SPAMALOT (Playhouse Theatre) Review June 2013

I blogalot about touring productions and Spamalot has most certainly done the rounds now. Since 2010 the show has toured the length and breadth of Arthur's Kingdom and in 2012 found a permanent home in the West End. Having played a limited 6 week run at the Harold Pinter Theatre, Spamalot transferred to the Playhouse Theatre where it has been making audiences laughalot since November 2012. 

After interviewing Joe Pasquale at the launch of this year's Wolverhampton pantomime (click here to read) it was with merry delight that I dancedalot when given the opportunity to review the latest King of the Britons. Starring for a limited six week period until 27th July, Joe appears alongside theatre goddess Bonnie Langford as the Lady Of The Lake. 

Eric Idle and Jon Du Prez's musical is lovingly ripped off from Monty Python's The Holy Grail and is a conglomeration of various Python anecdotes from the other films and TV series. We follow King Arthur and his noble steed Patsy (Michael Burgen) along with knights (not days, but knights) of the very round table on a quest to find the grail and eventually turn the whole thing into a musical...

You won't succeed in the West End if you don't have any stars and this production is full of them. Not only the big name stars - Pasquale and Langford, but in the supporting cast. Michael Burgen is a charming Patsy who gets to sing Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life. Adam Ellis is a delight not only as Not Dead Fred (who can dance, sing and do the highland fling) but also in a hilarious turn as  the flamboyant Prince Herbert - with an incredibly strong falsetto. Rob Delaney receives great applause for the high energy You Won't Succeed in Showbiz. Kit Orton has fun not only as the homicidally brave Sir Lancelot but as the Knight Of Ni and in one of the shows most hilarious side-splitting moments as the French Taunter. Robin Armstrong has been with the production since it began touring in 2010 and keeps the most hilarious facial expressions throughout as the strangely flatulent Sir Bedevere. Jon Robyns as the dashingly handsome Sir Denis Galahad when duetting with Bonnie Langford brings a matinee audience to rapturous applause with The Song That Goes Like This.

Jon Robyns and Bonnie Langford (Photo by Manuel Harlan)

The diva role in any musical always steals the show and Bonnie Langford certainly wows the crowd. There is such a warmth that she oozes and you know to expect no less from the seasoned professional who riffs her way through the songs, raising the roof and beaming that famous and most charming smile.

Joe Pasquale is almost like his pantomime characters, the loveable jester, but here he finds himself King, which lends well to the insane plot. Hugh Durrant has created the most charming little set and there's a fine orchestra. It doesn't drag on either, at two hours long Spamalot is just concentrated hilarity from start to finish. It's bold, it's brash, it's British (and a little bit French) and you'll laughalot til you cryalot.

If you're not yet dead or in bed with the plague then you must book tickets! Don't be a Doubting Denis or they'll fetchez la vache! - click to book here.

Spamalot now offers a 2-4-1 ticket offer on Tuesday performances, click here to find out more.

Joe Pasquale stars as King Arthur until 27th July 2013 and a new summer schedule comes into effect as of 1st July. Monday - Thursday 8pm, Friday 6pm & 9pm and Saturday at 2:30pm and 8pm.

Joe Pasquale finishes off the year playing Muddles in pantomime at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, click here to buy tickets!

Cast List: Joe Pasquale, Bonnie Langford, Michael Burgen, Robin Armstrong, Rob Delaney, Adam Ellis, Kit Orton, Jon Robyns, Eric Idle*, Anouska Eaton, Chris Jenkins, Hannah Malekzad, James Nelson, Nikki Bentley, Graham Newell, Matthew Russell-Jones

*As a visual recording! As they say, "As if we could afford Eric Idle, the God-like comic in these hard times!"

SLEEPING BEAUTY (Wolverhampton Grand Theatre) Interview with Joe Pasquale

Funny man Joe Pasquale headlines this years pantomime Sleeping Beauty at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Joe has already had a busy year, starting with an appearance on Dancing On Ice in January and before pantomime has 6 weeks in the West End production of Spamalot, a stand-up tour and a run playing Sherlock Holmes in a tour of Ha Ha Holmes. 

"I love to keep busy, I'm not young and we don't live forever so I'm living life to the full... I'm doing a skydive don't you know... for charity... It's like Dancing On Ice I thought right, what can I do that I can't do... Ice skating... and now I can do it... sort of! I really enjoy new challenges and at the minute I'm doing Spamalot in the West End, I grew up with Monty Python, I love it! I'm working with Bonnie Langford, she plays the Lady Of The Lake, I did panto with her about ten years ago and she invited me to see her in the show and I thought it was great and then the opportunity came up to play King Arthur (King of the Britons) and I've only got six weeks in my schedule to do it, so I jumped at the chance! You must come and see it, it's hilarious - the most fun I've had on stage! Playhouse Theatre... now until 27th July!"

