THEGAYUK

Author: Paul Szabo

  • THEATRE REVIEW | On Your Feet – National Tour

    THEATRE REVIEW | On Your Feet – National Tour

    ★★★ | On Your Feet, Sheffield

    (C) PR SUPPLIED

    Tracing her rise from Cuban immigrant to global superstar, On Your Feet tells the story of Gloria Estafan and the Miami Sound Machine.

    From humble beginnings, the group went on to sell over 100 million records, albeit not without struggling to bring their fusion of Latin beats and Pop to the charts. But the American dream turns sour when at the height of her fame, tragedy hits the family.

    You might think that Gloria Estafan’s life was not really eventful enough to carry the narrative of a two-hour show, and, well, you may be right.

    There is very little in this musical biopic that hasn’t been seen before. The show feels a little self-indulgent at times, only ever skimming the surface of Estafan’s life and there are no huge revelations. The story ambles along without really getting very far in act one; and despite the narrative thickening out a little during act two, it remains a rather superficial look at her life.

    Narrative aside and despite a rather lacklustre set, this is a big production with a quality feel, an excellent lighting design taking us from the heat of the Cuban sun to packed out stadiums, some stunningly beautiful costumes, a stage full of actors and a superb live band on stage. Francesca Lara Gordon plays Gloria Estafan as a sassy, headstrong and determined woman, and had a voice enabling her to belt out the pop tunes and softly sing the slower numbers; and there was a tangible chemistry between her and George Ioannides as Emilio Estafan.

    With a good mix of ballads, upbeat pop and Latin American music, the show bursts into life during the musical numbers which are filled with passion and energy. With infectious Latin rhythms and dance routines that positively sizzle, outstanding choreography and an ensemble cast as hot as the Miami sun, the show really does impress during these moments and proves to be utterly irresistible.

    On Your Feet is a musical biopic with the emphasis firmly on the music rather than the biopic, and provides a couple of hours of foot-tapping, feel-good fun.

    On Your feet is at Sheffield Theatres until 19th October 2019, before continuing on its national tour.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Woman in Black – National Tour

    ★★★★ | The Woman in Black

    (C) PR SUPPLIED / FORTUNE

    Set in an old theatre in the late 1950s, a solicitor, Arthur Kipps, enlists the assistance of a young actor to tell his story. His tale revolves around a terrifying incident when he was younger, when he travelled to Eel Marsh House to settle the estate of a long-standing deceased client. Alone in his client’s mansion, he is plagued by the sound of a pony and trap, an unexplained banging noise and a door which appears to be locked from the inside. What secrets does the estate hold? And who is the woman in black he keeps seeing?

    This effective ghost story is beautifully crafted and uses simple techniques to create a very taught atmosphere. The lighting design, in particular, was incredibly well done – who would have thought that a dark stage with just a door highlighted would draw worried mumblings from those around you? The production slowly cranks up the tension, drawing you to the edge of your seat and then throwing you back into it with some effective jump scares.

    The narrative of the show remains faithful to the original novel, and the production avoids spoon-feeding you the story, leaving you to create your own horrors in your imagination. The set, staging and props were remarkably effective in their simplicity and created an atmosphere where you held your breath with the central character as he explored the darkness; and the way in which the audience is manipulated via the events unfolding on stage is testament to the quality of writing behind the show and the impressive performances of the two actors, Robert Goodale and Daniel Easton.

    The Woman In Black is well-crafted fireside ghost story which proves that there is more to what is unseen than what is seen. This show is a chilling pre-Halloween treat and a perfect way to spend a dark, stormy winter evening.

    The Woman In Black is currently at Sheffield Theatres until 12th October 2019 before continuing on its national tour and is also playing in the West End.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | We Will Rock You, National Tour

    THEATRE REVIEW | We Will Rock You, National Tour

    ★★★ |We Will Rock You, National Tour

    WE WILL ROCK YOU by Elton, , Writer and Director – Ben Elton, Set Designer – Mark Fisher, Costume Designer – Tim Goodchild, Lighting designer – Willie Williams, Churchill Theatre, Bromley, UK, 2019, Credit: Johan Persson

    Set in a distant, dystopian future where musical instruments and composers are banned, where generic pop music is imposed on the public and rock music is all but unknown, a small group of “Bohemians” struggle to restore the idea of thought, fashion and, most importantly, rock music as they break free of the grip of the Killer Queen.

    Seventeen years after it opened, this theatrical juggernaut heads out on a theatre tour bringing with it some of Queen’s most iconic songs. The show is a full-on assault to the senses, with a set made up of giant screens displaying animated, projected backdrops, a colourful array of costumes and music and vocals so loud that the bass reverberates in your chest.

