Friday 18 October 2024
Lord of the Dance- A Lifetime of Standing Ovations on Tour: A Footwork Feast with a Touch of Nostalgia
Lord of the Dance: A Lifetime of Standing Ovations
New Victoria Theatre
Lord of the Dance: A Lifetime of Standing Ovations is a unique production that showcases the unmatched talent of its dancers, but it also carries a sense of nostalgia that doesn’t quite hold up in today’s world. Originally created by Michael Flatley in 1996, the show is rooted in Irish mythology, featuring stunning footwork and energetic performances.
At its core, Lord of the Dance tells a mythic tale of good versus evil, with the "Lord" representing all that’s noble and heroic, while the "Dark Lord" embodies chaos and villainy. As these two archetypal male figures battle for dominance, female characters like "Saoirse" and "The Morrighan" find themselves relegated to fairly traditional roles: yearning for the hero or caught in the middle of the conflict. The story itself feels more like a backdrop to the dancing rather than a fully fleshed-out narrative, and the idea of macho men saving the day while women stand by feels a little tired in today’s cultural climate.
Visually, the show is a mixed bag. At times, the lighting, costumes, and staging can be quite effective, creating moments of real magic. However, there are other moments where the visuals feel random and disconnected, with no real cohesion in design or purpose. The costumes range from ethereal and elegant to overly flashy and out of place. The lighting effects, while dynamic, often seem to be trying to add drama where the narrative fails to deliver. These dated visual elements can distract from the otherwise incredible dance performances and make the production feel less polished than it once was.
That said, the live music elements, including violin interludes and occasional vocal performances, are a welcome addition. They break up the dance-heavy sequences in a way that adds depth and texture to the show. The mix of live music and recorded tracks is well-balanced, enhancing the energy of the performance while giving the dancers brief moments to reset.
The dancing itself is the undeniable highlight of the show. The sheer athleticism and precision of the cast are nothing short of remarkable. The iconic Irish step-dancing routines are performed with an intensity and flair that keeps the audience fully engaged, even when the story feels secondary. The choreography remains as impressive as ever, with the dancers’ footwork bringing an unmatched level of excitement and spectacle to the stage. Even if the visuals and plot don’t always hit the mark, the dancing alone is enough to make the show worth seeing.
Lord of the Dance is still a strong production for fans of Irish dance and music, but it feels very much like a product of its time. The plot is simple, predictable, and hinges on outdated gender roles, while the visual elements, although sometimes effective, lack coherence and can feel random or overdone. Yet despite these shortcomings, the live music and the incredible talent of the dancers keep the show afloat and make it worth a watch. It's a show that knows what it is and embraces it fully. It might not break new ground for those familiar with it, but it offers a nostalgic, enchanting escape for anyone craving the magic of Irish dance. For longtime fans, it’s a delightful revisit to a cherished classic, while for newer audiences, it serves as a beautiful introduction to the art form, even if it does show its age in places.
★★★
Reviewed on Friday 18th October by Olivia
Photo Credit:
{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}
101 Dalmatians Cast Teams Up with Guide Dogs UK for a Pawsome Charity Event at Woking's New Victoria Theatre
Last week, the New Victoria Theatre in Woking hosted a heartwarming event where theatre magic met charitable efforts, as the cast of 101 Dalmatians the Musical teamed up with Guide Dogs UK to support their work. Led by Hear’Say star Kym Marsh, who plays Cruella de Vil, the cast had the opportunity to meet some special guests: real-life guide dogs and puppies in training.
Guide Dogs UK was invited to the theatre for a week-long charity initiative that proved to be a tremendous success. Thanks to the generosity of Woking audiences, the charity raised an impressive £2,115 through post-show bucket collections. These funds will directly benefit Guide Dogs UK in their mission to help individuals with sight loss lead independent lives.
In a memorable behind-the-scenes moment, the cast- fully dressed in their 101 Dalmatians costumes- met the working guide dogs and the adorable puppies in training on stage. This touching encounter saw the dogs even interact with the show’s dalmatian puppets, earning the guide dogs’ official tail-wag of approval. It was a heartwarming mix of life imitating art, as the show, which revolves around the lovable spotted dogs, took the chance to connect with some real-life canine heroes.
Sandi Johnson, Community Fundraising Relationship Manager for Guide Dogs, was delighted by the experience and the support from the Woking community:
My guide dog, Kane, and I, along with our local fundraisers, have felt incredibly welcome at the New Victoria Theatre this week. We can’t thank you enough for the generosity and enthusiasm."
The Mayor of Woking was also part of the joyful event, attending the press performance and joining the cast and guide dogs for a photocall that celebrated the success of the partnership.
The event created quite a buzz on social media, with a behind-the-scenes reel capturing the magical moment when the cast met the guide dogs. The video, posted in collaboration with Kym Marsh, garnered 75,000 views and over 1,300 likes on Instagram, highlighting the power of theatre to not only entertain but also inspire and support important causes.
This special collaboration between 101 Dalmatians the Musical and Guide Dogs UK is an example of how the performing arts can raise awareness and funds for charitable causes while creating magical moments for all involved. The New Victoria Theatre and its patrons truly showed the generosity and community spirit that Woking is known for.
