FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (UK Tour) Interview with Paul Michael Glaser

Paul Michael Glaser stars as Tevye in Fiddler On The Roof, a brand new touring production directed and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood. With an incredible cast of actor/musicians Paul talks exclusively to us about the show which plays at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 15th - 19th October 2013. Listen to the podcast below to hear the interview with Scott Bird and Fran Richards. 

Paul Michael Glaser as Tevye with Steven Bor (Perchik)

Book tickets to Fiddler On The Roof at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre here.

DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS (UK Tour) Review September 2013

It's the swinging 60's and at the local youth club there are teenagers aplenty entering song writing competitions and falling in love... and that's about it for your storyline. Nobody comes to these jukebox musicals for a gritty story though because what they are always excellent at is showcasing the finest actor musicianship.

Character names are typical of sixties songs so Bobby (Stephen Rolley) and his girl Laura (Hannah Boyce) take the entire show to flirt, fall out, find other love interests before coming together at the end. You can predict the few twists and turns that the plot takes against the two leads and even most of the songs were being sung by members of the audience before the band began to play! 

(Previous Cast Photography)

Stephen Rolley is a strong lead as Bobby who provides great renditions of Let's Dance, Dream Lover and Runaround Sue (yes, there's also a character called Sue...) Hannah Boyce as Laura is the 'Ugly Betty' of the show - at first a geeky, shy "school-swat" who has a talent for writing music. As Sandy does in Grease she transforms into a more desirable young woman by the end, but keeps her morals! Boyce herself it seems is just as talented as her character with an impressive performance of Dream Baby Dream in particular. 

Each cast member is equally impressive with incredible musical talent but those in roles with the chance to shine include Matthew Colthart as Norman. Colthart is commanding, smooth and in fine voice throughout and manages to energise the audience with hits such as The Wanderer and Let's Twist Again. Louise Olley is a great addition to the cast as Sue and despite what they say about Sue's dancing  it's all eyes on Olley in this case. 60's singer Mark Wynter is Phil/Older Bobby and delights fans with his own encore at the end. 

The set, made mostly of backdrops featuring 60's album covers is sometimes distracting from the action. I found myself looking to see which I recognised and then remembered to watch the show again - there is no attempt at a realistic setting. Also, the boys playing ping pong in the corner takes away from the action many times! The fairground bumper cars are a fun addition. 

Jokes and references are clearly aimed at the show's target audience and those of a reminiscent age who do make up a very large percentage of the overall turnout. These musicals wouldn't be much without an incredibly versatile and talented cast that carry it through nearly three hours. It's a pleasant show, simple and easy to watch. Worth going entirely for the talent the young cast ooze. Book to see the show at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday 21st September here. 

Cast List: Stephen Rolley, Matthew Colthart, Hannah Boyce, Louise Olley, Will Finlason, Laura Sillett, Mark Wynter, Robert Dalton, David Jay Douglas, Chloe Edwards-Wood, Mike Lloyd, Sheridan Lloyd, David Luke, Michael Park, Charlotte Peak, Josh Tye, Damien Walsh, Victoria Quigley

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WHAT TO SEE (West Midlands) 2013/2014

The 2013 season is steadily drawing to close and theatres in the West Midlands are beginning to announce spectacular shows that you can look forward to throughout the new year. Here is my round up of the three theatres you're most likely to find me at!

BIRMINGHAM NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE

RENT IN CONCERT

Seeing 2013 out and 2014 in is the groundbreaking Ghost The Musical - based on the Oscar winning musical, the timeless fantasy about the power of love runs from Tuesday 17th December 2013 - Sunday 5th January 2014 (BOOK GHOST).  Kerry Ellis stars in the hugely popular return of Rent In Concert on Friday 14th February, a perfect Valentines treat? (BOOK RENT) The Rod Stewart musical Tonight's The Night played to sold out audiences on it's previous tour, catch it from Monday 24th February - Saturday 1st March (BOOK TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT). Vincent and Flavia bring their brand new stage show Dance Til Dawn to Birmingham from Monday 21st - Saturday 26th April (BOOK DANCE TIL DAWN). Finally, perhaps the biggest and most anticipated production this year is West Side Story (BOOK WEST SIDE STORY).

