Friday 30 March 2018
All or Nothing, Ambassadors Theatre | Review
All or Nothing
Ambassadors Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 28th March 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★
I must admit, this review has been hard for me to write. This show isn't bad and I had a good time but I definitely am not it's target audience and that had a big effect. My plus one for the night was my dad who grew up during the time Small Faces were on the charts so he remembered all the songs, knew all the characters and could relate to it. Whereas I, a 21 year old who has never been introduced to their music, felt a bit like an outsider looking in.
The performances aren't bad, in fact they're pretty fantastic. Samuel Pope, especially, as Younger Steve Mariott is outstanding both in terms of vocals and acting as is Chris Simmons as older Steve. The cast give it their all and do their best to deliver stellar performances. The sets are pretty good, if fairly basic, and the lighting fits perfectly to create the concert vibe. The small space of the Ambassadors theatre also lends itself well to this and it feels as though we are a part of the action as well as just watching it.
As I said, nothing is wrong with this production... if you're the target audience. At first I thought to myself: well, that's fine, it's for the older generations and that's that. But as I think about it more I don't think that's correct. Of course the music and story is for an older audience because they know it already, but I believe the creatives should have worked to make it relatable for a younger audience as well. I could tell from audience reactions around me that the characters were spot on to their real-life counterparts and that the jokes about specific things and people fell right, but I just couldn't find a way in.
Not being a writer I don't know how they could have drawn all ages in, perhaps by taking a note out of Beautiful's book and telling the story of the lives more that just assuming we're all aware. The fire at the end for example, felt like a complete gear change to me, as I didn't know that's how Steve died, it just seemed like a random, erratic scene. Of course I could have read up on their story first but that's not really something you should have to do when going to the theatre.
I really wanted to like this show and I'm glad that my dad and those around me did. If my dad was writing this review it would have been far more glowing and received one or two stars more but I can only say how it feels personally. I did still have fun regardless because of the wonderful performances, but I can't say I'll be rushing back or rushing to recommend it to people my age. However, if you're a fan of Small Faces then I definitely think you'll enjoy All or Nothing and will certainly feel the nostalgia and joy that their music evidently brings.
All or Nothing runs at the Ambassadors Theatre until May 12th.
Trainspotting Live, The Vaults | Review
Trainspotting Live
The Vaults
Reviewed on Thursday 29th March 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Crude, disgusting, shocking, amazing, outstanding. Just a few words to describe this mental but incredible production. Trainspotting Live, based on Irvine Welsh's 1993 book, follows a group of heroin addicts on their journey through life in an economically depressed part of Edinburgh.
I must admit, when I was handed my fluorescent wristband and shown into the space thumping with techno music like an underground rave, I was a little (okay a lot) scared. This fear remained with me for the first part of the show; my heart was racing and I was shocked and slightly appalled at what was going on. Having never seen or read Trainspotting Live, I had zero idea of what to expect but oh boy was I pleasantly surprised.
Sure this show is crazily abrasive and probably offensive to a lot of people but it's also funny, authentic, moving and inventive. The 75 minute performance is visceral and as long as you have an open mind that's ready to be shocked then it's totally for you.
Sure this show is crazily abrasive and probably offensive to a lot of people but it's also funny, authentic, moving and inventive. The 75 minute performance is visceral and as long as you have an open mind that's ready to be shocked then it's totally for you.
This show is not for the faint of heart though. Lets just say that the actors are not the only people involved in the action of Trainspotting Live, so beware. Especially if you find yourself sat next to the dirtiest toilet known to man, or in the firing line of the of the products hurled out of it. This story is immersive and innovative whilst still capturing reality and being relatable for the people of today.
This darkly comic show has no boundaries and freely approaches nudity, drugs and sex. The young actors do a fantastic job of bringing this all to the audience and their free, energetic performances and blunt portrayal of addiction which will resonate and stay with you after the show. I felt so immersed that coming out was like waking up and having to readjust to the world.
From a technical standpoint, Trainspotting Live is outstanding. The entire cast of actors put their absolute all into every single moment and it honestly feels as though they're experiencing the whole show for the first time. Frankie O'Connor's performance as Renton particularly stands out but there is not a weak link in the cast.
The lighting design by Clancy Flynn is inventive, with the strobe lights used at the end creating a disorientating but mesmerising effect and Tom Lishman's sound design is constant enough that it blends in and becomes a part of the show instead of being a layer added on top just for the sake of it.
From a technical standpoint, Trainspotting Live is outstanding. The entire cast of actors put their absolute all into every single moment and it honestly feels as though they're experiencing the whole show for the first time. Frankie O'Connor's performance as Renton particularly stands out but there is not a weak link in the cast.
The lighting design by Clancy Flynn is inventive, with the strobe lights used at the end creating a disorientating but mesmerising effect and Tom Lishman's sound design is constant enough that it blends in and becomes a part of the show instead of being a layer added on top just for the sake of it.
