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Friday, 29 November 2024

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical Review- A Vibrant Escape Packed with Heart and Humour

Like Camp Half-Blood itself, this show offers an unforgettable escape filled with friendship, unity, and a world where everyone can be a hero."

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical 
The Other Palace

The Lightning Thief the Percy Jackson Musical based on Rick Riordan’s beloved novel of the same name, finds its perfect home on the intimate stage of The Other Palace. This fantastically staged production knows exactly what it’s aiming for: a heartfelt, high-energy story for fans of the books, young theatergoers, and anyone seeking an escapist evening of fun. It’s not a transformative piece of theatre but it never tries to be. Instead, it’s a faithful, joyfully chaotic adaptation that delivers a thoroughly entertaining experience.

The musical, with a book by Joe Tracz and music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, condenses the sprawling first book of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series into a fast-paced two-hour show. Percy Jackson, a seemingly average teenager, discovers he’s the demigod son of Poseidon. Alongside his best friend Grover and fellow camper Annabeth, he embarks on a quest to retrieve Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt, battling monsters and confronting his insecurities along the way. Themes of friendship, belonging, and overcoming personal challenges echo throughout, resonating especially with anyone navigating the struggles of growing up.

The standout performances begin with Max Harwood as Percy Jackson. Harwood, known for his starring role as Jamie New in the movie version of Everybody's Talking About Jamie and his recent role in Stranger Things once again demonstrates why he’s a star on the rise. I was lucky enough to see Max's debut as Melchior in Spring Awakening and I knew great things were on the horizon for him so it's so wonderful to see him leading this show with such brilliance. His strong, healthy vocals handle Rokicki’s rock-influenced score with confidence, while his physicality and emotional depth ground Percy’s journey in authenticity. Harwood’s Percy is funny, flawed, and fiercely relatable- a hero in trainers we can all root for. Watching him embody the sarcastic yet earnest demigod is an absolute treat, solidifying his status as one of the most exciting young performers on the stage today.

Mirroring Percy’s charm are Jessica Lee as Annabeth Chase and Scott Folan as Grover. Jessica brings a sharp wit and determined energy to Annabeth, perfectly capturing the daughter of Athena’s intellect and drive. Her duet with Harwood, 'My Grand Plan', is both heartfelt and empowering. Scott, meanwhile, is utterly delightful as Grover, mixing lovely comedic timing with moments of vulnerability that bring the satyr’s loyalty to life.

The ensemble shines, masterfully multi-rolling through a colourful array of characters, from meddling gods to fearsome monsters. Their quick changes and distinct characterisations are a testament to their talent and energy. Whether it’s a eye-dangling Fury or a groovy Poseidon, the ensemble brings Riordan’s mythological world vividly to life.

The creative team deserves immense credit for transforming the small stage of The Other Palace into a dynamic playground of gods and monsters. Charlie Morgan Jones’s vibrant lighting design and Duncan McLean’s imaginative projections work in tandem to expand the space, while clever touches- like bubbles to suggest underwater scenes- immerse the audience in Percy’s world.

The musical’s ability to nod to large-scale moments from the book (like the showdown with Ares) without overcomplicating them is a smart move by director Lizzi Gee. By focusing on character and humour rather than spectacle, the adaptation avoids the pitfalls of feeling overly ambitious.

Rob Rokicki’s score is an infectious blend of rock and pop that captures the angst and excitement of Percy’s story. Songs like 'Good Kid' and 'The Tree on the Hill' resonate emotionally, while the humorous numbers like 'D.O.A.' provide laugh-out-loud moments. That said, at times, the sound mix leaned too heavily on volume, making some lyrics difficult to catch- a minor issue in an otherwise great production.

The Lightning Thief thrives because it knows its audience. It’s not here to change the world- it’s here to celebrate it, offering fans of Riordan’s books and newcomers alike a chance to step into a world of camaraderie and mythological mischief. The Other Palace, with its cosy yet versatile stage, feels tailor-made for this production, inviting the audience into Camp Half-Blood’s warm embrace.

