Review | THE PRODUCERS (UK Tour) April 2015

It's the greatest failure in the history of show business.... at least that's what it's supposed to be! 'Springtime For Hitler', the Neo-Nazi musical on the misunderstood Fuhrer is what lame producers Bialystock and Bloom intend to stage in order to rake in the remaining funds of a doomed Broadway musical in the smash hit Broadway musical - The Producers!

It's perhaps as confusing and seemingly irrelevant on paper as it is on stage, but much like the show that features within it, The Producers is a sure fire hit ... at least it is with a string of star names to it. 

Here, the show is cast for entertainment value and it's stars take precedence over anything else. Top of the bill is Stand Up Comedian Jason Manford. Incredibly likeable as accountant-turned-Broadway Producer Leo Bloom, with a cartoony voice like a timid Mickey Mouse, he wins over the audience with what at first is a seemingly subtle performance that explodes in song - a perhaps surprising element to his performance, he wins over any doubters. 

Manford is paired well with Cory English as Max Bialystock who is no stranger to the role. Experience is definitely ripe as he earns some of the biggest cheers of the night. Phil Jupitus is sometimes a little difficult to understand behind all the German but is humorous in his portrayal of pigeon keeper, Playwright, Hitler obsessive Franz Liebkind. 

Stage veteran David Badella brings Broadway charm as only he can. His rich sound and smooth voice is something of his trademark and works particularly well with the role of Roger De Bris, a fabulously flamboyant image of the over theatrical, cross-dressing director. In a later, excellent turn as Hitler, hilarity breaks out in the show's most spectacular dance number - full of glamour, full of glitz and camp as.... well, they rhyme with glitz. 

As if it wasn't already overly theatrical enough, Louie Spence ensures that you don't leave with your cravings for camp unsatisfied. His hilarious Carmen Ghia is something of an upstaging of almost everything but the audience lap up every pirouette, every backbend and bevel. 

Finally, Tiffany Graves is excellent as Ulla, she's got it and she flaunts it. 

The set is pretty minimal with a lot of moving going on behind a waving back cloth, it is distracting and clunky set pieces prove difficult to manoeuvre sometimes. A lot of this is covered up well with vibrant choreography however. Almost like a Bialystock and Bloom production with creased swastika laden curtains, the production doesn't boast the highest production values, but it doesn't matter. The Producers has been done far more lavishly before but here money has been well spent elsewhere with a well chosen, star cast and enthusiastic ensemble make this something of a sure fire hit!

Highly hilarious, farcical, at most times irrelevant, it shouldn't work but it does - much like the show it's about. An easy, fun and (most importantly) entertaining night at the theatre. At Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 25 April. Tickets here. 

Review | THE HISTORY BOYS (UK Tour) February 2015

Alan Bennett's play about a Sheffield boys' grammar school in the early 1980s started life at the National Theatre. What is billed as 'the nation's favourite play' is perhaps so because of it's timeless nature. The play follows a group of history pupils preparing for the Oxford and Cambridge entrance examinations under the guidance of three teachers with very different styles of teaching. 

For what is an obvious commentary of school at the time, it is apparent that behaviour and attitudes in Bennett's play are not far removed from our own days of education - regardless of era. Despite the familiarity within the classroom setting however, what is presented at times is far from realism... It would be difficult to imagine in a modern school, let alone one in the 80s whereby a student was openly 'seeing' the head teacher's PA and not merely an eyebrow is raised. 

Without wishing to refer to the boys a stereotypes (for their characters are much deeper than that), the troubles within this group of eight would be recognisable in almost all classrooms and it's that familiarity that makes the two hours and forty minutes pass by quicker than break time. 

You easily find yourself engrossed in this new production from Sell A Door. It's a play full of warmth despite darker undertones and with huge heart, it's humorous interludes are both lyrical and visual. Imagine for example, an explicit French scene - acted atop a desk without trousers, smoking... anything goes as Hector's lesson prepares the boys not for exams... but you can't help but like Richard Hope's enthralling English teacher Hector. Despite inviting the boys for unsavoury rides on his motorbike, Hope transpires Hector's wonderful way with words to the stage from the page in a affectionate portrayal. 