There are gasps, laughs and pained silences throughout and the full spectrum of emotions are truly explored. For a visceral and moving performance, like nothing else then please go and see Trainspotting Live. You'll be left feeling slightly drained, extremely shocked and really really wanting to go and clean yourself but it'll be worth it!
Trainspotting Live is at The Vaults until June 3rd before heading to New York.
Thursday 29 March 2018
Ruthless, Arts Theatre | Review
Ruthless
The Arts Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 28th March by Shaun Dicks
★★★
The Arts Theatre is in the heart of the West End. It has been host to a plethora of eclectic shows - from Ushers to American Idiot to Murder Ballad – the Arts Theatre shows new and edgy work. Currently, it plays host to Ruthless the Musical, a story of an all-American family that becomes fractured because of a school play and Tina, the youngest member of the family, whose desire to get the lead goes too far. Ruthless is full of camp, betrayal, deceit and talent.
The score of the show by Marvin Laird isn’t the type of score we come to expect from a show at the Arts, it is very stylised but also very cliché. The majority of the score has been overdone and over used in a multitude of shows before this, the influences are obvious. However, the book and lyrics by Joel Paley are well thought out and give the cast something to work with. The minimal amount of choreography is crisp and stylised, the direction is simple but mostly well executed. What is lacking in this show is a spark, there is nothing exciting about this show. There is a distinct lack of creativity that stifles it, everything presented here, I’ve seen before.
Despite the shows hindrances, there are some positives. The comedic timing of all was completely spot on, the energy from the entire cast was high for the most part and the twists were well executed. I cannot fault the cast, they all delivered solid performances, with Jason Gardiner as Sylvia St. Croix as a particular stand out. His performance was stylised, well thought out and exceptionally delivered.
Ruthless has its good moments but also its flaws. It has moments of humour and glamour but there is sadly no stand out moments. The show is good for what it is, and its message is very appropriate in the world of Instagram famous, but the material is nothing to rave about. The casting has saved this show, if the cast hadn’t carried the material like they have, this show would be a flop. They did the best with what they were given and sadly what they were given wasn’t good enough.
Ruthless runs at the Arts Theatre until June 23rd.
photo credit: Alistair Muir
Son of a Preacher Man (UK Tour), Storyhouse | Review
Son of a Preacher Man (UK Tour)
Storyhouse
Reviewed on Tuesday 27th March 2018 by Becca Cromwell
★★
Set in modern day Soho, Son of a Preacher Man focuses on the lives of three people dealing with loss and heartbreak who turn to the past to find answers. All three of them end up at a record shop named the Preacher Man, which got its name from the man who ran it. In the 60s, all your troubles would be solved through music and advice from the shop’s owner, making it one of the most popular places of its time.
The story focuses on Kat, who recently lost her grandmother, Alison, who realises she’s in love with someone she can’t have and Paul, who still pines over a man he first fell in love with 40 years ago. The three of them venture to where the shop used to be in a search for advice and closure, only to find it no longer exists. Distraught, they meet the son of the shop’s owner Simon, who is the son of a preacher man. Simon takes it upon himself to help them, and with a little help from his deceased father, does just that.
The storyline is rather cheesy, which is to be expected from a jukebox musical, and features plenty of Dusty Springfield’s hits including The Look of Love, I Only Want To Be With You and of course, Son Of A Preacher Man. There are also plenty of other sixties hits thrown in for good measure, such as Cilla Black’s You’re My World.
Kat, played by Alice Barlow, is a young girl suffering the loss of her grandmother, who turns to her grandmothers’ favourite place, which just so happens to be the Preacher Man, for comfort. Alice is known for playing Rae Wilson on Hollyoaks, and being a previous contestant on The Voice. Alice delivered solid vocals and gave a good performance as Kat, and impressed many of the audience with the sheer quality of her voice.
Alison, played by Michelle Gayle, is a teacher turned tutor who recently lost her Husband, Jim. Alison turns to the Preacher Man for advice on her new love, and learns a lot from it. Michelle Gayle is known for playing Hattie Tavernier in Eastenders, signing a record contract and releasing two albums with BMG and starring on Grange Hill as a child. Michelle gave a good, believable performance, with impressive vocals to match.
Simon is played by Nigel Richards who has had an extensive and impressive career in musical theatre, including Enjrolas and Grantaire in Les Miserables, and the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera. Nigel gave a convincing performance as the shy but loveable Simon and I was suitably impressed.
Paul, a man who is still lusting after his first love, is played by Nigel Howe. Nigel has had an affluent career in theatre, TV and Film, with over 40 acting credits to his name on IMDB and almost as many theatre credits. Nigel gave a decent performance as Paul, making the audience really feel for him in the process.
With Craig Revel Horwood choreographing the show, I expected more in terms of choreography, which left me a little disappointed. However, the lack of choreography was made up for by most of the cast members occasionally playing instruments on stage.
Son of a Preacher Man continues its UK tour until July.
