BLOOD BROTHERS (UK Tour) October 2012

Blood Brothers, the first ever show I saw in the West End returns to Birmingham again on a seemingly never-ending tour cycle. The current West End version of the show is due to close in just a few weeks time in November. Ending its run after 24 years at the Phoenix Theatre it begs the question of whether Blood Brothers has had it's day. The audience at the Birmingham Hippodrome last night received the show rather willingly and the home audience for Niki Evans in the role of Mrs Johnstone were a welcoming delight.

Niki Evans from the 2007 series of the X Factor only entered the competition after finding the application forms intended for her in her late father's belongings. Her heartfelt, emotional audition saw her through the early stages and flying into the live shows, finishing in the semi-final. It is exactly the type of pure emotion she expressed in song during her time on the X Factor that makes Niki the perfect casting for the iconic role of Mrs Johnstone - a role she first played in 2009 in the London production.

A mother of seven children at only 25, Mrs. Johnstone learns that she is expecting twins. Already unable to cope and through fear of having to foster away some of her children she finds herself pressured into giving away one of the twins to Mrs. Lyons (Tracy Spencer), a rich housewife unable to have children of her own. A superstitious prophecy is born that if ever the boys discover the truth that they shall both die. The two leading ladies are impressive and played the more dramatic moments with conviction which can be incredibly cheesy and cliché.

Blood Brothers has seen a fair share of famous faces during it's run, especially pop stars. The Nolan sisters are no strangers to the role of Mrs Johnstone and Spice Girl Mel C played a brief stint in London. Member of boy band Blue Anthony Costa has played Mickey in the past but for this tour, Marti Pellow the lead singer of Wet Wet Wet has joined the cast as the Narrator. I have always thought of the Narrator's part as unnecessary - a tough role to master. The Narrator awkwardly lurks around the stage, watching the action and interrupts scenes when they begin to get meaty. He acts almost as a conscience and is always there to warn. Marti Pellow is a stern and commanding narrator and evidently does his best. I'm not all together convinced however that his vocal style fits comfortably in the role.

Sean Jones and Jorden Bird are the ill-fated brothers, Mickey and Eddie. It always takes great skill for the actors to convincingly portray the brothers at various ages in their life. Both manage their characters expertly and are both humorous as youngsters. They capture the different ages with clarity and ensure echoes of their childhood mannerisms are reflected in their later performance as men. When we meet the boys for the first time they are dolls wrapped in blankets but at age seven we see them meet each other, make friends and discover they have the same birthday - the story follows them through to adulthood with a dramatic climax, seeing Mrs Lyons' prophecy come true. 

In all, this production of Blood Brothers is well worth the night out. It's funny, full of energy and then dramatically tense the story becomes more despairing. I'm not sure it is a tear-jerking as perhaps it once was but what it is, is full of heart.

The current tour plays at the Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 3rd November and you can book tickets here: http://birminghamhippodrome.com/whatson_focus.asp?showid=1736

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

HAUNTING JULIA (UK Tour) October 2012

This is the first UK tour of Alan Ayckbourn's 1994 supernatural thriller - Haunting Julia. The Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton is known to have it's fair share of ghosts and although usually a warm and welcoming theatre, on this particular occasion it was somewhat chilly and tense.

Julia Lukin was a musical prodigy, who at the age of 19 took her own life and was found dead in her bedroom. The action begins twelve years later when her father purchases the house next door, knocks through the walls and makes a museum, a "Julia Lukin Centre". John Brooking's incredibly detailed set includes Julia's Bedroom with a gallery style walkway separated off by barrier ropes. Although seemingly spacious, when filled with three men and a presence it soon becomes all too claustrophobic.

Desperately searching for an answer to her death, Julia's father Joe (Duncan Preston) discovers Julia's laugh on some of the informative audio tapes that describe her life. He invites a psychic Ken Chase (Richard O'Callaghan) and Julia's unwilling former boyfriend Andy (Joe McFadden) to investigate.

