Posts with the label nick riching
Showing posts with label nick riching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nick riching. Show all posts
Thursday, 21 September 2017
Cilla (UK Tour), Edinburgh Playhouse | Review
Cilla: The Musical (UK Tour)
Edinburgh Playhouse
Reviewed on Tuesday 19th September 2017 by Liv Ancell
★★★★
I have to start with a confession: I’m a typical millennial who’s only exposure to the life’s work of Cilla Black prior to watching this show was watching her as the feisty host of Blind Dates when I was a kid. The extent of my research before turning up to the theatre was a quick Spotify search, followed by a couple of obligatory listens.
However, the excitement and glamour of this show not only won over the audience - the majority of which were in their 50s and 60s, turning up in force to pay tribute of to a much-loved entertainer of their days - but it succeeded in winning over my millennial heart, too.
One feature of the production which thoroughly deserves a mention is the set design, the brainchild of Gary McCann and lighting designer Nick Richings. The show’s concentric arches lent so much depth to the Playhouse stage, while the clever use of lighting gave the audience many unexpected delights.
From a brick-walled Merseyside club, to the red-curtained London Palladium, to a psychedelic TV set in far-flung New York: the light effects and set changes transported the audience along with Cilla on her categorical rise to fame. The changes were seamless, genius, and utterly magical, transforming the stage from a wood-panelled 60s recording studio to a street of terraced houses in the blink of an eye.
Onto the show’s protagonist. Our Liverpool legend was embodied perfectly by Kara Lily Hayworth, who not only took the whirlwind of costume changes (seriously, I lost count) in her expert stride, but a challenging repertoire of Cilla Black songs and covers (I lost count of how many songs she belted out) too.
The audience was enraptured from start to finish by her breath-taking exhibition of ballads which ranged from rock to pop and showed no signs of flagging throughout. Mastering a 60s Scouse accent and even retaining it while singing is no easy feat, and Hayworth stunned with her performance in what must be a seriously challenging and demanding role.
Despite my no-show to the swingin’ decades of the 60s, even I was pleased to be able to recognise some of the show’s characters. The Beatles and Brian Epstein, their legendary manager, feature heavily throughout the story as contemporaries of Cilla. The show’s Beatles were so brilliantly cast that at one point my companion whispered, “That guy looks so much like Paul McCartney that it’s actually freaking me out”.
Carl Au gave an endearing performance as Bobby Willis; charming the audience from beginning to end as Cilla’s loyal companion. His solo performances are well worth the wait; in Act 2 Bobby realises his own singing ambitions and performs a lovely rendition of “A Taste of Honey”. Meanwhile, Cilla’s parents bring a comedy aspect to the show with their hilarious repeated one-liners which had the audience in stitches every time.
Her death a couple of years ago brought sadness to many hearts across this nation, and this show looks to celebrate her incredible talent. Cilla will stun and surprise you from start to finish, with its catchy tunes and rise-to-fame story. With its chintzy and glamorous sets, excellent supporting cast and jaw-dropping lead, this show will leave you awe-struck - and it certainly won’t disappoint you, whether you’re a Cilla fan or just an unwitting millennial like myself.
Wednesday, 13 September 2017
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday September 13th 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★
I think I'm probably in a theatre minority of people who actually like Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. I know it's kind of cheesy and a mishmash of things but I grew up watching the recorded version and absolutely loved it; looking back Donny Osmond was probably my first childhood crush and all I aspired to be when I grew up was Maria Friedman! I was in a school production of Joseph and I did see a touring production of it when I was about 10 but I honestly don't remember it so this was really my first experience of seeing it live.
From the outset it was exactly what I expected: cheesy but fun. There's no getting around the fact that its a childish show but what they've done really well with this production is really play on that childish humour. The usual moments which are more sexy or grown up, have been changed to suit a younger audience and it really works. This is never going to be a show aimed at adults who want a life-changing theatrical experience so why not make more kid friendly?!
Whilst the general vibe is like a children's TV programme, the cast are grown up and outstanding. Joe McElderry as Joseph is wonderful and he performs the role with conviction whilst adding his own spin. Joe's voice is stunning and rings out with emotion and power throughout, especially in the classic, 'Close Every Door'. Trina Hill plays the narrator fantastically. She is suitably animated as if telling children a bed time story and her voice is out of this world. Contrastingly to Maria Friedman, Trina belts for her life and completely wows the audience. Her technique is sensational and I was honesty blown away at how clear and strong her voice is.
The rest of the cast and ensemble work well together to create the somewhat magical and crazy world in which the story takes place. A special mention has to go to Matt Jolly (Gad) who has a beautiful solo moment during 'Those Canaan Days' which was just lovely.
Sean Canvanagh's staging is simple with just a few moving parts and mostly props brought on and off to show various changes. The children's choir who provide the backing vocals are sat either side of the stage for the majority of the show whilst joining in for some sweet choral moments. Nick Riching's lighting works well, adding warmth and drama to the action although the "flash of light" does get a little repetitive.
As I say, this show is definitely more for kids than adults and I know it won't be everyone's cup of tea but it's a great way to spend a couple of hours and the cast do an impeccable job from start to end.
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