Sleeping Beauty, 2015 Marina Theatre Pantomime

I’ve been to see my second pantomime of the season today (24^th December 2015) at The Marina Theatre in Lowestoft; the panto being Sleeping Beauty. This is the first time I have been to The Marina since starting this blog and I was so warmly gratified to be invited to the Pantomime. I have been countless times to The Marina Theatre as a child to see various plays, musicals and pantos. This was the theatre that I used to go to as a child with my family to see the Panto every year; however I haven’t been for a while. The Marina is a small and welcoming local theatre based near the sea of the coastal town. I went with my sister Fern and my gorgeous niece Amelia. As with a classic Panto we got right into the festive, fun and spirit of the Panto; cheering and heckling throughout. This was Amelia’s first time to the theatre and seeing a pantomime, which was very special to see her reactions to the performance, hopefully the next theatre blogger (or maybe she will be the leading lady of her own panto one day). She absolutely loved it although the Wicked Witch was “creepy” in her words. Her face lit up when the actors sang on stage with the music blaring out. She got involved shouting the usual booooos, hoorays and it’s behind you. The funniest bit was when Santa himself came on stage at the end and she ran behind the chair and refused to look at him; she is excited for Christmas but is terrified of Saint Nic.

 

 

Sleeping Beauty is produced by Paul Holman Associates (PHA) and takes the old classic story of a princess who is cursed by the witch that if she pricks her finger she will sleep forever unless she receives love’s true kiss. The set designs were pretty impressive although the first curtain drop could have done with a bit more glitz and glam for my liking. As with most pantos the costumes are great and again especially the outrageous ones for the dame. Eve Wilkinson designed the costumes and the finale costumes were simply magnificent, with the whole cast coming on stage with their glitzy silver costumes. As with a panto dame a costume designer must be able to have so much fun drawing the initial designs and having those crazy creative visions. As I have said time and time before, I will one day be a pantomime dame. Jonathan Eio was the musical director of Sleeping Beauty. The music list looking back was comprised mostly of modern pop songs however it worked well. Families and kids alike were able to sing along and enjoy themselves, the main aim of any panto I do believe. The love songs between the prince and princess were the most theatrically musical and were my favourite of the performance. No stranger to panto, Richard Cheshire directs Sleeping Beauty. I love how a pantomime can direct mistakes (I am sure some of the mistakes are intentional – if not they should be as they work so well and become the funniest part of the panto for many). Directors must have such fun and frolics when directing a panto, and Cheshire certainly should be pleased with Sleeping Beauty as the audience were clearly having such fun today.

TV chef and personality Rustie Lee leads the line-up of the Sleeping Beauty cast. I would love to spend time with Rustie as a friend, she seems a fab person and reminds me of a housemate I had in my first year of University, Nicola. Lee is certainly a character and she brings her own personality and bubbly side to her character of The Lilac Fairy. Lee has a nice soulful voice too which was pleasant to hear. Benidorm’s gorgeous cabaret singer, Asa Elliott, plays Prince Valiant. With the attractive voice comes another perfect man as he can sing as well. Elliott definitely has the best voice of the Sleeping Beauty cast and as previously stated his love songs were a treat to watch and hear. John Lyons plays King Crumble and Lyons again is no stranger to panto nor to the production company PHA. Although Lyons has had an acting career spanning over 50 years (JESUS!) he will for me always be best known as the detective sergeant George Toolan alongside David Jason in A Touch of Frost. Lyons acting career is obvious within his role as the King in Sleeping Beauty and for he was the best actor on stage putting everything into his character.

 

Steve Shappelle, who my step-father Barry knows, plays the Panto Dame, Nurse Katy Cough-Drop (why is the panto dame always a nurse?). Shappelle is a natural dame and is a really funny addition to the cast. Although not in heels (after wearing heels at Rocky Horror – still to be reviewed - I think all Dames should wear at least a two incher). Shappelle’s quick wit and drag queen comedy with the audience is a joy to watch and be a part of. Shappelle is not just a panto dame and has a career covering performing, producing, directing and composing and is due to be on a special episode of Come Dine with Me next year. Terry Gleed plays the fool Pickles and he genuinely creates that children’s TV presenter persona on stage. Gleed is a clear favourite with the kids in the audience and he does his slapstick comedy well. Gleed brings on stage three children near to the finale, a classic panto tradition. Gleed is very sweet with the kids and even makes the adults laugh with his interaction with them. It was so sweet as well, one child was not given a bag of sweets straight away and given vegetables and he was still so grateful, me and my sister were awwwwing and oooohhhhhhing so much.

 

Brigid Lohrey plays the wicked witch, Carabosse. Lohrey is familiar with production company PHA and the pantomime stage. She is often cast as the evil and wicked character although has been the happy fairies in the past. Lohrey would be like me enjoying playing the hated character that gets all the boos. Emily McAvoy plays Princess Aurora. McAvoy is a beautiful young lady with a soft and sweet singing voice. Dancers, Manolis Georgiou and Thomas Mann with the June Glennie School of Dance make up the ensemble, however for me Georgiou was over acting and he took the attention accidentally off the main cast.

 

Sleeping Beauty is a good and fun show for all the family to have a festive giggle. Sleeping Beauty is only showing until the 2^nd of January 2016. There are two showings per day, apart from Wednesday 30^th December when there is no show and only one showing on New Year’s Day. PHA’s Sleeping Beauty is a typical well-loved pantomime and is worth a watch. I am already looking forward to The Marina’s 2016/17 Panto of Beauty and the Beast and I will definitely be attending next year and look out for more from PHA. I hope you all have a fabulous Christmas tomorrow and all the best for the New Year with the amazing musical theatre that is available in 2016.