Other season highlights include Sleeping Beauty On Ice, Scrooge The Musical, Ha Ha Holmes (starring Joe Pasquale), Peppa Pig's Big Splash, The Vagina Monologues and The Dreamboys.

Full listings of what's on at the New Alexandra in 2014 can be found here. 

BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

WICKED

Seeing out 2013 at Birmingham Hippodrome are John Partridge and Gok Wan who star in Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (BOOK PANTO). The West End hit Singin' In The Rain makes a splash from Tuesday 18th March - Saturday 5th April staring Faye Tozer from Steps as Lina Lamont (BOOK SINGIN IN THE RAIN). Marti Pellow continues to star as Che in Evita as the production tours to Birmingham from Tuesday 8th - Saturday 19th April (BOOK EVITA). The National Theatre's One Man Two Guvnors runs from Monday 26th - Saturday 21st May (BOOK ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS). The previously announced summer smash hit Wicked opens on Wednesday 9th July and plays until Saturday 6th September (BOOK WICKED). Finally, the Andrew Lloyd Webber phenomenon Cats will be bringing the Jellicle Ball in Birmingham from Tuesday 9th - Saturday 27th September. Tickets for Cats are on sale to friends of the Hippodrome from 10am on 7th October, group on 14th October and general, online and phone sales from 16th October (BOOK CATS).

Other season highlights include War Horse, War Horse: Only Remembered, Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Welsh National Opera. 

VIEW THE NEW HIPPODROME 
SEASON TRAILER HERE

Full listings of what's on at the Hippodrome in 2014 can be found here.

WOLVERHAMPTON GRAND THEATRE

CABARET

Joe Pasquale headlines this years pantomime, Sleeping Beauty alongside Ceri Dupree and Lucy Evans from Saturday 7th December 2013 until Sunday 19th January 2014 (BOOK PANTO). Before the festivities however, West End heartthrob Oliver Thornton stars as Frank N Furter in the 40th Anniversary Production of The Rocky Horror Show from Monday 28th October - Saturday 2nd November 2013 with Dani Harmer and Ben Forster (BOOK ROCKY HORROR). Pop Idol winner Will Young returns to his award winning role of Emcee in Cabaret which also stars Siobhan Dillon from Tuesday 26th - Saturday 30th November (BOOK CABARET). The new year sees Noel Sullivan starring in Priscilla Queen Of The Desert from Monday 27th January - Saturday 1st February 2014 (BOOK PRISCILLA). The highlight of the 2014 season is Dirty Dancing which runs for three weeks from Tuesday 23rd September through to Saturday 11th October (BOOK DIRTY DANCING).

Other season highlights include The Upbeat Beatles, To Sir With Love, Brendan Cole License To Thrill, The Russian State Ballet of Siberia and Derren Brown Infamous. 

Full listings of what's on at the Grand in 2014 can be found here. 

You can book for any of the listed shows by visiting the theatres websites - click on the theatre to book: Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. 

TO SIR, WITH LOVE (UK Tour) Interview with Matthew Kelly and Ansu Kabia

This is PART TWO of an interview we recorded with Matthew Kelly (Florian) and Ansu Kabia (Braithwaite) about the world premiere production of To Sir, With Love. The interview is partnered with Fran Richards On Theatre blog and part one can be heard by clicking here. Click the play below to listen to the second part.

You can also watch rehearsal footage from the productions opening venue Northampton Theatre Royal & Derngate.

To Sir, With Love plays at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 22nd - 26th October 2013. You can book tickets by clicking here. There is a post-show talk after the performance on Thursday 24th October.

THREE PHANTOMS (UK Tour) Review September 2013

Three Phantoms is the concert creation of Earl Carpenter that brings together three previous Phantoms of the Opera. For the second leg of the 2013 tour Matthew Cammelle, Stephen John Davis and Glyn Kerslake take to the stage. Previous Phantoms have included Carpenter himself, John Owen Jones and Simon Bowman. 

