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Tag: Theatre Tour

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Gypsy Queen – National Tour

    THEATRE REVIEW | Gypsy Queen – National Tour

    ★★★| Gypsy Queen – National Tour

    In a story set in the testosterone-fuelled world of boxing, “Gorgeous” George O’Connell, a street brawler from the travelling community is approached to be coached professionally for the sport by a local gym owner. But George’s deepest secret cannot be contained when openly gay boxer Dane “The Pain” Sampson makes a move on him in the changing rooms. The two men fall in love as George tries to come to terms with his sexuality, but they face their biggest fight when George’s internalised homophobia rises to the fore and his actions lead to a tragedy that neither of them could ever have envisaged.

    Photo Credit – PR Supplied

    In 2015, boxer Tyson Fury caused controversy by stating in an interview that homosexuality was one of three components that would see “the devil come home”. The comments caused a media storm, a backlash against the boxer and demands for him to be removed from the BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist. This play by award-winning playwright Rob Wright throws, and squarely lands, a counter punch at those comments by not only telling the story of gay men in the middle of the ultra-masculine environment of the sport, but by also putting forward a gay central character whose background is not that dissimilar to the background of Fury himself.

    Using two actors to portray all of the characters in the story, the play has a script with charm, warmth and some genuinely funny moments, as the pair struggle with their relationships with their parents, their fledgeling relationship with each other and the pressures and prejudices of both their professional and personal communities. The set, comprising of a changing room bench, is repositioned to transport the scenes to the various locations, and the characters demarcations come from the use of simple costume changes and some nifty versatility from the two-hander cast.

    Rob Ward centrally plays Gorgeous George with a cocksure swagger and confidence; whereas Ryan Clayton balances this out with a measured performance as Dane, played with a sensitive vulnerability. But it is Clayton’s performance of Mrs O’Connell, the foul-mouthed but well-meaning matriarch of George’s family that turned out to be a scene stealer.

    Whilst the presentation and performance of the show could do with a little polishing, there is a lot to recommend it. With its 70 minute runtime, the play is well written, well-paced and laced with humour, allowing the central message to come through without ever sounding preachy. The uncertainty portrayed by George in coming out is something that many gay men will relate to, and the exploration of the underlying homoeroticism in such a masculine sport is a welcome and timely one.

    Gypsy Queen is a funny, poignant, thought-provoking and relevant piece of theatre and one which is well worth catching.

    The show contains full frontal nudity, scenes of a sexual nature and strong language. Gypsy Queen is currently on national tour and details can be found at http://www.gypsyqueentour.com/ . The show was reviewed at Doncaster CAST Theatre, who has The Faaaabulous Ceri Dupree Show coming soon. Visit https://castindoncaster.com/ for details.

    Photo Credit – PR supplied

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Full Monty – National Tour

    ★★★ | The Full Monty – National Tour

    In this tale set in Sheffield, a group of ex-steelworkers with seemingly very little in common, other than their unemployment, band together in a get rich quick scheme, whereby they plan to rival The Chippendales by becoming strippers and giving the audience a little something extra – by going all the way. Gary, needs money as he is on the cusp of losing contact with his son, overweight Dave has a big body image problem, Horse has a rather (ahem) “small” problem and Lomper has his own secret hidden in his closet. But despite their unlikely sex symbol status, the whole community waits to see whether they really will go ahead with their scheme and whether they will go “the full monty”.

    Not to be confused with the musical version of The Full Monty, which was produced in 2000, this version is a relatively straight play, which does away with thin plot and thinner characterisations to simply link musical numbers; and instead provides a play with heart, rounded characters, a genuinely funny script and, of course, the ending that the audience were waiting for.

    Even overlooking the rather dubious Sheffield accents (you can’t fool the home crowd, you know), the production felt a little shouty at times; and the cast were broadly functional as an ensemble but never really excelled. That said, what Gary Lucy (“Eastenders”) lacked in performance, he made up for in the eye candy stakes; and Anthony Lewis gave a suitably downbeat performance as the depressed Lomper, especially during his coming out scene. But standing out from the crowd was Chris Fountain (“Hollyoaks”, “Dancing on Ice”) who really lit up the stage and outshone the rest of the cast, with a performance bursting with enthusiasm, confidence and a level of sexiness which was hotter than a steelworks smelting pot.