 

Aaron Burgess

Remember to get in touch at my twitter @AaronBurgess1989

Snow White Panto at Norwich Theatre Royal

Guess what season it is … PANTO! I’m a huge Christmas fan and one of the best things about this festive period is the pantomimes up and down the country entertaining thousands of families. I met ma Beez (Kayleigh) in Norwich and went to the Theatre Royal to see this year’s pantomime – Snow White (17^th December 2015). It was fantastic and great fun for al, lots of families were there and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Snow White contains all the usual pantomime frolics that make you laugh and get involved; I must say audience participation is a must at the Theatre Royal Panto. All of the expected gaffs, innuendos, breaking the fourth wall and good old fashioned slapstick comedy are awaiting audiences to come. The panto sticks mainly to the well-known story of Snow White, with the typical modern day additions any 21^st century pantomime is to have, for example a T-rex. Theatre Royal’s Panto is professional with a full cast returning me back to my childhood: going to the Panto at Christmas with the family.

The set design, back drops and stage curtains were amazing and so glittery, it really added to the already festive mood I am in. They were absolutely beautiful and I have to say I have never seen a waterfall onstage before in any musical, play or pantomime in the past, on tour or in the West End and this was awesome. Initially I thought it was a lighting effect but no it was a waterfall (hurrah for Scene Pantomines in Suffolk). My praises go out to Kirsteen Wythe and her team for the costume design and making, all amazing and particularly the Pantomime Dame (Nurse Dorothy Dumpling played by Richard Gauntlett); I think I remember at least seven costume changes. The finale was the best for the costumes, everyone in royal blue it really was a royal wedding on stage. Song choices were hit and miss; some modern songs which I am not familiar with were sung however the younger ones of the audience enjoyed these. The music and lyrics of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music featured heavily in Snow White also (Sound of Music twice in 5 days – awesome!). I would assume the Panto team decided to use this wonderful music and words due to the 50^th anniversary of The Sound of Music and who can blame them for that. I do apologise to anyone who heard me joining in the singing of Do Re Mi, I thought I was signing in my head but actually I was informed it was out loud, ooops!

 

Richard Gauntlett, already mentioned for playing the Panto Dame, writes and directs the Panto (busy man!). For me, Gauntlett was the star of the show even if he did not mean to cast, write and direct himself to be (I would have done the same). He interacts fantastically with the audience and can handle the odd mistake which every Panto star must be able to do. He captured the heart of Norwich which comprehensively features in the Panto and even gets a bit of county rivalry in there. I would have liked to of seen more heels so I will look out for some next year. The other star of the show was one of the little children, their names are not in the programme so I cannot give her a mention but she was so adorable and sweet I was awwwwing every time she came on stage.

 

Bruce Graham plays Igor the Henchman and he reminded me so much of Timothy Spall (that is a compliment); the voice was uncanny. Graham has played some of the top notch West End musicals and his expertise is clear from the onset. Jennifer Ellison stars as the evil Queen Evilynne, I never thought of Ellison playing an evil character, especially after seeing her play Meg Giry in the Hollywood production of The Phantom of the Opera. Ellison plays the role well and was entertaining to see a bit of scouse in the show. David Burlin plays Prince Frederick and for me he had the best singing voice of the cast. His couple of songs were pleasant to the ear (as well as on the eye!). Local Ben Langley plays muddles, the slapstick character which he plays enormously well. At points I felt he was over trying but the on stage relationship and interaction with his on-stage mother, Nurse Dorothy Dumpling, had me in stitches. The best song and scene was with Langley, Gauntlett and Graham singing an alternative version of the 12 days of Christmas and a classic Panto line up (“and a bra that I saw on TV”).

Amie Howes plays the title role for her first professional job since graduating. Howes’ singing voice was not the most desirable I heard during the night and the acting wasn’t much better; but we all have to start somewhere. The Magic Mirror is played by local news reader for Look East, Stewart White (who was sat near me in the circle). This year the dwarfs were puppets which were an interesting and different choice, but it worked well, although I thought we would have seen more of them. Norwich Puppet Theatre sourced the puppets although I would have liked to have seen the typical Dopey and Doc but maybe there was some copyright issue preventing this.

Norwich Theatre Royal’s 2015/6 Pantomime, Snow White, is a must see over this festive period. It has something for all the family and takes adults back to their childhood Pantos. It is currently running until the 17^th January 2016. Most days there is at least two showings and some days three (so even your little ones can catch an early showing during the school holidays). It honestly is a fun and interactive pantomime full of entertainment for all.

 

Aaron Burgess

Remember to get in touch at my twitter @AaronBurgess1989 and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

Oh What a Beautiful Evening, Rodgers and Hammerstein Special

I went to see BBC Radio 2’s recording of ‘Oh What a Beautiful Evening’ at the Theatre Royal Dury Lane (TRDL) in London on Sunday 13^th December. The recording, for the BBC Radio 2 Friday Night is Music Night, which is aired on Friday 18^th December 2015 at 8pm. The show was a special dedication to the talented and beautiful works of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein; mainly Oklahoma, the King and I, South Pacific, Carousel and of course The Sound of Music (my absolute favourite), with additional dedication as it is The Sound of Music’s 50^th anniversary. I have never been to the TRDL which is currently home to Charlie and The Chocolate Factory; which I am planning to see in the New Year. Anneka Rice presented the show from the TRDL with support from Michael Praed. I am so pleased I got to see Praed as I was due to see him on the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels tour however he was not in the show time I saw (which I was gutted about). He is certainly dishy for an older gentleman (55). When recordings have hiccups it makes me giggle; Praed was not having the most luck with his words but he was very funny and made light of it. The production was supported by Capital Voices and the Choir of the Arts Educational School in London. Also present was the BBC London Orchestra (conducted by Larry Blank) and they were absolutely fabulous (and festive) and so talented. I love listening to a live orchestra and these guys are top notch. Such beautiful sounds echoed through the auditorium from their skills and talents – absolutely beautiful. Blank is a well-known composer and conductor and has received three Tony Award nominations. His work includes White Christmas, The Drowsy Chaperone and Catch Me if You Can.

