Tag: Five Star Musical Review
Read our latest FIVE STAR reviews for musical theatre. Only the best musicals make our five-star standard from our expert critics.
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THEATRE REVIEW | Showstoppers show themselves up in the West End
Long form improv is the high-wire act of this performing spectacle in this impromptu musical theatre delight.
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THEATRE REVIEW | Kiss Me, Kate – Leeds Grand Theatre and National Tour
As a sucker for a classic musical, I was very curious to see what Opera North would make of the Cole Porter classic. ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ is a typical tale of mistaken identity, a will they/wont they love story, a bit of swindling and a bunch of likeable characters all interwoven with an appealing collection of songs. ★★★★★
Porter’s tale stages a play within a play, telling the story of Fred Graham, an actor and director who casts his ex-wife as his co-star; and finds himself in hot water when one of his other leading men signs off a gambling debt in his name. He tries desperately to keep his musical production of The Taming Of The Shrew on track, as a couple of inept gangsters show up to collect the debt and Grahams relationship with his ex-wife sways between love and hate. But as everything falls apart and the backstage bickering starts to mirror the story on stage, Graham does everything he can in ensuring that the show must go on.
The songs from Kiss Me, Kate are some of Porter’s most sterling work, with an overarching jazzy vibe which made the musical numbers delightfully catchy. “Why Can’t You Behave”; “Tom, Dick or Harry” and “Too Darn Hot” were all proper toe tappers, and Tiffany Graves multiple reprises of “Always True To You In My Fashion” were simply glorious.
Opera North have gathered a great company for this show, which draws from a variety of disciplines to produce a collective cast of people who not only specialise, but excel in their field. The classically trained opera singers blended absolutely seamlessly with the musical theatre actors and the dancers. The collective sound and sheer power of the ensemble was stunning. The cast combined to make the production one where each individual element was performed by those with pure strength in their performances and was all the better for it. Quirijn De Lang is vocally strong and charismatic as Graham, whilst Jeni Bern proves an equally impressive sparring partner, and Tiffany Graves and Ashley Day both playfully bounce off each other quite happily.
But on top of that, the production was top notch, with a beautifully designed set, which was detailed and ingeniously versatile; showing what was happening on stage, in the wings and backstage on the twirl of a backdrop. The costumes were sumptuous, being full of sharp suits and flapper dresses behind the scenes; and lavish, detailed period costumes on stage. Jo Davis directs the show with a flair which mirrors the quality of the presentation and the whole thing oozes class. Add into that a cracking, brass filled performance from the orchestra, conducted by David Charles Abell, and you have an outstanding production which wouldn’t be out of place on any West End stage.The show looks and sounds superb and there are not many productions that have such a great show stopping numbers at the start of each act. The script glistens with wit and charm which is reflected in the performances and the whole thing is professionally polished to within an inch of its life. Don’t be put off by thinking this is traditional opera. It’s not. ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ is musical theatre as it should be performed.
Kiss Me, Kate is part of Opera North’s Autumn programme, which also includes The Barber Of Sevilleand Jenufa. These shows can be seen on various dates at Leeds Grand Theatre until 31st October 2015, before visiting The Theatre Royal in Newcastle (3 – 7 November 2015), The Lowry, Salford Keys, Manchester (10th – 14th November 2015) and Nottingham Theatre Royal (17th – 21st November 2015). For tickets and further details, visit www.operanorth.co.uk
by Paul Szabo | @IAmScubamonkey
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THEATRE REVIEW | Bend It Like Beckham
★★★★★ | Bend It Like Beckham
Does a musical version of the hit film “Bend it Like Beckham” work? You bet it does!
The plot from the film is successfully transformed into a fantastic singing and dancing musical with a clever set, memorable songs, superb costumes and an excellent cast.
Natalie Dew is amazing as Jess, a young woman coming of age in a Sikh household in the Asian community of Southall, London in 2002. She loves the game of football, enough so that she’s got two large posters of David Beckham in her bedroom.
One day Jess is spotted playing football by Jules (Lauren Samuels, playing the Keira Knightley role from the film) who plays for the Hounslow Harriers team. Jess goes along to one of the team’s practices where coach Joe (Jamie Campbell Bowen) takes in interest in her playing, as well as in her, and Jess decides to play for the team, without telling her parents. She knows that her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bhamra (Tony Jayawardena and Natasha Jayetileke), will forbid her from playing the game that she absolutely loves.
