Showing posts sorted by date for query carrie hope fletcher. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query carrie hope fletcher. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Calamity Jane 2025 Tour Review: A Rootin’-Tootin’ Revival Where Carrie Hope Fletcher Shines


Calamity Jane (Tour)
New Victoria Theatre

The 2025 UK tour of Calamity Jane bursts onto the stage with energy, charm, and a dose of old-fashioned Wild West fun. Led by the ever-brilliant Carrie Hope Fletcher in the title role, this revival brings a fresh spark to the beloved musical while staying true to its classic appeal. With impressive orchestrations, great lighting design, and dynamic staging, the production proves that Calamity Jane is as entertaining as ever.

If there was ever a performer perfectly suited to bring Calamity Jane to life, it’s Carrie Hope Fletcher. Best known for her powerhouse performances in Les Misérables, Heathers, and The Addams Family, Fletcher steps into the buckskins of the iconic frontierswoman with charisma and confidence. Her portrayal balances tomboyish bravado with heartfelt vulnerability, making her Calamity both lovable and layered.

Vocally, Fletcher is sensational. She delivers showstoppers like 'The Deadwood Stage' and 'Secret Love' with clarity, warmth, and emotional depth. Her rendition of 'My Love Is Higher Than a Hawk' is a standout moment, showcasing her ability to blend rich storytelling with soaring vocals. She brings a modern sensibility to the role without losing the charm and humour that make Calamity such an endearing character.

The production’s lighting design is a major highlight, transporting the audience from the dusty streets of Deadwood to the glittering backstage in Chicago. Soft amber tones create a rustic, sun-drenched frontier feel, while dramatic spotlighting enhances the emotional weight of key scenes. During the climatic 'Secret Love', the transition from warm candlelight to a radiant glow beautifully mirrors Calamity’s personal transformation.

The staging is dynamic and well-paced, with director Nikolai Foster and Co-Director Nick Winston ensuring seamless transitions between the saloon, the theatre, and the open plains. The use of multi-level sets adds depth to the storytelling, and the clever choreography breathes life into the ensemble numbers. The bar fights and comedic misunderstandings play out with precision, bringing a sense of playfulness to the production without feeling over-the-top.

Under the musical direction of Catherine Jayes, the orchestrations remain faithful to the show’s roots while injecting a fresh vibrancy. The lush string and brass arrangements add richness to the score, making classics like 'Windy City' feel both nostalgic and exhilarating. The live band, positioned on stage at times, adds an immersive element, reinforcing the raw, unpolished energy of the Wild West setting.

The 2025 tour of Calamity Jane delivers a highly entertaining, well-executed revival of this beloved musical. Carrie Hope Fletcher leads the charge with a captivating performance, supported by stunning visuals, lively orchestrations, and seamless staging. Modern touches and attitudes mix perfectly with the classic story and show, ensuring a night of laughter, romance, and unforgettable music.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Calamity Jane or discovering it for the first time, this tour is well worth saddling up for. Get ready for a rootin’-tootin’ adventure full of heart, humour, and standout performances.

Reviewed on Tuesday 25th February 2025 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Mark Senior

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

Monday, 7 October 2024

Les Misérables, Billy Elliot and others to be Released in Cinemas for Anniversary Celebrations


Get ready for a cinematic treat! Six filmed stage productions are set to grace cinema screens over the next six months, offering theatre fans a unique chance to experience some of the most celebrated performances from the comfort of their local theatres. Produced by CinemaLive, these screenings will mark significant milestones for each production.

Kicking off the series, Miss Saigon, filmed during its 25th anniversary gala performance at the Prince Edward Theatre in 2016, is currently being shown in cinemas. Following that, the beloved classic The Phantom of the Opera, which celebrated its own 25th anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall in 2011, will screen on November 3 and 5. This production stars Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess, showcasing their incredible talents in a visually stunning performance.

