PETER PAN (Theatre Royal Nottingham) Review December 2013

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, David Hasselhoff is the most-watched TV personality of all time. According to audiences at the Theatre Royal, he's perhaps the most popular panto star yet to tread the boards! Qdos Pantomimes present a sparkling production of J.M. Barrie's much loved classic - the non traditional pantomime that in recent years has risen in audience popularity and with CBBC's Barney Harwood and TV Goddess Su Pollard also on board, what is there not to love?

Barney Harwood as Peter Pan and Hannah Nicholas as Wendy

Barney Harwood is a likeable Pan, perhaps not as innocent and childlike as you may expect from the boy who never grows up but he's certainly cool and you'd want to be in his gang! Flying around the stage with impressive aerial acrobatics and a conjuring up audience participation he's the guy all the children are in awe of. Something else to be in awe of are the Hoff's cHOFFstumes (that's not such a great pun is it....). As Captain Hook in his sparkling coats and feathered hats the Hoff commands the stage in spectacular fashion. The booable baddie - that you also want to cheer for because he's such a legend - has the entire theatre in the palm of his hand... the remaining hand that is. His song, This Is The Moment brings down the house, complete with showgirls donning the most gorgeous red feathered costumes, it's easily the show's highlight. 

Su Pollard as Mimi the Mermaid

This pantomime traditionally has no dame, but whatever would have been missing is all there by bucketload thanks to Su Pollard as Mimi the Mermaid who is cracking fish jokes all over the plaice. Making her grand entrance in a disco ball and later belting out Gaga's Applause she is the ultimate panto crowd pleaser. Celebrating her 40th year in show showbusiness, Su still oozes all the energy and the eccentric star is clearly a firm favourite with her home audience. 

Ben Nickless is a fantastic Mr Smee, delivering comedy impressions, witty one-liners and a clever story of recognisable chocolate brands is well deserving of a lengthy, appreciative applause. Isobel Hathaway skates her way through the show as Tinkerbell and is one of three strong female leads; Hannah Nicholas as Wendy and Billie Kay as Tiger Lily completing the trio, all in fine voice. The dancers are incredibly talented and master the fresh, exciting choreography. It's nice to see an ensemble used for more than just making up the numbers and filling out the stage - the male dancers get ample stage time to explore individual characters and they also prove to be experienced in the art of Twerking! 

Ben Nickless as Smee with Oliver Ramsdale, 

Lloyd Davies, Nick Woodford & Josh Harrison

With a megamix of Hoff'd classics, At The Hoff, Hoff Stuff ... (you get the idea) the show concludes with an elaborate gold and white finale. A fun and thoroughly enjoyable family show, this is Hofficially the panto to book for... hook whatever tickets are left on the website here. 

View the trailer!

Cast List: David Hasselhoff, Barney Harwood, Su Pollard, Ben Nickless, Isobel Hathaway, Hannah Nicholas, Billie Kay, Ruben Lawlor-Leckie, Taylor Daykin, Alexander Beardsley, Ryan Mathura, Rhianne Alleyne, Gabrielle Cocca, Lloyd Davies, Lauren Griffin, Josh Harrison, Laura Nicholson, Oliver Ramsdale, Nick Woodford. 

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JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Swindon Wyvern Theatre) Review December 2013

It may only be a 635 seat venue but the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon always celebrates the festive season with a giant pantomime... appropriately so this year with a thrilling production of Jack And The Beanstalk. Once again, Qdos Pantomimes and One From The Heart combine to create Swindon's ultimate festive attraction. 

For a third year, Keith Chegwin returns in a madcap role, Billy this year... and he is silly! Cheggers' entrance is met with a wall of sound and boy it's loud! There's a warmth that Keith exudes and a strong connection between him and the townsfolk of Swindon, it's clear to see why he's welcomed back. However, you're not going to get off lightly by sitting back with a packet of Maltesers when Cheggers is involved... standing up, shouting, screaming, pointing, singing... the lot... and you do it... I was shimmying with someone's granny at one point! Complete and utter madness from start to finish but you'd search for a lifetime to find someone who does panto better than Cheggers. 

