SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (UK Tour) Review March 2014

Chichester Festival Theatre have produced some excellent productions in recent years - including Sweeney Todd, Another Country soon to open at the Trafalgar Studios, The Pyjama Game opening at the Shaftesbury Theatre and Cameron Mackintosh's revival of Barnum which is about to embark on a UK tour. Singin' In The Rain enjoyed success in Chichester in 2011, the West End in 2012 and now a tour of the UK and Ireland is making a splash in Birmingham. 

Singin' In The Rain tells the story of the first Hollywood musical, when the silver screen found its voice and left silent movies - and some of its stars – behind. This show leaves none of it's stars behind and from the outset you are whisked away to the Hollywood glamour of 1920's Los Angeles. The magic of the MGM musicals is truly at the heart of the show - I don't recall a time when I've ever been so enchanted at the theatre, which is easily done with the grandeur of Jonathan Church's production.

Before you can talk about anything more, the choreography by Andrew Wright must be credited for taking the show from one that looks great to one that is great - and so full of energy. Even without the rain these dancers were dripping, with sweat. Scenes that are concentrated heavily with dialogue benefit greatly from an injection of incredibly creative, complex and breathtaking routines. The tap is fast and furious, both the dance kind and the water kind. 14,000 litres of soak the stage (and the first few rows of the auditorium) in a spectacular finale - a downpour that provokes a well earned standing ovation.

James Leece as Don Lockwood

Following in the soggy footsteps of Gene Kelly is James Leece as Don Lockwood. A charming performance, Leece is great to watch, particularly when splashing around in the title song or when together with Amy Ellen Richardson who is a delight as Kathy Selden. The perfect face of Hollywood glamour, Richardson excels not only in her irresistible presence but is in fine voice throughout.

It is Make Em Laugh that perhaps receives the loudest applause for a dry routine, perfectly executed within split seconds of comic timing, the incredible Stephane Anelli is difficult to move your attention from as the buffoonish Cosmo Brown, relishing the role for all it's worth. Also scene-stealing is Faye Tozer ("from Steps") as movie star Lina Lamont. With a ghastly shrill voice she earns raucous laughs with her song What's Wrong With Me? - ironically, the character can't sing and the fact that Tozer isn't given the opportunity to showcase her vocal talent here is somewhat of a shame.

Faye Tozer as Lina Lamont

The story may induce times where you're left thinking "just hurry up and rain!" but in it's entirety you can't possibly have seen this show better than it it's presented here. There is an incredible orchestra that guide you through an evening of Hollywood glamour presented only by the most dynamic ensemble.

Go on, splash the cash on a ticket to the show that showers you with nothing but pure talent and class. Book tickets online here - runs until Saturday 5 April at Birmingham Hippodrome. 

View the show's trailer:

Cast List: James Leece, Amy Ellen Richardson, Stephane Anelli, Maxwell Caufield, Faye Tozer, Jacqueline Clarke, Paul Grunert, Luke Dowling, Jenny Legg, Kim Strommen, Abigail Brodie, Adam Denman, Rebecca Fennelly, Olivia Fines, Lauren Hall, Aimee Hodnett, Nia Jermin, Sammy Kelly, Joshua Lovell, Matthew Malthouse, Phil Marriott, Tom Partridge, Tom Woods, Albey Brookes, Matt Crandon, Lucy James, Soeli Parry

HIGH SOCIETY (UK Tour) Review February 2013

It began as a stage play The Philadelphia Story in 1939 which 16 years later became the Cole Porter musical film re-titled High Society. After San Francisco try-out's in 1997 the stage musical hit Broadway in 1998. More recently in the West End the show ran a limited run at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2005 but now a major revival production directed by Anna Linstrum is touring the UK and Ireland.

The story set in the 1930's follows Tracy Lord (Sophie Bould) whose wedding plans are interrupted by the arrival of her ex-husband Dexter Haven (Michael Praed) and handsome journalist Mike Connor (Daniel Boys). Ultimately she must choose between three very different men on a course of self-discovery.

The opening scene cleverly combines Francis O'Connor's beautiful set (complete with Susie the Seagull) and Andrew Wright's expert choreography. The initial musical number 'High Society' which involves Tracy Lord discreetly changing outfits sets the impressive slickness of the show. The ensemble of Butlers and Housemaids work well to provide vocals and provide the seamless transitions between scenes. The ensemble consist of Jill Armour, John Bowles, Steven Butler, Matt Corner, Keiron Crook, Zoë Doana, Carol Heffernan, Lucy James, Ashley Knight, Anthony McGill, Ben Redfern and Rachel Spurrell.

Alex Young as photographer Liz Imbrie makes the perfect companion for Daniel Boys' Mike Connor. Their version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire is a highlight of the first act as is Daniel Boys' second act number You're Sensational which received well deserved rapturous applause.

Star of Dynasty Michael Praed impresses as Dexter Haven who has an interesting selection of songs to tackle. The numbers for Dexter seem less inspired than for some of the other characters but it is the duet with Sophie Bould, True Love that showcases his true talent.

Sophie Bould was given a particularly warm welcome, a local girl who before becoming professional had appeared at the theatre whilst in South Staffordshire Operatics Society who were all in to pledge support. Sophie oozes class, and commands the stage with her natural elegance and suitability for the role of Tracy Lord. Also as impressive as Dinah Lord is 17 year old Katie Lee who has already starred in three West End musicals -  Les Misérables, Matilda and Billy Elliot - the musical where she perhaps honed her pointe skills that she performs with ease in this show. Most definitely a leading star of the future.