The show had seven singers who performed the well-known songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein, with solos, duets and group songs. All were fantastic and had wonderful voices. Emma Williams opened the show with a gorgeous and spine-tingly rendition of ‘The Sound of Music’. I am a huge fan of this song and Williams did it justice. Her voice is beautiful and so soft. She has currently been starring in Mrs Henderson Presents which she will stay with for its West End transfer (which I will definitely be going to see).  Williams is a gorgeous young lady and her dresses were to die for. I was so surprised to see Tam Mutu there, as he was never advertised to be singing until on the night. I am a big fan of Mutu even though I have never seen him on stage live before. I have to describe Mutu’s looks before his voice, GORGEOUS; and I could tell Anneka Rice was on my wave length too. Mutu has a fantastic voice (a gorgeous guy that can sing – WOW) and his voice suited the love songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Mutu has played some well-known parts including Javert (Les Mis) and Phantom (Love Never Dies). I am not sure where Mutu is going next but I hope I see him in it.

 

Married duo, Rosalie Craig and Hadley Fraser, were divine; they even sung a wonderful love song together which melted the hearts of the audience. Craig’s voice is powerful and carried around TRDL with ease. Fraser’s voice is so much softer than I expected, especially with his manly lumberjack beard, however it was still great and he really boomed the end of his lines. Radio 2’s own Clare Teal was in the line-up of singers and brought her individual Big Band style to the adaptations of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s songs. Teal is definitely someone I want to be hanging around with on a weekend (or a weekday for that matter). Teal puts her heart and soul (as well as hand movements) into all of her songs. You can see she absolutely loves what she does and it makes you as audience members love it just as much. John Owen-Jones’ version of You’ll Never Walk Alone will remain in my Musical Memory for some time; it was perfect (apart from his mistake where he had to start again – love it). Talk about goose-pimples, my arm hair was poking my neighbour’s face, it was so warm and emotional I do not know how else to describe his voice and connection with the song and audience. Owen-Jones is known for his portrayals of legendry characters including the Phantom and Jean Valjean; in many productions, recently reprising his role as Phantom before moving back to Les Misėrables on Broadway. Ron Raines was the final singer and I felt he was the best actor on stage. His version of Puzzlement was sang and acted so well it could have been a concert of the King and I; wonderful. Raines has appeared in many musicals, including some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s own.

 

The final person I have to mention is Dame Julie Andrews. No she wasn’t there (unfortunately) but she recorded such a heartfelt and sincere video for the audience. I am such a Julie Andrews fan it was great to see her talking about one of the best musicals ever to be made. I have actually had to buy the DVD version of The Sound of Music as my video version broke after watching it so many times. The atmosphere at the TRDL was incredible and the applause the whole stage received at the curtain call was unbelievable and I honestly don’t think the singers, choir and orchestra expected it. Although we urged, screamed and shouted for more we did not get it but what we did see was absolutely worth it. Please listen to BBC Radio 2 this Friday (18^th December) at 8pm to hear the recording of this special and amazing show.

 

Please contact me on twitter - @AaronBurgess89

Elf the Musical, Dominion Theatre, London

After the busy day in London and following the spectacle that is Les Misėrables it was back to the hotel for prosecco and bad TV. Waking early on Saturday 5^th December we were off to see Elf the Musical in the evening. Before that though there was another day of sightseeing in the Great City. After returning our (Me and Emma) suitcases to Cockfosters, because there was no way I was dragging my suitcase around London all day, we got the tube back to Knightsbridge. I have started a tradition (since Christmas 2013) to buy a Harrods Christmas bauble each year. After eventually finding the Christmas section at Harrods, walking past the most expensive wine glasses I have ever seen in my life and terrified I would walk into something or break an item that would require me to be paying off a debt until I was 68 years old, I was heartbroken and distraught (too dramatic, ok disappointed) to find that Harrods were sold out of 2015 Christmas baubles. I was so upset but we carried on with our day and went to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Emma knows me so well and could tell I was dwelling on my missing bauble, despite the delicious mulled wine, I was thinking of the missing bauble. So we took a break from Winter Wonderland and I bought one on the internet (even though it was treble the price). I have decided to buy bulk next year to make my money back. Once I knew I had gotten the bauble I needed (red as I already have turquoise and green from previous years) it was off to Bella Italia for a pasta tea and a chill out in Leicester Square (and KFC for Emma, lol) before heading to the Dominion to see Elf.

 

 

Elf the Musical runs at The Dominion from October 2015 until early January 2016 (so there is a small chance to still see it if it hasn’t yet sold out – tickets are pricey if you want a good view). I like the Dominion Theatre even though it is huge and possibly the biggest in the West End. I have been to the Dominion twice previously, firstly to see ‘We Will Rock You’ prior to its close and last Christmas to see Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Funny enough I recognised one of the front of house staff and I think I scared him with my staring; I was trying to work out how I knew him. Once I got home after the drive I worked it out to be someone from Waterloo Road (apologies Leo Flanagan for staring at you).

 

 

I love the film Elf and I, as was Emma, apprehensive about how a stage transformation would look.  As with any transfer from stage to screen, or vice-versa or when books are made into films, plays or musicals changes are always made. This was very much the case with Elf and I appreciate that these changes need to be made to make it slightly different and for efficient production purposes. However this did make Elf the Musical inferior to the film. I did like the musical version don’t get me wrong but it was always going to be a huge accomplishment to meet the standards of the film. Elf the Musical, book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin with music by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin writing the lyrics by, tells the same story with minor changes (for example Santa raising Buddy and Buddy reading the list and not Michael) – these changes are important to me and it did affect the production. The musical numbers were average and no song really stuck in my mind following the performance. Two songs I enjoyed were ‘Never Fall in Love (with an Elf)’ and ‘Sparklejollytwinklejingley’; I have not yet, and do not anticipate, buying the cast recording. The costumes were great, being a huge huge huge fan of Christmas anything with glitz, elves outfits and red and green glamour is a winner for me. Me and Emma even joined in with the costumes and wore our finest new Christmas outfits (Emma having a reindeer dress with reindeer accessories) and me with my flashing elfie jumper. The best part of the musical was by far the finale, it was truly wonderful. Santa’s sleigh rode up into the sky and out into the audience, it was fabulous. It reminded me of when I went to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang when the car comes out and flies into the audience. Well Santa’s sleigh did exactly the same and it was awesome and magical.  Best part and worth the wait and disruptions (see below).