I think the play is a deliberate slow-burner, nothing much happens to begin with but my mind was working overtime. I think what is scarier than "scary things" happening on stage are the eerie silences and fear of the unknown - this play is crammed with that. Although maybe cliché, there are plenty of unnerving rumblings and wind rustles too - I was petrified the whole way through.

Unease gathers in the auditorium and although this production has an interval (unlike the original which ran for 110 minutes straight-through) the tension remains, I was genuinely worried about what we were going to see in Act II. Richard O'Callaghan's creepy psychic has the audience gripped. His strange storytelling adds to the tension and has the audience in nervous laughter more than once. Duncan Preston expertly captures the strained and desperate father - who'll do anything for an answer. Joe McFadden keeps Andy quite secretive and defensive until he later reveals something key to Julia's story, he and his story become as captivating as the psychic.

The show leads to a dramatic climax, which has been building up throughout. Great timing, with Halloween just around the corner, this is the perfect night for those who like a mystery or enjoy a ghostly tale. I think this one really depends on your 'scare threshold' (mine is awfully low) - it's not so much visually scary as it is psychological.

The show runs at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday 20th October 2012. You can book tickets here: http://www.grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=631&sC=page10

SISTER ACT (UK Tour) October 2012

I first saw Sister Act on tour at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in February this year before I started my blog. Tonight, after seeing it at the Birmingham Hippodrome I really wanted to include it before the end of the tour - and this is it's last venue!

Whoopi Goldberg's uplifting stage musical has different songs to those in the film but keeps to the story and follows Deloris Van Cartier into hiding at a convent. Whilst there her passion for music turns the choir of nuns from awful singers into a fabulous, famous show-choir.

This is a new production of the West End show that opened at the London Palladium in 2009. This version features the adaptions made for the Broadway production when it transferred in 2011. I didn't see the London production but it seems anything that was wrong there has definitely been ironed out for the tour - it's hard to find a fault. 

After the open auditions to find a new Deloris last year Cynthia Erivo rose from the masses and became the new diva. She is fabulous in every way and captures the humour that Whoopi Goldberg brought to the film version in her own take on "Sister Mary Clarence". Denise Black is impressive as the unimpressed, witty Mother Superior - tonight however we were treated to Shirley Jameson understudying the role and she matched Black's efforts and delivered her own perfect character. Michael Starke is a fun addition to the cast as Monsignor O'Hara. 

Julie Atherton is the perfect casting for the small and meek Sister Mary Robert, who when taught how to sing properly can truly raise the roof. Laurie Scarth is incredibly funny in the role of Sister Mary Patrick, as is Jacqueline Clarke as the hip-hop rapping Sister Mary Lazarus. There are smiles all-round from Hannah Levane who shines in the ensemble and as Michelle. Gavin Cornwall, Daniel Stockton, Gavin Alex and Tyrone Huntley expertly take on the male leads.

It takes a lot to make me laugh out loud and during Sister Act I'm doing that quite often. Anything where Whoopi Goldberg is involved creatively is sure to be a hit - and this definitely is. The costumes and set are impressive and far from standard. We have giant stained glass windows, a towering glittering statue of the Virgin Mary and equally sparkly habits.

You are bound to get into the habit of singing the songs for a long while after, and this has definitely the touring show to beat all others. The atmosphere was like that of a concert - Birmingham audiences know how to applaud! Sister Act is now in it's final two weeks and plays only at the Birmingham Hippodrome. If you're not local MAKE THE JOURNEY to Birmingham and it'll be worth every effort.

You can book tickets for Sister Act at the Birmingham Hippodrome here: http://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/mediacentre.asp?videoID=306&showid=1735

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (UK Arena Tour) October 2012

Having read Lyn Gardner's one star review in The Guardian for this new arena tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock musical I was a little worried that the performance of show would suffer with the ambitious new staging. I can honestly say I disagree entirely and Jesus Christ Superstar is a true phenomenon. I'm happy to defend the show entirely.

