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Tuesday, 24 April 2018
Strictly Ballroom, Piccadilly Theatre | Review
Strictly Ballroom
Piccadilly Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 24th April 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Strictly Ballroom is a chilled out, glittering celebration of dance and a refreshing show to add to the list of ones to cheer us up in these dreary times.
Based on Baz Luhrman's 1992 film, Strictly Ballroom tells the story of Scott Hastings, a young Australian man who’s been dancing and winning awards for almost his entire life. He longs to break free of what moves are ‘expected’ and 'strictly ballroom' and pave his own way in the dance world. Enter Fran, just Fran, the overlooked dancer who wants a life of love, passion and to dance with Scott. When Scott starts improvising at a dance competition again, his partner Liz leaves him and he and Fran become secret dance partners.
This show is cheesy beyond belief but it’s also extremely self-aware. The over exaggeration and somewhat cringy humour works because it doesn’t try to be anything other than fun. The characters are larger than life but work to create an embellished version of life as a competitive dancer.
This show is of course, all about the dance and Drew McOnie has done an outstanding job choreographing his West End debut. The moves are sharp, sleek and a real joy to watch. When attending this show, I wasn't aware that it's not a typical musical. In fact, I would describe it more as a play with songs. Will Young takes on the role of Wally Strand who acts as the compere, narrator and singer. His voice is beautiful and he does a fabulous job of performing Marius De Vries' arrangements of hit songs such as Dancing With Myself, Love is in The Air, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and more. This set up doesn't take away from the show at all but it would be nice to see the rest of the company getting a chance to show off their vocals. However, it's the dance that's the star of the show. Taking the place of big vocal numbers, it's stunning to see such colourful, glitzy routines on the stage. The act 2 close of the Paso Doble and Habañera is especially powerful, with Fernando Mira's flamenco routine wowing the audience and proving how emotive dance is.
There’s a running joke that the west end isn’t the west end unless a Strallen sister is in a show. Seeing Zizi Strallen perform you can understand how their talent has made them a crucial part of the London theatre scene. Zizi’s performance is dorky and heartfelt and her character arc throughout is beautiful to watch. It’s truly joyous to watch her perform and you can't help but keep your eyes on her every second she's on stage. I am definitely going to have to bring my apricot face scrub out of the cupboard if it'll make me look like Zizi! Ms Strallen's footwork is also sublime and she works in perfect synchronicity with Jonny Labey who is is dazzling on stage and clearly the perfect choice for the role. The pair of actors are a winning combo.
Anna Francolini is suitably hilarious as Scott's mother who lives vicariously through him- her comedic timing is outstanding. Eve Polycarpou is sweet and endearing as Fran's Abeula and her latin vocals really stand out amongst the rousing music. The ensemble of Strictly Ballroom are great, all with clear personalities in their dancing duos. Gabriela Garcia and Liam Marcellino really stand out as Vanessa and Wayne. The entire cast work brilliantly together to create a polished show.
It's a lovely feature to have the band live on stage and it's amazing how they become part of the action rather than being overshadowing at all. Catherine Martin's costumes are as sparkly and over the top as you could want and Soutra Gilmour's set is simplistic but emotive. This production is well thought out and it's clear to see how much care and love has gone into it from the entire cast, crew and company.
It's time to escape the grey for the colour filled dance hall of Strictly Ballroom. Bogo Pogo your way to the Piccadilly theatre for a spectacularly sparkly experience, and a fun, chilled out night that'll make you want to get out of your seat and dance.
Strictly Ballroom runs at the Piccadilly Theatre until October 20th 2018
photo credit: Johan Persson
Wednesday, 16 October 2024
New Cast Joins Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre
The producers of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child- Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender, and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions—are thrilled to welcome a new cast that begins performances at the Palace Theatre this week. This acclaimed, multi-award-winning London production continues to enchant audiences, with bookings now open until 29 June 2025.
The new cast features Claire Lams as Ginny Potter, alongside David Ricardo-Pearce reprising his role as Harry Potter and Ellis Rae returning as their son Albus Potter. Eve de Leon Allen will make her debut as Rose Granger-Weasley, daughter of Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, with Thomas Aldridge and Jade Ogugua continuing in their roles as Ron and Hermione, respectively. Steve John Shepherd remains as Draco Malfoy, joined by Harry Acklowe as his son Scorpius Malfoy.
In addition to the core cast, the ensemble includes Ishmail Aaron, David Annen, Nicole-Lily Baisden, Sabina Cameron, Rob Curtis, Zijuan Elsol, Gabriel Fleary, Rory Fraser, Tim Hibberd, Sally Jayne Hind, Max Hunter, Dewayne Jameson Adams, Emma Louise Jones, Julia Kass, Debra Lawrance, Tasha Lim, Matty Loane, Sophie Matthew, Jaden Oshenye, Helen Power, Jocelyn Prah, Conor Quinn, Ian Redford, Catherine Russell, Martin de los Santos, Adam Slynn, Benjamin Stratton, Alex Tomkins, Jake Tuesley, Sam Varley and Katie Wimpenny. Oliver Dawson, Layla Duke, Aubrey Hayes, Rhiannon Parry, Aljosa Radosavljevic, Sienna Sibley and Ethan Webster alternate two children’s roles.