Next up, the award-winning Girl From the North Country, written by Conor McPherson and featuring 20 songs by the legendary Bob Dylan, will be screened on November 21 and 24. This version was recorded at the Belasco Theatre in New York in 2022, bringing its emotional storytelling and poignant music to a broader audience.

Looking ahead to 2025, theatre-goers can look forward to Les Misérables- The Staged Concert, filmed in 2019 at the Gielgud Theatre. This production features a star-studded cast, including Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Carrie Hope Fletcher, and Matt Lucas. It will be available to view in cinemas starting February 2, 2025.

Shortly after, the arena tour version of Jesus Christ Superstar, featuring an all-star cast that includes Tim Minchin, Mel C, Ben Forster, and Chris Moyles, will be screened across the UK from March 1, 2025. This performance promises to bring a fresh and dynamic interpretation of the rock opera to fans.

Finally, to celebrate its 20th anniversary, a re-release of Billy Elliot will hit cinemas, coinciding with the original West End premiere in 2005. Directed by Stephen Daldry, this production was captured live at the Victoria Palace Theatre in 2014 and will be available starting March 30, 2025.

For more information and to find participating cinemas, be sure to visit the CinemaLive website. This is an incredible opportunity to witness the magic of live theatre in a new and exciting format!

Wednesday, 12 June 2024

Magic, Love, and Books 'A Novel Love Story' by Ashley Poston Enchants | BOOK REVIEW


A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
Published: 25th June 2024 by HQ

Ashley Poston’s A Novel Love Story is a delightful dive into the whimsical world of Eloraton, where books are not just read, but lived. This book is a love letter to every book lover out there, capturing the joy, escape, and sense of home that only a good story can provide.

The story follows our protagonist, Eileen Merriweather, who discovers the mysterious and quaint town of Eloraton—a place that gives off major Once Upon a Time vibes. Here, books are not mere objects but gateways to a world where characters come to life, in fact the whole town and its inhabitants are taken straight from her favourite book series. Eileen’s journey intertwines with the enigmatic and charming Anderson, whose minty eyes and brooding personality grow endearing over time. Together, they uncover secrets that bridge the magical and the real, leading to a plot twist that, while somewhat predictable, still feels satisfying.

Now, I can see how A Novel Love Story could be a marmite book. Some might find the magical realism a bit perplexing, or the plot holes a tad frustrating. But I’m firmly on the loving side of this divide. Poston's magical realism is reminiscent of Carrie Hope Fletcher’s style—grounded yet sprinkled with magic. Even if I didn’t fully understand all the magic, I believe that was sort of the point, adding to the charm and whimsy of the narrative.

The characters’ small acts of service and quiet signs of love were heart-melting. Anders’ minty eyes may have been mentioned a few times too many, and his “sweetheart” endearment seemed to come out of nowhere, but these quirks added to the unique charm. And let’s not forget the sheer celebration of books. The story encapsulates the pure joy and escape that books offer, a sentiment every bookworm will resonate with.

While I guessed the big plot point early on, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment. The journey was filled with so many quotable lines and tender moments, that guessing the twist felt like being in on a delightful secret rather than a spoiler.

I’ve never experienced those intense feelings for a book series where the characters felt like family, except maybe during my The Fault in Our Stars phase (which we won’t talk about). However, A Novel Love Story gave me a glimpse into what that might feel like. It made me think of how fans describe their love for the Addicted/Calloway sisters books and the Boys of Tommen series—real-world versions of Eloraton.

In short, if you’re a lover of books and magic, A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston is a must-read. It’s a heartwarming celebration of the magic found in the pages of a book, filled with endearing characters and enchanting moments. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by Olivia

{AD PR product- book gifted by publisher}

Monday, 31 October 2022

New dates added to Carrie Hope Fletcher's debut tour


More dates have been added to award-winning stage sensation Carrie Hope Fletcher’s debut solo tour due to phenomenal demand.