David Ashley, Keith Chegwin and Samuel Parker

Also returning to the Wyvern this year is David Ashley who's Dame couldn't be further from last year's villain Abanaza. A complete contrast, here we have an experienced dame - not a bloke in a frumpy frock harping on about a dead husband for two hours... of course there's the necessary amount of that but also a plethora of witty one-liners and clever audience participation - a credit to the writer Simon Aylin. 

Jennifer Greenwood makes an excellent fairy - Fairy Nuff who impresses with a rendition of Defying Gravity to close the first half, a spectacle to rival that of Wicked. Simon Wegrzyn is a very strong Fleshcreep who flits in and out of Childcatcher mode and Riff Raff from the Rocky Horror Show and  is excellent at sustaining a riotous booing. Andrew Whitehead is a great addition as the bumbling old King Manypence and Maria Holmes proves to be a tuneful Harp.

Jennifer Greenwood as Fairy Nuff

Samuel Parker is hero Jack and is every bit the man the young boys in the audience want to be. Laden with an axe and belting out hits of One Direction he's a pretty cool dude! Hollie Evans completes the pairing as Jill perfectly and brings the show into a more tender tone with her beautifully sung solo. 

Joanna Goodwin is perhaps the unsung hero of the show, as choreographer she has put together the ultimate team of dancers. Swindon pantomime always has a strong ensemble and the team of second and third year students from Laine Theatre Arts are as ever the consummate professionals with boundless energy throughout. Exciting tap routines are rare in most shows other than 42nd Street but here it's all on show, even Cheggers manages to fit in a few wings! Daisy the cow can also tap dance... who knew!? "Lainey's" are often the ones to look out for and this bunch are destined for a fine future. 

Keith Chegwin as Silly Billy with the ensemble.

Musical Director Robert Rayner is on fine form and great musical supervision from Ben Kennedy once again delivers the perfect blend of revised chart hits and some great but lesser known pantomime songs - even a Chegwinised version of the Friends theme tune is thrown into the mix!

Another unmissable family pantomime that prides itself on giant production values and prices to suit all pockets - so you won't have to sell the family cow to afford tickets! Be quick though - they're selling fast and the pantomime runs until Sunday 5 January 2014. You can book tickets by visiting the box office in person, calling 01793 524 481 or online here. 

Listen to the entire pantomime podcast coverage of interviews throughout the rehearsal process:

Cast List: Keith Chegwin, Simon Wegrzyn, Jennifer Greenwood, Samuel Parker, David Ashley, Andrew Whitehead, Hollie Evans, Maria Holmes, Aaron Jenkins, Reece Kerridge, Billy Mahoney, Zac Watts.

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SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (Birmingham Hippodrome) Review December 2013

It's Britain's biggest pantomime.... oh yes it is!!! Qdos Pantomimes present possibly the heaviest star line up any show has ever seen, seven lead cast members who sparkle, shine, sing and surpass all expectations in Birmingham Hippodrome's Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs! 

Gok Wan

Mirror, mirror, on the wall... well, not on the wall but magically flying in from the sky is everyone's favourite fashion guru Gok Wan. Dressed like a glittering disco ball the audience go wild at his sight... Definitely a crowd favourite, Gok is rewarded with rapturous applause and hysterical laughter with every appearance. Making his pantomime debut and even tackling the song 'Fabulous Baby' from Sister Act, he ensures every ounce of energy goes into his outrageously camp and thoroughly entertaining Man In The Mirror. 

West End leading man John Partridge is more than made for his Princely part, torn-off sleeves revealing his bulging biceps and just as strong a voice to match. Furthering the quality of a West End musical is Danielle Hope, BBC Over The Rainbow winner and fresh from playing Eponine in Les Misérables there is even a beautiful rendition of On My Own thrown in for good measure. Danielle is a delight and remains perfectly poised throughout the madness, an ideal princess. 

Gary Wilmot is a very impressive first-time dame. With two original songs written by himself he particularly showcases his talent and oozes a genuine warmth, his song about a Brummie Balti is a particular highlight. Dynasty legend Stephanie Beacham is an incredibly strong bad girl as the Wicked Queen. The strongest villain I've certainly seen in panto, she is definitely boo-worthy and deliciously dastardly. 