You could say that Spamalot is almost like pantomime. Are these the type of shows where you belong Joe? "Definitely! I love panto, and Sleeping Beauty's a great one. It's the fifth year we've done it this year, there's me, Lucy Evans she's the one who sleeps and Ceri Dupree who's the greatest dame. On stage he's like the Queen and he's like a proper glamorous woman and then offstage he's a proper geezer with stubble and everything... and gulping pints!" 

So who is your character Muddles? "Muddles is basically the jester and there's one in every pantomime so if you don't know Muddles think Buttons in Cinderella or Wishee Washee in Aladdin - he's the same character in a different costume, jokes around, everyone loves him and he never gets the girl... What I love about these characters though is that they're funny enough, all the comedy comes from the character without having to step aside and become Joe Pasquale for a moment to get a laugh."

It has been done in pantomime before and we heard a little rumour that you might be putting the ice skates back on for Sleeping Beauty? "Yeah, the show's always evolving and this is the first year I have this new talent. It would be great if the production could handle it but nothing's decided yet... It's still a great show without it."

What is it about pantomime that you love so much? "Pantomime is most probably the first time a kid ever goes to the theatre and I think it's really important for their development. If you can get a kid into  experiencing and enjoying theatre from a young age then you've got a theatregoer for life... and that's a great thing. The trouble is now kids have got iPhones and iPads and TV shows are getting bigger and better and theatre has to compete with that for kids to like and respect it and pantomime's getting there now it really is. This is one of the best out there. I was last in a panto in Wolverhampton 1996, I've done lots of shows of other there since but I'm looking forward to coming back with a pantomime!" 

You can book to see Joe in Sleeping Beauty by clicking here. Tickets are selling fast so there's no time to snooze! Get your beauty sleep afterwards! 

CABARET (UK TOUR) Will Young to star as Emcee in Wolverhampton!

International singer songwriter Will Young makes an exclusive visit to Wolverhampton as part of a major UK tour of Kander & Ebb's masterpiece  CABARET.

Following a hugely successful West End run the UK tour of Cabaret comes to Wolverhampton starring internationally celebrated singer/songwriter Will Young direct from the Olivier Award nominated performance as Emcee. Will Young will reprises the celebrated role in the acclaimed production which makes an exclusive visit to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tuesday 26th - Saturday 30th November 2013. 

Ever since winning the first series of Pop Idol in 2002 Will Young has been one of the most successful and popular UK music artists and holds the record for the fastest selling debut single in British chart history. 

Will Young as Emcee (Photograph by Keith Pattison)

Wolverhampton is the only Midlands venue to willkommen Cabaret and tickets are sure to be popular! So get your money money money ready!

Performance Times: Tues - Sat evenings 7:30pm. Wed, Thurs, Sat matinees at 2:30pm. 

Tickets: £21.50 - £39.50. Tickets go on sale to general public on Monday 1st July at 10am. 

You can book tickets from 1st July by visiting the box office in person, on the phone 01902 42 92 12 or online here.

Watch Will's performance as Emcee from the 2013 Olivier Awards!

MURDER IN PLAY (UK Tour) Review June 2013

The 'play within a play' can be an effective dramatic device which as Michael Billington said of the original production of Noises Off is a "booby-trapped minefield of theatre itself in which one false move, one missed cue, can destroy a carefully created fiction." They're not always the easiest plays to follow and perhaps even more difficult for a company to execute convincingly. It is by complete coincidence that last night I saw Noises Off (review) and tonight the similarly set up Murder In Play. Whereas Noises Off's 'Nothing On' is a farce within a farce, what we have here is 'Murder At Priorswell Manor' - a murder mystery with a murder mystery that is a comedy thriller... 

Similarities between the two are most evident in character and situation but where Murder In Play differs is in pace and tone. We have more time to take in what is happening without farcical slapstick madness sometimes obscuring the plot.

We begin in rehearsal, which is seemingly the norm at the play within play... Also similar is that it is the day before opening and exasperated director Boris Smolensky (David Callister) works his cast late into the night - long after Equity guidelines. Tensions soon begin to fray between cast and crew and it isn't long before murder is not only fictional. 

