Monday 12 August 2019

Squad Goals, The Other Palace | Review

Squad Goals

The Other Palace

Reviewed on Saturday 10th August 2019 by Olivia Mitchell

★★★★

Squad Goals written by Michelle Payne follows Lexi who wants to have the best summer ever playing football with her friends (and foes) before results day comes and they all have to take steps towards their futures.

What's great about this piece is that each person has a characteristic or emotion the audience can relate to; so whilst football may not be your bag, there are other aspects which will draw you in and entertain. From Mel the theatre fanatic to Missy the wannabe lawyer and Ellie-Mae the social media influencer, there's a whole array of characters, each of whom are well identified and enjoyable to watch.

This is the third play to be performed by students of the Caspa Arts: Acting for New Writing part time course and it's terrific to see a showcase of performers in training, and new British theatre. The 10 strong cast work incredibly well as a team and it's clear that they are loving working and developing together.

Whilst the ensemble work is wonderful, there are a number of stand out performances. Firstly Mia Kelly as the hopeful drama student Mel. Mia is fantastically natural on stage and has great comedic timing, her performance is witty and well thought out. As leader of the squad Lexi, Hannah Khalique-Brown gives an ardent and charismatic performance as she races forward to fight inequality between women's and men's football and break barriers between social groups in her local area. As a character, Lexi is very truthful as she steps up to the plate without being over the top or unbelievable, something Khalique-Brown emphasises well.

The influencers who are forever taking selfies and posting #ad posts are everywhere you look these days and Sophia de Souza brings the squad's resident 'It Girl' Ellie-Mae Hague to life with a marvellous balance of humour and kindness. Whilst Ellie-Mae is extra in every sense of the word, she is also a team player and the bond she has with the other girls is put across very well by de Souza, as is the compassion she shows as she influences the union of the groups. Lauren Cooper also shines as the dippy Sharky who is charming throughout and naturally gets the audience on her side.

Elsewhere, Emily Clark gives a strong performance as Amanda and has a great chemistry with Verona Smith as Missy who delivers some great one-liners and bounces off the other girls well. Morag Davies is suitably feisty as Scrappy-Doo and Stephanie Stevens gives a well nuanced portrayal of Misha who is consistently fighting for equality but also longs for a group of friends to share her triumphs with. Antonio Ayuso provides comedic moments as he tries to prove himself to be a "man's man", Clara Mainardi is greatly mysterious as Assassina and as a whole the cast are very strong.

The use of movement is very effective in this piece, with the opening scene giving Spring Awakening vibes as the women approach the issues they face not only in football but in life. Throughout there are entertaining passages where the cast transition from one place to another or highlight specific feelings through sharp movement. This does well to both further the story and keep the intensity high from start to finish.

In a time when the world seems pretty dark, it's lovely to see such an uplifting piece of theatre that highlights the importance of passion, hard work and friendship. Of course this is the beginning stages for Squad Goals and there's certainly room to pad out the story and establish the characters a bit more but overall, this is a really enjoyable hour, with a company of fantastic promise. Hopefully the show gets the further development it deserves and we don't see the end of this female story.

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Monday 29 July 2019

Games for Lovers, The Vaults | Review

Games for Lovers

The Vaults

Reviewed on Friday 26th July 2019 by Olivia Mitchell

★★★★

Making its world premiere at The Vaults underneath Waterloo station, Games For Lovers examines the fast-paced, complicated, often embarrassing and downright tough topic of love and how it fits into a modern world.

The play, written by Ryan Craig follows four individuals looking for love, a connection or just someone to spend the night with. The incredibly talented actors are energetic and dynamic throughout, with many memorable moments, however, at times the dialogue does feel a little claggy. The interludes of playful, almost game-like scenes are entertaining but seem somewhat like games that would be played in the rehearsal room. That's not to say they aren't enjoyable to watch, but they have minimal effect on the storyline and therefore feel detrimental to the pacing of the play.

The small cast are really outstanding though. Calum Callaghan is believable and relatable as Logan as he struggles with his emotions and the pressures to have a relationship. Tessie Orange-Turner is completely in charge of the stage in the entirety of her scenes. A masterful actor, her subtle mannerisms, facial expressions and gestures convey a boat load of subtext behind each line of dialogue. She has fantastic chemistry with the other three; the role-play scene with Callaghan is particularly entertaining.

Evanna Lynch is beautifully warm as Martha, consistently bringing an aura of sincerity whilst also providing spades of humour. Billy Postlethwaite is utterly fantastic as the charismatic, often non-pc but always humourous Darren, who is imbued with both energy and vulnerability.

Simon Scullion's vibrant and playful set with Ben and Max Ringham's sound and Matt Haskins' lighting, all add to the dynamic of the show and make it feel like a mix of game show and Netflix rom-com. Overall it feels very of the moment and perfectly fitting for millennials today.

Whilst there is definitely some room to make all four characters fully rounded and cohesive, this is a fantastic debut for Games for Lovers. The cast are clearly tight knit and thanks to Anthony Banks' strong direction, everyone provides a comfortable, enjoyable and fun performance.

Games for Lovers isn't going to leave you questioning your life choices but it will leave you beaming from an utterly hilarious and fantastically enjoyable two hours.

Games For Lovers plays at The Vaults until August 25th

photo credit: Geraint Lewis

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Wednesday 24 July 2019

The View Upstairs, Soho Theatre | Review

The View Upstairs

Soho Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 23rd July by Olivia Mitchell

★★★★

Whilst victories in the LGBTQ+ community are rising, and social attitudes and actions are, for the most part, much more positive, there's still much to fight for, as Max Vernon's musical highlights.

In its European premiere at the Soho Theatre, The View Upstairs cleverly creates a conversation between the past and present by visiting the UpStairs Lounge, a New Orleans gay bar which was the subject of an arson attack in 1973 which killed 32 people. The tragic story is one which has often been wiped out from history and was even minimised by news outlets at the time, so it's an honour to see it brought to life so thoughtfully.

The story follows Wes, the 2019 "influencer" and fashion designer who is buying the dilapidated bar in the modern day. His estate agent leaves, and in a somewhat mystical, drug-filled flurry of curtains, he is transported back to the bar as it was on the day of the fire. Who we are then introduced to are the various people, decked out in bell bottoms, who find solace and friendship in the safe space the UpStairs provides. Wes' eyes are gradually opened to he struggles of being gay in the 70s and he questions how he leads his life in the modern day.

Wes is a smartphone-addicted go-getter who often veers into a caricature of a Gen Y person, but is still intensely entertaining and relatable. As a whole the book features a lot of stereotypes which are not always believable enough, but there are hilarious one-liners throughout, as well as many thought-provoking moments.

What the script lacks is made up for in spades by the utterly phenomenal cast. Tyrone Huntley is effervescent in his performance and provides vocals which need to be heard; Huntley also manages to create a fantastic balance between impudence and vulnerability, which really makes the audience root for him. The chemistry between the entire cast is second to none, with Wes and Patrick (Andy Mientus) providing especially well thought out interactions. Mientus draws the eye thanks to his incredibly subtle but highly calculated movements which make him seem as though he isn't acting at all.

The uniformly thrilling cast bring vocals that will cause involuntary whoops and goosebumps in equal measure. Among a team of stars, Carly Mercedes Dyer and Cedric Neal stand out because of their powerhouse voices which ring out with sincerity as well as power. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt is magnetic as the caring, religious mother Inez; whilst Garry Lee provides vocals and sass and her drag queen son Freddy. John Partridge and Declan Bennett are well rounded and striking in their performances and Joseph Prouse and Derek Hagen give memorable, if brief performances. This is a fantastic ensemble piece which has momentum and catchy tunes, but more importantly, heart.

Fabian Aloise and Ruthie Stevens's choreography is slick and feels part of the characters own movements. Lee Newby's set is basic but evocative as is Nic Farman's lighting which expertly matches the moods of the show, although at times felt just a bit too dark.