 

Ben Forster plays Buddy the Elf and he was impressive. He suited the comedic role of Buddy learning to live in a human world as a human, not an elf. He reminded me and Emma of myself on a couple of occasions needing attention and wanting to speak when one is not supposed to or it isn’t the right time to speak – I love to talk! Forster transfers to Her Majesty’s Theatre after Elf to play the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera. I believe Forrester will be a high-quality Phantom and it will be fascinating to see him playing a character that could not be further away from Buddy. Kimberley Walsh (Girls Aloud) plays Jovie, Buddy’s love interest. The character Jovie is not in the musical as much as I would have expected nor did she have many singing parts. I understand that this is not Walsh’s decision or in her control but I would have wanted to see more of her and hear her more. Walsh’s main song ‘Never Fall in Love’ was really good and she did have a nice voice. Walsh did not make an impression on me with her other songs and I was disappointed with her acting especially the American accent.

I do have a complaint or an annoyance with The Dominion as they do not police their stalls to ensure people are not talking or disturbing hard working, good paying customers. We had a couple in front of us who were so lustful for one another that they basically were eating each other’s face off during the performance – we did say something and got a dirty look back. Behind us we had the most annoying two people (I deleted the word I previously wrote before editing) I have ever come across in the theatre. We all expect a bit of coughing and rustling of packets (as Santa himself explains) however these two girls were horrendous. They spoke the whole way through, laughed at the wrong bits and heckled the actors – this is a musical not a bleeding live comedy act. I was fuming and my tutting just egged them on. I would urge the Dominion to read this review/post and think of ways to police their auditorium to prevent people like this ruining the show for other people who love and enjoy and more importantly respect the theatre.

 

Elf the Musical ends on 2^nd January 2016 and I do not know whether it will return next festive period or will go on a 2016 UK festive tour, as it is currently doing in the USA. The musical is not my favourite however the finale is honestly worth seeing. I will prefer to watch the film Elf over this Christmas period (and maybe if I was not annoyed by so many people around me I may have enjoyed it more). Elf the Musical has not yet received any awards for its productions, nor do I doubt it will receive any. The Broadway production was nominated for a 2011 Drama League Award but did not win.

Aaron Burgess

PS. I am aware that people have been experiencing trouble when trying to comment on the blog. I am working on this. However drop me a message or a tweet on Twitter @AaronBurgess89

 

Les Miserables at The Queen's, West End

I have had a long weekend in London but haven’t gotten around to writing my blog posts as after returning home from I jetted off (well more caught the train) to Paris for a week so apologies but I do have two more posts to write. I travelled down to London with my housemate but more importantly very good friend Emma on Friday 4th December. This is Emma’s first blog post with me so welcome. We got up early and drove down to Cockfosters. On the Friday night we went to see Les Misėrables, one of the most famous, well-known and spectacular musicals ever written; I think all would agree, but more of that in a bit. On the Friday we had a look round Covent Garden and found the most immense hot chocolate place, with free white hot chocolate. We had two shots and felt bad for having (stealing) more. I think I may have to return to get some in the New Year. We also popped along to the London Eye for a whizz round which was spectacular. Nanny Cora took me to the London Eye a while back and it was lovely to go back on. We opted for the champagne experience (why not when in the capital) and had a bit of bubbly in the waiting area and a bit of bubbly on the Eye. The scenes from the eye are gorgeous. Luckily we missed the 4 o’clock booking we had so were moved to the six o’clock time and it really is something special to see London all lit up in the dark.

 

I first saw Les Misėrables about two years ago. I absolutely love Les Mis and find it impossible to review such a show and cannot add anything to all the reviews that have been written in the crazy 30 year run on the West End (first London production in 1985). Therefore I can only describe my experience of seeing the show and the people who made it so special. I fault nothing with Alain Boubil’s (concept, book and French lyrics) and Claude-Michel Schonberg (book and music) phenomena that is Les Mis (also known for Miss Saigon which I have seen but not featured in this blog). The theatre extraordinaire Cameron Mackintosh produced Les Mis with support from Herbert Kretzmer (lyricist), Trevor Nunn (adaption and direction – I love Nunn) and John Caird (adaption and direction). If you have never seen Les Mis it is so difficult to describe how amazing it is. The staging is perfect and on point (I cannot imagine Mackintosh having anything less) and you honestly feel like you are actually seeing 1800’s France.  Thanks to costume design, by Andreane Neofitou, which is fabulous it adds so much to the characters presentation on stage. The songs are also beautiful, emotionally provoking and passionate. I love every song and actually struggle to find a favourite; my playlist known as ‘Les Mis faves’ has 14 songs (40 on the album that I have). As each one started I would say “I love this song”, which Emma often replied with “You love every song”. The lighting, by David Hersey, is incredible and to create a war zone with sound and lighting at the theatre is no easy task. However the lights really put the audience in the thick of the attacks and you worry for the young students on the battle street. Les Mis is currently at the Queen’sTheatre which is a smallish theatre but I think this adds to the beauty and sentiments of Les Mis. A bigger theatre could potentially ruin the atmosphere the Queen’s offers to the Les Mis story.

 

American Peter Lockyer is currently playing Jean Valjean and his voice is perfect for the role. This is such a hard part to play as the actor needs to portray Jean Valjean throughout his life and at different emotional states in a short space of time. Javert played by Jeremy Secomb is a pleasure to watch and listen to, his performance of ‘Stars’ was second-to-none. I feel for Secomb as he plays the somewhat mean (in the audience’s perception) Javert he often receives a ‘boo’ at the curtain call but he deserves one of the biggest cheers of the night (Les Mis is not a panto!). Fantine portrayed by Rachelle Ann Go is gorgeous and gets your tears flowing with her beautiful and melancholic performance of “I Dreamed a Dream”. I always wonder what the actress playing Fantine does between her death and return to support Valjean at the epilogue of the performance. If someone knows or has played Fantine or Ann Go herself wants to let me know, please get in touch. When I first saw Les Mis Sierra Boggess was playing Fantine and she is amazing, such a beautiful voice – if anyone has a chance to see Boggess in anything I would recommend seeing it.  Carrie Fletcher plays Eponine one of my favourite characters in Les Mis. The cast is huge and I cannot mention them all but they are all incredible. I do have to mention the comic relief of Les Mis, Thenardier played by Phil Daniels (known for loads but Emma knew him mainly from EastEnders) and Madame Thenardier played by Katy Secombe who is in the Les Mis film. These couple of charlatans really brighten up the experience of watching Les Mis as not much happiness results from the show. The Thenardier’s song sand stage presence definitely brings a smile and a laugh for the audience and Daniels and Secombe are ace at playing the mean couple.