Alison Mead, David Callister, Gemma Bissix, 

Richard Tate and Dean Gaffney (Photo by Lester McKone)

Callister makes a humorous director, strutting around in high boots suggesting ridiculous changes to character - the impeccable Katy Manning as health food fanatic Christa D'Amato was at one point bent over a chicken with her arms in the air, squawking her lines at Tim (Dean Gaffney) who had been told to give his character a higher pitched voice. There is also plenty of humour from elements of farce such as cupboard doors that won't stay shut, forgetful actors and gun that doesn't bang. Line-forgetting actor Barrison Bracewell, played by Richard Tate is a comedy gem. Much like Noises Off's Selsdon, Tate's character is often having to check the script and later gives a hilarious turn as an inspector who one could mistake as Ronnie Corbett at the Ministry Of Silly Walks. Eastenders and Hollyoaks actress Gemma Bissix stars as Sophie Lawton, who as the mystery progresses becomes the Miss Marple and carries the audience through a series of events and a surprising twist ending. 

Katy Manning (Photo by Lester McKone)

Alison Mead is strong as battle-axe Renee Savage as is Julia Main as Pat - the stage manager forced into acting. Poppy Meadows perhaps shows strongest contrast between her character Ginette and her character's character Virginia - helping to confirm the current stage situation.

The first of four plays in this year's summer season at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Murder In Play is a strong starter. It has every element of what makes a great play - humour, pace, a hugely talent cast and what is almost necessary today - a murder mystery! Playing until Saturday 29th June, book here. Book other plays in the season here.

NOISES OFF (UK Tour) Review June 2013

Hailed as one of the greatest comedies ever written, this current production of Michael Frayn's Noises Off enjoyed successful runs at the Old Vic and the West End's Novello Theatre in 2012 and is now touring the UK. Even now, towards the end of it's tour, the play is far from "on it's last legs", which is more than can be said for Nothing On, the play within the play that focuses highly on doors and sardines of which 13.4 million are eaten daily in Great Britain. The word sardine is derived from the French word... sardine. 

The fast-paced, highly eccentric farce follows the director and touring company of Nothing On, a play about to receive it's world premiere at the Grand Theatre, Weston-Super-Mare prior to a national tour. We see it during the first (and final) dress rehearsal in Weston-Super-Mare, backstage a month later at the Theatre Royal, Ashton-under-Lyne and the final performance two months later at the Municipal Theatre, Stockton-on-Tees. Each of the three acts takes us through act one of Nothing On - we essentially see that three times, but from different perspectives. 

Tired director (Neil Pearson - Bridget Jones's Diary) enters through the auditorium where he spends most of act one at wits end, shouting direction at an awful cast. Maureen Beattie who plays Dotty Otley who plays Mrs Clackett provides much of the humour as she totters around the stage, constantly forgetting her newspaper and sardine props. Geoffrey Freshwater who plays Selsdon Mowbray who plays the Burglar is also a delight with flawless comic timing. 

Geoffrey Freshwater (Selsdon Mowbray) and cast. (Photo by Johan Persson)

The second act, seen from backstage has no dialogue off-stage - we hear the on stage performance whilst the action is played out in mime. It is here where the discipline of the cast is truly evident as 'being in the right place at the right time' is more than crucial. Unlike the Nothing On cast, here they are slick, well-rehearsed and timed to perfection as madcap, slapstick profanity is rife with sardines, whiskey, flowers, a cactus plant, missing props, love affairs, axe-weilding maniacs, nosebleeds and plenty of trousers around ankles are all thrown into the mix. Most of the audience were in unstoppable hysterics - admittedly I found it entertaining but in this particular act there was a little too much happening to concentrate fully.

Sasha Waddell, Chris Larkin, Maureen Beattie and David Bark-Jones

The final act is an absolute disaster... not for our cast, but for that of Nothing On and the build up to the climax is where the play really takes off. Not one thing goes right and by the time the curtains have fallen off during the final bow you leave feeling exhausted but thoroughly entertained. 

Noises Off is relentless hilarity and runs at the Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 29th June - you can book tickets here. 

Cast List: Maureen Beattie, Neil Pearson, David Bark-Jones, Thomasin Rand, Danielle Flett, Chris Larkin, Sasha Waddell, Simon Bubb and Geoffrey Freshwater. 

GISELLE (BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET) Review June 2013

First performed by the Birmingham Royal Ballet in October 1999, what producer David Bintley describes as a proper Giselle, is resurected once more. 

The curtain rises on a quaint little village in the mountains, complete with waterfall. As with all of their productions, BRB's beautiful sets (this designed by Hayden Griffin) are most magical. With the warm, fairytale feel of a pantomime but the realism and detail of the finest photograph you could stare for hours just at the scenery. 