Stephanie Beacham

Paul Zerdin as Muddles and his sponge friend Sam delight the audience and mock others in equal part. I'm not particularly one for audience participation but tonight's married couple were good sports... they became ventriloquist dummies having mouth masks fitted to their heads. It's likely you've seen the gag before but with added humiliation the laughs keep coming... when the mask was replaced for one that worked! Staged corpsing and deliberate 'things going wrong' are aplenty and an integral part of pantomime now... perhaps this was just one of them. A secondary 'Muddles' or 'Buttons' type character is added to this pantomime in the form of Oddjob played by Matt Slack. More buffoonish than brother Muddles, Oddjob wins audience affection with slapstick routines and obscure facial expressions.

The dwarfs have less stage time than you'd perhaps expect from titular characters but they make the most of time they do have with a catchy song and individual regional accents. Lead by Ewan Goddard they move around the stage in costumes like that of Lord Farquaad in Shrek The Musical. They're a great, young and fresh alternative to traditional dwarfs and work incredibly well - a cute, enjoyable addition to the cast. The large ensemble of 10 dancers are incredibly dynamic and bring life to the already lively orchestration.

John Partridge and Gary Wilmot

The set and backcloths transport you instantly to a fantasy world, gone are the days of lengthy and awkward scene changes, everything happens seamlessly and within an instant here. This show is a plethora of special effects, whirling fireworks, a flying dragon and dazzling costumes. The first half is almost like a variety show, the second half like a musical but with traditional panto values well and truly at the heart of it all. 

You should never question purchasing tickets to the Birmingham pantomime - always a spectacle and Michael Harrison's new production lives up to and exceeds the expectations of previous years. Co-written by Alan McHugh, once again choreographed by Karen Bruce with Associate Director Tom O'Connell and Musical Director Robert Willis completing an expert team behind Qdos Entertainment's leading production. 

Find out more from the cast of Snow White in the podcast below and in my press launch coverage here. 

Don't delay in booking for what is an unmissable family pantomime or you may not be able to look yourself in the mirror! See Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Sunday 2 February 2014. You can book tickets by calling 0844 338 500, visiting the box office in person or online here. 

Cast List: Gok Wan, John Partridge, Danielle Hope, Gary Wilmot, Matt Slack, Paul Zerdin and Sam, Stephanie Beacham, Matt Bateman, Tom Brandon, Jon-Scott Clark, Ewan Goddard, Daniel Hope, Conleth Kane, Mark Laverty, Anne Smith, Chloe Ames, Callum Aylott, James Bennett, Michael Burr, Kage Douglas, Stephanie Elstob, Diana Girbau, Charlotte Scally, Luke Swattridge, Marie Walker

GHOST THE MUSICAL (UK Tour) Review December 2013

There's nothing that the Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre do better than delight the city, offering a large musical production around Christmas time each year. Always an alternative to pantomime, previous December offerings have included Spamalot, Grease, Dolly Parton's 9 To 5 and this year Ghost The Musical. 

Definitely the most ambitious and perhaps the most exciting production to play at the theatre this year, there is great expectation and as with the five previous times I've seen it, Ghost The Musical never fails to disappoint. 

For those that are unfamiliar with the story (and that must be very few...) Sam Wheat is murdered, leaving heartbroken girlfriend Molly Jensen behind to pick up the pieces with the help of the questionable psychic medium Oda Mae Brown. 

Stewart Clarke, Rebecca Trehearn and David Roberts

Solihull-born Stewart Clarke admirably rises to the challenges of being Sam. There is a broken interaction between the character and everyone else in the show - for Sam is dead and no one can see him. Clarke however manages to connect with both fellow cast and audience and does so by delivering incredibly heartfelt tender moments amongst angrier moments requiring a strong vocal belt. 

Other heartfelt moments are provided aplenty by Rebecca Trehearn as Molly. Beautiful ballads With You and Nothing Stops Another Day both showcase and compliment her voice. David Roberts is a deceitful Carl, originally likeable but soon enough a boo-able baddie... but this is far from a pantomime!