 

I have little left to say about Les Misėrables apart from if you haven’t seen it go and see it or go and see it again. I no doubt will end up being part of the audience sometime again in the near future. I cannot believe Les Mis did not win the Olivier in 1985 for Best New Musical nor the Best Actor award for which it received two nominations (losing out all three awards to Me and My Girl). Patti LuPone won the Olivier for Best Actress for her original portrayal of Fantine. It has since won the 2012 and 2014 Olivier Audience Awards for Most Popular Show. I hope Les Mis wins more awards in the future for popular shows and so on as it whole heartedly deserves more for the original production.

 

 

The Girls, New Musical by Gary Barlow

I went to Leeds Grand Theatre to see The Girls with my friend and colleague Nicola Pelling on Saturday 28^th November 2015. I apologise for my tardiness with this blog; it has been such a busy time lately what with work and Christmas shopping with Mother I have not got round to writing anything – also it has taken this long for the Grand to send me the programme. I do believe that this is the first time the Grand has been mentioned in my blog. I love the Grand situated in the heart of Leeds; so would love to move to Leeds. We arrived early on and went to a lovely hotel (that couldn’t spell the word night properly) in Beeston. We later realised that Beeston is not the nicest area of Leeds and looking back can see why. Two funny events occurred in the hotel, firstly asking for some glasses to have some prosecco in, when given two small plastic cups while looking at a whole tray of glass glasses was annoying. Secondly when walking out of the hotel to get the taxi to Leeds central a man from the neighbouring room should “OI! Loud bastards” I became slightly anxious about my future. After the show we also met a lovely lady called Sylvia and we thank you for helping us get a taxi back to our hotel. Back to the Grand, it’s another local theatre that is getting the best of the UK tours stopping off in Leeds to please the Yorkshire folk. It’s a nice theatre with a beautiful auditorium.

The Girls is a musical with music and lyrics from Gary Barlow. It is based on the true story of the calendar girls who raised money by putting on a very unconventional women’s institute (WI) calendar; them in the nude. The money was raised to buy a sofa for the local hospital visitors’ room where one of the lady’s husbands had died. Tim Frith was part of the creative team with Barlow helping to write the musical. Frith also wrote the film and play of the calendar girls. I went with no preconceptions about this musical, I knew the story of the calendar girls but I did not have any idea regarding songs, staging, story line changes and acting. I was blown over how professional, gorgeous and emotional the production would be. I was laughing throughout and also nearly had a tear which for me to cry at a musical is something (I am usually too excited and psyched about the songs and dancing I am unable to cry). The staging was immense. It was built out of furniture all painted green; wardrobes, chest of drawers, doors, bedside tables, everything. They represented the Yorkshire hills and enabled exit and entrance routes for actors. Due to the set design it enabled a full use of levels by those on stage. With walking through the hills and seeing the whole stage in use was magical.

After such a long wait I cannot believe the programme does not have a song list and I cannot remember all the songs. I did love the songs ‘Dare’ and ‘Yorkshire’ which are pertinent to the storyline but also have some beautiful lyrics and some wonderful music to accompany them. Barlow had sort of cheated on a couple of the songs using the music from his recent album changing the words for the show; they were however still amazing. I was pleasantly surprised by the score and am upset that I cannot buy the soundtrack yet; I do hope this becomes available. You can see Barlow singing these songs on YouTube. Ruth, the main character, is portrayed by Debbie Chazen and her voice is awesome. She also has some emotional turmoil throughout the show and one of her songs is very heart wrenching. Olivier award winner Sara Kestelman plays Jessie who is the ‘more experienced’ one of the characters and 71-year old Kestelman plays a blinder in this. Claire Moore (Miss Saigon and Les Misėrables) plays Chris who is a very funny character and is having some trouble with her teenage son. I felt the audience were able to relate to the characters and women on stage; myself included thinking of the important women in my life. This, I felt, was what made the musical such a success as ordinary folk in the audience can see their mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, friend, whoever on the stage going through their daily trials and tribulations. Cora (a character in the show not nanny Cora) was played by Claire Machin. Claire is comedy gold in The Girls and makes you laugh and cry throughout the show. Her song on the Christmas van is hilarious. I thought I recognised Cora from my seat in the auditorium but shrugged it off as her voice was not what I remembered (this later showed Machin’s phenomenal ability for voice control and accents). I even met Machin on the way out who kindly signed a flyer for me (so gutted I didn’t ask for a picture). I originally saw Machin in Memphis at the Shaftsbury Theatre who was amazing then. It was so nice to meet her but such a shame I did not realise until after the show. It really is a fabulous show to see and has finished its run at The Grand in Leeds, moving to the Lowry in Manchester in early January running just short of two weeks. I have not heard anything about the musical moving to The West End but I think it would make the perfect addition to the calibre of theatre there.  

Guys and Dolls, West End and UK Tour

I was again stuck in a hotel room and decided to pop off to Birmingham to go and see Guys and Dolls on 24^th November 2015 on its UK tour. I am a creature of habit and of course decided to go to Nando’s for tea; and I really should order something different. I can’t really make this blog overly personal as not much happened apart from the actual show. Apart from me always being late, rushing to get tickets from the stupid self-service machines as well as the annoying train journey there and back. On the way there you get screaming school girls (I shouldn’t judge I am sure I have annoyed plenty on a train journey or two), people on hands free phones (why?) and then on the way back I am minding my own business when some weirdo gets on at Wolverhampton. He sits right opposite me as I am on one of the luxury (lol!) table seats to charge my phone (and the plug doesn’t work) when he sits right opposite me, trying to make eye contact as I try to act as though I am aimlessly looking out of the window. He was a right tool. He put his ear phones in and pretended to play the imaginary drums. I was so annoyed, how ridiculous. And it gets worse. He then decides to be a bloody one man band and plays the imaginary piano. Ridiculous! Well maybe I can make this blog a bit personal even if I was on my lonesome.

