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.

Rocky Horror Show at Norwich Theatre Royal

Last night (12^th September 2016) I took my Aunty Wendy to see The Rocky Horror Show at the Norwich Theatre Royal. Mother was supposed to come but couldn’t make it and I knew Aunty Wendy would thrust herself into the spirits of this cult musical. Wendy arrived at my parents’ house and was strapped into her corset; while I was upstairs finishing off my make-up and hoping to god I didn’t fall down the stairs in my 5-inch heels and break my neck. We had so much fun driving to the theatre, getting some funny looks on the dual carriageway by some reserved Norfolk folk was a particular highlight. We arrived in Norwich and walked to the theatre and started to panic; no one else was dressed up. I was now getting nervous despite a rioja to calm the nerves and give me confidence to walk around Norwich in day light in fish net stockings (like I needed the rioja to have an excuse to put some heels on). Well once we were in the theatre we realised there was lots of people dressed up, but not as many as I was expecting. Whether this being a weekday performance or just East Anglia being too cautious I do not know but I certainly had a fabulous evening. I am returning to the theatre on Friday evening to attend another performance of Rocky Horror (which will be my sixth time) with my sister Fern and then we intend to go to the special after party followed by a few bevvies in the city. I will not review this performance on Friday but keep a look out for photos, @AaronBurgess89.

As I have already mentioned I have seen Rocky Horror on a few occasions and reviewed this tour late last year when it was in Brighton. I will of course fully review the show as there have been some cast changes, but I think everyone knows how much I love Rocky Horror and therefore this is automatically a biased view; stick a load of people on stage in corsets, feather boas and heels, get them to sing and dance and make me laugh, well we are definitely onto a winner already. As always the audience participation in Rocky Horror is such fun, although I still need to try and learn some of the more famous audience one liners. I love how we the audience know really what the poor narrator is trying to diplomatically tell us. The audience erupt with laughter each time a witty theatre colleague (or just someone that has been far too much to see Rocky Horror) shouts out a rude comment; and me and Wendy were totally involved in this hilarity. This tour was produced in celebration of the 40^th anniversary of the Rocky Horror Show, with a special live recording being broadcast from London recently. I cannot believe this show has lasted 40 years, I remember watching the classic gothic, cult film from a young age and falling in love with the songs, costumes and at that time strange behaviour (which I now participate in). It certainly has entertained thousands if not millions of people in its 40 year reign and I have no doubt it will continue to entertain people for another 40 years (and then I can get my niblings to take me to the show).

I was expecting Diana Vickers to be in the role of Janet (who was great last time); so imagine my delight when I opened the programme to see Haley Flaherty in this role. I am a big fan of Flaherty’s, first seeing her in the role of Miss Honey in Matilda. I think we can safely say these two roles are very different in their presentations and approach and Haley smashes both of them; highlighting her great versatility on the stage. It is fab to have West End stars coming to the Theatre Royal in Norwich and I hope more come in the coming touring productions. Flaherty is a great Janet, her singing voice is phenomenal and I said to Wendy during her songs you don’t realise you’re seeing a touring production. Local Norfolk lad Richard Meek plays the role of Brad and I have not seen him before. Geeky yet sexy, Brad Majors requires an actor with skill to portray this lost soul as I always see him. Wendy loved his singing voice and I was not one to disagree; the song Once in a While, Brad’s solo song, was fantastic and I felt so sorry for little Brad Majors (or not so little the case may be). My other two favourite performances come from Kristian Lavercombe and Sophie Linder-Lee. Lavercombe has performed in Rocky Horror over a thousand times and he has gotten his role as Riff Raff nailed, I would love to see him as Frank. He has performed alongside the creator of Rocky Horror, Richard O’Brien, and I am sure O’Brien loves his own role being played by such a professional. Lavercombe has a wonderful singing voice and his acting as the humped servant is amazingly funny yet honest. Linder-Lee plays Columbia, the funny character of the entourage of the castle. She has some great lines and scenes in the whole show and Linder-Lee presents them on stage as if she has landed her dream job. I loved watching her dance, sing and have the audience in stitches.

