Review | DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS THE MUSICAL (Savoy Theatre) August 2014

Based on the 1988 movie starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels The Musical began life in California in 2004, moving to Broadway in 2005. Almost a decade on, a brand new production now plays at London's Savoy Theatre, directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. 

On the French Riviera, Lawrence and Freddy, two conmen (one notably better than the other) unite on their biggest job ever whilst trying to woo and con 'millionaire Soap Queen' Christine Colgate. 

The pre-show curtain sets the scene, like a giant postcard of seaside village Beaument-sur-Mer. From the moment it lifts you are transported into the perfect theatrical world full of glorious glitz and glamour. What's great is that this feels like one of the classics - the MGM musicals, but with the added bonus that in the UK, it's less than a year old. It's remarkably fresh and evidently has one of the most successful casts in the West End. 

Robert Lindsey tops the bill, suitably suave as Lawrence Jameson. Irresistibly charming, he glides his way through, managing a convincing, likeable and thoroughly entertaining lead almost effortlessly. His counterpart, Freddy is played by Andy Conaghan during Rufus Hound's absence from the show in August. A polar opposite in terms of sophistication, Conaghan is particularly hilarious as Ruprecht, a strange brother invented to deter Lizzy Connolly's comedic, scene-stealing Jolene. 

The two ladies, Samantha Bond as Muriel and Katherine Kingsly as Christine Colgate are both excellent. Bond enjoys an amusing relationship with John Marquez's Frenchman Andre and displays utmost elegance, Louis Vuitton luggage in hand. Kingsly's entrance routine injects further energy to a fast-paced first act, helped along by a fine ensemble, used perfectly to portray other parts and provide the show's hugely exciting choreographic element. 

Peter Mackintosh's set design is stunning and scenery changes are slick - there are moments of pure genius. There is an overwhelming sense of luxuriousness that makes even a mid-week matinee feel like a Saturday night in Monte Carlo. This is the show that gives them what they want, nothing cheap or cheesy, just pure glitz, glamour and entertainment from start to finish. Simply unmissable! Buy (or con people into buying) tickets here. 

Watch the show's trailer:

Maybe you like cool things like time-lapses of a set get in!

Cast List: Robert Lindsey, Rufus Hound, Katherine Kingsley, Samantha Bond, John Marquez, Lizzy Connolly, Gavin Alex, Darren Bennett, Niamh Bracken, Lisa Bridge, Andy Conaghan, Claire Doyle, Alice Fearn, Selina Hamilton, Ian Knauer, Zak Nemorin, Genevieve Nicole, Javier Santos, Todd Talbot, Dominic Tribuzio, Zara Warren, Darren Carnell, Phoebe Coupe, Lisa Mathieson, Jon Tsouras

Review | FOOTLOOSE (New Alexandra Theatre Stage Experience) August 2014

Since 2003, more than 1200 young performers have taken to the New Alexandra Theatre stage. They have shown and proved that when it comes to putting on a good show, the Midlands youth are a theatrical force to be reckoned with. Following the success of last year's production of Annie, the New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham present a 120-strong cast for the 2014 stage experience, Footloose. 

This is the classic tale of teenage rebellion and repression that follows teenager Ren McCormack's move from big-city Chicago to the small Midwestern town of Beaumont. Although he tries hard to fit in, the streetwise Ren can't quite believe he's living in a place where music and dancing are illegal.  It's a quest to cut loose and convince the Bible-thumping minister, who is responsible for keeping the town dance-free to change his mind. 

With just two weeks to put on a full-scale production with 120 amateur performers you'd be forgiven for thinking that this attempt at a West End spectacular would be a bit rough around the edges... in fact the end product is quite the opposite. Here is a slick, fast paced energetic dance musical that brings together unbelievable talent from the West Midlands. Led by Matthew Russell as Ren, the cast are in incredibly capable hands. At just 15, Russell manages to front the entire show with an impressive voice and a characterisation of maturity beyond his years.

Love interest Ariel is played by Georgia Anderson who provides a powerful, exciting I Need A Hero. Her faultless rendition of Almost Paradise would rival professional singers and compliments the harmonies of Russell beautifully. Comedy is provided by the excellent Callum Connolly as Willard, perhaps the most developed character who earns plenty of laughs from a charming portrayal. His number, Mamma Says brings a welcome sense of fun to the second act. He is partnered with Nicole Appleby (Rusty) whose Lets Hear It For The Boy is easily a highlight. An impressive performance from Aneira Evans as Vi Moore brings the show to a standstill after Can You Find It In Your Heart.

There are minor sound issues whereby vocals are occasionally lost in the volume of the orchestra but this is easily overlooked considering the daunting rehearsal schedule. What is clear from the outset is the enormous effort that makes this yearly scheme the ultimate experience for young performers. Once again Pollyann Tanner directs and choreographs a wholly triumphant production. A phenomenal combination of passion and talent from the stars of tomorrow. Playing until Sat 23 August, do go along and support. Book tickets here.