    The show is written by Simon Beaufoy, who wrote the original story and received an Oscar nomination for his screenplay for the film. The story of the play very closely mirrors that of the film itself, with all of the key plot points, pivotal scenes and music being extrapolated, and despite the running time of the play being approximately 40 minutes longer than the film; it generally doesn’t feel too padded out. What does come across much more in this production is the political and social commentary hidden beneath the comedy and narrative; and there is a real balance between the humour, sadness and optimism portrayed. Despite the characters initial differences, there is a genuine feeling of friendship which permeates the play, accompanied by a strong sense of family, loyalty and acceptance.

    Overall, the show remains a feel good, funny and enjoyable show, and the whoops of delight by the time the curtain (and the undergarments) fell proved it was a real crowd pleaser.

    The Full Monty is rounding off its current tour in the theatre where it had its world premiere, so don’t miss your last chance to catch up with the boys for a while. The Full Monty is playing at Sheffield Theatres until the 15th April 2017. For information and to purchase tickets visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk .

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Northern Ballet’s Casanova – National Tour

    ★★★★ | Despite his reputation for romance and his wild sexual liaisons, Casanova remains a historical figure with much more to offer than just a debauched lifestyle; and it is those lesser known aspects of his life which are subject to a brand new feature length ballet. Casanova was a trainee priest, musician, writer, social climber, mathematician, prisoner, gambler, food lover and fluent in seven languages. There is much more to Casanova than there first appears and this ballet explores his life and reputation in a way which debunks the perception that he was little more than a philandering Lothario.

    Photo Credit – Justin Slee

     

    With striking visuals, choreographer Kenneth Tindall tells the detailed and intricate story of Casanova’s extraordinary life and manages to pack in many aspects of his life in a way which never feels rushed or forced. Using a range of techniques, Tindall brings out the best in the company with routines that range from grand, sweeping set pieces to intimate movements; all of which combine to convey the story not only efficiently, but also in an absorbing and intriguing way. On a stage flooded with golds, oranges and purples, the first act is faced paced and dramatic; which subsequently yields to a more intimate second act filled with gentile and tender routines; leading to a finale which beautifully rounds off the show.

    There is an abundance of flesh on display, and the ballet does not shy away from Casanova’s sexual appetite, finding himself in the company of both men and women. In a refreshingly open way, there are scenes of sensuality between Casanova and a number of men; and the number of muscular arms, tight pecs and washboard abs on display gently, but tastefully ,nudge the production towards an edge of homoeroticism at times.

    Photo Credit – Caroline Holden

    Giuliano Contadini makes the most of his characters many layers and provides what is perhaps is most rounded performance to date as the titular character and the remainder of the cast are all proficient in their multiple roles.

    The production values are high, with lavish costumes and gilt edged props which reflect the sumptuousness and extravagance of the period setting. Add into that a set which creates a versatile dance space and multiple locations by the use of three pillars and a variety of forced perspectives; a stunning lighting design and an original score which is cinematic, sweeping and stirring and you have all of the elements of a very fine production.

    Casanova is currently playing at Sheffield Lyceum Theatre until the 1st April 2017 before visiting Norwich Theatre Royal, Milton Keynes Theatre, Cardiff New Theatre, Salford The Lowry and Sadlers Wells. Visit www.northernballet.com for full details.

     

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | La Cage Aux Folles

    THEATRE REVIEW | La Cage Aux Folles

    ★★★ | La Cage Aux Folles

    La Cage aux Folles Theatre tour review
    CREDIT: Pamela Raith

    You’ve probably heard of or seen this musical in some form or other. You might know it as the 90’s Robin Williams/Nathan Lane comedy film The Birdcage, the original French farce and subsequent film version from the 70s or the often revived 80’s Broadway musical.