Hollyoaks' Steven Roberts, in his stage debut is charming as Posner and Kedar Williams-Sterling as Dakin commands presence as the most advanced student. The subjects are all handled so tastefully and pieced together under the narration and piano playing of the excellent Alex Hope as Scripps. 

This new production of the play voted the nation's favourite is entirely captivating, a production that shouldn't worry about being consigned to the history books. Far from the past, it's as ever relevant today. Even as a spectator you are in fact a pupil - learn from this masterpiece that reason for education (and ultimately great theatre) is to pass it on.

Top marks for The History Boys at Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre until Sat 28 February. Tickets here. 

Cast List: Steven Roberts, Kedar Williams-Sterling, Alex Hope, David Young, Patrick McNamee, Sid Sagar, Joshua Mayes-Cooper, Matthew Durkan, Mark Field, Richard Hope, Christopher Ettridge, Suswan Twist, Chris Barritt, Melody Brown. 

Review | VINCENT AND FLAVIA DANCE 'TIL DAWN (UK Tour) February 2015

After a hugely successful tour and West End residency, stars of Strictly Come Dancing, Vincent and Flavia return to the regional stage with style. Their trademark Argentinian Tango leaps into the golden age of Hollywood dance, film-makers putting them on the silver screen. Far from the late night bar of Buenos Aires - the setting of previous hit Midnight Tango, the formidable pair take to the stage in 1940's L.A. as Sadie Strauss (Cacace) and Tony Deluca (Simone) - the romantic leads of a comedy about a beautiful starlet and her handsome beau.

Narrator Teddy Kempner is a familiar face in the Strictly duo's shows - here he plays Tommy Dubrowski whose humour is both witty and welcome between dramatic dance numbers. The gags can be cheesy but fit in with the exaggerated theme. There is excellent narration within the choreography - however, Kempner is expert at breaking up the already succinct action with excellent comic timing. 

Abbie Osmon is Lana, who must get her hands on incriminating photographic evidence of her fling with Bobby Burns - the man Sadie is contracted to make films with... Osman, a natural powerhouse raises the roof with impressive vocals in her own take on recognisable classics such as That's Life. 

The Strictly duo are effortless in rhythm, pace and finesse, completely at one with the soundtrack - the perfect blend of 'tangoed' favourites such as Moon River, Stand By Me and more recent hits Paolo Nutini's Pencil Full Of Lead, Caro Emerald's That Man and Bruno Mars' Runaway Baby is a great, high-energy climax to Act I. The live band are excellent - they can pack a punch and set a serene scene - the perfect accompaniment to Oliver Darley's musical interludes. 

A dynamic ensemble master all aspects of the piece co-choreographed by the Strictly professionals and Karen Bruce, who also directed. A highlight is Cacace's routine without Simone but with the male ensemble - leaping from a  staircase with wild abandon, she tears across the dance floor and is simply, strictly thrilling.  

There is a rustic, seemingly simplistic set by Morgan Large, who, as always ensures a surprise element from a gorgeous, clever design that transports you from the likes of a bustling film studio to a glamorous swimming pool bar and to a dowdy office in a mere instance. 

At times you loose yourself in the dance show that could quite easily be a West End musical. This show is packed full of every element that makes a perfect night at the theatre. 

View the shows trailer:

Dance 'Til Dawn is at Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 14 February. Book tickets here. 

Cast List: Flavia Cacace, Vincent Simone, Oliver Darley, Teddy Kempner, Abbie Osmon, Faye Best, Tyman Boatwright, Callum Clack, Ivan De Freitas, Ben Harris, Rebecca Lisewski, Jemima Loddy, Ian Oswald, Giovanni Spanó, Danny Stowell, Lauren Stroud, Lindsey Tierney, Gemma Whitelam. 

Review | SPAMALOT (UK Tour) Review February 2015

Spamalot, Christopher Luscombe's latest incarnation of Eric Idle and Jon Du Prez's musical, lovingly ripped off from Monty Python's The Holy Grail, returns to Birmingham for a third time. Since it's 2010 premiere, the musical that is somewhat scaled back from the 2006 West End version is at it's most concentrated, hilarious and faultless best. 