In this new adaptation, last years riots form the setting of the story. Just as rioting plans spread through social media, Jesus uses a similar tactic to spread his word.

ITV Superstar winner Ben Forster stars as Jesus, and proving every doubter wrong that indeed someone on the show was more than capable of being Jesus. I actually think that Superstar matched and exceeded a lot of the talent on any TV talent search before. Ben's Jesus is powerful and expertly sung. Gethsemane was most definitely a highlight of the show, with the stage action pausing immediately after to allow for a very lengthy applause. Tim Minchin is superb in the role of Judas Iscariot. Melanie C is a far cry from a Spice Girl here and is an impressive Mary Magdalene. Other stand-out performances come from musical theatre veteran Alexander Hanson as Pontius Pilate and Giovanni Spano as Simon is perfection in his rendition of 'Simon Zealotes'. Pete Gallagher as Caiaphas is a mighty bass. The ensemble, led by dance captain Russell Smith are energetic and exciting. Chris Moyles has a relatively easy job in comparison with his cameo as Herod which injects some fun and musical campness to the proceedings. 

Mark Fisher's set as first appears to be a simple set of stairs, but they soon transform, with a variety of functions. The cross is impressive, and bright enough to light the arena alone, it must be very hot for Jesus up there beside those bulbs! The show works well in an arena, and the sound fills the space easily. My only problem is that being sat at the back of the arena it was difficult at times to make out who was who. There was a large screen at the back of the stage that didn't always show the action, but instead a building or 'backdrop' to suggest a location. The intimacy you would get in a theatre is completely lost and the stage was just too far away. You could only truly focus on what the screens decided to show you, rather than what you wanted to see. 

Overall, the evening was enjoyable and the show holds it's own as a theatrical spectacle. JCS no doubt has paved the way for other theatre-based musicals making the transition to the arena, with the Ben Elton and Queen hit We Will Rock You embarking on a world arena tour in 2013. If there are tickets left for your hometown JCS is worth it for the experience alone. 

You can buy the DVD and BluRay of the arena tour here:

DVD: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jesus-Christ-Superstar-Live-Arena/dp/B009DHOP4S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1349432093&sr=8-3

BluRay: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jesus-Christ-Superstar-Blu-ray-Region/dp/B009DHOZ5M/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1349432093&sr=8-5

Book tickets here:

http://www.jesuschristsuperstar.com/2012/05/16/jesus-christ-superstar-arena-tour-2/

BOUNCERS (UK Tour) October 2012

The Bouncers have finally arrived in Wolverhampton and are ready to face our nightlife. I saw the show in Bradford a little earlier in the tour and I'm going back for another session of hilarious antics with the boys... and girls.

Just as last week's The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice was directed by it's playwright Jim Cartwright, this current production of Bouncers is also directed by it's playwright - John Godber. Bouncers tells the story of three groups - four boys, four girls and four bouncers at the Asylum club. The cast of four, Don Gilet, Ace Bhatti, William Ilkley and Ian Reddington play all the parts. This is a new 'remixed' version of the original that brings the club right up to date with a mix of Cheryl Cole, Rhianna, The Wanted, David Guetta, Stooshe and Nicki Minaj.

The play begins rather dialogue heavy but the characters soon emerge from the text and their comic charisma takes over. Eastender's villain Ace Bhatti in particular makes a very convincing female! The stereotypical characters that everyone recognises are all there and we follow them from the salon that afternoon to the back alleys full of pitta bread and condoms in the early hours of the next morning.

Of course the play isn't all giggles - Ian Reddington as Lucky Eric provides a series of monologues played out throughout the night that strip away that "tough-guy" persona that bouncers have. There isn't much he hasn't seen in his years on the door and Ian Reddington is perfect in switching to a more subtle and reminiscent tone to reveal his fear for the safety of the young girls. All four of the lads are skilled in switching from one character to another and with only minimal use of props and no costume changes it is quite obvious who's on stage.