Keisha Atwell, Wendy Mae Brown and Karlene Wray

Comedy moments are not sidelined however - Wendy Mae Brown as psychic Oda Mae Brown is a sparkling jewel in this production. Outrageous costumes and a badass attitude ensure all focus is towards her and she is worthy in receipt of rapturous applause by the curtain call. Her numbers Are You A Believer and I'm Outta Here are both lively injections of fun to the otherwise tragic events. 

Wendy Mae Brown, Stewart Clarke and Lewis Griffiths

I admire a huge effort that goes on behind the scenes of Ghost, with a record get-in period that spans three days (and nights), miles of cable and 7 automated LED video screens. The illusions by Paul Kieve are mind-blowing, but I must recommend sitting in the centre of the auditorium for maximum effect when viewing for the first time. Unfortunately, sitting to the far sides and close to the stage will have an impact on the magic's effectiveness. The angle of far side seats will result in illusions becoming blocked by set pieces and ensemble members who are stood in the way. 

The orchestration is most powerful and there is a strong, soon familiar soundtrack to the show. The sound levels do alter quite dramatically, sometimes randomly with many of the earlier songs strangely quiet. Despite niggles with ambitious technology it is important that theatrical boundaries are pushed and with many new musicals failing to succeed greatly in the West End here is a show that has enjoyed a 15 month run at London's Piccadilly Theatre, Broadway and US national tour with productions also in Italy and South Korea. Whilst in Birmingham at the New Alexandra Theatre you mustn't miss your chance to believe in the power of love. Buy tickets here. An ideal alternative to pantomime which runs until Sunday 5th January 2014.

Cast List: Stewart Clarke, Rebecca Trehearn, Wendy Mae Brown, David Roberts, Ivan De Freitas, Stevie Hutchinson, Karlene Wray, Keisha Atwell, Maeve Byrne, Michael Cortez, Kimmy Edwards, Gabriela Garcia, Lewis Griffiths, Bradley Jaden, Gregor Stewart, Amy Webb, Amy West, Luke Wilson, Jaye Juliette Elster, Livvy Evans, Robert Knight and Michael Stewart.

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MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (UK Tour) Review December 2013

Walking into the New Alexandra Theatre you'd think it was Christmas Eve. A freezing chill had everyone wrapped in scarves and wooly hats and families were piling through the doors. When it's done right, theatre is something for the whole family and more often than not it's Christmas time when it happens most - it's wonderful to see.

Miracle On 34th Street The Musical is a tough one to conquer... the 1947 and 1994 film versions are universally loved and presenting anything so popular in a different format is always going to face challenges. The musical with book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson is full of heart. The songs are hardly rememberable and some scenes are weighted with heavy dialogue but throughout it all the Christmas spirit is well and truly present. 

Full Cast (Photo by Darren Bell)

The cast are highly motivated and carry the story incredibly well. Not only are they acting, singing and dancing but changing the set as they go. The set, by David Shields is a simplistic one, three blocks that rotate to reveal various locations. It is beautifully detailed and the finale of snow is pure delight. 

Genevieve Nicole is a powerhouse as Doris, presented with the best vocal part she manages to showcase some real talent as does Poppy Carter who plays daughter Susan. Although petite, Carter nor any adult could ever portray a 6 year old girl convincingly, but it works artistically, just as it does in Blood Brothers and you can looks past that. James Murphy makes the perfect Kris Kringle, full of merriment his portrayal is captivating. 

James Murphy as Kris Kringle (Photo by Darren Bell)

For an evening of fabulously festive fun after a trip to the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market head to the New Alexandra Theatre before Saturday 7 December. Book tickets for Miracle On 34th Street online here. 

Cast List: Genevieve Nicole, Poppy Carter, Daniel Fletcher, James Murphy, Paul Cleveland, David Kristopher-Brown, Charlotte Jeffery, Caroline Bateson, Lorraine Graham, Inez Mackenzie, Stuart Matthews, Brett Shiels, Gary Roe, Shaun McCourt, Ellen Verenieks. 