 

 

Guys and Dolls was fabulous, as would be expected. I have never seen a production before or the film from 1955. The show is about an illegal crap game (dice to us non-New Yorkians); Nathan Detroit who runs the illegal game and his partner Miss Adelaide who hates him playing these games and just wants to get married. Sky Materson turns up and Detroit bets him he can’t take Sister Sarah Brown to Havana; well you guessed it Materson does take her and the both fall in love. Well there is the shortest synopsis I know.   The musical is written by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. Guys and Dolls hit Broadway in 1950, three years later arriving in the West End with a film adaptation in 1955 (which I really want to see). Since the 1950’s there have been many Broadway, West End, international and national tours. Guys and Dolls has been a huge success; winning Five Tony Awards in 1951 (including Best Musical, Best Leading Actor and Best Featured Actress). The original London production couldn’t win any Olivier’s as they were not awarded out until the 1970’s however it did win five of them in 1982 for the London revival (including Best Musical and Best Actress). Guys and Dolls has continued to win Olivier’s, Tony’s and many other awards for all its revivals (who knew one of my favourite actresses Imelda Staunton was nominated in 1996 for her role as Adelaide – wished I had seen that and congratulations to Staunton for winning the Evening StandardAward 2015 for Best Musical Performance). Right now you know all you need to about guys and Dolls I better review what I saw at The New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham.

 

The set was great and depicted New York billboards. I thought the way the billboards assist in the telling of the story and provided additional information to the audience was interesting, and I wonder whether previous and in fact the original productions incorporated this element.  The set doesn’t change apart from what billboard is lit up but I liked the simplicity of this set. The show is over 60 years old however I don’t think the music reflected this. Some songs felt more modern then the 1950’s. I had not heard much of the Guys and Dolls soundtrack before, obviously ‘Luck be a Lady’ and ‘Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat’. I thought the song ‘Guys and Dolls’ was different and I always remember a Simpson’s episode with an actor who had been playing Detroit (can’t remember who). I have a song in my head that is quite jazzy with the lyrics “Guys and Dolls” but this was not in the production. I love the song ‘A Bushel and a Peck’ and poor Adelaide’s Laments (poor woman – I loved her). The dancing and choreography was second to none – the company and ensemble were really on point and fabulous with their moves (Carlos Acosta and Andrew Wright were the choreographers).

The cast were familiar and worked seamlessly together. David Haig played Nathan Detroit; I recognised Haig from Soldier Soldier and The Thin Blue Line. Haig played the part well and had a surprisingly nice voice. I am always amazed when I hear different accents, maybe as I am so terrible at putting on an accent myself. Jamie Parker played Sky Masterson, also having a very fine voice. I have not seen Parker in singing roles before and I recognised him from The History Boys film. He has been in loads which I didn’t realise and was in the Chichester production of Guys and Dolls. His duets with Sarah Brown were gorgeous and their voices really complemented each other. Brown was portrayed by Siubhan Harrison who I had not heard of before and she has a beautiful voice. I would describe her voice as slightly high pitched but I think this really suited the prudence of her character and that voice could really travel. The show for me was stolen by Sophie Thompson playing Miss Adelaide, and the audience agreed with me according to the reaction she got at curtain call. Her voice, her walk, her dramatics, her woefulness, her humour, HER in general was awesome. She really embraced the role of Adelaide and I warmed mostly to her, she was so sweet. I would have really loved to of seen Imelda Staunton play this role but you can’t have everything in life. Guys and Dolls can be easily seen this year and way into 2016. It arrives at The Savoy Theatre in London on the 10^th December for 13 weeks; after which it is visiting some big cities and theatres including Liverpool, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Dublin, Norwich, Leeds, Glasgow and Cardiff with many other locations too. It really is worth the gamble to go and see this show.

Cats at The London Palladium

Hello. Sorry for the delay, I went to The London Palladium on Saturday 14^th November 2015 to see Cats. Was a lovely day, filled with laughter and memories (get the link!). I would just like to say that after the events that happened in Paris through the night on Friday my thoughts and sentiments go out to all those who lost someone in those horrific attacks; Libertė, Égalitė, Fraternitė. I went to London with Ma Beez and the usual giggles and childishness played out through the journey there. No point sharing as no one else will find this funny but we certainly did. Arriving promptly in London and heading straight to the Slug and Lettuce off Regent Street for a slap up meal and a vino. We meet Ma Beez’s family (Mands, Nige, Jules and Di) and it was lovely to catch up with them. It was only then a short walk over the road to The Palladium – I never knew how close The Palladium was to Oxford Street haha! I am sure I got a taxi there once when I was super close. I love The Palladium – I think it’s because it’s on the TV so much that when I am there I think I’m on the TV. This was only the second time I have been to The Palladium, the first being last Christmas to see Cats; starring Nicole Scherzinger– AMAZEBALLS! Today (well few days ago) was actually the fifth time I have seen Cats live, plus the countless times I have watched the recorded performance on DVD; the first was when I was eight and Nanny Cora took me to The New London Theatre to see it – I can remember it, even though a little patchy. I may have said this before but this was the day I started to love musical theatre and this is why I believe Cats holds such a loveable and sentimental memory for me. I then saw the show twice on its most recent UK Tour, once in Leeds with my close friend and housemate Emma and again at The Norwich Theatre Royal with Nanny Cora (who also joined me for the fourth time I saw cats live with Scherzinger). Now I was attending for the fifth time and as you can most probably guess Cats is my favourite musical!

