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 Matthew Kelly & Ansu Kabia

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. 

DIRTY DANCING (UK Tour) Wolverhampton Press Launch

As part of the programme for the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre's 120th anniversary next year, the worldwide stage phenomenon Dirty Dancing will be playing for three weeks through September and October 2014.

The launch event, held at local Coppice Performing Arts School saw cast and creatives come together for a masterclass on the style of choreography used in the show.  Around 40 dance students, group bookers and members of the media were put through their paces by dancers Jacqui Biggs, James Bennett and associate choreographer, Glenn Wilkinson. 

Jacqui Biggs and James Bennett

After a sweaty start and a mouthful of Watermelon cupcakes I sat down with producer Karl Sydow to talk about the show's success so far. 

How did you come to be involved in a stage production of Dirty Dancing?

A friend who was an old rock and roll promoter got in touch with me one day and said "listen, I think I can get the rights to Dirty Dancing but I don't have the time to actually produce it." I have a daughter and I knew she was going to tell me that I should do it, she watches the film all the time. I asked her what she thought, I only knew of Dirty Dancing because of her and I didn't know if it would work. There's a pretty wide range of people we had to impress with it and I knew it was very important to get it right for it's existing and loyal fan-base. 

Dirty Dancing is quite unlike anything else, it's not a musical, they don't just burst into song... but it's far from a play. How would you describe it?

Yes, you're absolutely right about that... it's a play with music. It is the film on stage, which a lot of people would think is a lot easier than creating a musical from it. The film has 118 separate scenes - plays and musicals don't have that. We had the challenge of getting all that on stage - people had to see the log that they balance on, they had to see the field where they do the lift and you have to have the lake ... I mean how do you put a lake on stage that someone convincingly accepts!? 

Producer, Karl Sydow

Were there any other challenges?

Well yes... it's a film that is hugely important to women and the stage show has continued to be. It is men that control the entertainment industry so I've never found it easy to get a theatre to take us on. I got turned down by virtually everyone in the West End. Nobody wanted Dirty Dancing in the theatre and they just didn't believe it would be successful. I had somebody actually say to me "nobody will buy a ticket for this Karl, you're going to have the biggest disaster of your producing life. People can just go out and buy the DVD of the film from a bargain bin, it'll cost me £8..." 

But what we have is special. If you're a fan of the movie and have watched it so many times this is your chance to see it live! I think when you've watched it over and over you get to the point where you want to join in and be there with Johnny and Baby and this is the closest you'll get to that. It's an essential human, visceral experience - you want to be there! This is 3D, it's real... better than the movie in that sense, you're actually in the room with Baby and Johnny and you're not going to get that anywhere else. I can't wait to bring the show to Wolverhampton.

Dirty Dancing plays at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tuesday 23 September - Saturday 11 October 2014. Tickets can be booked online here or by calling the box office on 01902 429212

Watch the 2014 tour trailer here:

INTERVIEW with John Leader - October 2013

Birmingham-born 23-year-old John Leader has just graduated from East 15 Acting School after a three year Physical Theatre course which set him up perfectly for his latest role - a puppeteer in the first ever UK touring production of the National Theatre's War Horse. 

You've just graduated and now you're here in this mammoth touring production, War Horse, what have the last few months been like for you?

Well they've definitely been an amazing experience! I think it's definitely been a huge learning curve for me, just graduating and then moving into this has been absolutely amazing and I couldn't have asked for anything more. I think War Horse is an amazing show to be in and even if I wasn't in it I'd still be telling all of my friends to go and see it, It's an amazing feeling to be in a show that you're so proud of. 

John rehearsing for War Horse (Photo by Ellie Kurttz)

How do you audition for something like War Horse? What's involved in that process?

In the auditions we do some basic puppetry - we do a lot of object manipulation and ensemble listening and moving and then we get into the horse and get to experience being horses! There's about four rounds. 

Did you have any previous puppetry experience?

I trained at East 15 on their Physical Theatre course and one of the modules there is puppetry so I got to experience some puppetry but definitely not on the scale of the horses here. I got really good taste of it which I think really set me up well for this job. 

Can you explain your role in bringing horse Joey to life?

I play the heart on both horses - Joey and Topthorn. My job is to control the front two legs and the breathing. Each person has a different role so 'the head' has the head and controls the emotional indicators which are the ears. I'm 'the heart' so my emotional indicator is the horse's breath and then 'the hind' operates the back two legs with that emotional indicator being the tail. 

