTNl2miFXJ_vC6C1CDmFGwTBAYARuLFImRv_VMXgxVybVE9vT9xbMAtOeLawzL4YX5Gdz1wbwk7ewI_/w640-h360/2a27b3_7ce81f60b2f14bf6937051decc755bb4~mv2.webp" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><span><a name='more'></a>Drag 'N' Drop is a drag musical comedy that leaves you not knowing what to expect at each twist and turn. You are introduced to Dragona Budjet (pronounced Boo-gee not budget) one half of Drag 'N' Drop removals services. In a future where gender has been neutralised to ensure that everyone is equal, Dragona is frustrated that she is unable to express herself and uses the removals services as a front to allow her to express herself as a drag performer. However when Drop, her business partner fails to show up, she must entertain the audience with songs, dancing, and a bit of quantum physics whilst retelling the story of how the neutrals came to be. </span><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Whilst this show might seem completely bonkers and out of this world, it's easy to get immersed. Ri's performance is </span>unflinchingly raw and allows you to truly see the emotions of the queer community and how identity is more than just a pronoun, it's a fluid, bending, changing thing that allows people to express themselves however they wish. Which isn't too dissimilar to particles that are ever changing and moving in a way that no-one can expect. </div><div><br /></div><div>Running at just over one hour, Drag 'N' Drop is a show that isn't for the shy. With audience participation, everyone is encouraged to learn and enjoy throughout this show. For a one person show, this one was full of endless energy and I don't know where Ri managed to muster it from at times in some heels that Barbie would envy! With experience of acting, drag, singing, and spoken word, and currently a MAST associate artist, you can tell that their experience has been drawn from everywhere and crafted into this show that is up, down, crazy, and in your face. With enough humour to amuse every audience member at some point (the quips at Ricky Gervais and Rishi Sunak were some personal favourites), it's truly a show that needs to be seen to be understood. </div><div><br /></div><div>Drag 'N' Drop is like nothing you have haver seen before. It's a show that pokes fun at itself whilst exposing the true emotions of those that feel they need to hide who they are inside. It's a show that is a celebration of gender in the eyes of bystanders all wrapped up in a rhinestone boot. It's a wierd and wonderful show and I love the fact that there are wonderful spaces in the South Coast that give platforms to shows such as this. For where else can you see a celebration of gender identity and quantum physics on the same stage in the same show?</div><div><br /></div><div>On tour at various venues including the Black Cherry Theatre in Bournemouth. Don't miss out on a fun night out. <a href="https://www.theblackcherry.co.uk/event-details/cabaret-drag-n-drop">https://www.theblackcherry.co.uk/event-details/cabaret-drag-n-drop</a></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-4541079489904776162024-01-23T23:57:00.002+00:002024-01-23T23:57:50.969+00:00I Should Be So Lucky - The Stock Aitken Waterman Musical Review<p> The music of Stock Aitken Waterman is nothing short of iconic. Dominating the British music scene during the 1980's and 1990's, they are amongst the most successful songwriters and producers in the pop music scene. With such an array of fantastic songs from artists such as Kylie, Rick Astley, and Bananarama, their fans have spanned decades and their songs are still enjoyed to this day. </p><p>When it was announced in 2023 that a musical titled "I Should Be So Lucky" and comprised solely of Stock Aitken Waterman tracks was to be released, you have to have a slight air of concern. Personally, the jukebox musical can be completely hit or miss. Some shows that I think would have done well have fallen short, whilst other rogue musicals have completely won me over. Going into this show at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, I have to say I was dubious, would I be so lucky to have a fab night?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapw5S6Q4fvIpRXtEIPUkXdT79Lxxcz-BqY0SXa9-nIahe1KrZBNRaVjjzfyhakrgd87g7Ajejar2Uu3CPeqGMiGBNYlbQHAFcjYSbKSm7TupSslIuBZEC3t4J-IS64sPyE7fHSm0uKPvVmnGcT2YBP4tLxRXDRSXvEsRbA9iPrqTSKZfrKsE360TQTLs1/s4721/I%20SHOULD%20BE%20SO%20LUCKY.%20Lucie-Mae%20Sumner_%20Billy%20Roberts%20and%20Matthew%20Croke.%20Photo%20Marc%20Brenner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3147" data-original-width="4721" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapw5S6Q4fvIpRXtEIPUkXdT79Lxxcz-BqY0SXa9-nIahe1KrZBNRaVjjzfyhakrgd87g7Ajejar2Uu3CPeqGMiGBNYlbQHAFcjYSbKSm7TupSslIuBZEC3t4J-IS64sPyE7fHSm0uKPvVmnGcT2YBP4tLxRXDRSXvEsRbA9iPrqTSKZfrKsE360TQTLs1/w640-h426/I%20SHOULD%20BE%20SO%20LUCKY.%20Lucie-Mae%20Sumner_%20Billy%20Roberts%20and%20Matthew%20Croke.%20Photo%20Marc%20Brenner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>I Should Be So Lucky follows the story of Ella, a young bride who cannot wait to spend the rest of her life with Nathan, her soon to be husband. That is until he leaves her jilted at the altar. Destined to not spend the rest of her days miserable, her family and bridesmaids whisk her away on her honeymoon to distract her and help her come to terms with this heartbreaking news. When Nathan realises that he made the wrong choice and needs to rekindle his romance, he must battle new loves, family members, and his heartbroken fiancee to try and save their future. </p><p>One thing I loved about this show was that it didn't take itself seriously at all. It was camp, colourful, and absolutely cheesy and it knew it. Written by the creator of the Nativity! series, Debbie Isitt is no stranger to creating the perfect blend of comedy and heartwarming moments, and honestly she nailed it with this show. Fusing together nostalgia, drama, and enough risque jokes to shock your nan, I Should Be So Lucky knows that it's main aim is to entertain, and entertain it does! </p><p>As I mentioned before, I can sometimes struggle with jukebox musicals, but these songs didn't feel jarring, they flowed with the story, and they fully embraced the celebration that the show was trying to tell. Featuring songs such as "Together Forever", "Toy Boy", and "Especially For You", this show truly has hit after hit for everyone to enjoy (even me; a girl firmly stuck in the 00's emo generation!). </p><p>I thoroughly enjoyed Lucie-Mae Sumner and Billy Roberts as Ella and Nathan, the young lovebirds who are on a pathway back together. Whilst the ensemble cast can also celebrate their successes as they shone just as bright with Jessica Daley as sister Britney, Jamie Chapman as hotel owner Spencer, Mathew Croke as hotel host Nadeem, and Scott Paige as bridesman Michael. I have to say that I loved Kayla Carter as best friend and bridesmaid Bonnie, her singing was just insane, whilst Giovanni Spano as the best man Ash was absolutely hilarious. </p><p>Of course the main event was the queen of pop herself. Kylie made a guest appearance as the wonderful queen in the mirror and I loved how she popped up with not only friendly and fierce advice, but also with some wonderful nods to her brilliant career. We love a queen that can celebrate herself and not take herself too seriously at the same time. </p><p>Overall, I was seriously impressed with I Should Be So Lucky. With a fantastic set of hearts creating the set to go alongside the heart of the show itself, you can truly feel that you have been whisked away in the fun and refreshing show. If you're after something high brow, then this definitely is the show for you, but if you want something that doesn't take itself seriously, enjoys itself, and has the whole audience on their feet dancing at the end, then you should be so lucky to get a ticket to this show!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D_zifanXOycFRY4t4QrCGCaguO4KZsZSlS2GNtzrDbsroK1vU4DcAhIa_O02hLhAoZEKxgDoBGtuOwPccAKugFBDdAFVARF_LtxgUIe8Mxscm2u4o490otNI1-bhQNqYvBaiEAnGRiCJ0xfuLIYvjNuI0_pHBs8bgU-4NyHTr-aQpbu-UHjuejGBqWJT/s4103/I%20SHOULD%20BE%20SO%20LUCKY.%20Lucie-Mae%20Sumner_%20Billy%20Roberts%20and%20Company.%20Photo%20Marc%20Brenner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2735" data-original-width="4103" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D_zifanXOycFRY4t4QrCGCaguO4KZsZSlS2GNtzrDbsroK1vU4DcAhIa_O02hLhAoZEKxgDoBGtuOwPccAKugFBDdAFVARF_LtxgUIe8Mxscm2u4o490otNI1-bhQNqYvBaiEAnGRiCJ0xfuLIYvjNuI0_pHBs8bgU-4NyHTr-aQpbu-UHjuejGBqWJT/w640-h426/I%20SHOULD%20BE%20SO%20LUCKY.%20Lucie-Mae%20Sumner_%20Billy%20Roberts%20and%20Company.%20Photo%20Marc%20Brenner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Running at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton until 27/01/24, before continuing on a UK tour, please click the following links for more info. </p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/i-should-be-so-lucky-2024/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Should Be So Lucky - Mayflower Tickets</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://soluckymusical.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://soluckymusical.com/</a><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-51039224052240146242024-01-17T23:28:00.002+00:002024-01-17T23:28:06.438+00:00The Wizard of Oz - 2024 UK Tour Review <p>The Wizard of Oz is one of the most well known and nostalgic movie musicals of all time. With a star studded cast, and a soundtrack that has won over hearts all over the world, to take it on as a new production is nothing short of a challenge. However, <a href="https://www.curveonline.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Curve Theatre</a>, Leicester did just that and have created a show that not only stands on it's own two feet, but also gives the original take we know and love the tribute it deserves. </p><p>Having moved from Leicester to the stage of the <a href="https://lwtheatres.co.uk/theatres/the-london-palladium/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">London Palladium</a>, <a href="https://uktour.wizardofozmusical.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Wizard of Oz</a> is now taking the UK by story as it travels on the yellow brick road around the country. It's made it's home this week at the <a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mayflower Theatre</a>, Southampton and my goodness is there no place like home!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnhiCI2KchBdN3-D7UvO2KmXGU1RpBVV1TPgLY7y879_yzgwgN_ncXtqv44AjzNoqnCFYjvk_yhacWJFDa1F4_1gkQLK6Cn24QTQLMZFf5mS-K7NIPtBAuK12HtvWIgIiI_tLKaQXqOA0K4ItlTN98-oobn5B9dR5IEA6eHknW9M5cwNP-1cyJnZYm8QX/s5165/Wizard%20of%20Oz%20UK%20TOUR%20PROD-8329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Wizard of Oz - Aviva Tulley and company" border="0" data-original-height="3443" data-original-width="5165" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnhiCI2KchBdN3-D7UvO2KmXGU1RpBVV1TPgLY7y879_yzgwgN_ncXtqv44AjzNoqnCFYjvk_yhacWJFDa1F4_1gkQLK6Cn24QTQLMZFf5mS-K7NIPtBAuK12HtvWIgIiI_tLKaQXqOA0K4ItlTN98-oobn5B9dR5IEA6eHknW9M5cwNP-1cyJnZYm8QX/w640-h426/Wizard%20of%20Oz%20UK%20TOUR%20PROD-8329.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Following the tale of Dorothy Gale, the young girl who feels misunderstood and wants adventure in the great wide world outside of Kansas, The Wizard Of Oz sends you on a whirlwind journey that starts with a tornado. Having landed in Munchkinland on the other side of the rainbow, Dorothy quickly realises that she isn't in Kansas anymore and needs the help of Glinda the Good Witch, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion to find her way home. But in order to do so, she must seek the help of the Wizard whilst avoiding the Wicked Witch of the West. With her dog Toto by her side, and a pair of red slippers on her feet, anything is possible!</p><p>One thing that I loved about this production is how it truly blended the old and the new. Whilst it still included all the old touches that fans of the film know and love such as iconic songs, lines, and characters, it also blended itself with the modern and felt right for the times and not dated at all. With nods to other movies (I loved the Cowardly Lion's line about "the lion sleeps tonight") and new songs woven throughout, it felt fresh and innovative. I loved the way that Glinda's mode of transport was a moped rather than a bubble, and the people of Munchkinland used phones, camera's and police tape to secure Dorothy's house. It truly felt that the creators had a young audience at heart and completely smashed it. </p><p>The staging and costuming is bright, eye catching, and completely in your face. With special effects that were a tad too much at times (for those with aversions to bright lights and bangs, this might not be the show for you - check the warnings before visiting), it sometimes distracted a tad from the brilliant acting and singing. I also felt that the stage itself seemed to lack at times. There was also a huge digital backdrop that had a constant video moving, it sometimes felt a bit jarring and clunky and from my seat it felt like there was a lot of dead space on set that I would have personally loved to have been filled with props and bigger set pieces. However, the costuming made up for this completely and everything from the iconic red slippers, to the flying monkeys and the Wicked Witch's costume was lavish, in your face, and just utterly perfect. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhufOqXIBYqikB2AZC7QC56vYAstRpAkCTkz0V-kUAODWxhW4YaIKZCHCePKJdktadOvCGUW-XjurMTm2ZCW6zP_qUJhwIZ7D-SD5NsPZX0a0dp8XGWyXYOXqlJAe0yf7v6u5t2SoRasZZ1c-cX051CR4FxMF04h1Wke13ZhF6c-g4WkBQ6pTO3pgUPZY6/s4361/Wizard%20of%20Oz%20TOUR%20PROD-5239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Wizard of Oz - The Vivienne" border="0" data-original-height="2907" data-original-width="4361" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhufOqXIBYqikB2AZC7QC56vYAstRpAkCTkz0V-kUAODWxhW4YaIKZCHCePKJdktadOvCGUW-XjurMTm2ZCW6zP_qUJhwIZ7D-SD5NsPZX0a0dp8XGWyXYOXqlJAe0yf7v6u5t2SoRasZZ1c-cX051CR4FxMF04h1Wke13ZhF6c-g4WkBQ6pTO3pgUPZY6/w640-h426/Wizard%20of%20Oz%20TOUR%20PROD-5239.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div>Dorothy was played by Aviva Tulley, and she played this role with such tenacity and innocence. I loved her rendition of Over The Rainbow, and her relationship with her cast mates was brilliant. Benjamin Yates, Marley Fenton, and Nic Greensheilds played the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion and I can honestly say that they embodied these roles perfectly. I loved Greensheilds' unconfident lion (and the costume was fab!) and Fenton's dancing was fab alongside Yate's hopelessly forgetful scarecrow. They each brought charm and entertainment to these roles. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have to commend Abigail Matthews who played Toto brilliantly. Being able to control a puppet on stage and make it look so realistic always amazes me and Matthews did just that by bringing Toto to life. However for me The Vivienne was truly the Wicked Witch of the West. From Drag Race superstar to star of the stage, everything from her energy, to her mannerisms and singing was nothing short of iconic. This role was truly made for her!</div><div><br /></div><div>The Wizard of Oz was a wonderful trip over the rainbow to experience an evening of sparkles and magic. It's a fantastic show for the whole family to enjoy and with clever stage magic entertains you and gives you a feeling of nostalgia. Watching the show truly transported me back to my childhood and I feel for every audience member this show will allow them to tap into their own memory of the show and will have them singing "We're off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz" all the way to the car. A colourful celebration of an iconic show, one not to miss. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAUwyYmZ2pc59iTtmxi0oeYOv2EYrgFEBPIA7q_vzXs7DNCib2w912a3m8-TwYY7UHjjbJFQHhI-azbZR7-Sk9swPqaaFf642iwy0UFB_f8nsZk2MYlk0ey-FLfRqeBoszb8UcZo3Qa0HVliaXdt0FM_338iMyD-du2kE7-cRrIYredtyIZZLohGbwGQ0/s5696/Wizard%20of%20Oz%20TOUR%20PROD-5447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3797" data-original-width="5696" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAUwyYmZ2pc59iTtmxi0oeYOv2EYrgFEBPIA7q_vzXs7DNCib2w912a3m8-TwYY7UHjjbJFQHhI-azbZR7-Sk9swPqaaFf642iwy0UFB_f8nsZk2MYlk0ey-FLfRqeBoszb8UcZo3Qa0HVliaXdt0FM_338iMyD-du2kE7-cRrIYredtyIZZLohGbwGQ0/w640-h426/Wizard%20of%20Oz%20TOUR%20PROD-5447.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>On at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton until 21st January 2024, before continuing on a UK tour around the country. To find out more information and book tickets: </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/wizard-of-oz-2024/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Wizard of Oz - Mayflower Southampton</a><br /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-13802015773034873912024-01-14T17:55:00.005+00:002024-01-14T17:58:48.215+00:00Beauty and the Beast - All Saints Dramatic Society<p> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Beauty and the Beast is one of those pantomimes that truly entertains audiences young and old. With a story that is a tale as old as time, and so many opportunities to mix things up, it's no wonder that theatre's use it year on year. Weaving witchcraft, humour, and the hope of a happy ending, the All Saints Dramatic Society have used this tale and created a show that’s a hit for the local audience.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTlPGU-HpQ7rJzJiL91u6GsYRvxinuQUa5z9iT1eNMnxfI0DPzFpbnnFdm__CwxZ9alX4ryQqTVBCSCTKIpsENWAtxCFRbCBGgQ0k-hyxlenNcAttppzV2HQERf_N-HQ-RO1xPHktNPTl_8HMh7L05v4BDUmdBhsgD2aBbEBrFKBV6i2IEZ_4on93xUCl/s1196/418895246_885821820211031_425984987312207722_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1177" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTlPGU-HpQ7rJzJiL91u6GsYRvxinuQUa5z9iT1eNMnxfI0DPzFpbnnFdm__CwxZ9alX4ryQqTVBCSCTKIpsENWAtxCFRbCBGgQ0k-hyxlenNcAttppzV2HQERf_N-HQ-RO1xPHktNPTl_8HMh7L05v4BDUmdBhsgD2aBbEBrFKBV6i2IEZ_4on93xUCl/w394-h400/418895246_885821820211031_425984987312207722_n.jpg" width="394" /></a></div><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The story, written by former ASDS member Simon Fox, weaves in brilliant local references alongside big show numbers that audience members little and old can enjoy, whilst not forgetting all the essential pantomime hijinks that you need to make a winning show. With a live band in tow, and enough audience interaction to keep everyone hooked, Beauty and the Beast is a great show to entertain all.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Renee Claude and Latayan Richardson are brilliant as Mary and Gaston. With fantastic on stage partnership and brilliant voices to match, they entertain audiences throughout. I thought that Latayan's enthusiasm in the role of Gaston was brilliant and for her first principal role, she did an awesome job. I also adored the pairing of Sue Josey and Yvette Phillips as Rabbit and Squirrel. Their comedic timing was hilarious and their audience interaction was top notch.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> How they had the energy to bound around the stage constantly is beyond me! I was exhausted just watching them. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNOAw_OTwvHIOPdI7WZiykxLTnoip8W_iq5IOgpslPSA75pKEQ_ALHbiJRnbB3u-D23BVJD7qTCKLXAVTGXCDgfVYVy4HsWisEL9yPXLPpFxRuASa5F0Prtftvsmsfm7_odErYSHhDyBnNVcNsu-7KrvYEYjEiVMEVHqNgVxMO-A41Ojf6LOwyZfa8o-Y/s1297/418941408_886145700178643_4638427753817501411_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1297" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNOAw_OTwvHIOPdI7WZiykxLTnoip8W_iq5IOgpslPSA75pKEQ_ALHbiJRnbB3u-D23BVJD7qTCKLXAVTGXCDgfVYVy4HsWisEL9yPXLPpFxRuASa5F0Prtftvsmsfm7_odErYSHhDyBnNVcNsu-7KrvYEYjEiVMEVHqNgVxMO-A41Ojf6LOwyZfa8o-Y/w400-h370/418941408_886145700178643_4638427753817501411_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The junior chorus are adorable, special mention must go to their rendition of "What Does the Fox Say", which was hilarious and full of energy. They definitely won the cute factor! The duo of Stevie Drogemuller and John Sivewright as Scotty Potty and Dame Potty was a brilliant pairing. Ensuring that every panto joke, comedic trope and one liner was included whilst ensuring the pace of the show didn’t slow down isn’t an easy feat, but they did it fantastically.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For an amateur production I’m always impressed at how professional performances are. Whilst you know that it will never rival that of the west end, you can’t deny the sheer talent, enthusiasm, and creativity in each show they put on. Each cast and crew member work tirelessly to ensure that the packed out audience had a brilliant time, and a brilliant time was had by all.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Beauty and the Beast runs at Corpus Christi Church Hall on various dates until<span class="Apple-converted-space"> 20th January. For more information please follow: <a href="https://www.allsaintsdramaticsociety.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR1_T5EjbITKEV_hlbF_UJnXmh3uMzyEdqmMp131lB0acVuMjiIYkI_QeLs" target="_blank">All Saints Dramatic Society</a></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-45830590625542405532024-01-10T00:05:00.000+00:002024-01-10T00:05:03.279+00:00Everybody's Talking About Jamie 2023 Tour Review<p> You should have been there, you should have seen it? You won't believe the things we saw that went down in there! That is if we are talking about the <a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/" target="_blank">Mayflower Theatre</a> stage as the utterly sensational <a href="https://everybodystalkingaboutjamie.co.uk/" target="_blank">Everybody's Talking About Jamie</a> opens 2024 with a bang. </p><p>Based on the somewhat true story of a young boy called Jamie New who wants to grow up to be a drag queen, this show has taken the world by storm and the hype just seems to be getting bigger year on year. After a brilliant run in the west end, followed by a UK tour and a film, this show is now back on the road to entertain the masses again, and boy did it bring the house down in Southampton.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Zf7J69AiJ4RZ6RU1CZgU2utBJJJuUjb56Sf9E_190dRvnSVUSeNvpy7scx_AlL7iAQjGHuFohapf4XP9LdN5ORczldJMS4FZHA5k9Z2xjeD8lQoXSyjVGlzQz7uEtvJMZbF9WFm97wC3bCblLjnHZyiTgADt79nWUTejZDiHpRSSdzmzeZc2OHgzxftR/s6048/JA1_MattCrockett_8937_RT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Everybody's Talking About Jamie 2023 - Ivano Turco, Rebecca McKinnis, Shobna Gulati" border="0" data-original-height="4024" data-original-width="6048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Zf7J69AiJ4RZ6RU1CZgU2utBJJJuUjb56Sf9E_190dRvnSVUSeNvpy7scx_AlL7iAQjGHuFohapf4XP9LdN5ORczldJMS4FZHA5k9Z2xjeD8lQoXSyjVGlzQz7uEtvJMZbF9WFm97wC3bCblLjnHZyiTgADt79nWUTejZDiHpRSSdzmzeZc2OHgzxftR/w640-h426/JA1_MattCrockett_8937_RT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Everybody's Talking About Jamie follows the story of Jamie New, a young boy who dares to be a little bit of glitter in the grey. Whilst most at his school are hell bent on either bullying him, or mocking his dreams, Jamie wants to prove them all wrong and show them that he can step out of the darkness and into the spotlight. With a little help along the way from his mum, his unofficial auntie Ray, his best friend Pritti and the legendary drag queen that is Loco Chanelle, Jamie faces his fears to try and become the star he is always supposed to be. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Taking to the role of Jamie is the utterly brilliant Ivano Turco, who dare I say it, might be the best Jamie I have ever seen (and I've seen this show a fair few times!). The innocence in his acting teamed with the fearlessness nature in his drag persona "Mimi Me" is something that is hard to do on stage and he did it with such grace and ease (with some amazing vocal riffs and subtle key changes that just made his rendition nothing short of perfect!). The role of his mentor Hugo "Loco Chanelle" was played by John Partridge who just blew me away and played with such emotion and experience as the washed up drag queen mentor that helps sculpt Jamie into the confident queen he deserves to be. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I loved Rebecca McKinnis as Jamie's Mum Margaret. Having seen her play Evan's mum in Dear Evan Hansen I knew to expect a good performance, but her rendition of He's My Boy just blew me away, and sitting next to my own teenager left me a tad teary eyed! Shobna Gulati is always perfect as Ray. I honestly don't think that you would be able to cast anyone else but her in that role. It was simply made for her to perform. Whilst I thought that Talia Palamathanan was fantastic as Jamie's best friend Pritti. Her performance of It Means Beautiful was touching and innocent and she had a brilliant on stage relationship with Jamie. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1F7DH55rkn-T412QJ1v1GpOYtywGOYx8BqcxK1pTBsytVuMT4ljx9JM77uYduB5h6wE-fpLRJRgMfRD2Ayps5GSfihd5scMSECUpahCwdAqvQGR4BOWdIb-jKPC67_YwJmB7J8cMOrwopHPaS7ANTuKAM2OAWN4UYisvOKb7hKclXgZV5ThfZiS79z-Y/s6048/JA2_MattCrockett_0603_RT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Everybody's Talking About Jamie - Ivano Turco and company" border="0" data-original-height="4024" data-original-width="6048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1F7DH55rkn-T412QJ1v1GpOYtywGOYx8BqcxK1pTBsytVuMT4ljx9JM77uYduB5h6wE-fpLRJRgMfRD2Ayps5GSfihd5scMSECUpahCwdAqvQGR4BOWdIb-jKPC67_YwJmB7J8cMOrwopHPaS7ANTuKAM2OAWN4UYisvOKb7hKclXgZV5ThfZiS79z-Y/w640-h426/JA2_MattCrockett_0603_RT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One thing that I love about Everybody's Talking About Jamie is that it feels relevant and timeless at the same time. Each time I've seen the show (pre covid, post covid, and now) there have been slight tweaks and changes to the script to make it feel that it was made especially for the time you are watching it. It's blend of bright colours and bleakness reflects the life that Jamie feels he is living and dreams for. The show is about acceptance, understanding, prejudice, and individuality. It's about learning to love yourself and be completely true to yourself whilst accepting the lives of those around us. I love that the team behind the show have done so much work to help put education packs together and you could see from the amount of schools around the audience that it was really paying off. In fact, I took my teenager and he came out saying it was one of the best shows that he has ever seen (and he's seen a lot of shows!)<br /><p></p><div>Everybody's Talking About Jamie is a show like no other. It's time to step out of the darkness, into the spotlight. Everyone's waiting, Jamie, for you to take the centre stage and wow audience's around the UK. It's a show full of sequins, sparkles, sass, and sincerity all rolled up with a stunning bow. Whilst not for young audiences, it's definitely one to take your teens to. Don't just talk about Jamie, sing, shout, and dance about it too!