The musical excels at what it sets out to do: entertain, uplift, and provide a few hours of joyous escapism. With a faithful adaptation, a gifted cast led by the brilliant Max Harwood, and a visually inventive production, it’s a treat for fans and a celebration of the power of storytelling- a monster of a show! Like Percy’s time at Camp Half-Blood, it reminds us that even when life gets messy, friendship and unity can see us through.

★★★★
Reviewed on Thursday 28th November 2024 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan

{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}

Wednesday, 23 October 2024

Full Cast Announced for The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical London Premiere


The highly anticipated London premiere of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is fast approaching, and Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul Taylor-Mills are excited to announce the full cast for this thrilling production. Fans of Rick Riordan’s bestselling book series are in for a treat, as a stellar cast brings the beloved characters to life on stage this November.

As previously announced, the lead role of Percy Jackson will be played by Max Harwood (Stranger Things: The First Shadow), joined by a talented ensemble. Scott Folan takes on the role of Grover, Jessica Lee plays Annabeth, and Paisley Billings will be Sally Jackson. Greg Barnett steps into multiple roles as Mr. Brunner/Poseidon/Hades, while Joe Allen portrays Mr. D/Gabe. Samantha Mbolekwa brings Clarisse to life, and Joaquin Pedro Valdes takes on the roles of Luke/Ares.

Ensemble members include Philip Catchpole, Morgan Gregory, Charlotte O’Rourke, and Alex Waxman, who makes her professional stage debut.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is based on Rick Riordan’s beloved book series, which has sold over 180 million copies worldwide. Fans of the story have already seen Percy Jackson’s world adapted into films and a hit TV series for Disney+, and now it’s time for London audiences to experience the magic of the musical.

First premiering off-Broadway in 2014, the musical has gone on to tour the US and had a limited Broadway run in 2019. Now, Londoners will get their first chance to be transported into the world of Percy Jackson and the Greek gods.

When New York City teenager Percy Jackson learns he’s the half-blood son of Poseidon, his life changes forever. Plunged into a world of mythical monsters and godly powers, Percy must navigate a destiny he never asked for while discovering what it truly means to be a hero. With heart-pounding adventures and thrilling stakes, The Lightning Thief musical will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

This dynamic musical is brought to life by an outstanding creative team. The book is written by Joe Tracz (Be More Chill), with music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki (Monstersongs). The production is directed and choreographed by Lizzi Gee (Groundhog Day). Set and costume design is by Ryan Dawson Laight, lighting by Charlie Morgan Jones, and sound by Dominic Bilkey. The team also includes video designer Duncan McLean, illusions director Richard Pinner, fight director Lisa Connell, and puppet director Laura Cubitt.

London’s premiere of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical promises an unforgettable experience for fans and newcomers alike. Be prepared to embark on an epic journey with Percy and his friends in this electrifying musical event.

Friday, 11 October 2024

Sinitta to join Chicago as Mama Morton in Bradford and Stoke


David Ian for Crossroads Live, in association with Barry and Fran Weissler, is thrilled to announce that international pop star Sinitta will join the UK and Ireland tour of Chicago as Mama Morton for a strictly limited run. Sinitta will perform at Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre (21–26 October 2024) and Stoke’s Regent Theatre (25–30 November 2024).

Sinitta expressed her excitement, saying: I’m so excited to be returning to Chicago. I jumped at the chance to step back into Mama Morton’s shoes for two weeks on the upcoming UK and Ireland tour. To return to the stage with these incredible musicians and a stunning company doing amazing choreography is a dream come true. The role of Mama has certainly been good to me, and I can’t wait to rub shoulders with my merry murderesses again!

Sinitta reprises her role as Mama Morton, joining a stellar cast that includes stage and soap star Faye Brookes as Roxie Hart, Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton as Billy Flynn, leading West End talent Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly, alongside Joshua Lloyd as Amos Hart and Jordan Lee Davies as Mary Sunshine.

The ensemble cast features Bethany Adamson, Victoria Anderson, Josh Crowther, Joe Dale, Jessica Keable, Robin Kent, Annabelle Laing, Jacob McLay Reid, Jonathan Milton, George Olney, Oliver Ramsdale, Elly Shaw, Lucy Anne Stacey, Matthew Sweet, and Ria Tanaka.

