Beauty and the Beast panto @ Marina Theatre Lowestoft

So I was invited to another Panto over the weekend, this time it was Beauty and the Beast at the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft. I had to take my little niece Amelia. I took her last year to see Sleeping Beauty (and she didn’t stop talking about it for the whole year). This year she was so so so excited to see Beauty and the Beast. She has been so excited all week and when I got to my sister’s house to pick her up she was dressed head to toe, tiara included, in her Belle outfit and she looked like an adorable little princess, even though I am biased, I think you’ll agree she was very royal. We got to the Marina and I have to thank the staff for their warm and welcoming greeting. It was such a fun night, we both had lots of fun dancing in our seats, shouting out to the characters and Amelia absolutely loved it. I said to the Marina Theatre staff before we arrived that it is the child’s opinion more than mine that counts and I have to say, my niece absolutely loved it.

Paul Holman Associates have yet again produced this panto which has been sponsored by cottages.com. Most will know the story of Beauty and the Beast from the famous Disney version, this is the one myself and Amelia mostly know. The story shows quaint and quiet little Belle forced to live with a Beast in order to free her father. She soon starts to realise that the Beast is not as bad as she first envisaged and eventually falls in love with him, breaking the curse on the Beast and his enchanted castle. Obviously it is not that simple when you have a witch and a self-centred misogynist in the way but as with all fairy tales a happy ending is achieved. The beautiful Angela Lansbury song does not feature in this panto although we listened to it in the car to make up for that.

  Jeremy Edwards, best known for his roles in Holby City and Hollyoaks, stars in this year’s panto cast. Playing the role of Gaston, not exactly the villain of the show, but definitely no hero, he is seen as the heartthrob in the story but the only one who does not see things this way is Belle herself. Edwards made several naughty jokes during the performance which I am sure the adults will enjoy and the children won’t have a clue what’s going on. Terry Gleed returned to Lowestoft this year again in the comedic role, this time as Freddy. Gleed is a natural comic on stage and is very entertaining. He is very good and interactive with the audience and the smart fart thing at the end with the children from the audience had me in stitches. Fenton Gray joins the cast as Madame Cherie Trifle. I am pleased to know that Gray was once one of my favourite characters in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, Gus the Theatre Cat. Gray has some very interesting costumes and attire in the panto, all of which were hilariously entertaining. I am absolutely gutted I missed the massage scene as Amelia needed to go to the toilet but I heard so many laughs from the auditorium, when I returned Gray was a cooked turkey – don’t ask just go find out for yourselves that’s all I can say. My favourite bit from Gray has to be his rendition of Beyoncé’s Single Ladies. I don’t think he will win an MTV award but he definitely entertained me.

Helen Jeckells duals as the Hagwitch and also choreographed the show. I spoke to her during rehearsals and she said how excited she was to be both on stage as the witch and behind the scenes as the choreographer. Jeckells performance was Amelia’s favourite and she spoke about how much she loved her voice, hair and costume. Matthew Wellman is the Beast and Prince. I really liked his performance and the tribute to Phantom of the Opera, he definitely had that phantom voice and presence on stage, and I thought his performance was great. Molly Howe is Fairy Rosebud and she is a very angelic and happy fairy on stage. I particularly loved her glittery flowery wand. Rosie Hale joins the cast as Belle and Graeme Henderson plays her father.     

There are lots of music, dancing, singing and of course with all pantos’ plenty of audience participation. It is very child friendly and definitely worth taking the children to see this year. Richard Cheshire has directed this panto and I have to admit there is plenty of entertainment for the adult audience too. Lots of comedy to be had by the whole family and the group of older ladies in front of me were definitely getting there monies worth by getting fully involved so you are bound to have some fun and laughter while at the Marina Theatre’s panto. There are usually two performances a day up until New Year’s Day but it is best to check the website for full details and check availability or alternatively phone the box office on (01522) 533 200. Hot off the press also, the panto for next year at the Marina Theatre will be Aladdin and I have to say my niece is already excited, asking when can we go; so as you can see it is a really fun night and we will definitely be returning next year to see Aladdin. Please get in touch on twitter @AaronBurgess89. And have a wonderful Christmas and all the best for 2017.

Jack and the Beanstalk Panto at Norwich Theatre Royal

It’s that time of year again, Christmas, which can mean only one thing, Panto season! So as you can all assume I was very excited last week when I went to see the Norwich Theatre Royal panto for 2016, Jack and the Beanstalk. After last year’s fantastic performance of Snow White I was super excited as you can imagine. I thought I would take Mother along with me as she loves a bit of theatre and audience participation. We went for a Nando’s before (of course now I get the 20% NHS discountJ). I tell you this as it features in the panto. I also cannot believe that I met Helen Fraser, best known in my eyes for playing Sylvia ‘BodyBag’ Hollamby in the ITV series Bad Girls (me and Mother were such great fans). And it was also fantastic to see darts sports personality Bobby George enjoying a bit of panto. We had such a great evening. Yes it is all a bit cheesy but I love cheese. The NTR panto is full of singing, dancing, great costumes, audience participation, rhyming couplets and a bit of entertainment for the adults. It is absolute great fun for all the family.

Jack and the Beanstalk panto for NTR is written, directed and starring Richard Gauntlett, playing the panto Dame Nigella Trottalot. I am a big fan of Gauntlett’s, seeing him last year in the panto was a great experience and he was a great dame again this year. I also saw him on the Gilbert and Sullivan tour in Pirates this year. He really engages well with the audience, makes them laugh loads and gets everyone involved. My mum particularly loved the Nando’s joke and she could not stop laughing for about 5 minutes, I think she may have annoyed some other patrons. I was a bit gutted that his outfits were not as outrageous as last year though, although I still hope we see Dicky next year for his 17^th year at NTR panto. The production is very professional and it honestly reflects some of the amazing touring musical productions I have seen throughout the year. The production has a western and country theme running through it which was fabulous. With a Dolly Parton themed introduction to the story and some country cheesy music alongside tributes to Oklahoma! And Guys and Dolls musicals I was in my element, so thank you for whoever decided to use these songs (musical director and arranger was David Carter).

