Showing posts sorted by date for query Rhys Wilkinson. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query Rhys Wilkinson. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Friday, 23 February 2024
Just For One Day at the Old Vic REVIEW: Pitch Perfect Peformances
Just For One Day: The Live Aid Musical
The Old Vic
Written by John O'Farrell, Just For One Day transports audiences back to 1985, to the historic Live Aid concert held simultaneously at Wembley Stadium and JFK Stadium. Through the eyes of various characters, including musicians, organisers, and fans, the musical captures the spirit of unity and hope that defined this iconic event. Against the backdrop of global issues and personal struggles, the show celebrates the power of music to inspire change and bring people together.
With direction by Luke Sheppard, the musical is a poignant homage to the legendary Live Aid concert, offering a nostalgic journey through one of music's most iconic moments. While the musical may not reach the heights of the original event, it nonetheless succeeds in capturing its essence and paying tribute to the artists and activists who made it possible. It's definitely a musical that can appeal to and appease a wide range of audiences; as someone who wasn't alive during the original concert, I completely felt the importance and excitement that surrounded it, whilst my mum who regaled her story of watching the concert on a tiny screen in Cyprus during her honeymoon, wholly felt the nostalgia and related in a different way.
The strength of Just For One Day lies in its stellar cast, who deliver powerful performances that breathe life into the characters they portray. Craig Els leads the show as Bob Geldof and does a stellar job, bringing a brilliant amount of humour but also a sense of gravitas when discussing the atrocities of the Ethiopian famine which put the whole thing in motion.
Danielle Steers shines every moment, bringing her usual astoundingly soulful vocals, whilst Jack Shalloo is a complete standout as Midge and Abiona Omonua is charming as Amara. At this performance Margaret Thatcher was played by Kerry Enright who is absolutely fantastic, providing some of the most hilarious and well characterised moments of the show. Vocally this is a cacophony of powerhouses, with everyone providing killer moments but special mention goes to Olly Dobson and Collette Guitart who really shine, I wish they got more solo moments! Rhys Wilkinson also brings fantastic characterisation to all of the roles he plays.
Unsurprisingly, the musical's soundtrack is another highlight, featuring an array of classic hits from the 1980s that have audiences tapping their feet and singing along. Accompanied by a talented live band, the music transports viewers back in time, evoking the same sense of excitement and camaraderie that defined the original Live Aid concert.
Where the show doesn't quite work is with it's book. The production takes a deliberate approach to steer clear of hero worship towards Geldof, opting instead to spotlight the unsung heroes who contributed behind the scenes. However, while the inclusion of fictionalised narratives aims to showcase the efforts of everyday individuals, these characters often come across as shallow and their dialogue occasionally falls into clichéd one-liners. The sentiment is lovely, but it's not hugely impactful. However, the way music is woven into these stories is really admirable; songs aren't just shoehorned in, they're used to develop the stories being told and even seem to take on new meaning in the context of the show.
Another aspect which falls flat is the actual trauma which prompted the concert. There are some attempts at highlighting the pain and horrors of the famine but it feels a bit sanitised and brushed over, so as not to detract from the feel-good feeling the show pushes. Of course no one wants to fetishise the suffering of others, but in omitting a lot of the horrors, it doesn't allow the show to have quite as strong of an emotional impact.
Visually, this show is a feast for the eyes, with dynamic staging (Soutra Gilmour) and vibrant costumes (Fay Fullerton) that capture the spirit of the 1980s. Creative use of multimedia elements (Andrzej Goulding) and striking lighting (Howard Hudson) further enhances the experience, immersing audiences in the sights and sounds of the era. This is a show that really lends itself to touring and could certainly thrive and develop in that capacity, it will be interesting to follow where it goes after this initial run.
Just For One Day may not be without its flaws, but it's a heartfelt tribute to Live Aid and its message of hope and solidarity make it a worthy addition to the stage. For fans of 1980s music and those who fondly remember the original concert, this musical is sure to strike a chord.
★★★★
Reviewed on Thursday 22nd February 2024 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Wednesday, 1 November 2023
Bat Boy the Musical at the London Palladium Review: A Campy Delight
Bat Boy the Musical in Concert
London Palladium
I had the pleasure of spending Halloween at Bat Boy the Musical in concert at the iconic London Palladium, and it was truly a wild, wacky, and wonderful show. The talented cast, which included Jordan Luke Gage, Jodie Steele, and Trevor Dion Nicholas, delivered an electrifying performance that left the audience thoroughly entertained.
The campy nature of the production was evident from the get-go, and it added to the overall charm of the show. The exaggerated characters, over-the-top antics, and quirky humour all contributed to a delightfully eccentric atmosphere that had the audience in stitches. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt in particular is a complete comedic superstar, perfectly bouncing off the crowd and having everyone in stitches from the smallest movement or expression.