 

Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book will see the musical theatre star, author and vlogger play a series of unmissable theatre shows in May and June 2023, with new shows added in Oxford, Liverpool, Leicester, Milton Keynes, Southend, Bath and Glasgow.

 

Performing songs from her incredible West End and touring career, fans can look forward to hits from HeathersLes MisérablesThe Addams Family and many more, interspersed with chat about Carrie’s fascinating life and career.

 

Tickets for the new dates are on general sale from 10am, on Friday, November 4 from www.cuffeandtaylor.com

 

Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book 2023


18-May Bradford, St George’s Hall

19-May Oxford, New Theatre

21-May Southampton, Mayflower Theatre

22-May Norwich, Theatre Royal

25-May London, The London Palladium

27-May Llandudno, Venue Cymru

28-May Salford, The Lowry

29-May Birmingham, Symphony Hall

21-May Sheffield, City Hall

01-June  Liverpool, Empire Theatre

02-June Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall

03-June Newcastle, O2 City Hall

04-June Edinburgh, Festival Theatre

06-June  Leicester, De Montfort Hall

07-June  Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes Theatre

09-June  Southend, Cliffs Pavilion

10-June  Bath, The Forum

11-June  Glasgow, Theatre Royal


 

Speaking about Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book, Carrie said


“I am so excited to be preparing for my first ever solo tour – and to be adding new dates is absolutely fantastic.


“A solo concert tour is something I have wanted to do for some time, and it’s great to be able to visit even more places and meet even more fans.

 

“I adore being on stage and am fortunate to have performed in so many theatres, but there’s something very special about being able to get out on the road and visit some beautiful theatres around the UK.”

 

Earlier this year, Carrie was named best performer in a female identifying role in a musical as the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella. Most recently, she has wowed critics in a new revival of Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle and is now preparing for her pantomime debut as the villain Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty at The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury.

 

Carrie, who has an impressive three WhatsOnStage Awards to her name, has enjoyed a breath-taking career since her West End debut at the age of nine playing Young Éponine in Les Misérables.

 

Since then, Carrie’s theatre credits include Fantine in Les Misérables: The Concert, Veronica in Heathers, Wednesday in The Addams FamilyÉponine in Les Misérables, both Truly Scrumptious and Jemima in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Beth in Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds and Jane Banks in Mary Poppins.

 

When she’s not treading the boards of the West End’s biggest stages, Carrie is also a best-selling novelist, Top 20 recording artist and respected vlogger with her popular self-titled music and vlog channel attracting more than a million views a month.

 

Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book is presented by Lambert Jackson, Live Nation and Cuffe and Taylor.

 

Jamie Lambert, of Lambert Jackson, said: 

Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book presents an opportunity to take one of the West End’s most celebrated and successful leading stars to theatres across the UK.

 

“There has been a phenomenal demand for the tour so we are delighted to be adding extra dates so even more people will be wowed by the stunning voice of Carrie, while also getting an insight into her incredible career.”

 

Cuffe and Taylor Director of Theatre Touring Ben Hatton added: 

“We are very excited to be presenting Carrie’s debut UK tour, and it is testament to her great popularity that we’re adding these dates. Carrie is the most wonderful musical theatre talent and audiences will absolutely love this show.”

 

For more information about Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book and to secure tickets head to www.cuffeandtaylor.com

 

Thursday, 26 May 2022

Carrie Hope Fletcher, Danielle Steers & Laura Pitt-Pulford to star in The Witches of Eastwick in Concert


Producer Jack Maple, by arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh Ltd, is delighted to announce that West End stars Carrie Hope Fletcher, Danielle Steers and Laura Pitt-Pulford will star as Sukie, Alexandra and Jane respectively in a special one-off concert of THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK at the Sondheim Theatre on Monday 20 June 2022, directed by Olivier Award-winning Maria Friedman. They join the previously announced Olivier Award-winning actor Giles Terera as Darryl Van Horne.
 
THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK has a book and lyrics by John Dempsey and music by Dana P. Rowe, based on the novel by John Updike and the Warner Brothers motion picture. This will be the first time the musical has been seen in London since it originally played at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2000, transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2001.
 