    It’s a queer little story in more ways than one. Drag queen Albin and his long-term lover Georges run a nightclub in St Tropez. Georges’ son (from a drunken one night stand) who they’ve raised together wants to bring home his fiancée and her ultra-conservative parents. There’s one condition, though. Albin must be hidden away for fear of embarrassing their son with his high camp ways. 

    Famously launching the gay anthem ‘I Am What I Am” onto the world, this is a musical that emerged during a storm of reawakened prejudice amidst the AIDS crisis yet managed to lure thousands of people into seeing a heartwarming and fun show about gay men in a committed relationship. It revved up an astonishing reaction in an army of straight men dragged along by their wives and girlfriends who then ended up dancing in the aisles and cheering on a flamboyant and camp main character as he fought against prejudice. Quite a feat.

    La Cage aux Folles Theatre tour review
    CREDIT: Pamela Raith

    This touring production is a bit of a paradox. It feels undercooked and underwhelming in parts and there’s a distinct lack of comic timing from swathes of the cast. In spite of this, it’s also incredibly good fun. Yes, it’s like a night at ‘Funny Girls” in Blackpool. Yes, it’s more Danny La Rue in pantomime than RuPaul. Yes, the drag queens would certainly get a dressing down from Michelle Visage for sloppy padding but it’s got an infectious charm nonetheless.

    John Partridge (best known for his role as Christian Clarke in Eastenders) as Albin shows his musical theatre pedigree and belts out a tune with panache. He’s also not a bad ad-libber (although be warned, public transport users. The show overruns due to this). The sets are stylish but wobbly. The costumes are glitzy and although the plot is absurd it’s tolerable. Forget production values and all that stuff though. All in all, it’s a fun night and the audience at The New Wimbledon Theatre were ecstatic.

    ‘La Cage aux Folles” is on a national tour throughout 2017, book tickets here

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Dr Frankenstein – National Tour

    THEATRE REVIEW | Dr Frankenstein – National Tour

    ★★ | Dr Frankenstein – National Tour

    In a reimagining of the classic tale, Dr Victoria Frankenstein shuns her family as she relentlessly pursues her quest for knowledge and in her exploration of the part of existence where life and death meet. In her experiments with bringing the dead back to life, she creates a creature, which overpowers her and escapes. Haunted by her creation and by her guilt, her life begins to unravel as the creature returns a little too close to home.

    Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

    Mary Shelley’s definitive work is one which is firmly cemented in popular culture and one which is not easy to present with an original slant, which Northern Stage have tried to do. There were numerous themes of conflict portrayed within the production, with Victoria shunning religion in favour of science; her pursuit of knowledge at the cost of her compassion and the sacrifice of others for the preservation of one’s own interests. As the story arc progressed, there was something bittersweet in the way in which it takes a monster to make Victoria more human; despite how she treats her family and the way in which her self-driven ambition is ultimately self-destructive.

    Utilising a quasi-steampunk style set and, at times, some effective lighting; there was a relatively competent performance from Polly Frame as Dr Victoria Frankenstein; and whilst Ed Gaughan’s portrayal of the Creature was physically engaging, the way in which the creature spoke made many of his lines indiscernible. However, the closing scene was one which did carry some emotional weight and did bring the characters journey to a definitive and tender end.

    But sadly, the production overall was one which was never really hit its stride. The re-imagining of Dr Frankenstein as a female had such potential; but the struggles of Victoria to carve a path into the male-dominated medical profession or the challenges faced by her in breaking with the conventional female role was never really advanced, which, in the end, resulted in adding nothing of significance to the story. The timeline of the narrative was often unclear, with no clear demarcation between shifts in scenes or timeframes; and an intrusive sound design dominated the first act. But the biggest issue was that the production just lacked atmosphere and dramatic tension. A heavy reliance on the relationships between the Frankenstein family members meant for a limited narrative progression and the all too brief appearance of the creature throughout meant that the production felt more like a family drama than a gothic horror.

    Whilst there are some interesting themes on offer and despite a handful of redeeming features, this feels like a missed opportunity, and it is a genuine shame that the production never really achieves its potential, in what could have been a wholly refreshing and original take on a classic tale.