Tuesday 27 March 2018
Liza Pulman Sings Streisand (UK Tour), Live at Zedel | Review
Liza Pulman Sings Streisand (Concert)
Live at Zedel: The Crazy Coqs
Reviewed on Monday 26th March 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
One-third of cabaret group, Fascinating Aida, Liza Pulman is on the road once again with her show that celebrates and honours the icon, Barbra Streisand.
Liza and her phenomenal band The Stardust Ensemble, have created a vibrant 90-minute set which showcases Ms Streisand's fantastic career and musical style. Liza takes pieces from from Barbra's remarkable 6 decade's of music and weaves them into an entertaining show which fuses wit and personal anecdotes to tell the story of Barbra Streisand.
Streisand has a huge catalog of songs so of course they can't all be performed, but Liza brings together a variety of well and lesser-known pieces to draw together Barbra's vast career whilst making each and every one, iconically Liza. Whilst taking influence from Barbra's vocal technique and attitude to music, Liza is not a tribute act, instead she shows off her own vocal range and musicality through the stunning music Barbra has performed.
The night is opened with a pacy version of Don't Rain on my Parade from Funny Girl to which Liza added a jazzy, swung feel and set the tone for the night ahead. Throughout the night Liza is witty as she tells the story of Barbra's life alongside her own personal anecdotes which wind the two together as if Liza is channeling Barbra.
A personal favourite moment for me came a few songs in with an expressive and energetic rendition of Miss Marmelstein. Delving into the story Liza explained that Barbra has only actually been in two Broadway musicals (perhaps due to her self confessed fear of performing), the first being I Can Get It for You Wholesale. The show received lukewarm reactions until Ms Streisand stepped out in act two to perform this song, received an instant mid-show ovation and was catapulted to fame! Liza shows off her humourous side in this fantastic lament about no one calling her by her first name. Ironically, when this song was released by Columbia Records, Barbra's name was spelt wrong!
Accompanied by Andy Taylor's beautiful guitar playing, Liza gave a moving performance of Sleeping Bee before shining with New York State of Mind. After a brief interval for a costume change, Liza showed of her's and Barbra's diversity with an emotional performance of You Don't Bring Me Flowers. The Stardust Ensemble led by MD Joseph Atkins were stellar throughout and seemed to love performing alongside Liza. Their chemistry is evident and it's really lovely to watch.
The night ended with two of Barbra's most iconic songs, Happy Days Are Here Again and People, both of which were performed astoundingly by Liza who's vocal range and stability is impeccable. Her charisma and natural stage presence draws the audience in and her knowledge and love for Barbra Streisand helps the night flow in an entertaining but sincere way. I don't doubt that Barbra would be honoured to hear and see Liza's fantastic celebration of her music and career.
Liza Pulman sings Barbra Streisand is touring around the UK
Ruthless, Arts Theatre | Review
Ruthless
Arts Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 23rd March by Olivia Mitchell
★★
I've never felt as lukewarm about a show as I do this one. Ruthless wasn't bad but it also wasn't good. Overall the cast were strong, the songs were pretty catchy and there were moments of humour but I really can't describe it as anything else but "meh", which is annoying because I really did want to enjoy it.
Ruthless follows a young girl Tina Denmark who wants to be a star and will do anything in her power to achieve it. Her mother is a typical generic housewife who does everything she's meant to do and never anything self-indulgent. Then we have Sylvia St.Croix, the talent scout, agent, ever present 'pusher' who comes out of no where and stays for the duration of the show.
The story is genuinely funny (at points) and although predictable, it is entertaining to see this camp, spoofed, mixed up story play out. But there's just something which doesn't work. Satire is used cleverly, especially with Tina's mum in the opening number and I enjoyed spotting the musical theatre references such as Mame and Sunset Boulevard but there's only so much repetition of jokes one person can take!
As for the cast, they're strong and entertaining. Our Tina Denmark who perfectly portrayed the stagey maniac was Anya Evans. Anya's performance is stellar and she really was born to be on the stage. Her determination mixed with her psychotic side is extremely entertaining to watch and I would gladly go back just to see her again.
Ever the audience favourite, Tracie Bennett is great as theatre critic, Lita Encore. Although the drunken swagger is somewhat cringey, she give a fabulous performance and commands the stage during I Hate Musicals.
The name of the show, Jason Gardiner is good but generic. His camp, audacious Sylvia St. Croix is fun to watch but not shocking in any way. I get that the whole thing is a sort of parody but it would have been great to have a touch more originality with the way he plays the role.
As the mother, Judy Denmark, Kim Maresca is wonderful. Her embodiment of the role is cheesy but not too over the top and her voice wows, especially in act 2. Harriet Thorpe is suitably biting whilst Lara Denning is sharp and witty.
This show isn't a masterpiece but while I wasn't the biggest fan, I know others who will lap it up. There's certainly a market for this over the top, zany, crude show and I can see it doing well but for me it just needs some tweaking to take it from "meh" to something special.
Ruthless runs at the Arts Theatre until June 23rd.
photo credit: Alistair Muir
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