Further casting is to be announced.
 
Carrie Hope Fletcher is currently starring as Cinderella in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella until 12 June 2022. She has played both Eponine and Fantine in Les Miserables at the Queen’s/Sondheim Theatre and Gielgud Theatre in London’s West End and the Opera House in Dubai. In the UK, she originated the roles of Wednesday Addams in the UK tour of The Addams Family and Veronica Sawyer in Heathers at the Theatre Royal Haymarket which transferred from The Other Palace. Her other credits include Beth in the arena tour of The War of the Worlds, Emily in A Christmas Carol and Brenda Payne in The Christmasaurus Live at the Eventim Apollo. Carrie is also a Sunday Times Best Selling author.
 
Danielle Steers is currently starring as Cher in the UK and Ireland tour of The Cher Show. Her previous credits include Catherine Parr in Six The Musical (London), Zahara in the original cast of Bat out of Hell: The Musical (Manchester Opera House, London Coliseum, Ed Mirvish Theatre Toronto, Dominion Theatre, New York City Centre), Carmen in Sweet Charity (Donmar Warehouse), Lead Shirelle in the original London cast of Beautiful - The Carole King Musical (Aldwych Theatre), swing and cover Nikki Marron in The Bodyguard (Adelphi Theatre) and cover Killer Queen in We Will Rock You (International Arena Tour). Her debut album, The Future Ain't What It Used To Be, was released in 2021.
 
Laura Pitt-Pulford’s theatre credits include Louise in Gypsy in concert (Alexandra Palace), Marlene Dietrich in Piaf (Nottingham Playhouse/Leeds Playhouse), Falsettos (The Other Palace), Little Miss Sunshine (Arcola Theatre), Charity Hope Valentine in Sweet Charity (Pimlico Opera), Flowers for Mrs Harris (Chichester Festival Theatre & Sheffield Crucible), Nancy in Oliver (Curve), Milly Bradon in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), for which she received an Olivier Award nomination, and Maria in The Sound of Music (Curve).
 
The Witches of Eastwick tells the tale of the people of the little town of Eastwick. It is a town where everyone knows everything about everyone else, and it is presided over by the indomitable Felicia Gabriel. Bored with their small town lives, three women - Alexandra (Alex), Sukie, and Jane--share a desire for “all manner of man in one man” to provide excitement and variety. That man arrives, literally in a flash, in the devil-like form of Darryl Van Horne. Darryl seduces the women and teaches them powers, which they never knew they had. 
 
THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK has musical staging by Chrissie Cartwright, lighting design by Simon Sherriff, sound design by Adam Fisher and associate direction by Jack McCann.
 

Monday, 21 February 2022

Carrie Hope Fletcher Announces Debut UK Tour


Actress, author, vlogger and award-winning West End sensation Carrie Hope Fletcher is heading out on her first ever UK tour.

Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book will see the musical theatre star play a series of unmissable theatre shows in May and June 2023.

Performing songs from her incredible career expect fan favourites including hits from Heathers, Les Miserables, The Addams Family and many more interspersed with chat about Carrie’s fascinating life and career.

Tickets go on sale at 10am Friday and are available from www.cuffeandtaylor.com

Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book 2023
18-May Bradford, St George's Hall
21-May Southampton, Mayflower Theatre
22-May Norwich, Theatre Royal
25-May London, The London Palladium
27-May Llandudno, Venue Cymru
28-May Salford, The Lowry
29-May Birmingham, Symphony Hall
31-May Sheffield, City Hall
02-Jun Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall
03-Jun Newcastle, O2 City Hall
04-Jun Edinburgh, Festival Theatre

Speaking about Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book, Carrie said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be taking on my first ever UK tour.

“This is something I have wanted to do for some time and next year presents the perfect opportunity.