This is the first time that Bouncers has been performed on such a large scale. The play, written for smaller, intimate venues is more than capable of filling our bigger theatres. The set by Pip Leckenby is very spacious and simple and sits along the perimeter of the stage allowing the actors to fill the empty bit in the middle. Even though there are only four of them, at times the feeling that the space is crammed with other raving teenagers is quite evident. 

Even though this new remix has plenty of modern day references some of the script remains in the 70's and the lack of consistency is at times a little questionable. There's a laugh every 30 seconds (depending on your humour) timed on John Godber's watch. Honestly, I think that at times the humour is a little forced but when it's naturally funny it's hilarious and Bouncers does make an entertaining, enjoyable night out at the theatre. 

You can also read my blog post from when I met up with the Bouncers boys the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford here: http://scottbirdonline.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/bouncers-uk-tour-banter-with-boys.html 

You can see the show at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday 6th October and tickets can be booked here: http://grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=626&sC=page10

£5 Standby offer for 16 - 25 year olds is available at the box office, 15 minutes prior to each performance depending on availability.

THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE (UK Tour) Review September 2012

Walking into the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre was very different last night. There was a particular buzz in the air, excitement. Jim Cartwright's 1992 play The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice was about to make it's Wolverhampton debut. Mr Boo (Duggie Brown) was on hand in the foyer to greet the audience and usher them to their seats. The theatre had been transformed into a working mens club and as a pre-show we were treated to a tap routine from Ceris Hine and a female George Formby act by Lisa Howard as Dolly on the ukulele.

The pre-show seamlessly fuses into the play where we meet Mari Hoff (Beverley Callard), a loud northern housewife who is all "lacquer and liquor". After years of playing Liz McDonald in Coronation Street, Beverley Callard is back on stage and it is where she truly shines. She is an absolute joy to watch. Mari's daughter Little Voice, or 'LV' (Jess Robinson) couldn't be more opposite in character to her mother. She is a quiet, reserved young girl who spends most of her time alone in her bedroom listening to her records. The play belongs to these two characters, both are given so much to work with. When we first hear Little Voice begin to sing it's magical, the audience love her - as does Billy (Ray Quinn) who tirelessly and very charmingly tries to win the heart of LV, not always discreetly.

The supporting cast is made up of Joe McGann as Ray Say and Sally Plumb as Sadie. Ray's intentions soon become apparent in a dark twist that Joe McGann manages to switch upon Mari. The argument scene between Ray and LV is possibly the highlight of the show in which all of LV's comebacks are snippets from songs. Sadie provides much of the physical humour in the play and her presence on stage is heartwarming. Sally Plumb lends a sweet, innocence to the character, almost child-like at times and she is very endearing to watch. 

The set by Morgan Large is incredible. A two story house on stage with clever walls that become transparent to suggest a change in location, or to create some of the special effects in the climax to the show. Every element of this show gels together perfectly to create the most wonderful piece of theatre. This really is the highlight of the theatrical year so far. I cannot think of anything to say against this production. It is quite rare to see an audience on their feet giving a full standing ovation after a play - but this feels so much more than just that. It had the warm feeling of a musical, which at times it could well be and the dark twists of only the best-written plays. The show, which is far from "crappety", offers value for every penny of the ticket price - a must-see that anyone would be mad to miss. 

The show runs at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday 29th September and then continues on a UK tour until December. You can book tickets for the Wolverhampton dates here: http://grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=609&sC=page10 and young persons standby tickets are available for 16 - 25 year olds (with valid proof of age) for £5 from the box office 15 minutes before each show. 

Website: http://www.littlevoicetour.com

(With Beverley Callard after the show)

SWAN LAKE [English Youth Ballet] (Wolverhampton Grand Theatre) September 2012

The English Youth Ballet brought their new £50,000 production of Swan Lake to Wolverhampton this weekend. This production combines tradition with reality but with particular emphasis on the rivalry between the seductive evil Black Swan Odile and the beautiful but vulnerable White Swan Odette. There were eight international principal dancers and over one hundred young dancers from the region making up the cast. The young corps de ballet came together for a very small rehearsal period of under two weeks before the opening night of Swan Lake on Friday 21st September in Wolverhampton.

Having grown up in a dance school, surrounded by ballet for many years I ought to know and understand this form of dance better than I do. I might not have been able to comment on some of the more technical elements, but as a spectacle the show was truly amazing. Amazing to see such young dancers that were so passionate for the art form that ballet is. Enthusiasm and precision of skill was shown from them all. The choreography of Dominic Marshall was both exciting and clever. The size of the cast meant that at times the stage was full, leaving little room to actually dance. Instead, interesting and complex patters and position changes kept the audience engaged. The costumes were clearly a huge chunk of the £50,000 budget. They were nothing less than beautiful.

Principal dancers Julianne Rice-Oxley, Oliver Speers and Emma Lister were all effortless in their elegance. The Pas de deux of Act III between Princess Odile and Prince Sergei was in particular the most mesmerising. The show led to a dramatic final sequence that prompted the rapturous applause the children deserved after what was a heartwarming and truly enjoyable performance.

More ballet to visit the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre this season is Angelina Ballerina The Mousical (BOOK: http://grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=634&sC=page46) and the Russian State Ballet of Siberia with The Nutcracker, Coppélia and Swan Lake (BOOK: http://grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=636&sC=page46)

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Wolverhampton Grand Theatre) Panto Party Night

Since it's launch earlier this year in June the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre's 2012/13 pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk has announced three new stars bringing the total to seven (including Orville and Cuddles). Midlands X Factor singing sensation Niki Evans joins as the Fairy Godmother Spirit Of The Beans. Coronation Street star Ken Morley reunites with Sherrie Hewson and Nigel Ellacott is dame.

Held at Wolverhampton Race Course it seemed only fitting for the evening to begin with a Pantomime Horse race with jockeys representing various sponsors and amateur societies. Daisy The Cow was on hand to oversee the race whilst Dame Trott provided humorous commentary. Pascale Rollings representing MusCom (Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Society) came in second with Alastair Norton of South Staffs Operatic Society in first place.

After dinner, Executive Producer Jonathan Kiley of Qdos unveiled more about this years giant pantomime spectacular. "We're very excited to be reuniting screen partners Sherrie Hewson and Ken Morley who will be doing a song together. They did say yes and I hope it will still be a yes when we start rehearsals! Orville's song is bound to provoke a few tears!" Orville took a visit to Dudley Zoo, the local partner of the pantomime. He was one of the first to try out the newly refurbished chairlift that has been out of use for many years.

Orville wasn't the only animal to visit the zoo that day. Cuddles the monkey visited the Orangutans who got very angry and nearly broke the glass trying to get at him. After working with Keith Harris and Orville two years ago in pantomime at the Birmingham Hippodrome Jonathan Kiley knows that they will be well received in Wolverhampton. And then of course there is "local legend" Niki Evans who after just finishing a run as Paulette in Legally Blonde is currently touring the country as Mrs Johnston again in Blood Brothers. "She has an amazing voice and will be a great Fairy Godmother. She is going to be doing some amazing numbers, some songs from Sister Act this year. We haven't used her as much as we should have in previous years and so this year we're making sure that she really will shine." Niki Evans is at home in Wolverhampton and returns for her third pantomime at the theatre. 

Hosting the event was this year's "Dame of Dames" Nigel Ellacott as Dame Trott who had spent most of the day at the zoo with Talulah the Tapir. Nigel was one part of the famous pantomime double act with Peter Robbins who is sadly no longer with us. "They were the most famous Ugly Sister double act we had in the UK and we are honoured to have Nigel with us as our solo dame after 28 years of playing as an ugly sister." said Jonathan Kiley. Nigel promises his legendary strip tease which involves multiple layers of clothing, which is worth the ticket price alone. 

