Review | BUDDY - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY (UK Tour) June 2014

"Three young rock 'n' roll stars have been killed in a plane crash in the United States. Buddy Holly, 22, Jiles P Richardson - known as the Big Bopper - 28, and Ritchie Valens, 17, died in a crash shortly after take-off from Clear Lake, Iowa at 0100 local time. The pilot of the single-engined Beechcraft Bonanza plane was also killed. Early reports from the scene suggest the aircraft spun out of control during a light snowstorm" ... It was the career that was over almost as quickly as it started. 

Throughout it's 25 year history, this, the original juke box musical has been seen by over 22 million people worldwide. Following the short career of the music legend, we start at the humble beginnings at the Grand Bowl, Lubback Texas with a fresh-faced enthusiastic Buddy played by the excellent Glen Joseph. Throughout Buddy's struggles with the music industry, turning his back on country and creating his own rock 'n' roll sound, Joseph has great charisma, endless energy and has us in the palm of his hand as he masters some of the most iconic hits including That'll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, Heartbeat and Johnny B Goode. 

Joseph is joined on stage by Roger Rowley who plays Buddy at certain performances with the excellent duo Adam Flynn and Scott Haining as The Crickets. All music is played and sung live, which is the huge draw of this musical. Without the music, you'd have under 20 minutes of content. This is certainly the show for Buddy fans with little in the way of significant set changes or engaging dialogue but there is more than enough to make up for that by way of talent and incredible effort. 

Surprisingly, some of the show's most exciting moments come from other members of the cast, including Lydia Fraser's hilarious, scene-stealing Apollo Performer - joined by Miguel Angel in an impressive rendition of Shout. Will Pearce rouses the crowd as Ritchie Valens with his hip swinging La Bamba. 

The death of Holly, Valens and the Big Bopper interrupts what was an enjoyable finale of what was  to become their final gig. It's a particularly effective halt that reenforces the shock and sudden devastation that followed the plane crash on 3 February 1959. The moment could have lasted longer but seemed rushed over to return to the high-energy finale. We are, after all, there for a good time and that's why the joy resumes so quickly. If you're not of a reminiscent age and struggle to recognise the music, it can feel a little exclusive but you can't help but appreciate the sheer talent on that stage. 

This is the original jukebox musical that spawned all others of it's kind, many try but aren't nearly as successful at raising the roof in the ultimate celebration of some of the finest singers of all time. Click here and book now to see Buddy at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 28 June. 

Review | MISS SAIGON (Prince Edward Theatre) June 2014

With an all-time Box Office record, taking in excess of £4m on the first day, the revival production of Miss Saigon was highly anticipated. The musical premiered at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, on 20 September 1989, closing after over 4000 in performances 1999. Since then, it has toured but in recent years hasn't been available to see. It's perhaps the perfect time to bring it back, being one of the only classics (Phantom, Les Mis..) that young theatregoers haven't been able to experience at an age where they can truly appreciate Boublil and Schönberg's masterpiece. 

Inspired by Puccini's Madame Butterfly, this, set in 1970's Saigon is the story of Kim, orphaned by war who falls in love with Chris, an American GI. Events of the Vietnam War come between them and an inevitable tragic end leaves the heart aching. 

Alistair Brammer and Eva Noblezada

Alternate Kim, Tanya Manalang is a sensation. 18-year-old relative newcomer Eva Noblezada has been received in high-regard so I must presume that both leading ladies are just as phenomenal. Manalang manages to power her way through the score with an incredibly strong but equally vulnerable performance, capturing the many emotions, highs and crashing lows that Kim endures. She is joined by Alistair Brammer as Chris who is in great voice throughout, a highlight being The Last Night Of The World love duet. 

The incredible Rachelle Ann Go gives a beautiful performance as Gigi with an almost unbelievable, perfect vocal in The Movie In My Mind. An excellent casting. 