I absolutely adore being on stage and am fortunate to have performed across the West End and overseas, but there’s something very special about theatres around the UK so I can’t wait to get out on the road and visit these absolutely fantastic and beautiful venues.”

Currently wowing West End audiences in the title role of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella, Carrie - who has an impressive three WhatsOnStage Awards - has enjoyed a breath-taking career since her West End debut at the age of nine playing Young Éponine in Les Misérables. Since then Carrie’s theatre credits include Fantine in Les Miserables: The Concert, Veronica in Heathers, Wednesday in The Addams Family, Eponine in Les Misérables, both Truly Scrumptious and Jemima in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Beth in Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds and Jane Banks in Mary Poppins.

And when she’s not treading the boards of the West End’s biggest stages Carrie is also a best-selling novelist, Top 20 recording artist and respected vlogger with her popular self-titled music and vlog channel attracting more than a million views a month.

Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book is presented by Lambert Jackson, Live Nation and Cuffe and Taylor.

Jamie Lambert, of Lambert Jackson, said: “Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book presents an opportunity to take one of the West End’s most celebrated and successful leading stars to theatres across the UK.

“Not only will audiences be wowed by the stunning voice of Carrie, they will also get an insight into her incredible career and that is not to be missed.”

Cuffe and Taylor Director of Theatre Touring Ben Hatton added: “We are very excited to be presenting Carrie’s debut UK tour.

“She is the most wonderful musical theatre talent and so much more. Audiences will absolutely love this show.”

For more information about Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book and to secure tickets head to www.cuffeandtaylor.com

photo credit: Michael Wharley

Monday, 23 November 2020

The Digi Creative release Theatrical Coffee Table Book


The Digi Creative release Dear Audience, a theatrical coffee table book filled with over 140 pages showcasing the Arts industry. With exclusive imagery, personalised letters to the Audiences, and more, this book is a celebration of Theatre and everyone who works in it.  

Featuring Lucie Jones, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Cedric Neal, Lambert Jackson Productions,  Layton Williams, Alice Fearn, Nicole Raquel Dennis, Rachel Tucker, Carl Man, Paul Taylor-Mills, Sejal Keshwala, Frances Ruffelle and so many more. 

15% of profits will be donated to Applause For Thought a triple award-winning organisation that facilitates lower-cost Mental Health; support, talks, accredited courses, and bespoke Mental Health and Well-being Consultancy for all those working within the Arts and Entertainment Industry.


Digi Creative co-founder, Sophie Ross says: “We hope that this coffee table book will bring joy in a time when the Arts industry needs to be celebrated the most. Theatre is made up of so many people, (this being just a small percentage) and it’s important to showcase that at every given opportunity. I’m so proud of Danny and I for creating something that is an homage to this year and something we can look back on in years to come. Super grateful for everyone who gave up their time to be involved and can’t wait to share the book with everyone.”

 

Digi Creative co-founder, Danny Kaan says: I’ve always wanted to make a coffee table book but making it in 2020 feels even more special. The number of people that were willing to be involved was overwhelming and shows how supportive this industry is and how passionate we all are for the Arts. Combining Photography and my love for this industry has been a joy and I’ve honestly had the best time. Seeing so many faces in a time where human contact has been so limited has been heartwarming and wonderful”.

 

Pre-order the book here: www.dearaudiencebook.com (Christmas guarantee)

General on-sale Wednesday 25th November 10am (second batch delivery)

Pricing £35 with worldwide shipping available

Thursday, 5 November 2020

Hiba Elchikhe Brings Together West End Performers For A New Musical Theatre Series


In collaboration with Nimax and The Theatre Café, West End performer Hiba Elchikhe is thrilled to announce a brand-new musical theatre based web series: Out Of The Darkness, Into The Spotlight.


Bringing a little bit of glitter to the grey, this three-episode series hopes to not only entertain, but shine a light on the performers who are keeping the West End alive, even during lockdown.


Hiba, who is currently starring in the West End hit Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, and who has created the series says “In a time of such uncertainty I am so excited to be able to bring together a spectacular group of freelance artists, that are representative of the UK.”  