An outrageous conglomeration of various Python anecdotes from the other films and TV series,  audiences are taken nightly on a journey across medieval Britain with King Arthur (Joe Pasquale) and his noble steed Patsy (Todd Carty) 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 Birmingham if you don't have any stars and this production is full of them. Not only the big 'TV' name stars - Pasquale and Carty, but in the supporting cast. Sarah Earnshaw proves to be in phenomenal voice as the Lady Of The Lake - a stereotypical diva with excellent comic timing - a warm and much welcome addition to the cast. Carty is a subtle Patsy, running around and clonking his coconuts. He earns most of his attention when doing very little, he masters the part of the almost silent sidekick and delights with his rousing rendition of Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life. 

Richard Kent shows his versatility 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. Jamie Tyler is excellent not only as Sir Lancelot but as the Knight Of Ni, Tim The Enchanter and as the side-splitting French Taunter.

With Joe Pasquale firmly at the helm you can expect high volume hilarity and two hours of absolute fun. Pasquale is almost like his pantomime characters, the loveable jester, but here he finds himself King, which lends well to the insane plot... in what other musical would you find a scene-stealing Mary Berry mincing about with a trolley of cakes!?

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 as camp as the Camelot YMCA, it's bold, it's British (and a little bit French) and you'll laughalot til you cryalot.

At Birmingham's New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 7 February. Tickets here.

Cast List: Joe Pasquale, Sarah Earnshaw, Todd Carty, Will Hawksworth, Richard Kent, Richard Meek, Jamie Tyler, Josh Wilmott, Daniel Cane, Abigail Climer, Matthew Dale, Holly Easterbrook, Richard Astbury, Ste Clough, Inez Mackenzie

Review | RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET (UK Tour) January 2015

It's like Dreamboats and Petticoats, for Star Wars fans... but this came first. It's the West End musical that opened at the Cambridge theatre in 1989 and won Best West End Musical at that year's Olivier Awards - beating Miss Saigon.... that in itself is quite bizarre but nothing can quite prepare you for 3 hours of Shakespeare's The Tempest set aboard a spaceship. 

The storm, a meteor shower, causes them to land mysteriously on the planet D'Illyria where they meet mad scientist Doctor Prospero, who has been marooned on the planet - the story continues to the plot of The Tempest and manages to stall what would otherwise be a decent concert. 

Rodney Ford's set is interesting enough, but after three hours is a little static, cast tend to be just stood around, or playing a trumpet in the background but musically, the production impresses. Mark Newnham particularly shines as Cookie and Joseph Mann is humorous as robot Ariel. Sarah Scowen is in fine voice as Miranda and Queen guitarist Brian May appearing on a screen as the narrator is an added highlight. 

Return To The Forbidden Planet may have paved the way for other actor-musician musicals (of which there is now an abundance) and similarly dystopian musicals such as We Will Rock You but the success of the more modern musical relies on less cringeworthy ideas of sci-fi than a robot that looks rather like the Tin Man, hairdryer guns and the batting around of an inflatable ball. Musicals have moved on but Forbidden Planet and it's core audience haven't - they love it and there's a lot for them to love. The musicianship is excellent, vocals are top-notch but the production boasts little to impress or engage a new, younger audience. It's ultimately tacky, but a full standing ovation at the end cemented the fact that an audience have come, had fun and enjoyed themselves.

At Birmingham's New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 31 January. Tickets here. 

Cast List: Steve Simmonds, Sean Needham, Christine Holman, Greg Last, Mark Newnham, Jonathan Markwood, Joseph Mann, Sarah Scowen, Georgina Field, Callum Hughes, David Heywood, Brian May, Hannah Howcroft. 

Review | EAST IS EAST (UK Tour) January 2015

East Is East, the comedy-drama by Ayub Khan Din was first produced by Tamasha Theatre Company in co-production with the Royal Court and Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 1996. Returning to Birmingham some 19 years later, it appears that Din's semi-autobiographical piece is as ever-relevant today in it's latest incarnation fresh from a three month run at the Trafalgar Studios. 