 

Since returning to The West End following its 21 year run (from 1981-2002) for the original production and the tours since, there have been a few changes to the show. And unfortunately being an old-fashioned bore with few modern appreciations I am not a fan of these changes. Firstly the change of Rum Tum Tugger from a sexy Elvis-like character with the mane and suave attitude he has become a rapper; and the song, for me, does not work with the rest of the show, bring back Tugger. “Growltiger’s Last Stand” has also had some significant changes with the Ballad of Billy McCaw being cut and the music going to a swingy-jazz style; again I prefer the original version of this song. I think there have also been some changes to the music composition in the Jellicle Ball scene; I think. This being one of my favourite songs of the whole performance I was slightly disappointed when I realised this. I just don’t see why something that worked well and was clearly loved by many needed to change and be updated. And yes I do know the answer to make Cats more modern; to appeal to a wider audience? I would hazard a guess; however I do honestly feel the original productions, scenes and songs were much better than the new modernised versions. As Gus says himself, “These modern productions are all very well, But there's nothing to equal from what I hear tell, That moment of mystery when I made history”; Cats made history with the original production – no need to modernise it.

 

To say cats is my favourite musical you would not believe so regarding the previous paragraph of this post. I think because it is my absolute favourite I have felt so passionate about these changes. The same reaction would happen if some of my other top 5 (Rocky Horror or Priscilla) changed. I am now going to highlight why the show is my favourite. The music is ultimately gorgeous and Lloyd Webber has simply excelled with his orchestral pieces within Cats and the music he has composed to compliment the collection of poems regarding Cat behaviour in T S Eliot’s ‘Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats’. If People haven’t read the collection it really is a funny and enjoyable read, many of the poems make the lyrics to the songs of Cats. Some of my favourite songs  in Cats are the Prologue (Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats – I love the bit where we find out all different types of ‘cal’ cats; which actually had additional material written by Tervor Nunn and Richard Stilgoe). I am a big fan of the songs Demeter and Bombalurina sing (mainly Grizabella and Macavity) – I so want a collection of cats to name them all these fantastical names. Skimbleshanks and Mr Mistoffelees are most probably two of the most well-known songs from Cats and these also form part of my top-Cats song list (no pun intended). I absolutely adore Gus (Asparagus) and Jellylorum who both sing ‘Gus: The Theatre Cat’ and I can actually sing the song word for word which if you know me clearly makes this one of my all-time favourite songs in any context (they also sing ‘Growltiger’s last Stand). I would be shocked if anyone has not heard of memory; the classical song from Cats. Grizabella who sings the song is not part of T S Eliot’s collection and the character was created by Lloyd Webber for Cats and lyrics to Memory were by Trevor Nunn. This song is absolutely gorgeous and so emotional. Beverley Knight portrays Grizabella in this new production of Cats and she was absolutely amazing. Her voice, so powerful and soulful, really gives you goose pimples especially when she hits that note near the end of Memory (reprise), I was shivering.  Knight really shone during the production even though poor Grizabella does not feature for that long in the performance (a rest after her Memphis stint). One problem I did have with Knight was her cackle during the first rendition of Memory – I did not get this and have never seen another Grizabella cackle.

 

The Choreography is phenomenal and I don’t think anyone can doubt or criticise how much effort goes into each performance; the main chorus of cats must be mentally and physically exhausted after dancing like that. Gillian Lynne was the original choreographer for Cats and actually returned for the make-over of the show. Lynne won the 1981 Olivier for Outstanding Achievement of the Year in Musicals for Cats. She also won a special Olivier award at the 2013 ceremony and Cats performed The Jellicle Ball on the night showing off her amazing talent as a choreographer. Bill Deamer was the creator of the Gumble tap dance in The Old Gumbie Cat scene. The lighting is gorgeous and takes a lot of work due to the amount of characters coming out at different times and the old fashioned coloured bulb is beautiful, especially during the more up-beat songs. I feel the lighting immensely reflects the mood on stage and the emotions of the cats; Howard Eaton was the lighting designer originally designed by David Hersey. I have to comment on the fantastic make-up of the actors, they look so good and offer some real feline personality. Designed by John Napier and developed by Karen Dawson I would happily let them make me up into a cat (I think Bill Bailey’s patchy face would suit me!). Trevor Nunn also directed the performance and we are a big fan of Nunn as he is a fellow Suffolkeon.

 

I need to mention Adam Linstead who played Old Deuteronomy; the leader of the Jellicle Cats. This character has a lovely song, ‘The Ad-Dressing of Cats’ which ends the performance. Old Deuteronomy remains on the stage during the interval and you can go and meet him. So of course me and Ma Beez went to queue, pushing past all the kids to get to the front. He was so lovely and signed my programme; the fifth one I now have for Cats J. He asked if I was enjoying myself and I of course said “Yes”, stating it was my fifth time and he suggested I knew the show better than the cast. Of course I naturally agreed with him and offered my services to the show if anyone was sick or ill. He did say that there was a few off sick today hence why I have not mentioned any names within the main body of the post for individual actors in case they actually were not in it – it’s difficult to tell from programme to a face on stage that looks like a cat. However the cast were all fantastic (apart from the new Rum Tum Tugger – sorry the character is supposed to be sexy and confident not a comedian). No in all honesty the cast are fantastic and really put a lot of effort into each performance.

 

I am going to have to finish this post soon it is becoming huge and my longest post yet (size does not matter lol!). If I have forgotten to mention anyone else from the production team or cast I whole heartedly apologise but I am running out of space – let me know and if I feel you deserve a comment I will make additions. Cats is a fantastic show and you have to see it if you never have and why not see it multiple times; I still love it. Even if you prefer the original full performance it is on DVD so you can watch it there; I think people should be aware some major revisions have occurred which may cause surprise. Cats has been translated into 20 different languages and toured all over the world in most continents (maybe all??); currently playing in Australia, France and Japan. The current stint at The Palladium is running until January 2^nd 2016 so there is not much time left to see it. The show won the 1981 Olivier for best new musical and has been nominated for two this year (winning neither L); in 1983 winning 7 Tony’s too. So it is a really fantastic show! So until the next time I see Cats live, and who knows where that will be, enjoy yourselves.