    Dr Frankenstein plays at the Sheffield Crucible Theatre (www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk) until 15th March 2017  before continuing on its national tour. Visit www.northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/dr-frankenstein-tour for further details.

     

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Gaslight – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield and National Tour

    THEATRE REVIEW | Gaslight – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield and National Tour

    ★★★|In an elegant townhouse in Victorian London, Bella Manningham is slowly losing her mind. Pictures keep disappearing, trinkets seem to move from place to place and items go missing without explanation. Add to that the mysterious sounds from the top floor of the house and the dimming of the gas lamps and Bella’s sanity is called into question. But what is the secret history lurking in the walls of the home and just who is the stranger who calls unannounced at her home one evening? Why does Bella’s husband, Jack, keep reminding her of her mother’s insanity and what is the connection for all of them to a 20 year old unsolved murder?

    Photo Credit – PR Supplied

    Patrick Hamilton’s play is a direct descendant of the Victorian melodramas that it portrays. Continuing the themes of innocence menaced by something darker, the plays script, setting and overall feeling is one of claustrophobia and oppression. Given that the play is set in a single room and given that it is, essentially, a three hander, the play has to rely heavily on the performances of the actors to carry it through. Kara Tointon’s portrayal of Bella was fine, although the increasing histrionics started to grate a little with the progression of the story. Rupert Young’s turn as Jack Manningham was well rounded, initially quite charming and alluring, but subsequently developing his character to include an uneasy undertone.  But it was Keith Allen’s performance as the mysterious visitor which stood out the most, performing his stern and determined character with his tongue just slightly in his cheek, lightening what is otherwise quite a bleak drama with a soupcon of humour and playing to his strengths.

    The stage set is a detailed drawing room, which has a forced perspective and increases the claustrophobic feel of the piece, which is enhanced further by some atmospheric lighting. The productions sound design was nothing more than functional and the sound in the theatre allowed for every word to be heard clearly, which is essential with such a wordy script.

    As a whole, the piece was a fairly mixed bag. The first act nicely established the characters from the outset and drew the audience in as to the mystery, hinting at the possibility of the plot twists which may come, and ending the first act, story-wise, on a decent cliff-hanger. The second act seemed to lose its way slightly, becoming a little muddled and failing to deliver on the anticipated plot twists, instead, providing a rather straight narrative and one which is not entirely unpredictable. There are a couple of cattle prod scares which highlight the supernatural element of the story, although in a rather clumsy and unnecessary way, and this is an element which is never really followed through.

    Gaslight appears, from the outside, to be mix of The Woman In Black and An Inspector Calls, but in reality is a straight Victorian melodrama, portraying a relatively linear narrative with a socially aware undercurrent addressing the treatment of Victorian women and the discrepancies in equality faced by them. Overall, it is a fairly engaging but lightweight mystery / thriller worthy of a watch and which has an ultimately satisfying ending.

    Gaslight is currently at Sheffield Theatres (www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk) until the 25th February 2017 before heading to Richmond and Cardiff.

     

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Ghost – The Musical – Sheffield Theatres & National Tour.

    THEATRE REVIEW | Ghost – The Musical – Sheffield Theatres & National Tour.

    ★★★| Based on the 1990 film of the same name, Ghost follows the story of Sam and Molly, whose life together is cut short when Sam is murdered in a seemingly random street robbery. Sam’s ghost stays close to Molly, but he soon finds out that the cause of his death was no accident and that the reasons behind his murder lie a little too close to home. Getting in contact with Oda Mae Brown, a fake medium who can actually hear him, Sam sets out to convince Molly that he is still with her, and to protect her from danger.

    PR Supplied

    This musical, with songs and lyrics written by Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics has been around for some time, and this new production has overhauled the show, giving it a clean, contemporary and fresh feel.  The show follows the plot of the film closely, complete with the famous scene at the potter’s wheel to the dulcet tones of the Righteous Brothers.