Sinitta is an international recording artist known for hit songs like "So Macho," "Toyboy," and "Cross My Broken Heart." No stranger to the stage, she has appeared in West End productions of Cats, Little Shop of Horrors, Hair, Smokey Joe’s Café, and as the female lead in Mutiny! Recently, she starred in the UK and Ireland tour of Now That’s What I Call A Musical. Beyond her musical career, Sinitta has made a name for herself as Simon Cowell’s right-hand woman on The X Factor, mentoring emerging talent since the mid-2000s.

Set in the 1920s, amidst the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age, Chicago tells the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her lover in a fit of rage. To avoid conviction, she hires the smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn, manipulating the public, the media, and her rival cellmate Velma Kelly to turn her crime into sensational headlines.

Created by the legendary John Kander (music), Fred Ebb (lyrics), and choreographer Bob FosseChicago is filled with iconic, show-stopping numbers like "Razzle Dazzle," "Cell Block Tango," and "All That Jazz." Winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, and a Grammy, CHICAGO is the longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history.

Since its 1996 New York premiere, Chicago has been performed in 38 countries and translated into multiple languages. With over 35,000 performances and an estimated audience of 34 million people worldwide, the show has grossed over $1.7 billion globally.

Don't miss the chance to catch Sinitta and the incredible cast of Chicago in this limited run, bringing the sizzling and sensational story to life this autumn!

Thursday, 6 July 2023

Sam Bailey, Kevin Clifton and Giovanna Fletcher to Star in the UK Tour of Everybody's Talking About Jamie


Exciting news for the UK Tour of Everybody's Talking About Jamie! The musical has announced some new additions to the cast. Kevin Clifton, known for winning Strictly Come Dancing, will be playing Hugo/Loco Chanelle from March 25 to July 15, 2024. Giovanna Fletcher, an author, podcast host, and winner of I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, will portray Miss Hedge from January 8 to March 23, 2024. Then, X-Factor winner Sam Bailey will take over the role of Miss Hedge from March 25 to July 15, 2024.

Kevin Clifton expressed his excitement about joining the UK Tour after his involvement in the movie, praising the show's inspiring and uplifting nature. Giovanna Fletcher described Everybody's Talking About Jamie as a wonderful show with great music, dance, and humour, emphasising its universal tale of courage and acceptance. 

They join the previously announced cast members Ivano Turco as Jamie New, Rebecca McKinnis as Margaret New, Shobna Gulati as Ray, and Talia Palamathanan as Pritti.

The cast also includes John Partridge and Hayley Tamaddon during specific periods of the tour. The rest of the cast for the 2023-24 UK Tour includes KY Kelly, Garry Lee, David McNair, Akshay St Clair, Jordan Ricketts, Liv Ashman, Rhiannon Bacchus, Geoff Berrisford, Jessica Daugirda, Finton Flynn, Annabelle Laing, Luca Moscardini, Joshian Omana, Thomas Walton, Takayiah Bailey, and Georgina Hagen.

After successful runs in the West End, a sold-out UK & Ireland Tour, and an award-winning film, the show will kick off at The Lowry on September 7, 2023, and visit various cities across the UK, including Sunderland, Nottingham, Bromley, Birmingham, Cardiff, Brighton, Leeds, Blackpool, Llandudno, Oxford, Southampton, Newcastle, Wolverhampton, Woking, London, Bristol, Plymouth, Sheffield, Liverpool, Eastbourne, Portsmouth, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Northampton, Bradford, Milton Keynes, Hull, and Leicester.

Everybody's Talking About Jamie tells the story of Jamie New, a sixteen-year-old from a council estate in Sheffield who doesn't quite fit in and is fearful of the future. With the support of his loving mother and friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice and bullying to step into the spotlight and become a sensation.

This musical sensation, described as funny, outrageous, and touching, is suitable for the whole family and shouldn't be missed. With an original score of catchy pop tunes by Dan Gillespie Sells, lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, and a script by Tom MacRae, the show is choreographed by Kate Prince and is set to become a sparkling coming-of-age musical that will have everyone talking about Jamie for years to come.