The play and subsequent film is often cited as one of the key works to bring Asian culture to mainstream British audiences and despite the variation in cultures attending, the play is welcoming on all parts with an equal dash of humour and good heart. It is highly comic as we see George Khan (played by writer Ayub Khan Din) struggle to cope with the changing world but at the same time, it takes it's toll and strains within the family unit make for some perhaps unexpected, harder hitting scenes.

It appeals on many levels, for it's much deeper than a mere opportunity to laugh at dated tradition. There are definitely stereotypes at the core but played with such conviction, notably the excellent Jane Horrocks as Khan's long-suffering wife Ella, you're wanting to reassure her of her credibility as a mother when she's left questioning her weakness in allowing her son to be circumcised as a religious rite. 

"Draw us a foreskin then!" cries only daughter Meenah to her art student brother Saleem. The children are bold and brash as they test new waters and attempt to overcome confusions about identity defining themselves as Pakistani, British and Muslim. understudy Deepal Parmar holds her own against the boys as a strong presence in the household as Meenah. There is also an endearing performance from Michael Karim as Sajit - a recluse in his own Parka coat.

Hilarity ensues at a climactic tea party between the Khan's and the parents of two sisters betrothed to brothers Abul and Tariq. I rarely laugh out loud, it takes a lot, but the hilarity is outrageous and altogether sidesplitting.

Mention must also go to designer Tom Scutt’s brilliant set - a cross between Coronation Street and Blood Brothers, the Salford terrace and chip shop that further authenticates the world in which you must escape to for a life affirming tale of one man's love for his family.

At Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre until Sat 17 January and then Richmond Theatre and Manchester Opera House - tickets for all venues here.

Cast List: Taj Atwal, Sally Bakes, Nathan Clarke, Jane Horrocks, Michael Karim, Johndeep More, Ayub Khan Din, Ashley Kumar, Darren Kuppan, Rani Moorthy, Amit Shah, Hassani Shapi, Pamela Bennett, Deepal Parmar, Ash Rizi, Karl Seth.

Review | THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (UK Tour) October 2014

There are plays within plays, quite famously Noises Off and more recently The Play That Goes Wrong and it may come as a surprise to some that the latest offering of the sort is a production of The Importance Of Being Earnest. When you consider the maturity of the cast it's perhaps quite apparent that this is no ordinary version. What you are in fact watching is a rehearsal of an amateur dramatics group, the Bunbury Players who have revived their production of 'The Importance' on many occasions over several decades. 

To dismiss the premise immediately would be unfair, as there is considerable hilarity in the idea. For an obvious example, there's a thespian we all know who will at any opportunity utter the words "when I was at The National..." and this character is written in here - an early attempt at introducing theatrical stereotypes. Unfortunately this soon fizzles out as does the idea that the whole thing is a dress rehearsal in one of the company members' living room. The early mishaps of forgotten cucumber sandwiches and costumes that don't fit are never readdressed and the narrative from 'The Importance' starts to play through uninterrupted - finally. It's a shame however that it continues to take place in someone's living room and nothing is ever clear or distinct. As someone who's never seen The Importance Of Being Earnest, it becomes very frustrating trying to understand what's going on and when they're telling the story or being the amateurs 'out of character'. 

Whereas Noises Off is funny because it's supposed to be the actual performance going wrong before an audience, the fact that this is a rehearsal makes the 'mistakes' less humorous - we expect them to happen and it's OK if they do... there's something entertaining about a disaster and unfortunately it never reaches such a level. Maybe this is one for those who have seen the straight version of the play and are able to make sense of jokes from an existing understanding. 

It shouldn't be avoided for there are excellent redeeming features. The cast are superb and do there absolute best with the new concept. Sian Phillips is excellent as Lady Bracknell, delivering lines with perfect comic timing. Nigel Havers and Martin Jarvis are responsible for a few hilarious outbreaks as they reprise the roles of Algernon and John Worthing that they both played in the 1982 National Theatre production alongside Dame Judi Dench. The set by William Dudley is stunningly beautiful, I'd happily live in it. 

It's all just a little too incoherent and Jarvis' line "it's more Widow Twankey than Oscar Wilde" probably rings true for the production. It's very interesting and worth turning out for the fantastic cast line up. The questionable concept is one that divides the audience, some clearly adored it. Decide for yourself at Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 26 October. Tickets here. 

Cast List: Rosalind Ayres, Niall Buggy, Patrick Godfrey, Nigel Havers, Martin Jarvis, Christine Kavanagh, Cherie Lunghu, Sian Phillips, Portia Booroff, Carole Dance, Hugh Osbourne.

Review | DREAMBOATS AND MINISKIRTS (UK Tour) October 2014

Following on from where Petticoats left off, the Dreamboats are back and their girls in miniskirts! Whatever happened to Bobby and Laura? It's now 1963, and the world is changing. Bobby and Laura's single "Dreamboats and Petticoats" has not taken off. Norman and Sue have settled down to non-marital bliss - and a baby! But Ray and Donna seem blissfully happy...

It's often that the sequel is never as good ... Grease 2 ... but here it's quite the opposite. Whereas Dreamboats and Petticoats seems to drag after an hour, here we have something altogether more interesting. The rise of Bobby's band The Conquests against the success of The Beatles and Laura's solo career makes for a plot that twists and turns patting the way for plenty of 60s hits - many of which make up the soundtrack to Dirty Dancing. Nobody comes to these musicals for a gritty storyline which probably takes a backseat - what shines though above all is a fantastic cast and the finest actor musicianship.

Charlotte Peak and Chloe Edwards-Peak on saxophone are excellent and compliment the band of boys who impress with hits such as Do You Love Me and Venus In Blue Jeans. David Luke belts out some impressive vocals as Ray whilst Louise Olley who reprises her role as Sue is in great voice, particularly with classic Be My Baby. Alex Beaumont is charming as Bobby and Elizabeth Carter shines as Laura - her rendition of You Don't Own Me is a highlight. Commanding bad boy Norman (Ross William Wild) steals the show. Wild's presence is incredibly infectious and it's all eyes on him as he rocks through Oh Pretty Woman and Hippy Hippy Shake. 

Corners are cut however... it's the same set as Dreamboats and Petticoats but without the dodgems. The ping pong table also makes a return but gladly they don't play it whilst there's dialogue, which was distracting in the predecessor. The poster artwork also remains pretty much the same as Petticoats, but Miniskirts does take you on a whole new adventure. Little visual effort has been made to differentiate this from Petticoats which is clearly a safety measure to assure the audience - you know what you're getting. The whole thing is slicker, faster paced and a maturer storyline makes for a less fluffy, more energetic and exciting production that truly gets you into the spirit of the sixties.

At Birmingham's New Alexandra Theatre until 18th October. Book here. 

Cast List: Alex Beaumont, Ross William Wild, Elizabeth Carter, Louise Olley, David Luke, Anna Campkin, Alan Howell, Will Tierney, Michael Kantola, Sheridan Lloyd, Chris Coxon, Damien Walsh, Josef Pitura-Riley, Josh Tye, Charlotte Peak, Chloe Edwards-Wood

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Review | BLOCKBUSTER THE MUSICAL (UK Tour) September 2014

Like so many that have come before it, Blockbuster The Musical is yet another jukebox musical that aims to give audiences a the chance to reminisce and re-live a particular era - this, the 70's. It's not unlike any of the others out there in the saturated market, a show woven together as an excuse to perform some well known hits. Unlike Mamma Mia or We Will Rock You however, if like me you're in your twenties, you probably won't have heard of many. 

Now that you've got the 70's music in mind, take the 80's Back To The Future and merge them together. Our hero Mickey Block (named purely as an excuse to sing Hey Mickey) played by Aaron Sidwell begins as a normal teenager in 2014, busking at Leicester Square tube station. He visits Mad Max (Paul Nicholas) in a Soho record store who thrusts him into a cupboard and hurtles him back to 1973. Once in the 70's, Mickey has to perform two selfless deeds in order to turn his life around, one involves him donating his rare O negative blood in a transfusion to save love interest Teresa (Aimie Atkinson) who is knocked down by a police horse whilst protesting against the Vietnam war...

The plot is predictable, the script is basic but the entirely redeeming factor is an incredibly strong cast who work their hardest to ensure what they're in control of is decent. Aaron Sidwell (Carnaby Street) is impressive as Mickey with an energetic version of Tiger Feet and a great Don't Play Your Rock 'n' Roll. Another fantastic addition is the excellent Suzanne Shaw as Carol who's If You Can't Give Me Love is one of the show's highlights. The choreography by Rebecca Howell is strong and a particularly striking I'll Meet You At Midnight makes a great closing number to the first cast.

They seem to be compulsory with this type of musical, but the megamix finale ensures people are up on their feet and clapping along having enjoyed a lighthearted evening out. Perhaps not one for the youthful theatregoer but those of a reminiscent age should gather a group of friends and have fun with a superb cast. At Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre until Sat 27 September. Tickets here. 

Blockbuster The Musical features classic hits by Sweet, Suzi Quatro, Smokie, Tina Turner and Mud, including: Ballroom Blitz, Blockbuster, Tiger Feet, Can The Can, Devil Gate Drive, Some Girls, Lay Back In The Arms Of Someone, Living Next Door To Alice, Teenage Rampage, Kiss You All Over, Oh Carol, Better Be Good To Me, Little Willy, The Cat Crept In, Lonely This Christmas and Mickey.

Cast List: Paul Nicholas, Suzanne Shaw, Aaron Sidwell, Louise English, Aimie Atkinson, Micha Richardson, Rosie O'Hare, Carla Nella, Grace Holdstock, Vicky Hoyles, Tom Millen, Lee Honey-Jones, Michael Anthony, Ryan Ridley, Alim Jayda, Blair Anderson, Tom Murphy. 

Review | AVENUE Q (UK Tour) September 2014

Winner of the TONY Award “Triple Crown” for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, Avenue Q is penned as part flesh, part felt and packed with heart. This Broadway Musical by Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx and Jeff Whitty is indeed witty, teaches you about life, sex, finances and internet porn... Sesame Street, it ain't! 

Princeton, a recent graduate begins his search for a place to live on Avenue A but ends up finding the cheapest apartment much further out of town, in Avenue Q. Superintendent Gary Coleman can merely reflect on his days as a child star for now he's fixing the toilets. Along the way, Princeton finds friends, Brian and his Japanese wife Christmas Eve, Nicky and closeted gay roommate Rod, porn addict Trekkie Monster and the sweetest girl, Kate Monster. Like us, they've all got problems but there's always a solution -  the cure to your crappy day may just be a ticket to Avenue Q!

The uplifting, lighthearted look at life is lead by Tom Steedon as both Princeton and Rod, flitting effortlessly between the two. Rod is easily deserving of sympathy, he has some great moments including Steedon's tender 'Fantasies Come True' and in Rod's hilarious coming out. Princeton's 'Purpose' song is a vocal highlight alongside Kate Monster's incredible Act 1 closing number - 'There's A Fine Fine Line'. Kate Monster, played by Jessica Parker in the absence of Lucie-Mae Sumner is a very strong addition to the line up. Parker delights her home crowd of Birmingham in what was clearly a particularly special performance. 

Stephen Arden works incredibly hard as three separate characters, Nicky, Trekkie and a Bad Idea Bear. It is his Trekkie Monster however that steals most of the scenes, a clear audience favourite, there is overwhelming and rapturous applause for 'The Internet Is For Porn'. 

Jacqueline Tate revives her role of Christmas Eve, a part she played in a previous West End production. Tate is a master of comic timing and ensures that we understand her, even when spluttering incomprehensible Japanese language. 

The puppets by Paul Jomain differ slightly in design from the original Cameron Mackintosh production, but not so that they are any less captivating. The set is simpler than previous stagings but it works, the magic of Avenue Q is nothing complicated, just pure talent. Puppet coaches Nigel Plaskitt and Sam Lupton are to be commended on ensuring quality, convincing and accurate puppetry.

Avenue Q remains one of modern musical theatre's greatest triumphs. A show that has heart, a beautiful score and a side-splitting script.... oh, and puppets! This is the ultimate recipe for feel-good fun! See Avenue Q at Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 20 September 2014. Book tickets online here. 