    With a strong central performance and a beautifully natural voice, Carolyn Maitland stood out from the cast with her performance of the recently widowed Molly, whilst Jaqui Dubois gave a sass-filled comedy performance as Oda Mae, hitting the right comedy notes and bringing some relief from the on-stage sadness portrayed by the lead characters. Whilst there was nothing really wrong with his performance, Andy Moss (Hollyoaks), for some reason, didn’t particularly convince as Sam, not quite having the gravitas and weight that would really drive the character home convincingly.

    The set was impressive for a touring production, which constantly changed and adapted to portray the different locations, and when you throw into the mix the well-constructed lighting scheme by Nick Richings, an immersive sound design and a well-balanced audio which picked up the clear diction of the cast, you had a technically solid production.

    But where the show falters, surprisingly, is in its musical numbers. The songs themselves were enjoyable enough to listen to during the show, but despite the pop credentials of the writer, they were instantly forgettable and didn’t contain the usual hook or melody which has you humming them as you leave the theatre.  The songs fell somewhere between trying to progress the story and trying to be an entertaining piece of pop, but tended to fall between the two. What was also rather disappointing was the choreography, which was rather simplistic and lacklustre, adding to the feeling that the songs weren’t either show stopping production numbers or narratively progressive.

    Despite its faults, his reworked production improves significantly on previous versions of the show, pulling out more of the emotional aspects of the story and proving to be a pleasant, if ultimately fairly forgettable production and one which fans of the film will certainly delight in.

    Ghost is currently on National Tour until the 22nd April 2017 (www.kenwright.com/microsite/ghost-the-musical/). Ghost was reviewed at Sheffield Theatres, whose production of Everyone’s Talking About Jamie premieres on the 9th February 2017. Visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk for details.

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Sister Act – Sheffield Theatres and National Tour

    THEATRE REVIEW | Sister Act – Sheffield Theatres and National Tour

    ★★★| When 70’s disco lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier witnesses Curtis, her married, crime-boss lover, murdering one of his cohorts; she is placed in witness protection in the last place on earth anyone would look for such a sassy little lady – a convent. Trying desperately to fit in, whilst doing nothing but standing out, she is assigned to take over the choir, whose screeching vocals are enough to curl your wimple. But as the singer tunes up the choir, Curits finds out where Deloris is, and sets out to make sure she doesn’t testify against him.

    Picture Credit – Curve Theatre PR Supplied

     

    Featuring the songs “Raise Your Voice”, “Take Me To Heaven”, “Fabulous Baby” and “Spread the Love Around”, Sister Act is a fun, spirited and vivacious show with very catchy songs, warm characters and a spring in its step. With a large, static set and a vibrant lighting design by Liam Jones, the production is bolstered by the presence of Alexandra Burke who, to her credit, could certainly belt out the big numbers. There was some very able (and tuneful) support from Joe Vetch as Detective “Sweaty” Eddie Souther, and a real smooth criminal in Aaron Lee Lambert as Curtis, the Shaft influenced, soul styled bad guy. Throw into the mix some enjoyable physical comedy from Curtis’s cronies, and you have the basis of a good show.

    But with every heavenly blessing, there are some sins to atone for, as Craig Revel Horwood’s direction doesn’t quite hit its stride, with a heavy reliance on over-exaggeration of movement and gurning facial expressions; which meant that instead of the comedy flowing naturally from the effervescent script, it felt somewhat forced. The inclusion of musical instruments being played by the cast on stage worked in parts, but served as a distraction in others; and felt as though it stifled the choreography, which is a shame given the directors “Strictly” credentials. But once confession is over, all is forgiven as the show yields to its musical-number-filled second act and feel-good finale.

    Sister Act is a high energy bundle of fun, and whilst this production and ensemble cast doesn’t sparkle quite as brightly as other productions of this show, it has enough big tunes, bold characters and beating heart to make for an toe-tapping, if ultimately throwaway, evening at the theatre.

    Sister Act is currently on a UK Tour until 7th September 2017 and details can be found at http://www.sisteractuktour.co.uk/ . The show was reviewed at Sheffield Theatres, who’s upcoming production of new musical “Everyone’s Talking About Jamie” opens on the 9th February 2017. Visit https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/everybodystalking-jamie for details.

