Posts with the label andrew lancel
Showing posts with label andrew lancel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label andrew lancel. Show all posts
Wednesday, 21 March 2018
Cilla (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Cilla (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 21st March 2018 by Melanie Mitchell
★★★★
Cilla The Musical, intertwines the story of the rise from teenage typist to number one singing star, with the evolving love story between her and her future husband Bobby Willis.
In the 1950’s Liverpool was becoming increasingly well known, worldwide, for its unique style of music known as the Mersey beat. It was in the clubs around Merseyside that the young Cilla White worked as a coat check girl, often performing on stage along side the likes of Gerry and the Pacemakers and most notably the Beatles. When Brian Epstein discovers the 20-year-old Cilla at the Blue Angel Jazz Club, her meteoric rise to fame begins.
The set design is superb, cleverly changing from the tiny flat in which Cilla lives with her family to the Clubs and streets of Liverpool. You really get the feeling for the area at the time and that you are part of the audience in the now legendary Cavern club.
The lighting changes throughout, reflecting the mood of each scene, especially in the second half when Cilla is an international star with her own UK TV show. My only criticism was that from where I was sitting at times it was quite blindingly bright.
Kara Lily Hayworth is simply superb as the young Cilla. She absolutely brings the character to life, showing not only Cilla’s humour and confidence but also her naivety of the industry at the time. Her Liverpudlian accent is excellent and if you closed your eyes you would of thought Cilla was in the room. Kara’s singing voice is absolutely faultless, perhaps a bit sweeter and dare I say more professional than our Cilla’s was. However, this is probably down to her classical training background.
Carl Au, plays Bobby Willis, Cilla’s long-time boyfriend who goes on to become her manager and Husband. Carl is totally believable in the part and has an extremely good singing voice.
The part of Brian Epstein is played by Andrew Lancel, an extremely talented performer who you may know from Coronation Street and The Bill. You may not know that he also has an excellent singing voice as well. He plays the tortured Epstein brilliantly, giving a sadness and poignancy to the role that I hadn’t expected.
The whole company give a sparkling, lively and energetic performance, especially when playing the various groups such as The Beatles and Gerry and the Pacemakers. However, the standout group performance for me was the casts portrayal of the Momma’s and the Poppa’s rendition of California Dreaming.
Cilla The Musical is showing at the New Victoria Theatre until 24th March 2018. Get a ticket if you still can, not only will you see some fabulous performances and hear some wonderful singing, you are guaranteed to have a most enjoyable evening and a Lorra Lorra fun!
photo credit: Matt Martin
Wednesday, 7 March 2018
Cilla (UK Tour), Storyhouse | Review
Cilla (UK Tour)
Storyhouse
Reviewed on Tuesday 6th March 2018 by Becca Cromwell
★★★★
Based on both a real-life story and Jeff Pope’s Bafta Award Winning ITV drama, Cilla the Musical brings to life the story of Priscilla White, a teenage girl from Liverpool whose dreams turned to reality as she became one of the most loved Stars of the 1960s and most popular entertainers of all time. Cilla began her career in 1963 and had a career in both Music and Television which spanned five decades; including shows such as Surprise Surprise and Blind Date.
The musical score, written by Scott Alder incorporates both Cilla’s best loved songs and other well-known hits from the sixties well. You can expect to hear a majority of the songs that everyone remembers from the sixties, including Anyone Who Had A Heart and You’re My World, alongside The Beatles’ Twist and Shout and Martha and the Vandellas’ 1964 hit Dancing In The Street.
Kara Lily Hayworth, who landed the role through success at rigorous open auditions, plays the role of hopeful starlet Priscilla White whose life changes massively once introduced to Brian Epstein. It is no wonder that Hayworth bagged the role, as her portrayal of Cilla was astounding. Cilla herself would be proud. The vocals were extremely impressive and although not from Liverpool, Hayworth really did the accent justice.
Personal Assistant turned boyfriend Bobby, played by Carl Au, brought plenty of drama to the production. With a strong voice and solid acting, the character was portrayed excellently. With charm and wit, Au shone throughout the show.