Frank N Furter is played by Liam Tamne who I saw in the Brighton stop of this tour. I loved Tamne in the Brighton performance although I was not blown away this time round in Norwich. I am not sure if he is just ready for a new role as he has been playing the iconic transvestite for some time. Do not get me wrong Tamne has a wonderful voice and I have no doubt the audience loved him, but I have seen better Frank’s. Tamne was singing as if he was auditioning, seeming to put too much effort in. I have to admit I loved Steve Punt in the role of the narrator. The narrator has one of if not the most  hardest jobs on the stage during Rocky Horror as this character is usually the one heckled by the audience with funny comments, rude words and you never quite know what will be said by someone in that auditorium. He managed it well and was able to stick to the script, mostly, and keep a straight face. I would be the worst narrator ever as I would just want to laugh the whole time, but Punt brings his experience of comedy and stand up to this role and it works amazingly.  Paul Cattermole (S Club 7) plays Eddie/Dr Scott and the gorgeous and stunningly beautiful Dominic Anderson plays Rocky (who has the best costumes in the show).

Directed by Christopher Luscombe this Rocky Horror production cannot be missed. Whether you are a fan of the show or a newbie to this strange word of Transsexual, Transylvania you will love the songs, costumes and comedy this show brings and I thank Richard O’Brien immensely for bringing this classic to our stage and screen. The set of Rocky Horror always makes me laugh how it starts off like a panto, very fake scenery. I think this is one of its positives and not a criticism. Sue Blane created the costumes and how much fun getting to stick people in corsets, heels and giving them a feather boa to run around on stage with (choreographed of course by Nathan M Wright). Richard Hartley was the original musical arranger and this production sees Tony Castro as music supervisor and Ben Van Tienen as music director. I cannot list all the songs, but I don’t think there is one song I dislike in Rocky Horror. It is an eclectic soundtrack and something for everyone; even if you prefer the slow ballad, the racy sexual song or the fun up beat dancing one you will definitely be up dancing in those aisles and stalls when the Time Warp blasts out.

The current tour is at Norwich until Saturday 17^th September with performances at 7:30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and performances at 5:30pm and 8:30pm on the Friday and Saturday. This show is definitely worth seeing; I cannot shout about how much I love it but my sixth time seeing the show this Friday tells you that I love it. There is limited availability for the weekend performances so if you want to see this show at the Theatre Royal, Norwich you need to get your tickets quick. If anyone is going Friday you will see me in my fishnets and wig, come and say hello and have a drink. The show is continuing after Norwich for a brief period and you can catch it at: Eastbourne, Blackpool, Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sunderland, Cardiff and Oxford where I believe this current tour is due to close at the end of December 2016. However if you unfortunately miss this tour of the classic Rocky Horror Show I will hasten to guess another one will shortly be around the corner for us all to enjoy once again. Remember, Don’t Dream It, Be It, get in touch please on Twitter @AaronBurgess89.

That's Entertainment

Hello one and all. I am writing my blog review of That’s Entertainment which I saw with my Beez on 5^th September 2016 at the Norwich Theatre Royal. I have two other reviews to catch up on, Pirates of Penzance at NTR and also a couple of weeks ago I was able to watch Sister Act at The Grand in Leeds starring Alexandra Burke. I have been so busy with various work, social and family events I just haven’t, unfortunately, got around to writing them, so keep an eye out. The next couple of months are going to be so busy both in my private, occupational and musical capacities so you might need to bear with me to get things to you. After a very lovely but apprehensive day speaking at an animal assisted therapy conference and networking day I arrived in Norwich a bit hot and sweaty to meet my Beez. But we had a lovely catch up over a pasta, wine and lemonade as last time we met I basically slept most of the time haha (we filmed Say Yes To The Dress and I had a gammy eye, so keep an eye out for me on the TV guys).