 

Iain Mackay and Jenna Roberts (By Roy Smiljanic) 

It is of course the world-class ballet that you have ultimately come to see and Jenna Roberts who leads as Giselle has quite a story to tell. Giselle and Loys are deeply in love. Loys has not been truthful and is actually Count Albrecht, son of the local lord and is already betrothed to Bathilde - a lady and his social equal. When a jealous Hilarion (a rival for Giselle's hand) proves who Loys really is and Bathilde arrives to claim him, the heartbreak is too much for Giselle who takes her own life. 

Iain Mackay and Jenna Roberts (By Roy Smiljanic) 

Much more dramatic than BRB's last offering of Coppélia the first act passes at the blink of an eye. The intensity of both the story and dazzling choreography are more than enough to keep an audience fixated to the stage. Iain Mackay as the handsome Count Albrecht shows off his incredible elevation and more than once received applause mid-routine. Tyrone Singleton proves his versatility in characterisation - his Hilarion is a far cry from Coppélia's Hans but danced with equal passion. The Harvest Pas De Deux  of Momoko Hirata and Tzu-Chao Chou is also a definite highlight.

Momoko Hirata and Tzu-Chao Chou (By Roy Smiljanic) 

A beautiful production, even in death - the haunting and gothic second act is graceful and is something of a visual spectacle. Also, the presence of a magnificent white horse is but one example of the extreme lengths this company go to impress. World class company and orchestra - another unmissable classic ballet at the Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 22nd June 2013. Book here. 

(Information on booking for the 2013/14 season at the end of Coppélia review.) 

SLEEPING BEAUTY (Wolverhampton Grand Theatre) Interview with Ceri Dupree and Lucy Evans

It always seems a little strange thinking ahead to Christmas in the middle of the summer (or what is supposed be the summer) but now is the time when theatres up and down the country are launching their 2013/14 pantomimes. The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre are pleased to announce that this year the hugely successful production of Sleeping Beauty which is now in it's 5th year will be delighting local audiences for 6 weeks.

The pantomime started life at the Birmingham Hippodrome in 2009 and has since played in Plymouth, Nottingham and Cardiff. The forthcoming Wolverhampton production will star the same three leads as in previous years with Joe Pasquale as Muddles, Ceri Dupree as Queen Passionella and Lucy Evans as Princess Beauty. 

Ceri Dupree and Lucy Evans with Joe Pasquale

"It seems so long ago now since starting out in Birmingham" said Lucy to which Ceri agreed - "Yes, Birmingham was a great place to start, it was a massive theatre and they could just throw so much money at it. I used to have 22 costumes changes, it's only 17 now... yes, only! We've had to scale down the production slightly but that's not a bad thing. What the show is now is a really slick production that we've had five years to perfect and for that it will be the best it's ever been this Christmas - it's tried and tested and we know it works. I always say to myself before I go on stage, this is the first time these people are seeing these costumes, hearing these gags and so you just have to give it 100% every time..."

You'd think that after five years in the same production things start to get a bit repetitive, but not for Lucy. "Oh it's never the same show twice, especially with Joe Pasquale involved. Joe's always making us laugh, adding in new jokes and we're at that stage where we know the show so well now that we can do that and I think that's what makes our pantomime so great. All my friends who are also do panto come to see me and say afterwards that they want to be in our Sleeping Beauty because it's the best, so Wolverhampton's in for a treat!"

This is the first year that the Wolverhampton pantomime will have a relaxed performance. On Thursday 16th January at 11am there is an adapted performance for those on the autistic spectrum and or with additional needs who may benefit from a more 'relaxed' theatre environment. Effects such as loud sounds, bangs and pyrotechnics are removed from the show. Neither Lucy or Ceri have done a relaxed performance before. Lucy said "Joe's done one before, some West End shows do them too." Ceri added "I didn't even know what one of those was, but if it's what you say then that's fabulous. Making theatre even more accessible to everyone is great!" There are also audio described and sign language interpreted performances.  For more information on any of the access performances of the pantomime and other upcoming shows at the theatre contact Janine at janine@grandtheatre.co.uk. 

Lucy Evans

Ceri continued to talk about changes to the show with how his particular character differs with each venue - "I do impersonations during the show, last year we were in Cardiff and so Shirley Bassey made an appearance, she'll probably stay at home this year and I'll do someone more local. Who's local to Wolverhampton?" ....  Jamelia? .... "Oh no love, I can't do her...!"

