Running Wild; play adaptation at Theatre Royal, Norwich

Hello theatre fans. I’ve been on my theatrical duties again last night when I went to the Norwich Theatre Royal to see the touring production of Running Wild, a fantastic play based on the children’s book by Michael Morpurgo. I went to see the show with a fairly new friend to my life, Miss Harriet Darby. Although we were almost late (I made the joke of running wild and late on Twitter – HAHA!) due to leaving work later than usual we had a quick microwave tea at mine before driving into Norwich. I have to say we had a few fits of giggles but why not. Thanks Harriet for joining me last night, I hope it will not be the last. Running Wild, for those of you that do not know and want a spoiler, here we go – SPOILER ALERT – Running Wild is about a young girl named Lilly who loses her father in the war and mother in a tsunami after they visit her homeland of Indonesia (I think there may have been some modern tweaks from the book, I have not, unfortunately, read it). Lilly is saved by Oona, a wild elephant kept captive (I guess the Indonesian equivalent of a Skegness donkey). Lilly soon realises she is wild now and has to face some trials and tribulations while ‘Running Wild’, luckily she has Oona to keep her safe. They soon run into trouble when poachers are out to get the orangutans and take Lilly too. All the while Lilly’s grandmother is searching for her and I will leave it there I think. Who knows how it will end …

I had no idea what to expect before arriving at the theatre tonight to see this production presented by the Children’s Touring Partnership. I have to say I was blown away by the wild antics that took place on that stage. The star of the night for me was Oona, a massive life-like sized elephant operated by four amazing and talented puppeteers; Elisa de Grey (on trunk), James Charlton (on head), Michael Peters (on heart) and Wela Mbusi (on hind). These four were fantastic and created what looked like a real elephant on stage; it was truly magical. Who knew a grown man could sound like an elephant also. Lilly was played by Annika Whiston last night; a very enthusiastic talented young lady who I am sure will be ploughed with jobs in her future. She was amazing on stage and at the age of 12, well extremely professional. Oona is not the only animal I mean puppet on stage. There are plenty of orangutans jumping and swinging all over the stage, plus a scary tiger, a snapping crocodile and a few glittery fish (I am now quoting Harriet, “I loved the fish”). This was all so beautiful to watch on stage and bringing the Indonesian rainforest to Norwich couldn’t have been an easy feat I tell thee. Not only are these puppeteers controlling and bringing these wild animals to life they are making them call out to the audience and interact with each other and Lilly; it honestly was lovely to see.

 

Samuel Adamson has adapted Morpurgo’s book and boy has he done an amazing job. Originally starting at the Chichester Festival Theatre (of course; most of what comes from there is a smash), Running Wild is a wonderful experience for all ages. I was originally thinking this would be aimed at children but I actually found the adults more than the children were blown away by this stunning production and ooooohing and arrrrring away. I spoke to some of the theatre staff during the interval and discussed how emotional the show was and I was on the end of my seat at some points, biting at my fingers as not knowing what was to come next. We said how some all human acting (I basically mean no puppets) productions cannot create this tension and emotion on stage; yet the talented production team off stage and the on stage company are able to bring this book to life and fill the audience with a whole host of emotions within a short space of time.

Directed by Timothy Sheader and Dale Rooks; Finn Caldwell and Toby Olie are puppetry designers and directors. Caldwell and Olie should be award nominated and winners if they aren’t already. It is absolutely incredible how they have brought these animals to life (I have seen a War Horse and Little Mermaid credit in the programme so that says it all I guess). Paul Wills’ set is incredible. Initially I thought what all this rubbish is (literally); but obviously the tsunami explains it all once it has tour the stage apart. All this rubbish and destruction (a good thing) also creates the wild rainforest which is an excellent transition. All of this is helped by James Whitside creative lighting design. And I know you musical fans are getting worried there is some singing and chanting and bits a musical theatre fan would like, just a bit sparse. The only thing to make this production better in mine and Harriet’s point of view would be more singing. I have to mention Georgina Lamb who is movement director but as I said in the interval with some people it was more like choreography how the animals, sorry puppets, move on stage and they are so individual to each animal, sorry puppet, really capturing how they would be in the wild.

Running Wild is definitely something I would love to see again and there are chances all this week for you to see it at the NorwichTheatre Royal with 2:30 matinees today and Saturday and evening performances at 7:30; please note on Thursday there is only one performance at 11am. Tickets are very limited so get yours now. I have to say I think my little niece would love it and also my grandmother; this is definitely a family show and everyone who goes, I am sure, will find something they absolutely love about the show whether it be Oona the elephant, Mani the monkey or the fish like Harriet. After Norwich, Running Wild is travelling to various places including: Edinburgh, Newcastle, Plymouth, Northampton, Canterbury and Wolverhampton. I know it has been to a few places before Norwich and I hope it goes somewhere near you soon and if it isn’t or hasn’t already maybe this tour will tour again. Please get in touch and let me know if you like the book, have seen the stage show or just like puppets. You can find me on Twitter @AaronBurgess89. See you next week for Sister Act starring Alexandra Burke – so excited!!!