</div><div><br /></div><div>On at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton until Sunday 14/1/2024. You can purchase your tickets here: <a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/everybodys-talking-about-jamie-2024/" target="_blank">Everybody's Talking About Jamie - Mayflower</a></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-24288225514909009912023-12-20T22:24:00.002+00:002023-12-20T22:24:17.449+00:00A Christmas Carol - A Mayflower Made production<p>The most festive tale of all to see on stage and screen has to be A Christmas Carol. The story of Scrooge's redemption as he is met by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future to see what his life has been and could be like. With so many versions of the show it's a breath of fresh air to see a version that is not only fun but accessible for all ages. </p><p>Mayflower Theatre do amazing community based projects, and their Mayflower Made youth productions are nothing but brilliant. With casts solely comprising of young actors, A Christmas Carol is their latest festive offering. After all, Charles Dickens was only born just down the road from the theatre so it's a brilliant tribute to get audiences in the Christmas spirit. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidOyTsrw2f23gwneKj-e62T4-DTfKTaPx90N7qMRxWlFXXCnJ4kDQrGjvhOqB2mFs9b2x-e29br_R5XTJSdMURFPaSi0cIaXgPEuihZIWoi0oeGQI9mV2wyIpxPwRIO6O5AloqmI50k6f8EgD4_AnEe9CAn3Dp-4Wtp2CrydNYMYmF3nry9p3GC4Ou_LX/s6000/Christmas_Carol0297A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidOyTsrw2f23gwneKj-e62T4-DTfKTaPx90N7qMRxWlFXXCnJ4kDQrGjvhOqB2mFs9b2x-e29br_R5XTJSdMURFPaSi0cIaXgPEuihZIWoi0oeGQI9mV2wyIpxPwRIO6O5AloqmI50k6f8EgD4_AnEe9CAn3Dp-4Wtp2CrydNYMYmF3nry9p3GC4Ou_LX/w640-h426/Christmas_Carol0297A.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><span>Set somewhat in the future, you are introduced to Ben. A cynical teenager who thinks that Scrooge is the anti-hero that should be heralded. Whilst exploring the Dickens Experience, he is met by the Guide, an eager young girl who is desperate to show Ben the true story of Scrooge and how his selfish ways aren't too dissimilar to Ben's own attitudes in the present day. What follows is a retelling of the story that Ben and the Guide explore showing the story woven with a modern day soundtrack to a cast of over 50 youngsters. </span></p><p><span>I adore Mayflower Made productions and it's a testament to the hard work of each of these young people to know that most are juggling learning, exams, and their teenage lives amongst endless rehearsals, preparation and training to make this show nothing short of professional. With staging that is staggeringly beautiful, and costumes that have stepped right out of a Dickens novel, you often forget you are watching some talented teens rather than stage veterans. </span></p><p>Whilst the whole cast were an immensely talented bunch, some highlights were Alex Lockhart as Ebenezer Scrooge, who's performance was haunting and commanding. His take on the main role was definitely powerful. I also loved Amelia Ockwell's performance as the Guide, she led the story and had a brilliant singing voice that helped weave this story together. It's clear to see how much these young cast members enjoy their time with Mayflower Made as they sing and dance with smiles on their faces throughout. </p><p>A Christmas Carol is a brilliant way to get yourself into the Christmas spirit. Whilst I can say I was firmly in the bah humbug camp before seeing the show, I can safely say I've got the Christmas cheer in me after this and I might not be so Scrooge like after all. Not only did I have the festive feeling, but every audience member young and old seemed to as well. This show is a reimagined festive retelling of a wonderful Christmas story. Bravo to the cast, crew, and everyone else involved. Kids, you've made another winner!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTknrqVfcQM-jtKlUO7hAOWXHPgwWDeRVrgi8N5U5ufw8S1ZZ8boyPGkj-qt0erMTv-vfm9JLZjZm9rUjoNfoLltpG5SXeBZXctFLTEQ0OAFzGhiAqKi1qdWZ5gwhNaPiM6e1Yp0CSwJDOyIp1GQYI1RbdcCeKsWMhO86HNOnJpdmH-zZRrYZw1xcYOOy4/s5495/Christmas_Carol0120A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3729" data-original-width="5495" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTknrqVfcQM-jtKlUO7hAOWXHPgwWDeRVrgi8N5U5ufw8S1ZZ8boyPGkj-qt0erMTv-vfm9JLZjZm9rUjoNfoLltpG5SXeBZXctFLTEQ0OAFzGhiAqKi1qdWZ5gwhNaPiM6e1Yp0CSwJDOyIp1GQYI1RbdcCeKsWMhO86HNOnJpdmH-zZRrYZw1xcYOOy4/w640-h434/Christmas_Carol0120A.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>On until 31st December 2023, A Christmas Carol is selling quickly and tickets can be booked here: <a href="https://www.mayflowerstudios.org.uk/what-s-on/a-christmas-carol-2023/">https://www.mayflowerstudios.org.uk/what-s-on/a-christmas-carol-2023/</a></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-61877985997889512792023-12-12T22:49:00.003+00:002023-12-12T22:49:48.492+00:00Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Mayflower Theatre Panto<p> Magic Mirror on the wall, what's the fairest Panto of them all? Snow White you say, with Diversity too? Add in Biggins, and the Mayflower has a show for you!</p><p>Christmas for me isn't the same without a visit to the Mayflower Theatre to see their annual panto. With big names galore and visual effects and laughs that keep old and young hooked, it's really a show for the whole family to love and enjoy. This year, Snow White takes to the stage with a slight twist to wow audiences this Christmas. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VQLcsZvwZsTq09tmO_dOgAXKMB1U0OsK8b48Vc9z-8tniIJgGTafgMIuXa3vp8J0x7JxRU7eOIuQKHujRFoPQxhhBQS6k-jc73p0eE_Npei8iAI8H6jy5EPynC2Gx3D2CqsYnbAujRfFo2xPuP0mkhcYTVP_7Lac2-TAc1jJdg5Id1OXnrt1ZdJIZdAD/s5374/Ashley%20Banjo%20and%20Diversity%20as%20Prince%20Ashley%20and%20the%20Royal%20Guards%202%20-%20Snow%20White%20and%20the%20Seven%20Dwarfs,%20Southampton%202023%20-%20Credit%20Stuart%20Martin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2692" data-original-width="5374" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VQLcsZvwZsTq09tmO_dOgAXKMB1U0OsK8b48Vc9z-8tniIJgGTafgMIuXa3vp8J0x7JxRU7eOIuQKHujRFoPQxhhBQS6k-jc73p0eE_Npei8iAI8H6jy5EPynC2Gx3D2CqsYnbAujRfFo2xPuP0mkhcYTVP_7Lac2-TAc1jJdg5Id1OXnrt1ZdJIZdAD/w640-h320/Ashley%20Banjo%20and%20Diversity%20as%20Prince%20Ashley%20and%20the%20Royal%20Guards%202%20-%20Snow%20White%20and%20the%20Seven%20Dwarfs,%20Southampton%202023%20-%20Credit%20Stuart%20Martin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>The tale starts like every other, with the audience meeting the wonderful Snow White, her good friend Muddles, and the Man in the Mirror. After learning that the Evil Queen Dragonella wants to banish Snow White away so she can marry the handsome Prince Ashley, havoc ensues to ensure not only Snow's safety, but that she can find true love. With the Prince's guards, and the Magnificent Seven, there's sure to be a happy ending. </p><p>The cast was nothing less than star studded. From the panto legend that is Christopher Biggins who shone (quite literally) as the Man in the Mirror, and revealed almost too much by the end of the show! Rachel Stanley had the audience booing with her brilliantly devious Dragonella whilst Kirsty Ingram was the light to Stanley's dark as Snow White, with innocence and grace she danced across the stage. The brilliant Manificent Seven packed a small but mighty punch and entertained throughout. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ogmsgkoRUarajb2KKeiyudnNpq47tl0CHEd4rSIYnWanxxQrExa24BJsBeZve3biJ80yG7WfcyCXItzXGLL8jwscb4Ino2cFEAo66JOj7F1Vv64rF7rTPLwDOs2We60-xTMqHzwtZx-iA_BMt4U7JjEL8mm0zd-hzUuLditVGi0NObJ7YRyBW9vE8zIy/s4335/Kirsty%20Ingram%20as%20Snow%20White%20and%20Ensemble%203%20-%20Snow%20White%20and%20the%20Seven%20Dwarfs,%20Southampton%202023%20-%20Credit%20Stuart%20Martin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2808" data-original-width="4335" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ogmsgkoRUarajb2KKeiyudnNpq47tl0CHEd4rSIYnWanxxQrExa24BJsBeZve3biJ80yG7WfcyCXItzXGLL8jwscb4Ino2cFEAo66JOj7F1Vv64rF7rTPLwDOs2We60-xTMqHzwtZx-iA_BMt4U7JjEL8mm0zd-hzUuLditVGi0NObJ7YRyBW9vE8zIy/w640-h414/Kirsty%20Ingram%20as%20Snow%20White%20and%20Ensemble%203%20-%20Snow%20White%20and%20the%20Seven%20Dwarfs,%20Southampton%202023%20-%20Credit%20Stuart%20Martin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>Ashley Banjo and Diversity were the clear audience favourites and their constant energy and dancing on stage was captivating and worth the ticket price alone. How they manage to tumble, flip, spring, and dance in such precision and synchronicity is magical. My favourite cast member however had to be Kev Orkian as Muddles. How he managed to keep the audience entertained, ad-lib as much as he did and keep everyone laughing from start to finish is a marvel in itself. A huge, huge, shout out though also has to go to the adorable 4 year old Molly who took to the stage and won over the hearts of every audience member with her rendition of Twinkle Twinkle. Keep shining kid!</p><p>One thing I love about Mayflower pantomimes is the hard work that goes into them. From the brilliant costumes that dazzled throughout the show (Biggins' sparkles were almost blinding), to the dancing and staging. A Mayflower Panto is nothing without some awesome visual effects, and Snow White was no different. I don't want to spoil it too much for the audience, but reindeers and dragons are nothing short of magical! Add in a sprinkle of snow and it's a recipe for success. </p><p>Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a pantomime that will entertain audiences and make young and old smile from ear to ear from the moment the music starts to the moment they leave the theatre. With enough in the show to keep the young ones pleased, amongst innuendos and adult jokes and keeps the parents hooked, Snow White is a winner and is most definitely the fairest panto in the land. </p><p><br /></p><p>Running until the 31st December, you can find ticket information here: </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-63001410851768424312023-12-08T22:59:00.002+00:002023-12-08T22:59:15.658+00:00Aladdin - Poole Lighthouse's Magical Pantomime<p> As December draws in, Christmas lights twinkle, and families gather together, nothing beats heading to the local theatre to watch a good old British pantomime. There's something special about silly nonsense, shouting 'he's behind you' and watching actors make slight fools of themselves on stage. It's a type of show that definitely doesn't take itself seriously and evolves throughout its run to become something even more nonsensical than when it started. And the Poole Lighthouse pantomime this year is no exception. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHI3r-bqGNiCjUykgmHwd9bvJYrPLMKGpOOpqQ9g4MzMl7Lyncv8VaBuBVxgskjKB_tRzr_HuBhmGjD9fvWkaD5KA6hVdN80ATl6BSdfdb60AWC44sqDj1kkDV1c_-7lLVu_rM1f52srCxkidCa93RTCnfWufji7E1dnvIz1zfcoS9OtoIOwIq7QOqHMG/s881/Screenshot%202023-12-08%20at%2022.22.25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="881" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHI3r-bqGNiCjUykgmHwd9bvJYrPLMKGpOOpqQ9g4MzMl7Lyncv8VaBuBVxgskjKB_tRzr_HuBhmGjD9fvWkaD5KA6hVdN80ATl6BSdfdb60AWC44sqDj1kkDV1c_-7lLVu_rM1f52srCxkidCa93RTCnfWufji7E1dnvIz1zfcoS9OtoIOwIq7QOqHMG/w400-h350/Screenshot%202023-12-08%20at%2022.22.25.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><span><a name='more'></a>This year, the Lighthouse Poole have taken on a classic pantomime favourite, Aladdin. A tale that follows Aladdin, the down on his luck thief as he tries to win the heart of the princess with some help along the way from a friendly Genie. </span>Having been written in house by Chris Jarvis, with musical supervision from Darren Reeves, this show has a local flair to keep the audience on their toes.<div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Of course a pantomime version of Aladdin has a few unexpected twists and turns, along with some comedic joy to brighten even the grumpiest of smiles. You are introduced to Aladdin's mum, the legendary Widow Twankey, and his brother Wishee Washee, both of whom run the local laundrette in the town whilst causing all kinds of havoc. And you have Professor Pocus, the villain of the story who wants to control all the power and magic and steal Princess Jasmine for his own. As the story unfolds you feel that you are watching a familiar story you know and love, with a twist that keeps young and old entertained. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div>Chris Jarvis takes on the role of Twankey, engaging the crowd throughout the show and keeping the laughs coming alongside local lad Josh Haberfield, who truly had some brilliant stage presence. I thought both Benjamin Armstrong and Ionica Adriana were the perfect pairing as Aladdin and Jasmine, with both innocence and feistiness as they flew across the stage in their whirlwind romance. Andrew Pollard was the perfect villian as Pocus, with his 80's glam rock inspired look, the audience booed and shouted to their hearts content, yet he received one of the biggest applauses at the end of the night. I loved Alim Jadavji as the Genie, with such sass, impressions, and flair, he truly stole the show for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>This performance of Aladdin is a brilliant show for the whole family. It's one that doesn't take itself seriously and leans into the locality of the audience. With references that everyone knew and could laugh along to, and dialogue that was fun and silly, you were entertained from curtain up to final bows. Whilst this is not a high end panto that's been brought in by a company, it's clear to see that it has heart and will win over audience members and bring some festive cheer to all. I loved the visual effects, unexpected flying, and magic, whilst Max loved the silly jokes, physical gags, and pure ridiculousness of the evening. And I think the verdict of the audience, which had the majority up and dancing at the end shows just how engaging this pantomime is. </div><div><br /></div><div>Running until 31/12/2023, you can buy tickets and find out more information here: <a href="https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/aladdin/" target="_blank">Aladdin - Lighthouse Poole</a></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-7166867309960765222023-11-08T00:09:00.001+00:002023-11-08T00:09:04.056+00:00The Full Monty UK Tour Review<p> The Full Monty is one of those iconic British 90's movies that everyone seems to know. Whether you've seen it or not, you know the premise. A bunch of average Joe's get their kit off in order to help make ends meet whilst covering some themes such as mental health, body image, and sexuality. Whilst its origins are on the big screen, it's been living on the stage since Simon Beaufort created this award winning play in 2013. Billed as a true girl's night out, the Mayflower Theatre was certainly full of excited women ready for a fun evening ahead. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXOBfKMZNFdKa-TJ-jKgvqo7_XFf2OwE24qGLQGdRT75KaAHUYIRnT690qxClY-8JLUQ4Fw8zWTXln4sNNDwB19coSAed0MEFdiOM73XIzWSTWqgiBjb2_n5rWoIvgVdOR4rDl7WnoSrrcmab7wXwe9hvBUD31UcjluxScAleRwFwyT72vmjt80ni4Xju/s1080/230418-FM-1080x1080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXOBfKMZNFdKa-TJ-jKgvqo7_XFf2OwE24qGLQGdRT75KaAHUYIRnT690qxClY-8JLUQ4Fw8zWTXln4sNNDwB19coSAed0MEFdiOM73XIzWSTWqgiBjb2_n5rWoIvgVdOR4rDl7WnoSrrcmab7wXwe9hvBUD31UcjluxScAleRwFwyT72vmjt80ni4Xju/w640-h640/230418-FM-1080x1080.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div>The story follows an unlikely bunch of men, brought together through the job centre, and longing for better aspirations and futures for themselves and their families. You meet Gaz (Danny Hatchard), a dad who just wants to be able to afford the child support payments and be able to see his son. As Gaz and his best friend Dave (Neil Hurst) regularly sneak into their old steelworks employer to nick some bits for cash, they regularly meet Lomper (Nicholas Prasad) the security guard who's mental health is at an all time low. </div><div><br /></div><div>When they realise that one sure fire way to make money quickly is to take their clothes off, they quickly enlist an unlikely crew in Horse (Ben Onwukwe) the old school groover who's in need of a hip replacement; Guy (Jake Quickenden) the local heart throb who's chiselled abs put the rest to shame, and Gerald (Bill Ward) the former foreman of the steelworks who's hiding his unemployment behind credit cards and shame. As this gang join together, you soon realise that their own insecurities are the only thing holding them back from truly baring everything. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIn3nrZw4H9XrPyuy0wMc5HdI8VumEvWXGejeH9Yxrta6-k0NxfaX2wFf-s_maA3wqX7cA-G2j2yIn71ud514Mk1zMjnLl2pJYMG0WRoebG-BFvqClKNDd9NLR1-gzrDbs-ow6hqu-6lHsbjEW1lyH5oscwbAT0DB24KLBpSeAlJflusJui0Q1_hA5p8Xr/s1080/TFM%20Casting%201080x1080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIn3nrZw4H9XrPyuy0wMc5HdI8VumEvWXGejeH9Yxrta6-k0NxfaX2wFf-s_maA3wqX7cA-G2j2yIn71ud514Mk1zMjnLl2pJYMG0WRoebG-BFvqClKNDd9NLR1-gzrDbs-ow6hqu-6lHsbjEW1lyH5oscwbAT0DB24KLBpSeAlJflusJui0Q1_hA5p8Xr/w640-h640/TFM%20Casting%201080x1080.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I have to admit that this was a stellar cast. Each performer brought their own and allowed for dry humour that just fit and helped lead the story on. They truly left their inhibitions behind as they took to the stage with such sincerity and confidence. Danny Hatchard led the gang and I loved the relationship he had with his son Nathan (Theo Hills) who truly stole the show with his humour and heaps of energy on stage. To be surrounded by such big characters is a hard challenge, but he stood his own and won us over. </p><p>Whilst I loved the premise, staging, and the way the play was presented, I did feel that the transitions between the scenes were quite long and clunky. Whilst I appreciate the moving of scenery is a massive task, at times I felt that the story was paused and the momentum dipped whilst things moved around. Despite this, I loved the show and felt that the characters truly made it special. And of course it can't be the Full Monty without the brilliant show at the end of it. To say it was blinding was an understatement! How the gang have the confidence to pull it off every day on stage is something to commend and celebrate. The audience loved it, and the actors seemed to have a fab time on stage too. </p><p>The Full Monty is definitely a show for adult audiences. Covering themes that were touching, raw, and honest, it's a show that isn't afraid to take life by the balls and let everything hang free for the world to see. Amongst the humour, full on fun, and comedic times there is a show that takes a look at men's mental health and ways that they can band together to support each other. Whilst it's full on fun night out (quite literally!) it's also got heart to it too and is one not to be missed on the UK touring circuit. </p><p>On at the Mayflower Theatre until 11/11/2023, it then continues on a UK tour. For more information and tickets please see below. </p><p><a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/full-monty-2023/" target="_blank">The Full Monty - Mayflower Theatre Tickets</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://fullmontytheplay.com/" target="_blank">The Full Monty UK Tour Dates</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>*Note: tickets were gifted in exchange for a review. </p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-91166623180920109442023-10-31T00:03:00.002+00:002023-10-31T00:03:26.177+00:00The Bodyguard - UK Tour Review<p> The Bodyguard is arguably one of the most classic film hits of the 90's. Wowing audiences, the film stars Whitney Houston as a performer at the height of her game as she juggles parenthood, the spotlight, and stalkers. After being appointed a bodyguard to protect her against danger, she must let her guard down in order to truly be looked after. Filled with iconic Whitney songs that audiences then and now adore, it's a sure fire hit to transfer to the stage. </p><p>Currently embarking on a UK tour, The Bodyguard took to the Mayflower Theatre stage in Southampton to entice and entertain. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64gI-H2oJTbzsRk6dqfbrb7UbG0ehp_NrYoyXDaW0jRTtoPpW4LgV-gRoDTHm0u7u4wLj-X5Cup0FZlhaIPP12Q3bKLo8jfQ8exGGyBber7D8UxoU_n1vXN09V7QtV5OqF8YjIwlT6kw6H4r5MTBDkIcKX60cwFEz0EZvlMV5IeAtY3tAZqKCd45VNArJ/s4556/TB%20Norwich%20Wide%20Hi%20Res-06291%20v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2686" data-original-width="4556" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64gI-H2oJTbzsRk6dqfbrb7UbG0ehp_NrYoyXDaW0jRTtoPpW4LgV-gRoDTHm0u7u4wLj-X5Cup0FZlhaIPP12Q3bKLo8jfQ8exGGyBber7D8UxoU_n1vXN09V7QtV5OqF8YjIwlT6kw6H4r5MTBDkIcKX60cwFEz0EZvlMV5IeAtY3tAZqKCd45VNArJ/w640-h378/TB%20Norwich%20Wide%20Hi%20Res-06291%20v2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The show opens as it hopes to go on. You are introduced to Rachel Marron, the leading lady who is winning awards, hearts, and everything in between as she becomes a household name that everyone seems to adore. It's nothing short of one of the best opening numbers I have seen. With a huge show-stopper of a number including pyrotechnics, dancers, a wonderful front-woman, and effects that leave you feeling like you are in for a treat. But starting off with your best means that it's a struggle at times for the momentum to carry on as the story unfolds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you meet the characters and the story plays out, you are introduced to Frank Farmer, the bodyguard tasked with keeping Marron safe. But once he is stuck in not only a love triangle with Marron and her sister Nicki, but also the bustle of working with famous celebrities, he must work as hard as he can to ensure that a sinister stalker causes no harm to his client whilst attempting to maintain professionalism against the wishes of his heart. The stage adaptation is as true to the original screenplay as it can be. Whilst you are at times cringing due to some of the slightly stilted dialogue on stage, and frankly confusing projections used as costume change opportunities, you also have to remember that at the heart of this show is a 1992 script that most of the audience love and adore (and probably know by heart). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I adored the singing of Emily Williams as Rachel. Sounding just like the original leading lady herself, but with a modern attitude that Houston would have loved and admired, you couldn't help but feel she was the perfect fit for this role. Stepping into the role of Frank was Ayden Callaghan. Most known for his roles in soaps Hollyoaks and Emmerdale, he took to the steel faced role with ease and seemed to be the glue that held the story together. I also loved Emily-Mae as Nicki. Her singing was sublime and she won me over with her performance. However, my personal favourite of the evening was Marios Nicolaides as the Stalker. For a part that had absolutely no on stage dialogue, his performance was chilling, memorable, and a true stand out amongst the cast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHpz2igG5xTqnAb4bfc0AbdygQqIS0fLqWXVYPFQ7zHa9CD0w-MZu3Tb095NkaQetfgaH56apwrNLtOKeIxii2zu6tWIFBaCfwRhxeOi8wAx0B4ciIxxcUcNyo2Gv0wfUiNVPBygpFGRp1SkQpRfNRApeMg1CvL3iKahBajYX_JC9SKwPc_Y0d_dOhyphenhyphenuy/s3942/TB%20Norwich%20Wide%20Hi%20Res-06266%20cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2629" data-original-width="3942" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHpz2igG5xTqnAb4bfc0AbdygQqIS0fLqWXVYPFQ7zHa9CD0w-MZu3Tb095NkaQetfgaH56apwrNLtOKeIxii2zu6tWIFBaCfwRhxeOi8wAx0B4ciIxxcUcNyo2Gv0wfUiNVPBygpFGRp1SkQpRfNRApeMg1CvL3iKahBajYX_JC9SKwPc_Y0d_dOhyphenhyphenuy/w640-h426/TB%20Norwich%20Wide%20Hi%20Res-06266%20cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><p>It's hard to deny that The Bodyguard isn't a hit show and film. With a packed audience that were on their feet dancing at the end, you have to appreciate that it has it's purpose in theatre and there is an audience that truly loves it and adores it. And I have to admit that beyond the few moments that I found personally slightly odd, there is a show that I really enjoyed. However at times I felt that I was watching two different shows as I saw the brilliant whole company numbers that had me dancing in my seat, alongside some bizarre acting and staging choices that didn't make sense.</p><p>Whilst my opinion might be that this wasn't my favourite show, I can understand why it's such a huge hit. With a target audience of fans of both the movie and Houston herself, its undeniably a show for the fans and truly lives up to the expectations of these. I adored so many of the elements on stage. The chemistry between the leading performers, the singing, and the costumes meant that by the end of the night everyone in the audience had a good time. How will you know if you'll love this musical? Well you'll just have to dance yourself down to the theatre to find out. </p><p>Tickers are on sale at the Mayflower Theatre Southampton until 04/11/2023 before continuing on a UK Tour. For more info follow the links below:</p><p><a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/bodyguard-2023/" target="_blank">Mayflower Theatre - The Bodyguard</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.thebodyguardmusical.com/" target="_blank">The Bodyguard Musical</a><br /></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-8132861556875118312023-10-24T23:05:00.000+01:002023-10-24T23:05:10.054+01:00Peter Pan Goes Wrong UK Tour Review<p> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">The geniuses behind the hilarious “Grown Ups”, “The Play That Goes Wrong”, and “Magic Goes Wrong” are back! With their combination of physical theatre and utter chaos, Peter Pan Goes Wrong is yet another Mischief Theatre take on a show for the whole family to love and enjoy. From the brains of Henry Shields, Jonathan Sayers, and Henry Lewis, Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a show that will have laughing until you cry, and loving every moment of the show.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hVycSqsPBGQDl2NMtHjEOvgIFyLjAKOM6i1OfiQHU76sQjeaUzb_wnbYKjw26y_9mVhzcUZ1hDhqGmYOTv5AXNHcMT8nUGBkdCYmCL0cS2nEtjRxiSPuouNLjVwsDfhUTiNiIAsK2IFRyBC1ZlGCIMZH78yaU19_uw-U9IQwASc9ZDKWr0Xcrmr4LF5z/s5000/121_X4A9750_Peter%20Pan%20Goes%20Wrong_Pamela%20Raith%20Photography.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3039" data-original-width="5000" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hVycSqsPBGQDl2NMtHjEOvgIFyLjAKOM6i1OfiQHU76sQjeaUzb_wnbYKjw26y_9mVhzcUZ1hDhqGmYOTv5AXNHcMT8nUGBkdCYmCL0cS2nEtjRxiSPuouNLjVwsDfhUTiNiIAsK2IFRyBC1ZlGCIMZH78yaU19_uw-U9IQwASc9ZDKWr0Xcrmr4LF5z/w640-h388/121_X4A9750_Peter%20Pan%20Goes%20Wrong_Pamela%20Raith%20Photography.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;">From the moment you enter the theatre, the show is abuzz. With characters prepping the stage, sourcing materials, and interacting with the audience, you instantly feel part of the show and know that you are in for something rather special. In fact, Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society are at it again with their utterly terrible yet brilliant show. Following previous mishaps such as Jack and the Bean, this time the society lends their hands to the age old classic Peter Pan. With flying, sword fights, and quick changes, what can possibly go wrong?