Jon Jon Briones as The Engineer

Jon Jon Briones is excellent as the Engineer - it's not a 'you love to hate him', it's a 'you hate to love him'. You can't help but enjoy his performance as the seedy Engineer, another highlight being his American Dream number, with an impressive surprising set change and a chorus of dancers - it's very "Broadway" but great relief from some of the deeper, darker moments. Mention must also go to Tamsin Carroll who is an impressive Ellen. 

This breathtaking production is not without flaws. The lighting, although beautiful, is hazy and incredibly dark at times - when sat further back you struggle to see clearly, it's more comfortable to just close your eyes and listen. There is also a very modern film of Vietnamese children shown on a giant screen during Bui Doi which although relevant to the theme, seems particularly 'HD' a little unnecessary and out of place as an accompaniment during the incredible vocal performance of Hugh Maynard as John. 

Tottie Driver and Matt Kinley's redesign of the set is a marvel and by the time of the helicopter arriving during Kim's Nightmare you can have no doubt that this is one of the greatest theatrical events. With one of the West End's finest casts, the heat is definitely on in Prince Edward's Saigon.  I certainly can't wait for a return visit. Currently booking until April 2015, get tickets online here.

Meet the revival cast of Miss Saigon

Cast List: Jon Jon Briones, Eva Noblezada, Alistair Brammer, Tamsin Carroll, Hugh Maynard, Kwang-Ho Hong, Rachelle Ann Go, Tanya Manalang, Julia Abueva, Natalie Chua, Jon-Scott Clark, Jenny Ding, Dale Evans, Callum Francis, Ashley Gilmour, Maria Graciano, Simon Hardwick, Jack Harrison-Cooper, Matthew Jeans, Kurt Kansley, Kittiphun Kittipakapom, David Kar-Hing Lee, Mitch Leow, Ela Lisondra, Carolyn Maitland, Christian Rey Marbella, Kanako Nakano, Thoa Nguyen, Saori Oda, Ariel Reonal.

Review | THE PAJAMA GAME (Shaftesbury Theatre) June 2014

Following the success of Sweeney Todd, Singin In The Rain, Another Country and Barnum, The Pajama Game is but another Chichester Festival Theatre production that enjoys the opportunity of a transfer. 

The musical, set in 1950's America begins where a strike is imminent at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory. The workers churn out pajamas at a backbreaking pace and demands for a seven-and-a-half cent raise are going unheeded. In the midst of this ordeal, love blossoms between Babe, the grievance committee head, and Sid, the new factory superintendent. 

The Company

For this musical, what's particularly fascinating is the age of the piece in comparison to it's relevance. Of course, love stories are timeless but at the centre of it all is a workforce struggle, seven and a half cents doesn't buy a hell of a lot, it echoes similar situations in once-thriving businesses now. Just as Billy Elliot and The Full Monty tackle similar situations there's comedy right at the heart. Principally, it is Gary Wilmot in the role of Vernon Hines who is ultimately there for the laughs, with comedy knife throwing and a Red Indian outfit! With a great rendition of Think Of The Time I'll Save, Wilmot remains incredibly charming throughout. 

It is Michael Xavier who impresses vocally as Sid Sorokin, at one point there's a clever duet with his own voice on dictaphone.  Xavier is perfectly partnered Lauren Varnham, who covered the role of Babe for the first time at this performance. Beautiful in every sense of the word, she is in fantastically fine voice,  has boundless energy and is perfectly cast, deserving of a lead role. It is a terrible shame that more won't be get the chance to see her in what is definitely her most rounded, mature and captivating role of her career so far. Eugene McCoy is worthy of mention in the role of Union President. 

Michael Xavier

Steam Heat is perhaps one of two choreographic highlights, an incredibly entertaining dance break from the main action packed with daring lifts and exciting tap. The other, Hernando's Hideaway is a perfect example of Stephen Mear's breathtaking choreography. The finale is an uplifting pajama-clad celebration that leaves you singing in the street long afterwards and a desire to get home and slip into some luxury loungewear! 