The cast of the panto are fantastic; they all gel so well together on stage. The famous ballet dancer Wayne Sleep also stars in this production as the panto villain. He was ace as this character and reminded me of Beverley Leslie in the Will and Grace series, playing a slightly camp villain, which is not a bad thing. I loved the fact he did some dancing throughout the show and a good tap dance at the end. I absolutely loved Dolly the Fairy (guess who she was based upon) played by Harriet Bunton. Bunton had a great country accent and her singing voice was lovely, I would actually like to hear her sing the 9 to 5 song with the real words. The heart throb from last year’s panto, David Burilin, returned again this year as titled character Jack, playing the role very well. David Gant is there playing the Sheriff. Ben Langley has returned to play the ‘fool’ (I am not sure of the professional term J) in this year’s performance in the role of Silly Billy, Jack’s brother. Langley is fantastic in the show, he has a fantastic comedic stage presence and his relationship with Gauntlett on stage is priceless to watch. He interacts perfectly with the audience members of all ages. The funniest part was at the end when some children from the audience were invited up to sing old McDonald Farm. It was so funny, I can’t actually explain how much I was laughing, I think the horse noise will make me laugh for many weeks to come.  I have to say the set of panto babes from the Central School of Dancing and Performing Arts were hilarious, especially the little one who plays the little yellow chick – she was actually amazing. I am not sure which set we saw (blue, orange or red), but they were fantastic, and they all deserve a round of applause.

The effects in the performance are brilliant. The working waterfall on stage last year was fantastic but the giant this year is amazing. I was wondering before the show how the giant would be portrayed on stage and how the beanstalk would grow. It really was great and who knew inflatables aren’t just for bouncing on or floating on. The giant comes to life and the audience sets eyes on a talking, blinking giant. One girl was crying in the interval, but I have to say I think the majority of children will not find him too scary. Kirsteen Wythe has created the costumes again this year. The curtain call (wedding) outfits for the whole cast were gorgeous.  The sparkles, glitter, colours and elegance were beautiful to see. Some of the Dame’s costumes were high-class but I did not think they had the same pizazz as last year. The scenery was amazing as I have said before it really does resemble some of the amazing touring musical productions from this year, on occasions surpassing them by a lot, congratulations goes to Scenic Pantomimes from Lowestoft.

The Norwich Theatre Royal’s panto of Jack and the Beanstalk is a fantastic and professional show and is definitely worth watching this festive period. You will be guaranteed all the usual aspects of a panto that make them so much fun as well as fantastic happy feeling as you leave once the show has come to its end. The whole family, whether you are 2 or 92, will enjoy the show, there is something in this production for all, you are bound to enjoy. The show runs from now until Sunday 15^th January 2017. There are countless of performances from now until the end of the run and it is best to visit the website, just click on the link above. As can be predicted the showings during December are either sold out or limited availability with more ticket options available for the January showings, so hurry up and get yours. I am now getting ready and excited for next year’s panto which will be Sleeping Beauty, I believe tickets are available already for next year and there is a discount on the good seats if you pay by February 2017. I have some more posts to write but if you don’t read them I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas and all the best for 2017, please get in touch @AaronBurgess89.

The Committments on tour, Norwich Theatre Royal

On the evening of the 28^th November 2016 moi and le boyfriend, Ben, went to the Norwich Theatre Royal to see the touring version of the smash hit West End musical, The Commitments. I have to say we are quite enjoying our early week evenings popping to the NTR for a glass of vino and a musical show; plus the silly pictures and videos we take. Well we had a really great night; even the encore at the end by the cast was thoroughly welcomed, despite the urgency for the loo. I first went to see The Commitments in October last year with Nanny Cora at The Palace Theatre where it was coming to end of its run (and just as this blog was starting out – check out the previous blog here). I remember when I wrote the previous blog post for this that I said I liked the musical but was not blown away by it. I had recently seen Sunny Afternoon in London at the time and, for me, this was a much better musical centring on a band. FYI Sunny Afternoon is due to arrive next year on tour at Norwich Theatre Royal so keep your eyes out for this. Despite saying this I really had a great time at The Commitments and found it much more entertaining the second time around. Maybe it was more familiar this time or being in a smaller theatre making it a much more intimate or maybe it was something else, who knows.

The Commitments is based on the 1987 novel by Roddy Doyle which later was transformed into a musical film in 1991. The book, musical film and stage adaptation tells the story of a young Irish soul fan who wants to assemble his own soul band in the mid-1980’s in Dublin. He has a mix of characters that want to be in his band, and as you can guess it, with a mix of individual personalities there are bound to be some fall outs, romances and eternal friendships. The Commitments is known as a jukebox musical and takes some of the most classic songs from the soul era and transforms them all into a visually fantastic story/musical. There are over 40 fantastic soul songs that feature in this musical and no way can I name them all; see the previous post for a few. But it is fantastic to hear all these classic tunes amalgamated into an on-stage musical. As I discussed with Judy Foster, Norwich Theatre Royal’s communications officer on the night, it was absolutely brilliant hearing all these songs transformed into a modern musical. A couple of my favourites were Proud Mary and River Deep, Mountain High, and I think one of the ones that got Ben toe-tapping (LOL!) was Think, of course by Aretha; other soul classics feature are those by James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson. It is an absolute gem; the only problem is that with so many classic songs some of them are not played in full and only feature as a small reference point in the show.

With direction, additional staging and choreography by Caroline-Jay and Denise Ranger this musical will definitely entertain even the slightest soul fan, let alone a real fanatic. I really liked the set of The Commitments; it stuck very close to its West End version which I believe is really important for a touring production. Soutra Gilmour (also costume designer) transforms the stage frequently from a decrepit garage to a less decrepit stage. However saying this it really gives the audience the honest and authentic raw nature of seeing a live band. I have to say there weren’t many changes from the West End version and it is just as good (and even better in my mind) on tour. As with any musical that tries to recreate live bands and singers there has to be that lighting effect that makes you feel like you are actually at a real gig. Jon Clark definitely achieves this, despite nearly blinding us all at the end during the encore.

