Posts with the label wonderland
Showing posts with label wonderland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wonderland. Show all posts
Sunday, 16 July 2017
A Stagey Guide To Singing: Kerry Ellis
When did you realise you could sing? Did you have singing lessons?
I always sung from an early age I knew I loved it and that was enough for me to want to pursue a career it wasn't really about whether I was good enough or not. I've had lessons with various people along the way but nothing consistent. I don't know if that's a good thing or not.
Have you always been able to belt? If not, when did you start belting?
I think so yes I grew up listening to Bernadette Peters, Elaine Paige, Barbra Streisand Celine Dion and other incredible female vocalists. Liza Minnelli too and I'd just try to sing along with them so I guess it was all from a natural place.
What vowels do you find easiest to belt? Do you modify words to make them easier to sing?
I think you have to sing the lyrics of the song regardless whether it easy or not but a good teacher would help you work your way through the song without forcing or causing any damage.
What tips do you have for singing and dancing at the same time?
Breathe and go for it and have fun!
How do you keep your voice healthy, do you have any rituals before shows? Depends on the day I think the best advice somebody gave to me was use the voice you have that day, which means you mustn't give yourself a hard time if your voice doesn't feel the same every day just sing with the best of your ability and give yourself a break. Lots of water lots of rest and don't abuse your voice.
Rest is so underrated you have to take care of your voice like any other part of your body it's precious and needs care and attention and respect!
Overall, what's your number one piece of advice for finding and developing your singing voice? Trust yourself and enjoy it!
See Gabriela Garcia's guide to singing: http://www.rewritethisstory.com/2017/01/a-west-end-guide-to-singing-gabriela.html
Sunday, 21 May 2017
Samantha Barks, Mayflower Theatre | Review
Samantha Barks with Kerry Ellis
Mayflower Theatre
Reviewed on Saturday May 20th 2017 by Mary Schofield
★★★★★
The Mayflower is a fantastic venue located in the heart of Southampton, I have visited it frequently over the past two years that I have been at University and it's brilliant that such a wonderful theatre is on my doorstep. The venue is often visited by West End shows on their UK tours and seats a capacity of 2,300 people.
Despite the large capacity of the theatre the performance itself felt intimate as Samantha Barks (first discovered on I'd Do Anything and known for her recent appearances in: Les Miserables, The Last Five Years, Oliver and most recently her films Bitter Harvest and Interlude in Prague) took us on a nostalgic journey down memory lane. She sung a collection of songs from her new album including: “When He Loved Me” and “If I Die Young” as well as a gorgeous cover of "Blackbird" by The Beatles. Sam also shared with us a spectacular performance from The Last Five Years, “I Can Do Better Than That” which she wrapped in the St James Theatre (now The Other Palace) last December. Unfortunately I wasn’t lucky enough to see this in the theatre but the film version will have to help ease my new musical obsession!
Samantha's special guest for this one off concert event was the wonderful Kerry Ellis (known for her appearances in Wicked and currently on tour with the production Wonderland). Her set consisted of performances from both Wonderland and We Will Rock You. Ellis really showed off her unique, rocky voice and was a perfect complement to Barks.
The highlight of the evening was definitely when both ladies joined together for a wonderful duet of "For Good" from Wicked. Samantha went on to explain that this performance was one that she previously had on her bucket list, making the occasion even more special. You truly missed a magical moment if you weren't there! The evening was rounded up with a throwback to Les Mis with “On My Own”, bringing tears to every member of the audience and showing the power of Samantha's stage presence.
The only thing that upset me about the event was the timings; I would have been more than happy to listen to Barks sing for another 3 hours! This was a fantastic concert with two powerhouses of musical theatre joining together for a fabulous evening of entertainment. Hopefully this isn't the last of the pairing we see and I can't wait to see Samantha perform again- fingers crossed for another stint on a West End stage!
Tuesday, 4 April 2017
Wonderland (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Wonderland (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 3rd April 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed on Monday 3rd April 2017 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★
I finished performing in Will Todd's opera Alice's Adventures in Wonderland on Friday and have already taken another trip down the rabbit hole to see the UK Tour of Wonderland- I see an Alice theme becoming part of my life!
Frank Wildhorn, composer of one of my favourite musicals Bonnie and Clyde has reworked the Classic tale of Alice into a contemporary story about finding your place in the world. The story follows single mother Alice (Kerry Ellis) who lives in a bleak city with her ridiculously mature daughter Ellie (Naomi Morris). Stuck in a rut after her manipulative ex-husband kicked all her confidence out of her, she seeks a life away from the real world. When a bunny which promises to take her out of her mundane life hops in front of her, it seems like the logical option to follow him down the hole... or lift! Joined by their neighbour Jack (Stephen Webb) they end up in the magical and mysterious Wonderland.
The story is about self-belief and self-discovery and touches on some relevant issues. With Alice saying that "girls need to know that they should value themselves" and the rabbit expressing that "nothing can exist 'til you dream it first", it's sweet and heart warming.
Wonderland itself is bizarre, whimsical, quirky and truly bonkers. With all the well known characters such as the Queen and Hatter popping up throughout. Alice discovers that if she steps through the Looking Glass, she'll come out as a different version of herself. She toys with the idea of stepping through but is skeptical to return to the strong woman she was before.
Kerry Ellis is a star as Alice. Her vocals are faultless as she effortlessly belts out each number. Her stage presence is strong and it's joyful to watch her transformation throughout the show. Alongside Naomi Morris as her strong spirited daughter (who has a striking resemblance in voice and looks to Lilla Crawford) the pair create a lovely duo and a believable chemistry onstage.
For me the standout by far is Natalie McQueen. Her voice is off the charts and her scatty, feisty and extremely mad portrayal of the Hatter completely steals the show. She is compelling throughout and her facial expressions are enough to cure all types of illness!
Wendi Peters embraces the role of the evil Queen of Hearts well, mastering the comedic timing impeccably and showing off her superb singing voice. It's a shame how little time she is on stage as it would be lovely to see her for more than a fleeting moment at a time. Nevertheless, her portrayal is wonderful.
The score is brilliant with wit, pace and just the right amount of craziness but the script is a little weak. At times it feels forced and cringey , with the dialogue not adding much to the show other than filling time. Personally I feel that the overall downfall is that there is not a clear target audience. There are times where it seems better for young adults and adults but others where it's almost pantomime like and seems aimed at very young children. There is a lot of potential but I think there needs to be a little work done to make the show fully solid and fluid.
The music is engaging and enjoyable. The spectacular performers and witty moments make it a really enjoyable show to watch and a fun family night out.
Wonderland is on at the New Victoria Theatre until Saturday April 8th
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