The evening ended with most difficult pantomime quiz created by theatre marketing manager Iain Watkins. Comprising of questions from Nigel Ellacott's pantomime website http://www.its-behind-you.com. 

With only 11 weeks to go until opening night this year's pantomime promises to be a real treat for all the family. It runs from Saturday 8th December with two shows a day up until Sunday 20th January. 

You can buy tickets for the pantomime here: http://www.grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=604&sC=page46

BOUNCERS (UK Tour): Banter With The Boys

The boys in black began a UK Tour of John Godber's Bouncers last week in York. We met up with them in Bradford ahead of their scheduled door job in Wolverhampton in October.
Is the nightlife of Wolverhampton ready for them? "Come see us and find out" was the answer.

Eastender's villain Ace Bhatti (whose worst nightclub outfit was an Elvis suit) says that quite simply "Bouncers is the show you need to see if theatre isn't your thing. It's not what you expect." Why is that then? "All the characters are played by us, four blokes. Even the women, that's us. There's something about putting on that handbag, the place just erupts every night."

Don Gilet was brought up in Walsall and after training at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts his first theatre job was at our very own Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Looking forward to playing the theatre  again he said "I can't wait to tame this beast of a play in different cities". Even though the humour may be received differently in other cities the story William Ilkley claims is a timeless piece. "It doesn't change. Nothing changes in the nightclub, only the music and that's just like our play." Godber's play that was first performed in 1977 has been brought right up to date in a 'remix' of the original version. This version features the music of Cheryl Cole, Rhianna, The Wanted, David Guetta, Stooshe and Nicki Minaj. "The play still has the same heart as it did back then, but sometimes the comedy upstaged what the Bouncers were all about" says Ian Reddington who plays Lucky Eric in the show. "This version of the show takes that comedy even further but also allows the characters that time to just act and connect with the audience." This is one of the reasons why the Coronation Street actor had to play the part of Eric. "I had to be Eric. He has the four speeches, those monologues are great. I didn't want to do any other part, I told John [Godber] that. Eric is one of the few characters that really expresses what he feels about what is going on. It's nerve-wracking though, one of the hardest plays I've done and the most energetic." Reddington, who had finished in a UK tour of the Queen musical We Will Rock You earlier in the year said "Bouncers is very different to We Will Rock You, there's no Queen music in this one for a start. I've been lucky enough to be in two Olivier Award winning musicals. Musicals are a completely different discipline and for the variety and experience every actor has got to do a musical, they've got to do a play and they've definitely got to do Bouncers."

If you're still not convinced, why else is this play worth that entry fee? "There's a laugh every thirty seconds and John Godber's timed that on his watch" Ian Reddington recalled. "It's the most fast paced and shortest play you'll sit through" added Don Gilet "it's a complete adrenaline rush for us on stage and for the audience watching. You'll relate to the characters in this thing that is unlike most other plays - a party on stage."

The Bouncers take on the nightlife of Wolverhampton at the Grand Theatre from 2nd - 6th October.
TICKETS: http://www.grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=626&sC=page46
Official Website: http://www.bouncersonstage.com

LEGALLY BLONDE (UK Tour) August 2012

I first saw Legally Blonde in London, pretty soon after it opened with Sheridan Smith as Elle Woods - the ditzy blonde of the Delta Nu sorority who goes to law school to win back her boyfriend. It is almost impossible not to compare this touring production to the highly successful West End version and there are quite a few differences (i.e downscaling) to the show but this tour definitely keeps to the camp, fun spirit of the original production.

Faye Brookes, relatively unknown before Legally Blonde takes the role of Elle. She is perfectly cast. With the blonde wig she bares a striking resemblance to Reece Witherspoon from the 2001 film version. You can't help but fall in love with her character who grows to become the strong independent legally blonde. Iwan Lewis is also a loveable Emmett. He has great charm and works alongside Faye Brookes to create the perfect pairing.