Listen to an extended version of this interview in the podcast below:

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War Horse (UK Tour) Review

WAR HORSE (UK Tour) Review October 2013

Based on the novel by former children's laureate, Michael Morpurgo, War Horse is the endearing story of a boy, Alfred and his horse Joey. The 1982 novel remained just that for 25 years before the National Theatre premiered the groundbreaking play in London in 2007. Since then the production has opened on Broadway, in Canada, Melbourne, and the first non-English-language production opened in Berlin on 19 October 2013 - just one day after the first press night for the UK touring production at Birmingham Hippodrome. 

The play follows horse Joey who is sold to a yeomanry cavalry division and serves in France for the British in the First World War. He is later captured and serves on the German side before ending up wounded and wondering no-man's land. Joey is pursued by his young master Albert who is determined to be reunited with his best friend. 

Joey, Albert and Goose (London Cast Photography)

With a minimalist set, War Horse can still boast huge production values. Presented in association with Handspring Puppet Company the animals in the show are brought to life by incredibly realistic puppets. The horses of course are the main focus but even a goose and some birds become scene-stealers. Generally, I think there's a real danger with puppetry in the fact that it is often used for comic effect - there are humorous moments that receive an affectionate giggle but even so, for the entire time the animals are manipulated with such conviction that what you're watching is completely real. When theatre can truly manage to suspend such levels of disbelief it really is magical and War Horse is the shining example of that. 

Lee Armstrong is an endearing Albert who you cannot help but cry for like his strained mother Rose, played by Karen Henthorn, both ensure that your heart is left aching. Nisa Cole is excellent as Emilie and shows incredible emotional versatility. Mention must go to the superb puppeteers who are perhaps overlooked as you're caught up in the action but the detail of movement (ear twitching to the motion of breathing) is nothing short of genius. 

Topthorn and Joey (London Cast Photography)

Honestly, this not a relaxing experience but theatre shouldn't always be. For the play's entirety you are at war and my heart was in my mouth for the duration. We've all heard the poems and seen the films but here you're presented with war and its horrors and you're very much a part of it - a breathtaking experience. The heartstrings are well and truly pulled at as you're taken through the tragic, ultimately bittersweet story. 

War Horse is phenomenal. By the end, I could barely applaud from an overwhelming emotion that you cannot help but release. I would urge anyone to buy a ticket however every performance is now sold out for the duration of the Birmingham tour dates. You can enquire about returned tickets by calling 0844 338 5000. Alternatively you can book other tour venues or for the London production here. 

There is an extra event in Birmingham with good ticket availability, War Horse: Only Remembered on Friday 8th November at 2pm. Author Michael Morpurgo will be reading from the book on the set of War Horse and is joined by acclaimed musicians John Tams and Barry Coope. For more information and to book, click here. 

You can listen to my interview with author Michael Morpurgo here:

Cast List: James Alper, Lee Armstrong, Peter Ash, Emily Aston, Nisa Cole, Joe Darke, David Fleeshman, Adam Foster, Bob Fox, Jason Furnival, Thomas Gilbey, Oliver Grant, Finn Hanlon, Karl Haynes, Karen Henthorn, Steven Hillman, Michael Humphreys, Linford Johnson, Andrew Keay, Rebecca Killick, Tom Larkin, John Leader, Helen Macfarlane, Sean McKenzie, Alex Moran, Suzan Nixon, Tom Norman, Joseph Richardson, Paul Simpson, Gavin Swift, Simeon Truby, Peter Twose, Richard Vorster, Martin Wenner

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Interview with John Leader

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (UK Tour) Review October 2013

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood received critical acclaim for his direction of Chess, a production that toured the UK throughout 2010/11 and made use of a cast of actor-musicians. This year, Fiddler On The Roof has been given a similar Horwood treatment. 

Actor-musicians, as the name suggests are not only actors but the band as well. The cast work incredibly hard at multi-tasking vocals and choreography to present a unique and contemporary production that would offer all the charm of the original - almost fifty years on. 

Leading the incredible cast is Paul Michael Glaser as Tevye. Glaser, who played Perchik in the 1971 film version is almost unrecognisable here from his Starsky & Hutch days. He opens the show introducing us to tradition, which throughout he learns to adapt. The story centres around dairyman Tevye - the papa. The father of five daughters, we see his attempts to maintain his family and religious traditions whilst outside influences encroach upon their lives. He must cope with both the strong willed actions of his three older daughters and each one's choice of husband moves further away from the customs of his faith and with the edict of the Tsar that evicts the Jews from their villages.

