The Railway Children, 2017 UK tour (play)

What a lovely evening with the Grandmother, a.k.a Nanny Cora. It has been a while since I dragged her, sorry allowed her to accompany me (HAHA!) to the Theatre Royal in Norwich. Well I thought I had better take her along to see The Railway Children, the play based on E Nesbit’s novel, but more of that later. We met in the city and had a little bite to eat, and by little, I mean a three course meal. Super fun as always! I am excited to say that I have also booked for us to go and see 42^nd Street in the West End in September, so eager musical fans, alas, I shall go to the West End (said in a very dramatic Cinderella, Fairy Godmother like excitement). I thought I’ll have to take Nanny Cora to see The Railway Children as I have always known she is a huge fan of the story and used to tell me about when she used to watch the television series over 50 years ago (sorry to hint at your age Nanny). There has been four BBC series, from 1951 to 1968, and I am not sure which one she was on about, apparently it starred the woman who later married Tony Blackburn, poor woman!

The Railway Children is of course a children’s book written by Edith Nesbit and was first published in 1905. She has been coined the first modern woman to write for children, I wonder if that is why the mother in the story is a writer – sweet. I have to say I have never ever read the book, not even a chapter but it is known to be an amazing book. It has since, as I said, been adapted for the TV and Radio and of course for the 1970 film which again I have never seen. I terrible aren’t I. it has also been adapted for the stage many times and a recent version finished this January at the King’s Cross Theatre and apparently it has a real life train on the stage. I have heard it was filmed and shown on Sky Arts a while back which had good reviews from some friends. Well unfortunately the current touring production is not as epic as that, in my opinion, but it was still pretty fine.

For those of you that do not know the story, I won’t ruin anything in case you are like me and seeing this or learning about this lovely little story for the first time. Well I guess if I told you it contained children and a railway station that wouldn’t be giving too much away. Well yes there are three children: Roberta, Phyllis and Peter, who move up North from London with their mother when their father is working away. They become welcomed in the village and get friendly with the station guard, Perks, and his son John. That is all I am saying. It is a very sweet story, very Little House on the Prairie, it reminded me of for some reason, but there is more to this story then I am letting on.

The 2017 touring production of The Railway Children is very good and Nanny Cora said “well I thoroughly enjoyed that” actual quote from the woman which she has confirmed is publishable. I thought it was a lovely story and told very well on the stage although some parts of it did feel slightly off touch. A couple of things which I am sure are not life threatening but could have been avoided. Chairs falling as they are wheeled off stage, what looked like a well-known fast food chain’s ice cream container had been left on one of the track changer levers, the odd stutter and overlapping of said lines. There was also a lot of laughing from the audience, me included, but I was not sure if this was actually what the director was wanting from the audience or if it was us just finding the serious stuff funny – ooops! I am no critic (I am of course a critic hence this review) but these little things to stick in my mind. Some of the acting also felt a little forced and over the top.

However, enough of the bad stuff, I am a happy and cheerful reviewer (said the little actor crying in the corner – I jest). Perks is played by Stewart Wright (pictured below) who I thought was great on stage. Narrating the story too he really made the audience laugh and gasp at certain points in the show (not seen it, now I’ve made it exciting – right?). I thought he was fab and definitely receives my Musical Theatre Star of the Night award – even though this was a play. For me I also thought Callum Goulden who played the son of Perks, John, was bloody brilliant and if I was permitted to give two Star Awards away he would definitely be getting the second. I thought he was a cheeky little chappy who acted so well on stage I bought every line. I thought his accent was really really fab until I realised he was Manchester-born. HAHA! Mrs Perks was played by Andrea Davy and although we did not see much of her she stole a lot of the scenes. Very funny! Millie Turner plays eldest of the trio Roberta, also known as Bobby. I thought she was really good too, loving the voice and her quickly delivered lines, more like monologues if you wish, were delivered on point. Understudy Sally Geake took to the floor (or stage should I say) tonight and played middle child Phyllis. I have to say if we weren’t told before the show I would have still guessed this was not the usual actor playing the role (also the picture is very different in the programme haha). A couple of minor mistakes, but, I did like her delivery of the character’s bratty and simple side. Still a good performance and a nice bow at the end. Vinay Lad plays the youngest child, Peter, and I was surprised to open the programme and see there weren’t several Peter’s as he looks so young on stage, but with an MA I am assuming you are not as young as you look (jammy). Lad plays the role of the teenage boy well, and if that is not your real voice which I doubt, a spiffing good accent I have to say.