Coach Joe feels that Jess is good enough to make the England team, and along with Jules, they urge her to stay in the game, even after her parents do find out. Meanwhile, Jess’s older sister Pinky (Preeya Kalidas) is about to get married to a man whose family thinks that Pinky is not suitable for their son. But all Mr. and Mrs. Bhamra want is the best for their daughters, they worked hard and have provided a good life for them and they want them to continue to live, and follow, their traditional Sikh life. But Jesse has a dream, and she wants to play for England, but will her parents stop her from fulfilling this dream?
To say Bend it Like Beckham is a feel good show is an understatement. From start to finish we are treated to a very vibrant and colourful spectacle, the likes which we haven’t seen in the West End in a long time. And the cast is perfect. Drew brings just the right amount of vulnerability and youthness to the role of Jess – it’s like the part was specifically written for her. Kalidas as Pinky brings the show punch, sass, and vavavoom. Jamel Andreas is very good as Jess’s best friend Tony who is perfect for Jess, perhaps too perfect. Other standouts include Sophie-Louise Dann as Jule’s blond mom, she’s sassy, funny and a blond bombshell. And Rekha Sawhney beautifully sings a traditional wedding song called, Sadaa Chardhdi Kalaa that will mesmerize you.
Gurinder Chadha, who wrote and directed the movie, which is set in the pre 9/11 era, also wrote (with Paul Mayeda Berges) and directed this stage version. She’s captured the spirit of Jess and her love of the game that most British people can relate to, and has given us a show that at no point gets boring or drags – it’s dialogue is very witty yet very dramatic. And the whole cast do wonders with it, and with the set that changes from a shopping street, to Mr. and Mrs. Bhamra’s living room, to an actual football field, all cleverly done. And the show wouldn’t have the name ‘Beckham’ in it if he didn’t make an appearance. The actual David Beckham is NOT in the show, but a lookalike is (along with a Victoria Beckham lookalike).
Let’s hope the real David Beckham goes to see it, he will absolutely love it.
Bend it Like Beckham is playing at The Phoenix Theatre.
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REVIEW: The Lipsinkers at the House of Wolf
The LipSinkers are an infamous troupe of alternative drag performers who create highly innovative, outrageous and critically acclaimed cabaret shows.
After having made appearances at the Edinburgh Fringe festival and resident stints at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, the strong collective combine costume, dance, satire, prosecco, over lashed eyes, faces beat to death and exceedingly high heels. They take you on a hilarious offbeat romp through popular music in all its glorious guises. The team lip-synch to a jukebox of pop-tastic tunes, prance around looking fabulous and drive audiences wild.
What is it that makes the LipSinkers so appealing I hear you ask? It’s a hard thing to describe; perhaps it’s their insatiable desire to produce high-octane queer exuberance that brightens this often dismal world. Nonetheless, it is a hilariously entertaining alternative show full of performers that lip-synch to imaginatively selected songs with precision that will bring fear to the queens of Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
The mentality is undeniably left-field: the looks are brilliantly bonkers, a kind of club-kid couture encompassing plastic Macs, lacy bodies and vintage mumus; think of Jiggly Caliente in that infamous outfit strutting down the runway. The routines are tightly choreographed, despite often giving the impression of abstract absurdum. The acts are definitely sexy and at times disgustingly sexual. However it is the chemistry between the charismatic performers that is delicious to view. Even with extra special additions, including implicit politics and the obvious sheer enjoyment at work.
The LipSinkers have natural ferocity coupled with endearing charm. Like a heavily medicated and intoxicated Pan’s People they have an exciting feel to them that will warm the blood of any ardent cabaret-goer. Disregard any ill-conceived preconceptions you may have had about lip-syncing before and prepare to hold on tight because this group of gender benders doesn’t just offer up a bog standard show, this is a visually stimulating experience, culminating in one hell of a party.
This is definitely a 5 out of 5 show and a performance that you have to see. It’s a free show so there are no excuses not to partake in this evening of farcicality, so worry about work on Monday and try to squeeze as much as from the weekend as you can.