Sunny Afternoon UK Tour

It’s been a while since I popped over to the Norwich TheatreRoyal but I went last night to see Sunny Afternoon with the boyfriend Ben, the hit musical based on the music of The Kinks. I first saw this show in July 2015 just after it had one Best New Musical at the 2015 Olivier Awards. By the way theatre fans, congratulations to all those winners at this year’s ceremony. I have not had a chance to watch it yet but have heard about Amber Riley’s performance and well done to Tim Minchin for Best New Musical, Groundhog Day (I hope this returns to the West End). Sunny Afternoon survived two and a half years in the West End at the Harold Pinter Theatre. It tells the tale of the rise of one of the biggest groups in the 1960’s, The Kinks. You have to be a fan of The Kinks music to enjoy the show I would believe. Poor Ben, not being a 1960’s rock and roll fan was a bit confused; and be prepared for some political jokes (we didn’t have a clue about them either). I have to admit the touring production is not as good as the West End production. I am not sure why this is; it just didn’t have the same feel to it as the London production. Sunny Afternoon won four Olivier’s in 2015 and the current tour is due to close next month in Plymouth.

Joe Penhall writes the book for Sunny Afternoon with the obvious music and lyrics by the lead of The Kinks, Ray Davies. The Kinks classics are all there to be enjoyed by the audience. I love some of the songs and by the end I would say 80% of the audience were up dancing and the whole cast received their standing ovation. Lola, You really got me, Waterloo sunset, Tired of waiting, Maximum consumption and of course the title song all feature within the musical as well as all the other hits. Directed by Edward Hall; Miriam Buether designs the set which is very similar to the West End production with the green records forming the backdrop to the first act. I was pleased that the touring production has kept the staging that comes out into the audience so that was pleasing. The costumes were adequate and I loved the fact Dave was found wearing dresses twice; we all know I like a man stuck in a dress for entertainment value. We were both confused about the people on stage who were coming on to give out guitars; I wasn’t sure if this was to make the stage feel like they were performing at a gig or just to help the actors. Adam Cooper choreographs Sunny Afternoon and, although not the best I have seen, was good enough for the show; slightly cheesy in parts which didn’t feel very Kinky. Rick Fisher sorts out the lighting for the touring production and trust me there are a lot of lights to sort out as the top of the set is pretty much covered in the things.

Ryan O’Donnell has re-joined Sunny Afternoon, this time in a different capacity. O’Donnell heads up the cast as Ray Davies; previously playing alternate Ray and understudy for Dave Davies. I saw O’Donnell in the role of Dave in 2015. I absolutely loved him in this role and remember saying he would play a great Ray Davies. Well he is now full time on the tour. He plays the role really well although looking back I prefer him in the role of Dave. Mark Newnham plays the role of Dave and he was Ben’s favourite of the show. I thought he was great too and plus he looks fetching in a cocktail dress. His hair piece was very strange though and at one point thought he looked more like Natalie Cassidy than Dave Davies. Both these two have great voices and were enjoyable to watch. I loved Lisa Wright to plays Rasa; Ray’s wife. Although not in the show a lot she had such a soft and angelic voice I loved it when she sang. All other members of the cast seem to have a really good time and I am sure they have loved being on this tour.

Sunny Afternoon is at the Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday 15^th April 2017. Although the production is not as good as the West End show it is worth watching if you are a fan of The Kinks, obviously. I was dancing and singing along and Act two is definitely better than Act one. The finale will get you up and dancing out of your seats and the cast received a standing ovation – which is a great sign right! I thought I preferred Sunny Afternoon to The Commitments but on tour The Commitments gets it, sorry Sunny. Saying that, I think if you went along you would enjoy yourselves. Sunny Afternoon has limited tickets for all performances this week with evening performances from 7:30 and three matinees (Today, Thursday and Saturday) at 2:30pm. After Norwich, Sunny Afternoon goes to Wolverhampton, Belfast and then Plymouth before the tour comes to its end. Kinks fans should get their tickets now if they haven’t already. It is a busy few months coming up at the Norwich Theatre Royal so I will speak to you all very very soon. Please get in touch at my blog or on Twitter @AaronBurgess89.

Mamma Mia! UK Tour in Norwich

Well it has finally arrived in Norwich, the hit musical celebrating the music of ABBA, Mamma Mia! starts its four week run at the Norwich Theatre Royal. I had to take my mother of course as she is such a big fan of ABBA and the smash hit film but has never seen it on the stage. Me, I saw it a few few few years ago (think I might have been about 14) with Nanny Cora in the West End when I think it was at the Prince of Wales Theatre I do believe prior to its move to The Novello theatre. It was a fantastic evening with mother, a few glasses of red and some feta and olives to get us in that Greek mood. Mother was a bit tipsy I have to admit, but I will keep that quiet, don’t want her getting embarrassed. We also got the bus home which was hilarious; I got off at the wrong stop as I thought the bus went a different route and it took us about 20 minutes to get back to my house, such an unprofessional theatre blogger I know.