Marylin Cutts as Margaret Lord, Teddy Kempner as Uncle Willie and Craig Pinder as Seth Lord all showcase experience as they expertly make up the maturer members of the principal cast.

I must once more refer back to the set which is exceptional, particularly for a touring production. There are no major set changes but a repositioning of furniture and doorways whilst spinning on a revolve is spectacular and sophisticated use of the space. The kitchen scene which involves a tap routine to Well, Did You Evah? is most definitely the choreographic highlight of the show that also includes a Stomp like use of pots and pans to re-inforce the rhythm and accents.

High Society is one of the must-see revival productions this season - it is an explosion of glitz, glamour and talent. The show runs at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until 2nd March and you can book tickets here.

High Society also plays at the Birmingham Hippodrome from 14th - 18th May. Tickets can be booked here.

Promotional video for the tour:

Photographs © Pamela Raith

ALADDIN (Swindon Wyvern Theatre) Review December 2012

You may be forgiven for believing you're in Swindon but in fact you're taken far away to the Oriental town of Swinyon for this year's production of Aladdin. Fronted by TV funny-man Keith Chegwin this intimate theatre is filled with magic and a welcoming charm.

The star-crossed lovers are West End star of Hairspray and We Will Rock You Lauren Varnham as Princess Jasmine and Liam Ross-Mills as Aladdin. Having seen Lauren countless times in both of her recent West End appearances I knew she would be more than up to the job. She proves to be the perfect princess in appearance, character and her vocals are second to none. Equally as charming is Aladdin, Liam Ross-Mills makes a wonderful lead and his version of A Whole New World whilst floating around the stage on a magic carpet is one of the many highlights.

Keith Chegwin has bundles of energy and is excellent at enthusing the audience. He has great accuracy it seems as not only did he spray a water gun jet directly into my face, but threw my favourite Quality Street chocolate straight into my lap. It was the strawberry one...

David Ashley is the evil Abanazer and proved quite scary when he entered the auditorium next to a nursery school group. The musical theatre veteran showcased his skill honed during his time in Starlight Express and one scene involved him roller skating around the stage. A classic and perfected baddie! Nick Barclay is a pleasant contrast as the the bumbling Emperor.

Widow Twankey isn't the most glamorous of dames, she has a bra that was meant to hold three and  works in a laundry shop, bless her, but Ian Mowat particularly in the Born This Way routine proved that there is a diva within her who's outfits are some very colourful creations. 

The glitz and glamour comes in the shape of Suzie Chard who presents an Essex-girl Genie, who sparkles and shines her way through. Her charisma fills the stage and even during moments of uncertainty after an incident with a pyro she carried the scene through to the end smoothly. The cave scene is another show highlight that begins with a rendition of I Am What I Am with backing from the Laine Theatre Arts ensemble - Jabari Braham, Michael Lin, Thomas Russell, Seren Sandham-Davis and Zac Watts.

The musical arrangements by Ben Kennedy are a delight, there is a mix of chart and musical theatre. Direction and Choreography by Andrew Wright is to the highest standard as expected with recent work including Singing In The Rain (Palace Theatre) the UK tour of Wonderful Town and a revival of 42nd Street (Chicester Festive Theatre and the Curve, Leicester). Additional choreography for the show is provided by Aaron Renfree, also a Laine's graduate. Aaron's choreography is always fresh, exciting and current and it is great to see that in such tradition-bound pantomime theatre.

Aladdin runs at the Swindon Wyvern Theatre until Sunday 6th January 2013 and you can book tickets here: https://wyverntheatre.org.uk/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=35166970-7B07-47FF-9EE1-5CFF13B5C8E9 or by calling the box office on 01793 524 481. 

WONDERFUL TOWN (UK Tour) Review May 2012

I didn't quite know what to expect from this lesser known Broadway musical. 'Tony Award Winning' gave it some hope, but I've come to learn that if you don't like it, it's awards are irrelevant to your enjoyment. 

I'd heard very little of this musical so approached it with an open mind. I'm a little wary of older musicals, I think you either get it right or they're a giant borefest. Wonderful Town got it right.

Length is a slight issue with the show, I'm not a particular fan of long overtures, but this one was varied enough to keep interest. The score throughout was as wonderful as the wonderful town itself. Act I ran for 90 minutes which however good something is, that's a long time to be squashed into a theatre seat next to a stranger unwrapping humbugs incessantly. Act II was shorter and faster paced (and Mrs Stranger had finished her humbugs in the interval - result!)

As the gauze raised we were presented with a chorus of cheery American folk going about their day on Christopher Street. Simon Higlett's set is strikingly colourful, the scene transitions are both fast yet artistically done, it's very clever. 

The choreography of Andrew Wright is by far the best I've seen for quite a while. It captures the spirit of this ageing musical but in a fresh, dynamic and exciting way. It's perfect. It reminded me exactly why I love musical theatre - the energy, the campness and the enthusiasm was through the roof. 

Standout performances from Lucy Van Gasse as Eileen and Michael Xavier as Bob Baker were great to watch. Both gave an incredible show attacking Bernstein's score with much power and secured audience attention with their portrayals of both characters. Also, Tiffany Graves made a fantastic Helen and I felt she was much more at home in Wonderful Town than as Killer Queen on the 2011 UK tour of We Will Rock You. Of course, Connie Fisher from TV's How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria was a delight as Ruth. 

This is definitely one to watch when the tour visits your own wonderful town. 

The tour runs until 7th July 2012 and plays at the Birmingham Hippodrome until 26th May. 

Website: http://www.wonderfultown.co.uk/