The Railway Children, 2017 touring production, is directed by Paul Jepson and adapted by Dave Simpson. The set, costume and video designs were by Timothy Bird. Loved the costumes and thought they were the best out of the three. Set was OK and I have to say I was not a massive fan of the use of videos in this production and I have seen the use of this modern technology used much better in other shows (most notably to mind the touring production of Ghost a few years ago).  Some video use was good yet some looked a little odd and did not blow me away so to speak.

All in all The Railway Children is a lovely, sweet story with some tense and exciting times with a ……. ending (this post is not a draft; I just don’t want to give anything away and keep it all mysterious for you). It has made me want to read the book and possibly watch the film. I did laugh multiple times during the show which I think is a good thing; I hope they were intended by the production team. Nanny Cora absolutely loved the show and I think it allowed her to reminisce which is fabulous. The Railway Children is at the Norwich Theatre Royal all week with nightly performances at 7:30pm and 2:30pm matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets are available for all shows and can be purchased in all usual manners (I don’t mean polite I mean by phone, email you know the ways – but do please be polite anyway). And if you are not local to me, I have an extensive audience you see, it is heading to Richmond Theatre in London and then Aylesbury and then it looks like the tour comes to an end. Lots to look forward to as well with Slava’s Snow Show, Curious Incident (my most favourite play), Shirley Valentine, Dreamboats and Petticoats and of course this year’s Panto – Sleeping Beauty – all to look forward to before Christmas is here. Sorry to use the C word, I am getting excited though. Until next time please get in touch on twitter @AaronBurgess89.

Fantastic Mr Fox - a musical?

Me and my sister, Fern, last night went to the Theatre Royal Norwich to semi celebrate her birthday, but also for me to review the new touring production of Roald Dahl’s classic, Fantastic Mr Fox. Prior to the theatre we had some chicken at Nando’s, a glass of wine at the Lamb Inn and bought some sunglasses and dresses at Primark (for her of course not me). It was super nice to have some sisterly brotherly quality time, never get enough of that unfortunately. This new stage adaptation of the classic children’s story was co-produced by Leicester’s Curve and the Nuffield in Southampton where it had its premiere over the most recent Christmas period. It has since started its tour this February and planning to end in July at the Lowry, Salford although more dates are rumoured to be announced.

Sam Holcoft is the adapter of this Dahl classic which sees a cunning fox and his mischievous ways, hunting out to get the better of three farmers, Boggis, Bunce and Bean, to steal their lovely chickens, turkeys and ducks (and possibly some cider, why not!) in order to feed his family and his friends, Badger, Mouse, Mole and Rabbit. I am not overly clear on how different the stage adaptation is from the book as I cannot remember it in its entirety. However the story has a lovely moral tone to it of everyone has their individual talent, no matter how big or small, strong or obvious that may be and friends and family are really important people. This is a such an important message to get over to children from an early age, and Dahl has captured it within this simple yet effective story. Arthur Darvill is the composer and lyricist, with lyrics also by Holcroft, al Muriel and Darren Clark. This new music has been used to help tell the story of these forest creatures and it’s not too bad. Although the music I don’t think will be in my head in the next few weeks I did enjoy some of the songs. I liked the rabbit’s song about her own rabbit with an adult flavour for the parents, the finale to act one was really good and the ending was great. The only thing is I cannot find out what the songs were called so I am unable to tell you all which I songs I liked and which I didn’t.

This production of Fantastic Mr Fox is very much aimed and written for a child audience. When you hear of a Roald Dahl classic being transformed to the stage you think of Charlie and the Chocolate Factor or Matilda and you get incredibly excited and when you see them your blown away. I was not blown away by this production but it was still good. I think it was much harder to transform this story due to animals and there aren’t many musicals which have a pure animal character list, and even less which are successful (…… Cats, Lion King – let me know I am bound to be wrong and missing an absolute classic J). It does sometimes feel like you are in the audience of a children’s programme, albeit a really fun children’s TV programme. But I guess this is not a bad thing really is it? unless you are two adults in an audience with no children.