The show doesn't take itself too seriously, beginning with a Glee rendition of Don't Stop Believing. A pre-show announcement joking that photography is encouraged as good exposure for the ex-Phantom's careers was immediately followed by ushers dashing around the auditorium telling patrons to put away their cameras... There were stories from each Phantom's time in the production, coupled with jokes that linked the early songs together. 

The first act was an exciting array of show tunes from hit musicals such as Chicago, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Wicked, Miss Saigon, Martin Guerre, The Book Of Mormon and an act 1 finale of Les Misérables. Highlights being One Day More and an a cappella version of I Dreamed A Dream featuring Rebecca Caine - the original Canadian Phantom cast Christine. Also included were three songs from Spamalot - perhaps the audience didn't fully get the humour in the songs out of context but they were a welcome break between some of the more classical musical theatre performances - a perfect mix. 

The second act was largely devoted to the musical of which the performers have in common - The Phantom Of The Opera. Not only the famous Lloyd Webber tunes but a selection from a few of the lesser known productions such as the simply named Phantom - hailed an American masterpiece that premiered in 1991 and received it's British premiere early this year at the Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre Pub, Walhamstow. Til I Hear You Sing from Love Never Dies was a highlight as was Rebecca Caine who brought the audience to rapturous applause with her rendition of Think Of Me. 

For this production the previous large orchestras are replaced by a pianist and a solo cellist. It gave for an intimate experience but in some of the larger numbers the lack of orchestra was a little underwhelming. Expertly and beautifully played however by Anthony Gabrielle and Laura Anstee. Three other performers Alistair Barron, Anette Yeo and Mandy Watsham Dunstall were an excellent addition to the cast.

Three Phantoms is stunning, a beautiful, sophisticated set up with a variety of musical styles to keep all theatre fans delighted. Humorous at times and seriously sensational throughout. With only one more chance to see in Wolverhampton on Sunday 15th September click here to book. 

Just had the five minute call before our first performance in Wolverhampton @WolvesGrand. Lovely theatre. pic.twitter.com/vKbHPl0rIw
— Three Phantoms (@Three_Phantoms) September 14, 2013

If you follow my updates from the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon you may be interested in booking to see the show there from 24th - 26th September 2013. Click here for more information and to book. 

Cast List: Matthew Cammelle, Stephen John Davis, Glyn Kerslake, Alistair Barron, Anette Yeo, Mandy Watsham Dunstall, Anthony Gabrielle and Laura Anstee

PARALLEL PRODUCTIONS GALA LAUNCH (The Battersea Barge) Full Cast Announcement

Parallel Productions today announce full casting for their gala launch at the Battersea Barge on Wednesday 4th September. Joining the already announced Jordan Lee Davies, Sabrina Aloueche, Jeremy Legat and Ambra Caserotti will be:

GARY WOOD (Paul in A Chorus Line, Angel in Rent) 

MATTHEW ROWLAND (Boy George in Taboo, Frank in The Confession Room)

TORI ALLEN-MARTIN (Founder of Interval Productions, Mimi in Rent)

DALE EVANS (Matt in Bare, Onstage Swing in From Here To Eternity)

The cast of the Gala Launch

Also performing on the evening will be:

JOSEPH GIACONE

EMMA HOUSLEY

JODIE BETH MEYER

LAUREN OSBORN

MICHAEL QUINN

BEN SELL

JODIE STEELE

THOMAS SUTCLIFFE

_______________________

The evening will be compered by

DEAN McCULLOUGH

(Dean has recently presented Move It Show at Olympia - London, Belfast Pride and Dance Show Live at the Glasgow SECC. Dean was one of The Glambassadors who reached the live semi-finals on the seventh series of Britain's Got Talent.)

_______________________

The launch event will be a fusion of cabaret and concert, musical theatre and acoustic arrangements. The evening will host a cast of established musical theatre performers, alongside new talent, singing stripped back acoustic versions of musical theatre songs. 

More information on the company and the launch click here. To book tickets click here. 

PARALLEL PRODUCTIONS GALA LAUNCH (The Battersea Barge) West End Switched Off

On Wednesday 4th September 2013 Parallel Productions present their official Gala Launch at the Battersea Barge. The launch event will be a fusion of cabaret and concert, musical theatre and acoustic arrangements. The evening will host a cast of established musical theatre performers, alongside new talent, singing stripped back acoustic versions of musical theatre songs.