A few of the main guys in the musical have joined the touring cast from their time on the show in London. I saw Brian Gilligan in the role of Deco at the Palace Theatre who reprises his role on this tour. He originally played Billy Moody in the musical however he is much better suited in the role of Deco. Although his character is a bit of a difficult band-mate, nicest way to put it I think, I really enjoy his singing voice and energy on stage. Gilligan is also a very big crowd pleaser during the encore which really ends the show on a feel good footing. The non-singing character in the musical, Jimmy Rabbitte, is played by Andrew Linnie, who originated the role of Dean, but later played the role of Jimmy too and I cannot remember if it was him I saw when I went in London. But he is a great character and actor, just a shame he doesn’t have one full song. The role of Jimmy’s Da (and Caretaker) is played by Kevin Kennedy, best known for his role as the sex symbol Curly for many years in Coronation Street, alongside one of my favourite British acting talents, Sarah Lancashire. I was supposed to see Kennedy in the role of Pop in We Will Rock You at The Dominion, but he wasn’t there the night I went which was a shame. So I was really looking forward to seeing him in The Commitments. The only problem was he isn’t in it much. He is definitely the funny character in the show, with his Irish swearing, but a lack of scenes and singing was a little disappointing.

The remaining characters of the band are all very talented musicians and as many of you know as I repeat this all the time I really enjoy it when the characters play musical instruments live on stage (of course when it is relevant and adds to the show). This definitely is needed as you can well assume in The Commitments but it is great. The transitions from practicing in the garage to being at a gig are very smooth. I also love the female backing singing trio, the Committmentettes (not sure on spelling) as I did in the original West End performance. This time the trio were portrayed by Amy Penston (as Natalie), Leah Penston (as Imelda; coincidence or sisters – not sure?) and Christina Tedders (as Bernie). These three have great stage presence and really soulful singing voices which was lovely.

If you love soul music, or even just enjoy some of that style of music The Commitments is a great show to see, especially while this fantastic West End revival is right on the Norfolk doorstep. As Ben said it is actually a really good feel-good musical and it makes you smile and laugh throughout; and even a bit of dancing maybe (I am sure me and Nanny Cora had a boogie in the Palace seats). The show is at the NorwichTheatre Royal until Saturday 3^rd December. There are limited seats for the remaining performances, 7:30 on the evenings and a 2:30 matinee on the Saturday. Check out the theatre website for what’s on for the rest of the year and remember this year’s panto, starring ballet dancer Wayne Sleep, Jack and the Beanstalk starts on December 13^th – it’s nearly CHRISTMAS!!! Please get in touch, would love to hear from some of you @AaronBurgess89.

Breakfast at Tiffany's, Norwich Theatre Royal

The evening of Monday 14^th November 2016 me and the boyfriend went to see the opening night of Breakfastat Tiffany’s at the Norwich Theatre Royal (I think I’ve got him hooked on musicals and theatre shows now, let’s hope he reads this and gets me a West End ticket for Christmas or my birthday next year – hint hint!!). We had a lovely time and really enjoyed the play. I first saw Breakfast at Tiffany’s in April of this year at The Grand in Leeds which starred Pixie Lott before she starred in the West End version of the play. I am so pleased I got to see the show again, despite a different Holly Golightly, as I now understand the story so much better. Also I have not yet watched the film as I had promised in my previous blog post about the show, maybe I will by the time I see the show again, if I do. I hope not to repeat myself too much in this post, but as I said the cast were very much the same. Which I have to say makes me commend them all, as I did not feel at all like the cast, for at least the past seven months, have been doing the same show every night which just shows the quality and talent of this elegant play and those in it.

You can read a bit of the background of Breakfast at Tiffany’s from my previous post, please go have a look at. This play is based on Truman Capote's novella which was also transformed into the much loved film starring Audrey Hepburn. In this production Holly Golightly, the protagonist of the play, is played by Georgia May Foote, best known for her role as Katy Armstrong in Coronation Street. I thought Foote was a fantastic Holly Golightly and her voice gave me genuine flashbacks to Lott’s portrayal of the same famous character. She had the flirtation down to a tea as well as the spontaneity and mystery that Golightly occupies. She also sings in this production although I definitely have a feeling she didn’t sing as much as Lott did in the earlier productions (this may be a complete mistake on my part so I apologise if so). However saying that, I absolutely enjoyed Foote’s singing and it was really nice, I particularly love the song Moon River. I am not a big fan of soap operas, however Ben watches them from time to time and he did say it was hard to get the picture of her in Coronation Street out of his mind while watching her on stage as an American socialite, which I can understand as I have experienced the same with other performances from different people.

Matt Barber (as Fred) and Victor McGuire (as Joe Bell) continue in the show and both play great roles, particularly Barber, I really liked his portrayal as Fred as I did last time. Two people I didn’t mention last time but who I really enjoyed this time were: David Cardy as O J Berman and Melanie La Barrie as Mme Spanella and Stern Lady Boss (love that character name). I thought La Barrie was the funniest of the night. She really made me laugh, especially when she was skating about the stage (so random). She has been in loads of musicals too which is great, I would love to see her sing in the near future. Cardy I am sure was not in the previous production I saw in Leeds but I would have to check this out digging out my programme. I saw Cardy in Made in Dagenham and I hear him often on the soundtrack which frequently features as my travelling to and from work album. This time the role of Mag, who is also very funny, was played by Katy Allen and I also very much enjoyed her drunken southern accent. And guess what, Bob the Cat was back, I cannot believe he is still in it, he has been so busy, he must be the richest cat I know (not that I know him personally). Bob still gets the biggest “awwwwws” of the night. What was especially funny was as we were heading for the car after the show we saw Bob the Cat getting in his taxi, he has his own taxi, this cat lives in style, bloody hilarious.