Paul Michael Glaser, Emily O'Keeffe, Liz Singleton and Claire Petzal

Although Tzeitel's relationship is the dominant story, each of the three elder daughters have plenty of time to showcase incredible talent. Karen Mann as Tevye's wife Golde provides both humour with occasional asides to the Almighty and tender moments in Do You Love Me? which exudes a genuine affinity. Susannah Van Den Berg's short spell as the butcher's wife from beyond the grave, Fruma-Sarah is one of the show's highlights - a commanding stage presence and a joy throughout. 

Susannah Van Den Berg as Fruma Sarah

Craig Revel Horwood's simplistic choreography has the perfect balance, from movement with instruments to traditional Jewish bottle dancing. Daniel Bolton, a recent graduate shows no inexperience as Fyedka - charming as the young Christian boy who falls for daughter Chava. Steven  Bor is a strong Perchik, the arrogant student and now guitar player! Jennifer Douglas is the mysterious but entirely captivating Fiddler. 

 Daniel Bolton as Fyedka (centre)

Act 1 is a lengthy 1 hour 40 minutes but time goes by in an instant. What I like about Fiddler On The Roof is that every new situation is dealt with immediately by Tevye and that helps keep a fast pace, there's a sense of urgency in these people's lives.  It's very real, easily relatable and the themes of love and loss are of equal relevance today than they would have been during its 1964 Broadway premiere.

Fiddler On The Roof is a blessing on your head Mazel Tov, Mazel Tov, to see a daughter wed, Mazel Tov, Mazel Tov... yes you'll be singing the songs long after! Tradition, Matchmaker, If I Were A Rich Man are all audience pleasers. The entire show is sung, danced and played live on stage by one of the most charismatic casts you'll see. You can book tickets to Fiddler On The Roof by visiting the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre website here. You can also listen to my interview with Paul Michael Glaser below!

Watch the show's trailer here:

Cast List: Paul Michael Glaser, Daniel Bolton, Steven Bor, Jennifer Douglas, Matthew James Hinchcliffe, Lilly Howard, Paul Kissaun, Liz Kitchen, Karen Mann, Tarek Merchant, Eamonn O'Dwyer, Emily O'Keeffe, Michael Paver, Claire Petzal, Neil Salvage, Liz Singleton, Jeff Smyth, Jon Trenchard, Susannah Van Den Berg, Ashley Pollitt, Javier Santos

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Interview with Paul Michael Glaser

INTERVIEW with Keith Chegwin - October 2013

Christmas is undoubtably a busy time for anyone but for TV funny-man Keith Chegwin it's even more so. Last year he appeared on the eighth series of Dancing On Ice after intense training during a four week pantomime season. This year Keith is back in pantomime at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon but not before returning to the ice at the London Palladium! Keith took the time out from rehearsals to talk about his busy schedule. 

Where did your love of ice skating come from Keith? Was it something you've always enjoyed or was Dancing On Ice your first experience of it?

Dancing On Ice was the first sort of real serious experience of skating but when I was about twelve I went to a stage school with Phil Collins and his sister Carol Collins was a champion ice skater! We stayed with her for a little while and she took me to the ice rink and I got to learn a few things but then I just stopped it. Two years ago Dancing On Ice phoned up and it was between that or Strictly Come Dancing and obviously I chose Dancing On Ice and it's been my love ever since!

I've caught you in the middle of rehearsals here because you're about to take to the ice again with the Imperial Ice Stars at the London Palladium?

Yeah, The Nutcracker On Ice! It's such an honour, it's a bit like the Royal Ballet phoning up and saying "Oh we're doing Swan Lake, have you got any tights? Can you help us out!?" ... These guys on ice, it's a different kettle of fish isn't it, Dancing On Ice is fantastic and I can't tell you how much I'd recommend anybody go off and do it but they're restrained to health and safety - this it's just away you go! These are 26 Olympic athletes that between them own over 250 medals for Olympic and Commonwealth games and I think to myself "Oh my God... I've only won the Radio Lollipop award!"

And this is the London Palladium we're talking about here... how are the nerves?

Well it's weird, I've never really suffered from nerves, I suffer from excitement! I get really buzzy about things, yesterday in rehearsals I was that excited I was just catching my blades all over the place! My ambition for this is when you see us come on stage you won't know it's me! You'll think "oh no that's one of the profes.... oh no, it IS Keith!" - I want my skating to be up to scratch really. But the London Palladium for us old people is like the O2 now, it's the climax of your career. 

Keith and partner Olga Sharutenko the last series of Dancing On Ice 

People don't really appreciate what all this is about though. When I say to people I'm in The Nutcracker they're like "oh, okay..." but no, this takes you into a fantasy world - we're flying in it and there's magic and for the first time ever I shall be on stage and not shouting "Wey Hey!" or "it's behind you!" 