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">You are introduced to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Chris (Jack Michael Stacey) and Robert (Matthew Howell) who are the co-directors of the play you are about to watch, and spend the majority of the show trying to out perform each other. You are then introduced to the rest of the Cornley gang as they take on each part. You meet Lucy (Rosemarie Akwafo) who plays Tootles and has the biggest case of stage fright possible, you also meet Dennis (Clark Devlin) who plays John and Mr Smee, who definitely does not know any of the words! Sandra (Ciara Morris) comes across as the queen of the stage as she perfectly presents herself as Wendy whilst Jonathan (Gareth Tempest) plays the boy that never grows up (and seemingly struggles to fly too) Peter Pan. I adored Francis (Jean-Luke Worrell) as the Narrator, his flair, sass, and sparkles were perfectly cast in this role. I also loved Trevor (Jake Burgum), the stage manager who is thrown into every role and part possible to enable the show to run somewhat smoothly and Annie (Jamie Birkett) who seemed to play every female role in the show that wasn't Wendy. But our favourite was definitely Max (Theo Toksvig-Stewart) who was by far the best crocodile we have ever seen on stage. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCchl5ZrNqBbdZUEzN5d8oTLf50h4KG-Qui36QG0TMOwIdG1HdJI1pE6rlkvJ8eUD595SpiSmBExa8rRfAM5l0hxzpXmWeQAJTXopTE3oSBZEkx9cfvqbTDvIA4Ea8_bYMXyjoQ1F3DGazS8fNYtU9T7_w-mfcpMzLk9-ZOV3LPRSKL1HMe-sAk2b4EHl8/s5000/127_77A9496_Peter%20Pan%20Goes%20Wrong_Pamela%20Raith%20Photography.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3296" data-original-width="5000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCchl5ZrNqBbdZUEzN5d8oTLf50h4KG-Qui36QG0TMOwIdG1HdJI1pE6rlkvJ8eUD595SpiSmBExa8rRfAM5l0hxzpXmWeQAJTXopTE3oSBZEkx9cfvqbTDvIA4Ea8_bYMXyjoQ1F3DGazS8fNYtU9T7_w-mfcpMzLk9-ZOV3LPRSKL1HMe-sAk2b4EHl8/w640-h422/127_77A9496_Peter%20Pan%20Goes%20Wrong_Pamela%20Raith%20Photography.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As with every part of a Mischief Theatre show, Peter Pan Goes Wrong goes hard on the physical comedy and cleverly crafted jokes. With collapsing stage, costume mishaps, and characters not even knowing their words, you barely have a chance to catch your breath before the next laugh arrives. And with a pantomime-esque feel to it, you quickly find yourself shouting “he’s behind you” and clapping along with the antics on stage. That’s not to say it’s just laugh after laugh as you soon realise each character has their own worries, insecurities, and sincere moments woven throughout.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There’s honestly something magical about watching a Mischief Theatre show. I don’t know if it’s the way they meticulously create something that is both perfect and terrible, or if it’s the fact that I know their shows won’t fail to disappoint. Mischief can honestly do no wrong in my eyes. Each show they create is so technically brilliant. How they manage to create continuous action on a revolving set, and keep the momentum going at a farcical level is something to be admired and Mischief might arguably the leaders of this type of theatre.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> Peter Pan Goes Wrong is a must watch for the whole family to allow you a moment of escapism and hilarity in this somewhat sensible world that we supposedly live in. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Running at the <a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/peter-pan-goes-wrong-2023/" target="_blank">Mayflower Theatre</a> until Saturday 28th October before continuing on a UK and spending time in London over Christmas, Peter Pan Goes Wrong is flying all over, and you must definitely not miss it.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mischief Theatre Tour Information: <a href="https://www.mischiefcomedy.com/peterpangoeswrong-uk-tour/uk-tour" target="_blank">Click Here</a></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-79613061921148028572023-10-17T23:34:00.002+01:002023-10-17T23:34:22.521+01:002:22 A Ghost Story UK Tour Review<p>2:22 is a show that has swept almost every west end theatre by storm. With a revolving cast of celebrity names, and a secret so big that fans keep coming back for more, it's easy to see why there is such a hype about this supernatural show. It's currently on tour around the UK with another set of household names, and I was invited to see whether this stunt casted show really lived up to the hype I had heard so much about. </p><p>From the brain of Danny Robins, the hit writer behind the paranormal podcast The Battersea Poltergeist, 2:22 A Ghost Story is his first foray at west end theatre. And with nominations and award wins a-plenty, it's easy to see how the buzz around this show has developed and generated. And to be perfectly honest, who doesn't love a ghost story?</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBlBXtmEy6uvR91F2BhEARWT17aN8WiPOM6Rdud-Z_jgrJlSdV2n-DaL9WMyAPKrPKfOw7tE5-jkwTT38YpbwA08ctC_-SwGKNhyphenhyphenC4M74K2PKoATDTSV9h-163qVaLj8asVVA8eprQk9EAL9ZIt9Qd7aikOxMGMT4IoERxTkimkTZ1wjketDDlPw3ZES6/s1350/Alt%20Social_222_1350x1080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1350" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsBlBXtmEy6uvR91F2BhEARWT17aN8WiPOM6Rdud-Z_jgrJlSdV2n-DaL9WMyAPKrPKfOw7tE5-jkwTT38YpbwA08ctC_-SwGKNhyphenhyphenC4M74K2PKoATDTSV9h-163qVaLj8asVVA8eprQk9EAL9ZIt9Qd7aikOxMGMT4IoERxTkimkTZ1wjketDDlPw3ZES6/w640-h512/Alt%20Social_222_1350x1080.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <span><a name='more'></a></span><p></p><p>The stage is set from the moment you walk in. An everyday house with a new kitchen, mountains of renovations half done, and a ticking clock in the top corner that keeps frantically changing the time. I loved the trick perception of the stage and how we felt that we were transported, even though we were only in one room. All this to lighting so dramatic that it made the audience jump with just a flick of the switch, and you're set for a memorable ghost tale that you won't be forgetting in a hurry.</p><p>The show tells the tale of the mundane meets supernatural. You are introduced to two couples, Jenny and Sam, two new parents who are exhausted as they tackle a new home renovation; and Lauren and Ben, the old friend and new flame who have come over for dinner. When Jenny reveals that she has been experiencing unexpected goings on in the house, she encourages the rest of them to discover what the importance is around 2:22. But as with every ghost story, not all is as it seems as strange happenings start going on. I have to say off the bat that I'm not going to divulge the story of the play. If you would like the ending ruined then Wikipedia has a great spoiler. However, I will say that the ending was not at all what I was expecting it to be in my head. In fact, it couldn't be much further from what I thought which is a test of a good mystery story. </p><p>I also have to be honest in my reviews and say that whilst I loved the ending of this show, I did feel that some parts were harder to understand and get hooked by. The mix of one tone shouting on the stage meant that I missed parts of the dialogue, and struggled to feel compassion towards those on stage. Despite this, I feel that the cleverly written ending has left me wanting to return as I spent the whole car journey home picking at the story to find where the clues were woven throughout and the further through the journey I was the more clear it was that the ending was the ending. </p><p>I absolutely adored Louisa Lytton as Jenny. Her performance as the frazzled new mum who was left questioning her own delusions was spot on and I could really recognise the struggles I had as a young mum in her journey on stage. I also loved Nathaniel Curtis, who's manic science brain pushed for everyone to see the most probable logic that was happening around them. Their dynamic on stage seemed to work really well and alongside Charlene Boyd and Joe Absolom as Lauren and Ben, you watched time fly as you were hooked throughout the whole play. </p><p>2:22 A Ghost Story is a tale that indulges the love of supernatural, explores the psychology behind believing in ghosts, and allows you 2 hours of complete escapism as you dive into the world on stage. I love that what seems to be a mundane and normal home is the setting for something so weird and wild as it reminds you that scary doesn't have to be obvious jump scares and blood and gore. In fact, the more subtle sides of the story are often the ones that leave us sleeping with the light on. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrhVxoU7d_HyF-dDhHHApqoToW5zpda9OdEyegTAozGSuufWGD4oMMtb9IXExApg3sZH335CB_y1BFmjWGAXQJl6G4VDYIn7ohQhy6GZPSn0LwbPHoZ9jW9RSSaBH9NytKZbIyzgMQFkOoi02RTtEZ53xHpjc3vIsc_BC0VsQ6ZAPFq_lEn3HNy-llMVI/s1080/222_TOUR_SOCIAL_MEDIA_ASSETS_1080x1080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrhVxoU7d_HyF-dDhHHApqoToW5zpda9OdEyegTAozGSuufWGD4oMMtb9IXExApg3sZH335CB_y1BFmjWGAXQJl6G4VDYIn7ohQhy6GZPSn0LwbPHoZ9jW9RSSaBH9NytKZbIyzgMQFkOoi02RTtEZ53xHpjc3vIsc_BC0VsQ6ZAPFq_lEn3HNy-llMVI/w640-h640/222_TOUR_SOCIAL_MEDIA_ASSETS_1080x1080.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2:22 A Ghost Story is on at the <a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/222-a-ghost-story-2023/" target="_blank">Mayflower Theatre</a>, Southampton until 21/10/23 before continuing on a UK Tour around the country. </div><p></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-269535848782024942023-10-12T23:51:00.006+01:002023-10-12T23:51:42.811+01:00Sizwe Banzi is Dead - MAST Mayflower Review<p> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Sizwe Banzi is Dead is a play originally created in 1972 in Cape Town, South Africa before transferring to London and New York. Named one of the best plays ever made by The Independent, it has now been brought to a 2023 audience by actor/director John Pfumojena in association with Mayflower Made. With its premiere taking place at <a href="https://www.mayflowerstudios.org.uk/what-s-on/sizwe-banzi-is-dead-2023/" target="_blank">Mast Mayflower Studios</a>, before embarking on a short UK tour, I was so fortunate to be invited to experience this version of the classic Fugard, Kani, and Ntshona play.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLh8U665zAsI4941b7Cn0AX6aPfwUp4rRutTzkXDq0gZJd9ImGtwoR04wUlW7BMuUW-vK9essa57HrTpRX4xkNGx7h4NeMXpAVqFXVlhdSTkIVNVHAHTodxJRXPzdB0NN0W1Rswxa7ZiOzUMJaJh42AXDqwocAyMYjLRz7Q9mQdzEOx7qwzIG4_NnR9k_U/s1365/387756100_738950121581802_2686842958195707070_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLh8U665zAsI4941b7Cn0AX6aPfwUp4rRutTzkXDq0gZJd9ImGtwoR04wUlW7BMuUW-vK9essa57HrTpRX4xkNGx7h4NeMXpAVqFXVlhdSTkIVNVHAHTodxJRXPzdB0NN0W1Rswxa7ZiOzUMJaJh42AXDqwocAyMYjLRz7Q9mQdzEOx7qwzIG4_NnR9k_U/w640-h640/387756100_738950121581802_2686842958195707070_n.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The story opens in Gquberta (previously Port Elizabeth) during Apartheid Africa, 1970. The world is different yet similar to the one that we know, with people persecuted for the colour of their skin and dictacted to where they can work and live by the origin of their birth. You are introduced to Styles (John Pfumojena) a young, hungry entrepreneur who dreams of leaving his mundane life in the Ford factory to pursue his love of photography. As you see his life unfold and flourish in the town he calls home, you are introduced to Sizwe Banzi (Wisdom Iheoma). Banzi is a man who just wants to work and provide for his family, but after being given his marching orders to return home, he must decide whether stealing another man’s identity for a financially secure future is worth sacrificing his own identity.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Both Pfumojema and Iheoma are utterly brilliant in their performances. Hitting the perfect amount of humour, sincerity, class, and conviction. They embodied each character they portrayed on stage and allowed this 90min show to fly. Both actors show fragility in a show that puts a spotlight on how discrimination, racism, and political tensions can affect human lives. How those that have power forget those on the ground. And with a poignant ending with projections of refugees, it’s easy to see how this tale from 50 years ago is still so relevant today.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHqFSsD8AZnRKjEjAM1XRajE5sQRJBj3NDqbaLp04lV4mEFBunF2zmxk_wq4W_CxMaKYWx1gH-fT5q5m9WdAvZcCegbO2eYYApGrhcxF3_bogTIJx1ZuH6-aGWeOFkEW7TO1H83PBPaStu0ZZB5sbwXawM874vsEqIRp8DrX06xojIDr8v7aa0BsL15f7/s1365/387765960_738949601581854_2801879032873231324_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHqFSsD8AZnRKjEjAM1XRajE5sQRJBj3NDqbaLp04lV4mEFBunF2zmxk_wq4W_CxMaKYWx1gH-fT5q5m9WdAvZcCegbO2eYYApGrhcxF3_bogTIJx1ZuH6-aGWeOFkEW7TO1H83PBPaStu0ZZB5sbwXawM874vsEqIRp8DrX06xojIDr8v7aa0BsL15f7/w640-h640/387765960_738949601581854_2801879032873231324_n.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I adored the set and the clever use of minimal props and lighting. With the flick of a switch you were soon in a bar, in a home, in a photography studio. The paired back staging allowed you to truly understand the depth of the story and the humour woven in allowed moments of light amongst the seriousness that underlies the play. Even when the fourth wall was broken, the whole audience was truly transfixed with what was going on and you could see that an emotional connection was there between actor and audience.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Sizwe Banzi is Dead is an important and beautiful play. One that is sadly relevant across generations, but one that blends humour and sincerity to create storytelling that is unforgettable and compelling for all who see it. For two actors to create such a wonderful show is incredible and a must watch for anyone that needs to see something special in their lives.