Jonathan O'Boyle has directed a moving production which feels like an homage to those fighting for gay rights in the past, those fighting now and those who are yet to realise they need to fight.

photo credit: Darren Bell

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Monday 22 July 2019

20 Questions with On Your Feet's Christie Prades

Taking on the iconic role of Gloria Estefan, is the energetic, enthralling and all round wonderful Christie Prades. Editor Olivia sat down with her to ask Christie 20 Questions about her life, career and of course On Your Feet. We found out her favourite food, advice for aspiring performers, her spirit animal, what game show she'd like to compete against the Estefan's on, plus a whole lot more!

Featuring the hit songs of Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine, On Your Feet is currently playing at the London Coliseum until August 31st, with tickets available from the official website: www.onyourfeetmusical.co.uk

If you're unable to get to London, the show is also going on a tour of the UK (dates and venues available here).

Watch our full chat with Christie and some sneak peeks at the backstage area of the London Coliseum below or here.

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Tuesday 9 July 2019

Jesus Christ Superstar, Barbican Theatre | Review

Jesus Christ Superstar

Barbican Theatre

Reviewed on Thursday 4th July 2019 by Olivia Mitchell

★★★★

Back for its third triumphant year, the Regent's Park Open Air production of Jesus Christ Superstar is exciting, vibrant fresh and thrilling. Originally released as a concept album, Timothy Sheader's production strips Superstar back and puts on a glittering and compelling performance which lets every aspect of the show shine.

Of course Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's rock score is the heart of this production, with huge belters from the two Js: Jesus and Judas, and more soothing, lighter numbers from Mary Magdalene. However, it's Drew McOnie's choreography that really elevates everything about this version of Superstar. Each riveting moment is sharp but free and grungy at once. The frenetic energy flits between excitement, fury, trance and sadness and creates a pulse which sizzles and entertains throughout.

What's particularly striking about this show is the mob mentality of the followers and apostles of Jesus. Turning on a dime to support and then attack Jesus, there are very few loyalties when peer pressure gets overwhelming. Emphasised even further through Lee Curran's lighting, it's equal measures devastating and thrilling.

Robert Tripolino's Jesus is charismatic and obviously troubled as he pours everything he has into his preaching, but is exhausted and alone as he privately questions his destiny on earth. His storming vocals are the perfect balance of sincere and shocking and his hugely dramatic death, manages, in a strange way, to resonate; and his heartbreakingly truthful performance of Gethsemane in act two enthrals the audience. Ricardo Afonso is a complete superstar as Judas, played with a ferocity which is electrifying. Again he shows off the versatility of his voice but is most vibrant in his bold, angry moments. A real masterclass performance.

Matt Cardle comes to life in act two whilst Nathan Amzi and Cavin Cornwall provide entertaining vocals throughout. Samuel Buttery brings a comic relief which suddenly turns brutish in his excellent portrayal of King Herod. The ensemble are a body of their own as they pulse across the stage with an energy and intensity that jumps off the stage. Without a weak link, the performances are consistently full-out and electrifying. This team work as one throughout and give a continually flowing show.

This is a thrillingly furious, highly millennial production, in which miraculous performances are given and striking images resonate long after the curtain falls.

photo credit: Johan Persson

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Saturday 6 July 2019

Fiver, Southwark Playhouse | Review

Fiver

Southwark Playhouse

Reviewed on Friday 5th July 2019 by Olivia Mitchell

★★★★★

New British musical by Alex James Ellison and Tom Lees, Fiver follows a humble five pound note as it passes through the hands and pockets of various people in London. Rarely noticed by the person, we see that the fiver is often present in significant life moments. The show is constructed through a series of diverse musical vignettes which explore relationships, struggles, life, love and money.

Watching Fiver is like watching a rom-com, drama, thriller, romance unfurl live in front of your eyes. The intricately woven story is cinematic but intimate at once and really enthrals from start to finish and shows just how the value of a fiver can considerably change under the circumstances it's either given or received in.