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THEATRE REVIEW | Anything Goes – Sheffield Crucible Theatre and National Tour
★★★★★ | Anything Goes – Sheffield Crucible Theatre and National Tour
It’s all aboard for high camp on the high seas, as the SS American sets sail from New York to Southampton and Billy Crocker stows away on board to chase the love of his life, Hope Harcourt. When he discovers that Hope is due to marry hapless fop, Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, Billy teams up with a gangster, Moonface Martin, Erma, the Gangster’s Moll; and a sassy lounge singer, Reno Sweeny, in an attempt to win her hand. But can Billy avoid the sailors hunting the stowaway, get away with a number of dubious disguises, avoid his unsuspecting boss and get Hope to agree to marry him before the ship docks in Southampton?
Featuring the songs “I Get a Kick out Of You”; “You’re The Top”; “De-Lovely”, and “Anything Goes”, this 1930’s set musical comedy, which was written 80 years ago, is still an utterly joyous delight. The story has everything you could want from a whimsical musical – a will they/won’t they love story, a genuinely funny, laugh out loud script, some subtle slapstick and elements of farce, mistaken identity, disguises of varying quality, feisty heroines and, of course, a delightful and timeless score and songs which make it impossible for you to resist tapping your feet.
This art deco tinged production is packed with well-timed comedy, spectacularly choreographed set pieces, good vocal performances and an uplifting sense of fun which proves utterly irresistible. Stephen Matthews delights as the naïve, bumbling toff, Lord Oakleigh, who is bursting with a dark family secret. Hugh Sachs (from TV’s Benidorm) shows his comedic talent as Moonface Martin, in a performance which is reminiscent of Nathan Lane in The Producers; and Debbie Kurup was a sassy bundle of energy in her performance as Reno Sweeney, heading up the tap dancing, show-stopping denouement to the first act and a lively and vivacious opening to the second act.
The show is well directed and choreographed and is brimming with such energy and you can’t help but get swept along by it. This production is a welcome and well-timed revival of a criminally underperformed show, which has a surprising number of parallels between the 1930s and modern day, in terms of the economy and the public’s interest in celebrity. But the rapturous standing ovation and the number of people singing, tap dancing and laughing as they left the theatre is the most accurate measure of the success of the show.
Sheffield Theatres annual Christmas musical is rapidly garnering a national reputation as one of the most hotly anticipated theatrical events, and after their award-winning productions of My Fair lady and Oliver! over the last two years, Anything Goes continues the trend.
Anything Goes is playing at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre until the 17th January 2015, before embarking on a national tour covering a total of 30 venues up and down the country between now and October 2015. Visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk and http://anythinggoestour.com for information, tickets and tour details.
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THEATRE REVIEW | Blood Brothers, Birmingham Hippodrome
★★★★★ | Blood Brothers, Birmingham Hippodrome
Sensational, Tear-Jerking and Nostalgic“Blood Brothers” celebrates its ninth visit to the Birmingham Hippodrome. Willy Russell’s dramatic yet effervescent musical marks twenty-nine years of existence, and its energy and emotion is still true to the performance today.
I was heavily drawn to Maureen Nolan’s portrayal of Mrs Johnstone. Nolan conjured feelings within the audience that were so unique and precious that led to the well-deserved standing ovation at the very end. Maureen stands out for her tremendous ability in showcasing a wide range of emotions, especially with the way she talks of her children; contrasting with the unpleasant discourses with Mrs Lyons (Mother of Eddie), but most sincerely for the nostalgic effect that she summoned in the audience. The motherly manner in which she coated Mrs Johnstone and the tangible affection she had with her children drove a good few to memory lane.
Another actor who created some ripples in the audience was Kristofer Harding, as the Narrator. It was one of those roles that, when present, an atmosphere is formed, atmosphere of which helped sew the emotion together. Harding’s voice resonated danger and mystery, which left audience members on the edge of their seats with anticipation.
The most astonishing acting witnessed in the whole show was of Sean Jones, Mickey. His incredible imagination in portraying a seven-year-old to then later taking on the same role but as an adult, fascinating! His playfulness as a child was endearing and it felt as though the audience did not want him to grow up. The story is a little like Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” but instead of love, it is a friendship that is denied to them.