Watch cast interviews here:

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Cast List: Emily Kate Hall, Kayleigh Johnson, Annie Tabberner, Shannon Weir, Olivia Wicks, Lucy Williams, Jessica Abbott, Shannon Berridge, Emma Cartwright, Felicity Gifford, Amy hart, Vicky Hawkins, Rebecca Ingram, Sophia McDermott, Sophie Tierney, Jordan Abbot, Dru Bennett, Todd Dougan, Lewis Pallett, Sam Rogers, Beth Carter, Sophia Elton, Georgia May Hart, Emily Haywood, Mimi Mendy, Hugh Osbourne-Brookes, Megan Perry, Leah Price, Daveena Saranna, William Taylor, Lydia Thomas, Libby Baskerville, Lauren Brown, Yasmin Cooper, Danielle Florey, Hannah Fuller, Scarlet Griffiths, Alice groom, Niamh Hawkes, Taylor Hemming, Danielle Huntley, Victoria Jackson, Daisy Meade, Molly Phillips, Annabel Russell, Lucy Treharne, Grace Willetts, Taylor Billings, Natasha Fensome, Sarahjayne Gibbs, Millie Lowe, Akinah Muhammad, Saskinah Muhammad, Dale Sewll, Eleanor Thomas, Laura Timothy, Olivia-May Wormald, Richard batham, Callum Connolly, Chris Johnstone, Drew Rafton, Matthew Russell, Mark Walsh, Georgia Anderson, Nicole Appleby, Danielle Cordingley, Aneria Evans, Caprice Lane, Annie Tabberner, Molly Williams, Megan Bird, Olivia Buchanan, Sally Croft, Katie Davie, Molly England, Beth Field, Sophie Freeman, Megan Goldby, Robyn Griffiths, Ellie Griffin, Chloe Harris, Sadie Horton, Talia Manders, Eloise Simpson, Alisha Twine, Emily Wyatt, Katie Wyatt, Priya Appleby, Emily Ashen, Thomas Ashen, Gibsa Lee Bah, Charlotte Bayliss, Phoebe Benson, Verona-India braich, Kyle Dargle, Harry Egerton, Lily Gain, Jasmin Gill, Rebecca Hewitt, Keown On-Ree Inniss-King, Laura King, Thom Lambert, Maisie Lodge, Georgia Martin-Jackson, Mia McLaughlan, Alfie Mitcham, Sophie Rutherford, Ella Sanders, Katie Vaissiere, Amelia Wallace, Khalid Daley, Matthew Evans, Charlie Howell, Nicholas Jones, Joseph Maslin, Louie McNally, Oliver Nicholas, Daniel Poppitt, Michael Reynolds, Caven Rimmer, Nicholas Southcott, Thomas Stringer, Ben Tanner, Dan Taylor, Chris Newton, Colin King, Steve Owen, Andy Waterson, Niel Morgan, Tom Mark, Paul Smith, James Bower, Katie Samways.

Preview | PROPAGANDA SWING (Belgrade Theatre, Coventry)

The Belgrade Theatre in Coventry is thrilled to present the UK premiere of Peter Arnott’s gripping WWII drama Propaganda Swing, a captivating combination of WWII intrigue and drama set against a backdrop of glitz, glamour and Big Band swagger. playing on the Belgrade Main Stage for two weeks this September from Sat 13 – Sat 27.

Throwing a spotlight on the gripping true story of ‘Charly and his Orchestra’, this compelling new play reveals the characters behind the story of how some of the greatest German jazz musicians of the day entered into a Faustian pact with the Fascists in order to continue playing their beloved music at the price of seeing it corrupted for evil.

With music playing an integral role in the show, Musical Supervisor on the show, Hilary Brooks reveals more.

Bradley Clarkson as Bill Constant & Miranda Wilford as Lala Anderson

How did you become involved in Propaganda Swing and what first attracted you to the play?
Hamish Glen, the Director, rang me to discuss the play and then sent me a copy of the script. We had worked together on various musical theatre productions at Dundee Rep and on his first two shows at the Belgrade Theatre. I was so impressed by this story, the style of writing, and the song suggestions, that I had to jump on board!

What does the role of a Musical Supervisor involve?
I am responsible for everything to do with the music, in consultation with the Director and the Writer. This includes auditioning actor/musicians, writing the score, arranging the music, rehearsing the actors who are singing, supervising musician band calls and facilitating the actor/musicians and the trio of professional musicians.

Have you been provided with original scores for any music featured in the show and have you had to create new arrangements based upon the size of ensemble you will be working with?
The songs chosen by the writer, Peter Arnott, are all standards from that era and although there are some resources online, I prefer to transcribe from the original recordings, most of which are available on YouTube, and then input the data into a score programme called Sibelius, which ultimately will allow me to build specific arrangements and importantly, transpose the songs into different keys very quickly.