THE NUTCRACKER (Birmingham Royal Ballet) Review November 2013

Having crept downstairs to play with her new nutcracker doll, Clara finds herself magically transported into a world where she is amongst a battle between toy solders and rats. Her beloved Nutcracker doll turns into a handsome prince and they leave for the Land Of Snow... 

Sir Peter Wright's fantasy Christmas classic returns to Birmingham Hippodrome, the theatre in which it premiered on 29th December 1990 and proves as popular as ever, for not a single seat around was left unoccupied. 

Momoko Hirata sparkles and shines as Clara, the young girl with the gift of dance is perfectly performed with mesmerising technique. The production also belongs to Nao Sakuma, the Sugarplum Fairy who delights and receives rapturous applause. Chi Cao continues to execute the finest performance, securing his place at the forefront. A chorus of leaping rats, dashing soldiers and beautiful ballerinas combine to complete the line-up of world class dancers. 

Photo by Steve Hanson

The staging is a spectacle in itself - we've all seen a set change but this is unlike any other. The element of magic as the room transforms is present throughout and would leave even the Scroogiest theatregoer spellbound. The magic and beauty of the entire production is enough to satisfy every Christmas wish. The perfect pre-Christmas treat, a fabulous way to begin the festive season. Make sure it's on your list! 

The Nutcracker runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Thursday 12 December, book tickets online here.

Watch the incredible set being fixed up during the get-in below:

WEST SIDE STORY (UK Tour) Interview with Katie Hall & Louis Maskell

WEST SIDE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS!

Think of mid-century musical theatre and you'd probably think of a tuneful slice of escapism, lavish sets and eye catching costumes... West Side Story's 1957 opening marked a significant departure from that formula and set a new template for the modern musical. Here, 55 years on, the musical sensation with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim is once again touring the UK as part of a major revival lead by an all-new energetic young cast, visiting the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham in April 2014. 

After an incredible matinee performance in Wimbledon, I caught up with Louis Maskell (Tony) and Katie Hall (Maria) to talk about their time with the show so far:

LM "In the show, Tony is quite an individual, he started the Jets and then left the gang to pursue his dreams and aspirations - obviously in those times that's pretty hard to do. He's a fantastic part to play because he not only oozes this masculinity but he also gets to fall in love... and so quickly, which I think is rather rare these days, that sort of 'love at first sight' moment."

KH "I haven't had one day where I've come into work and thought 'oh God, I've got to sing those songs again...!' it's amazing, and the music is so lovely to sing. Bernstein just knows how to write for the voice, it just feels easy because it's been done so well. I really like I Have A Love, that sits nicely in my voice!" 

LM "It took three very intense auditions to get the role, all of which were very lengthy and included lots of notes and workshopping of ideas. When I got the role, the rehearsals were even more so... actually though, that leant itself to the show which is like that and right from the off there was a sort of tension and an incredible passion, which Tony exudes. I love how sparse it all is too... this staging and  production really lends itself to the dark and gritty story."

KH "I can definitely remember the rehearsal day where me and Louis weren't allowed in the room, they were doing the dance of the Jets and the Sharks and they have to have a fight that's full of racial abuse and the director made them scream at each other and then dance the Mambo and we weren't allowed to see what was going on because our characters aren't part of it and we could hear all of this screaming and were like 'whats going on!?' - scary, it was very method!"

Katie and Louis as Maria and Tony

LM "When creating my version of Tony, there are definitely certain elements of the part that are cemented - you can't just skip on wearing a clown nose... but as an actor I definitely wanted to install elements that I had instinctively. Every actor is different but for this there definitely is a blueprint but within that we were allowed scope to explore. I researched the whole 1950's and read this amazing book called Egyptian Kings about the gangs of New York and learnt a lot, these guys were kind of like those in the London riots a few years ago - these guys weren't bad but they just had to do something to get the attention of the higher powers."

KH "The role of Maria has been quite of a stretch for me... obviously you can see I'm a white blonde girl! She's far from what I'm like, I'm from Peterborough and that's quite far from Puerto Rico! We sat down with our director and just asked ourselves questions like 'What was it like in America at the time, who was there?' and it didn't matter if it wasn't true fact it just helped us to gain a broader knowledge of things. I didn't read books like Louis did..."