However, it wasn't all smooth sailing. There were some noticeable sound issues throughout the performance. Missed lines and an uneven balance between the orchestra and vocals meant that, at times, it was challenging to hear the lyrics properly. While these technical hiccups did momentarily detract from the overall experience, they were overshadowed by the sheer fun of the show.
For those unfamiliar with the story, Laurence O'Keefe's Bat Boy the Musical is a quirky tale about a half-human, half-bat creature who is discovered in a cave and taken in by a family in a small town. The musical explores themes of acceptance, prejudice, and the complexities of human nature, all while delivering it with a humorous and satirical touch.
Despite the sound issues, the show's humor and the cast's stellar performances shone through. The witty one-liners and comedic timing of the actors had the audience roaring with laughter, making it easy to forgive the occasional technical glitch.
Jordan Luke Gage gave an endearing performance as the title Bat Boy, showcasing stupendous vocals as well as really well done and hilarious characterisation; continually rising to new heights, I cannot wait to see what he takes on next. Jodie Steele's portrayal of the struggling sister balanced superbly with Gage's and had some solid development and growth throughout. Completing the family pack, Trevor Dion Nicholas gave a vocal powerhouse performance and made the morally wild father a stand out performance. Tosh Wanogho-Maud was a complete powerhouse, giving some of the best vocals of the night, despite not having a hugely developed character. The entirety of the supporting cast and choir also did an excellent job of bringing the Bat Boy world to life.
One aspect that truly stood out was the effective and simple staging. The use of minimal sets and props allowed the audience to focus on the characters and the story. It was remarkable how such a straightforward approach could be so striking and immersive. This also allowed Rhys Wilkinson's well thought out and adapted movement to really shine and add a finessed element to this one night only performance.
Bat Boy the Musical was a wild, blood filled, hoot of a musical, with a fantastic cast and an abundance of humour. While the sound issues were a minor drawback, the overall experience was thoroughly enjoyable, leaving the audience with smiles on their faces. A hilarious and campy musical done so well!
★★★★
Reviewed on Tuesday 31st October
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Monday, 20 February 2023
No Limits, Turbine Theatre | Review
Turbine Theatre
Reviewed on Friday Friday 17th February 2023
★★★
Currently playing at the Turbine Theatre, No Limits, a song cycle by Sam Thomas is a number of vignettes of millennial/gen z life which are uniformly well performed but sometimes lack enough depth to really make them pop.
That’s not to say the show is bad at all, but there are a few songs which don’t quite pack a punch and you’re left wanting just a bit more. As a song cycle, cohesion isn’t necessarily expected but I do think this piece could be elevated by having a bit of a through line to hold it all together and guide its journey so it’s a bit less of a mish-mash of individual stories.
However, as performances go, you truly couldn’t ask for more than those that this cast provide. The five strong ensemble give impeccable vocals.
Hannah Lowther (#Catfish) is masterful in her nuanced facial expressions, which convey so much emotion through the tiniest movements. She’s a vocal athlete who sounds completely in control at all times and is an absolute dream to watch and hear. Playing the #Fighter Michael Mather has some fantastically strong vocal moments, especially when bringing his rockstar dreams to life. As #Dreamer Natalie Paris is the embodiment of a star. With a tone that is buttery and riffs for days, her vocals are enough to rival anyone in the top 40 and she provides some of the most moving performances of the evening. Mary Moore (#Funemployed) really gets a chance to shine in this show and it’s a treat to see. She not only gives a brilliant vocal performance but is also incredibly witty and they also have excellent chemistry with all the other performers. Owen Clayton as #Romantic is the perfect compliment to the cast and is sweetly endearing in their performance and once again serves killer vocals throughout.
It's particularly impressive how well the five person cast use the small space of the Turbine stage. Thanks to Justin Williams' sleek set and Rhys Wilkinson's great movement direction, it never feels like they're on top of one another (except when necessary!) and the whole thing flows very well.
Alex Musgraves' lighting helps to elevate each song, for example transforming the space into a comedy club vibe for one number, and Richard Carter's sound design makes the piece feel intimate and personal.
No Limits is sickly sweet at times but overall its an ode to positivity and the importance of your own stories. It's not groundbreaking but it's a really good night out with an absolutely wonderful cast.
photo credit: Danny Kaan
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Wednesday, 7 December 2022
Full Cast Announced for 'No Limits' at the Turbine Theatre
Sam Caldwell He/Him for Paper House Productions is pleased to announce the full cast of No Limits – A Song Cycle by Sam Thomas He/Him.
Directed by Dean Johnson, He/Him, (BKLYN, LIFT), this exciting new production will open in London at the Turbine Theatre on 15th February 2023.