So what can we expect from the pantomime afterwards then? Back to Keith we know and love?

Oh I don't know, I might leave my skates on, it has been done before! Last year one of the characters in our panto had his roller skates on and went round the stage! He was really good ... he has been in Starlight Express though! I shall be sad to take my skates off really but I do love panto as well, especially at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon - Jack And The Beanstalk this year, come and see us! It's my third year back there and it's like coming home to family! Everyone backstage and front of house are all really nice people and the audiences are great. I remember the best compliment I was ever given was from the theatre manager Derek Aldridge and he said "Keith, can you just calm it down because the kids keep jumping up and wrecking the seats!" Haha, I was likes yessss!! I've done my job! 

Keith in last years pantomime Aladdin at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon

You can see Keith reunited with his Dancing On Ice partner Olga Sharutenko in The Nutcracker On Ice at the London Palladium from 24 October - 3 November by booking tickets here. Tickets are between £21 and £76. Following that you can catch the show at the Wales Milennium Centre, Cardiff from 8 - 17 November and at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton from 19 - 23 November. 

You can then see Keith in pantomime, Jack And The Beanstalk at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon from 7 December 2013 - 5 January 2014. For more information on the pantomime click here. To book tickets click here.

Listen to an extended version of the interview with Keith and dance partner Olga Sharutenko below:

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THE SLEEPING BEAUTY (BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET) Review October 2013

Sir Peter Wright's The Sleeping Beauty is perhaps the most majestic of Birmingham Royal Ballet's programme. The production received a 2010 revival of the company's 1984 production and is once more captivating a home audience at Birmingham Hippodrome. 

The story is most simple, the famous tale of Princess Aurora who is cruelly tricked by Carabosse, pricking her finger on a spindle and falling into a deep sleep only to be woken by true love's kiss - Prince Florimund. 

Birmingham Royal Ballet doing nothing by halves and the grand staging by Philip Prowse is breathtaking. The entire production is gold and the grand prologue makes for one of best openings to a ballet I've seen. With the Royal Ballet Sinfonia masterfully in charge of Tchaikovsky's score every element of the evening is pure delight. 

Natasha Oughtred, Princess Aurora

At just under three hours this ballet is very long. There is little story left to tell with much of the score yet to play. Act III as with most ballets is a celebration and in this case filled with dance from Puss-in-Boots, Red Riding Hood and the Wolf and the Bluebird with Enchanted Princess. Everything is beautiful but the routines are reprised many times and when 10 o'clock is reached and there is still 25 minutes to go - you can get a little uncomfortable in your seat. 

Natasha Oughtred makes for the perfect princess - there are moments in which her skill is almost unbelievable. Her strength is incredible and stage presence delightful. She is joined by César Morales as Prince Florimund who is equally as present and a commanding male lead. Samara Downs is full of wicked expression as the evil fairy Carabosse. 

At 29 years old any production would tired and dated... not this. The Sleeping Beauty is an absolute treat, far more detailed and grandiose to the ice version currently touring but the productions are incomparable in their own right. 

Finale (Photograph by Bill Cooper)

This is likely to be the most lavish production you will see, an incredible effort and display of world class ballet from this Birmingham company - an honour to the city. Book here for tickets to The Sleeping Beauty at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 12 October 2013. 

Watch a clip of the Bluebird pas de deux solo below:

SLEEPING BEAUTY ON ICE (UK Tour) Review October 2013

This week, the New Alexandra Theatre stage is unlikely to be as you've ever seen it before. Covered in over 14 tonnes of ice the stage is set for the Imperial Ice Stars and their production of Sleeping Beauty On Ice which runs until Saturday. 

Artistic director of the company Tony Mercer presents something very special here - the opportunity to see ice dancing in the intimacy of a theatre as opposed to on television or a large arena - it's almost like a different medium. You can really appreciate the skill required in such proximity. Just as a ballet tells the story of the Sleeping Beauty through gesture and it's own dance style, the ice dancing does too - it's very different but achieves the same result. With this we have speed unlike any other show, daring and exciting lifts and a conglomeration of catches, spins, leaps, flying, arial stunts, fire... you name it!

Olga Sharutenko and Bogdan Berezenko (Photograph by Phil Hitchman)

ITV's Dancing On Ice professional and World Champion figure skater Olga Sharutenko is Princess Aurora, the girl destined to prick her finger and succumb to an endless sleep - only to be woken by true love's kiss in the shape of Prince Désiré - Bogdan Berezenko. Both command the ice with the highest level of skill, dazzling costumes, beautiful lifts and flying. I wish that I could comment with more understanding of ice dancing but I do believe that this should impress even the most knowledgeable. 