Ceri Dupree

This won't be the first time Ceri has performed in Wolverhampton. "It's a gorgeous theatre, the Grand... lives up to it's name. People tend to frown upon Wolverhampton, but the state of the town is nobody's fault - it's the economy. All high streets are the same wherever we've been and you can't judge a town on that. If you judge a town on it's theatre, Wolverhampton's one of the best. I did panto there in 1990 and then in 1994 I was in Hot Stuff, the musical there. I'm very much looking forward to coming back and a big reason for that is because it's a wonderful traditional theatre with a proper theatre manager. Peter Cutchie, the Chief Executive isn't one of these council officials who run many of the theatres . They'll just put anything on but he's so passionate about theatre and giving Wolverhampton the best shows he can offer. I've been in shows where nobody knocks on your dressing room door for weeks just to check if everything's OK, but everyone who knows Peter will tell you that he truly is at the heart of the theatre." 

Joe Pasquale and Ceri Dupree in a dress given to him by Danny La Rue

"I've never been to Wolverhampton before" said Lucy. "I'm really excited and I've heard so much about the theatre so I can't wait to get to started. I do 'sleep' for quite a while though... that's the deal, so I have to take up a new hobby backstage until they wake me up. Last year I did knitting, if anyone's got any suggestions I'll gladly take them!" 

Faaaaaabulousssss!

Ceri, (who also has his own female impersonations show) designs all of his own costumes, even for pantomime. "I design them all, for my own show and for pantomime which I particularly adore. When you do panto you can just go off an a tangent and the British audience get that. I had some South African friends come over to see me in panto a few years ago and they just didn't get it. For them everything had to make sense and they just couldn't comprehend the ridiculousness of the situations! You have to get into the mental mindset and then you just have fun... and it's only really the British that manage to do that. I almost did a pantomime in Los Angeles once. Yes, Los Angeles I couldn't believe it. Somebody saw me in cabaret in London and asked me to do it and I said you're kidding me? It was going to be Cinderella and I was going to be an ugly sister alongside Zsa Zsa Gabor as the Fairy Godmother... Zsa Zsa Gabor! It almost got into production before the American's decided pantomime was too silly an idea and that America just wouldn't get it... so that never happened."

Sleeping Beauty however is most definitely happening in Wolverhampton this Christmas and runs from Saturday 7th December 2013 - Sunday 19th January 2014. Tickets were on sale before last year's giant of a pantomime Jack And The Beanstalk had even ended - so book HERE now for the best available seats! 

View the trailer for the pantomime!

Check back soon for an interview with Joe Pasquale!

COPPÉLIA (BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET) Review June 2013

3rd March, 1995 - this production of Coppélia is first performed by the Birmingham Royal Ballet at the Birmingham Hippodrome. 6th June, 2013 - I see it for the very first time. Some 18 years on from it's premiere in the same venue there was barely a seat in the house left unoccupied. 

This is the story of Franz who falls for Coppélia, a doll left on a balcony by toymaker Dr Coppélius. Much to his fiancée Swanilda's anger, she and her friends enter the workshop and ultimately cause chaos in an attempt to distract Coppélius who is using Franz in an attempt to give life to his beloved doll. 

Previous Cast Photography - Birmingham Royal Ballet

Rory Mackay is delightful as Dr Coppélius, the bumbling character role that provides not only humour but plenty of charm as he works his magic upon the doll, or at least what he believes is the doll. Swanilda swaps positions with Coppélia's and is danced by Ambra Vallo gracefully throughout. All eyes are on her as not only does she execute the most remarkable footwork but her expression is incredibly transfixing and enough to tell a story alone. Tyrone Singleton is lover Franz and commands the stage  - a definite display of strength and control proving to be a technically assured principal.

Choreographed by Peter Wright, this 18-year-old production is in no way dated. The story is just as enchanting as it always was but there is a fresh and exciting vibe that turns the Birmingham Hippodrome into a land of magic and fantasy for it's duration.

What also goes a long way to help the production's breathtaking values is the incredible scenery and costumes by Peter Farmer. We have of course come to see the ballet, not particularly it's surroundings but the three lavish settings really are a spectacle. The Birmingham Royal Ballet orchestra is most impressive and fill the auditorium with a rich sound of Léo Delibes score.

Combine every element of the Birmingham Royal Ballet and it is clear just why they are considered among the best in the world. It is most heartening to know that such a wonderful company have their home here - one of Birmingham's many assets.

Coppélia is true joy. An dazzling and spectacular vision of love without a word uttered. Beautiful.

Watch Coppélia in rehearsals:

Book tickets for Coppélia which runs unil Saturday (8th June) here. You can also book for Birmingham Royal Ballet's future productions: Giselle (BOOK), 'Still Life' At The Penguin Café (BOOK), The Sleeping Beauty (BOOK), The Nutcracker (BOOK), Three Of A Kind (BOOK), The Prince Of The Pagodas (BOOK), Darkness And Light (BOOK) and La Fille Mal Gardee (BOOK).