Mamma Mia! celebrates the music of ABBA, and I don’t know a person who doesn’t like the songs, its choosing your favourite that’s the hard thing. With music and lyrics by ABBA front men, Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, and playwright Catherine Johnson writing the story Mamma Mia! is set against the backdrop of a quaint little Greek Island. Sophie is on the hunt to find her father, but who is it? Sam, Harry or Bill, who knows. Sophie’s mother, Donna, had a colourful time before Sophie arrived and we follow this warming journey and feel for each character at different points, the dads, Donna and daughter Sophie. One daughter, one mother, a wedding, an island and three dads, what could go wrong? Nothing it is all bloody perfect. Don’t worry though; Donna’s best friends from her youth, Rosie and Tanya, are here to help. Mamma Mia! first hit the West End back in 1999 and is currently the 8^th longest running musical in West End history. Despite its massive following and popularity now, Mamma Mia! did not win many Olivier’s in 2000, with the Best Supporting Actress award going to Jenny Galloway for her portrayal of Rosie. Stiles and Drewe’s Honk! won the Best New Musical and I think we can all agree Mamma Mia! is definitely a bigger success. (Can I just say exclamation marks ! in musical titles is very inconvenient for grammar on a computer!)!

I have to say I think this touring production of Mamma Mia! could be the best thing I have ever seen at the Theatre Royal in Norwich. Right from the get go I was in love with it. How can you go wrong with the songs of ABBA. I have seen a lot of touring productions but this is something else, honestly. I did not feel like I was in Norwich I felt like I was in the heart of the West End again. The film is great but you can’t beat live musical theatre. I forgot how funny the show was, I couldn’t stop laughing. And I apologise to those behind me, I couldn’t stop myself swaying and jiving either, to all the songs and trying to whisper-sing. Absolutely a fabulous night. “Best thing I have seen”, “Fantastic!”, “what a wonderful show” were just some of the comments I heard on the walk to the bus stop for this feel good musical.

Donna is played by Helen Hobson, star of the stage in many big musicals and even bigger roles and a bit of TV too. She has a fabulous and powerful voice, looks gorgeous on stage and has that funny side. She was by far the star of the night and deserves the standing ovation she received – great voice. Friend Rosie is played by Gillian Hardie, by far the funniest person on that stage last night (don’t think she is pictured in the photo though). So funny, her dancing would see off diversity any day, I absolutely loved her (and I am a big Julie Walters fan). Tanya is played by Emma Clifford, cougar is an understatement for this lady, and she was foxxy with a double ‘x’. She suited the role perfectly. The relationship of the three ladies on stage is genuinely lovely to watch. Amazing all thee of you.

The daddies are played by Alex Bourne as Sam, Jamie Hogarth as Harry and Christopher Hollis as Bill. All very handsome for the older gentleman they each capture the individuality of the three male characters and each steal the lime light on their songs. All very talented singers and I particularly liked campy Harry I have to admit. Sophie is played by Lucy May Barker. I thought she was great on stage. She has a lovely voice to listen to and is a joy to watch on stage. Sophie’s husband to be is Sky played by Phillip Ryan joined by his mates Pepper (Louis Stockil) and Eddie (Brad Veitch); all gorgeous and ripped like a shredder’s deposit they got the ladies (and most probably some of the guys) in the audience wolf whistling away. The embarrassing thing was that my mother was the loudest one there, mother! The rest of the cast are hilariously funny, enormously talented and give it their all. It feels like you are watching for the first performance and I know they will deliver and deliver each night at the NTR.

With direction from Phyllida Lloyd, I am unable to find the set designer in the programme, maybe Mark Thompson, production designer, only associate set designer, Jonathan Allen. Although very simple it is hugely effective. One central Greek stone bit of architecture it becomes the centre piece of the stage. Turned around and around it creates different scenes with minimal props.  I love it. Lighting by Howard Harrison again seems simple but amazing. The blue spark of the Mediterranean is portrayed on the stage beautifully. The music is married to the story so well, it never feels forced or faked, and it just naturally fits. It feels like Benny and Bjorn wrote all this music years ago knowing they would use it all for a musical. Choreography is by Anthony Van Laast, great and energetic cannot fault the dancing whatsoever. The best part has to be the curtain call, with the audience on their feet singing and dancing along to ABBA, and the cast in the best costumes of the night (thanks to Lucy Gaiger). It is absolutely lovely this show and I cannot wait to go see it again.

Mamma Mia!http://www.mamma-mia.com/uk-tour/ has its home in Norwich for the next four weeks. I would urge anyone and everyone to go and see this feel good musical, and it is on our doorsteps so there is no excuse. It will create such a positive vibe within you it is unmissable. I have been singing ABBA all day haha! Dancing Queen, Me? How dare you. The tour leaves Norwich and goes to Newcastle and visits Stoke, Milton Keynes, Leeds, Brighton, Sunderland, Glasgow, Northampton, Wolverhampton and more places as well as more dates and venues to be announced soon. At the Norwich Theatre Royal you have until Saturday 25^th March to get your ticket and enjoy this wonderful musical phenomenon. With nightly shows at 7:30pm and matinees on most Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 2:30pm although most shows have limited availability and you will need to be quick to get yourself the best seat, with some performances already sold out. It really cannot be missed, I want to go see it again but I might have to travel afar. Please get in touch I would love to hear from you on Twitter and know your favourite ABBA song, it’s bound to be in the show, @AaronBurgess89.