I remember saying in my last blog post that Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a great play and really enjoyable to watch but not a terrible amount goes on. I have since changed my mind second time round. I understand the storyline much better and understand Holly’s behaviour so much more. I have to say that Act one is a little slow but by Act two I am really into the play and what Holly is doing and where she is going. I mentioned this last time but I am a massive fan of the set (Matthew Wright, who was also costume designer). Despite a big mistake and the wrong drop coming down (which I forgave) I love the details of the bedrooms. From the ripped wall paper to the dirty tea towel it all just feels so professional and real. I still don’t understand the colour of the turquoise and its prominence in the play but maybe this is related to the film somehow. I particularly like the scaffolding thing that you often see in American films (Pretty Woman, which she climbs down) and the use of this within the story. Ben Cracknell’s lighting is also amazingly effective, from rain to paparazzi it all fits into place as part of the wider story.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s finishes its current tour at the Norwich Theatre Royal this weekend. Tickets are still available for the Thursday and Friday evening performances, both Saturday’s matinee and evening performances have very limited tickets left and I would hazard a guess these will be sold out by the time Saturday arrives (I cannot believe another week has nearly past us). It is a really enjoyable show; most play enthusiasts will really enjoy Breakfast at Tiffany’s and this is coming from a musical addict remember. And on different news from the Norwich Theatre Royal some new shows have been announced which will soon be arriving on our Norfolk doorstep, which is extremely exciting. Fantastic musicals including Sister Act, Funny Girl and Running Wild are due to arrive and family classics including Fantastic Mr Fox and Granny Gangsta. 2017 is going to be a very special year at the Theatre Royal and don’t forget this year’s panto, Jack and the Beanstalk will soon be here (13^th December to 15^th January), tickets are now available. Please get in touch; I would love to hear from some of the people reading the posts AaronBurgess89.

Chicago at Norwich Theatre Royal

Another visit to the Theatre RoyalNorwich on Tuesday night (31^st October) to see the touring production of Chicago The Musical, hereafter referred to as simply Chicago (I always pronounce it as Chic-A-Go after Peter Kay). I was originally meant to be going with my fabulous Bezzie, Kaz, however after a horrible incident with her car (hope it gets sorted soon Beez) and me having assessments the following day on the new job I took along my boyfriend Ben for our first live musical experience together. We both had a lovely time and really enjoyed this production of Chicago. Similar to my last review, The Sound of Music, the filmed version of the musical is so well known and starring the likes of Renėe Zellweger, Richard Gere, Catherine Zeta Jones and John C Reilly, so many people think they will see a carbon copy of what a film shows the audience. No, no, no, that is not the case with a stage (or film) adaptation, there are changes and differences, some slight, some huge. I really enjoyed the stage version of Chicago, the first time I have seen it on stage (I have seen the movie a few times of course). It is really worth seeing at the Theatre Royal, tickets are available for Thursday evening performance (7:30pm) but all others are sold out so keep an eye out for re-sales or phone the box office (01603 63 00 00).

Chicago is a vaudeville musical using aspects of song and dance, mime, acrobats, circus, puppetry and ventriloquism as well as other forms of theatrical entertainment to tell it’s story. This story being about murder, adultery, fame, cheats, lies, relationships and corruption – how cheerful I hear you cry. This musical has lyrics by Fred Ebb and music by John Kander (another well-known Kander and Ebb musical of course being Cabaret). The original book was also by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse (Fosse also directing and choreographing the original Broadway production in 1975). Chicago has some fantastic numbers that are recreated in the 2002 film; however what the film didn’t show us was some of the other classic songs. One song you will know and love is ‘All That Jazz’ sung by Velma Kelly at the very start of the performance. Kander and Ebb are also to thank for the other Chicago hits including, ‘Cell Block Tango’, ‘When You’re Good to Mama’, ‘All I Care About’, ‘A Little Bit of Good’ (not in the film), ‘We Both Reached for the Gun’, ‘Mister Cellophane’, ‘Razzle Dazzle’ and the amazing finale which is pure fabulousness. I have to say the Chicago soundtrack is great to listen to and of course with the vaudeville theme running through the whole musical there are some beautiful variations in performance and style so you will definitely not get bored.

As many readers of this blog will know I love it when the orchestra are on stage throughout the performance. I love it as they get their own spot in the lime light which is so well deserved. Often hidden below the stage or off into the wings the audience can quickly forget there is a band creating all this wonderful music. Well when the curtain went up and the full band that were presented to me I gasped. I think Ben thought I was gasping at the male dancer who happened to be topless, but no, it was the band on stage that did it for me, honest! The ten-piece orchestra was directed by Leon Charles and he himself was a full member of the cast by the end, shouting to the audience, dancing in his box, leaning over his box with some interesting dance choices. Yeah he deserved his round of applause and even more. Ben commented saying how much he enjoyed the orchestrations and for him one of the best bits of the production was the band, it was great. I thought the stage direction and movement was wonderful to watch however one thing I didn’t really understand was the ensemble sat on the side of the stage when not performing. I have seen this executed well in other musicals (such as Once), however it did not appear to add anything to the story or music and therefore I felt this was not necessary in this production. 

I have to admit that the staging is very minimal and I am not sure if this is coming from the original stage production, but this is a problem when musicals are made into films as a stripped back musical can be completely changed. I have to admit I didn’t mind the minimalistic stage design (John Lee Beatty) but it was a shame that there wasn’t more costume changes (William Ivey Long) with more than just Black as the predominant colour choice. I have to say the costumes were all very sensual and sexual which is great for Chicago, I guess I like a bit of glitz and colour, especially for a finale of any musical act. Ken Billington’s lighting was something I did very much enjoy, apart from when the first court room scene appears on stage as I was nearly blinded, but generally fabulous mood and scene setting by Billington.