    During the first act, the songs come thick and fast, with the wafer-thin plot serving little more purpose other than linking one song to the next, but the second act yields a little more to the rather silly narrative whilst still packing in enough hits to keep you entertained.

    Such big songs require big voices and the two leads, Ian McIntosh and Elena Skye can certainly belt out the tunes, giving solid vocal performances; whilst audience favourite Michael McKell provided some excellent comic relief throughout.

    But the real stars here are the songs, and the show packs in all the Queen hits you are expecting. Despite a plot which is utter nonsense, We Will Rock You will have you rocking your way out of the theatre.

    We Will Rock You is currently at Sheffield Theatres before continuing on its national tour.

  • Theatre Review | Northern Ballet’s Cinderella – National Tour

    Theatre Review | Northern Ballet’s Cinderella – National Tour

    Northern Ballet dancer Hironao Takahashi in David Nixon OBE’s Cinderella. Photo Emma Kauldhar

    ★★★★ |Northern Ballet’s Cinderella

    Northern Ballet continues to delight with a charming retelling of a classic fairy story. Cinderella leads a life of servitude to her wicked stepmother but escapes her life by sneaking out, where she encounters a magician who is more than meets the eye. When Cinderella is left home alone on the night of the Prince’s ball, the Magician appears to transform her into a princess; as she and the Prince meet and fall in love, the clock strikes twelve and Cinderella flees, leaving only a glass slipper behind.  

    Sometimes, such familiar stories can feel laboured and over-familiar but Northern Ballet injects new life into the traditional fairy tale by putting in enough fresh ideas to add something new, without ever detracting from the familiar narrative.  Transporting the story to Russia whilst adding in an expanded narrative and a scattering of magic tricks and circus skills, the company presents something just a little different, but with its roots firmly planted in well-known story.

    Mlindi Kulashe delighted the audience with a comedic performance as the magician, and Abigail Prudames charmed as the titular heroine; both of whom stood out from a company who gave universally solid performances.

    Where Cinderella really succeeds is in its simplicity. The choreography is so clear in delivering the narrative, it allows you to simply sit back and enjoy the performances. There are sufficient magical moments to maintain its fairy tale status whilst allowing the dance to take centre stage, and the lavish new costumes, some new sets and the live orchestra only adds to the atmosphere of this production.

    Whether you are looking for a family orientated evening at the theatre, or for something to start to get you in the festive mood, Cinderella is an engaging ballet which works its magic on you by radiating a feel-good warmth and familiarity.

    Northern Ballet’s Cinderella is playing at Sheffield Theatres until 28th September 2019 before continuing on its national tour; whilst their production of Dracula will be beamed live into selected cinemas on Halloween

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Girl On The Train – Birmingham

    THEATRE REVIEW | The Girl On The Train – Birmingham

    ★★★ | The Girl On The Train – National Tour / Birmingham

    Based on the best selling book by Paula Hawkins, The Girl On The Train stars Samantha Womack (Eastenders) as Rachel Watson, a troubled woman who romanticises about a couple she sees from her commuter train window every day, as she imagines the life she could have had. When one of the couple goes missing, she finds herself drawn into the mystery; but the gaps in her memory and her inability to separate out reality from her fantasy leads to her becoming a suspect in the woman’s disappearance.

    Samantha Womack is entertaining as Rachel and she is ably supported by a small but proficient cast. The set changes are fairly slick, the set is sufficiently detailed, and the lighting and sound design all compliment the mood of the piece.

    But for a thriller to work, it’s the story that counts, and over the course of the first act, the plot developed nicely and pulled in the audience, with a narrative which blurred fact and fiction, and imagination and reality; but as the second act unfolded the story became increasingly convoluted with a few too many red herrings and clumsy plot twists for it to maintain its momentum.

    Having not read the book or seen the film, I’m not sure whether fans of either will find enjoyment or disappointment in this play, but as a standalone piece of theatre, it is competently presented and entertaining enough, but not a show which I would imagine will go on to become a classic.

    The Girl on the Train is at The Alexandra, Birmingham until the 31st August 2019. Book tickets now

    This review was taken from a showing at Sheffield and does not account for any cast changes or changes to the direction since then.*

  • Theatre Review | Avenue Q – National Tour

    Theatre Review | Avenue Q – National Tour

    ★★★★ | Avenue Q, National Tour

    Fresh out of college, looking for somewhere to live and clutching his useless degree, Princeton arrives on Avenue Q, where he meets affable (if lazy) Nicky, his closeted gay roommate, Rod, and Kate, a nursery teacher with big ambitions. The gang try and navigate the trials and tribulations of life, whilst discovering what the internet is really for, why taking a date to a strip club is a bad idea (especially on a school night) and why you should never throw a coin off the top of the Empire State Building.