Handbagged @ Norwich Theatre Royal

Hello everyone and hope all is well. A surprise visit cropped up last night (10^th November 2015) to The Norwich Theatre Royal to see ‘Handbagged’; and I definitely wasn’t turning that down. I invited Nanny Cora with me of course so I had to dash from work Tuesday afternoon, get to Norwich and meet her. She decided to get the bus which I was dubious about for obvious reasons. I met her in Norwich and we had a quick tea in a very well-known fast food McRestaurant which filled a hole prior to the stroll to the Royal. I have said it before but to any new readers Norwich Theatre Royal is attracting some great touring performances and I have word that these great performances will be continuing into 2016 (great news!). As the title of the blog suggests I am a musical theatre fan however I do not look down on a musical that does not have any singing or dancing, i.e. a play. I have written previously about plays and I really enjoy them. My theatrical philosophy on this is that the musical and the play offer audiences something very different, yet pulls at the same artistic heart strings as theatre-goers have. I will always prefer a musical as I love to sing and dance, not well I hear those who know me shout,  however I am becoming a bigger fan of plays the more I see and I may have to take the word ‘musical’ out of the title of my blog if this continues. So we went to see Handbagged and I was super impressed I have to say; Handbagged won the 2014 Olivier award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre. I have heard on the grapevine that Handbagged has been receiving great reviews from those in musical theatre so this programmed my mind and the play had to live up to my now positive preconceptions. And, it did!

For those of you who have not heard about Handbagged before I will provide a simplistic synopsis. Based on the lives of Margaret Thatcher while in post as Prime Minister and the weekly meetings she had with Queen Elizabeth II, Handbagged is a laugh a minute satirical play. The play adopts a mix of styles and approaches to theatre which complimented each other throughout the whole performance. There are elements of flashbacks, with lesser important (apologies) characters also acting as narrators and talking to the audience, as well as The Iron Lady and The Queen too. I like the breaking of the fourth wall, or as some call an actor aside; meaning the actors are talking directly to the audience. Thatcher and The Queen are portrayed both at different ages and times in their lives; once when Thatcher is in post and the other when she is out of post looking back on her time and Elizabeth at these times. Initially this was confusing for me; I almost thought young Queen was nervous and seeking reassurance from Old Queen when making eye contact with each other. I actually loved this way of portraying the Queen and Thatcher, for me it made them feel real and genuine. This approach allowed both characters to have vulnerable sides and look back on their time together and dispute what they may or may not have said and comment on their past actions. I am not going to dwell further on this as you should see the play for yourselves and make your own minds up

 

Moira Buffini is the British playwright who is the brains and talent behind this brilliant play. Indhu Rubasingham directed the play with Richard Kent as the designer. The show originated as a one act play (and I think Queen Elizabeth the II wished it still was). The staging is very minimalist however when Oliver Fenwick (lighting designer) kicks his talent into the play the background lights up which represented true Britain. Randomly there was a song or two if I remember quite rightly and this may be why a lot of musical theatre fans have warmed humbly to Handbagged (thanks Carolyn Downing, sound designer). I think this play does sell itself to those individuals who were interested in politics during the Thatcher reign or those that had a vote. Any royalist will also have a great time when watching Handbagged; highlighting alongside the satire and hilarity some of the serious moral issues and complications both queen Elizabeth II and Thatcher faced in the 1980’s. I think if I didn’t have an interest in politics or was a big royalist I may not have enjoyed the show as much, plus the A-level in politics and government helps out. I would suggest if one did not have an understanding of this time period one might not laugh as much as one would hope. One.  

For me the star of the show was definitely Susie Blake who portrayed Q (older Queen Elizabeth II). Blake is a well-known British actress who has warmed the hearts of many viewers with her portrayals in Corrie, Mrs Brown Boys, Victoria Wood and much more, even starring in Wicked in the West End. For me Blake stole the show with her quick wit which had the audience in stitches. Her acting was also impeccable; she really was able to portray the Queen and I am sure if Blake puts on the costume and does the Christmas Speech for 2015 no one will know. Young queen or Liz was portrayed by Emma Handy who also gave a really top notch performance. Kate Fahy played T or older Thatcher and her attention to acting detail really made her performance stand out, from the walk to the hand twitch she really had the Iron Lady fully on stage. Young Thatcher or Mags is played by Sanchia McCormack and I have nothing to say but ace acting and what a voice. All four actresses really suited to sharing the stage even though only two people were being portrayed at any one time, artistically crazy! It was clear that Blake and Handy as well as Fahy and McCormack are playing the same character. I think to be able to do this demonstrates some pretty excellent acting skills and just shows how fantastic the creative team worked on Handbagged to make it what it is. Actor 1 (Asif Kahn) and Actor 2 (Richard Teverson) play various roles (about ten each, maybe more) throughout the performance of those people who Thatcher and the Queen came into contact with over the years. Although sometimes I thought they took the attention away from the ladies (and I suspect intentionally) I thought they really performed all parts well; and Mags and Liz soon put them in their place. It definitely shows some talent to flit between characters on stage; plus the bit of cross dressing had me at Handbag! I will comment on voice acting and accents before I leave you in peace. All six performers (such a small cast) had the most fantastic accents, particularly the ladies. They really portrayed Thatcher’s voice and intonation as did those playing Liz and Q. A post royal accent to a non-Grantham middle class Oxford accent, even Thatcher’s booming voice was there. I hope I have sold this show and you go and see it; I don’t want to give any more away as it really is a great show. The play is whole heartedly a comedy and it really does get the audience laughing and giggling, as I was leaving the theatre everyone was commenting on how good it was and how much they enjoyed it. Handbagged definitely deserved a standing ovation even thought they didn’t get one (I was standing up in my head). Handbagged is at the Theatre Royal, Norwich until Saturday 14^th November before going to Cheltenham, Richmond and Bath, presented by Tricycle Theatre. I do hope you get to see it and if you don’t I hope the team decide to continue the tour or do another one soon. It really is a right ol’ political-laughing, royal-loving, Handbaggin’ night!