That’s Entertainment is a night of celebration and tribute to some of the biggest names in music and musical theatre from the 1940’s and 50’s as well as the Hollywood Musical. With hats off and honouring such talents as one of my favourite partnerships Rodgers and Hammerstein (mainly Carousel and South Pacific, shame there was no Sound of Music songs), George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and Lerner and Loewe. The show includes some of the most wonderful music including The Trolley Song, Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair, There Is Nothing Like A Dame, Carousel Waltz, You’ll Never Walk Alone, Luck Be A Lady and Candyman. Not in the song list, Ruthie Henshall performed All That Jazz from Chicago and Some People from Gypsy which was amazingly musical and a right treat to see. There are so many song tributes I cannot write them all here although I do think a section was missing around the London Cockney songs and performances or did I totally miss and cannot remember it?

The tour has been joined by some special guests at each venue and Norwich Theatre Royal is doubly lucky having The Overtones and one of musical theatre’s pride and joy, the aforementioned Ruthie Henshall, who stays close to home performing in Norwich. Henshall is a multi-award winning actress and singer, being nominated 5 times for an Olivier, winning the 1994 Best Actress award in the revival of She Loves Me and has starred in some of the biggest shows in the West End and Broadway (including my favourite, Cats as many of the wonderful female feline characters including Grizabella). Recently Henshall has been performing as Mrs Wilkinson in Billy Elliot before it’s close and recording the live version that was streamed across cinemas all over the nation. Ruthie was fabulous in That’s Entertainment, although it would have been nice to see her in both Acts. We only saw Henshall in Act 2, stating she had forgot about a Monday evening performance and dashing up the A140 on a single carriageway meant she missed the first Act – is this true? The overtones for those that are not aware are a vocal harmony group, usually 5 of them; however this performance only saw 4 of them. I have to be honest I have not heard much from them before and I am not the biggest male vocal harmony group fan. However I have to say I was pleasantly impressed with the tones and vocals I heard from them, especially Darren from the group, me and Beez couldn’t keep our eyes off him (then we found out he is married, which ruined the evening J). The only cringe thing was the dated choreography of the Overtones; was this purposeful for the 40’s and 50’s or just dad dancing.

Other guests on the tour have included Jane McDonald and Elaine Smith. When these are not on stage the cast are formed by four main guys and gals and 8 chorus members. I have to say the lady leads (excluding Henshall of course) did not blow me away and cannot really remember their performances. However both the male leads, Simon Schofield and especially Sean Smith (known for appearing as duo Same Difference in the 4^th season of the X factor finishing third), were fabulous and had amazing voices; would have been quite happy to listen to these guys singing again and hopefully will see them in a West End or touring musical soon as I really enjoyed their singing and stage presence.

The lighting is fabulous (Martin Perkins), despite a couple of lights going out in the show and really gives that Hollywood, Broadway, capital city vibe; with the lights circling the stage. The set design is great starting off with the Broadway billboards and theatre signs. The stage is complimented by an array of wonderful, musical, glitzy and glamourous costumes (although me Beez was not happy when she saw one of the feather dresses having a tear– she’s more critical than me honestly J). I have to say Innis King’s and Emma Rogers’ choreography is great for the main cast of That’s Entertainment, I love a bit of tap dancing and this was tappingly wonderful, I love the sound it creates which echoes around the auditorium.

That’s Entertainment is at Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday 10^th September, with daily evening performances at 7:30pm and a 2:30pm matinee tomorrow (7^th) and Saturday. It’s a feel good evening (or day), especially if you’re a musical fan and you love some classic artists and songs and a show full of wonderful costumes and lovely tap dance. The show is very interactive and I was certainly clapping and singing along to many of the songs and dancing in my seat, apologise to the people sat behind me. I agree with Judy Foster of the NTR that this is a wonderful show with glorious costumes, fabulous dancing and wonderful music as she said in the original press release. And I do believe that this is the last stop of the tour so make sure you get to see it and support local lass Ruthie. Please get in touch at +Aaron Burgess or on Twitter @AaronBurgess89