Money from 'The Money Song' of course goes to help Kate Monster with her Monstersorri School, but also to Teenage Cancer Trust. You can donate to the cause by clicking here if you didn't quite reach the collection hat. 

Cast List: Stephen Arden, Richard Morse, Jessica Parker, Tom Steedon, Lucie-Mae Sumner, Jacqueline Tate, Elena Vincent, Greg Airey, Will Hawkesworth, Emily-Jane Morris, Etisyai Philip

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.

Review | ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (UK Tour) July 2014

There's no business like show business, there really isn't... take an old Broadway musical about a Wild West show and set a new production of it inside of a Wild West show and what you get is the latest incarnation of Irving Berlin's classic Annie Get Your Gun. This production, from the Ambassador Theatre Group uses a revised book, created by Peter Stone for a Tony award-winning Broadway revival in 1999.

Buffalo Bill's Big Top is now the setting for the entire musical, the whole thing is a show within a show and is beautifully done by designer Paul Farnsworth. A great red and white tent with an orchestra at the perimeters is all that we're presented with, but a simple repositioning of boxes and lighting changes do enough to convince us of a scene change, less is definitely more here. 

It's all rather unassuming, a modest production brings together a fine ensemble who work incredulously hard, they're constantly rearranging set positions, leaping, singing and providing a general sense of energy and enthusiasm to power through the dated story. How anyone at Buffalo Bill's show could have their interest sustained by a woman shooting at balloons... 

That woman of course is Annie Oakley, played here by Emma Williams and she does a lot more than shoot. It's not often that one particular member of a cast shines above all others but Williams is just Doin What Comes Natur'lly to her and impresses throughout with an exciting presence and perfect voice. 

Jason Donovan is Frank Butler and does enough to please fans but you can't help but think that Jonathan Wilkes, who plays the role at selected performances, may be better cast as the love interest of young Oakley. Donovan does however lead some great chorus numbers with the male ensemble, chorus routines which are perhaps the stronger moments of the show. Norman Pace is a fun addition as Buffalo Bill. There's a sweet romance between Lorna Want as Winnie Tate and Yiftach Mizrahi as Tommy Keeler that is most endearing, you wish there had been more written for them. 

In all, the feel good factor remains, even if not the relevance. It is nice to see one of the older classics return to the stage in a charming revival production. It's hardly groundbreaking but then I guess there's only so much you can do now with a 1940's musical - this is probably as good a production as you're going to get. A popular one with the amateurs, this is far from something you'll have seen last summer at the church hall, it's beautifully reimagined. Emma Williams shines in a charming production at Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 5 July. Book tickets online here. 

Watch the trailer below:

Cast List: Jason Donovan, Jonathan Wilkes (at selected performances), Emma Williams, Norman Pace, Dermot Canavan, Ed Currie, Kara Lane, Yiftach Mizrahi, William Oxborrow, Lorna Want, Ste Clough, Matthew Dale, Natalie Day, Flo Fields, Sarah Galbraith, Jonny Godbold, Hannah Grace, Katie Marie-Carter, Oscar Francisco, Theo Gilbert-Birch

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 | ROCK OF AGES (UK Tour) May 2014

The 80's... the decade of power ballads and rock Gods … there was bound to be a musical about it and what is currently the 30th longest-running show on Broadway started life in Los Angeles 2006, transferred to Broadway in 2009 and West End in 2011 - Rock Of Ages is now playing cities all over the UK as part of a major tour.

The musical follows Drew (Noel Sullivan) who we meet in The Bourbon Room club, dreaming of being a rock star. He immediately falls for Sherrie (Cordelia Farnworth) who confuses his shyness as disinterest and has a fling with the vainglorious lead singer of rock band Arsenal, Stacee Jaxx (Ben Richards), it all goes wrong, it all rights itself... it's sex, drugs and rock and roll. 

The plot falls, overpowered by the string of hits - it's probably for the best as it doesn't allow for too much investment in the characters, there's nothing too deep as to discover more about them or time to see them do little more than sing, but they own up to that. This isn't a musical to lose yourself in, it's two and half hours of rollocking rock! 