The Red Shoes by Matthew Bourne's New Adventures

Last night I went to see Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes at Norwich Theatre Royal. I had to brave the theatre alone last night (#sadface), however I still had a lovely time. This was my first ever ballet and I think I was treated to something quite special. I haven’t ever not wanted to go to the ballet, it’s just never really materialised. The closest I have gotten would most probably be seeing Billy Elliott in the West End, but I don’t think that really counts if I’m honest. Although I say alone, I had the lovely Jane Claridge, theatre’s General Manager, come join me for the performance and it was great to have a chat with her about the show, upcoming productions, her role in the theatre and the temperature (typical British haha!). For me the ballet is something completely new, I like talking and especially singing on stage. So this took a bit of getting used to for me but I have to say I think I could manage it again. It was strange though watching a whole production with a few grunts and no actual verbatim language; it’s all about the dance in the ballet.

The New Adventures (Bourne’s ballet company) premiered The Red Shoes in London in December 2016 before venturing out on tour in 2017. It is based on the 1948 film by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger of the same name (itself based on the Hans Christian Anderson fairy-tale of the same name).  Now this is all very new to me but I think the story is about a love triangle between Boris, Victoria and Julian. The Red shoes feature and when worn the wearer cannot stop dancing. The story tells us how they meet and develop feelings for each other and how this transpires during their careers on the stage. If I have got this wrong I am so sorry, but I liked what I saw either way.

I absolutely loved my ballet experience. I have to say I preferred the second act compared to the first, it had more drama and I was able to follow the characters storylines much better. I was always going to be drawn to the music of The Red Shoes, and Bourne has used the musical magical work of the late but great Bernard Herrmann. The music is the storyteller through the whole show and without it I wouldn’t have had a clue to what was going on. From emotional love, to terror, to anxiety and fright, Herrmann has the ability to bring out any emotion of the dancer and transferabley (made up word) of the audience with the art of his compositions. Bourne directs and choreographs his Red Shoes and oh my god I have to say it is some of the best choreography I have ever seen. As like Herrmann, Bourne is able to tell a story through nothing else but dance, love between young lovers, hate between enemies, anxiety about the future and the build-up of tension was fantastic. Bourne’s ability to create all this on stage is phenomenal and I cannot wait to see more of his work. For me the funniest and most entertaining part of the production was the dancing Egyptians, hilarious and the two dancers had me giggling in my seat, as with the rest of the audience. The love scene towards the end of Act 2 and the dramatic finale was also wonderful and I could feel my emotions spiralling as I watched this emerges all over the stage.

Lez Brotherston designs the set and costume; I have to say I was overwhelmed and in love with his set. I have mentioned on my blog before I love how a set can create a stage on a stage, switching from the front to backstage. Well Brotherston design of this has to be the best I have seen. The curtain seamlessly floats around on the stage; it creates mystery for the audience and for me feels like its own character on stage. It forms the central piece of the whole show and without it the production would not be half as good as it is. Paule Constable, lighting designer, has a big job on her hands. To add to the emotional presence of each dancer with her colleagues doing so well on the choreography and composing arenas, however she does not let us down.

Our leading cast for the evening consisted of Sam Archer as Boris and Dominic North as Julian; two men who fall in love with Victoria (played by Ashley Shaw). Both the males were fabulous but for me, Shaw steals the show (and she gets to wear the red ballet shoes - lucky). Her ability to convey so much meaning through her dance and ballet is beautiful. To create the feelings I had solely from her dance without singing and speech, she completely fulfilled her job and some yesterday.  Liam Mower plays Ivan; Mower was one of the original Billy Elliott’s, later re-joining the show as older Billy. It is wonderful that Mower has maintained his career in the theatre and ballet; he is a real treat to watch. At some points, particularly the opening of Act 2, I could not keep my eyes off him, a fantastic visually pleasing performance with priceless facial expressions. Michela Meazza plays Irina and again she is a formidable dancer on that stage and beautiful to watch. The rest of the cast are just as equally entertaining and skilled in their ballet. I have tried a few times to stand on my toes however it has caused one broken lamp and a bruised big toe so I am going to leave it up to this wonderful New Adventures cast to entertain Norwich and the rest of the country during their tour.

Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes is a wonderful ballet. I am so pleased this was my first ballet and I hope this is the start of many; at this rate I am going to have to change the name of my blog to theatre addict HAHA! I have heard from my fellow audience members who gave one of the longest applauses I have heard at the Theatre Royal in Norwich that Bourne’s work never disappoints. If you are a ballet fan you need to get down to the theatre this week to see it. If you are a novice like me well why not give it a go if you have some money for a ticket and a spare evening this week, you may have a great time just like me. If you are somewhere in between I will leave it up to you to decide. The Red Shoes is at Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday however all shows (apart from the 2:30 matinee on Saturday) are sold out. I would suggest phoning the Box Office to see if any tickets become available, often they do. Please get in touch on Twitter @AaronBurgess89, I would love to hear from you. Until next week and Mama Mia (so blooming excited) take care.

