Thursday 10 November 2016
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a heartwarming, beautiful and triumphant tour full of joy.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK Tour)
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 9th November 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed on Wednesday 9th November 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one of those musicals you feel like you've always known about. You could ask anyone and they'll be able to rattle off the title song without a moments thought. There's just something magical about it that can transport to back to your childhood in a moment. James Brining's production adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams is delightful, enjoyable and exciting to watch. Based on the film of the same name Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tells the story of the struggling inventor Caractacus Potts who is carried away on a magical adventure with his children Jemima and Jeremy.
The production is a very beautiful one indeed, with very clever use of video designed by Simon Wainwright which alongside Simon Higlett's well constructed set design creates a melancholy sort of atmosphere whilst easily transition from scene to scene.
Jason Manford is charming and sweet as Caractacus Potts, bringing his own twist to Dick Van Dyke's iconic character. His voice shines throughout, especially in his heartfelt performance of 'Hushabye Mountain'. Charlotte Wakefield works alongside Mansfield as the beautiful Truly Scrumptious. Their chemistry is extremely natural and Charlotte's performance is sincere and heartfelt all the way through.
Jos Vantyler's childcatcher is suitably chilling, adding moments of darkness to the otherwise upbeat musical. Boris and Goran played by Sam Harrison and Scott Paige are absolutely fabulous, adding humour and lots of fun throughout- especially through their rendition of 'Act English'. They really hold the show together, interjecting with just the right amount of exaggeration and innuendo for the duration of the show.
This is a charming production which evokes childhood memories and joy whilst having you tapping your feet and singing the songs all the way home. It's Truly Scrumptious indeed and a must see for a sugary sweet night out!
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is on at the New Victoria Theatre until November 19th, after which it will continue on its tour round the county. To book tickets visit ATG tickets.
Photographs by Alastair Muir
Thursday 3 November 2016
The Last Five Years, St James Theatre | Review
The Last Five Years is a heartbreakingly beautiful story of a failed marriage set to song
The Last Five Years
St James Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 2nd November 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★Reviewed on Wednesday 2nd November 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
Jason Robert Brown's musical tells the story of Cathy and Jamie with her story running backwards from heartbreak to giddiness and his running forwards from the first moments of meeting to the disillusion at the end. Somehow this concept which could have been very confusing manages to work exquisitely and is carried out with professional style and ease by Samantha Barks and Jonathan Bailey.
The show runs for 90 minutes straight through and includes a number of musical styles which help to maintain the pace and make the whole relationship feel very realistic. Personal highlights were "See I'm Smiling", "The Schmuel Song" and "Moving Too Fast" all of which were total lessons in storytelling from Samantha and Jonathan. The simple staging works well to show scene changes without distracting from the intimacy of the show.
Jason Robert Brown's songs seem to get more beautiful every time I hear them and believe me I've heard them a lot! From watching the film version of The Last Five Years to listening to various youtube versions I have pretty high standards for it and this production smashed them all out of the park. This seems to be the musical exactly how it should be. Each moment seems so well thought out with each acting choice complementing the beautiful music and vice versa.
Jonathan Bailey brings humour and wit to the character of the up and coming writer Jamie who in his heart is really just a jerk; despite his love for Cathy at the start, his wandering eye and his self-absorbed personality become his downfall and the relationship fails. Jonathan's acting choices are dramatic whilst still being understated at points and he truly relates to the audience, especially when he picks out audience members to be his Cathy in certain songs.
Samantha Barks shows off her acting and singing chops once again in the role of Cathy. From the opening number of the iconic "I'm Still Hurting" Samantha embodies the character and gracefully rewinds from the bitter end of the relationship to the extreme joy she felt at the start. Samantha's star power glistens like a diamond as she commands the stage in this role and shows her versatility in moments of happiness, sadness and humour.
This is a positively admirable production which ticks every box on what makes a great musical. Its truly a lesson in acting through song and the two stars are faultless in their performances. The Last Five Years is a beautiful, bold and poignant depiction of a relationship, impeccably brought to life on stage by two wonderfully esteemed performers.