Alex James Ellison and Tom Lees have constructed a musically lush score which is not only highly entertaining, but superbly detailed and sophisticated. Featuring a variety of musical influences, each piece is utterly entertaining and engaging. The diverse characters are explored through the twenty-four assorted musical numbers. Each and every song is fantastically composed and the lyrical and musical mastery of Alex and Tom is clear throughout.

This pure delight of a musical is made all the more wonderful by its top notch cast. All playing a number of characters, the five (!) strong cast give masterclasses in characterisation and versatility. Luke Bayer gives poignant and vocally strong performances throughout. Whilst, Dan Buckley shines in both quieter and more booming moments, giving a particularly touching performance during the sweet proposal scene.

Aoife Clesham gives a star is born performance as she leads a number of songs and is especially brilliant during the "surprise" party scene where she brings a whole host of characters to life, and also in Press Hash To Rerecord which is a hugely humourous situation that I'm sure many audience members can relate to (though perhaps not quite to Aoife's level). Multi-talented Alex James Ellison acts as a somewhat omnipresent narrator who oversees proceedings as the busker who puts the fiver into circulation. His fast diction, cheeky personality and dynamic stage presence bring the show to life and put a smile on your face.

Hiba Elchikhe's beautifully toned voice soars in her electric performance and her adaptability is ever clear through her many characters and emotions. Through their solo moments, duets, trios, quartets and quintets, this cast bring every second of Fiver to life and create a truthful, resonant and truly admirable show.

With Justin Williams' simple but effective set which features a magical cupboard that adapts for each scene, Alex Musgrave's homely, atmospheric lighting and the fantastic band led by Tom Lees, Fiver really provides everything you could wish for in a new, British, contemporary, relevant musical.

A two hour delight, I predict that this Fiver’s Destiny is huge success and an incredible future of magnificent story telling. Go see this show, tell all your friends to see it and make Fiver the hit it deserves to be!

Fiver runs at the Southwark Playhouse until 20th July 2019

photo credit: Danny Kaan

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Friday 5 July 2019

Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky on Taking Her Version of Rizzo on Tour in Grease the Musical | Interview

Grease is the epitome of a cult-classic musical, after various revivals and reinventions, there's a new tour taking over the country. In this refreshed production, Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky takes on the iconic role of Rizzo and took the time to chat to us all about the experience...

Tell us a bit about your career and highlights so far?

My first job out of college was cover Nabalungi/Swing in The Book Of Mormon (West End). I stayed there for a year and had the best time there. I then went into Bat Out Of Hell as ensemble/1st Cover Zahara. I have been so lucky to have the experiences I had and the memories I made on both of those jobs. We performed for Prince Harry, performed at Proms in the Park in front of thousands. Mental really. I’m now performing as Rizzo in Grease the UK and Ireland Tour and am having the time of my life. I’m so grateful for the career I’ve had so far.

You finished performing in Bat Out Of Hell at the beginning of the year which featured the iconic Jim Steinman music. Grease is a cult favourite, what’s it like bringing these well-loved songs and characters to life?

It has been amazing learning and performing this well-loved musical. I grew up with Grease, my family and I watched it pretty much every weekend, I used to sing Hopelessly Devoted To You and There Are Worse Things I Could Do to my teddies in my room haha! So to be performing in it every night really is a dream come true. I never tire of the music and it’s been amazing getting to put my own stamp on the characters, particularly Rizzo.

Rizzo is a very layered character, which sides of her are you most excited to discover and perform?

Rizzo is a very layered character indeed. I wanted to try and explore as much of her as I can, and I’m still learning about her every performance I do. I love getting to play the fun, nonchalant side of her seen in Look At Me I’m Sandra Dee as well as the heartbroken side of her in There Are Worse Things I Could Do.

Does this production stick true to expectations from the movie?

This production still has the fun loving elements from the film; however the creative team have really encouraged us to focus on the truth of the story. We are working class teenagers growing up in the 50s facing all sorts of problems such as body image, love triangles and pressures to fit into society. It’s a lot grittier than the film.