For prioity booking and discounts, become a Friend of the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Click here for more information.

WICKED (UK TOUR) 2013/14 UK TOUR CAST ANNOUNCEMENT

* UPDATE - 22/8/2013 *

Today the first pictures of UK Tour cast of Wicked were released just weeks before opening in Manchester. Liam Doyle is pictured as Fiyero, Nikki Davis Jones as Elphaba and Emily Tierney as Glinda. WICKED plays at Birmingham Hippodrome from 9th July 2014 - book here. 

Liam Doyle, Nikki Davis Jones & Emily Tierney

(Click to view larger)

Watch the video below from the tour photoshoot with cast interviews and more exclusives!

* ORIGINAL POST *

After much rumour and speculation the cast of the UK Tour of Wicked is announced!

Previous West End cast members NIKKI DAVIS-JONES will play Elphaba, EMILY TIERNEY stars as Glinda and GEORGE URE returns to the role of Boq.

Click picture to view larger.

Also heading the forthcoming tour cast will be LIAM DOYLE as Fiyero, MARILYN CUTTS as Madam Morrible, DALE RAPLEY as the Wizard and Doctor Dillamond, CARINA GILLESPIE as Nessarose and standby for Glinda. JEMMA ALEXANDER will be standby for Elphaba.

Emily Tierney, Liam Doyle, Nikki Davis-Jones

WICKED flies into Birmingham Hippodrome from Wednesday 9th July until Saturday 6th September 2014. Priority booking for Friends of the Hippodrome is now open and general ticket sales from 10am Monday 10th June 2013 (online) and phone/box office sales from 10am on Tuesday 11th June 2013.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

See the launch photo shoot here:

THE CAST

Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba) previously played ‘Elphaba’ in Wicked at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre where as ‘Standby’ she performed the role on hundreds of occasions to huge acclaim. Her many other theatre credits include: ‘Maureen’ in the 20^thAnniversary concert tour of Rent with Kerry Ellis; the new musical LIFT (Soho Theatre); ‘Wendy’ in Peter Pan (Liverpool Empire); ‘Serena’ in Fame The Musical (UK Tour); the Take That musical Never Forget (West End); ‘Anna’ in ASAP (Liverpool Unity Theatre); ‘Lisa’ in Mamma Mia! (West End) and ‘Linda’ in Blood Brothers (West End). Film: Mamma Mia! (Universal).

Emily Tierney (Glinda) appeared in the London production of Wicked and subsequently starred as ‘Glinda’ in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production of The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium alongside ‘Over The Rainbow’ winner Danielle Hope. Emily’s other theatre credits include: ‘Sally’ in All the Fun of the Fair (Garrick Theatre); ‘Maria’ in West Side Story (Barbican) and Titanic - The Musical (Shaw Theatre). Film includes: ‘Ellie’ in John Carter of Mars and ‘Alice’ in Kate Modern. Television includes: ‘Lydia Harrison’ in Pushand Do It in Style and Eva Roderick in New Tricks. Emily trained at Mountview.

Liam Doyle (Fiyero) first came to prominence when he entered and won the nationwide talent search hosted by GMTV to find an actor to play ‘Troy Bolton’ in the stage version of High School Musical 2. He performed the role all over the country for the next 12 months. He has subsequently gone on to star as ‘Link Larkin’ in Hairspray (UK Tour) opposite Michael Ball; ‘Shane Gray’ in Disney’s Camp Rock (Dubai) and ‘Ricky Nelson’ in Rock & Roll Heaven (UK Tour). Liam recently made his West End debut playing ‘Eddie’ in Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre and will shortly be seen in the new musical Carnival of Animals at Riverside Studios.

Marilyn Cutts (Madame Morrible) is currently starring as ‘Mother Lord’ in the UK tour of High Society. A founding member of Fascinating Aida, Marilyn’s many theatre roles include: ‘Mrs Potts’ in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (UK Tour); ‘Mrs Sowerberry’ inOliver! (London Palladium), directed by Sam Mendes; ‘Armina’ in Oklahoma! (National Theatre), directed by Trevor Nunn; the ‘Doormouse’ and the ‘White Queen’ in Alice In Wonderland (RSC); ‘Mme de Rosemonde’ in Adam Cooper’s production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses and ‘Helena Landless’ in the original London production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Marilyn recently appeared in Tom Hooper’s film of Les Misérables (Working Title/Cameron Mackintosh).

