Showing posts sorted by date for query Alex James-Hatton. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query Alex James-Hatton. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Wednesday, 9 October 2024
Cast Announced for Spend Spend Spend Musical Revival
The Royal Exchange Theatre has announced the cast for its festive musical production of Spend Spend Spend, which will run from 23 November 2024 to 11 January 2025. The 1998 musical, with a book and lyrics by Steve Brown and Justin Greene, is based on the life of Viv Nicholson, famous for her big lottery win and extravagant spending. The production will be directed by Josh Seymour.
Leading the cast, Rachel Leskovac will star as Viv Nicholson, with Rose Galbraith portraying Young Viv. Rebecca Thornhill will take on dual roles as Viv’s mother and Mrs Waterman.
Alex James-Hatton will play Keith, Viv’s second husband, while Joe Alessi will portray her father George, and Lejaun Sheppard will appear as Johnny Love.
The ensemble cast includes Jamil Abbasi, Abigail Brodie, George Crawford, Ayesha Maynard, Rachel Moran, Alfie Parker, and Karen Wilkinson.
Director Josh Seymour shared his enthusiasm for the production, stating: “Spend Spend Spend is packed with hilarious and heartbreaking songs which will explode with energy when delivered by our brilliant cast and band. Audiences can expect a bittersweet rollercoaster of a story as we follow Viv through the highs and lows of life. She’s a great character to spend an evening with – wild, witty and warm.”
The creative team for Spend Spend Spend is comprised of a talented group, including Grace Smart as designer, Jack Knowles as lighting designer, and Richard Brooker and Nick Lodge as sound designers. Lucy Hind serves as choreographer and intimacy director, while Ben Ferguson takes on the roles of music supervisor, arranger, and co-orchestrator. Matthew Malone is the orchestral manager and co-orchestrator, and Livi van Warmelo will be the musical director.
The production also benefits from the expertise of Natalie Grady as voice and dialect coach, Jim Arnold as casting director, Elizabeth Laurence as Birkbeck assistant director, and Nickie Miles-Wildin as associate director.
Don't miss this captivating production of Spend Spend Spend, bringing Viv Nicholson’s unforgettable story to life on stage this holiday season!
Thursday, 25 April 2024
Bonnie and Clyde the Musical on tour delivers a Thrilling Theatrical Experience | New Victoria Theatre | Review
Bonnie and Clyde (Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Originally blazing onto the Broadway scene in 2011, Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical quickly gained a cult following for its bold storytelling and infectious tunes. Since finally debuting in London 10 years later with a concert version in January 2022, the show has had a number of runs and now, it continues making waves with its UK tour, bringing a slice of American outlaw charm to a number of regional theatres. This is an electrifying production that captivates from start to finish. The dynamic rendition of the infamous duo's story brings a fresh perspective to the stage, blending catchy tunes with poignant storytelling and surprising amount of humour, all to make it a top shelf night at the theatre
Drawing from the true narrative, Bonnie and Clyde traces the journey of its titular characters from childhood aspirations – Bonnie dreaming of a glamorous life as a movie star like Clara Bow, and Clyde yearning for the outlaw allure of Billy the Kid. Their paths cross serendipitously, leading to a tumultuous life of crime that ultimately ends in tragedy. Interwoven within their tale is an unrequited love subplot and poignant glimpses into the economic hardships of the era, which effectively sheds light on the harsh realities that drove the Barrow Brothers to pursue a life of crime.
The leading roles in this show are demanding ones indeed, but Katie Tonkinson and Alex James-Hatton make them look effortless as they bring the outlaws to life and provide killer vocals. The chemistry between the pair is excellent and I found myself absorbed in their love (and death) story. This show thrives because of the way it humanises the duo, allowing you to really feel for them despite their law breaking. Their story is one that's been romanticised a thousand times and in this case that totally works. Sure, there's a lot of be said for not glamourising killers, but I think this age old tale gets a free pass and whilst the show does shy away a bit from really showing the pain they caused, it touches on it enough that you never forget their dark sides.
Speaking of dark, let's talk about the lighting design because, I love it. Zoe Spurr has done a fantastic job of using the lighting to highlight morality and emotion. For example during 'God's Arms Are Always Open' where the church scene is bathed in warm hues, contrasting with Clyde's crime spree depicted in stark white; and during 'Raise a Little Hell' (which is the stand out scene of the show for me)– the moment Clyde takes his first life, he is bathed in almost complete darkness with only a sliver of his face lit, it's really, really effective and dramatic.
Musically Frank Wildhorn and Don Black have crafted a show that's rocky and sexy and soulful. The music is catchy and really furthers the characters' emotional journey's rather than just filling in gaps. There are a tonne of stand out moments, and vocals that will certainly give you goosebumps. Ivan Menchell's book has some great moments and is multilayered both in terms of character and plot. The pacing is at times a little slow and I do think it could be tweaked a bit to get the adrenaline up a little more but there's still lots to enjoy.
All that being said, it's a wild, law-breaking escapade that'll have you on the edge of your seat, begging for more; so grab your tickets, round up your posse, and get ready to raise a little hell with Bonnie and Clyde in Woking and on tour.
★★★★
Reviewed on Wednesday 24th April 2024
Photo Credit:
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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