It's been over 70 years since Singin' In The Rain took to the screens. It is a classic musical that is the stuff of legends. Originally a big screen movie that took the world by storm, this show has been adapted time and time again and wowed audiences the world over.  

Whenever an am-dram theatre group say they are putting on a show as technical as this, I always wonder whether they will pull it off. Will the rain fall, and will the singin' happen? Well, BMT Productions have taken on this mammoth task, and let me tell you that this was nothing short of spectacular. 

What do you get when you find a cult film that's a hit musical and has millions of adoring fans? Why you get Rocky Horror of course! It's back on tour to tantalise and entertain audiences across the UK and has hit the shores of Bournemouth to take you to another dimension. 

For those that are unaware of the story of Rocky Horror, let me tell you a tale...

 Picture the scene. You are a child settling down to watch your favourite show. An earnest young woman springs onto the screen and welcomes you into a world of diversity, colour, and magic. That show is Play Away, and that young woman is Floella Benjamin. Now imagine you are sat in the theatre, a TV screen bigger than you could have ever imagined is in front of you, and that very same young, animated woman has come to life on stage. The giddiness overcomes you and you feel transported to childhood. 

Floella Benjamin's award winning book of her move from Trinidad to England has now been created into a masterpiece of a play that is set to take the UK by storm. Coming to England has been adapted by David Wood and directed by Denzel Westley Sanderson for the stage and wowed audiences in the town where Floella took her first steps on British soil. 

 Come along and listen to, the wonderful performances of Bournemouth and Boscombe's Light Opera Company (BBLOC)'s latest show, 42nd Street. It's not an easy feat to take on a mammoth show such as 42nd Street. With dancing, singing, huge characters, and did I mention the constant dancing? It's a show that is fast paced, full of bright lights, catchy songs, and fantastic costumes. But by George did this company bring the house down and create a show that rivalled the latest west end version!

The Wedding Singer is a musical that has passed me by far too many times. I don't know why I've never sat in a seat and watched it as I've always really enjoyed the hilarious and heartwarming film, but the opportunity never crossed my path. That was until Dorset based Highcliffe Charity Players announced it as their latest offering at the Regent, Christchurch. I for one know how good a Players show is, so I was excited to be given an invite. It's time to party like it's 1985 as the band are in place and ready to rock the room!

Based on the film of the same name, The Wedding Singer tells the tale of Robbie Hart a wedding singer who isn't that good at love himself despite singing about it all the time. After a chance meeting with waitress Julia, his life takes some unexpected turns and what he thought he future might entail isn't quite how it ends up. With some big hit songs, big costumes, and even bigger hair, this show is one to remember. 

 There's something special about youth theatre. It's something that I have been passionate about since I was young and in shows myself. To see young talent being nurtured by brilliant creatives and coming together to create spellbinding shows is something absolutely wonderful. BIGLITTLE Theatre School are just one of those brilliant schools in the Bournemouth area to grow and develop talented individuals that belong on the stage. 

2024 marks another year of their Broadway Showtunes showcases. A medley of songs and shows that are familiar and new, brought together by an impressive cast of over 160 young people. And Mamma Mia was it a show to enjoy! 

 Nothing beats a night out at the pub. Spending time with friends, talking about your lives and the worries you might be having, whilst celebrating the achievements of others all over a drink or two. There's something so quintessentially British about it, and The Choir Of Man perfectly captures the true warmth and spirit of it in their fantastic show. 

Having taken the Edinburgh Fringe by storm, a residency at the Arts Theatre, London, and a visit across the pond, this show is making waves and truly winning the hearts of the world. To be honest, it's fast becoming one of my favourite shows and one that never fails to put a smile on my face. 

Jesus Christ Superstar 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! 

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. 

 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. 

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?

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, Curve Theatre, 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. 

Having moved from Leicester to the stage of the London Palladium, The Wizard of Oz 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 Mayflower Theatre, Southampton and my goodness is there no place like home!

 Sometimes all you need is good old glitz and glamour to bring joy to your evening. And stepping onto 42nd Street at the Mayflower Theatre, is sure to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. 

 Today this could be, the greatest show of your life. The music of Take That has taken over the boards of the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton as Greatest Days the official Take That musical has come to town. 

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. 

There is something I am loving at the moment about theatre. Whilst I love new shows and emerging talented playwrights, I am also loving the revivals and remakes of classic shows that have engaged and entertained audiences for generations. 

Whilst The King and I is not a show that I would normally jump to see, and a film that I haven’t seen since I was a teenager, I had heard nothing but wonderful things about it’s revival. From the gorgeous scenery, to the tremendous acting, there is nothing like sitting in a theatre and being whisked away to the sounds of classic Rodgers & Hammerstein. 

 Winnie the Pooh is undoubtably a national treasure in my eyes. It's an age old classic based on the beloved tales of A.A Milne. His whimsical nature, love of adventure, and heartwarming personality makes this bear and his friends one that is full of nostalgia for young and old. 

After trying his hand at TV, films, books, meet and greets, merchandise (the list goes on!), this wonderful bear and his pals are now trying their hand at something new. A musical on stage! And let's just say this show has everything that a little child and big child could ever want in a honey shaped pot. Following a residency at London's Riverside Studio's, Winnie the Pooh is now embarking on a UK tour. Opening at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton before continuing onto various venues around the country, I couldn't wait to meet the Hundred Acre Wood gang and see what adventure they got up to. 

 What happens when a group of nuns and a singer meet in a church? Well it’s not the start of a joke, but the start of the brilliant story Sister Act. The hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg is now on the stage and ready to take the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton audience by storm. 

The RMS Titanic set off on its maiden voyage from the docks of Southampton on the 10th April 1912. It was the largest ship afloat at the time and set to make the journey from the UK to New York a journey of a lifetime. However, as we know from the history books, on the 14th April the ship struck an iceberg and hours later sunk killing more than 1500 people. 

Whilst there have been many retellings of the tale of the Titanic, from the Oscar winning film, to exhibitions and plays, the musical is something that has passed me by and I’ve been eager to catch it after seeing so many positive reviews. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in the UK, Titanic the Musical has landed in Southampton again to impress audiences. 

The Commitments is quite simply a show about putting a band together that enjoy playing soul music. It’s a show that brings together working class Irish youngsters to showcase their talents and take Dublin by storm. But at its heart, it’s a show about unlikely faces nurturing talents and the highs and lows of forming and disbanding a band. It’s a show that celebrates musicians and is filled with laughs and has a killer soundtrack. 

 The Rocky Horror Show is a cult film, musical and all round piece of history that has fans spanning generations.  Created by the iconic Richard O'Brien and now hitting its 50th year of entertaining audiences, Rocky Horror is a film that pushed the boundaries of gender and sexuality and it's a musical that has audience members dressing up, shouting and bringing props to every show. It's a film that I have a huge soft spot for, and a musical that I haven't seen since before the dreaded Covid pandemic. So being able to take Max to see this iconic show as it danced across the Mayflower Theatre stage was a night I couldn't say no to. 

 There is something quite wonderful about the works of Baz Luhrmann. He seems to add a sense of wonder, elegance, and a touch of eccentricity to each piece of work he makes, and his 1992 film Strictly Ballroom is one of those fine pieces of cinematography. 

If you were to team up this classic with the choreography and direction of Craig Revel Horwood, you will be sure to create a piece of theatre that is quite simply fab-u-lous. Currently taking to the Mayflower Theatre stage in Southampton, we were treated to a show that would get 10’s across the board.