 Jonny Bower as Charly Schwedler

How would you describe the style of music that features in Propaganda Swing?
It’s 1930s Swing. This featured vocal and instrumental soloists with a rhythm section at the core, led by a bandleader out front, often the arranger. Our band template is vaguely modelled on Artie Shaw and the Gramercy Five.

Propaganda Swing seems set to be an exciting production, featuring a talented cast of actor-musicians performing some of the greatest jazz music of the era. This powerful new stage production will see Chris Andrew Mellon return to the Belgrade in the role of Otto Stenzl following his critically-acclaimed appearance in their 2014 Spanish Golden Age Season. He will be joined by Clara Darcy, whose previous theatre credits include the 2014 UK Tour of Brassed Off in 2014. Completing the cast are Callum Coates as William Joyce/Lord Haw Haw, Miranda Wilford as Lala Anderson, Paul Lincoln as Heinrich Hinkel, Tomm Coles as Lutz Templin, Bradley Clarkson as Bill Constant and Jonny Bower as Charly Schwedler.

View a playlist of videos about the show:

Tickets for Propaganda Swing are available now from the box office on 024 7655 3055 priced from £9 - £21.25 or via the website, here where cheaper tickets are available.

Feature | KERRY ELLIS RETURNS TO WICKED (London) August 2014

After the departure of Willemijn Verkaik from the London production of Wicked, it was announced that Kerry Ellis will return to the show from Monday 4th August until Saturday 25th October 2014. Kerry, the first British Elphaba has also performed the role on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre. In celebration of her return, we look back over Kerry's emerald career. 

Serving as a temporary standby to Idina Menzel, Kerry was part of the original London production at the Apollo Victoria Theatre for three months from the show's opening on 7 September 2006. After playing the role as a standby on nine occasions, Kerry assumed the lead role on 1 January 2007 when Idina Menzel left. The role saw Kerry as the winner of the 2008 Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Takeover in a Role. Kerry left the London production on 7 June 2008. 

It was pretty much immediately after leaving London that Kerry transferred to the Broadway production with performances starting on 17 June 2008. She replaced Stephanie J. Block; making her the first British actress to play Elphaba on Broadway and the first to transfer from the West End to Broadway. Kerry won the 2009 Broadway.com Audience Award for Favorite Female Breakthrough Performance.

Later in 2008, Kerry performed a rock version of the famous Defying Gravity at the Royal Variety Performance with Queen's Brian May. The pair have subsequently gone on to perform in many tours together and have produced numerous albums including Anthems in 2010. 

Whilst in New York, Kerry worked on her first EP, Wicked in Rock, produced by Brian May and Steve Sidwell. This was the birth of Kerry's epic version of "Defying Gravity" that she later performed at the Royal Variety Performance. "I'm Not that Girl" from Wicked and the Queen song "No-One but You" that she and May recorded six years earlier (a result of her popular performance as Meat in We Will Rock You) appeared on the EP. Kerry left the Broadway production on 9 November 2008.

Kerry preparing backstage. Photo Logan Riehl. 

Returning to the West End production on 1 December 2008, she would then go on to play a further five months as Elphaba where until now she ended her time as the 'wicked' witch. After her final performance on 9 May 2009 Kerry had been billed as lead for a total of 116 weeks (omitting absence) in both the London and Broadway companies, making her the longest-serving British actress in the role of Elphaba at the time.

Most recently, in July 2014, Kerry performed "For Good" - Wicked's final song between the two leading ladies with original Broadway Glinda, Kristen Chenoweth at the Royal Albert Hall.

About her 2014 return, Kerry said "It is an absolute thrill for me to be returning to this amazing show and the incredible role of Elphaba that is so very special to me. I can't wait to be green again and join this fantastic cast".

Kerry Ellis will not be appearing in Wicked on Tuesday 19th August, Saturday 27th September, Thursday 2nd October - Friday 10th October, Tuesday 14th - Thursday 16th October and Saturday 18th October due to her concert appearances. Book tickets for the London production here. 

After Kerry, Nikki Davis Jones begins performances as Elphaba in the West End production. Nikki is currently performing the role in her final venue of the UK tour at Birmingham Hippodrome alongside Liam Doyle as Fiyero (who also plays his final performance in Birmingham) and Emily Tierney as Glinda. Book tour tickets here. 

Preview | THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME (UK Tour)

As well as recently re-opening in the West End, the acclaimed National Theatre production of The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time embarks on a UK tour throughout 2015. Winner of 7 Olivier Awards including ‘Best New Play’, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time brings Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel to thrilling life on stage, adapted by two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright Simon Stephens and directed by Olivier and Tony Award-winning director Marianne Elliott.

Christopher, fifteen years old, stands beside Mrs Shears’ dead dog. It has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in the book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington. He has an extraordinary brain, exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that upturns his world.

The UK tour begins in December 2014 before visiting 31 venues including Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 16 - 21 February 2015. Book tickets for Wolverhampton here.

Listen to some of the music from the production: