Tuesday 26 March 2024
Wild About You the Musical in Concert at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane: A Musical Misfire
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Wild About You: The Musical in Concert presents a mixed bag of highs and lows. On one hand, the cast undeniably pours their heart and soul into every note and step, igniting the stage with energy and harmony during ensemble numbers, providing genuine excitement and joy for the audience. However, the love story it weaves isn't without its thorns. The music, while splendidly performed, lacks the emotional depth to truly resonate, resembling forgettable pop tunes rather than soul-stirring melodies. Similarly, the lyrics feel clichéd, failing to capture the complexity of human emotion, leaving much to be desired.
But perhaps the most glaring issue lies in the storytelling. The plot meanders like a lost tourist, introducing subplots only to abandon them moments later, resulting in a directionless narrative that fails to engage. The show feels like two separate shows, neither of which succeed in creating a cohesive story, leaving audiences more puzzled than swooning.
Despite the stellar cast, which includes luminaries like Rachel Tucker and Oliver Tompsett, the characters remain underdeveloped, with surface-level exploration hindering empathy. The ambitious score, while showcasing vocal prowess, suffers from disjointed pacing and inconsistency, detracting from the overall experience.
In the end, Wild About You falls short of its promise, leaving viewers longing for more substance amidst the spectacle. While it may have fared better as a play, the musical format exacerbates its shortcomings, ultimately delivering a tale of missed opportunities and half-hearted attempts at romance. For a concert production, with only a small amount of rehearsal, this was undeniably sleek and well put together but in my opinion, it would need a big overhaul to succeed as a full production.
★★
Reviewed on Tuesday 26th March by Olivia
Photo Credit:
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Monday 25 March 2024
Priscilla the Party at HERE at Outernet REVIEW: A Glitzy, Camp Night Out
Priscilla the Party
HERE at Outernet
Priscilla the Party is like stepping into a glittering dreamland where every corner is bursting with energy and excitement. From the moment you walk through the doors of the venue, you're greeted by pulsating beats and dazzling lights that promise a uniquely camp and sparkling experience. Following the adventures of three friends as they journey across the Australian outback aboard the iconic Priscilla bus, the plot is a rollercoaster of emotions that has you grinning from ear ear and dancing your way back onto Tottenham Court Road.
The venue itself is impressive, with its adaptable layout and top-notch sound design, HERE at Outernet ensures that every moment of the performance is delivered with crystal clarity. However, if you're on the shorter side, finding the perfect spot to catch all the action might require a bit of manoeuvring, as the stages aren't particularly high. Pro tip: head towards the front near the non-moving stage at the front for a great view and minimal movement.
Now, let's talk costumes. Each sequin and feather is a work of art, adding an extra layer of sparkle to an already glitzy affair. Tim Chappel and Lizzie Gardiner's designs are wonderfully extra, often providing humour alongside shine. There are also full glitter wigs which are just spectacular.
Equally spectacular are the cast who bring all the good vibes and deliver the story of drag queens travelling the outback so well. Leading proceedings, Trevor Ashley, Reece Kerridge, Dakota Starr and Owain Williams are absolute delights, bringing their characters to life with a level of energy and enthusiasm that's infectious; as well as showing moments of vulnerability which really add to the story.
But, as with any show, there are a few bumps along the way. The constantly shifting perspectives of the stages can sometimes make it hard to fully immerse yourself in the storyline, leaving you feeling a bit disconnected. The immersive aspect of the show is exciting and fairly unique but it doesn't always feel necessary with this show, especially when it stands so strongly on its own. While the pre-show performances are entertaining, they do have a tendency to drag on a bit, delaying the main event's grand entrance, plus, the choice of slow songs might not have been the best for getting the party started.
Despite these hiccups, Priscilla the Party delivers on its promise of a night filled with laughter. So, if you're in the mood for a night of joy and unadulterated fun, Priscilla the Party is the place to be. Embrace the campy atmosphere, lose yourself in the dazzling costumes, and get ready for a ride you won't soon forget. Despite its flaws, this glittering extravaganza is guaranteed to leave you with a smile.
★★★
Reviewed on Monday 25th March 2024 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Marc Brenner
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Tuesday 19 March 2024
I Should Be So Lucky on tour at the New Victoria Theatre REVIEW: A Misguided Melange of 80s Madness
I Should Be So Lucky (Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
In the sun-drenched world of I Should Be So Lucky: The Musical, there's a flicker of potential, but sadly, it fades quicker than the sparkle of a disco ball. The show, buoyed by a strong cast and glitzy staging, is fun but struggles to hit the high notes it aims for.
Let's start with the positives: the cast. They're the shining stars of this production, injecting life and energy into every scene. With their talent and charisma, they manage to elevate even the most lacklustre moments. Each member deserves applause for their efforts in salvaging what they can from the material. To name a few, Scott Paige brings hilarity to every moment of his stage time, Kayla Carter as Bonnie provides some wonderful vocals and her blossoming relationship with Ash played by Giovanni Spanò is one of the highlights of the show. Giovanni is laugh out loud funny and get to briefly show off his killer vocals. It's a bit of theme in the show that the amazing vocal talents of the cast don't get to really be shown off, due to the hundred other things that are happening throughout. This is definitely the case with Melissa Jacques as Shelley who is wonderful, but having seen her in Everybody's Talking About Jamie, I would've loved some more chances for her to sing and soar.
As I mentioned, there's a LOT going on. There are a heap of side plots and vague character references and development which never have enough time to really mean anything. It sort of feels like every idea made it into the show and there was no development or streamlining to make it work. Another issue is that the show borders between being super sincere and not taking itself too seriously, so at times you're unsure whether you're laughing with or at the show. There's certainly potential, but in it's current form, it feels like a strange fever dream.
Now, onto the staging. It's undeniably flashy, dripping with sequins and neon lights reminiscent of a Kylie concert. The set (Tom Rogers) is really good, and there's a certain thrill in watching the glitzy spectacle unfold. However, as the show progresses, the excitement begins to wane, revealing a repetitive pattern that feels more like a recycling of ideas than a deliberate artistic choice. The 80s music video vibes are real, but there's only so many times you can get joy from the heart shaped bed rolling onto the stage.
Despite these glimmers of promise, I Should Be So Lucky: The Musical ultimately falls flat. While it may provide a momentary escape into a world of pop music and glamour, it lacks the substance needed to sustain interest beyond the surface. Thankfully the cast do wonder with what they're given, but even the most talented performers can't fully save this misguided show. Much like an 80s tune, it's enjoyable in the moment but quickly fades from memory.
★★
Reviewed on Monday 18th march 2024 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Marc Brenner
I Should Be So Lucky plays at the New Victoria Theatre until 23rd March and then continues its tour
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
Sunday 17 March 2024
Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon at the Garrick Theatre REVIEW: Charithra Chandran makes a moving stage debut
Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon
Garrick Theatre
In a transfer from the Southwark Playhouse to to the Garrick Theatre, Instructions For a Teenage Armageddon sees Charithra Chandran making her stage debut after her notable appearance on screen in Bridgerton.
Written by Rosie Day (who previously starred as Girl), Teenage Armageddon revolves around a witty, introspective teenager coping with the loss of her sister amidst the tumult of teenage betrayal, manipulation, and trauma. Despite the dark undertones, Day lightens the mood by framing each section with the protagonist's quest for new scout badges. The story is moving, if at times predictable and is a good way of supporting teens and putting them at the forefront of a story.
In this 75-minute journey directed by Georgie Staight, Chandran deftly navigates through a poignant social satire, tackling a myriad of emotional themes. Her characterisation is good, breathing life into a variety of personas throughout the performance. While her comedic and emotional timing may not always deliver the biggest punch, Chandran's portrayal remains commendable, particularly given the emotional depths demanded by the role; and it's highly impressive that her first foray into theatre is with a one-girl-show.
Having seen the show in its previous iteration I knew what to expect but this version certainly felt different. Mainly in terms of staging, the show has moved away from the campfire setting as it's main framework and instead the action physically takes place in a muted bedroom which doubles as all the other locations. Video projections by Dan Light add depth and interest, especially with the extra on screen characters played by Shelley Conn (Mum), Philip Glenister (Dad) and Isabella Pappas (Ella). At times the show does feel a little too staged and as though its lost some of the real childishness which was so charming during its last run, however it retains it's heart and sincerity which really make it sparkle.
The show is adorned with quick, clever prose and such dark humour, you never quite feel certain you should be laughing as loudly as you are. The play is a poignant exploration of real childhood trauma, with relatable themes that will certainly resonate with audiences, particularly girls and women navigating societal pressures and concealing pain behind humour.
Instructions For a Teenage Armageddon serves as a cautionary tale, urging for open conversations about mental health and the importance of supporting one another. Chandran's performance is really admirable and the show's West End transfer is a testament to Rosie Day's brilliant writing.
★★★★
Reviewed on Sunday 17th March 2024 by Olivia
Photo Credit: Danny Kaan
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
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