Sixteen: the edge of possibility. Time to make your dreams come true.

photo credit: Matt Crockett

Tuesday, 7 June 2022

Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for Billy Elliot the Musical


Curve has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming Made at Curve production of Billy Elliot the Musical.

The first new UK production is directed by Nikolai Foster (A Chorus Line, Sunset Boulevard – At Home, West Side Story) and will run at the Leicester theatre for six weeks only from Thursday 7 July to Sunday 14 August. Press night will take place on Thursday 14 July.

The titular role of Billy Elliot, the miner’s son with a passion for ballet, will be performed by Leo Hollingsworth from Nottinghamshire, Alfie Napolitano from Northamptonshire, Samuel Newby from Hertfordshire and Jaden Shentall-Lee, whose family live in Leicestershire.

Billy’s dance teacher Mrs. Wilkinson will be played by West End and Broadway legend Sally Ann Triplett, whose iconic roles include Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes (National Theatre and Theatre Royal Drury Lane) and Young Phyllis in Follies (Shaftesbury Theatre), as well as Martha in the recent Made at Curve UK tour of White Christmas.

Michael, Billy’s best friend will be performed by Bobby Donald, Lucas Haywood, Ethan Shimwell and Leicester’s Prem Masani, who will make his stage debut in the production.

All hailing from the East Midlands, Pearl Ball, Caitlin Cole, Lola Johnstone and Ellie Copping – who returns to Curve’s stage having previously appeared as Susan Waverly in the 2018 Made at Curve production of White Christmas - will share the role of Debbie, Mrs. Wilkinson’s daughter.

Joe Caffrey, who previously performed in the West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical, will join the cast as Billy’s Dad Jackie, while Broadway and West End sensation Rachel Izen will play Billy’s Grandma Edna. Luke Baker (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the Made at Curve UK tour of Grease) will play Billy’s older brother Tony and Jessica Daley (recently seen in Made at Curve productions of White Christmas and The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber) will play Billy’s Mum.

The adult company will be completed by Craig Armstrong as George, Minal Patel as Big Davey, Cameron Johnson as Mr. Braithwaite, Micky Cochrane as Scab, Robin Paley Yorke as Lesley, Christopher Wright as Mr. Wilkinson, Michael Lin as Pit Supervisor, Jonathan Dryden Taylor as Posh Dad, William Atkinson as Older Billy and ensemble, and Steph Asamoah, Tori McDougall, Anna Rossa and Louie Wood as members of the ensemble.

The young company of ballet dancers and boxers, most of which are Midlands-based or have local family connections, will feature Willow Adamson, Maddie Seren Ashley, Oliver Back, Aneeka Kaur Bains, Ella-Rose Blackburn Price, Harvey Clarridge, Lily Corkill, Miley Dalton, Matisse Didier, Isabelle Francis, Ethan Galeotti, Rahul Gandabhai, Isla Granville, Uzziah Gray, Orlaith Rae Hunt, Ava Rose Johnson, Ava Mia Komisarczuk, Kyrelle Lammy, Lienna-Jean Langdon, Tahlia Maddox, Lorcan Murphy, Nesisa Mhindu, Sophia Pirie, Hayden Polanco, Gopal Thacker and Mirabelle Varakantam.

The Made at Curve production of Billy Elliot the Musical will by choreographed by Lucy Hind, with Musical Supervisor and Musical Director George Dyer. The set will be designed by Michael Taylor with costumes designed by Edd Lindley. Also joining the creative team are Lighting Designer and Curve Associate Ben Cracknell, Sound Designer Adam Fisher, Props Supervisor Lizzie Frankl, RYTDS Resident Assistant Director Lilac Yosiphon, Birkbeck Trainee Director Thyrza Abrahams, Associate Choreographer James Berkery, Dialect Coach Elspeth Morrison, Fight Director Kev McCurdy and Head Chaperone Helen ‘H’ Mclaren-Frost.

Children’s casting is managed by Jo Hawes, with adult casting led by Curve Associate Kay Magson CDG.

Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said:

“We are beyond excited to share our extraordinary cast for Lee Hall and Elton John’s astonishing musical Billy Elliot, ensuring this summer in Leicester is truly memorable.
“Billy Elliot is a musical filled with incredible characters, epic ideas and at its heart, the story of a young boy who has the passion and courage to dance down a different path from the one prescribed for him. We are thrilled to be working with our four Billys - Alfie, Leo, Jaden and Sam - and the entire young company - all hugely talented, brimming with energy and representing the very best young talent in the UK today.
“And leading the entire company, theatre legend Sally Ann Triplett takes on the role of the inspirational teacher we all need in our lives, Mrs. Wilkinson. Joining Sally, we are proud to welcome a first-class company to Curve, totally 55 performers! This is by far the most ambitious show we have staged at Curve and there is no better time to present this musical which recognises the value of culture in our society, the importance of expressing your truest self and gives a voice to the courageous working-class communities who are depicted in Lee Hall’s astonishing play. All beautifully framed by Elton John’s electrifying score.”

Based on Stephen Daldry’s BAFTA-winning 2000 film starring Jamie Bell and Julie WaltersBilly Elliot the Musical features music from Elton John and book and lyrics by Lee Hall. The musical first premiered at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre in 2005 and went on to win a host of international awards, including four Olivier Awards and ten Tony Awards.

Tickets for Billy Elliot the Musical at Curve be purchased on Curve’s website www.curveonline.co.uk, over the phone by calling 0116 242 3595 or in-person at Curve’s Box Office.

photo credit: Marc Brenner

Thursday, 3 February 2022

Peter Andre to play Vince Fontaine in Grease at the Dominion Theatre


Peter Andre will make his West End debut playing the role of Vince Fontaine at certain performances in a new production of Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey’s iconic musical GREASE opening at the Dominion Theatre on Tuesday 17 May 2022, with previews from Tuesday 3 May 2022. GREASE is directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by Arlene Phillips. 

 

Dan Partridge (Link Larkin in Hairspray UK tour & Pepper in MAMMA MIA! West End) and Olivia Moore (Waitress at the Adelphi Theatre & Heathers at Theatre Royal Haymarket) will star as Danny and Sandy respectively, with Jocasta Almgill (& Juliet at Shaftesbury Theatre) as Rizzo, Paul French (GreaseUK tour) as Kenickie, Mary Moore (Little Women at Park Theatre) as Jan, Jake Reynolds (professional debut) as Doody, Lizzy-Rose Esin-Kelly (A Chorus Line at Curve) as Marty, Damon Gould (Pretty Woman: The Musical at Savoy Theatre) as Sonny, Eloise Davies (Be More Chill at The Other Palace) as Frenchie, Jessica Croll (Hairspray UK tour) as Patty Simcox, Katie Lee (Matilda The Musical at Cambridge Theatre) as Cha Cha, Ronan Burns (West Side Story at Curve) as Johnny Casino and Corinna Powlesland (An Officer and A Gentleman at Regents Park Open Air Theatre as Miss Lynch. Darren Bennett (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy Theatre) will play Officer Mailie and Vince Fontaine at certain performances. 

 

They are joined by Jack Harrison-Cooper, Pearce Barron, Rishard-Kyro Nelson, Ellie Kingdon, Remi Ferdinand, Kalisha Johnson, Imogen Bailey, Kevin O’Dwyer and Carly Miles. Further casting is to be announced.

 

Peter Andre said “I'm beyond excited to be making my West End debut playing Vince Fontaine in Grease at the beautiful Dominion Theatre. Grease is such an iconic musical and we can guarantee audiences will have the most wonderful evening listening to songs we all know and love. We can't wait to see you there!"

 

GREASE originally opened in Chicago in 1971, followed by a move to Broadway in 1972, where it received seven Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. During the show's eight-year run at the time, little known actors including Peter Gallagher, Patrick Swayze and John Travolta all appeared in the production, with Richard Gere understudying many roles before going on to star as Danny Zuko in the 1973 London premiere. GREASE was first performed at the Dominion Theatre in 1993 before transferring to the Cambridge Theatre in 1996. It returned to the West End, opening at the Piccadilly Theatre in 2007. 