The Last Five Years is on at the St James theatre until December 3rd. You can book tickets on the website here.
photos by Scott Rylander
Wednesday 2 November 2016
Sunny Afternoon (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Sunny Afternoon
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 1st November 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed on Tuesday 1st November 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
I wouldn't say I'm the biggest fan of The Kinks but I know pretty much all their music thanks to my dad playing it everyday of my childhood and I'd heard incredible things about Sunny Afternoon from so many people but for some reason I never got round to seeing it in the West End so when I got the chance to review the tour I was very excited!
Saturday 29 October 2016
Side Show, Southwark Playhouse | Review
Side Show
Southwark Playhouse
Reviewed on Thursday 27th October 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★Reviewed on Thursday 27th October 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
Side Show is an original musical which is unique in more than one way. Firstly because it tells the story of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton and secondly because it flopped not once but twice on Broadway. The original 1997 production ran for a mere 91 performances with the more recent 2014 revival running for only 56, perhaps it was not a Broadway audiences cup of tea or perhaps it did not have the finesse and omph which this current production does.
Thursday 20 October 2016
Chicago (UK Tour), New Victoria Theatre | Review
Chicago (UK Tour)
On Monday the 16th of October I was fortunate to be invited to see Chicago at Woking theatre. The show is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins and the original stage production, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse.
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 17th October 2016 by Melanie Mitchell
★★★★★Reviewed on Monday 17th October 2016 by Melanie Mitchell
On Monday the 16th of October I was fortunate to be invited to see Chicago at Woking theatre. The show is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins and the original stage production, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse.
The show remains true to the original with all the familiar songs and routines, performed with enthusiasm and gusto by all cast members. The dancers both male and female are all amazing, lithe, slick and extremely flexible; performing complexly choreographed routines on a fairly small stage.
The reason for the lack of space is that the Orchestra share the stage with the performers, playing a pivotal role in the production, making it a lot of fun to watch, keep your eye on the conductor.
Roxy Hart is played by Hayley Tamaddon of Emmerdale fame. She makes the role her own with a combination of cuteness and humour accompanied by a lovely singing voice. A very talented and accomplished performance with excellent comedic touches, perhaps lacking somewhat in sex appeal
Jessie Wallace, is perfectly suited to the role of Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, she played the role extremely convincingly. I was completely surprised by her amazing voice, strong, clear and powerful. I completely forgot her as Eastenders Kat Slater.
John Partridge also an ex Eastender takes the role of Billy Flynn, he is suave and sophisticated and suitably cold in the role. Again I was surprised at his singing voice, very good projection although I felt that diction could be improved at times. He holds the longest, in tune note I have ever heard in a stage production, amazing.
A D Richardson gives a convincing performance as Mary Sunshine! You’ll see what I mean if you go to the show. Neil Ditt as Amos is suitably pathetic, downtrodden and loyal gaining sympathy and support from the audience, his rendition of Mr Cellophane is heartfelt. Sophie Carmen – Jones takes the role of Velma Kelly and in my opinion steals the show. Amazing singer and dancer a vivacious performance that oozes sex appeal. Sophie is definitely one to watch.
The staging of the whole show is very cleverly done for a fairly small stage, my only criticism would be that when some of the performers are caught in the ‘green lighting’ it makes them look rather ill. That might have been to do with the angle of my seat though.
Chicago is on at Woking New Victoria Theatre until Saturday 22nd of October, I would urge you to get a ticket for a most enjoyable, fun, feel good show.
Tuesday 18 October 2016
Ragtime, Charing Cross Theatre | Review
Ragtime
Charing Cross Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 17th October 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed on Monday 17th October 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
Set in the racism filled America of the early 20th century, Ragtime follows the stories of a white family, a black family and a Jewish immigrant family as they navigate their way around the country and discover what life has to offer them. Despite facing their own individual struggles, the families stories intertwine to create a stunning and flowing arc. The story is drama at its highest and features moments of extreme joy as well as despairing pain and heartbreak. It's sure to take you on an emotional roller coaster and leave you with a new view on life.
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