SOME LIKE IT HIP HOP (UK Tour) Review Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

22 of over 100 youngsters from 12 schools across the region came together to form a dance troupe. This week they performed a curtain-raiser routine before each of the three performances of ZooNation's Some Like It Hip Hop at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

The lucky few were selected by ZooNation's Teneisha Bonner, who stars in the show. Funded by Inspire Carillion, the troupe performed a routine to Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger" and they all proved that they did indeed have the moves. Education Officer Louise Bent, who co-ordinated the project said "I was amazed to see the array of skills on display during the week. For many of the kids it was the first time they had danced on a professional stage. It's given them a taster of what it is like to be a professional dancer because Teneisha has really put them through their paces!"

Chief Executive of the theatre Peter Cutchie said that "this is the first time in 12 years that the Grand has hosted a professional dance company and what a fantastic show this has been to re-introduce Wolverhampton to the world of dance."

Over the two nights, the theatre was full of local press, photographers, guest Tweeters and young reviewers. There certainly was an exciting atmosphere in the theatre. There was a pre-show drinks reception for invited guests and also at the interval. The final night in Wolverhampton was also the final night of the UK tour which launched at The Lowry in Salford following a short residency at the Sadler's Wells Peacock Theatre. To mark the final night, Aston Merrigold of boyband JLS was spotted in the audience and was there to show support for his girlfriend - cast member Sarah Richards. 

Chairman of the Friends Of The Grand Gordon Hands said "Very fortunately I get to see every show that comes to theatre. If I didn't this probably wouldn't have appealed to me at my age. How very wrong I would have been. There really was something for everyone, and it was great to see the whole audience up on their feet dancing along at the end. I've certainly learnt some new moves!"

Me and fellow blogger Fran Richards with cast member DJ Walde

The after-show reception was very different to most weeks, usually a civilised, calm welcome and chat. This was a loud hip-hop party in which the young dancers mingled with the cast who posed for photos and signed posters of the show. The Friends of the Grand, the second largest theatre friends group in the country, offer a welcoming party to the cast on the first night of any show. As well as the regular friendly faces, this week it was refreshing to see so many enthusiastic young people at ZooNation's reception.  DJ Walde who is the composer and musical director for Some Like It Hip Hop confirmed he had thoroughly enjoyed the tour and that the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre had been a great venue to finish.

ZooNation have a few exciting projects in the pipeline and Some Like It Hip Hip makes a return to Sadler's Wells in 2013. My hope is that ZooNation return to the Grand Theatre in any future tours - they're sure to be a huge hit! 

You can read my previous blog, a chat with the show's producer here: http://scottbirdonline.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/some-like-it-hip-hop-uk-tour-word-from.html

The Grand Theatre's Backstage Blog has an update from marketing manager Kate Evans:

http://grandbackstageblog.co.uk/2012/11/21/hip-hop-hits-the-spot-zoonation-dance-company-shake-up-wolverhampton/

Pictures from the event feature on the theatre's Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151309784222922.534308.34383242921&type=1

And as if that wasn't enough dance this week, Angelina Ballerina the Mousical takes over the theatre until Saturday. Tickets can be booked here: http://grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=634&sC=page10

SOME LIKE IT HIP-HOP (UK Tour) Interview with Producer Georgina Harper

We arrived at The Lowry, Salford Quays for the first night of Some Like It Hip-Hop on tour and met with the show's producer Georgina Harper who has been with the company ZooNation for six years.
She explained that this is the first time that the company have toured, and it's a perfect way to celebrate their 10th Anniversary. After forming in 2002, ZooNation are excited to take their work from their native London and share it with audiences nationwide.

Artistic Director and founder of ZooNation Kate Prince was totally inspired by the story and structure of Some Like It Hot - one of her favourite films. If you are familiar with the film you will be able to see that there are a lot of structural similarities and themes but it is not a straight adaptation. ZooNation's work is unique and Some Like It Hip-Hop is an original story with elements inspired by Some Like It Hot and Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. The American TV series Mad Men was of great influence on the style of the show.

Kate Prince, who was lead choreographer for the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Handover ceremonies has choreographed for two seasons of So You Think You Can Dance and for the film Streetdance 3D. Working to bring backing singers and dancers to the forefront and be the stars in an entirely new show, in 2011 Kate turned to writing, directing and co-choreographing Some Like It Hip-Hop. The show premiered at Sadler's Wells in London 2011, before reviving there this autumn and then embarking on a UK tour.

As producer, Georgina Harper was able to comment on the varying age and backgrounds that make up the show's audiences that she gets to see entering the theatre every night. "Of course there are a lot of young, trendy hip-hoppers out there that are always present at our shows, but it's been great to see large family groups coming through the doors. We've had families of grandparents, their children and their children, three generations coming to see us - there's something for everyone." The show has a strong and positive female message and that is also reflective in the female creative team. Director Kate is strongly against misogynistic lyrics, homophobia, violence and materialism and focusses on the importance of education and the values of family and community - and that is right at the heart of the show. Some Like It Hip-Hop has the production value of any West End show and has managed that on a much tighter budget.

Manchester is a lucky city to host many of the leading UK tours either first or very early into the run, and The Lowry was a perfect venue to kick off the tour. The atmosphere was electric and by the time the finale had begun everyone was on their feet bopping along with cast.
The tour is relatively short, and doesn't stay at venues for more than three days so if you're lucky enough to have this show in your local city it really is a must-see. If every last seat isn't sold, it would be a crying shame. Some Like It Hip-Hop deserves to be seen by everyone - a show with so much talent, wit, stamina and fun.

View the trailer for Some Like It Hip-Hop: 

You can find out more about the tour here: http://slihh.zoonation.co.uk/page/tour-info