The cast of OKLAHOMA prepare for Comic Relief at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre!

As the critically-acclaimed national tour of OKLAHOMA! arrived at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, members of the cast took time out from their busy schedule and put their toe-tapping skills to the test to take part in a special warm-up ahead of the first ever Comic Relief Danceathon this Sunday 8th March.

Nic Greenshields who plays Jud Fry in the show said: “We simply couldn't resist getting involved to show our support for this year’s Red Nose Day. The Comic Relief Danceathon looks really fun so we would love everyone in the area to get involved and help raise some all-important cash.”

Kara Lane & Nic Greenshields

Lucy May Barker in the role of Ado Annie said: “It’s always incredibly fun to get involved in Red Nose Day and this year will be no different. Simply pop on your dancing shoes this Sunday, grab your friends and get sponsored to dance along at home!

“By taking part you’ll be making a huge difference to the lives of people right here in the West Midlands, in the UK and across Africa.”

The charity is calling on fundraisers to get together at home, in village halls, gyms or any location and dance non-stop for six hours. Fundraisers can follow a live, star-studded Danceathon at The SSE Arena, Wembley on the BBC Red Button. Over 2,000 fundraisers will dance non-stop at the fun filled Wembley event, hosted by Claudia Winkleman and with a host of famous faces set to join in too.

The money raised by the Comic Relief Danceathon will be spent across the West Midlands, all over the UK, and across Africa, helping vulnerable and disadvantaged people living incredibly tough lives.

For more information about the Comic Relief Danceathon and to book tickets or get involved where you are head to www.rednoseday.com/danceathon. For other ways to get involved this Red Nose Day or to really look the part, fundraisers can pick up the official Red Nose Day t-shirt from TK Maxx, and of course Red Noses from Sainsbury’s. Fundraising kits, giving pages and all the latest Red Nose Day stories are available from www.rednoseday.com

OKLAHOMA! is on at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday 7th March, tickets here and on tour around the UK until 8th August. 

SWEENEY TODD (Adelphi Theatre) April 2012

I'd seen the film and loved it but I was a little apprehensive about what to expect as I walked along The Strand towards the Adelphi Theatre. As a great lover of the cheesy, high energy, dance filed, jazz-hands-at-every-second musicals this was to be a bit of a different venture.

We managed to secure great seats in the stalls, in the centre of row N. The stalls at the Adelphi hasn't got the greatest incline so I did find the head of the person in front very much an obstacle. He was a large American man who throughout the pre-show repeatedly expressed his excitement about seeing "the lady Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher from Harry Potter".

The pre-show was great. A lot more interesting than a curtain baring the show's logo. The actors took their time to come onto stage and began cleaning things and setting up for the show. This as a great opportunity to admire Anthony Ward's enormous set before any of the main action distracted you away from it. The set takes inspiration from an abandoned factory which returns to life as the working class ensemble invite you to attend the tale.

This was my first time of seeing Michael Ball in any role. A far cry from Hairspray's Edna Turnblad he was spectacularly haunting in the title role. His take on Sweeney Todd was chilling and captivating as he managed Sweeney's transformation from a grieving traveller to demonic killer.

Imelda Staunton managed well to provide the grim tale with much-needed light humour. Her portrayal strangely manages to draw sympathy from the audience to a character who lovestruck with a killer, bakes the victims in pies.

Other performances worthy of note are Lucy May Barker's portrayal of Johanna - she did the absolute best she could with a character of little attention as did Luke Brady with the smitten Anthony. James McConville succeeded in bringing the innocence to Tobias, you wanted to pluck him from the stage and get him as far away from the dangers of Fleet Street.

The pies may be the worst in London, but the show is definitely one of the best. If it's a shave you're after, I'd go elsewhere, otherwise this is definitely a worthwhile visit.

Performances until 22nd September. Monday - Saturday 7:30pm, Wednesday & Saturday 2:30pm.
Tickets: £67.50, £55, £37.50, £25, £20. (Dayseats available at £25 on the day of performance at the box office.)

Website: http://sweeneytoddwestend.com/