KH "I've just come out of a 16 month tour of The Phantom Of The Opera and now I'm back on the road, but before that I did the tour of Les Misérables so I've basically been on tour for the last three years of my life! I like being on the road, it's fine... but I sort of miss home sometimes. The atmosphere within a touring company though is nicer compared to doing a show in town (London), because you're living, travelling and working with one another all the time so the relationships are a lot closer and we're more like a family and I quite like that about it. They're a really good bunch of people and I love working with them!"

This fantastic production of West Side Story plays at the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham for three weeks from 1 - 19 April 2014. Book tickets online here, in person at the Box Office or by calling 0844 871 3011. One not to be missed! 

Photos by Alastair Muir.

Cast List: Louis Maskell, Katie Hall, Djalenga Scott, Javier Cid, Jack Wilcox, David Delve, Jason Griffiths, Siôn Tudor Owen, Matthew Hawksley, Fraser Fraser, Bruce Aguilar Rohan. Samuel Salter, Scott Rayner, Matthew Croke, Charlie Cameron, Rachel Crocker, Fenia Tsikitikou, Rachel Ensor, Danielle Cato, Niko Wirachman, Sergio Giacomelli, Sergi Terns, Devon McKenzie-Smith, Nathan Ryles, Liam Paul Jennings, Sinead Kenny, Charlotte Baptie, Katie Singh, Challyce Brogdon, Nicola Coates, Lisa Dent, Dom Hodson, Alex Pinder. 

HA HA HOLMES! (UK Tour) Review November 2013

Following the success of Ha Ha Hamlet! and Ha Ha Hitler!, Ha Ha Holmes! is the third offering from Ben Langley and Andrew Fettes and this has Joe Pasquale at it's helm. The duo, already famous for madcap productions have upped the levels of ridiculousness with Pasquale as Sherlock Holmes... 

As the squeaky-voiced comedian makes his way through the (very loose) plot things soon go awry for him and sidekick Dr. Watson, played by Ben Langley who also wrote and directed. Andrew Fettes is a highly comedic addition to the cast as every other character in the show. The trio work achieve hysterical laughter from what appears to be foolish play but must be impeccably planned. Andy Pickering is the on-stage pianist, a pantomime musician for the past 13 years must have prepared him for such a production but perhaps not for Joe Pasquale's spontaneous antics!

There is a very simple but ingenious set by James Lewis which is pushed around and positioned by the three cast members. Initially just a staircase and a few bookshelves, there is humour in the very clever ways in which it transforms and reveals hidden surprises. 

This is definitely the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen........ in a good way! Whilst not all the humour is always understood it is definitely on all levels, considering all audience types with slapstick and visual gags to the more witty and tongue-in-cheek. Don't miss it!

For touring information visit the website. 

ROCKY HORROR SHOW (UK Tour) Review October 2013

It's astounding..... time is fleeting..... madness takes it's toll.... but listen closely, not for very much longer does the tour continue! The Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton celebrates the final week of the 40th Anniversary production of Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show and with halloween just around the corner, there's no better time. 

Innocent couple Brad and Janet suffer a flat tyre and seek refuge in the home of Frank-N-Furter - a transvestite of transexual Transylvania. Things go from insane to... well... more insane.

Dani Harmer and Ben Forster

ITV Superstar winner Ben Forster rejoins the cast after a second arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar and is perfectly preppy as Brad Majors. A particular highlight for Ben is 'Once In A While', a song that is a more subtle and tender moment, but a time to showcase his real talent aside from the craziness. Tracy Beaker actress Dani Harmer is a far cry from her Dumping Ground days as the innocent Janet Weiss - she proves to be a versatile performer.