Richard Eyre's revival of The Pajama Game is an incredibly joyous affair. It's theatre at it's very core, there's nothing overly complicated it's just 2 hours and 40 minutes of serious fun. As far as revivals go, Pajama's is at the top of it's game! 

See The Pajama Game at the Shaftesbury Theatre until Saturday 13 September. Book tickets online here.  "Hurry up, can't waste time!" as they sing...

THE PAJAMAS

You can't do The Pajama Game without pajamas, and who better to turn to than Derek Rose - a company established in 1926, a brand unrivalled in luxury using the finest silks and cottons with unprecedented passion and drive. Derek Rose supplied the pyjamas used in the 1954 production at the London Palladium and have once again provided them for the latest revival of the musical. For three lead roles, The Pajama Game team wanted something a little more unique and custom designs were specially created in consultation with the show’s costume designers and all made in Cheshire, UK. Derek Rose created 7 pairs of men’s and 7 pairs of ladies’ pyjama designs which are from fabrics picked out from their archives and reissued just for the production. To view a full range of products, visit the website here. Below is a particular favourite from the collection, the Duke 1 Navy Cashmere Dressing Gown, fully lined in the finest Italian silks... I wouldn't object if anyone wishes to buy me this!

Find out about the job of the wardrobe department, backstage at the Shaftesbury Theatre with Paula McIntosh

Cast List: Joanna Riding, Michael Xavier, Gary Wilmot, Alexis Owen-Jones, Claire Machin, Colin Stinton, Eugene McCoy, Siôn Lloyd, Jennie Dale, Sharon Wattis, Keisha Amponsa Banson, Lauren Varnham, Helen Ternent, Jo Morris, Nolan Frederick, Richard Jones, Dan Burton, James O'Connell, Pippa Raine, Stuart Winter. 

Preview | ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (UK Tour) Major new production heads to Birmingham!

The Tony Award-winning version of Irving Berlin’s classic musical, Annie Get Your Gun, starring Emma Williams as Annie Oakley, Jason Donovan as Frank Butler and Norman Pace as Buffalo Bill comes to Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 July 2014.

A major new six month UK tour of the Tony award-winning show from the producers of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, West Side Story and South Pacific – based on a true story of Annie Oakley, who was an incredible sharpshooter, and her competitive romance with rival marksman Frank Butler.

Emma Williams as Annie Oakley

With timeless classic songs including There’s No Business Like Show Business and Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better, Annie Get Your Gun tells the legendary story of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West female sharpshooter, Annie Oakley and her romance with fellow sharpshooter, Frank Butler. When Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show comes to town, it only takes one glance for sharp-shooting country girl Annie Oakley to fall head over heels for its star marksman, Frank Butler. Both have truly met their match, revealing their competitive natures as they vie for best shot – and each other’s hearts.

Jason Donovan said; "I've been very lucky in having some great roles to get my teeth into in the past, but now having the chance to star in the UK premiere production of this award winning version of such a classic musical is very exciting. I'm very much looking forward to performing such brilliant songs and appearing alongside a truly great cast as we bring the Wild West to theatres across the country."

Norman Pace said; "I can't wait to get out on the stage and play Buffalo Bill alongside Jason Donovan and Emma Williams, with a script and songs written by the legendary Irving Berlin. Even though it's nearly 70 years since the show was first performed on Broadway, there's still a real sense of fun and excitement to a timeless production that I'm very honoured to be a part of."

Jason Donovan as Frank Butler

Leading lady Emma Williams said; "I'm thrilled to be playing the legendary Annie Oakley alongside Jason and Norman, and performing iconic songs such as Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better and You Can't Get A Man With A Gun. Annie Oakley has been played by so many incredible actresses before that it's a privilege to fill those cowgirl boots, and I couldn't be more excited to be Doin' What Comes Natur'lly!"