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-26363185886827029302023-10-04T22:53:00.001+01:002023-10-04T22:53:13.449+01:00Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - BBLOC<p> They've only gone and done it again. The utterly brilliant Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Opera Company (most known to the public as BBLOC) have smashed it out of the park with their latest production. Move over west end, there's a new wave of stars in town and they are taking the Bournemouth Pavilion stage by storm. </p><p>After their previous successes such as Calendar Girls, Kinky Boots and the Addams Family, they are venturing into the world of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice with another classic tale. This time, it's the turn of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xFDiNf2xgPYnXFVo7Og0fpJ0OG7HghJuK6IJN4VU121xj-K5LiPZCoEf4EPmsvRW1y9LVXlcL64vElPGL9DDY7fpGWlGTtklRHBk1IojvFT0sUM8wStgOXbMIWaROlDfqnTj04ooUQXs4wrp2UayNa_ABDh-SrxFJVFwrBWn2vVIPNWp6rh3MBJwZcBf/s1630/351530543_158457750425259_1657579287813075533_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1630" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xFDiNf2xgPYnXFVo7Og0fpJ0OG7HghJuK6IJN4VU121xj-K5LiPZCoEf4EPmsvRW1y9LVXlcL64vElPGL9DDY7fpGWlGTtklRHBk1IojvFT0sUM8wStgOXbMIWaROlDfqnTj04ooUQXs4wrp2UayNa_ABDh-SrxFJVFwrBWn2vVIPNWp6rh3MBJwZcBf/w640-h252/351530543_158457750425259_1657579287813075533_n.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Based on the coat of many colours story within the Bible, this musical originally created in 1968 follows a young man named Joseph who is sold into slavery and left for dead. Whilst his brothers fear that he many no longer be alive, Joseph encounters a series of wild adventures and meets some fascinating people along the way as he finds out who he truly is and where his place is within the world. </p><p>With a vibrant array of songs that everyone from young to old will know and be familiar with, it's easy to see how this will be a sure fire hit. But with some tweaks to the story, and some brilliant staging and casting, you are soon thrown into something that is truly wonderful. </p><p>Opening with an announcement and introduction from the head teacher of BBLOC Grammar, you are reminded to not use your phones (or else they will be confiscated!), or sing along during their school performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. As the show unfolds you realise that teachers become wives and dancers, and the pupils soon become the wonderful children's chorus (who might I add are brilliant for being able to remain on stage throughout nearly the entire show with huge smiles on their faces!). Even with these tweaks, the show feels absolutely perfect and only enhances the fact that this amateur production has been created by those in the local community. </p><p>Narrated by both Rosalind Lawton and Amy Cave, these two front women led the show and didn't miss a beat. I honestly couldn't get over their stage presence and how they worked in perfect partnership. Lea Martin tore down the house as the Elvis inspired Pharaoh, whilst Matthew Traher portrayed the perfectly quirky and eccentric Egyptian millionaire Potiphar. The brothers all brought their own flair to the stage, but I felt that Edward Brennan and Rob Pike as Gad and Asher. Both gave amazing performances in their respective solo songs and added some wonderful humour throughout the show. </p><p>Aside from the principal cast, the star of the show had to be Joseph himself, played by Matt Stockham. I am always blown away by his performances, and his ability to adapt himself to any role he tasks himself to play. And I'm clearly not the only one as the audience gave a rousing extended applause after his performance of Close Every Door (which might I add was incredible, someone seated near us was definitely crying!). A true star of the local theatre scene. </p><p>With a set that could rival that of the west end, and costumes that looked perfect from the school uniforms, to the robes and the dreamcoat itself, you can truly tell that a lot of love and passion has gone into this show. Each cast from the youngest to the oldest took their bows with the biggest grins on their faces, and you can truly see that they enjoyed performing in it as much as we enjoyed watching it. With the roaring standing ovation at the end, you can see that the audience loved every moment of it. Go Go Go Joseph? More like Go Go Go BBLOC you've done it again!</p><p>On until 7th October with two matinee performances on Saturday 7th, to find out more and book tickets, click the following link. <a href="https://bbloc.co.uk/" target="_blank">https://bbloc.co.uk/</a></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-85881942143876902932023-10-03T23:55:00.009+01:002023-10-03T23:55:37.755+01:0042nd Street UK Tour Review<p> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Sometimes all you need is good old glitz and glamour to bring joy to your evening. And stepping onto 42nd Street at the <a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/42nd-street-2023/" target="_blank">Mayflower Theatre</a>, is sure to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS73n9T69CHzfBhUcOjN2C2ZHYwMUC77Pnx3IG5nQ45sOMVMtGy9xLRb2LM-CL7CeDxOQ2h0C8S47VWSsPUAlP-bp7Rpz9BP4rNIstYC3_aeBAL2GRW4vGRT6efcN4uNyqvkIm8_PmH4MvqZbRwAiiwa7mFeL5O3A-x2rYp5vys95R7wwrrsuhDOp1wLJv/s7454/42ndStreet0723JP_04939-Enhanced-NR-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4730" data-original-width="7454" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS73n9T69CHzfBhUcOjN2C2ZHYwMUC77Pnx3IG5nQ45sOMVMtGy9xLRb2LM-CL7CeDxOQ2h0C8S47VWSsPUAlP-bp7Rpz9BP4rNIstYC3_aeBAL2GRW4vGRT6efcN4uNyqvkIm8_PmH4MvqZbRwAiiwa7mFeL5O3A-x2rYp5vys95R7wwrrsuhDOp1wLJv/w640-h406/42ndStreet0723JP_04939-Enhanced-NR-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS73n9T69CHzfBhUcOjN2C2ZHYwMUC77Pnx3IG5nQ45sOMVMtGy9xLRb2LM-CL7CeDxOQ2h0C8S47VWSsPUAlP-bp7Rpz9BP4rNIstYC3_aeBAL2GRW4vGRT6efcN4uNyqvkIm8_PmH4MvqZbRwAiiwa7mFeL5O3A-x2rYp5vys95R7wwrrsuhDOp1wLJv/s7454/42ndStreet0723JP_04939-Enhanced-NR-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7TgO1K8kRdKdRNBCzzTf0BcFHoCPHhDZUihYl-MIKXXs8dOEEnk1Drs28eKYl4eofcxBqInYnNHwgKc7craj022su4Jy5LCKG-13b7K-4Jc3twUObL5gAKPBi8BQ2yI447Wx30nDFdE9rEH2NbUrpU8XVr3_pz_pBamArNng8odKSxdLjqHUkTb11LxT/s459/Screenshot%202023-09-27%20at%2000.03.57.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="117" data-original-width="459" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7TgO1K8kRdKdRNBCzzTf0BcFHoCPHhDZUihYl-MIKXXs8dOEEnk1Drs28eKYl4eofcxBqInYnNHwgKc7craj022su4Jy5LCKG-13b7K-4Jc3twUObL5gAKPBi8BQ2yI447Wx30nDFdE9rEH2NbUrpU8XVr3_pz_pBamArNng8odKSxdLjqHUkTb11LxT/w200-h51/Screenshot%202023-09-27%20at%2000.03.57.png" width="200" /></a></div></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Based on the 1932 novel by <span class="s1">Bradford Ropes</span> and the subsequent <span class="s1">1933 Hollywood film adaptation</span>, this <span class="s1">backstage musical</span> follows the rehearsal process of a Broadway show staged during the height of the <span class="s1">Great Depression</span> in New York. It follows a group of hungry performers who are eager to get onto stage in a brand new musical and the ups and downs they face along the way.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">You are introduced to Peggy Sawyer, a young, naive performer who is hopeful to be cast in her first show. As she meets the rest of the cast, including show stopper Dorothy Brock, she must make a good, lasting impression and hope that she doesn’t ruin her chances. But with misfortune around each corner, her luck feels like it’s running out before curtains up.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Jan packed full of songs that will have you soaring in your seat, you can’t help but be swept away in the fantasy of these backstage antics. Learning about each characters hopes, dreams, and secrets you eagerly sit on the edge of your seat as you hope that this production is nothing but spectacular.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Samantha Womack takes the role of Brock and plays the cynical yet frankly exhausted actress in such a brilliant and hilarious way. I also loved Faye Tozer as Maggie Jones, the writer-come-comedic performer in the show. I never knew how fantastic she was at<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>acting, but I can’t wait to see her in something else now! Sam Lips was utterly sublime as Billy Lawlor, the Tenor who tries to win the heart of the leading lady. But our star of the show was Nicole-Lily Baisden as the phenomenal Peggy Sawyer. Her tenacity on stage just lit the place up and you couldn’t take your eyes of her throughout the whole performance.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOihpWHF4gKzvLl16Vrn-dCi_4mMeiqY40yZGOOEo-Fxy3hGvUoYfveLBWwaSlrfzU1KgAR2xBRoJG-0deGYzDVnzcMoWYdKgFoK8Mmmjzmtxy4-mxA8c_2FI4gfmpoKphsJTloxJBFzaQUIhyphenhyphen99F-v0DG5mEYO5rvB_orA5wMbHNu1WE-mIURHlMvOqMG/s6551/42street2-2023JP,_37603-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4367" data-original-width="6551" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOihpWHF4gKzvLl16Vrn-dCi_4mMeiqY40yZGOOEo-Fxy3hGvUoYfveLBWwaSlrfzU1KgAR2xBRoJG-0deGYzDVnzcMoWYdKgFoK8Mmmjzmtxy4-mxA8c_2FI4gfmpoKphsJTloxJBFzaQUIhyphenhyphen99F-v0DG5mEYO5rvB_orA5wMbHNu1WE-mIURHlMvOqMG/w640-h426/42street2-2023JP,_37603-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The dancing, especially the tap is absolutely divine. Going with someone that adores dance meant that every now and again I could glimpse over and see the awe and amazement in their eyes as they watched the dancers perfect every step on stage. Its amazing to see the stamina and teamwork that comes with working in such an intense show as 42nd Street, and watching the smiles and subtle laughs and interactions on stage showed the audience how much chemistry they have together.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">With costumes that dazzled as much as the lighting and staging, you can’t deny that this is a showstopper of a musical. Each song, character, performer, and musician makes this a show that you will not forget in a hurry. The timeless nature of this show means that audience members young and old can find the magic within every step. Everyone left the theatre with a spring in their step talking about dancing and even trying out the steps themselves on their journeys home. 42nd Street is one of those shows that ticks every box and I can’t wait to see it again.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">42nd Street is on at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton until<span class="Apple-converted-space"> 7th October before continuing on a UK Tour. </span></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-55549552373623579862023-09-27T00:05:00.010+01:002023-09-27T00:05:45.646+01:00Greatest Days - The Official Take That Musical UK Tour <p> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Today this could be, the greatest show of your life. The music of Take That has taken over the boards of the <a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/greatest-days-2023/" target="_blank">Mayflower Theatre</a>, Southampton as Greatest Days the official Take That musical has come to town.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Following the success of the original musical “The Band”, Greatest Days has reinvented and reworked the story into a show that will win the hearts of fans and newbies alike. Filled with songs that fans will love, and a story that weaves everything together, it’s a heartwarming tale that entertains the masses.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></p><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePJEZzBBg4GceiPZLdrd5vXSxFos6YGU4L9jMrz1WH1keLsTEJukcQh5j1EWzs6OEzcSEaC-CzW2mb2xnJwFKP8db8hAjkL-VMEiMkyPqcz41mSSX-eumxJPo-l8lnDTcHIVcLkZMQ6uBhpQwuPFe7ID64SgmJbnuR4q750GjhWzJkBXoUBz78NSrerBX/s940/Greatest%20Days%20940x788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePJEZzBBg4GceiPZLdrd5vXSxFos6YGU4L9jMrz1WH1keLsTEJukcQh5j1EWzs6OEzcSEaC-CzW2mb2xnJwFKP8db8hAjkL-VMEiMkyPqcz41mSSX-eumxJPo-l8lnDTcHIVcLkZMQ6uBhpQwuPFe7ID64SgmJbnuR4q750GjhWzJkBXoUBz78NSrerBX/w640-h536/Greatest%20Days%20940x788.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzHWiFYIf5FERLoc1t1hHMdjPZ164aiyCqP7USycS3M_lWx_9zXIi7QJAx8-Qt4FoKk97B62NqWKTuX6L3MyKmGHNyZeo3MO9dA2w2tFITrDlM-YeQ7UrIvUigH3P2FBDSE9P06XuxeWQsF6r0lIgZFI-6fSin9yLnSU5CDWu-qda_lejhslM8wVD2kup/s459/Screenshot%202023-09-27%20at%2000.03.57.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="117" data-original-width="459" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzHWiFYIf5FERLoc1t1hHMdjPZ164aiyCqP7USycS3M_lWx_9zXIi7QJAx8-Qt4FoKk97B62NqWKTuX6L3MyKmGHNyZeo3MO9dA2w2tFITrDlM-YeQ7UrIvUigH3P2FBDSE9P06XuxeWQsF6r0lIgZFI-6fSin9yLnSU5CDWu-qda_lejhslM8wVD2kup/w200-h51/Screenshot%202023-09-27%20at%2000.03.57.png" width="200" /></a></div></div><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Greatest Days tells the story of 5 young girls (Rachel, Debbie, Heather, Zoe, and Claire) as they finally sneak off to see the band that they love and idolise as teenagers on stage. When things don’t end up the way they planned, friendships are broken and what once brought these bright eyed 16 year olds together, now tears them apart. Finally, after 25 years, is Rachel able to relight the fire that the friends one had, or is the pull of the bands reunion not even something that can bring them back for good.