Celebrity casting is not new to Legally Blonde and the tour has previously seen stars such as Ray Quinn, Liz McClarnon and Claire Sweeney. Joining the cast as Warner Huntington III is PopStar Gareth Gates and Jennifer Ellison as Paulette Buonufonté. Jennifer in particular was a surprising treat in the role. Her reunion with her dog Rufus is particularly sweet. Gareth Gates is great as Warner but I couldn't help feel his young PopStars image, which is still present, was absolutely right for the character of Warner. Nonetheless he played the part well.

Audience reactions clearly highlighted the scene-stealers of the show. Lewis Griffiths as Kyle the UPS Guy and Jon Reynolds as Kiki the colourist. Tracey Penn is a delight as Vivienne - her vocals soar above the rest, particularly in the Legally Blonde Remix. The ensemble are on fine form - energy aplenty even with the lack of space. What you get is the same performance but a scaled-down version of the London production - there is no Delta Nu house front for a start, that made a great opening image in London. A lot of scenes suffer a cut back in design, which is a shame but the original feel of the production remains.

With the production in London now closed the tour is the only option for those wanting to see it. There aren't many dates left but if it comes to a town near you soon or in future tours it is definitely worth a fun, care-free night out. It is definitely the feel-good show everyone loves.

STARLIGHT EXPRESS (UK Tour) Review August 2012

Starlight Express is the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical based on toy trains that sing, dance and race each other... it shouldn't work, but it does.

When I first seriously started going to London for shows Starlight Express had already departed from the Apollo Victoria Theatre and Wicked had just taken up residency. I missed the Starlight tour that followed and was very depressed that I would never get to see the show I'd always wanted to see - at least not soon. It was New Years Eve, December 2011 when Arlene Phillips tweeted that Starlight Express would return in the new year. The dates soon followed and none of my beloved local theatres were on the list. So it was off to Nottingham I went!

The set for this tour, is simple and uses mainly lighting. It works as a toy train set, and the little train going round and round as the audience take their seats is a cute little entertaining feature. The only downside to the design is that the curtains in the wings are constantly flying open and the lights are on the other side - so you can see everything. You can also see the stage-hands waiting on stage to move the ramps around which is a little distracting. 

Perhaps the biggest change (aside from the ever-changing musical numbers) in the show from the London production is the 3D screen that drops in to show the races. It is completely impractical to build the huge racecourse tracks around the auditorium like the original production and so the 3D is perhaps the most modern and exciting way to do this. The 3D glasses were those cardboard ones and I'm not sure whether it was the glasses or the quality of the screen that let down the quality of the 3D slightly. It was slightly blurry, dark and not always clear. Perhaps the recent influx of 3D movies has spoilt our idea of 3D quality. The 3D sequences were still exciting to watch but it was good to take the glasses off and get back to watching live actors.

The cast however put all the little niggles about set to the back of your mind - they are fabulous. Many of them have been in the London production, previous tours and the production currently running in Bochum. Understudying the role of Pappa was Gavin Ashbarry who took on the elder role with ease and perfection. The Hip-Hoppers Robert Nurse, Lex Milczarek and Glenn Robb provide the modern edge and impress with their dance skill. Mykal Rand is a delight as Electra - all eyes on him and he dominated the stage. Also worthy of mention is Amanda Coutts who takes on the role of Pearl. Amanda has always been one of my favourites after seeing her dominate the roles of Scaramouche and Meat in the London and touring productions of We Will Rock You. She is fantastic as Pearl and oozes charisma and charm. She thoroughly deserves her place on the stage. 

Overall this production, however scaled down, and however different from the original works wonderfully and is a delight of a production. I would see it again and again if it wasn't for the distant venues. Thoroughly enjoyable, upbeat and a fun family night out. 

Starlight Express plays at the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall until Saturday 1st September and continues on a UK tour into 2013.

Website: http://www.starlightexpressthemusical.com

DRESS CIRCLE: The End Of An Era.

"Tell me it's not true, say it's just a story..."