The clever casting of Emma and Jason means that the actors are closer to the age of the characters that they are playing and help to bring the show right up to date for a modern audience. Howard Panter and The Ambassador Theatre Group are thrilled to be producing this version on tour across the UK, bringing this much loved musical to a new generation of theatre-goers, with a brilliantly talented cast. You can see the show at Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 July 2014. Book tickets online here.

Watch reactions from audiences who've seen the show so far:

Review | LA FILLE MAL GARDÉE (Birmingham Royal Ballet) June 2014

It might not seem it with recent weather but summer has arrived, particularly upon the stage of Birmingham Hippodrome this week as Birmingham Royal Ballet present La Fille mal gardée, the oldest ballet in existence, having premiered in 1789. Despite the French title and principal names, there can be no more English a ballet as the picturesque countryside of late spring blossoms into summer in choreographer Frederick Ashton's idea of splendid Suffolk.

When country beauty Lise falls in love with farm lad Colas, she’s about to upset the apple cart. Her mother, Widow Simone, has her own ideas about who her daughter should marry. Enter Thomas, a pompous and wealthy vineyard owner. And Alain, his rich son – attractive as a potato, smart as a turnip and the proud possessor of two left feet. It's like a summer pantomime of the ballet world, a lighthearted tale with predictably hilarious results.

Michael O'Hare is rich farmer Widow Simone, the 'dame' is at the heart of the piece, plays for laughs as the dame would do but delights with an impressive clog dance. The widow's daughter Lise is danced impeccably by Nao Sakuma, who after joining the company in 1995 was promoted to principal in 2002 and her experience shows. It is most difficult to turn attention from her to other delightful distractions such as a brood of chickens.

The colourful production is perhaps at it's best when all artists of the Birmingham Royal Ballet dance as one. At one point there is an impressive dance around a maypole and a cute flute dance lead by Lewis Turner who always manages to light the stage with a charming smile. Equally as a charming is César Morales who is a strong lead as Colas. 

An exciting edition to the cast is a beautiful Shetland Pony who appears one more than one occasion, provoking prolonged bouts of "awww"s.

This is a thoroughly entertaining ballet with a plethora of delights. A perfect introduction to summer at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 14 June - click here to book tickets. Also at Nottingham Theatre Royal 25 - 28 June, click here to book. 

Review | DARKNESS & LIGHT (Birmingham Royal Ballet) June 2014

There is little more that excites my theatrical mind than the idea of Birmingham Royal Ballet triple bill. What you can always expect is a varied yet relevant collection of works. Here, three ballets by Frederick Ashton contrast in themes of darkness and light - hence the collectively named trilogy. 

The first, Les Rendezvous is a delightful dance to the backdrop of Anthony Ward's simplistic park setting. Friends meet, and it has no serious portent at all. It's pleasant, charming and the portrayal of idyllic life. This is one that is so easy to lose yourself in - the fusion of colour and of energy - it's like Disneyland. A fantasy land that is introduced, enjoyed and over within 24 minutes. 

As with all of the three ballets, they're finished within little over 20 minutes each. They're perfect,  concentrated little pieces that don't leave you looking at your watch, or fidgeting to find a different position for your feet! These would make a perfect introduction to ballet. 

The second piece, Dante Sonata is quite obviously the 'darkness' ... it is a battle between the Children of Light and the Children of Darkness and is of much harsher tone. First performed in 1940 at the Sadler's Wells Ballet, this wartime creation explores torment and shame and is clearly the ballet of real power. 

The third ballet lightens the mood once more - Façade, a joyous celebration. It felt almost as if it was happening in a Mary Poppins film, it was random, colourful and cute. Ruth Brill is brilliant as The Milkmaid, it was like Coppélia. Humour was provided by the excellent Lewis Turner and partner Kit Holder who perform Popular Song in a perfectly synchronised act. 

See a rehearsal video for Façade.

Darkness and Light is the perfect blend of ballets, varying styles, paces and themes - all three ballets within a succinct 2 hours. Don't miss them at Birmingham Hippodrome until Sat 7 June. Book tickets here.