Leading the star cast will be Jordan Lee Davies, recently seen on the BBC’s The Voice, as Alan in Bare the Rock Musical, and as Dickon in The Secret Garden. Also confirmed for the initial line up are Jeremy Legat (Frank Cioffi in Curtains, Boq in Wicked), Sabrina Aloueche (Scaramouche in We Will Rock You, Eponine in Les Misérables) and Ambra Caserotti (Lead Vocalist for Streets Project, Joanne in Rent).

Jordan Lee Davies said: "I think the audience are going to love some of the new arrangements of what are staple musical theatre songs. They will be given the 'live lounge' effect." 

The event will also act as the launch for Parallel Productions' project West End Switched Off. This is an exciting series of concerts and recordings that arrange musical theatre into acoustic, 'unplugged' covers, collaborating with a wealth of talented musicians and performers. 

Some of the voices you can expect to hear on the album!

The first album is currently in production and will feature Ian Stroughair (Angel in the 20th anniversary tour of Rent), Dale Evans (Matt in Bare, Onstage Swing in From Here To Eternity), Tori Allen- Martin (founder of Interval Productions, writer and vocalist for Streets Project, Mimi in Rent), Simon Bailey (Jeff in [title of show], Enjolras in Les Misérables, Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera) , Katie Hall (Maria in West Side Story, Christine in The Phantom Of The Opera), Adrian Hansel (Seaweed in Hairspray, Rusty in Starlight Express) and more!

Also featuring on the album is Chlöe Hart who made her West End debut as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray. She has since appeared in Les Misérables and is currently in Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Chlöe said: "When I was approached about taking part in West End Switched Off and learnt what the concept was I was totally excited, I love the idea of songs being rearranged and interpreted differently, and then I was told which song I would be doing and I got very nervous! It's a very VERY well known song and there have been many versions of it done before. However when I heard the new arrangement I got excited again! It's so different to any other version and Kris Rawlinson, our genius arranger and MD had so many brilliant ideas. He also allowed us all to add our own little touches which means it feels really personal. If you are expecting a generic musicals complication album, this is not the one, but if you want something fresh and innovative then go for it! I don't think you'll be disappointed!"

Just had a right laugh recording my track for @WEswitchedoff with @krisrawlinson #lovebeinginthestudio!
— Chloe Hart (@ChloeSJHart) August 19, 2013

Speaking about the company, Ed Theakston (Assistant Producer/Managing Director) said: "As a young company, we've been incredibly lucky to have so much support from so many talented people, particularly our guests on West End Switched Off. They are as thrilled as us because the producer and musical director Kris Rawlinson has come up with a genuinely brilliant idea. From the recording that has already been done, the album is going to be something very special which really sets the tone for our live gigs. This launch really is just the beginning for us. Some majorly exiting things are in the works. We can't wait to share it all with our audiences."

We're making lots of exciting plans for our Launch... Who's excited? We are! Get your tickets for the 4th Sept here: http://t.co/Y5djBFgnZV
— WESTENDswitchedoff (@WEswitchedoff) August 22, 2013

You can book tickets for the gala launch featuring Jordan Lee Davies, Sabrina Aloueche, Jeremy Legat and Ambra Caserotti at the Battersea Barge here. For more information, visit the website.

Review | ANNIE (New Alexandra Theatre Stage Experience) August 2013

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the New Alexandra Theatre's Birmingham Stage Experience. Following the success of Oliver (2009), Fame (2010) and Bugsy Malone (2011) the ever popular summer school returns to the Birmingham this year with Annie. 

The story of an orphan child living a hard knock life in an girls orphanage under the rule of the ever hungover matron Miss Hannigan, Annie is all about the children and with a weak ensemble it just wouldn't work. I imagine many schools and amateur groups have tried and produced mediocre productions but here at Stage Experience what you get is nothing short of a full-blown West End production - the only difference being, the entire cast and many crew are under the age of 24. The team have only two weeks to put the whole production together and it really was an incredibly admirable effort. 

Georgia Millie Price stars as Annie and like a young Bonnie Langford she oozed charm and had a beaming smile from ear to ear (without which, you're never fully dressed). Belting her way through 'Tomorrow' and softly approaching 'Maybe' Price surely showcased her versatility. If she followed in Langford's footsteps to West End and Broadway, it wouldn't come as a surprise. (Also playing Annie on alternate dates is Katie Davie). 

Also dominating the stage is Katie Gladwin as Miss Hannigan with her powerful vocal 'Little Girls' is one of many highlights. Pepper (Olivia Wicks) and Rooster (Ameil Hart) are a great comedy duo. Richard Batham is a very promising Daddy Warbucks and is joined on stage by Rosie Coles as Grace Farrell who is fine voice throughout her faultless performance. 

Danny who plays dog Sandy is the only member of the cast above the age of 24 (in dog years anyway) and has been a member of the professional tour of Annie for 10 years resulting in him receiving the Guinness World Record for the most performances by a dog in any theatrical show. Danny has starred alongside Lesley Joseph and Su Pollard.

Directed and choreographed by Pollyann Tanner who must not have slept a wink over the past 2 weeks to produce a show of this standard, her work and dedication really reflects in the youngsters on stage. Annie is full of energy, enthusiasm, talent and is honestly of a standard that rivals professional touring productions. Throughly enjoyable and so refreshing to see youngsters with so much passion for something they love doing. The sun may come out tomorrow but please don't wait until then to book a ticket - running until Saturday 24th August 2013, book here.

The Cast of Annie, have just had their final dress rehearsal before curtains up on tonights opening show! pic.twitter.com/6UDrgCAX9X
— Alexandra Theatre (@NewAlex_Theatre) August 21, 2013

Cast List: Emily Grace Berry, Emma Bhatti, Katie Davie, Chloe Evans, Phoebe Fletcher, Ellie Gough, Molly Hopkins, Daisy Meade, Olivia Porter, Harriet Millie Price, Naina Reddy, Hannah Swarbrick, Olivia Wicks, Elizabeth Williams, Libby Baskerville, Megan Bird, Kirstie Bowman, Lauren Bowman, Sadie Horton, Brittany Jarman-Watson, Verona-India Braich, Cody Bromley, Bethany Jade Carter, Tanisha Corser, Anya Dupre, Leah Evans, Hermionie Gifford, Jenna Hancock, Ellie Hartley, Lucy-Mae Hill, Courtney Holland, Aurora King-Jones, Chloe Pitt, Jessica Pugliese, Leah Rhodes, Ella Sanders, Kheera Sandhu, Grace Sophie Austin, Kiera Haynes, Nikita Sharma, Sophie Tierney, Phoebe Louise Benson, Hannah Colley, Maisie Paige Ellis, Harriet Gordon, Maisie Lodge, Sophie O'Hara, Teagan Manns, Michaella Panteli, Maisie Robertson, Annie Frances Tabberner, Megan Aldridge, Lauren Barnes, Jasmine Gill, Equiana Givans, Megan Goldby, Lucy Haigh, Emily Miles, Lauren Owen, Molly Phillips, Ellie-May Reilly, Eloise Simpson, Cara Nadine Stuckey, Alisha Twine, Jennifer White, Grant Addis, Thomas Ashen, Gibsa Lee Bah, Elan Butler, Greg Bytheway, Kurran Dhand, Todd Dougan, Charlie Howell, Louie McNally, Alfie Mitcham, Oliver Nicholas, Zachariah Sharif, Lydia Gardiner, Ashley Strain, Sorrel Paris Sutton, Amelia Wallace, Eva Williams, Richard Batham, Rosie Coles, Katie Gladwin, Ameil Hart, Emma Robotham-Hunt, Georgia Millie Price, Nathalie Neill, Thomas Stringer, Hollie Harnes, Chloe Barrett, Shannon Berridge, Joanne Bowman, Thea Butler, Callum Connolly, Frances Corbett, Georgina Curtis, Kirsty Day, Christopher Dover, Felicity Gifford, Leah Ingle, Rebecca Ingram, Taylor Lauren Marshall, Jennifer Reeves, Charlotte Swarbrick, Daniel Taylor, Kimberly Vallance, Lara de Vos, Lucy Williams, Tanya Zero, Jack Booth, Bethan Crisp, Maya Dupre, Emily Burling, Aneira Evans, Chelsea Greathead, Sarahjayne Gibbs, Chloe Gribble, Amy Hollis, Rubi Ingaglia, Emily Lister, Elliot Mann, Joseph Maslin, Jayne Morgan, Jennifer Mortiboy, Kate Mortiboy, Kathryn Nikols, Craig O'Connor, Bradley O'Neill, Michael Reynolds, Lauren Shillingford, Nick Southcott, Amy Louise Stutz, Laura Timothy, Molly Williams.