Mary Poppins, Norwich Theatre Royal

Yet another fabulous trip to the Norwich Theatre Royal on Saturday 30^th July with Emma Iannotta (a.k.a Notta) to see the matinee performance of Mary Poppins, UK Tour. We travelled down Friday afternoon to stay with my parents. We arrived to an empty house with a note and money to get a takeaway accompanied by a bottle of red wine and Primm’s (YUM! Thank you Mother). So Me and Emma did what we know best, eating deep fried food with cheese and garlic accompanied by plenty of alcohol. Mother and father then arrived and we had more giggles and even more, Bailys, Sherry, beer, wine …….. bed. So when we woke up to get ready for our matinee performance we had a slight headache. Anyway we were on the road by 11 and due to arrive in Norwich by 11:45. However Emma delayed the E.T.A by having to stop in the A146 Worlingham bypass layby to get rid of the poison in her stomach (i.e. fermented Bailys). Oh well, it was worth the delay. That was not the only bodily fluid story to our day out. When we were getting fresh air and tweeting during the interval a pigeon or gull nearly pooped on us. When I say nearly I mean, inches away from one of our heads. It was so funny I nearly wet myself. Anyway now our dignity has totally vanished I will tell you all about Mary Poppins.

Mary Poppins is of course based on the Disney Film of the same name, which in turn was based on the Mary Poppins stories written by P L Travers. The film starred legendary Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins with Dick van Dyke as Burt. It is one of the most loved family films and I think Childline should be phoned if any infant is denied the chance to watch this film, countless times. It is brilliant! Mary Poppins opened in 2004 in the West End at the Prince Edward Theatre (currently home to another Disney classic, Aladdin). The show was nominated for 9 2005 Olivier Awards, winning Best Actress for Laura Michelle Kelly (Poppins) and Theatre Choreographer (Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear). The other awards were for best New Musical, Best Actor, Supporting Role, Director, Set Design, Lighting and Costume Design. A Broadway production opened in 2006; receiving 7 Tony (2007) nominations and winning Best Scenic Design.

I think for me the scenery and special effects were fantastic. Obviously Mary Poppins is practically perfect and has magic and tricks hidden in her fabulous red coat. This aspect of a film is always difficult to transform onto the stage. However it was done really well. I was distracted by falling confetti (can I be anymore stereotypical haha), and then the next thing I know Mary Poppins has appeared on stage. Toys came to life, a broken kitchen fixed itself and Mary’s magical endless bottomed bag was in top form (even though I did see the bottom of the bag and saw how it happened) a mirror, a plant and the rest all appeared from the bag as well as a bed turning up. Burt walked around the whole of the stage, I mean in a square route around the stage. This was amazing and I couldn’t even blink, my eyes were stinging, I just could not miss any. And I can confirm Mary Poppins can actually fly in real life, this is not an illusionJ. To begin with Me and Emma were disappointed as Mary did not fly, however by the end of the show we were practically pleased with how she entered and left the stage. I very rarely cry during musicals as I am just too excited by what is going on. However the finale of Mary Poppins had me on the verge, not because I was happy or sad but I was just so incredibly over whelmed by the whole Mary Poppins experience, I just had so much emotion going on. This has to be one of the best things I have seen on stage, absolutely fantastic.

Mary Poppins on the stage was produced and co-created by the god that is Cameron Mackintosh and Thomas Schumacher (President of the Disney Theatrical Group) and Julian Fellowes (known for Downton Abbey) writes the book. The amazing Sherman Brothers (Richard and Robert) wrote the original music and lyrics for the animation film and the majority of these songs feature in the stage adaptation. One of my favourite songs is Feed the Birds and this was sung brilliantly by both Mary and the Bird Lady, who I think was an understudy in the performance we saw, Sophie Caton; the others Jolly Holliday, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Lets Go Fly a Kite, Step in Time and A Spoonful of Sugar are all there. The stage adaptation has removed I Love to Laugh and Sister Suffragette, so if you wanted a carbon copy of the animated film this is not the musical for you, but do not let this deter you from Mary Poppins. New songs, additional music and lyrics have been created by the wonderful duo of Stiles (George) and Drewe (Anthony); who have brought musicals to our eyes and ears including Peter Pan, Betty Blue Eyes and a new version of Half a Sixpence (currently playing at the Chichester Festival). New songs include Cherry Tree Lane, Precision and Order; with my new favourites including Practically Perfect, Brimstone and Treacle and Anything Can Happen. These new songs have beautiful music accompanied by classic witty Drewe’ian lyrics. It is a great soundtrack to listen too.