What part of touring are you most excited about?

It’s my first tour so I’m super excited to get on the road. I think I’m most excited about seeing other parts of the country and exploring. I love travelling!

If you could play any other character in the show, who would you play?

If I could play any other character in the show it would have to be Kenickie. He is just so bloody cool! He also sings Greased Lightnin’ and that gets me pumped every time I hear it.

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage?

The last thing I do before I step on stage is usually drink some water, have a mint and take a couple of breaths just to focus myself. I start the show in the first wing on my own so it usually gives me time to get myself together and focus on the show.

You have a five minute break in rehearsals, what are you doing?

If I have 5 minutes in rehearsals I would probably be eating, ha! Or recapping dance steps usually.

What’s a fun fact that people might not know about you?

If I wasn’t an actress I would love to be a journalist. I love writing and talking to people. I have short novels that I have written at a young age in my room.

What’s your best piece of advice for an aspiring performer?

LOVE WHAT YOU DO! Keep yourself healthy and keep learning. Never stop working hard. See as much theatre as you can to keep your motivation going.

Grease is currently touring the UK and Ireland, information and tickets can be found here

Interview by Editor, Olivia Mitchell

photo credit: Manuel Harlan

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The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 and 3/4 – The Musical, Ambassadors Theatre | Review

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 and 3/4

Ambassadors Theatre

Reviewed on Wednesday 3rd July 2019 by Olivia Mitchell

★★★★

This joyous musical is based on the first book of Sue Townsend's well-loved series of the same name. Featuring music and lyrics by Pippa Cleary and book and lyrics by Jake Brunger, it's a marvellous gem of a show, that is truthful, optimistic and a whole lot of fun.

As the school holidays begin, this is the ideal family show, with humour for both adults and children, as well as universal issues that are delivered in a fresh, colourful way. The small Ambassadors theatre is a perfect fit, as it feels intimate and intricate at once. The audience are transported to the Mole's family home and whisked up in the trials of being 13 and 3/4.

Luke Sheppard has managed to capture a true warmth with this production. From start to finish there is a perfect balance between truthful characters and caricatures of real life people, and the heart never waivers. The cast do an exceptional job of encapsulating what it means to grow up. Rufus Kampa leads the show with a fantastic combination of awkwardness and charisma. Kampa instantly draws the audience in and gives a performance very truthful of a young teen. In contrast, new girl at school and love interest Pandora (Rebecca Nardin), is confident and over the top in all the best ways. Nardin provides stellar vocals, bright eyes and a very well characterised performance.

The whole cast are very impressive, with Jeremiah Davan Waysome giving a charming performance as Adrian's best friend Nigel. Amy Ellen Richardson is tender and witty as Adrian's mum, Pauline and John Hopkins is hytrical as Mr Scruton and Mr Lucas.

With Rebecca Howell's choreography which fills the stage, Tom Rodger's slickly designed set which features beds coming out of cupboards, the on the ball cast and highly catchy songs, this is a Brilliantly British show.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 and 3/4 is an expressive and animated production, full of heart and energy. The superb cast deliver humourous one liners and more emotional moments with grace and truth, and bring the vivacious score to life well. It's definitely a must-see for families this summer and is sure to delight throughout its run.

photo credit: Pamela Raith

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Tuesday 2 July 2019

Dirty Dancing (UK Tour), Bristol Hippodrome | Review

Dirty Dancing (UK Tour)

London Palladium

Reviewed on Monday 1st July 2019 by Emma Gradwell

★★★

It is the summer of 1963. Frances "Baby" Houseman is on holiday with her parents and sister at Kellerman's, a holiday resort in the mountains owned by a family friend. The mundane entertainment leaves Baby disinterested and she is quickly distracted by the underground evening activities enjoyed by the staff. Baby's desire to help leads her to having a crash course in Latin Dancing to cover the tracks for her new friends and to learn some life lessons as she grows from a naive girl into a confident and sensual woman.