Technical Project Members: Eleanor Arnot, Corey Baker-Wyatt, Hannah Bruce, peter Davis, Nichola Gray, Erica Groves, Amy Harbach, Ben Hurd-Greenall, Matthew Padbury, Cherry Povall, Oliver Quirke, Luke Stevens, Ella Stewart

EVITA (UK Tour) Review August 2013

EVITA - the musical of Eva Perón, the Spiritual Leader of the Nation of Argentina celebrates it's 35th anniversary this year and after a Broadway revival last year is now touring it's 3rd UK tour within 5 years. 

Similarly to Blood Brothers, we begin at the end of the story with the announcement of Eva Perón's death. A flashback to her early life then progresses through her rise to become the First Lady of Argentina and to the ultimate and tragic end. 

Cynically assessing the immediate mourning of Argentina is Che Guevara - the Argentine Marxist revolutionary. Played in this production by Wet Wet Wet singer Marti Pellow. Che is a demanding sing and Pellow ploughs through the score with ease and holds a mightily impressive last note in 'And The Money Keeps Rolling In'. Mark Heenehan is an impressive Peron and Nic Gibney's impressive vocal range is evident in his few outbursts as Magaldi.  One of the productions highlights is Sarah McNicholas as Peron's Mistress and her beautiful version of 'Another Suitcase In Another Hall'. A strong ensemble play a variety of roles - showcasing their versatility. 

Marti Pellow

The show however belongs to Madalena Alberto who really does capture every moment of Perón's short life with effortless conviction. From the steamy and fast paced partying in Buenos Aires to the tender, fragile final moments upon her deathbed. Incredibly strong and stunning vocal throughout particularly her rendition of 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina' received a rather loud "wow" from the lady next to me who then apologised for her uncontrollable outburst. 

Mark Heenehan and Madalena Alberto

It's very difficult to fault this production but just one very distracting feature was the visibility of stage crew, complete with headsets moving Matthew Wright's stunning set of staircases around and clamping them into position. Surely there are slicker ways to do this, or disguise them. It reminds you that this is only a stage production, breaking the incredibly real situations the cast work so hard to create. 

Applause at the end of a production is what you come to expect, regardless of its overall quality. For quite a while Evita received nothing but a stunned silence as the lights went out. Here the silence speaks louder than any appreciative applause, the tragic but simply beautiful ending does leave you a little choked. Although, I must admit I was the first one to break the silence with a clap!

With Marti Pellow and Madalena Alberto

Evita really is a breathtaking production that you should make a point of seeing for the sheer talent and effort from the entire cast and fine orchestra.

"So what happens now?" .... You book tickets, that's what happens. EVITA runs at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday 31st August and you can book tickets here. You can also read my interview with Marti Pellow here. 

Watch ITVCentral News coverage with Marti and Madalena here:

World famous musical, Evita, arrives in Wolverhampton http://t.co/4UJtJOJcwO via @itvnews
— ITV News Central (@ITVCentral) August 20, 2013

Cast List: Marti Pellow, Madalena Alberto, Mark Heenehan, Sarah McNicholas, Nic Gibney, Hannah Grover, Verity Burgess, David Burilin, Joseph Connor, Natalie Day, Joel Elferink, Laura Emmitt, Emily Goodenough, Antony Hewitt, Stuart Maciver, Joe Maxwell, Perry O'Dea, Lizzie Ottley, Ryan Pidgen, Anthony Ray

JERSEY BOYS (Prince Edward Theatre) Review August 2013

Juke Box musicals often get shunned by the critics and particularly so in recent years with the fight to introduce new writing into the West End. With Mamma Mia in it's 14th year and We Will Rock You in it's 12th, there is proof there is a place in theatreland to celebrate music of the great bands. That is of course as long as the content matches in excellence - perhaps where recent Spice Girls musical Viva Forever fell. 