Brian Epstein, played by Andrew Lancel, was executed fantastically. The character’s tragic tale was intertwined with the main plot of the show, and worked well. The audience connected with Lancel well and he received loud applause at the curtain call.
The ensemble and supporting characters all gave good performances, with Pauline Fleming and Neil MacDonald standing out in the comedy roles as Cilla’s Parents.
The first act of the show feels more like a concert than a musical theatre production, as it is done in a style that almost breaks the fourth wall, different to anything I have seen in a while. Set mostly in the Cavern Club in Liverpool, Cilla embarks on her journey from teenage starlet to national treasure.
During the second act, there are significantly more numbers which make it feel like a musical theatre production, rather than a concert. However there were a few set mishaps, with one of the backdrops being lowered completely down instead of pulled back up out of view and wonky tables. Set mishaps aside, the cast often had to deal with the band being louder than their microphones, which is a shame. Throughout the bigger numbers, Hayworth could hardly be heard over the live band, which can easily be remedied and make the whole experience even more enjoyable.
The UK tour of Cilla runs currently until April 21st. Grab your tickets whilst you can!
Friday, 16 February 2018
Cilla (UK Tour), New Theatre Oxford | Review
Cilla: The Musical (UK Tour)
New Theatre Oxford
Reviewed on Tuesday February 13th 2018 by Donna Meredith
★★★★★
Having recently watching the TV miniseries, starring Sheridan Smith, that charted Cilla Black's epic rise to fame, beginning with her early job as a typist and continuing through key moments, including her friendship with The Beatles, I was intrigued to see how this rags to riches story would translate to the stage.
Arriving for the opening night at the New Theatre, Oxford I could not help but notice that most of the audience were of an age to have been fans of Cilla at the height of her musical career. My experience of this inimitable redhead was as a warm and natural TV presenter in the 80’s and 90’s of shows such as Blind Date and Surprise Surprise.
I need not have worried about being unfamiliar with Cilla’s music as from the opening number I was hooked on what I can only describe as a real soundtrack to the sixties. Music from The Beatles, The Mamas and the Papas and Gerry and the Pacemakers took us back to a time when music was changing the consciousness of young people. I found myself completely immersed in this spectacular showcase.
Kara Lily Hayworth delivered a truly standout performance, particularly with her rendition of Anyone Who Had A Heart, which closed Act One in spectacular style, almost moving me almost to tears. Kara was discovered at an open audition where she queued for four hours to be seen and I for one am glad she did!
The show is built not just around the songs but also the personal life of Cilla, portraying her fiercely ambitious streak and her relationship with the man who inevitably married her and managed her career, Bobby Willis - played superbly by Carl Au. We get an insight into an enduring love story between Cilla and her Bobby which truly warms the heart.
The religious divide of the time between protestant and Catholic faiths is dealt with sensitively whilst not shying away from the prejudices that were clearly apparent not least in Bobby’s estrangement from his father due to his inability to accept his relationship with Cilla.
Bobby’s struggle to come to terms with his own musical ambitions and his decision to eventually put his own aspirations on hold to support Cilla’s career are perhaps the truest insight into this story of ultimate true love.
Another notable performance is that of Andrew Lancel who plays the complex character of Brian Epstein. He sensitively portrays the underlying sadness of the character who whilst achieving unparalleled success battled demons that eventually consumed him.
A mention must also go to the stage sets and lighting which perfectly evoke the club scenes of the time, the recording studios and the Merseyside backdrop of this timeless tale.
This story of the girl next door who did good, against the backdrop of music that truly stands the test of time, will warm your heart, make you smile, and ultimately leave you sad that we have lost a real “one off” in Cilla. Just two years since her passing I was left feeling that she would be proud of this epic celebration of her life.
Ta-ra Chuck !
photo credit: Matt Martin
photo credit: Matt Martin
Wednesday, 8 November 2017
Cilla (UK Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review
Cilla (UK Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 7th November 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
I have to admit, unlike many, I didn't grow up with Cilla Black. I knew a few of her hit songs but until an hour before seeing the show, had never seen an episode of Blind Dates so despite having heard good things, I was a little dubious as to whether this would be the show for me. I'm pleased to report that my doubts were uncalled for, as the show is spectacular.