    At one point in the story, Rod settles in to read his favourite book, Broadway Musicals of the 1940’s, and if you part the fur on this show a little, you will find that underneath it all, Avenue Q is very much a traditional musical at heart, with a will they/wont they love story, a sultry love rival and some ups and downs along the way. One of its particular strengths is in its beautifully crafted musical numbers, which flip between a good excuse for a laugh (The Internet is for Porn) and sweeping songs which progress the narrative (There’s a Fine, Fine Line).

    The script remains sharp and funny, with a rapid fire delivery of gags, and a story which nestles a number of social issues into the comedy without ever preaching. Rod struggles to come out of the closet, and his ode to his best friend (and secret crush) is filled with sadness. Princeton is a little lost in life, Kate feels that she is destined for bigger things and the perverted Trekkie Monster spends his day, shall we say, (ahem) socially isolated.

    With many of the cast playing multiple roles, Tom Steedon steals most of the laughs as Trekkie Monster and Nicky; whilst Cecily Redman belts out the musical numbers with a stirring voice; and the cast effortlessly bring the puppets to life, to the point where you find yourself more focussed on the puppets than the actors.

    If you have ever wondered what an adult version of Sesame Street might look like, then Avenue Q has the answer. The show remains laugh out loud funny, with some close to the knuckle humour which perfectly blends comedy with poignancy to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

    Avenue Q is at Sheffield Theatres until 3rd August 2019 before continuing on its national tour

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Girl On The Train – Duke of York’s Theatre, London

    THEATRE REVIEW | The Girl On The Train – Duke of York’s Theatre, London

    ★★★ | The Girl On The Train – Duke Of York’s Theatre

    Based on the best selling book by Paula Hawkins, The Girl On The Train stars Samantha Womack (Eastenders) as Rachel Watson, a troubled woman who romanticises about a couple she sees from her commuter train window every day, as she imagines the life she could have had. When one of the couple goes missing, she finds herself drawn into the mystery; but the gaps in her memory and her inability to separate out reality from her fantasy leads to her becoming a suspect in the woman’s disappearance.

    Samantha Womack is entertaining as Rachel and she is ably supported by a small but proficient cast. The set changes are fairly slick, the set is sufficiently detailed, and the lighting and sound design all compliment the mood of the piece.

    But for a thriller to work, it’s the story that counts, and over the course of the first act, the plot developed nicely and pulled in the audience, with a narrative which blurred fact and fiction, and imagination and reality; but as the second act unfolded the story became increasingly convoluted with a few too many red herrings and clumsy plot twists for it to maintain its momentum.

    Having not read the book or seen the film, I’m not sure whether fans of either will find enjoyment or disappointment in this play, but as a standalone piece of theatre, it is competently presented and entertaining enough, but not a show which I would imagine will go on to become a classic.

    The Girl on the Train is at Duke Of York’s Theatre until the 17th August 2019. Book tickets now

    This review was taken from a showing at Sheffield and does not account for any cast changes or changes to the direction since then.*

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Girl On The Train – National Tour

    THEATRE REVIEW | The Girl On The Train – National Tour

    ★★★ | The Girl On The Train -Sheffield

    Based on the best selling book by Paula Hawkins, The Girl On The Train stars Samantha Womack (Eastenders) as Rachel Watson, a troubled woman who romanticises about a couple she sees from her commuter train window every day, as she imagines the life she could have had. When one of the couple goes missing, she finds herself drawn into the mystery; but the gaps in her memory and her inability to separate out reality from her fantasy leads to her becoming a suspect in the woman’s disappearance.

    Samantha Womack is entertaining as Rachel and she is ably supported by a small but proficient cast. The set changes are fairly slick, the set is sufficiently detailed, and the lighting and sound design all compliment the mood of the piece.

    But for a thriller to work, it’s the story that counts, and over the course of the first act, the plot developed nicely and pulled in the audience, with a narrative which blurred fact and fiction, and imagination and reality; but as the second act unfolded the story became increasingly convoluted with a few too many red herrings and clumsy plot twists for it to maintain its momentum.

    Having not read the book or seen the film, I’m not sure whether fans of either will find enjoyment or disappointment in this play, but as a standalone piece of theatre, it is competently presented and entertaining enough, but not a show which I would imagine will go on to become a classic.

    The Girl on the Train is at Sheffield Theatres until 29th June 2019 before continuing on its national tour.

  • Theatre Review | Kinky Boots – National Tour

    ★★★★☆ | Kinky Boots, National Tour

    When his late father’s shoe factory is on the brink of closing down, Charlie readies himself to shut down the business; but a chance encounter with Lola, a drag queen, changes his fortunes, as he realises that the factory needs to continue making men’s shoes, but by doing so, needs to exchange brogues for high heels, and make a range of quality shoes for drag artists. But how will the new venture go down with the workers in Northampton?