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | St Petersburg Classic Ballet’s Swan Lake – Sheffield Lyceum and National Tour

    THEATRE REVIEW | St Petersburg Classic Ballet’s Swan Lake – Sheffield Lyceum and National Tour

    ★★★| It is a tidal wave of tights, tutus and tiaras in this presentation of one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous ballets, performed in typical traditional style by the St Petersburg Classic Ballet. Telling the story of a Prince who finds his youth slipping away and being pressured into marriage, he meets and falls in love with Odette, Queen of the Swans, who is under a curse from which only true love can free her. But their love is thwarted by the evil Von Rothbart when he tricks the Prince into being betrothed to another. When the Prince realises he has been a victim of such cruel treachery, he battles to save Odette from her curse.

    PR Supplied

    In their second UK tour, Swan Lake proves to be a more entertaining and gentile evening than anticipated, with simple but effective sets, traditional costumes and an instantly recognisable score. The company, on the whole, performed well and the dancers individually were all very talented and quite natural in their performances. There is no denying the technical ability and suppleness of the cast, but when dancing as an ensemble, there were still some flaws in the performance including the odd stumble, the fixed smiles and, on occasions, the unison of the dancers not being as tight and synchronised as one would hope for and anticipate, especially from such a prestigious company

    That aside, the vivacious, playful and instantly recognisable score by Tchaikovsky sounded as vibrant as ever, and proved absorbing, especially during the first act. There were times when the ballet sparkled brightly, nowhere more evident than the sight of a sheer volume of swans and signets in the latter portion of the second act, which amounted to a fairly mesmerising vision. The tapestry based static set was functional and some of the costumes were beautifully put together. There was a romantic pas de deux in the latter half of the second act and the soloists portraying the potential suitors displaying their wares at the opening of Act 3 were quite captivating.

    For those seeking a traditionally presented ballet, then this version of Swan Lake is a safe bet and a pleasant evening’s entertainment, albeit one which is let down very slightly by a lack of unison within the performance on the odd occasions, which is a shame when compared to the tightly performed routines by other companies.

    However, there remain many aspects of the show to enjoy and it is an easy, accessible ballet which is more focussed on dance and performance than detailed narrative.

    The production was reviewed at Sheffield Theatres (www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk) who will be premiering a new musical, Everyone’s Talking About Jamie, based on the BBC3 documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16 in February 2017

    St Petersburg Classic Ballet is touring the UK, calling at Poole Lighthouse, Truro Hall, Bath Theatre Royal and Aylesbury Waterside between now and the 4th February 2017.

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Strictly Ballroom – The Musical – West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds

    THEATRE REVIEW | Strictly Ballroom – The Musical – West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds

    ★★★★| Hunky dance champion, Scott Hastings throws the uptight world of the Australian Ballroom Federation into disarray when he strays from tradition and introduces his own steps onto the dance floor of the competition. Horrifying his mother, his coach, his friends and, most importantly, the federation’s chairman, his new moves ignite a spark in Fran, the dance school’s ugly duckling. As Scott rejects his potential new partners and routines, he secretly practices with Fran, falling in love as they do. But as they head to the Pan-Pacific Grand Prix Finals, not everything on the judging panel is ‘strictly ballroom’, and Scott is forced to choose between dancing from the approved moves and dancing from his heart.

    In 1992, Baz Luhrmann opened his Red Curtain Trilogy of films with this offbeat satire on the world of ballroom dancing and the film quickly garnered critical praise and cult status. The show has come full circle, moving from stage to screen and back to stage in a production which is wildly vivacious, colourful and as camp as they come. Featuring songs from the film along with a number of new musical numbers, the camp factor is ramped up to the max, with the whole thing swishing around in a swirl of sequins, feathers, 80’s pastel shades and deliberately dodgy wigs.

    Broadway veteran Sam Lips makes his UK theatre debut in the role of Scott, with his strengths primarily in his voice and his dancing; whilst Gemma Sutton relishes in a believable transformation from shy wall flower to leading lady, as Fran.  Richard Grieve steals every scene he is in with his portrayal of the flamboyant Les Kendall and there are brilliantly understated performances from Tasmin Carroll and Stephen Matthews as Scott’s parents. Flesh out the cast with an ensemble of excellent dancers, including a plethora of perfect pecs and bulging biceps and you have a top notch cast who are clearly enjoying themselves as much as the audience.