Joining Natalie May Paris (SIX The Musical), She/Her, in the role of #DREAMER will be, Owen Clayton (Julie: The Musical and It’s In The Air), They/He, as #ROMANTIC, Hannah Lowther (Heathers The Musical, Millennials, Emojiland), She/Her, as #CATFISH, Michael Mather (Soho Cinders and But I’m a Cheerleader), He/Him as #FIGHTER, Mary Moore (Grease and Little Women) She/They, #FUNEMPLOYED, Saffi Needham (Recently graduated and making her professional debut), She/Her as SWING.
West End and Tik Tok star Hannah Lower She/Her, said “I’m so excited to be joining the original London cast of No Limits, the team have been working so hard and we’re all so excited to finally share the show with an audience!"
Producer, Sam Caldwell He/Him said, “I am delighted to reveal the cast for our upcoming production of No Limits - A Song Cycle at the Turbine Theatre. I can’t wait to see this talent take to the stage and bring a fresh take to this wonderful material in this brand new, exciting production. This show has been a long time coming and I am looking forward to seeing how audiences connect with it in February.”
Joining Director Dean Johnson, He/Him, is Musical Director Ella Ingram She/Her, Associate Director Liv Byrom She/Her, Choreographer Rhys Wilkinson He/Him. No Limits - A Song Cycle also has set design by Justin Williams He/Him, lighting design by Alex Musgrave and stage management by Jack Evans He/Him.
No Limits - A Song Cycle deconstructs the concept of falling behind in life. It follows a diverse cast of characters from all walks of life as they dare to believe in themselves and strive for a brighter future.
This powerful collection of songs sees characters let go of their anxieties, take leaps of faith, and fight for who they truly are, from confessing their dreams of becoming a rockstar to catfishing their attractive neighbour.
No Limits - A Song Cycle features heartfelt and queer stories. This brand-new production emphasises that we are all in the same boat, and that with enough self-belief, we can always overcome our setbacks. There truly are No Limits to your journey.
Tickets for No Limits at the Turbine Theatre are on sale now
Monday, 21 February 2022
New Cast Announced for & Juliet
Tom Francis is to play Romeo in & Juliet, as the award-winning show today announces new cast. Tom, who starred in the recent acclaimed production of Rent, will join the company next month, in the joyous musical which won 3 Olivier Awards and 6 Whatsonstage Awards.
Julius D’Silva will also join the cast as amorous Frenchman Lance, opposite Keala Settle as Nurse. Keala - internationally renowned for her starring role in the global smash hit movie The Greatest Showman in which she performed the iconic song “This Is Me” – will be making her West End debut.
They will all join the production from Tuesday 29 March 2022 at the Shaftesbury Theatre, where the show recently extended its booking period through until Saturday 24 September 2022.
Miriam-Teak Lee – who was awarded the Olivier Award for Best Actress in 2020 for her performance as Juliet – leads a cast including Cassidy Janson, who also won an Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Anne Hathaway, Oliver Tompsett as William Shakespeare, Tim Mahendran as Francois and Alex Thomas-Smith as May.
David Bedella continues his Olivier Award-winning performance as Lance until Saturday 26 March, as does Jordan Luke Gage as Romeo and Melanie La Barrie as Nurse.
The new ensemble includes Ebony Clarke, Bessy Ewa, Collette Guitart, Cassandra Lee, Nathan Louis-Fernand, Zara MacIntosh, Carl Man, Christian Maynard, Rachel Moran, Owen Saward, Aaron Shales, Benjamin Terry and Suki Wong, who join Ivan De Freitas, Rhian Duncan, Alex Tranter, Sophie Usher and Rhys Wilkinson who continue with the show.
Romeo who?! With her bags packed and ready to escape Verona, Juliet recovers from heartbreak in the best way possible… by dancing the night away with her best friends by her side! But when the sparkle fades, the confetti falls and reality catches up, it’s clear that Juliet needs to face her past in order to find her future. Can she reclaim a story that has been written in the stars? Is there really life after Romeo… or could he be worth one more try?
Come along for the ride as the original Anne Hathaway takes on her husband William Shakespeare to remix his legendary play. As comedy meets tragedy, will Juliet get the ending she truly deserves? And most importantly, can their love survive this battle of wills?
Fabulously fresh and riotously funny, & Juliet explodes with dozens of pop anthems by legendary songwriter Max Martin, including … Baby One More Time, Since U Been Gone, Roar, It’s My Life, I Want It That Way, and Can’t Stop the Feeling! The show also includes the brand new song One More Try, written especially for the show by Max.
Brought to life by an award-winning creative team, this vibrant, colourful and timely musical is directed by Luke Sheppard (In the Heights, Rent and What’s New Pussycat?) with a story by David West Read (Netflix’s Schitt’s Creek), electrifying choreography from Jennifer Weber and stunning set design from Soutra Gilmour.
Max Martin and Tim Headington present & Juliet, which is produced by Martin Dodd, Tim Headington, Max Martin, Jenny Petersson and Theresa Steele Page.
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