    Kinky Boots is one of those shows whose reputation precedes it, and for its inaugural UK Tour, it does itself proud. For a touring production, Kinky Boots is a big show which oozes west end quality in its presentation and is slick, polished and professional; the set is superb, with its factory paraphilia littering the stage and the live orchestra only adds to the atmosphere.  Putting aside the rather flimsy plot, the show is all about the big production numbers, especially the gymnastic qualities of Everybody Say Yeah at the closing of Act 1, and the glamorous finale Raise You Up.

    From his explosive entrance in Land of Lola to a tender, powerful delivery of Hold Me In Your Heart, Kayi Ushe is absolutely delicious as Lola, stealing the show as he easily transitions from cracking camptastic cabaret to moments of tender vulnerability, standing head and shoulders above the cast. The rest of the cast are perfectly serviceable, but to be fair to them, it’s hard to compete with such a dominant stage presence.

    Based on a true story, and with songs by Cindi Lauper, Kinky Boots is packed full of colour, glamour, sequins and high energy musical numbers; and provides for an uplifting, smile-inducing, feel-good piece of theatre which effortlessly entertains and proves to be tremendous fun

    Kinky Boots is at Sheffield Theatres until 22nd July 2019, before continuing on its national tour.

  • Theatre Review | Annie – National Tour

    ★★★☆☆ | Annie – National Tour

    It’s a hard knock life for little orphan Annie. Living in the orphanage which is ruled with an iron fist by the devilish Miss Hannigan, Annie longs for the day when her parents will return to find her.  After escaping from the orphanage and as Christmas approaches, she is chosen to spend two weeks with Mr Warbucks, a billionaire, at his home. But when he offers a large reward for finding Annie’s parents, Miss Hannigan plots to grab the money for herself.

    Craig Revel Horwood is suitably sour faced as the gin-soaked Miss Hannigan, as he entertainingly camps it up a little and is clearly enjoying himself. The ensemble cast of children stay on the right side of twee as they all attack the musical numbers with gusto; whilst Sandy the dog received the biggest reaction from the audience as he trotted across the stage.

    As a production, this show has a great deal to offer. With a set that has more than a shade of Matilda influence in it, the production values in this touring show are of a high standard. Nikolai Foster’s direction is steady and assured, the musical numbers are bouncy and vibrant with choreography which is light, fun and varied and the costumes, lighting design and props are all great.

    Production values aside, the show itself is a little dated, rather twee, borders on the sickly sweet and loses some momentum during the second act; but remains a solid family show and a great introduction to musical theatre for younger family members. With a songbook which included Tomorrow, You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile and It’s A Hard Knock Life, this production of Annie turned out to be far more fun and much more entertaining than it had any right to be.

    Annie is at Sheffield Theatres until Saturday 8th June 2019 before continuing on its national tour.

  • Theatre Review | The Comedy About A Bank Robbery – National Tour and West End

    Theatre Review | The Comedy About A Bank Robbery – National Tour and West End

    ★★★☆☆ | The Comedy About A Bank Robbery

    After a daring prison break, Mitch Ruscitti, who is hindered by his affable-if-laughable, partner in crime Neil, plan the ultimate heist. Dragging in his girlfriend Caprice, along with her latest squeeze, Sam, they plot to steal a precious gem from the vaults of the bank owned by Caprice’s father. But these things never go to plan, as mistaken identity, ridiculous disguises, rapid clothing changes, multiple misunderstandings, increasingly large moustaches and a flock of seagulls all combine to frustrate the gang’s increasingly comedic attempts to steal the diamond.

    Direct from the Airplane! / Naked Gun school of comedy, whereby the machine gun delivery of gags are relentless (with more hitting the mark than missing it), The Comedy About a Bank Robbery harbours a witty and fast paced script intermingled with farce, slapstick and good, old fashioned physical comedy.  Coming across as a hybrid of the classic comedy teams such as Morecombe and Wise and The Three Stooges;  and the old school sit-coms, such as Fawlty Towers and Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em , there are plenty of belly laughs to be had as the plans unravel.

    Liam Jeavons is great as the muscled thug Mitch, as is Jon Trenchard, as hapless looser Warren Sax, but the cast as a whole bring together a polished, well timed and impeccably rehearsed comedy. But the staging also deserves a mention, with a well-designed set and once scene which uses forced perspective to leave the cast members with a particularly tricky problem as to how to cross a room.

    The team behind The Play That Goes Wrong delivers another madcap night at the theatre, and if you enjoyed One Man, Two Guvnors or The Thirty-Nine Steps, then this stupid, screwball comedy will be right up your street.

    The Comedy About a Bank Robbery is currently at Sheffield Theatres and then rounding off its national tour, whilst The Comedy About A Bank Robbery and The Play That Goes Wrong continue in the West End.