Posts with the label Laura Tebbutt
Showing posts with label Laura Tebbutt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Laura Tebbutt. Show all posts
Monday, 20 May 2019
School of Rock, Gillian Lynne Theatre | Review
School of Rock
Gillian Lynne Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 15th May 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★
School of Rock is one of those cult films that are genuinely wonderful. Funny, sweet and a crowd pleaser, the 2003 Jack Black hit transfers well to stage and provides and entertaining night out for all ages.
The musical follows Dewey Finn (Craig Gallivan) a wannabe rockstar, who's been kicked out of his band and somewhat accidentally becomes a substitute teacher for a prestigious prep school. Struggling to teach anything, he soon realises he can connect with the children through music and opens their eyes to the one subject he's well versed in- Rock!
From here on in music making and mischief ensue with the children sneaking around behind their prim principle Rosalie Mullins (Laura Tebbutt) and covering their tracks from their parents as they attempt to win the Battle of the Bands contest.
As Dewey, Craig Gallivan fantastically helms the somewhat formulaic musical; with an undeniable magnetism that does Jack Black proud whilst bringing his own spin on the larger than life rocker. Barely leaving the stage, Gallivan's portrayal is energetic and hugely memorable and he provides face-melting singing as well as a marvellously humourous performance.
As cliched as the character is, Laura Tebbutt brings Mozart singing Rosalie Mullins to life in a delightfully charming and comic way. Her characterisation is very well developed and her vocal performance is a diamond moment in the show. Tebbutt's solo number Where Did the Rock Go? is a plaintive ballad performed with pipes of steel and a real oomph.
Though well performed, the prologue of the show before the children begin performing does feel over extended and it takes some time for the musical to really perk up. However, when the young actor-musicians take the stage, the Gillian Lynne theatre comes alive with unrivalled talents. Ensemble numbers School of Rock and Stick It to the Man are particular stand outs.
The Horace Green students are a live in person advert for talent as they rock out on stage with the skill you'd expect of those much their senior. Will Tarpey is a complete stand out as the band's stylist Billy. Emoting every second and earning laughs from the audience left, right and centre he is a real superstar who knows how to own and work a stage. Amelie Green is witty as stuck-up Summer and Caspar Lloyd is wonderful as Lawrence. Nayan Gupta is completely fantastic when he showcases his superb musical talents as Freddy. Special mention must go to Jasper Bew who is out of this world as Zack, giving a performance to rival most adults and completely rocking the stage.
There are lulling moments in this production but it does manage to capture the heartwarming nature and humour that we all love from the film. As well as being a fun night out, School of Rock highlights the importance and power of music and is sure to bring a smile to your face and a tap to your toes.
Book tickets from School of Rock from www.londonboxoffice.co.uk
Monday, 21 May 2018
Divalution: The Re-Launch, The Other Palace | Review
Divalution: The Re-Launch (Concert)
The Other Palace
Reviewed on Sunday 20th May 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
What a night. Divalution took over The Other Palace for a Sunday night of flawless vocals, spades of personality and a whole load of fun. I was made aware of Divalution (previously Sapphire Soul) when I saw them perform at West End Live Lounge. From the first time I heard their killer voices I was obsessed. These ladies are class, sass, fire and vocal prowess combined to create a perfect group who deserve to been seen and heard everywhere.
Made up of friends Laura Tebbutt, Sejal Keshwala and Lisa-Marie Holmes, Divalution come together to belt out new songs and classics which are beautifully arranged and showcase the ladies' brilliant technique. It's clear from their polished performance that many hours of hard work have gone into creating a perfectly oiled machine and their passion, determination, dedication and love really shine through.
The ladies opened the show as they meant to go on, with a fiery rendition of Survivor by Destiny's Child and the song of the moment, This is Me from The Greatest Showman. We were then introduced to their fab personalities, with each including jokes and anecdotes throughout. Every song was wonderful but standouts included Over The Rainbow, their 23 song 90's Medley, Defying Gravity and All I Ask/When We Were Young.
As well as hearing the delightful group sound of Divalution, we were also treated to solo performances. Laura Tebbutt put her own spin on Elbow's One Day Like This which included to my delight, some audience participation. Laura, known as the belter of the group has vocals and facial expressions for days and I fully want to be her when I grow up (still fooling myself that 21 isn't grown up.) Laura's vocals are honestly some of the best I've ever heard; just when you think she can't belt any higher she takes it up a billion octaves and sounds impeccable doing it. I don't understand how she hasn't been Elphaba yet, or why she's not in every single show in the West End. Honestly outstanding.
Lisa Marie-Holmes' solo was a haunting version of Snow Patrol/Leona Lewis' Run which showed off her powerful voice, stellar belt and lyrical soprano range. Again, this lady needs more recognition in the world because she is AMAZING!
Completing the trio is Sejal Keshwala who's performance of Dangerous Woman blew the roof of The Other Palace off and had most of the audience on their feet- truly mesmerising.
As well as Divalution themselves, we also got to hear special guests Rob Houchen who perfectly sung I'm Not the Only One and Marisha Wallace who blessed the audience with her Whitney Houston medley. Marisha has taken the West End by storm since appearing as Effie White in Dreamgirls and by god does this lady know how to work a crowd. The audience were putty in her hand as they stood up, sung along and absorbed themselves in her insanely good vocals and stage presence.
Due to the fact that the ladies of Divalution also have solo careers, they have a couple of stand ins who replace them if all three can't make a gig. We were introduced to Nicola and Katie when the five ladies joined together for the rousing act one closing number, Power. West Finchley is very lucky to have so many talented vocalists residing there!
Mention must also go to the outstanding band, led by Robert Eckland and made up of Doug Harper on drums, Richard Coughlan on bass, Jeff Leach on keys and Adam Goldsmith on guitar. They kept the night going and provided fantastic accompaniments throughout with Adam completely wowing me with his insane playing. My only negative of the night was that the mics were a little too loud at the start but this was quickly remedied and didn't diminish my enjoyment of the evening at all.
Every song was so full out that my larynx hurt for Divalution when leaving the theatre and as a classical soprano who can't belt to save her life, I can only dream of being able to hit the notes they do. It's concerts like this that get me riled up because these ladies are so so SO talented but don't get half the recognition they deserve. With so many 'famous' artists nowadays being auto-tuned beyond belief, it sucks that naturally talented people such as Divalution are not at the stratospheric levels of fame they deserve to be at. Of course it's not about fame and it's clear from the three ladies that they do what they do for a love of singing and music but tell all your friends, families, acquaintances and people you meet on the street to listen to Divalution so they can keep wowing people. Spread the Divalution word and be inspired not only by their vocals but their strength and conviction as women.
photo credit: West End Video & Olivia Mitchell
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