The star of the show for me has to be Hayley Tamaddon who plays Roxie Hart (I sometimes think I could have been Roxie Hart, as if I had been born a girl this was what my Mother was going to call me). Tamaddon was a brilliant Roxie Hart. She is perhaps best known for her soap roles in Emmerdale and more recently Coronation Street and I think when you know a soap star you don’t ever think about their singing voice (this is a theme of this post). Well Tamaddon has an amazing voice, best on the stage that night I think. She had power and sass which is what you need when singing as poor little viper, Roxie. Tamaddon also had the comedic ability to play the role; she was funny and had the audience laughing out loud with her shenanigans on stage. What I also loved about Tamaddon was how much fun she was having on stage, she clearly loved being up there and playing the role of Roxie which to me means everything. Jessie Wallace, also best known for her portrayal as Kat Slater in EastEnders, again someone you don’t automatically think of as having a great voice. Wallace plays Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, the keeper of the keys down at the prison. Wallace has a great voice and it was so strange hearing her with an American accent and not that London spark (“Oh yes I am your mother” – brilliant). Slater reminded me of Karen in the hit US comedy Will and Grace, not sure why but she did. The only problem with playing Mama Morton is you are not on stage that much which was a huge shame. A D Richardson plays Mary Sunshine, one of my favourite characters who is certainly undervalued in the film as the character loses her song and is featured less. Richardson is a very convincing (SPOILER ALERT) woman in the musical and if that was his actual signing voice, standing ovation to you, loved it! It was so good at one point it felt like he could have been miming, he is a fun and funny Mary Sunshine, and we all know a female impersonator on stage gets my vote every time.

Neil Ditt portrayed Amos, the poor husband of Roxie who is almost invisible to the rest of society. I feel so sorry for Amos and the audience agreed with me as he was receiving so much sympathy every time he walked off stage. A great version of Mister Cellophane was sang by Ditt. Sophie Carmen-Jones plays Velma Kelly, a sadistic entertainer who will kill if she needs to, although she also suffers amnesia it seems. I have to say I was not blown away with Carmen-Jones performance and I thought her singing voice was poor compared to her fellow thespians. I loved her solo dance numbers and when dancing with the rest of the company but it was the singing that just didn’t get me going unfortunately. John Partridge (better known for playing Christian in EastEnders – see what I mean I felt like I was at the National Soap Opera Awards) plays Billy Flynn. Now maybe this is because Richard Gere played Flynn in the film but I felt like Partridge camped up the role. Don’t get me wrong, I love a camp character on stage and I look forward to seeing Partridge in La Cage Aux Folles early in 2017 at Norwich where I am sure he will camp it up. However for me, Billy Flynn is a flirtatious man who will use his charm and demur to get whatever he wants and needs; and I just wasn’t getting that from Partridge. I know he can do it as I have seen the filmed version of Cats countless times where he plays the Rum Tum Tugger, the sexiest cat of them all, so I was slightly disappointed.

Chicago is at Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday 5^th November 2016, as I said only Thursday evening has tickets available. It is well worth a see but remember if you have only ever seen the film go with a fresh and open mind and don’t expect to see the film copied onto stage. It is a fun night and I have certainly been singing some of the songs today. After Norwich Chicago is due to visit Leeds, Sunderland, and Birmingham and please check the website for casting changes as I feeling there may be some. Hopefully you will get to see it somewhere is not hopefully a new tour will arrive soon. Chicago still plays in Broadway and a US tour is currently underway so that is always an excuse to visit the states. Please get in touch on Twitter, AaronBurgess89, would love to hear some comments from you all.

The Sound of Music, Norwich Theatre Royal

Last Tuesday evening (18^th October) me and my sister Fern went to see The Sound of Music at the NorwichTheatre Royal. Before we start I would like to dedicate this post to Charmian Carr who recently passed away; Carr played Liesl in the film version. I know the show has now moved on from Norwich and I apologise about my tardiness with this post. I have recently moved into a new house and am still waiting for my internet connection to be up and running and what with the hectic move and still recently into a new job, it has caused problems with being able to write and post. However, enough with my issues on with the blog. I have to start with a caveat; I am the biggest fan of the film version of The Sound of Music. It has been my favourite film since a very young age and I spent most of my early childhood weekends watching the film over and over again. At one point I watched the ‘So Long, Farewell’ scene so many times that the video was distorted in this section. Well now I have a DVD version which is great, so long as it doesn’t get scratched. I hadn’t seen a stage version of the show until last Christmas, I believe it was ITV who aired a live filmed production, based on the original 1959 stage production, naturally I was very excited. You can imagine my face when I witnessed how different the stage show is from the film. If you are someone of a similar position to mine and a huge fan of the film you may be slightly disappointed with the stage show as there are multiple differences. For example the song order is different, some songs are sang in different formats by different people, different characters say different things and there seems to be a bigger political theme in the stage show.

This production ran for a week at the Norwich Theatre Royal and I am aware that the subsequent performances from my show were sold out which is great news. The audience absolutely loved the show and a deserved standing ovation was delivered at the end of the performance, which me and the sis were a part of. Lucy O’Byrne (possibly best known as runner-up in The Voice UK) plays Maria Rainer. I have to say her voice was not the best for me and seemed less powerful than some of her fellow cast members. Again I refer to my caveat earlier in this post, being a mega fan of Julie Andrews I don’t think anyone can and will ever play the role like she, and like any musical character each actor or actress brings their own stamp to any role. I just think the role of Maria has been given a huge stamp by Andrews no one will ever live up to this role. My sister said she liked her voice and the typical songs Maria sings which we used to simulate as children, of course mas as Maria.

Captain von Trapp is played by Coronation Street’s Frank Foster, real name Andrew Lancel. I was not blown away by his performance but it wasn’t bad in anyway. I particularly enjoyed the singing performance of the Mother Abbess played by Jan Hartley and her rendition of ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’ made me go tingly. It was interesting to read that Hartley originally played Maria in a subsequent production in the West End which I thought was a great coincidence. I also really loved Lucy Van Gasse as Baroness (Elsa) Schraeder who gave a great performance both vocally and visually, she gives the Baroness that mean stance yet sings beautifully. Those who have only seen the film will be saying the Baroness doesn’t sing, well she has two songs in the stage version which is one of the things that would have been nice to keep in the film, I particularly loved the song ‘How Can Love survive?’ which should be downloaded by any Sound of Music fan who hasn’t seen the stage show. Comedic performance of the night has to go to Howard Samuels who plays Max Detweiler, although Max seems much more camp in the stage version compared to film Max.