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Whilst the story touched on some wonderful points such as we never end up where we thought we would when we are 16, and friendships can be rocky, but some stand the test of time, I truly feel that the soundtrack is what made this show. With a multitude of hits, you are spoilt for choice and it’s easy to see how a Take That song is perfect for a stage show. Each song brought back memories of my mum playing the CD’s on repeat when I was younger. And you could see from the audience that she wasn’t alone as the audience clapped and cheered throughout and were up on their feet as soon as the curtain dropped.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">There were definite moments throughout where you could easily forget that you were watching a musical rather than a concert, and despite the constant reminders, the line did feel blurred throughout. But theatre etiquette was brilliant, and the audience were truly just wanting to take in the whole show. </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Jennifer Ellison was brilliant as the older Rachel. She had the sincerity and innocence that the younger Rachel (played by Olivia Hallett) had. And that can be said for the entire adult and younger cast. With all of them pairing up so brilliantly to showcase that as people grow, change, and start their adult lives, their innocence and reminiscent nature will always be there. A huge mention to Jamie-Rose Monk and Kitty Harris who I loved as Claire and young Heather. Both embodied their characters and their characters journeys brilliantly and they both won my heart. I also loved Alan Stocks who played Every Dave in the show, and was so versatile and adaptable that he had me in stitches. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIlvHHyrVLHYj5oG2IwcRHRtWBUBPuxxn8xlnsLH_osh_Ds7e7NqGK-_0vDrle4ny0BGHbS8cDDvPBoeuU7tWKsly3sAFw23vJBRKrm4GGiG176_JJeQnpuzg4bAR6fhwd0ZOKSDa8nNvbRsWR6YuH-IpkdI5RwTOkSTSdp0tR1ka9dUMl3xvZInhcnj0/s6711/Regan%20Gascoigne,%20Kalifa%20Burton,%20Archie%20Durrant,%20Jamie%20Corner%20&%20Alexanda%20O'Reilly%20in%20GREATEST%20DAYS,%20credit%20Alastair%20Muir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3992" data-original-width="6711" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIlvHHyrVLHYj5oG2IwcRHRtWBUBPuxxn8xlnsLH_osh_Ds7e7NqGK-_0vDrle4ny0BGHbS8cDDvPBoeuU7tWKsly3sAFw23vJBRKrm4GGiG176_JJeQnpuzg4bAR6fhwd0ZOKSDa8nNvbRsWR6YuH-IpkdI5RwTOkSTSdp0tR1ka9dUMl3xvZInhcnj0/w640-h380/Regan%20Gascoigne,%20Kalifa%20Burton,%20Archie%20Durrant,%20Jamie%20Corner%20&%20Alexanda%20O'Reilly%20in%20GREATEST%20DAYS,%20credit%20Alastair%20Muir.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As someone that recently watched their own childhood band (Busted, in case you wanted to know!) reunite at a show, it’s clear to see that the show highlights the true power of music and how it brings people together and allows memories, both happy and sad to be created. It allows the audience to never forget that music is the key to memories, and it only takes a minute for your life to change and the course you thought you were on is completely different. </p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Whilst Greatest Day is a jukebox musical and celebrates the work of Take That, it does it in a way that the story is just as much a part of the show as the songs. By removing the Take That name from the show’s script it allows the audience to imagine it’s the boyband that helped shape their lives, whether it’s One Direction, Take That, or Busted. It allows fans of musical groups to celebrate and help remind them that they are able to shine.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Greatest Days runs at the Mayflower Southampton until 30/9/23 before continuing on a UK tour.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-34017829195223882972023-09-23T09:06:00.002+01:002023-09-23T09:06:54.693+01:00Ailey 2 - Dance Consortium review<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Dance consortium are a world renowned company that showcases shows using dancers dance companies from around the world. With theatres around the UK and Ireland that are part of the Dance Consortium family, including the <a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/ailey-2-2023/" target="_blank">Mayflower Theatre</a>, it allows them to present innovative, creative, and wonderful shows for audiences to see.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ailey 2 is no exception. Founded by Alvin Ailey, the company embodies his pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people. Since its 1974 inception, Ailey 2 has flourished into one of the most popular modern dance companies, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The mix of first and second season dancers are led by newly appointed Artistic Director, Francesca Harper who herself studied at The Ailey School, the official school of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Harper aims to bring fresh perspectives to Ailey’s legacy, while nurturing new creative voices and propelling the company forward.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8d6lRwMCvqPhE5L10UEmK-FmTv6Vzseoh4buQxZM2aTkL3V6t_xhYrOpbogZctNmFGBHGs_AINTu1pw_CAm5XAMb3oEZbkrFM8bBmSiKrqhxlHbzB9_FHAsyB0NlJxNxfxVKX00YoJOElGubaIzYP2CMy_whVyk-sTN7il9oGxiHY3i7891ordzpmofI/s4500/Ailey%202%20in%20Alvin%20Ailey's%20Revelations.%20Photo%20by%20Nir%20Arieli_2709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8d6lRwMCvqPhE5L10UEmK-FmTv6Vzseoh4buQxZM2aTkL3V6t_xhYrOpbogZctNmFGBHGs_AINTu1pw_CAm5XAMb3oEZbkrFM8bBmSiKrqhxlHbzB9_FHAsyB0NlJxNxfxVKX00YoJOElGubaIzYP2CMy_whVyk-sTN7il9oGxiHY3i7891ordzpmofI/w640-h426/Ailey%202%20in%20Alvin%20Ailey's%20Revelations.%20Photo%20by%20Nir%20Arieli_2709.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Each dance was completely different from the previous and allowed the dancers, choreographers, and Harper as artistic director to showcase the versatility and skills of each of their dancers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Enemy In The Figure (excerpt - 1989)</b> - A dance that fused ballet and lyrical into an intense performance. With striking lighting and music that helped electrify the dance, it captivated the audience and intensified everything that was happening on. Personally I loved Spencer Everett in this dance, whose movements were captivating and drew the audience. I loved the way the simplicity of the staging and the striking costumes whose fringing almost seemed like animal hair enhanced the story to draw the viewer in. Time seemed to fly as you watched the dancers fly across the stage.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Freedom Series (2021)</b>- This was a series of shorter excerpts from a bigger piece created by artistic director Francesca Harper. Each mini vignette was as powerful and unique as the other. With a complete juxtaposition of traditional and modern both music and dance it was entrancing. I loved the use of lighting that allowed each soloist to fully embody the spotlight. Maggie Van Den Heuvel was one soloist in this piece and from the moment she stepped into the spotlight I could not take my eyes of her. The fluidity of her movements and the grace and poise of her silhouette made for a beautiful moment of dance.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The Hunt (2001)</b> - Arguably the most intense of all the performances, The Hunt takes you on a journey through predator and prey from the initial discovery to the bitter end. What started as a deceptively traditional dance turned into a modern, fast paced chase scene that had your heart pounding as fast as the tempo of the drums.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Each of the 4 dancers on stage had their strength and stamina pushed to the limit as they flew, ran, and moved around the stage in a way that had you holding your breath and waiting to see what happened in anticipation.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Revelations (1960)</b> - The oldest dance of the show but full of life and celebration. This lyrical dance was created by Ailey himself and explores traditional sermons, gospel songs, and church blues through music and dance. With moments of pure joy and celebration mixed with sadness and sorrow it’s a true moment of joy as you watch the entire company come together in this piece that is such a legacy to the company they dance for.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIWFyYxNIuWwceqL1P-F7g8QXnZ2D7SnpjmnkUNixvQhznptdW3nhC-WZpPZ_bs0dCssY8bRjUdJRDQNqdkIztSi-oNtMgzsLkliHN4qW5t-LRfkhZeO1-YWif2KV6KrYgLNdr-KsX0i0G918Ye3hb-Z6sslgiwdDtlMhA8pVhr5HKlh33GKEdrVvZRZE/s4200/Ailey%202%20in%20Robert%20Battle's%20The%20Hunt.%20Photo%20by%20Nan%20Melville_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2555" data-original-width="4200" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIWFyYxNIuWwceqL1P-F7g8QXnZ2D7SnpjmnkUNixvQhznptdW3nhC-WZpPZ_bs0dCssY8bRjUdJRDQNqdkIztSi-oNtMgzsLkliHN4qW5t-LRfkhZeO1-YWif2KV6KrYgLNdr-KsX0i0G918Ye3hb-Z6sslgiwdDtlMhA8pVhr5HKlh33GKEdrVvZRZE/w640-h390/Ailey%202%20in%20Robert%20Battle's%20The%20Hunt.%20Photo%20by%20Nan%20Melville_05.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ailey 2 was a pure celebration and showcase of some of the best talents that train across the pond. It allowed these dancers to show versatility and truly wow audiences with their talents. The audience were partly filled with local dance schools and you could see their admiration and how inspired they were as each individual in the theatre took to their feet for a standing ovation at the end of the show.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ailey 2 is on at the Mayflower, Southampton until 23/9/23 where the show will then continue on a UK tour visiting various theatres throughout the rest of the year. For more information please click here:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> <a href="https://danceconsortium.com/" target="_blank">Dance Consortium Shows</a></span></span></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-19693813413802948822023-08-18T09:49:00.009+01:002023-08-18T09:49:43.904+01:00Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Musical<p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">It’s time to take a breath, count to three and fly off into a world of pure imagination as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory takes over the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton stage.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a timeless tale that young and old have loved across generations. I remember sitting in my room devouring the book by Roald Dahl, immersing myself in the movies, and now watching it come to life on stage. Each adaptation unique yet quintessentially quirky in its own way. Having missed its original run in the west end several years ago, I was eager to see how this tale of the wild and wonderful chocolate inventor moved onto the stage.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOPq5bz7iXO13nA1bYo5WGHMQYYpIJsjmGUkVevJC3MebSIfqVOLGzoHXBp-Gdidj5xv5mJxjUjkTyvZagLM7CSaoxU6BuY8yvgsEvh1oy_nICfyBrWRiUPGjNYUl5EKANwBI1kKVl-vzIjo9a7eEQiDL5UTbiSo7TjL65TXDiXGAHcJ29mQsVJFYMcTg/s8640/Michael%20D'Cruze%20(Grandpa%20Joe)%20Kate%20Milner-Evans%20(Grandma%20Josephine)%20Julie%20Mullins%20(Grandma%20Georgina)%20Christopher%20Howell%20(Grandpa%20George)%20Photo%20Johan%20Persson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5760" data-original-width="8640" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOPq5bz7iXO13nA1bYo5WGHMQYYpIJsjmGUkVevJC3MebSIfqVOLGzoHXBp-Gdidj5xv5mJxjUjkTyvZagLM7CSaoxU6BuY8yvgsEvh1oy_nICfyBrWRiUPGjNYUl5EKANwBI1kKVl-vzIjo9a7eEQiDL5UTbiSo7TjL65TXDiXGAHcJ29mQsVJFYMcTg/w640-h426/Michael%20D'Cruze%20(Grandpa%20Joe)%20Kate%20Milner-Evans%20(Grandma%20Josephine)%20Julie%20Mullins%20(Grandma%20Georgina)%20Christopher%20Howell%20(Grandpa%20George)%20Photo%20Johan%20Persson.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The story follows Charlie Bucket, a young, hopeful inventor who can make something out of nothing. Living in a shack with their mum and grandparents they make the best of what they have and savour the little luxuries in life; especially chocolate. When the elusive chocolatier Willy Wonka decides to open his gates for 5 lucky children, the hunt is on to find the winning golden tickets. But when the group finally enter the factory, things are not all it seems and the lure of gluttony, greed, and expectations mean that unexpected things happen on their journey through the gates.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Whilst the cast is predominantly made up of adults, Charlie has a child actor cast each performance. In this production they have thrown away the original text and decided that Charlie is free to be either male or female and I was so pleased to see Harmony Raine-Riley take to the stage in the leading role. She had buckets of stage presence, a voice to rival the remaining adult cast, and definitely won me over from the moment she stepped on stage.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Stepping into the role of Wonka was Gareth Snook and he completely embodied the weird and wonderful chocolatier. I feel that Wonka is a hard role to fill by Snook did it with ease and completely won me over. I also loved the remaining golden ticket winners, all played by adult cast. They managed to fill the role of cheeky children with ease whilst not making the audience feel that they were adults playing kids. Teddy Hinde was a fantastic Mike Teavee, with the attitude of an ‘I don’t care’ teenager, whilst the want, want, want of Veruca Salt was perfectly portrayed by Emma Robotham-Hunt.