Jersey Boys is definitely one of the shows that gets it just right. The story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons opened in 2005 on Broadway and at the Prince Edward Theatre, London in 2008 and still running in both of it's original homes. 

This is a chronological biography of the boys rise to fame as The Four Seasons, a name in which they took from a bowling alley that turned them down from a job singing in the lounge. Each member of the group takes a turn in narrating a particular season. A young Frankie Vally soon becomes Valli for 'y' according to his wife is a bullsh*t letter. Their relationship is explored and laid bare ending with 'My Eyes Adored You' - sung from the heart by Ryan Molloy who's portrayal of Valli throughout is something of a spectacle itself. Capturing the spirit of Valli whilst retaining individuality this is no mimic but an expert and genius portrayal. 

Tommy De Vito takes us through Spring and his early battles in and out of prison whilst developing a new singing group. Jon Boydon is excellent in the role, particularly gritty as his story develops and darkens racking up large debts with a loan shark. A sharp contrast to the nerdy Bob Gaudio (Edd Post) who is particularly comic towards the end of the first act in "December, 1963 (Oh What A Night)". Covering the role of Nick Massi in the absence of David McGranaghan is Mark Isherwood who makes the role of the bassist his own.  

Edd Post, Ryan Molloy, Jon Boydon & David McGranaghan

"The Crowd Goes Wild" they say... and this isn't an exaggeration. Lengthy applause brought all action to a halt countless times after renditions of 'Walk Like A Man' and 'Working My Way Back To You'. There aren't so many theatrical "wow" moments in Jersey Boys - that's not what this show is. It isn't there to mesmerise you with grand and elaborate sets, nor does it have great big production numbers and show routines but it is a display of excellent vocals, an incredibly solid book which moves at perfect pace resulting in an enjoyable and interesting insight into the four Jersey boys. 

Booking until 9th March 2014 at the Prince Edward Theatre (Book Here) after which the hugely anticipated return of Miss Saigon opens there and from 14th March 2014 Jersey Boys opens at the Piccadilly Theatre (Book Here).

(And they do nice programmes!!)

INTERVIEW with Zizi Strallen - August 2013

If you've seen a West End musical recently, the chances are that you've come across one of four talented sisters. The Strallen's - Scarlett, Summer, Zizi and Saskia have all followed parents Cherida and Sandy and aunt Bonnie Langford into a career in the limelight. I chatted to Zizi about her experiences so far.

So you've found yourself teaching workshops and sharing your expertise to youngsters as part of West End Experience. How did that come about for you? 

Well... I actually fell into it by mistake! I wasn't originally one of the tutors, my friend Amy Thornton was set up to do it but she got a last minute offer to be dance captain in Matilda and so she called me and said "Zi, I can't do these workshops now, will you go and do them...?" and I thought sure, it sounds fun! We were both in Rock Of Ages together, we both had to do the same choreography so fortunately I can offer the same workshop!"

How is it for you, at such a young age yourself being able to give back your expertise to young and aspiring performers?

Even though I am so young still I've been working in the West End since I was 16 so I've got years of experience to pass on to them already. The main thing I always say is it's all about confidence - the best thing to do is believe in yourself and tell the audience that through the way in which you perform. 

And how are the children of Wolverhampton getting on in your workshop? 

The children of Wolverhampton are amazing! They're great and they've not been talking! Usually when you have quite a large group of children to teach they'll all chit chat and you have to stand there for five minutes and wait for them to be quiet. I was worried because I've got an audition coming up and I didn't want to overuse and lose my voice but I've had no problems. The children are great at picking stuff up, they've been so good at learning the choreography and haven't moaned about doing it over and over and over again, they're really eager to learn which is lovely. The thing is with the songs of Rock Of Ages you can't just stand there and sing them - they're really full on and involve lots of energy. 