The Children were good and got some very positive and warm reactions from the audience, especially little Gretl (I can just see my niece playing her). The constant of the children is Annie Holland who plays Liesl, a very good dancer with the ‘Sixteen Going On Seventeen’ number with her partner Kane Verrall playing Rolf. I am not sure if the rest of the child cast were played by a touring group of children or local children. I know some touring productions of musicals use local children whereas others use a touring child cast who stay with the show. I think I know who the children were played by in the performance I saw but if I get it wrong I am very sorry. I think any child actor gathering the guts to get on stage and sing and dance deserves a mention in any write up of a show. So here goes: Louis Rice plays Friedrich; Grace Fox plays Louisa; Joe Hubbard-Bateman plays Kurt; Lucy Grant plays Brigitta; Emily Daw plays Marta; and, Alana Willis plays Gretl.

I haven’t given a history of TheSound of Music like I do in many of my other posts, I think because I just assume everyone knows what the story is. If not Wikipedia is there for everyone to use, no point me just re-typing using different words. What I will do is pay tribute to one of the most loved and talented musical writers in history, Rodgers and Hammerstein. Clearly The Sound of Music is my favourite RandD musical. Why? I hear you all shout. Well it is down to the joyful, loving and inspirational music (Richard Rodgers) and lyrics (Oscar Hammerstein II) created. With classics including the title song, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘My Favourite Things’, ‘The Lonely Goatherd’, ‘Maria’, ‘Edelweiss’  as well as those already mentioned, The sound of Music becomes one of the most well-loved musicals of all time. I am sure a recent poll had it at number 2. Unfortunately the stage show does not include ‘I Have Confidence’ as this was written for the film and after the untimely death of Hammerstein and Rodgers wrote this song alone.

Bill Kenwright’s production of The Sound of Music continues to tour the UK and is set to visit The New Wimbledon Theatre before it finishes. Coming up at the Norwich Theatre Royal is a ballet version of Beauty and the Beast, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Commitments, Chicago and of course this year’s panto which is Jack and the Beanstalk starring some of last year's favourites. For information on tickets either visit the website or call the box office on 01603 63 00 00. This has been a fantastic year for the Theatre Royal and I just know 2017 is going to be even better. Please get in touch on twitter AaronBurgess89

The Go-Between, Apollo Theatre

I am finally on top of my reviews. I feel so very pleased with myself. Off to London Friday night for two more shows so I am sure I will be behind again by the weekend as starting a new job on Monday also. On Tuesday 20^th September 2016 myself and Nanny Cora had booked to go see The Go-Between at The Apollo Theatre in the West End starring the magnificent Michael Crawford. We travelled down in the afternoon and Nanny Cora drove all the way to Cockfosters (on the M25) in her new automatic car, well done! We went for an Italian which was very nice and laughed about all the people around us, a woman who was rude, a man who was freezing, a strange little lady who was just strange, and all the usual things we get up to. We then strolled back over to The Apollo, a quaint little theatre on the most famous theatre street in the West End, Shaftsbury Avenue. The Apollo theatre is very tiny but adorable, it had the most fascinating ceiling which I thought was just gorgeous, a midnight scene, idyllic. We always end up sitting next to, behind or in front of the village weirdo, and this trip was no different. We had Snorty McSnorter behind us, not sure if he kept snoring or just snorting when laughing but it was very off putting and quite hilarious. Next to me we had a young gentleman who seemed to have a fake phallic shape thing in his hand that he clung to throughout the whole of Act 2; it was most distracting I have to say. Anyway we had a lovely time as always and despite a journey back that was filled with a 40-minute detour because of M25 road works we made it back all safe and sound.

The Go-Between is based on the novel by L P Hartley of the same name. I have to say I have not read the original book but I think I would very much enjoy it. It reminded me of a book I read during my English Literature A-level, ‘Spies’. The Go-Between is a nostalgic look back at a young lad’s three week holiday in Norfolk at a lovely stately home; close to the City of Norwich (me and Nanny Cora were very excited as we are from this area). Narrated by his older self, Leo looks back at how these three weeks would change his life forever and how he tried to forget but he just had to remember. He is interested in his friend Marcus’ older sister, Marian. He would do anything for her, including becoming a secret postman between her and her secret lover of a different class, Farmer Ted Burgess from the farm down the road (how funny he has the same surname as me). This secret love soon becomes problematic especially as her marriage has already been planned with someone of a more appropriate class. The story soon turns dark when things get out of hand and I do not want to spoil it for anyone any more than I need to. I absolutely loved the story; it was fresh and original and filled with themes of class and the past which I found thoroughly entertaining. The Go-Between has been adapted several times, which I would love to see, a recent film of 2015 starring Jim Broadbent, a 1971 film, a play, on the radio and now this musical adaptation. I am not sure how different the musical strays from the original book but I really enjoyed it.

Michael Crawford stars in this new musical, after returning to the West End after so many years. Crawford is a natural on the stage and it is a shame I never got to see him in his award winning roles as Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera or in Barnum (Nanny Cora was lucky enough to see him in both of these roles). The role of Colston, the narrator and older Leo looking back on his life, is very different to Barnum or Phantom, an old gentleman, Crawford doesn’t miss a thing in his acting, shaking, croaky voice, he was magnificent. Although his singing may not be as good as when he belted out the Music of the Night, he has certainly still got it in my opinion. His voice was lovely to hear and the passion and emotion he shares on stage was beautiful to see. It was an honour to have seen Michael Crawford on a West End stage. Crawford is possibly most notable for his character of blunder buster Frank Spencer in Some Mothers Do Ave Em, Me and Nanny Cora definitely saw a few Spencerisms throughout this performance and why not, he is a classic.