Thrille Live on Tour, Norwich Theatre Royal

Me and the boyfriend went to the Norwich Theatre Royal on Monday to see the hit production of Thriller Live; A concert show celebrating the music and life of Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5. Adrian Grant who is the executive director and had the original concept of Thriller Live names Jackson as the King of Pop and I think there are millions of others out there who would totally agree with him. The show was developed as a tribute to Jackson’s work and memory and still entertains thousands of people at the West End’s Lyric Theatre. Thriller Live involves over two hours of Michael’s hits with some added verbatim story to his life told by the lead singers. I felt personally that it would be better just to have the singing and dancing and less talk, it often felt out of place, but I can see why people want to celebrate his music. I haven’t got the space to write all of his hits but they are all there (apart from Ben which we wanted to sing so Ben could get on stage and say “it’s me, Ben”). The show is not a musical yet better thought of as a concert stage production. There is no storyline per se so if you are thinking is this the Mama Mia of Michael Jackson then you will be dissatisfied (wait for that in a few weeks at NTR), but that is not at all to say that Thriller live is not worth seeing, it most certainly is.  

Britt Quentin heads the line up as lead vocalist and resident director. Quentin is no stranger to Thriller Live performing all over the world. He is amazing at what he does. He is the ultimate Michael Jackson sound-a-like and when he is on stage it is the next best thing to bringing Jackson back. Joining Quentin on stage is Shaquille Maerice Hemmans another fantastic vocalist. I regarded Hemmans as the camp quality to this production of Thriller Live (which is not bad thing). He is great on stage and great to watch. Rory Taylor is the rock element to the production and he looks so familiar I have no idea why though; a great solo artist. Sean Christopher joins these three guys on stage as the Michael dance-a-like, although he also sings I didn’t realise this as I thought he was only a dancer. He had some great moves and the theatre auditorium erupted when he moonwalked across our very own Norfolk stage. The female lead vocalist on stage was Vicky Pasion, teacher turned stage phenomena. She was fantastic and her voice was beautiful. The remaining cast, classed as dancers, were all very energetic and put 110% into all their routines, very classy.

We all know I love a band on stage and although hidden through most of the set they do appear occasionally and the guitarists come out to say hi at some points. They were absolutely fantastic and Jackson’s classic pop songs are musically crafted by this great band. Directed and choreographed by Gary Lloyd he has one difficult job recreating some of the classic and monumental dance routines made famous by Jackson. And do not worry you will get your Thriller dance although I hope they chill out with the smoke machines in future shows as it was difficult to see anything at one point. I think there was also some Janet Jackson dance routines creeping in which isn’t a bad thing either. You can tell he has worked very hard to take Thriller Live on tour and ensure it is just as good as a London performance. Produced by Paul Walden and Derek Nicol, Jonathan Park creates this set concert on stage. The set, yet simple and basic, is effective. The only thing I struggled with was when the main singer is at the side or on the stairs, it can be difficult to see and you just want to see them sing. I would personally want the main singer central. The lighting around the stage is very much like a mini concert, thanks to Nigel Catmur, but sometimes the lighting designs were a bit mystifying, maybe they were paying homage to Michael’s music videos but the pyramids and various other scenes created were not always so clear as to why. Costumes in Thriller Live are fabulous, even if a bit revealing (I had to cover Ben’s eyes at one point when the males were topless!). Rob Jones and Catherine Teatum from Shooting Flowers created these outfits, and there were a lot of tight gold crotches so be warned!

Thriller Live is the perfect night out for a Michael Jackson fan, but then I guess if you are a massive fan you would have already seen this show either in London or its previous visit to the Norwich Theatre Royal. Even if you are not a fan it is a really great, energetic and fun night out. Even if you are not the biggest Jackson fan I am sure you will have fun at Thriller Live, we certainly did, one a Jackson fan, the other not. The best bit for us was getting up and having a boogie with the cast (not on stage of course, we would most probably have been thrown out). Twice the audience are encouraged to get up from their seats and dance along to the Jackson classics. From the young to the more elderly members of the audience everyone was up and getting fully involved dancing, clapping and a bit of hip twisting, it was so much fun (Ben even broke into a sweat). It really is a great night out this week. Thriller Live is at Norwich Theatre Royal every night this week at 7:30pm (8pm on Friday) with a matinee performance at 2:30pm (currently sold out) on the Saturday and an early evening showing (5pm) on the Friday. Tickets are very limited so make sure to get yours while you still can. And yes I have been trying to moonwalk since Monday with a near-miss yesterday so be careful if you are going to moonwalk your way down to the Norwich Theatre Royal this week. Please get in touch on Twitter @AaronBurgess89.

Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society presents The Witches of Eastwick

So on Tuesday night myself and Nanny Cora had a little soiree at the Norwich Theatre Royal to see the annual Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society’s (NNOS) production, this year being The Witches of Eastwick. Now usually I wouldn’t write a review of an amateur production but because the NNOS were so good and it was far from amateur in my eyes I have decided to share my evening with you all, albeit a tad late so I apologise about that; but as they say in Fairy-tale Land, better late than never (they might not actually say that, but, oh well). I am not familiar with the NNOS work, this is the first time I have seen one of their productions but I tell thee now this will definitely not be my last visit to see the NNOS. I am aware they only do their one mayor production at the beginning of each year at the Theatre Royal but I saw in the programme they are doing Monty Python’s Spamalot in May at the Norwich Playhouse so that will be interesting too. I am also not familiar with the musical Witches of Eastwick, I have heard about it of course and heard the odd song but that is all; so this was a night of many firsts for me.