A great effect, which I thoroughly enjoyed, was the actor doubling. Two actors that doubled throughout and stood out were Graham Martin and Daniel Taylor. Graham’s wit and creativity shone at the Birmingham Hippodrome: he brought the house down with laughter, as the teacher and as the judge. Daniel’s interpretation of Sammy was a treat. Not only did he capture the older sibling so perfectly well, he became a symbol of the time. Daniel demonstrated energy like no other, and though Sammy was not the lead role, he played every second of that stage with a spirit of a protagonist.
The set was otherworldly. The houses were as real as the one I am sat in now. The effortless changes between scenes were an effect in their own right. The artwork on the back wall of the stage was something extraordinary; it made it look as though we were peering out of a window with the view to Liverpool.
There is a reason why “Blood Brothers” has been running short of thirty years. I was ready to watch it again, but they asked me to put my wine down and leave.
“Blood Brothers” is at Birmingham Hippodrome until the 25th of November.
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THEATRE REVIEW | Putting It Together, St. James Theatre
★★★★★ | Putting It Together, St. James Theatre
The original New York production of “Putting It Together”, a musical revue created by Julia McKenzie and Stephen Sondheim, starred none other than Julie Andrews. This first London staging of the show is much like Ms Andrews’ famous character Mary Poppins: practically, perfect in every way.
If you already love Sondheim then this is a rare treat, with a chance to see a whole host of his songs performed to a stunningly high standard. If you don’t know Sondheim’s work then this is a brilliant way to get to know his style and revel in his wit and panache.
From lovelorn, embittered and angry, through to wistful, longing and hopeful, the song selection covers a huge range of emotions and facets of the terrifying and perplexing thing that is human relations. The cast selection is staggeringly good too. Listening to David Bedella’s voice is like sipping smooth Bourbon, whilst Janie Dee manages to pack pathos, rage and comedy into every word (and what a lot of words some of the numbers contain). Damian Humbley, Daniel Crossley and Caroline Sheen make up the rest of the strong five-person cast and all do more than justice to Sondheim’s numbers with amazing vocal talents, backed by a skilled sextet of musicians.
The show cleverly utilises a diverse range of songs as the audience watch the progress of a couple as they undergo a tempestuous night at a cocktail party. The audience last night certainly loved the show and there was a standing ovation with rapturous applause.
I can’t recommend this enough. It’s on for a strictly limited 3 week run until the 1st of February
Buy tickets here: http://www.stjamestheatre.co.uk/events/putting-it-together/
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THEATRE REVIEW | The Sound of Music: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
★★★★★ | The Sound of Music
Singing nuns and handsome widowers? Lederhosen and dresses run up using a pair of old curtains? An innocent yet savvy governess saving the day against a Nazi threat? No wonder that The Sound of Music has always had a massive gay following.
Whether you’re a diehard fan or (like me) have merely snoozed off in front of the film on a rainy Bank Holiday Monday; you’re sure to find something to love in this fresh and highly accomplished revival of a classic musical.
The beautiful Regent’s park Open Air Theatre is a suitably outdoorsy setting for a sojourn into Austria, with its banks of Alpine flowers, a stream at the front of the stage, the backdrop of trees and the night sky. It’s not just the surroundings that dazzle and imbue atmosphere, as the cast bring a series of classic songs to life and manage to convey a storyline that keeps the audience rapt throughout and last night, ended with a thunderous standing ovation.
The painfully handsome Michael Xavier is a dashing and alluring Captain von Trapp, equalled only by Charlotte Wakefield’s passionate performance as Maria, which oozes vitality. The songs may be over familiar but the gusto and skill of the large cast combined with witty choreography, makes them seem brand new and every bit as accomplished and exciting as when you first heard them.
I’ve always been more Cruella DeVil than Maria von Trapp when it comes to schmaltz and singing children with rosy cheeks, but even my stony heart contracted just a tiny bit by the end of the show. I briefly considered joining a convent just so that I could learn to sing like that awe inspiring Mother Abbess but decided that black just isn’t my colour. I heartily recommend this wholesome but inspiring treat. You’ll be humming about lonely goatherds and raindrops on roses all the way home, whether you planned to or not.
The Sound of Music runs until the 7th of September 2013 -
THEATRE REVIEW | My Fair Lady
★★★★★ | My Fair Lady
Sheffield Theatres have managed to further cement their stellar reputation for staging top quality shows with this fresh and highly polished version of “My Fair Lady”. You probably already know the story and can hum a few of the tunes. You’ve maybe watched the 1964 film adaptation. Nothing, however, compares to this dazzling production.