Marian is played by Gemma Sutton, who I recently saw in Gypsy (June). How wonderful to see this talented young lady again, and in a very different role. It showed off her diversity in acting and singing. She has a wonderful voice and a gift for acting. When she raised her voice the hairs stood up on end, it was frightfully real. Ted Burgess is played by Stuart Ward and although he had a nice singing voice and a gorgeous body to see in swim shorts (it was great how he jumped off the back of the stage and it looked as if he was diving) his Norfolk farmer’s accent needs a lot of work. Many people may not have picked up on this but when you are East Anglian born and bred you pick up on the subtitles of a farmer’s accent.  The two little stars of the show were Samuel Menhinick playing Marcus and especially Johnny Evans-Hutchinson who plays young Leo. Menhinick was funny and so energetic but it was Evans-Hutchinson’s performance that I fell in love with. He has been in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Les Miserable in the West End so he is no newbie, but his acting was great and his singing was emotionally adorable. He gave a great performance and he deserved the standing ovation.

The Go-Between, produced by Greene Light Stage and Bill Kenwright, has music and lyrics by Richard Taylor and book and lyrics by David Wood. Taylor’s music is heart-warming and so old British it was stunningly beautiful.  The choice to have one pianist on stage playing all the music for the 2 and a half hour performance was musical genius. It reminded me of being in a very posh champagne bar, I do not know the pianist’s name nor can I find it in the programme. If anyone knows and wishes to let me know please do so as he deserves some recognition, I loved it. The lyrics of Taylor and Wood were poetic. The Go-Between is not like a musical you will have seen or heard before. It reminded me of an operatic musical with the way the song lyrics tell and move the story on, although no one song sticks out unfortunately and there are words in between song. The score could be classed as samey but I felt this gave a constant to the performance. The way the music mixed with the words was poignant and definitely left me feeling emotional at the finale.

With direction from Roger Haines, Michael Pavelka is the designer and I loved the detailed simplicity of the set. With no more than a dozen chairs, an old chest and a piano with the Norfolk fields growing around them the scenery and set design was beautiful. It reminded me of Grandma’s Song in Billy Elliott as the cast move the chairs around the stage. It worked so well and this is why I say it was not like any musical you will have seen. There are no crazy set changes, new props every scene, but it works so well and adds to the chilly ending and the Downton Abbey – esque beginning.

The Go-Between, I do not feel, will live on as one of the best musicals of British history, but it definitely provided me with an evening of top class, professional entertainment and enabled me to see one of my favourite actors on stage, Michael Crawford. Although you may not leave the theatre singing and dancing as some West End performances leave you feeling, it certainly makes you think back to your childhood, remembering the innocence or not so innocent games and stories you played and said. It leaves you emotional and wanting more. It certainly has made me want to read the book anyway. The Go-Between is only at the Apollo until 15^th October this year so there isn’t long to see it. I doubt the tickets have sold out as we were moved forward and central by The Apollo (thank you!) and there were empty seats. It is a wonderful show and is definitely worth seeing, if only just to see Crawford. I would love to know how other people feel about The Go-Between if you have seen it; please get in touch on Twitter at AaronBurgess89.

The Pirates of Penzance, National G&S Opera Company

Again a long time in the writing but I hope well worth the wait. Following a lovely 1940’s themed party of my Nanny Cora’s 70^th Birthday, part of her birthday treat was a trip to Norwich, totally a surprise of course. The morning began with a beautiful three-course meal at The Assembly House in Norwich. We have always said we would go here and when better to go then for my Nanny’s 70^th birthday. It was a very posh experience and lovely food was consumed. The funniest part was the woman sat next to me on the adjacent table, who took the time it took us to eat our starter and main to get about half was through her chicken salad, poor woman. We will definitely be returning to The Assembly Room’s again, but this time I think for afternoon tea. I bought Nanny Cora tickets to see Pirates of Penzance, a classic Gilbert and Sullivan opera, this production being performed by the National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company at the Norwich Theatre Royal. I have always wanted to see Pirates because of the most famous song in it; I am the very model of a Modern Major General. I am not the biggest fan of opera and I stick firmly to what I know best, musicals, however it was a pleasant change and we both had a lovely time.

Pirates of Penzance tells the story of a group of pirates who come across a general and his many daughters, who they plan to run away with and marry, not at the lady’s will of course. When one of the pirates leaves the clan he falls in love with one of the lady’s; only to find out that he actually has to stay with the Pirate clan for another 30 years because he was born on the 29^th of February and is only technically aged 8. The premiere of Pirates was in 1879 in New York and for anything to last nearly 150 years I think is a triumph to the creators. I think the likes of Gilbert (Libretto) and Sullivan (music) will live on forever as it is so cleverly made and produced, and with the national opera company of their name other classics will continue live on.  

Pirates is a comic opera and it is very funny. You have to be very attuned to the operatic style of language to understand all the jokes and me being half deaf this was not the easiest thing for me to listen and laugh along to. The modern major general is of course the classic comedic role in Pirates. In this production he is played by Richard Gaunlett, no stranger to the Norwich stage being a grand performer in the pantomime and I very much look forward to seeing him again this year. Gauntlett gives a flawless performance as the major and to sing the classic song which is probably one of the hardest songs to remember and perform lyrically, he does a bloody amazing job. The other classic role in Pirates, Sergeant of Police, is played by Bruce Graham, who has appeared in 8 West End shows, including two of my Lloyd Webber favourites Cats and Phantom. The classic song from this character, when a felon’s not engaged, was so funny. The whole audience sang and chortled along and it was a really lovely experience. Ruth is played by Pauline Birchall, and I thought she had the most wonderful voice; it was lovely to listen to. I loved the Sisters of Mabel who were really really funny; Edith played by Fiona Mackay, Kate played by Katie Grosset and Isabel played by Alexandra Hazard.