I was impressed by the cast and I am sure I recognised a couple of them – not sure as they were dressed as animals, kind of. I think my favourite character and cast member award has to be given to two people. Richard Atwill who plays Farmer Bean as well as the rat was fabulous. His two characters were very different and he plays them both so well, with a great singing voice. His camp-ish drunken rat was awesome and his crazy farmer, obsessed with killing the fox is scary. Joint favourite was Rabbit, played by Sandy Foster. She was really funny, had a fantastic voice (there was someone at the end of act 1 who hit a real stunning note I think it was her, if not it was mouse). I liked that the small intimate band were also birds in this production and had a dual responsibility; this is always something I enjoy. Richie Hart heads them up as musical director, with Anna Fordham and Patrick Burbridge. There were four of them though. Maybe it was an ensemble member. Greg Barnett plays Mr Fox and he was great. There was an element of the rum tum tugger from cats about him, I am not sure if this was deliberate or unintentional or a coincidence. Lille Flynn plays Mrs Fox and again I liked her musical numbers with on-stage husband Barnett. And their on-stage baby, Kit, is played by Jade Croot, who my sister thought was really good. Although her strong Welsh accent didn’t really fit with her parents accents. Gruffudd Glyn plays Mole and Farmer Bunce, and again a welsh accent comment, I found him very much like Rob Brydon on stage, I don’t know why but I really liked him in his role. The Mouse is played by Kelly Jackson. I loved her little poem and song about cheese, I thought the lyrics and construction of the song were very good. Edward Hole played Badger and Farmer Boggis in this production, and I thought he was a good replacement although the funniest thing was that he had the surname hole and the whole show is about animals living in holes.

I thought the set was cleverly designed. I liked the use of levels and bringing the forest to the large stage was very well achieved. I did feel there was some copying of the Cats set with the use of rubbish and litter to be used as props and furniture, but I can’t really hold that against them, Cats is amazing. Tom Scutt also designed the costumes as well as the set. I thought the costumes were very imaginative and modern; a really original idea. Instead of typical fury animals, the animal costumes described their personalities I think. A sporty rabbit, a mining fox family, a referee badger, another sort of mining mechanic mole. I am not entirely sure what the mouse was supposed to be, maybe a teacher? Super impressed by that idea. All this directed by Maria Aberg with Ayse Tashkiran on movement – I have to say I wasn’t too impressed with the movement or dancing, this was very children’s TV gone poor.

Fantastic Mr Fox would be a great musical, show for children to see. I think it is a great show to start that musical fan career in our next generation. I have to say it is not going to make my top 25, but I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to see such a show. I liked some of the music and lyrics and would listen to them again. The story is not the most magical or interesting but it is a classic and it holds a really strong morality which is very important. I wish the rest of the tour luck as it visits Bradford and Salford, and I think more dates were due to be released soon. The show is at The Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday. There are shows at 10:30am tomorrow and Saturday, with a 7pm tomorrow night and a 2:30 matinee on Saturday. Next week you’ve got Funny Girl at the Theatre Royal with tickets still available. See you soon guys. Get in touch on twitter @AaronBurgess89.

The Play That Goes Wrong on UK Tour

Got to see my Beez last night which was just what I really needed. We of course were off to the Norwich Theatre Royal to see a play. I know a play who of thought it, a musical theatre addict going to see a play, no music (well Duran Duran were featured) but I do like a serious play haha. Anyway more on The Play That Goes Wrong shortly. We went to a little French Restaurant known as Café with a colour (necessarily disguised for advertising reasons) where I had Demi Poulet pour Frites which translates to chicken and chips, basically a dirty takeaway for me. It was so so nice to catch up and have a laugh before going to the theatre, and of course we were nearly late as per usual. I am super anxious when it comes to lateness at the theatre but we arrived just in time for the curtain up although it had already gone up. – Oops!

The Play That Goes Wrong, by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, is a comedy that won the 2015 Olivier award for Best New Comedy. Well I completely understand why it won. This play is very funny. Proper British slapstick comedy which reminded me of the likes of Rowan Atkinson’s Mr Bean, Laurel and Hardy, Monty Python and the other well-known classics. Although I was not laughing from start to finish I had some proper LOL moments and giggled throughout. People could not stop laughing and at certain hilarious points I could not hear the subsequent lines of those on stage through the laughter in the auditorium. My favourite bit was quite possibly when a description was read by one of the actor’s: “Sobs!” – can’t stop laughing 24 hours later. The play takes the longest running production of the West End, The Mousetrap, or a similar story, which is produced by a fictitious drama group. The play, as the title suggests, goes wrong and not just wrong, immensely wrong. From start to finish it goes wrong and boy do I mean it goes wrong. From the wrong lines, the wrong props, missing actors, bad actors, props falling, set collapsing and actors being knocked out, it pretty much goes to plan. I wonder if this happens to the well-established likes of Judi Dench and Maggie Smith.