Noel Sullivan impresses as Drew, he returns to his We Will Rock You roots here and is just as comfortable strutting, head-banging and belting out rock ballads than he was in a recent role, skipping around in showgirl tits and feathers in Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. He proves to be an accomplished, versatile performer. Ben Richards is suitably sexy, seductive and everything you'd expect of a lead singer in the role of Stacee Jaxx. Rachel McFarlane as Justice Charlier is a great addition, she's like the Killer Queen of rival rock musical, strutting around in a long coat and sparkly corset - she can belt, yet perhaps the more tender Every Rose Has It's Thorn is one of the show's highlights. 

Jessie May makes a great Regina, coupled with the comedic Cameron Sharp who relishes the role of camp German, Franz. They receive the best reaction with Hit Me With Your Best Shot - a surprise reveal and a long overdue rousing of the audience to whom Stephen Rahman-Hughes' emcee Lonny is a firm favourite. There's an energetic ensemble lead by dance captain Russell Smith and a whole-cast finale of Don't Stop Believin' brings the house down, the band are excellent.

It's all tongue-in-cheek, it's all cheesy but ultimately it's fun. If nothing more, Rock Of Ages is a great opportunity to just let go and rock out with an incredibly impressive West End cast. Get your air guitar, and head for New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham to rock until Saturday 17 May - book tickets here. 

Cast List: Ben Richards, Noel Sullivan, Cordelia Farnworth, Daniel Fletcher, Stephen Rahman-Hughes, Rachel McFarlane, Jack Lord, Cameron Sharp, Rakesh Boury, Imogen Brooke, Abigail Climer, Tom Andrew Hargreaves, Jessie May, Stephen Rolley, Kylie Michelle Smith, Russell Smith, Chris Southgate, Charlotte Anne Steen, Tara Verloop.

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Vincent & Flavia's DANCE 'TIL DAWN (UK Tour) Review April 2014

It's the golden age of Hollywood dance, film-makers putting song and dance on the silver screen. Far from the late night bar of Buenos Aires (the setting of previous hit Midnight Tango), the formidable pair take to the stage in 1940's L.A. as Sadie Strauss (Cacace) and Tony Deluca (Simone) - the romantic leads of a comedy about a beautiful starlet and her handsome beau.

Talking through proceedings as the narrator Tommy Dubrowski is Teddy Kempner, a favourite who returns from Midnight Tango whose humour is both clever and welcome. The need for frequent plot updates is perhaps unneeded, there is excellent narration within the choreography - however, Kempner is expert at breaking up the already succinct action with witty one-liners, There is a comedic rapport with the excellent Abbie Osmon as Lana, who must get her hands on incriminating photographic evidence of her fling with Bobby Burns - the man Sadie is contracted to make films with... but of course she follows her heart (thankfully!) and teams with Simone's Tony Deluca. 

The Strictly duo are effortless in rhythm, pace and finesse, completely at one with the soundtrack - the perfect blend of 'tangoed' favourites such as Moon River, Stand By Me and more recent hits Paolo Nutini's Pencil Full Of Lead, Caro Emerald's That Man and Bruno Mars' Runaway Baby is a great, high-energy climax to Act I. The live band are excellent and the perfect accompaniment to Oliver Darley's fine vocal. 

There is an incredibly strong ensemble who master all aspects of the piece co-choreographed by the Strictly professionals and Karen Bruce, who also directed. The evening feels very much like entertainment on a cruise ship - in the best possible way and by no means derogatory - it's glamorous, it's luxurious. That feeling you only get on holiday somehow takes over you in a night of excitement, sophistication, beauty and passion. 

Dance 'Til Dawn is the perfect blend of styles and theatrical mediums and for this it's almost certainly better than the excellent Midnight Tango. It's a dance show, that is a musical, that is a masterpiece.

See the show at Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 26 April 2014. Book tickets here. 

Cast List: Flavia Cacace, Vincent Simone, Oliver Darley, Teddy Kempner, Abbie Osmon, Faye Best, Tyman Boatwright, Ivan De Freitas, Carly Mercedes Dyer, Ben Harris, Jamie-Rae Hartshorne, Annie Kitchen, Stephanie Powell, Tom Scanlon, Giovanni Spano, Danny Stowell, Gemma Whitelam, Anna Woodside. 

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