    The ingenious set design by Soutra Gilmour opened out into the key locations with remarkable versatility and comfortably accommodates Drew McOnie’s steady direction and thoroughly enjoyable choreography. The first act focuses primarily on the narrative, which never strays too far from the familiar film, whilst the second act opens up into a barrage of musical numbers which are unyielding from the opening number right up until the curtain falls, bringing the crown to their feet in thunderous approval.

    With Strictly Come Dancing riding high in the public consciousness, the UK premiere of Strictly Ballroom is well timed, and proves just as undemanding but far more enjoyable than its nearest television counterpart. Whilst underneath the glitz, glam and gayness of it all, there is a rather corny Pygmalion-eque love story, this is one evening at the theatre that is more about the joy of the journey rather than the destination. Cheesy, tongue in cheek and with a distinct flavour of both irony and homage to the art form, it’s a smile inducing spectacle, and one can only hope that a national tour will follow.

    Musicals really don’t come any gayer than this, and the show is a piece of unadulterated, joyous, feel-good theatre.

    Strictly Ballroom is currently playing at West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds until 21st January 2017. For tickets, further information and details of their new season, visit their website at www.wyp.org.uk or call the box office on 0113 213 7700

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Commitments – Sheffield Theatres and National Tour

    ★★★ | Set in Dublin in 1986, The Commitments charts the rise and fall of an unlikely group of misfit musicians who are brought together by young music entrepreneur Jimmy Rabbitte. The hardest working soul band in Dublin start out as friends and skirt on the edge of greatness, but as egos clash, band members squabble, fights break out and passions get in the way, the backstage harmony couldn’t be more different from the harmonies on stage.

    Based on the novel by Roddy Doyle and building on the success of the 1991 film, The Commitments is a story of empowerment through music and of the hopes and aspirations of a group of youngsters trying to break away from the mid-eighties urban decay and from their dead end lives.  Adapted for the stage by Doyle himself, the show is on tour after a successful run in the West End; and with over 20 soul classics in the show, including “Mustang Sally”, “River Deep, Mountain High”, “Mr Pitiful” and “Try a Little Tenderness”, it’s a production that really does have soul music at its heart.

    “There is a story behind every song”, says Jimmy Rabbitt at one of the band’s rehearsals, but ironically this adaptation is fairly light on both plot and social commentary. The narrative skims the surface of the story of the band’s rise to the top and limits the development of the characters in exchange for lively performances of the songs that the audience clearly came to hear. The show, wisely, keeps the ballads to an absolute minimum, and instead employs a set-list of upbeat numbers, blasting open the show with an upbeat rendition of “Proud Mary” and maintaining the energy levels cranked up throughout the duration.

    There is an air of organised chaos to the proceedings, with enough raucous energy to help cover the slightly cumbersome scenery changes, and to keep the pace as enthusiastic as the young cast. There is plenty to like about those on stage. Andrew Linnie’s optimistic and happy-go-lucky portrayal of Jimmy Rabbitte is easy to warm to, whilst Brian Gilligan belts out the songs with aplomb as lead singer, Deco. As an ensemble, the cast really do give it their all, in a fusion of talented musicians and soulful singers who are well cast and who, unlike the fictional band, work well together, and it is during those 20 or so musical numbers scattered over the show’s two hour duration where the show really comes alive.

    Bringing the audience to its feet in the finale with a mini-concert of some soul standards, the music is infectious and the definite strength of the production. There is little effort to weave the songs into the narrative; but quite frankly, this doesn’t matter when the songbook is so toe-tappingly good.

    The Commitments is currently on national tour until April 2017 and details can be found at www.thecommitmentsontour.co.uk . The show was reviewed at Sheffield Theatres, who will soon be launching their new musical Everyone’s Talking About Jamie (www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/everybodystalking-jamie)