The Witches of Eastwick is firstly based on the 1984 novel by John Updike which later transformed into the 1987 film with a star studied cast of Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer, Cher (love Cher) and Susan Sarandon. I have to share a little secret with you all now, I have never seen the film – how embarrassing to admit – so I do not know if it is a musical or just a film. Anyhow all this was transformed into a stage musical in 2000 thanks to the great Cameron Mackintosh. With book and lyrics by John Dempsey and music by Dana Rowe the score is fun but not something that has stayed in my ear like some musicals. Dirty Laundry is a catchy beat and Dance with the Devil was a fun number to watch but apart from that not much else has stuck.

The cast of the NNOS were fabulous and the thing I loved the most (usually with any amateur performance I see) is how much fun you can see every single person on stage having. The time and effort each cast (and crew) member puts into a performance is fantastic and all their personal time given up over the weeks and months beforehand preparing for the show and rehearsing. A huge huge huge round of applause from me to all of them is due. The president of the NNOS, Helen Mcdermott (who I have only just been able to Google who I remember from Anglia TV as a child haha!) is president of this esteemed society and I would love to join (however my singing and dancing are appalling – I am sure there is a musical about a young handsome man who couldn’t sing and dance – I can star in that J).

The three beautiful ladies (I wouldn’t dare call them witches) are played by Claire Chandler portraying Alexandra, Andrea Ferguson as Sukie and Kathryn White as Jane. Chandler is so sassy on stage she was fabulous, she reminded me of someone but I don’t know who. She had a lovely voice and you could tell she liked playing the mumsy one. I fell in love with White’s performance, she reminded me of Sierra Boggess (you should know who she is musical theatre addicts but if you don’t google her – beautiful lady). Nanny Cora loved Ferguson, she was tiny yet powerful, she had some great scenes and funny songs and I think for me she was my favourite character. The devil in disguise, Daryl Van Horne, was played by Terry Boast. I liked Boast’s performance he definitely had great stage presence but I did feel he was trying to be Nicholson (and I haven’t even seen the film lol!). Other characters who stood out for me were definitely Harriet Chambers playing the village busy body (everyone has one), Felicia. Alisha Hart plays the Little Girl, she had a lovely voice and for no fault of her own I didn’t really understand her character though. Joshua Gould played the butler Fidel and he received an amazing reaction from the audience he was so subtly funny was great.

The NNOS put on a really good show and I was so impressed with their professional approach to musical theatre. As I said before I will definitely be visiting this society again, next year they have announced they will be doing Top Hat, another favourite of Nanny Cora’s so I guess I will be taking her there in 2018. The NNOS put so much time and effort into their costumes and staging (I always wondered if they buy new clothes or the actors just wear some of their own, this is why I need to get into amateur dramatics to answer all these unanswered questions). I can tell that they have spent ages planning, rehearsing and that everyone on stage is putting so much effort into their performance. The leading ladies and guys deserve a standing ovation; Nanny Cora said to me you would think this was a touring production and not a group of Norfolk folk on stage (no offence to the Norfolk people I am one of you). TheNNOS and The Witches of Eastwick end their time at the Theatre Royal for another year today with two performances – best of luck to all involved. I cannot wait to come next year and see Top Hat and Spamalot later in the year.

La Cage Aux Folles, UK Tour

Yesterday myself and my Beez popped to the Norwich Theatre Royal to see the brand new spanking touring production of La Cage Aux Folles. I have been so excited to see this for years and so has me Beez. I have loved the song, ‘I am what I am’ for ages. It is also no secret that I am a fan of drag so an amazing song plus a group of guys with make-up on and wearing sparkly dresses, I was bound to be interested in this musical. There has not been a production in the UK since 2008 which was in the West End and there has never been a UK tour before (thank you Bill Kenwright). I have watched the adaptation of the musical, The Birdcage starring Nathan Lane and Robyn Williams, which is in essence the same story. It was originally based on the French Jean Poiret play of the same name. The story sees gay couple Georges and his partner Albin who is a drag star at their nightclub. Their son, Jean-Michel, meets the love of his life who just happens to be the daughter of the local homophobic politician – great! When the two families are due to meet to bless their child’s marriage, well you can imagine how awkward things become. The 2008 revival in the West End received 7 Olivier nominations, winning Best Musical Revival and Best Actor in a Musical for Douglas Hodge as Albin.