Covent Garden flower seller Eliza Doolittle is taken under the wing of linguistics Professor, Henry Higgins when, as a wager, he decides to teach her to speak ‘proper’ in order to pass her off as an aristocrat amongst high society. BAFTA winner Dominic West (The Wire, The Hour and Appropriate Adult) portrays the nuances of Higgins’ characters with aplomb and in spite of his belligerent facade, manages to win the audience over. He manfully struts round the stage looking dashing in tweed and belting out songs with skilful intonation. The beautiful Carly Bawden is utterly captivating and is a force to be reckoned with as she applies her considerable vocal and acting talent to the role of Eliza. There can’t be a much harder act to follow than the original stars of the show, Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison, but West and Bawden easily accomplish this.
The sets are elaborate and breathtaking, the choreography is stylish and rousing with more Cockneys tapping away than you could shake Dick Van Dyke’s bamboo stick at and the costumes are luscious. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen an audience quite so enchanted by a production. The minute the show ended they were on their feet offering up a very noisy and rapturous standing ovation. Quite rightly too: this is a highly accomplished production, worthy of gracing any West End stage. I’m just not sure that an Edwardian gentlemen like ‘Enry ‘Iggins would approve of such jubilations. I think he’d have favoured a more gentle hand clap and a polite nod.
If you need a little pick me up to get you through the winter months then take my advice and book now (tickets are selling out fast) and get yourself over to ‘loverly’ Sheffield. You won’t be disappointed.
“My Fair Lady” is running at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield until 26th January 2013
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THEATRE REVIEW | 9 To 5, The Musical
A vivacious musical comedy with heart at its core, it is a story of courage, conviction and empowerment; with an exemplar cast to tell its story, 9 to 5 is the must see musical of the year.
The Dolly Parton musical comes alive from the very opening, with its quick-witted phrases, punchy tunes, and an abundance of comic repartee. It has all the ingredients for a great musical, plus that bit extra. Indeed it is as if the theatre has embodied Dolly’s very being, with her character and personality ingrained into every scene and voluminous hairstyle. Certainly, for the older viewers, there will be notions of heartwarming nostalgia.
But the musical is not just a throwaway comedy, it has real substance and a universal relevance which is paramount in today’s society of equals.
As working 9-5 will be familiar to many of us, it manages to put into perspective the motivations for leading a happy and fulfilling work life. Although the story is only 30 odd years old, it is clear to see how far women have come in the work place, and rightly so. Franklin J Hart, superbly played by Ben Richards, is the sexist bigoted boss, who manages to get many of his female employees playing into his hands. (though who would dispute such a good looking boss?). However it is difficult to single out the star in this superb cast; it is an exemplary cast at that, with each delivering their own individuality whilst remaining a solid unit. Every credit to them all.
The clear narration from Dolly Parton on screen introduces each of the characters in turn before the story unfolds, with the famous ‘Working 9-5’ tune pulsating thought the toe-tapping audience. It was refreshing to be part of an audience who wholeheartedly supported the cast rather than the reserved clapping often witnessed in UK theatres; a testament to the show perhaps.
In Act 1, energy and facetiousness is delivered in abundance. This includes the magnificent character, Roz, that Bonnie Langford brought to the show. A clear highlight has to be her infatuated fantasy tango number with boss Franklin (Ben Richards), leaving the audience in stitches long after the moment passed. Both Ben and Bonnie brought their expertise to the stage and delivered it with refreshing boldness.The show reached a pivotal moment in the second half by Judy’s (Natalie Casey) breathtaking performance, ‘Get out and Stay Out’. Her comic genius was left to one side during this solo, showing a sensitivity and pain that overpowered the theatre.
It is difficult to fault the high-quality performances. The only let down is the weak graphic used to promote the show.
The smooth running show grips the audience from start to finish, leaving you wanting more, surpassing my expectation. To be honest, the thought of the show didn’t initially grab my attention, but I urge all of you to go out right away and purchase your tickets for a musical that will leave you overflowing with exhilaration.
All in all, it reawakened my love for musical theatre. This musical deservedly proves why there should be a resurgence back to the theatre.The show is touring the country so check out your nearest show at