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I have to also mention a couple of brilliant touches to the show that won me over. I loved the way that Leonie Spilsbury incorporated elements of sign language into her role of Mrs Bucket, it was such a wonderful touch to the show. I also loved the Oompa Loompa’s, portrayed in a robot-esque manner in this show and truly added to the other worldliness of the Wonka Factory.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8YCX_W8FlxeQxcEIHk-_lqCZJwOXN54isrEOChHwZk7TBIhUvP_5drw5AQjme4avFAlLBPyYcoU08KhkHpjNSoyb2FUm-Jk-IWB--lCQP9m5-ncxUOQdo9s7IevxPb3dlfBpTY0NUUgRpz33VoDXLyMxqzzEhvUirel72jpizM0FDhayDc3ucanXwLYo/s7188/CHARLIE%20AND%20THE%20CHOCOLATE%20FACTORY%20-%20THE%20MUSICAL.%20Teddy%20Hinde%20'Mike%20Teavee'%20and%20Company.%20Photo%20Johan%20Persson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4792" data-original-width="7188" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8YCX_W8FlxeQxcEIHk-_lqCZJwOXN54isrEOChHwZk7TBIhUvP_5drw5AQjme4avFAlLBPyYcoU08KhkHpjNSoyb2FUm-Jk-IWB--lCQP9m5-ncxUOQdo9s7IevxPb3dlfBpTY0NUUgRpz33VoDXLyMxqzzEhvUirel72jpizM0FDhayDc3ucanXwLYo/w640-h426/CHARLIE%20AND%20THE%20CHOCOLATE%20FACTORY%20-%20THE%20MUSICAL.%20Teddy%20Hinde%20'Mike%20Teavee'%20and%20Company.%20Photo%20Johan%20Persson.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Whilst some of the original songs from the film have remained such as Candyman and Pure Imagination, I also loved the new songs that weaved throughout the show. They truly helped lead the story and make it magical. Add to that an impressive staging that included magical effects, staggering props, and hilarious touches, it truly made the show come alive in a way that any touring show could. Max loved the projections and visual effects and thought the nut room was pretty hilarious!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Overall, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a musical that will entertain generations young and old. It’s a show that will bring families together and whisk you away for a few hours into a world of pure imagination. We absolutely loved being in the wonderful world of Wonka and think it’s a show that everyone will enjoy. Just don’t forget to take some chocolate!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">On at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton until<span class="Apple-converted-space"> 3rd September 2023 before continuing on a UK tour. For more information and tickets please follow the link: <a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory-2023/" target="_blank">Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tickets</a></span></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-43186852277853164162023-07-19T11:00:00.001+01:002023-07-19T14:37:32.728+01:00The Verdict - UK Tour Review<p> I absolutely adore courtroom dramas, crime documentaries, thriller books. Basically anything that deals with crime, courts, and justice. I know I'm not the only one with this passion as the rise in true crime documentaries and podcasts soars and the popularity in shows and plays around crime and punishment tread the many theatre boards around the UK. The Verdict is one of those shows that seems to tick all of those boxes for crime fans that want an evening out where they can indulge their detective brains and try and work out how this courtroom drama will ultimately end. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OW9hGbG4qMFfk6P8L1vFSJNopNEHdksjXjtm247B3jzascFFQheedB2UM18sh3GtX2Ua6bVUOR1pwTpkTVduPjGYJc-p8nl2tytbfzHzLnVDTUXhgx06DYEQdy4qTJYoqvFl68sapvheLUrbm0lyzuNltMh3vA-mu4s06zRM15Yzho1XKiV4vsASwqwn/s4880/Jason%20M%20and%20Vincent%20Pirello.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4880" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OW9hGbG4qMFfk6P8L1vFSJNopNEHdksjXjtm247B3jzascFFQheedB2UM18sh3GtX2Ua6bVUOR1pwTpkTVduPjGYJc-p8nl2tytbfzHzLnVDTUXhgx06DYEQdy4qTJYoqvFl68sapvheLUrbm0lyzuNltMh3vA-mu4s06zRM15Yzho1XKiV4vsASwqwn/w640-h454/Jason%20M%20and%20Vincent%20Pirello.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Verdict is a play that originated as a book in 1980 by Barry Reed that was later adapted into a film of the same name. Now after being adapted for the stage by Middle Ground Theatre Company, it's time for a live audience to sit on the edge of their seat and help solve the case. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The story follows Frank Galvin, a washed up Boston lawyer who is praying for a big pay check and case win. When a case regarding a medical malpractice suit is placed on his desk he initially brushes it off as an easy settlement. Until he looks into the case further and realises that there is more to play than just an accident. And by taking on one of the biggest medical institutes in the city, Frank needs to ensure he has all the evidence he needs to bring justice to the family that are seeking it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first act feels like a slow, wonderfully sleepy 70's courtroom drama. You follow Frank as he struggles with drinking, his personal life, and juggling his work. He encounters a brilliantly beautiful femme fatale who wins him over in the local bar, and sets to work building a case against the biggest medical institute in the city. Whilst others are telling him that it's a crazy idea, he feels compelled to see it through. Whilst the first act seemed to move and build slowly, the second act started with a bang and raced through so fast that the audience had to remind themselves to take a breath. The second act opened in the courtroom as you see the case unfold. You watch as the characters true colours are shown, and the secrets that have been hidden explode in a dramatic climax. It was honestly one of the most engaging and compelling second act's I've seen in a long time and I was sat on the edge of my seat throughout. </div><p>Galvin was portrayed by Jason Merrells who is a familiar face on screen and stage. The stamina he had to play this commanding lead role is incredible and I'm always in complete admiration of actors that seem to spend 90% of the play on stage and are able to manoeuvre the plot with ease. Reanne Farley was incredible as Donna St Laurent, the femme fatale that works behind the bar of Meehan's and tries to win over the heart of Galvin. I loved Vincent Pirillo as Moe Katz and felt his portrayal of the older mentor to Galvin brilliant. With the perfect blend of comedic timing and sincerity, he fully won me over in his role. </p><p>All the actors on stage allowed this story to flow and grow in a way that had the audience hooked. What started as a wonderfully sleepy courtroom drama unfolds into a dramatic tale of justice as we explore the moral compass of the law and the true cost of medical malpractice in this edge of your seat play. </p><p>The Verdict is on at the Mayflower, Southampton until 22/7/23 and then continues on a UK tour. For more information and tickets please follow the link: <a href="https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/verdict-2023/">https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/verdict-2023/</a></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807612947397361728.post-55571856350080103772023-07-13T23:11:00.001+01:002023-07-13T23:11:38.742+01:00Broadway Showtunes 2023 - BIGLITTLE Theatre School<p> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">When a local youth theatre group takes on some of the biggest songs of the West End and Broadway stages you know they have some big boots to fill. However BIGLITTLE Theatre School have done it again with their latest rendition of Broadway Showtunes, a celebration of everything theatre all on one stage. With classic hits and lesser known favourites, Broadway Showtunes takes you on a whistle stop tour and introduces you to songs from across the decades in about 2.5 hours.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgv3B6pvekBtTMLkhRgWJLmztLhsdolfp7bPUVJLLCt0_4tDYzMnj16wjQ5prmb6Dnm5qAy26HjaGoHTafr_ij-iuxFMDU5L4uu_8Hlk6JEku0p6ssDlqXmdKsZFM6iUUTWWqY0MjysjMCEr82KpzqUORbsO0mjv4ZWsr8PmcklW5qcO9H1arWoeKweQN/s909/Screenshot%202023-07-13%20at%2022.45.54.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="909" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgv3B6pvekBtTMLkhRgWJLmztLhsdolfp7bPUVJLLCt0_4tDYzMnj16wjQ5prmb6Dnm5qAy26HjaGoHTafr_ij-iuxFMDU5L4uu_8Hlk6JEku0p6ssDlqXmdKsZFM6iUUTWWqY0MjysjMCEr82KpzqUORbsO0mjv4ZWsr8PmcklW5qcO9H1arWoeKweQN/w640-h632/Screenshot%202023-07-13%20at%2022.45.54.png" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span><br /><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;">With ages ranging from their youngest to their oldest performers, it’s a marvel to see how the directors and those behind the scenes have managed to get this huge group of 150 young performers on stage. From the choreography to staging and song choice, everything has been meticulously picked to create something wonderful for audiences to watch.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Whilst the majority of the principal roles are held by the schools Professional Development Programme, there is still plenty of time for the younger ones to shine and showcase their talents in scenes and there is rarely a time where the majority of the cast aren’t all on stage!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLMVQGJpSkgher9tyDvByjTz0Kd8EDWogEw8ZhSsN0KeXlXt8sbl1c_WQHjgnGyFwJBgi4UDMcPirAZWvFYxZPGSK8PWNeLlL-Qko9npwLy_GTBGrCBPnLw48L1Vt51KdCy57mQMterqjytD-ts6u4DVmIiHBa97r90weArJhPdY5P7jpXwNmfCInW2Xh/s955/Screenshot%202023-07-13%20at%2022.45.22.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="955" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLMVQGJpSkgher9tyDvByjTz0Kd8EDWogEw8ZhSsN0KeXlXt8sbl1c_WQHjgnGyFwJBgi4UDMcPirAZWvFYxZPGSK8PWNeLlL-Qko9npwLy_GTBGrCBPnLw48L1Vt51KdCy57mQMterqjytD-ts6u4DVmIiHBa97r90weArJhPdY5P7jpXwNmfCInW2Xh/w640-h426/Screenshot%202023-07-13%20at%2022.45.22.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The show opens with the most apt song of all, Hello from the wonderfully hilarious Book of Mormon where you are introduced to the brilliant male performers of this cast and then you are whisked through shows such as Crazy For You, Oklahoma and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory before ending act 1 with a show stopping performance of Defying Gravity from Wicked.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The second act opens with hilarious My Favourite Year before the younger performers take on Footloose along with one fo my personal favourites, Seussical. The Professional Development Programme take on a show stopping performance of Parade and the show ends with one of the slickest Fosse tributes I've seen in a long time. </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To fit more than 17 shows into a musical celebration is no mean feat, but these performers take it in their stride as if they do it every day. Wite more energy than the Duracell Bunny and a can of Red Bull, it's admirable to see these brilliant youngsters put so much passion into what they love. </p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4IT8qKxRu0W7HFd0J3nn2U0uHJNUTBQkX8ejZwz7LIe5yVAycVbpb_tqbFR05IcPkOACn-ZoPrHLEPDMHjwScTDlmu83bxEScl6xgfL_vyyKCbOFxSRngKcT61unjpTfJpnN-Ea9O48Qq4a0feI4o-SDGfHqNusbX50xbIBwSGVOKGJRPtu789LKtI_f/s950/Screenshot%202023-07-13%20at%2022.43.24.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="950" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4IT8qKxRu0W7HFd0J3nn2U0uHJNUTBQkX8ejZwz7LIe5yVAycVbpb_tqbFR05IcPkOACn-ZoPrHLEPDMHjwScTDlmu83bxEScl6xgfL_vyyKCbOFxSRngKcT61unjpTfJpnN-Ea9O48Qq4a0feI4o-SDGfHqNusbX50xbIBwSGVOKGJRPtu789LKtI_f/w640-h426/Screenshot%202023-07-13%20at%2022.43.24.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As previously mentioned, the talent is staggering. It’s awe inspiring to see so many future west end stars take to the stage and I loved the characterisation of the characters in the Beauty and the Beast section and the emotion of the wonderful performer who sung “She Used To Be Mine” from Waitress. The youngsters in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory blew me away, especially the young Charlie Bucket and Megan Shaw has a future in green as her performance as Elphaba was west end worthy!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> The second act packed even more of a punch with both the Eliza's in the My Fair Lady section perfecting their accents, the stylistic performances of the dancers in the Fosse tribute, and the brilliant Sam Trotman giving all the emotion he could in the Parade section. </span>Abby Grindey and Jack Kiteley wowwed the audience and sung with professionalism and emotion as they performed "Rewrite the Stars" perfectly, despite a dodgy microphone moment. </p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It’s brilliant to see how much talent can be packed into one stage and one theatre school. Whilst it’s easy to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> say that this is just another youth theatre production, you can't deny that there is just as much talent, skill and musicality on stage as there would be in any professional production. It's clear to the audience members that some of the future of the showtunes world is on the BIGLITTLE theatre school roster and Broadway Showtunes is one show not to be missed. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Running until Saturday 15th July, tickets can be purchased at the following link: <a href="https://www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/events/broadway-showtunes-2023">https://www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/events/broadway-showtunes-2023</a></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For more information on BIGLITTLE Theatre School please follow the link: <a href="https://biglittle.biz/">https://biglittle.biz/</a></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16790213706639523990noreply@blogger.com0