Dress Circle, Monmouth Street, heralded as "The Greatest Showbiz Shop In The World" is exactly that, and news of it's closure is a devastating loss for the West End. The delightful shop has been trading all things theatre for 33 years and was open for years before some of our longest running musicals, Phantom Of The Opera and Les Miserables. It began in 1977 in the lobby of the Drury Lane Hotel, soon moving to Covent Garden market before taking residence on Monmouth Street. For many, losing Dress Circle will be just as big a deal for London as would the closure of Phantom or Les Mis, musicals that have shaped our West End, just as this shop has. 

I just wanted to reflect on what has made Dress Circle a much loved part of London and why it's uniqueness will be sorely missed. 

The downturn in the economy is to blame, tragically, a shop representing our theatre world is just not big enough to compete with giants such as Amazon and the download practicalities of iTunes. It such a shame, it's not what the public want, it's not what the staff want and so sad that it must close. I'd much rather have a signed cast album than an iTunes download any day, it's much more special and personal.  It is something Dress Circle have specialised in and at no extra cost to the RRP.

(Jill Halfpenny, Alex Gaumond, Sheridan Smith and Duncan James at the Legally Blonde cast album signing.) 

Dress Circle has not only been a promotional tool for the big musicals who often hold cast album signings in-store but for raising the profile of up-and-coming musical talent such as Chris Passey and Tim Prottey Jones, both Midlands talent taking London by storm. This is the shop to give their work a home, somewhere to launch it from, somewhere credible. Stuart Matthew Price brought out his solo album and through Dress Circle was able to sell it to customers who were otherwise unaware of it. 

(Chis Passey (front) and Tim Prottey Jones (far right) with Lauren Samuels, Ross Hunter, Stevie Webb, Simon Lipkin, Zoe Rainey, Jeremy Legat and Allyson Ava-Brown) (Photo by Roy Tan)

Dress Circle is also notably famous for it's stock of show merchandise. Where else can you get a Mary Poppins umbrella from the production which closed in 2008? Dress Circle for me came in most useful when Billy Elliot ran out of t-shirts at the theatre, I really wanted one. I went to Dress Circle and there they were - you could always count on that. I also find it useful for buying my Broadway cast recordings that aren't often released in the UK. It's rare stock is something the shop offers unlike anywhere else. A reasonably priced import of the Sister Act Hamburg cast recording? The 1994 Original UK Tour Little Shop Of Horrors cast recording? Priscilla Queen Of The Desert programme from the Milan production? Without a doubt Dress Circle, unlike anyone else, brings theatre all over the world together in London.

(Barry Manilow, a customer since the early 80's,  CD signing in store) (Photo by Roy Tan) 

Having trouble with finding sheet music for auditions? Dress Circle was also the place to go with an extensive catalogue downstairs. Even West End legend Kerry Ellis says " Dress Circle has been a part of my life for many years from way back when I was buying sheet music for my auditions." The Queen Mother would even telephone order her Noël Coward recordings from the store. 

(Mark Evans signing in store) (Photo by Phill Cowndley)

Musically talented or not so, famous or not so, but enthusiastic about theatre the variety of customers (myself included) will undoubtably miss the store, but perhaps the silver lining is that it will live on, online. The internet is not just for porn Trekkie Monster, but for helping Dress Circle survive long after its Covent Garden store closes its doors. I am a regular visitor to the website and purchase all my new cast recordings and albums from there. Dress Circle's postage is second to none, you don't get such a speedy delivery from Amazon without seriously paying! An online store will not be the same, but I do hope that it will continue to offer signed and rare goods that are difficult or impossible to get anywhere else. 

That is just my account, I'm sure everyone has many other stories to be told about their experiences in-store, and you should share them too. 

To owner, Murray Allan, and to all the staff past and present, thank-you for giving us this wonderful store for so long, to Stuart Matthew Price and James Yeoburn for the benefit gala that helped raise awareness of the store.  

Visit www.dresscircle.co.uk and continue your support.