Following a successful run in the West End and continuing to win awards over the pond (Broadway) The Play That Goes Wrong is also enjoying a successful second UK tour. The show is still running in both Broadway and the West End at the Duchess Theatre. This show is perfect for those of you who need a good laugh with the terrible climate we are all living in at the moment. You will laugh throughout I guarantee. I still say it must be so hard to purposefully get things wrong all night, but then again for those on stage (and of course off stage) they are getting it right according to the script. However, I doubt we as an audience would even know if anything does actually go wrong. At some points I was covering my face and shouting out as I was thinking is this supposed to happen, poor person on stage. Put it this way I really got involved.

The small cast are all extremely funny. I do have to admit I think some parts of the show are just there for obvious humour reasons but the majority of the show had me in honest stitches, with my loud yelp of a laugh at points (which is a good thing). Katie Bernstein is the stage manager who has to become Florence for part of the play. She is most funny when it comes to act 2 when she is more on stage that off stage. Adam Byron plays Robert who in turn is Thomas Colleymoore. Very funny character and actor and at one point I thought he was going to fall off the set; my heart was in my mouth. Jason Callender plays Jonathan who is the dead Charles Haversham (well supposed to be). My Beez thought he was fantastic and he was very funny trying to play dead on stage if it wasn’t for his useless co-stars. Edward Howells plays Dennis (who is Perkins the butler) and I thought his inept way of pronouncing words was very well crafted comedy. Alastair Kirton plays Max who is Cecil. The camp guy, we loved Alastair. The difficulties he faced kissing his female colleague and being overwhelmed by the audience, I can very much see myself being like that if I ever pull my finger out and join an amateur dramatic society.

Meg Mortell plays Sandra who is the original Florence in act one and returns midway through act 2. The battle between the limelight, being trapped in a clock and over acting were all highlights for me.  Graeme Rooney plays Trevor the tech guy off stage although he features enough on stage and even gets a turn at playing Florence (a well sort out part I hear you cry). The only thing I would change would be to give him a red dress but as I understand there was only one available. Patrick Warner plays Chris, the society director and playing the detective in their production. A worthy comedy actor on stage and I liked his introductions to both acts, very much set the comedic scene for me. It is difficult to say specific funny bits for each character as they were all super funny.

Mark Bell directs this fantastic and hilarious play. Nigel Hook is set designer and this is no ordinary set (who has just won the Tony Award this year for Best Set Design for the Broadway production). To design something to fail must have been no easy planning phase. I am sure set designers do not wake up and think, how can we make this set fall apart. Well he has done an excellent job and that set, it does not work. Well it does for us, just not in the intended way. The props on stage and the coordination for where they are and who is propping them back up were planned to the pin point. I was looking for a choreographer in the programme as it just felt so organised and like a dance. Very impressed. Ric Mountjoy oversees Lighting and costumes were designed by Roberto Surace.

The Play That Goes Wrong is a really funny night out for all the family. I was very impressed with how the play can create such comedy without using swearing or crudeness. I spoke with Judy Foster, from the Theatre’s communications team, during the interval and we discussed how many new comedies both on stage and screen rely on this approach to gain a few laughs. The classic comedy of this play relies on old style humour and it works so well. If you’re feeling down or low, stressed at work, too much going on in our busy lives, try and get to see this play. From the Norwich Theatre Royal, the show visits Birmingham, Dublin, Nottingham, Southampton, Malvern, Plymouth and ending in Canterbury and is booking in the West End until February 2018. The show is not sold out this week although tickets are extremely limited for all shows, nightly from 7:30pm, with matiness Wednesday and Saturday at 2:30pm. I would book quickly to avoid missing out. Please get in touch I would love to hear what you guys think of this show, I am on twitter @AaronBurgess89. Until next time, I think I am off to see Fantastic Mr Fox next week, take care.