Kristian Lavercombe

Kristian Lavercombe is an excellent Riff Raff. The role made famous by the show's creator Richard O'Brien is a tough one to crack. Having already played the role on an international tour, Kristian is due to appear in the 2014 Australian tour and it's easy to see why he's a favourite. Shrieking his way through with killer vocals, his Time Warp is guaranteed to have you on your feet - an essential member of any production. Ceris Hine returns as Columbia having previously played the role in 2010. Bursting with energy and her tiny frame and squeaky voice make her a cutesy and loveable tap dancing delight. Jade Westaby is a strong Magenta/Usherette. Henry Davis is Rocky, the hunky creation of Dr Frank-N-Furter. His characterisation is perhaps the most suitable I've seen and earns audience sympathy over some of the more 'dumb' previous interpretations, but I guess many don't even look past his bulging leopard-print speedos.

Oliver Thornton

I think whatever show he's in, Oliver Thornton manages to steal it - simply one of the best around. Hot in the heels of many a famous Franks, Oliver surely puts his stamp on the iconic role. A born entertainer, his theatrical highlight of the night has to be The Floorshow and 'Don't Dream It', again a more subtle part of the show but it's in those moments when the message truly comes across. What we get here is a fully-rounded Frank, not just a camp, stocking-clad sex maniac but a somewhat believable character.

Philip Franks is the perfect narrator. Not only because of his willing self-deprecation but for witty one-liners and quick come-backs to some of the more obscure audience heckles. The Phantom chorus provide eerie harmonies throughout, it is a shame they're not a bigger part of the story, they're used often to change scenery.

The set and lighting has been re-designed for this tour and impressively brings the 40 year old musical right up to date in a production that feels incredibly relevant whilst very much keeping the feel of a horror B-Movie.

For a Monday night, Wolverhampton has possibly never been so full of energy. This is one hell of a party - Fishnets, frivolity and fiercely fun! Don't dream it, see it!

Book for the FINAL week of this 40th Anniversary extravaganza at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre here. There is an official after party at Blast Off, open til 3am after the final show on Saturday 2nd November 2013 (more info here).

Cast List: Oliver Thornton, Ben Forster, Dani Harmer, Philip Franks, Henry Davis, Ceris Hine, Kristian Lavercombe, Richard Meek, Jayde Westaby, Maria Coyne, Christos Dante, David Gale, Rachel Grundy, Andrew Ahern.

Watch the 2013 cast doing the Time Warp!

TO SIR, WITH LOVE (UK Tour) Review October 2013

Based on the autobiographical novel of the same name and 1967 film, Ayub Khan-Din has adapted a long awaited stage version. Reportedly 101 years old, author E.R Brathwaite's story is as ever relevant today. Although the race divide is thankfully less of an issue, classroom antics are not so far removed from today's.

It's 1948 and ex-Spitfire pilot Ricky Brathwaite, disadvantaged by his skin colour, has difficulty finding a job in post-war England. He signs as a teacher in an inner-city East End school where the headmaster Mr Florian has his own, unorthodox methods of running it. With pupils writing reports on the teachers and no punishment allowed Brathwaite has all the odds against him to turn his class of rebellious teenagers from viciousness and filth into sophisticated, educated young adults. 

Matthew Kelly is a delight as headmaster Florian. It's unfortunate that his character is in such a rush throughout the play and is often speeding through his speech between entrance and exit. If only every headmaster oozed such warmth - he is definitely deserving of more stage-time. Ansu Kabia remains poised throughout despite constant racial abuse. Brathwaite's progression is clearly charted in Kabia's incredibly admirable portrayal. Paul Kemp is a humorous addition as Weston. 

Stand-out pupils include Harriet Ballard as Monica, whose scene-stealing character awards her all of the laughs. Mykola Allen as Denham and Kerron Darby as Seales prove themselves as very strong additions. There is a high-energy, focussed young ensemble who assist in swift scenery repositioning and choreographed 'playground' interludes each of whom provide additional dialogue with conviction. 

Ansu Kabia and Mykola Allen

Action happens on a stunning set by Mike Britton, made in-house at the Royal & Derngate, Northampton where the play premiered. A bombed-out school that works convincingly as a variety of settings with simple lighting changes and the flying in and out of a blackboard. 

You can feel confident in saying - tonight Matthew, I'm going to be... thoroughly entertained by a top quality cast delivering a fast-paced and witty script. A sterling drama and heart-warming story of progression. 