Dale Rapley (The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond) has recently starred as ‘Horace Vandergelder’ opposite Janie Dee in Hello Dolly!and ‘Louis Leplee’ in Piaf with Frances Ruffelle, both at the Leicester Curve. He has played both ‘Bill Austin’ and ‘Harry Bright’ inMamma Mia! (West End and International Tour) and starred in productions at Shakespeare’s Globe; the Open Air Theatre Regent’s Park; the Young Vic; West Yorkshire Playhouse; the RSC and is currently appearing in Ostrovsky’s Larisa and the Merchants at the Arcola. His many television credits include: Doctors; Poirot; Spooks; Silent Witness; Aquila and Eastenders.

Carina Gillespie (Nessarose) starred as ‘Sandy’ in the most recent national tour of Grease, opposite Danny Bayne. Carina also played the role in the West End (Piccadilly Theatre) and on a previous national tour. Her other appearances include: ‘Linda’ in Bloodbath The Musical (Edinburgh Festival), with Siobhan McCarthy and Anthony Costa, and ‘Maria Elena’ in Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story on tour in the UK and Scandinavia.

George Ure (Boq) trained at Mountview and upon graduating he made his West End debut in Wicked at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre. He subsequently took over the role of ‘Boq’ and enjoyed a 3-year stay with the hit musical. He then went on to tour Europe in the Arena production of Hair. His TV and film appearances include: Britannia High (ITV); Don’t Stop Me Now (Sky One); and Guns on the Table (Out and Out Films). He recently appeared as a vocalist in Rod Stewarts’s Christmas (ITV).

GHOST THE MUSICAL (UK Tour) Review June 2013

Ghost The Musical is the stage adaptation of the 1990 film which everyone has seen.... surely? If you haven't, the musical stays loyal to the heart-breaking story of Molly Jensen (Rebecca Trehearn) and her boyfriend Sam Wheat (Stewart Clarke) who is shot and killed in a New York alleyway. Seemingly a random attack at first, Sam (who's ghost is trapped between worlds) seeks the help of psychic medium Oda Mae Brown to discover the reason behind his murder and ultimately to prove his love to Molly. 

From the moment the overture blasts out it is quite clear that this is no budgeted mockery of the film trying to cash in with it's many fans. Ambitious technology is at the forefront of the production and the many screens, projectors and ever changing scenery help to re-create the effects which are so easily achieved in the film on stage. Yes, Sam certainly walks through the door!

Stewart Clarke is a mightily impressive Sam, much angrier than previous castings, he makes clear the torment and confusion of being trapped between the human world and the afterlife. Not only admiral sensitivity in the subtle ballads but belting powerfully the bigger, angrier numbers such as I Had A Life.  Rebecca Trehearn (who had previously understudied the role in the London production) leads as Molly and has a seemingly exhausting job. The music by Eurythmics Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard is a demanding sing. Trehearn pours her heart into With You and Nothing Stops Another Day which had much of the audience quivering wrecks before the heart-rending final scene.

For the role of Oda Mae Brown in the movie, Whoopi Goldberg won the Academy Award for best supporting actress, London's Sharon D. Clarke and Broadway's Da'Vine Joy Randolph were both nominated for same award at the Olivier and Tony Awards. If there was such a thing as the UK Touring Awards Wendy Mae Brown would most definitely be nominated too. Oda Mae Brown is the most infectious character and steals every scene she is in. This comedy role is most definitely needed to take away from the heartbreak of most of the other scenes. Together with sisters Clara and Louise (Karlene Wray and Keisha Atwell) and Maeve Byrne as Mrs Santiago, the psychic parlour scenes are filled with laugh-out-loud moments. Oda Mae's disco number towards the end - I'm Outta Here is perhaps the musical highlight of the show, where she envisages the many things she plans on doing with the ten million dollar cheque she has just withdrawn from the bank. (You can read my interview with Wendy here.) 

David Roberts is a deceitful Carl Bruner - Sam's best friend, for a while... Likeable at first and then suitably twisted as the plot thickens revealing his secret. Ivan De Freitas reprises his role from the London production as hit-man Willie Lopez which he plays with extreme sliminess. Stevie Hutchinson is impressive as the acrobatic Subway Ghost. The ensemble are all on fine form and work Ashley Wallen's exciting, disjointed current choreography well and provide excellent eerie harmonies. 

The show is testament to not only the cast but the incredible crew who worked around the clock to take Ghost from Edinburgh to Wolverhampton in just three days. It is a difficult job to ensure Paul Kieve's illusions work perfectly and the amount of technical equipment required means that 21 production staff are on hand. (Find out more behind the scenes here.) 