 

The 1978 film adaptation starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is the fourth highest-grossing live action musical of all time. The musical features beloved songs, including Summer NightsGreased Lightnin’Hopelessly Devoted To Youand You’re The One That I Want.

 

GREASE has designs by Colin Richmond, orchestrations and musical supervision by Sarah Travis, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Tom Marshall and Richard Brooker, video and projection design by Douglas O’Connell and casting by David Grindrod CDG.

 

This production of GREASE is produced by Colin Ingram for InTheatre Productions, Donovan Mannato, Playing Field, Gavin Kalin, and Curve.

Thursday, 27 February 2020

The Prince of Egypt, Dominion Theatre | Review


The Prince of Egypt
Dominion Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 27th February 2020 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★

In 1998, The Prince of Egypt became an animated sensation, bagging an Oscar and much critical acclaim. Since then it's been on a long journey to the London stage. Originally beginning in California in 2017, many changes have been made across the world to bring this current, reimagined production to life.

The plot is made up of the Exodus story, following the child of a Hebrew slave, Moses, who is found in the river and adopted by Pharaoh's family. All grown up, Moses discovers his real heritage and flees the palace to discover his true purpose in life. It's in the vast desert that a case of divine visitation via a burning bush, shows Moses his true mission to free the enslaved Hebrews and take them to the promised land. 

Musically Stephen Schwartz's score is beautiful, with sweeping melodies and evocative patterns, but frequently, the lyrics don't match up in terms of power; often just pointing out the action, rather than developing it. However, it's the choral moments which really soar, with Deliver Us providing so much power. Almost operatic at times the ensemble do an outstanding job of coming together to perform tight harmonies that fill the cavernous Dominion Theatre.


It's the 'telling' aspect of this musical which makes it fall somewhat flat. Philip LaZebnik's dialogue is cumbersome, with very little character or narrative development. There are many moments, which although wonderfully performed, do not develop the plot or characters and feel unnecessary, and whilst some moments are over explained by the dialogue or music, others feel undeveloped. Namely the plagues which are projected in rapid succession but are unclear.

It's safe to say subtlety does not feature in this show and the first act especially feels considerably pantomimic, with the one liners from the film not transferring to stage as effectively. There are also pacing issues, which are resolved a little in act two but do make the musical drag.

However, aside from these issues, there's no denying that this is a spectacularly well performed musical. Amongst the main plot, there's a huge focus on the rivalry of Moses and Pharaoh's birth son, Ramses, which is brought to life excellently by Luke Brady and Liam Tamne. Both actors give their everything to the limited dialogue and create characters which we feel for and are both vocal powerhouses. Christine Allado and Alexia Khadime are accomplished in their performances and perform the Oscar winning song When You Believe brilliantly. With Allado giving a particularly strong performance as the headstrong Tzipporah; it's wonderful to see a woman on stage motivated not only by the man in her life.

As Jethro, Gary Wilmot is underused but excellent in the time he's given. Credit must also be given to Debbie Kurup, Mercedesz Csampai, Simbi Akande and Jessica Lee who stand out throughout. Mia Lakha is also brilliant in her various young roles and is certainly an up and coming star of stage.


Visually this show is a treat. Kevin Depinet's hanging set wraps around the auditorium and cleverly makes the vast space feels more enclosed and welcoming. The simplistic design makes use of many projections by Jon Driscoll which are effective at transforming the space feeling grand, lavish and imposing despite not physically being there. The money moments, such as the parting of the red sea and the building of the pyramids are extremely well done.

It's Sean Cheesman's choreography which is the real star of The Prince of Egypt. Sharp and so so energetic it's amazing to watch. The ensemble come together to create various scenes, materials and emotions which tire you out just watching. Even in tableau moments, the precision is clear to see and this has got to be one of the strongest and most energetic ensembles around.

For spectacle and energy, The Prince of Egypt is worth a visit. It's not going to change your life but it'll provide a fun few hours of superfluous theatricality that looks and sounds very pretty.

The Prince of Egypt is currently booking at the Dominion Theatre until 31 October 2020

photo credit: Tristram Kenton