This is a strong opening production from the Touring Consortium Theatre Company's programme of five plays over the next two and a half years. To Sir, With Love is at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday 26 October 2013. Book here. 

Listen to part one and two of my interview with Matthew Kelly and Ansu Kabia:

Cast List: Mykola Allen, Harriet Ballard, Peta Cornish, Kerron Darby, Ansu Kabia, Matthew Kelly, Paul Kemp, Heather Nicol, Nicola Reynolds. Lauren Nightingale, Lorien Tear, Lauren Austin, Lorna Johnson, Callum Osbourne, Alastair Winning, Luke Bennett, Daniel Langford, Hugh Osborne, Amy Marchant, Linden Walcott-Burton, Daniel Cech-Lucas

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INTERVIEW with Cameron Sharp - October 2013

Midlands-born performer Cameron Sharp has had a rollercoaster few months. From graduating Mountview Academy and being signed by The Markham Agency to appearing as John in Axe: The Musical, a vocalist in West End Heroes at the Dominion Theatre and now a lead role in the West End production of Rock Of Ages. I spoke to Cameron about his whirlwind experiences so far.

How have  the last few months been for you?
Having finished my training at Mountview and playing some great roles in my 3rd year (‘Isaac Tallentire’ in “The Hired Man” and ‘Nicely-Nicely Johnson’ in “Guys and Dolls”), I left after showcase and was signed by The Markham Agency, who I couldn’t ask any more of and have been brilliant for me over the past months. My first job was playing a part in a tongue-in-cheek musical for the international conference of the company ‘Unilever’, but more specifically for ‘Axe’ (or ‘Lynx’ deodorant as we know them in England). That was a really bizarre, yet fun experience (and corporate gigs are nicely paid), so gave me a nice springboard from leaving Mountview into working with professional actors, MDs and Directors.

And then you got into the London production of Rock Of Ages with very little time to rehearse. How did that come about for you and how were the rehearsals?

I went along to the auditions, but had to dance first as I’d missed the first round. I’m a much stronger singer and actor than dancer, so I thought this might blow my chances straight off, but I was successful in each round. Then, the night before the final round, Rock of Ages was handed its closing notice and the auditions were pulled. I gave up any chance of being involved at that point (after a day of moping around and cursing the industry), but was contacted a day later and told that somebody still had to leave, so asked if I would like to come back in and be seen for alternate Drew/Swing, with the contract being 9 weeks, including rehearsal. Obviously (especially after how gutted I’d been the previous day) I was over the moon. I did a few days one-to-one work with the Resident Director/Choreographer and MD, and then got presented to the producers and casting director... and I was lucky enough to be offered the job. The feeling when you finally receive that offer is like nothing else (especially after getting to quite a few final rounds and missing out a few times like I had in the previous months).

Cameron as Franz, Drew and Joey Primo

I missed my graduation ceremony because of rehearsals for Rock Of Ages; they were incredibly intense – firstly because of the sheer quantity of material. I had to learn four different ‘tracks’, one of whom is a lead in the show, one a fairly large supporting role, and all of whom have lines and featured moments, as well as all of the ensemble dances and numbers. They were also difficult because it was only me being rehearsed into the show, so all of my days were just me and the Director or MD. Working one-to-one for that many hours is exhausting. Usually you take a few minutes to switch of your brain, or write down what you’ve done so far while somebody else is being focused on, but I never had that chance. Fortunately, the creative team here are brilliant and very personable and approachable, so it ended up actually being a great laugh and a really fun few weeks, even with all of the stress running alongside it.

I was a huge fan of the show anyway, before any involvement, and had already seen it 4 times since it opened, so for me it really was a dream to be involved, and the thing I found the most exciting was rehearsing on stage every day and getting to know the ins and outs of the set and staging! I felt like a fan being given the ultimate opportunity to nose around and actually take part in something I’d usually stare at with admiration and amazement!

★ CLICK HERE TO READ AN EXTENDED VERSION OF THIS INTERVIEW ON THE NATIVE MONSTER THEATRE BLOG ★

Visit Cameron's website: cameron-sharp.com

ROCK OF AGES runs at the Garrick Theatre, London until 2nd November 2013, visit the website here to book tickets.