Katie Eccles is sweet as Baby and her scenes with Michael O'Reilly as Johnny range from comedic to sultry. As a couple the chemistry builds slowly as the characters become better acquainted. There are times that movement and dialogue seem forced and exaggerated for effect in a way that is unnecessary.

The dancing, choreographed by Gillian Bruce is expertly performed. Dirty Dancing is certainly a dance led production and Simone Covele as Penny gives a stand out performance. The energy hits its highs during the group performances, which is when the show is at its best, peaking with the finale - and that lift!

There are times when the acting seems not as effortless as the movement, but this is not a complicated story and the show is driven by the dance. Lizzie Otley puts her own spin as Lisa Houseman during the Hula number and provides an unforced comic moment that stands out.

Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage is a faithful retelling of the much loved film. Costumes designed by Jennifer Irwin are near enough identical to their on screen counterparts and Federico Bellone's production is almost word for word as it is on screen. This makes for a nostalgic revisiting to a familiar story for many who grew up in the 80's and hold a special place in their hearts for Baby and Johnny. Roberto Comotti's rotating set design is vast and ambitious. Combined with Valerie Tiberi's lighting design which expertly uses projection to bring to life Johnny and Baby's lake lift.

This is not traditional musical theatre and it is not marketed as such. Very few of the main characters sing and most vocal performances are sung alongside the story with a live band on stage with them, which is a nice touch. Much of the score is pre-recorded classics from the era and I would have preferred live performances.

Dirty Dancing is an enduringly popular brand and the latest touring offering should keep fans satisfied.

photo credit: Alastair Muir

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Saturday 29 June 2019

On Your Feet!, London Coliseum | Review

On Your Feet
London Coliseum
Reviewed on Thursday 27th July 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★

The long summer nights are here and it's the perfect time for a fun, high energy musical that will have you tapping your toes and feeling good. Thankfully On Your Feet! is here to provide just that. Despite a flimsy plot, there's fun to be had, lights to dazzle and latin sounds to ensure you leave the theatre smiling.

Taking us from her childhood in Cuba, through her recording career and her near fatal accident, On Your Feet! is a real celebration of Gloria Estefan's career and determination, and is a real reminder to always stand up for what we believe in. The cast are as enthusiastic and sharp as you would hope, and provide some highly exciting moments, especially when dancing Sergio Trujillo's fiery choreography. Particularly impressive is the sandal tap dance which really wows and creates a rousing wall of sound that is fantastic to see and hear.

The main downfall of the musical is certainly Alexander Dinelaris' book which lacks much depth or emotional drama. Many of the more intense emotional scenes are quickly brushed over and it's not until act two that we really become absorbed in the story. Of course this is real life and it's the music of Gloria Estefan that we are celebrating, but there are several moments where the pacing feels too slow and too little happens. However, the scenes where Gloria and her mother are at odds with one another and when there is conflict between the Estefans and their record producer, are great at highlighting Gloria and Emilio's grit and the limited book is all performed well.

The direction by Jerry Mitchell does feel basic at times and sometimes highlights the flaws in the book, but he rightly places the wonderful music of Gloria and Miami Sound Machine at the heart of the musical. The high energy songs, including the Conga and On Your Feet make the audience feel uplifted and energised. It's hard not to feel swept up by the glorious Latin rhythms that make you want to grab a cocktail and swirl around.

Leading lady Christie Prades is confident and engaging in her performance. She delivers a performance which never waivers in energy or commitment; and vocals which wow and engage. Prades' chemistry with George Ioannides as Emilio Estefan is wonderfully nuanced and believable. George also provides strong vocals, which falter at times but mostly maintain the suave Latin feel. Karen Mann as Conseulo is delightfully entertaining as she pushes Gloria to achieve her dreams in any way she can, even if that includes bribing a club owner with Empanadas! Meanwhile, Madalena Alberto is sharp (and a vocal powerhouse) as she portrays Gloria's mother who begrudges her daughter, but of course, loves her regardless. Ensemble standouts include Dawnita Smith and Francesca Lara Gordon who catch the eye as they perform each moment with power and perfection. Little Gloria Emily Perra is also fantastic, with a magnetic stage presence and beautiful vocals.