With Kym Marsh at the helm as the delightfully wicked Cruella de Vil, and with real-life guide dogs wagging their tails in support, it’s clear that this event was more than just a performance—it was a celebration of the pawsitive impact that theatre and charity can make together.
Bradley Riches, Amber Davies, and Claudia Kariuki Join Scott Alan in Concert at Cadogan Hall
Fourth Wall Live has announced a stellar cast of guest vocalists set to perform with internationally acclaimed songwriter Scott Alan at his upcoming concert at Cadogan Hall on November 10, 2024. Headlining the event are Heartstopper star Bradley Riches (Babies The Musical), Amber Davies (Back to the Future, Pretty Woman), and Claudia Kariuki (Six, Sister Act), alongside previously announced performers Amy di Bartolemeo (The Devil Wears Prada, Bat Out of Hell), Oliver Tompsett (Kinky Boots, Wicked), and Stuart Matthew Price (The Rocky Horror Show, Parade). Tickets are on sale now at www.fw-live.com and www.cadoganhall.com.
Scott Alan is renowned for his work with some of the biggest names in theatre, TV, film, and recording, including Grammy Award-winning Pentatonix, Broadway stars like Sutton Foster and Lea Salonga, and Westlife’s Mark Feehily. Alan has released seven albums, beginning with Dreaming Wide Awake in 2007, and he continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his heartwarming and emotionally charged compositions. His music has been featured on major platforms such as American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, and Entertainment Tonight, and he has performed sold-out concerts across the globe.
Most recently, Alan released Nothing More, a deeply personal collection of songs written for his daughter, which features Gay and Transgender fathers. His upcoming performance at Cadogan Hall marks the 15th anniversary of his debut album, and he has expressed immense excitement about returning to London, saying:
Returning to London after so many years away feels like coming home... this night feels like a giant hug."
Fourth Wall Live has a history of producing unforgettable musical theatre concerts, with recent successes including Bonnie & Clyde The Musical, headlined by Jeremy Jordan, and the UK premieres of Something Rotten and Oklahoma!, which featured a star-studded cast. FWL’s ongoing commitment to bringing world-class talent to the stage continues with this exciting Scott Alan concert, set to be one of the highlights of the 2024 theatre calendar.
Scott Alan's live concert at Cadogan Hall is a must-see for theatre and music fans alike. Featuring an exceptional lineup of performers and celebrating the legacy of Alan’s impactful music, this one-night-only event will be an unforgettable celebration of musical theatre.
Thursday 17 October 2024
Full Cast Revealed for 2025 Tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
Michael Harrison has announced additional casting for the highly anticipated second UK tour of the London Palladium production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. The show, which kicks off on December 3, 2024, at Edinburgh Playhouse, features two iconic Pharaohs- Donny Osmond and Joe McElderry- and introduces Christina Bianco as the Narrator and Adam Filipe as Joseph.
Tickets are on sale now at uktour.josephthemusical.com.
Global entertainment legend Donny Osmond will return to the stage in the UK for the first time in years, playing Pharaoh in this celebrated production. Having performed as Joseph in over 2,000 shows and starring in the 1999 filmed version with Joan Collins, Richard Attenborough, and Maria Friedman, Osmond brings his signature charisma to the role for a limited run. His UK dates will be exclusive to the Edinburgh Playhouse Christmas season.
Joining Osmond on tour is pop sensation and former Joseph star Joe McElderry, who takes over the role of Pharaoh across several UK locations. After his popular turn as Joseph in the 2017–2018 tour, McElderry is set to captivate audiences in venues like Sunderland’s Empire Theatre, Nottingham’s Theatre Royal, and Leicester’s Curve, among many others.
Christina Bianco, a two-time Drama Desk Award nominee and viral YouTube sensation known for her diva impressions and recent West End role as Glinda in The Wizard of Oz, will narrate the 2025 tour. She is joined by Adam Filipe as Joseph, whose credits include Titanic The Musical, The Prince of Egypt, and Les Misérables. Together, they will perform at all tour dates, promising show-stopping performances.
The ensemble features Hugh Cotton as Reuben and Will Haswell as Simeon. The full cast also includes Aaron Archer, Bella Baldock, Daniel Bowskill, Imogen Bowtell, Taylor Bridges, Joseph Browlie-Johnson, Joseph Craig, Davide Fienauri, Ellie Greenway, Oliver Hawes, Kiera Haynes, Siobhan James, Ben Lancaster, Nicole Lupino, Bradley Perret, Harvey Shulver, Jessica Sutton, Charley Warburton, Jenna Warne, and Alex Woodward. The children’s company will feature an array of talented young performers from across the UK.
The 2025 tour is directed by Laurence Connor, whose previous work includes School of Rock, Miss Saigon, and Les Misérables. Choreography is by JoAnn M Hunter, who has worked on 20 Broadway shows, including On A Clear Day You Can See Forever. Set and costume design is by Morgan Large, with lighting design by Ben Cracknell and sound design by Gareth Owen. The musical direction is led by John Rigby, with John Cameron as orchestrator.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat remains one of the world’s most beloved musicals, with its pop-infused score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. The show has been performed globally since its 1969 debut and features timeless hits like "Any Dream Will Do" and "Close Every Door."
With an incredible cast and spectacular production values, the 2025 tour of Joseph promises to be a dazzling celebration of one of musical theatre’s greatest shows. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the musical, this tour is not to be missed!
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