You've just finished in Merrily We Roll Along and that took the West End by storm - what was that like for you?

It was an amazing experience, I loved it, but originally I didn't really know what I was going up for. I'm not really familiar with many Sondheim shows, I knew a couple of the songs so I went for it and as far as we were concerned at the time it was just going to be a three month run at the Menier Chocolate Factory and then as the show went on the run had completely sold out and there was a great buzz about it! There was this talk that it was going to transfer to the West End and we just expected to finish at the end of February and we finished at the end of July! It was incredible and such an amazing job to be involved in and part of the hype of it. More or less every night we had somebody important coming in to watch it like a director or a casting director or a TV or film star and above all it was just great to do!

What's been your favourite production that you've been in? Or highlights from a few favourites?
Oh this is difficult...! I've been lucky that everything I've done has been so different and varied. My first job was Music Man in Chichester at the Festival Theatre. It was very prim and proper, American accent, blonde wig and I played this really annoying young girl and I had to walk around saying "Ye Gods!" all the time! Then completely different I went into Dirty Dancing and I had to be really sexy and I learnt all this Latin and Ballroom and then I got to carry on dancing by spending a year in Matthew Bourne's dance company and you know what that's like compared to the next job in Rock Of Ages which was thrashing about  - completely diverse career! It's hard to pick a favourite, I've loved it all! 

Are there any productions or roles out there that you'd love to have a go at in the future?

Two of my favourite roles that I could see myself in are Louise in Gypsy and Bianca in Kiss Me Kate... ooh, and maybe Sally Bowles in Cabaret ... but I've just missed out on that time-wise with the new tour!

Zizi and sisters Summer, Saskia and Scarlett (Photo: broadway.com)

What was it like growing up as a Strallen... all singing, all dancing?

Haha, for me it's just normal! That's the thing... I've never known anything else but I can imagine for other people that sounds quite full on. My whole childhood has been around theatre and it really is all I've ever known. That's not to say it's all we ever talk about either, my parents always said to us "keep work work and life life..." They told us not to always bring work home and they really encouraged us to find other hobbies and talk about the news and whatever... They were very particular about that because with our entire family involved in theatre all any of us would have talked about is what was going on on stage or who was annoying who in the dressing room! 

Was there any chance at all that you may have taken a different career path at any point or was it purely theatre that you wanted to do?

Yeah, it's interesting you should say that because when I was eleven and leaving primary school my teacher said to my parents that I should try and get in to this really academic school and at the time I thought "oooh, I don't know about that..." but I went for it anyway and of course I got in didn't I, which really made me want to go - so I did! Basically I was being groomed to be a lawyer... I lasted two terms and then I was like no I can't do this any more it's horrible - I can't do any more maths my brain's going to explode! My two older sisters Scarlett and Summer had gone to Arts Educational in Chiswick and I managed to get a grant from the borough to go there so my parents took me out of my academic scholarship which I'm sure they hated doing! My dad always wanted me to do something normal because he knows how hard this business is and he said "go and make lots of money and do something normal...!" but none of us have! 

So with your older sisters being so successful do you feel a pressure now to live up to the family name and expectation?

I'd be lying if I said I didn't! My sisters and my family have never ever put any pressure on me or each other but I do feel that there's an expectation before I walk in a room. If I was having an off day or just a bit ill, to those people on the panel I'd probably seem particularly bad! When you hear the name Strallen you have a particularly high expectation straight away so if I didn't give it my absolute best or I was a bit iffy that day they'd most probably assume I'm the rubbish one out of us all! But hopefully I live up to the name!"

So what would be some sound Strallen advice that you would give to aspiring musical theatre performers out there?

Don't do it..! Haha, no I'm joking... I would say just keep working. There is nobody that succeeds in this business who hasn't worked their socks off to get there. You have to keep going to singing lessons and train your voice - even when you're professional you can always get better, you can always learn and there are always things to improve. So if you haven't been to a singing lesson in a while - go! Go to your dance classes every day or as often as possible. Keep working on improving yourself and strive to always be the best you can be and then you're improving your chances of a career doing what you love and what you dream of - go for it!