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!