This production stars John Partridge as Albin, Adrian Zmed as Georges and Marti Webb as Jacqueline. Partridge is a wonderful Albin but an even more fabulous Zaza (his drag act). Partridge’s camp, London accent was hilarious and I enjoyed most of his singing (too deep at times). His ad lib during his solo drag interactions with the audience were classic and he had the whole audience laughing away. Put it this way Partridge is a better Zaza than he is Billy Flynn. Star of Broadway, Television and Hollywood, Zmed, plays the role of Georges extremely well; I like to think of him as a man with too many dilemmas in his life that are simply just not worth it. Marti Webb (I am so pleased to have seen musical legend Webb sing on a stage) plays the gay couples sassy restaurant owning friend. The only problem with Webb is that she is not in the show enough with only very brief singing parts, but I was so excited to see her sing and she did not disappoint. Dougie Carter plays the couple’s son, despite being an ignorant character for the most part he has an extremely warm and powerful singing voice, I would be tempted to say that for me he had the best voice of the night. My Beez loved Samson Ajewole as Jacob, the couple’s butler (although he is a maid for the most part). There are seven guys who play Les Cagelles, Zaza’s drag entourage who do a grand job. I have to say I felt like Michelle Visage n an episode of Drag Race, seeing glimpses of Shangela and Alyssa Edwards.

The loveable Harvey Fierstein (Hairspray, Kinky Boots) writes La Cage book with music and lyrics by the amazing Jerry Herman (Hello Dolly). Herman’s score has the awesome hit, ‘I am what I am’ which Partridge makes very emotional at the end of Act 1. The score also includes catchy songs with intricate lyrics including the title song, We are what We are (a version of I am), On my arm, Look over there and the Best of times, with a very beautiful and snazzy finale. These songs do stick in your head, with gay rights song, I am, being something I often sing in the shower or while preparing the Sunday roast. This Production directed and choreographed by Martin Connor and Bill Deamer respectively, La Cage has set and costume design by Gary McCann. I have to say the costumes for the drag characters are absolutely awesome, and I would not turn any of them down once this production comes to its natural finish. They were everything you want, glittery, feathery, wavy, silky, mesmerising. The set was grand and I particularly liked at points how the side of the stage, we could not see was made to be like the stage of the nightclub and we saw backstage on the stage, really effective. Complementing the costumes how can I leave the wigs out, designed by Richard Mawbey. Blonde, rouge, brunette but my favourite were definitely the purple versions – wonderful draggy wonderful.

La Cage Aux Folles is a must see for anyone that is a fan of drag, female impersonation, but also if you are a supporter of a modern way of living and supporting the cause to get rid of old fashioned homophobic views. The musical will make you laugh and it might even make you cry. It will definitely get you singing (if you know the score) and be careful not to be caught by Zaza’s solo drag attack. Partridge has really made this character his own in a great way. The production remains at the Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday 21^st January; seats available for all the evening performances with matinees Thursday and Saturday. After Norwich you can catch this production all over the UK, including: Nottingham, Blackpool, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol, York, Salford, Wolverhampton, Liverpool, Bradford, Sunderland and Brighton with more dates to be announced. Also coming up at the NTR soon: The witches of Eastwick (Norfolk and Norwich operatic society), Matthew Bourne’s Red Shoes and Thriller Live. Please get in touch and let me know about your musical experiences; remember I am what I am, @AaronBurgess89.  

Dreamgirls at the Savoy Theatre

It was an overdue trip to the West End for myself and ma Beez last weekend to see the new Broadway sensation, Dreamgirls, which arrived at the Savoy Theatre in November 2016. We had such a laugh as we always do. Most of which I cannot even remember as I am sure ma Beez would agree. Secondly the thing that has stuck in my mind that I need to share was the Olive situation we got ourselves into at Zizzi’s Italian restaurant on The Strand. I had a voucher code to get two glasses of bubbly and some olives, which I later found out Beez doesn’t like. FYI you will not find this funny, the only people who will are us but I am still documenting this HAHA. So I start eating the olives but I then become bloated and they are making me feel sick. So instead of being normal and just leaving them, I feel guilty and want to hide the evidence of not eating olives to avoid negative judgement from the waiter. Where best to hide them but in the table advertisement poster on the table next door, which at this point is unoccupied. So we sit and chat, laughing like school girls at the fact we have hidden olives. When a couple sit next door with their young child, I start to have a panic attack. It felt like hours they were sat there, with these criminal olives, not even realising. Then the man goes and orders olives for his starter, this is hilarious, some on your table already mate. Then the man lifts up the table advertisement, the olives fall around on the table, me and ma Beez are dying with laughter and embarrassment and the waiter clears them off their table, with an empty olive dish sat on our table in prime view. Oh my god, how embarrassing, but funny. See told ya, you wouldn’t find it funny.  

Dreamgirls opened on Broadway in 1981 and since has never ever made it to the West End, which is ridiculous in my mind. The musical tells the fictional story of a RandB girl group, The Dreams, and their struggles to make it to the top. The dreams are the main band in the musical and the story sees their success and failures play out. The production won six Tony awards, including Best Book, Best Leading Actor and Actress, Best Featured Actor, Choreography and Lighting (losing out to Nine for Best Musical). The musical was transformed onto the big screen in 2006 starring Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy. I love parts of the film but I thought some parts dragged a bit, the ladies songs are fabulous and some of my favourite musical songs ever. As I said last year was the first time Dreamgirls had played across the big river in London and it has been getting a lot of hype and bookings are continuing to be taken until October 2017, we will see how they fare at this year’s Olivier’s also.

Overall the production of Dreamgirls is a must-see, it has some great staging, some powerful songs, costumes that are to die for as well as a little bit of humour. I have to admit that it isn’t until ‘Family’ in Act 1 when I really got into the musical. Similar to the film, I think it has a slow start up, with nothing too catchy song wise at the start. After Family, the plot thickens, the songs get better and it becomes a fantastical show to watch. Amber Riley, best known for playing Mercedes in Glee, is playing Effie White in the London production. Oh no, not when I had planned to go to the theatre. First I miss out on Sheridan Smith in Funny Girl, then I miss out on Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard now Riley in Dreamgirls, this is not going well. I hope Amber is feeling much better and I understand this happens in live theatre, it is just annoying. As I genuinely type, I do wish Riley a speedy recovery and I hope to see you in something very soon. I think the production team must have flown in Broadway star, Marisha Wallace, as Effie White, as she was nowhere to be found in the programme. She was amazing although her ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going’ was a bit flaky in parts, her other songs were cut throat and her stage presence was both sassy and comedic, just what you want from an Effie White (one of my favourite musical character names, me and Beez kept saying it after every sentence – I found it funny, ma Beez was stressed bless her, and apparently my French accent is good, not intentional of course).

Deena Jones (played by Beyonce in the film) was played by Liisi LaFontaine. I enjoyed LaFontaine, she had a good voice and is very beautiful. I particularly enjoyed Ibinabo Jack’s portrayal of Lorrell Robinson – she made me laugh and sang really well. The mean and villain (if any) in Dreamgirls is Curtis Taylor, who in this production is played by Joe Aaron Reid (amazing middle name I have to say). He played the role fantastically, although the “booo” he got at curtain call I thought was unfair but it does demonstrate how well an actor he was, we cheered so don’t worry. Jimmy Early, the comedic character (as can be guessed played by Eddie Murphy in the film), was played by Adam J Bernard, again a fantastic performance and he really got the audience involved when he was on stage, really enjoyable performance. The remaining Dreamgirls cast comprises Tyrone Huntley as CC White, Nicholas Bailey as Marty and Lily Frazer as Michelle Morris.

The Dreamgirls score is not like most musicals, for those modern musical fans it is similar to The Bodyguard in the sense that R and B music is used to tell a story (note; the score is original and not based on a particular artist like Bodyguard) but it is something you need to enjoy to love the musical. Tom Eyen provides book and lyrics with music by Henry Krieger and additional material by Willie Reale. These guys have brought us classics such as ‘Family’, ‘Dreamgirls’, ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going’ (one of the best Act-1 endings, it is a fantastic song to attempt on karaoke and if my boyfriend attempts to break up with me, I have my Effie White performance down to a tea to get him to stay (lol!). Sorry I was talking about the songs and got distracted with my Effie White; ‘I Am Changing’, ‘One Night Only’ and of course ‘Listen’. Honestly these songs really get implanted in your head and you cannot stop singing or humming or dreaming about them, great songs.

Dreamgirls has been directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw. I loved the set design (by Olivier winner Tim Hatley, also known for Bodyguard and Shrek). As in Bodyguard, he has a great way of presenting a stage on a stage if that makes any sense. By changing the stage swiftly and smoothly from front of stage to backstage, while being on a stage, works so well. The various drops are so beautiful; it has given me new ideas for when I next decorate. Gregg Barnes (Kinky Boots, Aladdin), who is going to be my new stylist, costume designs and I cannot translate into a blog how amazing, spectacular and beautiful some of these designs were. In the programme there is a two-page spread on the designs and to see them come to life on the stage is gorgeous. The sparkly dresses which must weigh a tonne are so elegantly worn by those ladies; honestly, I have designed my wedding outfit based on Barnes’ work. I think I have an idea who is going to be up for costume design Olivier this year. Hugh Vanstone is our lighting designer for Dreamgirls. I always focus on the lighting in a musical, and this musical being based and telling the story of superstars, the lighting has be top notch; and it was. When you’re seeing a stage you feel like you’re at a music gig, when you’re in a side street bar, you feel like you’re there. It all makes perfect sense.

As I said for me there was a slow start to the story and you can get itchy feet. For me, half way through Act 1 and I am loving Dreamgirls. The songs are fantastic, I was singing along, the visuals of the show are amazing with the set, costumes and lighting all complimenting each other. You will leave the show singing, and I definitely annoyed the radius around us as I was practising my Effie White impression during the interval. If you have seen the film, you will enjoy the show. There aren’t too many changes and nothing major that I can recall. Dreamgirls is playing at the Savoy Theatre and bookings are being taken until October 2017. I would love to book again and try and see Amber Riley in the role of Effie, I have heard amazing things about her, but there is so much else I need to see in the West End (School of Rock, 42^nd Street, Half a Sixpence) so I don’t think I’ll get the opportunity to. I wish Dreamgirls an awesome run at the beautiful Savoy Theatre, and fingers crossed for some Olivier nominations, there are bound to be a few. Please get in touch on Twitter @AaronBurgess89 and look out for me as there are plenty of shows coming up over the next few months.

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.