Other roles worthy of mention are Aleksei Vasilev as Catalabutte and Svitlana Pylypenko as his assistant - although these are comedy roles the skaters must still execute the finest performance and they in particular get time to shine. Iuliia Odintcova and Jurijs Salmanovs as Carabosse and her shadow skate a much a harsher show. Far from the delicacy of the royal skaters this duo have a faster, more daring job performed equally as impressive. 

Jurijs Salmanovs and Iuliia Odintcova (Photograph by Phil Hitchman)

The scenic design by Eamon D'Arcy consists mostly of backdrops, beautifully detailed and enough to make up for the fact that other scenery is impossible with the ice rink taking up all available space. The use of a pre-recorded soundtrack does lack the grandeur of a live band but by no means takes away from the incredible production. 

If your reason for not going to the theatre is a hot and stuffy auditorium - you've no excuses here! That chill is soon forgotten about as this incredible cast soon heat things up with an unforgettable show. Unlike any usual evening of theatre, make the most of your chance to catch Sleeping Beauty On Ice at the Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 12th October 2013. Book tickets here. 

Find out more about the ice and listen to interviews with the cast and crew here. 

Cast List: Vasilii Andreev, Yulia Ashcheulova, Maksim Beliakov, Bogdan Berezenko, Anastasia Ignatyeve, Ekaterina Ivleva, Pavlo Khimich, Volodymyr Khodakivskyy, Fiona Kirk, Yahor Maistrou, Konstantin Medovikov, Artur Minchuck, Maria Mukhortova, Svetlana Nalimova, Iuliia Odintcova, Svitlana Pylypenko, Jurijs Salmanovs, Alina Saprykina, Olga Sharutenko, Anna Silaeva, Tatiana Smirnova, Danil Tataurov, Olga Tataurova, Oleg Tazetdinov, Alesksei Vasilev.

SLEEPING BEAUTY ON ICE (UK Tour) Birmingham Press Launch

The summer is all but a distant memory and it won't be long until Birmingham is really feeling the winter chill. Jumpers and scarves however are already a necessity at the New Alexandra Theatre this week as the Imperial Ice Stars take over the stage. 

The acclaimed production of Sleeping Beauty On Ice takes nearly 24 hours to get into a venue and for the entirety of its run, the freezers are on! Walking into an unusually cold auditorium, Dancing On Ice professional and World Champion figure skater Olga Sharutenko greeted members of the press with cast members Bogdan Berezenko, Iuliia Odintcova and Jurijs Salmanovs.

As part of the day's activities I took to the ice with Olga and Bogdan for my very first ice skating lesson. I was petrified, but if I was ever going to do it, this was the time. Clung to the world champion figure skaters I tentatively made my way across the stage. I didn't think it was possible to sweat so much in such cold temperatures but I thoroughly enjoyed my first time on the ice! Would I do it again? With my world champion teachers of course but I can't see myself attempting it solo at Solihull Ice Rink!

It is a smile... just about! (Photograph by Phil Hitchman)

Between them, the cast have won over 250 competition medals, most of whom started skating from a very young age - some as young as 3! 44 people tour with the show including performers, technicians and a doctor with a further 17 people required at each venue. The freight of the whole show is approximately 25,000kg - the equivalent of 70 grand pianos.

Talking about the ice, production manager Bruno Hunt said: "To set the ice it's quite simple, we keep spraying the surface until it freezes over but to break it, that's really hard! About half way through the last show at a venue we'll turn the chillers down to about -12 and that makes the ice brittle and easier to smash. After the final show we go out in lines and smash it, shovel it into wheelbarrows and get it out of the building ... then we've got a lot of mopping up to do!"

An ice version of a show is completely different to what you would expect from a ballet version, as director Tony Mercer explains: "A lot of the time companies will just say 'copy the ballet' but that's not the right idea at all. Ice dancing is fabulous as we all saw with Torvill and Dean and their Bolero - ice dancing can tell a story just as well as ballet can, so why try to mimic ballet. Of course, it's balletic in style but I put together Imperial Ice Stars so that I could bring to the stage the kind of ice dancing I wanted to see."

Olga Sharutenko & Bogdan Berezenko (Photograph by Phil Hitchman)

You can listen to longer clips from the interviews with Bruno Hunt (Production Manager), Tony Mercer (Artistic Director/Choreographer), Bogdan Berezenko (Prince Désiré) and Olga Sharutenko (Princess Aurora) in the podcast below. 

Sleeping Beauty On Ice runs at the Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 12 October 2013. You can book tickets here.