This new production chronicles the Merseyside National Treasure's rise to fame accompanied by the hits of not only Cilla herself, but the other bands of the time. This is a unique take on the jukebox formula which instantly won over the audience of older people reliving the hits they grew up with and the younger generations alike.
Whilst many jukebox musicals are an excuse to perform hit songs with little storytelling, Cilla has Jeff Pope's stellar book to accompany it. This allows us to become invested in the show and performances rather than just waiting for the next song. With moments of drama, light and shade, there's really something for everyone and the show provides a well rounded theatrical experience with a depth not often seen in jukebox musicals.
As the lead, Kara Lily Hayworth becomes the Liverpool lady and heart of the show in a faultless performance from start to finish. Expertly embodying Cilla's iconic speaking voice as well as her vocally tough songs, Kara becomes Cilla and has the audience wrapped around her finger from start to finish. Her performance of the demanding role is certainly a memorable one and I can't commend her more highly for her stunning portrayal.
The Beatles and their manager Brian Epstein (Andrew Lancel) feature majorly in the show and give wonderful and iconic performances. The costumes, voices and mannerisms of each person are done to a T and you almost forget you're watching a tribute to these artists and not them live in the flesh!
As Cilla's devoted companion, Carl Au gives a charming performance throughout. His vocal performances are worth the wait when in act two he sings a delightful rendition of 'A Taste of Honey' overall he is endearing and a joy to watch.
The supporting cast are wonderful, especially Cilla's parents who deliver some hilarious one-liners throughout. Mention must also be made of the set design by Gary McCann which is striking and seamless in moving us from the Merseyside Club to Abbey Road to the London Palladium just to name a few.
Cilla Black was a woman of the people's hearts and a National Treasure who will always be remembered for her stunning voice, wit and charm. This musical does the perfect job of remembering her and chronicling her life in a glitzy and exciting but truthful way. Whether you're a massive Cilla fan or not, this show will certainly provide fantastic viewing!
Cilla runs at the New Wimbledon Theatre until November 11th before continuing its tour.
Tuesday, 27 June 2017
A Judgement in Stone, New Victoria Theatre | Review
A Judgement in Stone
A Judgement in Stone is a classic thriller adapted from the novel by celebrated crime write, Ruth Rendell. The play is set in the 1970s and focuses on the barriers and social structures of the English class system. The social obsessions and tensions this system brings are bought starkly to life.
The play highlights the differences and positions between the middle/upper classes and the much less educated lower working class when the meek, mild mannered Eunice Parchman (played by Sophie Ward) becomes housekeeper for the Coverdales at their country house. Sophie is excellent as Miss Parchman, it took me a while to know is was her as she is so unrecognisable. She portrayed the character perfectly, suitably subservient, fragile, insecure, down trodden and ever so slightly simple treating her employers like royalty but with a hidden depth and secrecy to the character.
Mark Wynter and Rosie Thompson play the Coverdales extremely well; complete snobs, pretentious, exuberant social climbers who see themselves in the upper echelons of society but with his position as a factory owner could easily be described as upper working class- god forbid!
Jennifer Sims as Melinda Coverdale is the perfect spoilt brat, a daddy's girl without a worry in the world. Her step-brother, Giles, played by Joshua Price is a typical foppish, alternative rich boy. The detectives played by Andrew Lancel and Ben Nealon both give believable performances. I was pleasantly surprised by Anthony Costa (formally a member of boyband, Blue) who plays Rodger Meadows and I have to say: the boy can act!
Deborah Grant as the maniacal Joan Smith is perfect for this part, very watchable with the right amount of of madness and humour. Shirley Anne Field plays the Coverdales cleaning lady Eva Baalham, who's timing and overall performance are excellent however, I felt that the part was extremely small and somewhat insignificant for such a great actress.
The whole play centres around one set, the Coverdales dining/sitting room with various doors leading off of it. However, due to the clever production, staging and lighting, the backdrop does not become boring.
All in all, A Judgement in Stone provides a great evening full of atmospheric suspension and tension.
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