Sister Act on tour in Norwich

Last night me and the boyfriend went to see Sister Act on tour at the Norwich Theatre Royal – it was Fabulous Baby! We were up in the circle again which Ben likes and were very excited to see Alexandra Burke in this touring production of the musical comedy. I first saw the show in Leeds in August last year where I fell in love with the original soundtrack – see below. So when I saw it was turning up in Norwich I was super excited. For those of you that do not know the story of sister Act – how? I will tell you. Based on the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith; it tells the tale of Delores Van Cartier who witnesses her gangster of a boyfriend murder one of his cronies. After this she is transported into police safety to ensure she doesn’t end up dead too. Where best to hide a diva of a club singer than a convent. Transformed to Mary Clarance she learns new things about herself and helps the nuns and the Mother Superior learn a few things too. Chuck in some fabulous original songs and you have a hit musical on your hands. Be aware it is not an exact replica of the film so do not go expecting that and it is a completely original soundtrack and no song from the film features in the musical.  Despite multiple Olivier and Tony nominations Sister at failed to win any awards which is absolutely devastating.

This production stars Alexandra Burke who I also saw in Leeds playing this role. I have fallen in love with Burke since she has turned her talents to musical theatre (as well as yoghurts haha!). I first saw her in The Bodyguard last year in Norwich where she was amazing. When Burke is on the stage I cannot look at anyone else. She absolutely owns that stage and shines through anything else that is present. Her singing voice is powerful and beautiful, she is funny yet sincere and she absolutely loves every minute she is on that stage and appreciates each and every applause cascaded to her. I cannot wait to keep my eye on Alexandra and she which show she sets to steal next. Some of the cast are the same and some have changed since Leeds. One member of the cast who has remained the same since Leeds is Sandy Grigelis as TJ who is very funny and captures your eye as you’re watching; even when in a habit. Sarah Goggin has joined the cast as Sister Mary Robert the quiet and shy postulant who is given a new lease of life by Delores; she has one of the great musical songs in this show and she does it so much justice. Aaron Lee Lambert has remained as the mean Curtis and Joe Vetch has joined the cast to play cop Eddie. Karen Mann plays the Mother Superior and Susannah van den Berg has remained as crazy Mary Patrick and the rapping Mary Lazarus is played by Liz Kitchen. They are a fabulous and wonderful cast yet some of the company songs sounded a little screechy last night which was disappointing.

Strictly Come Dancing’s own Craig Revel Horwood directs and choreographs Sister Act and he has done a fabulous job. Although sometimes cheesy and a bit like you are at the wedding party the dance moves are catchy and I have to say I tried to replicate the curtain call dance to Take me to heaven and I am sure Alexandra Burke caught my eye and had a chuckle to herself. The band are on the stage as well as off the stage organised by musical director, Greg Arrowsmith. I love a musical instrument on stage but it has to be there for a reason and I remember in Leeds thinking why is this happening??? I still feel like this and I don’t think it adds much to the production, I would not miss them I do not think if they were not holding instruments. With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater the original soundtrack is addicted and we were both singing it until this morning and I had it in the car for work today. One song has changed since the London production – it’s good to be a nun has replaced how I got the calling and I have to say I prefer the original song. The classics will stick in your mind forever and I remember the next day after seeing Sister Act for the first time downloading the original soundtrack and have not stopped listening to it since.

Matthew Wright designs the set and costumes which are ok. The majority of the cast wear habits so that’s fine. I have to say the glitzy habits at the curtain call are my favourite and Burke’s white sparkly outfit at the end is gorgeous. Also the males in their pink sparkles caught my eye too. The set is based in the church and it works really well and the other various scenes are transformed by basic props. Richard G Jones takes on the lighting design which was good but nothing sticks in my mind today. The finale is brilliant and the stage does almost transform and the glitter explosion at the end will make you jump, so gutted I was not covered in glitter haha!

Sister Act is in Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday 6^th May. I would urge people to go and see this musical whether you are an avid musical theatre fan like me, like the film sister act or just want to have a good night out this week. It is a musical comedy and the score is extremely catchy. It will also make you laugh and strong emotions evoked during act 2. There are nightly shows at 7:30 with matiness tomorrow (Wednesday 3^rd) and Saturday. All shows have limited tickets but the important things is there are some available so you should definitely try and get your hands on some. I am really trying hard not to go and buy a habit and have a little show myself in the lounge with the curtains closed. Please get in touch to let me know what you think of this show and your favourite songs on Twitter @AaronBurgess89. Until next time which I think will be Million Dollar Quartet keep safe.

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.