Although this was not a West End extravaganza, it was very enjoyable to see. The staging is very basic but I think that the case for most operas, I may be wrong as I don’t see that many. Or maybe the national opera company like to stick to originalities and I am guessing budgets and staging in 1879 were not like they are today. Saying that the costumes were fantastic, especially the ladies chorus and there was some beautiful choreography. And to sing operatically and dance is not an easy feat, I sound like a dying cat even when I just twirl and flounce while trying to belt out ‘memory’. I cannot say if or when I will see an opera again. I certainly enjoyed Pirates although it is sometimes difficult to understand what is being said. I don’t think the national Gilbert and Sullivan opera company are on tour currently but there will certainly be performances on next year, there are DVDs available on the Gilbert and Sullivan opera company website and lots lots more for any G&S fans. If you get a chance to see them on tour go for it, I can only comment on Pirates of Penzance but I do not doubt others such as The Mikado, The Sorcerer and The Yeomen of the guard would be just as good. And if it has lasted since 1879 it can’t be that bad can it. Please get in touch on Twitter at AaronBurgess89.

Sister Act, Leeds Grand

The saying goes better late than never; well this is certainly the case for this review. I apologise it has taken me so long to get around to writing it. This will be a shorter review than normal as I have two more to write and by the time Saturday gets here I will have an additional two to add to the list; it’s been a very busy time in theatre land and everything else that has been going on. About four years ago, jokes, on 26^th August 2016 myself and one of my best friends Emma Notta went to Leeds Grand Theatre to see the touring production of Sister Act. This was not a typical night in Leeds as we had to get to Suffolk the next day to celebrate Mother’s birthday with a BBQ so there was no partying after the show like usual. We went down early and parked up, always entering Leeds a completely different way to the countless times we have been before which I always find hilarious. Finally we found the usual car park and had a couple drinks and tea at a well-known cheap and cheerful pub before strolling back to the theatre to see Sister Act.

Sister Act, a divine musical comedy, is of course based on the 1992 film of the same name, starring the fabulous Whoopi Goldberg. It tells the story of club night singer, Delores Van Cartier, who witnesses her lover kill off one of his men. Delores is rushed into hiding to protect herself so she can testify against this murderous villain. The best place to hide the inconspicuous is of course a nunnery and that is exactly where Delores becomes Sister Mary Clarence. Although Delores and the Mother Superior do not quite see eye to eye, Delores is a blessing in disguise and when she teaches the choir how to sing, not so typical church melodies that is, the church receives enough donations to keep afloat and some unlikely friendships blossom. Sister Act first arrived at the West End in 2009, before previewing in America but not New York. It arrived on Broadway two years later in 2011. A touring production in the UK started the same year and it has been produced countless times in many other countries. I had yet to see any of it but really wanted to especially when the music is composed by musical legend Alan Menken. Although nominated for four 2010 Olivier’s and five 2011 Tony’s, Sister Act failed to pick up a single award.  

This production of Sister Act stars Alexandra Burke, who has become a well-loved favourite of the stage of both mine and Emma’s. We first saw her at the Norwich Theatre Royal earlier in the year when she was starring in the touring production of the Bodyguard (AMAZING!). Although an average fan of her music before I never knew how talented she was live. Her vocals are so impressive and she really blasts out a tune. What I didn’t expect and you don’t see in the Bodyguard is Burke’s comedy streak. Me and Emma were in stitches, and not just on one occasion I hasten to add. The bit for me was when she first meets the sisters’ dressed in her habit and she is so funny how she meets and greets them, disco style. Really classic performance by Burke and I cannot wait to see her in something else, either touring or in the West End. It is very difficult to outshine a star like Burke, but the rest of the cast were great and you can tell they really enjoy themselves on that stage. Although I enjoy a cast playing instruments on stage this kind of felt a little forced at times and a little unnatural so not sure on this aspect of Sister Act. Eddie, the cop and love interest is played by Jon Robyns, Sister Mary Lazarus (Rosemary Ashe) is another classic comedic performance and her rapping is better than Kayne West and P Diddy in my opinion. Sister Mary Robert, the quiet and timid sister is portrayed by Sarah Goggin who has to belt out a tune in Act 2; Susannah Van Den Berg plays Sister Mary Patrick, the larger than life character who again brings the comedic value to the stage. Sandy Grigelis plays TJ, one of the cronies of Curtis (Aaron Lee Lambert), and he was adorable and stupid, playing TJ how he should be played.

The original score of Sister Act is fantastic and it was only a few days after the show I had to download this album and play it again to hear all those wonderful songs. I have listened to the album non-stop for nearly a month and I absolutely love it. And you can guess why it is addictive; Alan Menken writes the upbeat disco music with the lyrics of Glenn Slater; who had teamed in the past to compose the Broadway production of The Little Mermaid. My favourite song is ‘Fabulous, Baby!’ and its reprise which I have sung and sung and sung. Other Sister Act classics that keep you singing include ‘Take Me To Heaven’, ‘How I Got The Calling’, ‘When I Find My Baby’, ‘I Could Be That Guy’, ‘Raise Your Voice’, ‘Sunday Morning Fever’ (My favourite lyric being shake it like your Mary Magdalen (lol!), ‘The Life I Never Led’ and the fantastic finale ‘Spread The Love Around’. Honestly it is a fabulous score, you would never think it original and you can hear some of the songs in the film version but it was all original work by Slater and Menken. This production was directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood with musical supervisor and arranger Sarah Travis and set and costume design by Matthew Wright.

Sister Act is currently playing in Bristol and there are still chances to see this show in Milton Keynes, Glasgow, Liverpool, Ipswich, Belfast, Dublin, London (New Wimbledon), Cambridge, Brighton, Sheffield, Nottingham, Bradford, Wolverhampton, Northampton, Edinburgh and plenty of other places. The tour is due to run until 27^th August next year where it ends in Blackpool. Also I am aware that many amateur productions of Sister Act are gracing the stages around the country and I am sure this would be a lovely thing to see and hear. It is a feel good musical full of wonderful comedy and music and you will keep you singing for weeks after, I promise you. Please get in touch on Twitter at AaronBurgess89.