Set 19 years after Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s legendary battle against dark forces, this new chapter invites audiences to join them on an extraordinary adventure with a brave new generation arriving at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Spectacular spells, a breathtaking race through time, and an epic showdown against mysterious forces await as the characters grapple with the weight of the future.
Tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are currently available, with prices starting at £15 per part. The regular performance schedule is Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday—no performance; Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 2 PM for Part One and 7 PM for Part Two; and Sunday at 1 PM for Part One and 6 PM for Part Two. Access performances are scheduled, including an Audio Described show on Saturday, 9 November 2024, and a Captioned Performance on Saturday, 16 November 2024, with more access performances planned for 2025.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the first story from the Harry Potter universe to be adapted for the stage and serves as the eighth story in the series. Now in its ninth year at the Palace Theatre, the production has captivated over 1.7 million people in the West End and over 11 million globally, boasting an impressive collection of 60 major awards, including nine Laurence Olivier Awards and six Tony Awards for Best New Play. Currently, there are five productions running worldwide, including those in New York, Hamburg, and Tokyo. A North American tour began in September at Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre and will move to Los Angeles’ Hollywood Pantages from February to June 2025, before continuing to Washington DC’s Broadway At The National starting on 8 July 2025.
Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is crafted into a play by Jack Thorne, directed by John Tiffany, featuring movement by Steven Hoggett, set design by Christine Jones, and an impressive array of creative talents including Imogen Heap, Neil Austin, and Jamie Harrison. Produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender, and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions, this magical experience continues to be a must-see event for fans of all ages.
photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Monday, 23 May 2022
Over 2000 Attend Mamma Mia! Open Auditions
With queues circling the Aldwych, over 2,000 young persons attended today’s open auditions for the global smash hit musical Mamma Mia! at London’s Novello Theatre. Video here.
Mamma Mia! recently celebrated its 23rd birthday in London and extended its booking period to Saturday 4 March 2023.
The London cast currently stars Mazz Murray as Donna, Josie Benson as Tanya, Gemma Goggin as Rosie, Richard Trinder as Sam, Neil Moors as Harry, Stephen Beckett as Bill, Emma Mullen as Sophie, Jack Danson as Sky, Tegan Bannister as Ali, Sophie Matthew as Lisa, Michael Nelson as Eddie and Alexandros Beshonges as Pepper, with Natalie Langston playing the role of Donna at certain performances.
Also in the cast are Natasha Agnew, Chloe Ames, Gemma Atkins, Chloe-Jo Byrnes, Nicole Carlisle, Angus Good, Natalie Jayne Hall, Lauren Hampton, James Humpleman, Morgan Jackson, Frankie Jones, Grace Moorhouse, Jodie Nolan, Dan O’Brien, George Olney, Michael Storrs, Kyle Turner, Michael Tyler, Simon Willmont and Alex Woodward.
Since premiering in London in 1999, the irresistible feelgood musical has captured the hearts of millions around the globe. The sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads on a Greek island idyll, all unfolding to the magic of ABBA’s timeless pop masterpieces, has now been seen live on stage by 65 million people across the world and turned into two record-breaking movies – MAMMA MIA! The Movie and MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again.
Mamma Mia! recently celebrated its 23rd birthday in London and extended its booking period to Saturday 4 March 2023.
The London cast currently stars Mazz Murray as Donna, Josie Benson as Tanya, Gemma Goggin as Rosie, Richard Trinder as Sam, Neil Moors as Harry, Stephen Beckett as Bill, Emma Mullen as Sophie, Jack Danson as Sky, Tegan Bannister as Ali, Sophie Matthew as Lisa, Michael Nelson as Eddie and Alexandros Beshonges as Pepper, with Natalie Langston playing the role of Donna at certain performances.
Also in the cast are Natasha Agnew, Chloe Ames, Gemma Atkins, Chloe-Jo Byrnes, Nicole Carlisle, Angus Good, Natalie Jayne Hall, Lauren Hampton, James Humpleman, Morgan Jackson, Frankie Jones, Grace Moorhouse, Jodie Nolan, Dan O’Brien, George Olney, Michael Storrs, Kyle Turner, Michael Tyler, Simon Willmont and Alex Woodward.
Since premiering in London in 1999, the irresistible feelgood musical has captured the hearts of millions around the globe. The sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads on a Greek island idyll, all unfolding to the magic of ABBA’s timeless pop masterpieces, has now been seen live on stage by 65 million people across the world and turned into two record-breaking movies – MAMMA MIA! The Movie and MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again.
To date, Mamma Mia! has been seen in 50 productions in 16 different languages grossing more than $4 billion at the box office. In 2011, it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China.
Mamma Mia! originally opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre on 6 April 1999, before transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2004, and then to the Novello Theatre in 2012. The London production of Mamma Mia! has been seen by over 10 million people, played over 9,000 performances and has broken box office records in all three of its London homes.
Produced by Judy Craymer, Mamma Mia! The Movie became the highest grossing live action musical film of all time upon its release in 2008. A second film, MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN, opened in July 2018 and is the most successful live musical movie sequel of all time.
With music & lyrics by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus, Mamma Mia! is written by Catherine Johnson, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. The production is designed by Mark Thompson, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce & Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material & arrangements by Martin Koch.
Mamma Mia! is produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East & Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal.
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