Ghost is an incredible theatrical experience unlike any other. Visually spectacular and will continue to reduce audiences to tears for it's entire run. Tickets are in high demand at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, you cannot miss out on the Midlands premiere of what has to be the biggest West End production to visit the region - BOOK HERE. Playing until 15th June 2013.

Social Media was overflowing with responses to last nights opening show. Here are a selection of the casts comments!

You were amazing @wolvesgrand simply the best opening night so far and a superb reception after the show from the friends of the theatre.
— GHOST The Musical (@ghostontour) June 5, 2013

What a lovely crowd @wolvesgrand this evening. Thanks for your kind words, looking forward to the next couple of weeks!
— Rebecca Trehearn (@RebeccaTrehearn) June 4, 2013

Great opening tonight in Wolverhampton with top audience - thanks for the lovely welcome/reception from the @wolvesgrand
— Stewart Clarke (@StewClarke) June 4, 2013

Great being back at the Grand Wolverhampton! Just soundcheckedfor @ghostontour's opening tonight. You'll all be believers by then .....!
— Wendy Mae Brown (@WendyMaeBrown) June 4, 2013

With Michael Cortez, Maeve Byrne, Amy West, Gregor Stewart, Wendy Mae Brown and Rebecca Trehearn

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. 

CARNABY STREET (UK Tour) Review June 2013

Carnaby Street in the swinging 60's proved a popular haunt for the Mods and the Hippies, you could find the latest fashions and visit underground music bars such as the famous Marquee Club where this musical is set, which is actually on neighbouring Wardour Street.

The musical which received it's world premiere at the Hackney Empire earlier this year is the story of Jude (Matthew Wycliffe), who arrives in Soho in search of fame and fortune after travelling from Liverpool with his best friend Penny Lane (Verity Rushworth). After a chance encounter with man-about-town Jack Sprat (Aaron Sidwell), Jude joins a band at the Marquee Club and makes it big in the music scene. 

Set against the hustle and bustle of Carnaby Street and with a varied soundtrack of 60's hits such as Bend Me Shape Me, Son Of A Preacher Man, Sweets For My Sweet, Shout, Born To Be Wild and Downtown both cast and audience can definitely have fun. Where the musical lacks slightly is in storyline - with so many as 40 hits and a megamix finale most of the time spent is singing with less attention to the characters and their story between songs. A lot songs are just included for the sake of it, and do little to further the plot, which was more a series of mini sub-plots. Not that this really matters for those in the audience of a reminiscent age, they were quite obviously enjoying the opportunity to hear so many of their songs of youth played and sung live by such an expert cast.

Matthew Wycliffe (fresh from two years in Jersey Boys) shines as Jude who proves to be right at home in the juke-box musical after a stint as Buddy in the Buddy Holly Story too. Had he have been this age in the 60's he could quite easily have been an icon. Verity Rushworth also shows extreme vocal talent, rousing the audience with Shout. Aaron Sidwell is a delight as Jack who we see first and offers a warm and friendly welcome to Carnaby Street. Tricia Adele Turner (We Will Rock You/Legally Blonde) is Jane who turns her back on the upper-class English tradition in favour of sex, drugs and rock n roll! She excels with songs such as Dusty Springfield's I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself. 

Impressive is Hugo Harold-Harrison as Arnold Layne - the sex crazed owner of the record label.  Dominant and commanding of the stage - a far cry from his recent appearance in Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. Someone who wouldn't have been out of place in Priscilla is Lily (The Pink) played by Paul Hazel. The fabulously camp, cross-dressing boutique owner helps Jude on his way to stardom and serves almost as a mother character to everyone who happens to pop in store. Lily's numbers such as Son Of A Preacher Man and Poison Ivy bring the house down. Actor-musicanship in this show is impeccable. 

If 60's is your thing it's likely you'll enjoy Carnaby Street. This musical is a great excuse to bring back the songs of the 60's, relive them and bring them to brand new audience. It's fun, easy to watch, enjoyable night at the theatre - hardly groundbreaking but the cast give everything they've got to ensure you have a good time - the end is giant 60's party! With only a few remaining weeks of this current UK tour make sure you don't miss out - book for the Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre here. 

The cast of Carnaby Street pose in Birmingham City Centre today!

See what audiences thought of the show!

Cast List: Verity Rushworth, Aaron Sidwell, Matthew Wycliffe, Tricia Adele Turner, Gregory Clarke, Hugo Harold-Harrison, Paul Hazel, Mark Pearce, Craig Anderson, Jonny Bower, Tom Connor, CiCi Howells, Lilly Howard, Claude Pelletier, Matthew Quinn, Katie Pritchard, Mike Slader, Dan Smith and Lauren Storer.