The onstage band bring every song to life with an enthusiasm which radiates off the stage. Emilio Soso's floaty, colourful costumes just add to the party feel of the piece, as does Kenneth Posner's bold, bright lighting. Both aspects are equally strong when they dim themselves to fit the more emotive, atmospheric moments.

Overall On Your Feet! is an entertaining delight of a show. The book is hugely lacking but for fans of Gloria Estefan it's a perfect portrayal of her life and music. Transport yourself to the Miami sun and take a journey through the lives of Gloria and Emilio.

On Your Feet! is booking at the London Coliseum until August 31st

photo credit: Johan Persson

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Thursday 27 June 2019

Bare: A Pop Opera, The Vaults | Review

Bare: A Pop Opera

The Vaults

Reviewed on Wednesday 26th June 2019 by Olivia Mitchell

★★★

Bare is a pop-rock chronicle of ill-fated gay love at a Roman Catholic boarding school. It focusses on issues including bullying, depression, homophobia and stigmatisation. The score is often touching and intricate and the young cast mostly do a fantastic job of performing it earnestly.

Having premiered off-Broadway and receiving various productions around the world, the show has gained a considerable cult following so this London production has been highly anticipated. Showing at Waterloo's Vaults, the theatrical experience is somewhat immersive as the action comes at you from all angles. Whilst most of the time this is effective, at moments the novelty of peering through heads to see what's going on does wear off, and the large, long stage feels underused.

Personally the pacing of this show is what lets it down. Act one is all about the set up and then everything major happens in act two. For this reason there are times, especially in the first half, where you feel uninvested. However, there are moments which stand out, namely Georgie Lovatt who is making her professional debut in the show, before she graduates. Her touching and humourous portrayal of Nadia is marvellous to see and she provides outstanding vocals to match.

Lizzie Emery gives a well rounded performance as Ivy and beautifully highlights the internal struggles many people face growing up. Her well nuanced performance is furthered by her fantastic solo, All Grown Up in act 2 which is a goosebump-inducing vocal powerhouse moment. Tom Hier is wonderfully motivated as Matt and gives a magnetic performance whenever he is on stage.

As the lead couple, Daniel Mack Shand (Peter) and Darragh Crowley (Jason) have a simmering relationship. Whilst facing the struggles of being oppressed for their sexuality and struggling to come out to those around them, it's clear they are trying to use their love to keep them grounded. Whilst there are moments of clear affection between them, most of the time they feel a little disconnected. The audience never really see a pure moment of love between them all because there's always something going on with them. Whilst of course this is partly the point, it does mean we root for the pair less. However, Darragh Crowley's performance is excellent both vocally and acting wise.

Andrew Ellis' lighting is effective, mostly so in the second act. The angelic murals on the wall are lit up at crucial times and the contrasts between cool and warm are well done.

Overall this is a musical of two halves. The performances are strong and the music itself is extremely clever and mostly engaging, but at the same time there are moments that drag. For fans of Bare this is a must to tick off your list, but I suspect it will be a bit of a marmite show.

photo credit: Tom Grace

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On Your Feet!, London Coliseum | Review

On Your Feet

London Coliseum

Reviewed on Wednesday 26th July 2019 by Lucy Jardine

★★★★

Last night at the Coliseum, on a glorious evening, On You Feet, brought some Cuba/Miami sound and spectacle to London.

Mostly, it was a triumph. Christie Prades was a delight as Gloria. It was a treat to hear the authentic American and Latino accents without them being massacred. Her voice, whilst not quite on Gloria's epic scale, carried us along with her. Madalena Alberto was probably the star of the show though - such a strong voice and utterly convincing as the mother who had been forced to give up her dreams and therefore resented her daughter wanting to follow hers. And Karen Mann as Consuela, Gloria's grandmother, although some of her dialogue and mannerisms were a little cliched, brought many a chuckle to the audience.