Featuring a line up of stellar creatives, each episode shines a “spotlight” on something different: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Musical Theatre and Christmas. The first episode is set to premiere on November 18th, with the next two going live on November 25th and December 9th. Each episode will feature a different line-up of star performers, running at approximately 45 minutes and including a mixture of songs. Performers include: Danny Becker (Prince of Egypt, Aladdin), Courtney Bowman (Six, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Danielle Steers (Six, Bat Out of Hell), Hiba Elchikhe (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Brooklyn), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Les Misérables, Heathers), Sejal Keshwala (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Tim Mahendran (& Juliet, Spring Awakening), Grace Mouat (& Juliet, Six), Trevor Dion Nicholas (Hamilton, Aladdin), Liam Tamne (Prince of Egypt) and Noah Thomas (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie).


As well as Maisey Bawden, Paul Bradshaw, Rhiane Drummond, James Gillan, Shanay Holmes, Rob Houchen, Melissa Jacques, Emma Kingston, Carl Man, Frances McCann, Scott Paige, Sharun PhullAmy Trigg and Andrew Patrick Walker, with more to be announced.


Tickets are available from: https://www.thetheatrecafe.co.uk/2020/11/news-out-of-the-darkness-into-the-spotlight/


#IntoTheSpotlightConcert


Saturday, 3 October 2020

The Theatre Channel, Episode One | Review


Innovation is coursing through the theatre community, as new ideas and ways to spread the joy of performance are brought to life everyday. One of these ways is the new brainchild of The Theatre Café and Adam Blanshay Productions: The Theatre Channel.

The channel is a series of musical episodes which celebrate the all-singing, all-dancing joy of theatre as well as showcasing fantastic performers and the café itself. Each episode is roughly half an hour long and features a different group of stage stars, as well as the Café Four (Alyn Hawke, Emily Langham, Sadie-Jean Shirley and Alex Woodwardwho appear in each episode as a sort of omnipresent group of musical theatre muses. The performers are encouraged to perform songs or roles they've not previously had the chance to, which leads to an eclectic episode of musical excellence.

The first episode opens with the café four performing the very fitting Coffee in a Cardboard Cup, in which they use pretty much the entirety of the  café to showcase their vocal, dance and acting skills; they're definitely a talented bunch! From then Tarinn Callender takes us on a soulful journey with On Broadway and Lucie Jones serves her stunning, clear-as-glass vocals with a brilliant rendition of Maybe This Time. Amongst an abundance of flowers, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Oliver Ormson bring the classic duet, Suddenly Seymour to life brilliantly. Jodie Steele takes things up an octave (and a level) as she gives a gender-switched version of Heaven on Their Minds from the roof of the cafe, which oozes sass and strength. Rounding off the episode, Matt Henry is smooth and oh so stirring with Let It Sing from Violet and Jenna Russell is completely excellent in every way with Sondheim's Ladies Who Lunch.


Whilst of course the performances are uniformly wonderful, it's the production value which really makes this series worth the hype. Ben Hewis' outstanding videography is sleek, high quality and just beautifully shot; and alongside Bill Deamer's choreography-which is astoundingly bold for happening in such a small space- the whole thing feels much more cinematic than any of the online theatrical offerings so far.

The creative team clearly have a strong vision and there's no doubt that each episode is going to be a step bigger and bolder. With themed episodes in the works including the upcoming Halloween episode, there are sure to be surprises galore. With everything from the vocals to the finished product being recorded on the premises, this really is a celebration of not only theatre and performance, but the Theatre Café itself where the arts still has the space to thrive, even when performances themselves are few and far between.

With a great team behind it, this series is a treat for those missing theatre and a gem of an online offering. Once purchased for £12 you have unlimited access to the episode so you can relive the stagey goodness time and time again. So grab your laptop and take yourself on a virtual trip to the theatre.

★★★★★