Mary Poppins is played by Zizi Strallen. She has recently been in UK tours of both Hairspray and Cats, both of which I have seen so I need to check out my programmes to see if I have seen Zizi before. I am now in love with Strallen as a performer, especially as Mary Poppins. She has the flare that Poppins needs, which I cannot describe, kind yet stern, witty yet dry, loving yet distant. No one can of course top my idol, Julie Andrews; however Strallen gives a wonderful portrayal of Mary. What a character she is, how amazing must it be to say I have portrayed Mary Poppins on stage? Hats (or should I say umbrellas) off to Zizi. Burt is played by Matt Lee who is great; with Mr and Mrs Banks played by Neil Roberts and Rebecca Lock respectively. I definitely recognised Lock from somewhere but have no idea where from, the programme credits didn’t jog my memory. I loved Lock’s performance; she was funny and also had a wonderful singing voice. Penelope Woodman played Miss Andrew, a new character for the stage show, who was Mr Banks’ nanny when he was young (Miss Andrew does feature in the books by P L Travers); initially I hoped she was named after the wonderful Julie. She is funny, very very theatrical and I loved her song (Brimstone and Treacle). In the performance I saw I think it was Verity Biggs playing Jane and Lewis Fernee playing Michael. Both good little actors and do so well as they feature throughout the whole musical.

Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear choreograph the stage adaptation and they have done a wonderful job. The scene and dance moves to supercalifragilisticexpialidocious are amazing which are reprised during the finale. I would say I would try and learn this scene of dance moves but then it is more likely that I will meet an alien tomorrow. It was great and I was just gob-smacked at how everyone was so in sync and they didn’t mess up. Really special too see. Bob Crowley designed the costumes, and apart from the typical ones, Mary Poppins’ costumes were beautiful. The new scenes which do not feature in the film, the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (at a sweet shop) scene and when the toys come to life, costumes were colourful and shockingly grand. I loved the lighting, especially during Mary’s entrance and departure from the stage and the backdrop was beautiful (Natasha Katz; who also designed the wonderful Aladdin lighting for the new West End show). The anything can Happen scene is unrealistically fantabulous; a giant replica of the famous Poppins umbrella with a bird, that lights up and twirls descends on the stage with the company dancing and singing around it; like an extremely camp campfire.

I have to say I am still reeling in this fantastic musical; YouTube clips of last year’s Royal Variety performance are a daily occurrence. It honestly is one of the best things I have seen on the stage. I cannot wait to see it again. Strallen is a wonderful Poppins, the whole cast entertain people for the entirety of the show and now up and down the country people have the opportunity to see this amazing show. Mary Poppins entertained the people of and around Norwich for the past four weeks and now the show is heading to (hopefully) a place near you. The current tour is due to visit Plymouth, Bradford, Cardiff and Newcastle before it ends. This tour won the 2016 Whatsonstage award for Best UK Tour. As for Norwich Theatre Royal regulars do not panic, there is plenty to see before the end of this year including, Gilbert and Sullivan, Rocky Horror Show, That’s Entertainment, The Full Monty, The Sound of Music, Chicago, The Commitments and of course the duly anticipated Jack and the Beanstalk Panto; what a great year to be a regular at the Norwich Theatre Royal. Please get in touch on Twitter @AaronBurgess89  

Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre

It has been about a month since I last went to the theatre; I know what you are thinking, how does a theatre addict like myself last a month without going. Well luckily my treatment includes lots of Elaine Paige on Sunday, BBC WestEnders, musical films and bad singing to get through it. It has also been a long time coming for me and my Beez (Kaz) to have a theatre trip. We had been anticipating the long awaited Broadway transfer of Disney’s Aladdin in London, which I will come on to. Was great catching up with ma Beez, giggles the whole way to London, despite my gas (sorry Beez) and the T**T that hit Kaz’s wing mirror. Thankfully after driving 2 miles while holding it through the window (hilarious) it clipped backed in. We had a little trip to the Victoria and Albert museum in Kensington for their special Curtain Up exhibition which celebrates 40 years of London theatre, part of the 40^th anniversary celebrations of the Olivier Awards. Was great walking around, looking how times have changes, history of programmes, mixing the sounds and my favourite part trying on the costumes. We then had a relaxing chill in Leicester (a.k.a Lichester) Square where we mulled in the sun; having devilish thoughts. Then it was time for Aladdin.

The Prince Edward Theatre is in the heart of the LGBT community on Old Compton Street. I have been to this theatre a few times, first to see Mamma Mia with Nanny Cora before its move and more recently in 2014 to see the latest production of Miss Saigon. It is a lovely theatre holding over 1600 audience members each performance and owned by Delfont Mackintosh. It has hosted some of the most well-known musicals in the West End including Evita, Chess, Anything Goes, Crazy for You, West Side Story, Mary Poppins and Jersey Boys. Now it hosts Aladdin. Disney transferred the much loved 1992 animated musical film into a stage production. In launched in Seattle in 2011 and then to produce regional and international productions. It opened on Broadway in 2014 at the New Amsterdam Theatre. I have not discussed the plot as I thought everyone reading this blog would know it. If you don’t, why not? It tells the tale of young homeless Aladdin who is coerced into finding a magic lamp, who finds out this magic lamp contains a genie and Aladdin uses three magic wishes to win over the beautiful princess Jasmine. Aladdin was nominated for 5 Tony’s in 2014 including Best Musical, Best Book (Beguelin), Best Original Score (Menken, Ashman, Rice and Beguelin) and Best Choreography (Casey Nicholaw) with James Monroe Iglehart winning the Tony for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical as the Genie (well deserved). The album was later nominated for Best Musical Theatre Album at the 2015 Grammy’s (won by Beautiful, The Carole King Musical). It will be interesting to see how Aladdin competes at the 2016 Olivier’s Awards, but I would bet on Trevor Dion Nichols being nominated for his portrayal of the Genie.

I have to start by mentioning how blown over I was with Trevor Dion Nichols who played the Genie, an iconic character anyone will admit, being portrayed by the late and great Robin Williams in the 1992 animated film. Nichols had played the Genie on Broadway, I think as an understudy or replacement, but recently relocating to London to star in the West End production of Aladdin. He was by far the most charismatic, talented, funny and wonderful person on that whole stage. He certainly was the star of the night and that showed in the response he got from the audience, most standing to applaud such an energetic performance. He has the best song in the show, ‘Friend Like Me’ and boy does he do it justice. A 7 minute, non-stop musical number, with a Disney medley honouring the work of Disney legends Howard Ashman, Stephen Swartz and Alan Menken with Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas and The Little Mermaid, being featured. This was also one of the most visually amazing parts of the show. It involves magic, glitter, quick changes, illusions and an explosion of confetti into the audience. I cannot get over this one scene; I want to see it over and over again. There are clips on the Internet of the Tony performance but this does not capture one bit how amazing it is to sit among it, plus it is a snippet of the full scene. If you do not enjoy anything else about Aladdin, Nichols’ performance will have you gagging for more and he will draw you in to the Arabian magic.

I have to admit apart from Nichols I was not blown away by the rest of the cast. I had seen Dean John-Wilson recently at the St James’ Theatre in Miss Atomic Bomb where I thought he was really good. Thus I was really looking forward to seeing him as the protagonist in this show which had received fantastic reviews. I am not sure what it was but I thought his voice was not the best and no way compared to Nichols’. The same was said for Jade Ewen playing Jasmine. A former Sugababe I was having high hopes for this performance, again I was completely underwhelmed. The songs sung by Ewen and John-Wilson did nothing for my inner romantic side, so ‘A Whole New World’ was disappointing, vocally, not visually (wait!). Jafar was played by Don Gallagher who is a well-known TV and stage actor but I felt this performance was very panto-esque (I love a panto, but there is a place and time). Whether this was aimed at the kids I am not sure. I enjoyed Peter Howe as Iago, who does the most fantastic human version of an animated parrot, the reference to Iago as a parrot in the film was good and he even sounded like the Iago in the film. Irvine Iqbal played the Sultan, who albeit not in it much had a really amazing voice so it was a shame he only really has one (big) number. Instead of the monkey Abu as Aladdin’s side kick he has three mates, Babkak, Omar and Kassim (I liked Kassim, played by Stephen Rahman-Hughes), and I understand it would have been difficult to portray a tiny monkey on stage, but I think I would have preferred a monkey as opposed to three mates, although there is a reference to Abu in the Prince Ali number. Also there is no tiger (Rajah).

I think the creatives of Aladdin outweigh the cast by a million, excluding Nichols’ of course. With the hero of Disney, a god of musical theatre and a talent not many can top, you can’t really go wrong when you have Alan Menken writing the music for a stage show, and again this is something he has exceeded in. With old classics such as Arabian Nights, One Jump Ahead, Friend Like Me, Prince Ali and of course A Whole New World what can go wrong. With lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, Tim Rice (another fantastic Disney and Musical theatre lyricist) and Chad Beguelin (who also writes the book) it really is a fantastic score. It was great to hear some of Ashman’s work that was cut from the original animated film, the song Proud of Your Boy I have fallen in love with and High Adventure is a catchy little number too. I always think it is hard to beat the classics and the newer songs which were written for the stage version don’t live up to the classics. A Million Miles Away was a bit flat for me, although hearing it on the Broadway cast album does sound better and ‘These Palace Walls’ has been forgotten.

Some of the scenes were absolutely beautiful and were mesmerising which is not an over exaggeration at all. Scenic design was by Bob Crowley, illusion design by Jim Steinmeyer, and Lighting by Natasha Katz. The scenes start to become out of this world with Diamond in the Rough leading to Friend Like Me. The stage turns into an actual Sahara goldmine. Everything is so sparkly and dazzling, the lion sand monster comes to life and you just do not know where to look. The transformation of the stage during Friend Like Me and the illusory effects are just fantastic and it really gives off that magical vibe. I cannot give too much away as it will spoil the show if you see it. Katz does an amazing job with A Whole New World, again the stage transforms into the night sky, with shooting stars, perspective changes and the love between Jasmine and Aladdin comes to life with the lighting arrangements. It really was a spectacular moment, and yes there is a magic carpet ride, beautiful!

All of this wonder is added to by the gorgeous costume design by Gregg Barnes. From the dramatic bold colours off all the characters to the innocent and rich white of the Prince and his entourage they were all so beautiful. The Arabian feel for costumes was definitely captured within the costumes and there was so much bling it was fabulous. Some of those costumes are bound to have weighed a ton (I should know I spent a good 20 minutes at the V&A trying them on). And I am assuming this would be down to make-up design (Milagros Medina-Cerdeira), anyway whose ever idea it was to put glitter on the bald head of the Genie, for me this was the icing on the cake, or the glitter on the head (haha! Bad joke sorry). If (or when) I go bald at least I have the comfort of knowing I can sparkle in the light of having no hair with body glitter on my head, YES!

I do feel I have been over critical to Aladdin. I really enjoyed the show but it was definitely the creatives, set design, illusions, costumes, sparkle, glitter and of course Trevor Dion Nichols’ performance as the Genie that won the show for me. Aladdin is currently selling at the Prince Edward Theatre until June 2017. It really is a lovely production to SEE. Please get in touch on Twitter fellow musical fans, AaronBurgess89