The ensemble treated us to some fast-paced, foot-tapping, booty-shimmying sets and at the end, yes, we were all on our feet, clapping and dancing along with the excellent band that transported us to the hot steamy nights of Miami. Sergio Trujillo's choreography was solid; the staging, through the use of large moving cloth panels and the projection of images, from clubs in Miami to original photos of the terrible traffic accident that Gloria was in, was well crafted.

The one significant disappointment was George Ioannides in the role of Emilio Estefan. Again, his accent was authentic and his acting good but, unfortunately, his voice could not carry the songs and a couple of the duets with Christie were, frankly, a little uncomfortable. This didn't seem to matter to the audience though. After a rousing encore, we all left with our hearts a little lighter and our smiles a little brighter. Not a bad thing in today's world.

Tickets for On Your Feet are available at LondonBoxOffice.co.uk

photo credit: Johan Persson

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Wednesday 26 June 2019

Little Miss Sunshine (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review

Little Miss Sunshine (UK Tour)

New Victoria Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 25th June 2019 by Christine Jacobs

★★★★

A feel good road trip with an unconventional, dysfunctional family.

The Hoover family set out at the last minute to travel from Albuquerque New Mexico to California to get Olive brilliantly played by Lily Mae Denman, to the Little Miss Sunshine pageant. The pageant she so desperately wants to enter, encouraged tremendously by Grandpa.

This flawed family consists of: downhearted mother Sheryl (Lucy O’Byrne), dad, upbeat Richard (Gabriel Vick); brother Dwayne (Sev Keoshgerian) who can’t wait to become a pilot to get away from the family; gay Uncle Frank (Paul Keating) and wonderfully irreverent Grandpa played outstandingly by Mark Monaghan, they all take the trip to California in a yellow VW camper van.

Determined to overcome all obstacles including:

1. No clutch on the van, meaning they all have to get out and push after each stoppage.

2. Frank meeting up with his former lover (over whom he tried to commit suicide), and his new partner played brilliantly camp by Ian Carlyle

3. Maxing out their credit cards, causing strain on Sheryl and Richard’s relationship.

4. AND Shock, horror, despite Grandpa-dying they still continue to the beauty pageant to fulfil Olive’s dream which Grandpa so encouraged, NO MATTER WHAT.

The lighting is atmospheric, the lovely yellow hues make the VW van come to life and the wonderful addition of the Sat Nav route in the back of the stage and the Sat Nav directional voice giving directions are very realistic.

The hospital scene where Grandpa dies, one would assume to be tragically sad, but in this fantastically well-paced production it becomes humorous due to the determination of upbeat dad Richard. The ever present passion and desire to take Olive to her pageant is prevalent and a moving force for the characters and the show itself.

At the pageant, Buddy the host, yet again played magnificently by Ian Carlyle, and Miss California (Imelda Warren-Green) both work wonderfully together and really turn the audience against their conniving personalities.

Tonight, the audience loved this show. Although (spoiler) Olive doesn't win her contest, if it was up to the audience reaction, she would have come first every night. The ending of this musical is especially sweet, and I can't help but wholly recommend this show to bring a smile to your face.

Little Miss Sunshine runs at the New Victoria Theatre until June 29th before continuing its tour.

Photo credit: Richard H Smith

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West End Live 2019 I A Photo Round Up

There's no denying that West End Live is one of the most stagey and fun weekends in a theatre fans diary. The finest of the West End musicals come together to perform live and for free in Trafalgar Square as hoards of fans belt back their favourite songs.

This years performances included Wicked, On Your Feet, Jesus Christ Superstar, Six, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and so many more. As the sun shone down, beaming smiles filled Trafalgar Square and allowed the audience to see and hear classic musicals, as well as getting a sneak peek at some up and coming shows including Brooklyn and Falsettos. There's really something wonderful about seeing so many theatre fans in one place, united purely through their love of all things stagey. In its fifteenth year, West End Live proves to be a bigger and better hit.

Rewrite This Story were there to snap some of the best moments from the photo pit. See a selection below and relive the best weekend: