Preview | THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME (UK Tour)

As well as recently re-opening in the West End, the acclaimed National Theatre production of The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time embarks on a UK tour throughout 2015. Winner of 7 Olivier Awards including ‘Best New Play’, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time brings Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel to thrilling life on stage, adapted by two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright Simon Stephens and directed by Olivier and Tony Award-winning director Marianne Elliott.

Christopher, fifteen years old, stands beside Mrs Shears’ dead dog. It has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in the book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington. He has an extraordinary brain, exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that upturns his world.

The UK tour begins in December 2014 before visiting 31 venues including Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 16 - 21 February 2015. Book tickets for Wolverhampton here.

Listen to some of the music from the production:

Preview | JACK & I: THE JACK THE RIPPER MUSICAL (Edinburgh Fringe Festival)

Following the enormous success of hit comedy musical GUIDO!, a reimagining of the gunpowder treason plot and featured on this blog, DhK Productions will be presenting JACK & I: THE JACK THE RIPPER MUSICAL at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2014, the second instalment of their trilogy of historical comedy musicals. Having recently also returned from the Brighton Fringe, where they performed WAY BACK, an original comedy-drama set on Beachy Head, to fantastic reviews, they are proving to be one of the most exciting and creative emerging companies in recent years.

As in GUIDO!, the show tells the tale of its eponymous anti-hero, in this case the fabled Jack the Ripper, the infamous Whitechapel murderer of 1888. While a tremendous amount of research has clearly been done by the writing and production team, the story does take certain liberties with historical inaccuracies, and the writer Daniel Henry Kaes freely admits that the lack of hard facts and evidence presented a different challenge to his previous musical: "This is part of the reason we choose to focus on the detective, Inspector Abberline, so that the identity of the Ripper remains not only elusive but also ever-changing, according to evidence and public opinion as the plot develops".

As well as trying to crack this seemingly impossible case, the protagonist Abberline must also cope with his superiors and colleagues at work, the interference of the press, and hisown marital problems, as his public and private worlds clash, in the tradition of classival Greek drama. Former West Midlands actor Matt Lim performs amongst the talented ensemble cast, whose infectious energy and passion make it difficult to ignore what promises to be one of the most original and engaging - and funny, above all funny - productions at the Fringe this year.

With a witty script redolent of Mel Brooks and Python, catchy and impressive music from Kaes and his collaborators, and a plot full of twists and shocks, make sure you "catch the Ripper" before the month is out!

JACK & I plays at C Nova, Edinburgh 1st-25th August (previews 30th and 31st July) at 9pm. Recommended age 14+

Twitter: @dhkproductions #catchtheripper

Review | WICKED (UK Tour) July 2014

The Wicked Witch of the West End is now soaring around the UK and Ireland as part of the hit Broadway musical's first UK tour. For 9 weeks this summer Birmingham Hippodrome is the merry old Land Of Oz, at least you'd think... for Wicked is not so much merry but the darker back-story of Elphaba - the Wicked Witch Of The West and her unlikely friendship with Glinda - The Good. Things are not as they may seem as the musical journeys through familiar territory and then flips it on it's head... and throws a house on it. 

First we meet Glinda, she's the people's favourite, bubbly (literally) beautiful and blonde.... she's the Holly Willoughby of Oz. Played here by Emily Tierney, she masters impressive operatic vocals and is the queen of comic-timing. Her character is able to steal attention from her emerald counterpart Elphaba - played by standby Jemma Alexander at the indisposition of future West End Elphaba, Nikki Davis-Jones. Alexander's Elphaba is promising and shows a clear progression through the evening, coming into her own at the witches climax of evil No Good Deed. The leading ladies final duet, For Good, is a beautiful end to their story.

Liam Doyle is an excellent Fiyero - the perfect casting for a role which has been previously 'celebrity cast', is left to dwindle in the shadow of the two witches - not here. The 23-year-old from Coventry impresses the home crowd with great vocals and a high-energy performance of Dancing Through Life - the perfect prince. Marylin Cutts revels in the role of evil, her Madam Morrible is both cartoonish yet credible as the vociferous villain. Dale Rapley gives a contrasting performance as both Dr Dillamond and the Wizard of Oz. Tragically beautiful, Carina Gillespie is Nessarose, the wheelchair bound, 'normal' sister of Elphaba - her strong performance is matched in charm by George Ure's Boq. 

American accents are lost for what feels a more British version of the show. Wicked has but a few minor alterations from the West End production but you musn't worry about seeing a lesser version of the show, this is essentially the entire West End production and you'd be mad to miss whilst in your local city. An alternative view of Oz that certainly leaves you spellbound! A triumphant touring production that ensures the West Midlands is as good a home for the West End as any. Book tickets for Birmingham dates here. 

Cast List: Emily Tierney, Nikki Davis Jones, Carina Gillespie, George Ure, Marilyn Cutts, Dale Rapley, Liam Doyle, Jemma Alexander, Lee Bridgman, Chrissy Brooke, Richard Carson, Harrison Clark, Jeanine Dinger, Tim Edwards, Howard Ellis, Natasha Ferguson, Zoë George, Lia Given, Katie Kerr, Will Knights, Oliver Metzler, Wendy Lee Purdy, Julienne Schembri, Grant Thresh, Helen Woolf

Review | SHOW BOAT (Cape Town Opera) July 2014

Following the success of Porgy & Bess, Cape Town Opera return to Birmingham Hippodrome this week with their adaptation of the 1927 Broadway musical Show Boat, this incredible production received it's UK premiere tonight.

Set in America’s Deep South, the story begins in 1887 on the Cotton Blossom show boat as it sets sail on the Mississippi River and follows the lives of the performers, dock workers, musicians and stagehands over a period of forty years.

The piece has survived for over 80 years and another revival production is perhaps not what audiences are crying out for - but it should be. It's quite rare to see a musical of this scale - a cast of over 50, orchestra exceeding 30 combining to create a rather special, unique theatrical experience. For this is Cape Town Opera with an incredible South African cast.

This is a lavish production that looks beautiful, a stunning set design by Johan Engles is just the backdrop for an equally as impressive performance.  Graham Hopkins - one of South Africa's best-known actors stars as Captain Andy and is paired well with Anthea Thompson as Parthy. There is a beautiful bond between Magdalene Minnaar as Magnolia and Blake Fischer as Gaylord. Together they exude an uttermost joy. Fun is to be had aplenty whenever Catherine Daymond takes to the stage as Ellie who's Life Upon The Wicked Stage is a distinct highlight. Mention must also go to Nobuntu Mpahlaza who delights in every way as Queenie, also Angela Kerrison who is in fine voice as Julie.

The reason to remember your evening however has to be the many powerful renditions of Ol' Man River that bring the house down in the incredible hands of Otto Maidi. Even after hearing it twice and then three times, Maidi commands every ounce of attention as he bellows out that famous tune.

The whole evening is thoroughly enjoyable and you leave feeling warmed and welcomed, the overriding family themes and expressing of love is unavoidably infectious. This is a pure celebration of traditional vaudeville styles; a colourful explosion of jazz, opera, Charleston and the Black Bottom dance of the 1920's. It is joyous affair that entertains whilst being the first of it's kind to distinctly approach themes of racism against African-Americans, the homogenous opposition to inter-racial marriage. A triumphant transfer from native South Africa to selected cities in the UK, one that you must try to jump on board before it departs us.

See Show Boat at Birmingham Hippodrome until 5th July, book online here.

Watch a short film on the production here:

Review | ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (UK Tour) July 2014

There's no business like show business, there really isn't... take an old Broadway musical about a Wild West show and set a new production of it inside of a Wild West show and what you get is the latest incarnation of Irving Berlin's classic Annie Get Your Gun. This production, from the Ambassador Theatre Group uses a revised book, created by Peter Stone for a Tony award-winning Broadway revival in 1999.

Buffalo Bill's Big Top is now the setting for the entire musical, the whole thing is a show within a show and is beautifully done by designer Paul Farnsworth. A great red and white tent with an orchestra at the perimeters is all that we're presented with, but a simple repositioning of boxes and lighting changes do enough to convince us of a scene change, less is definitely more here. 

It's all rather unassuming, a modest production brings together a fine ensemble who work incredulously hard, they're constantly rearranging set positions, leaping, singing and providing a general sense of energy and enthusiasm to power through the dated story. How anyone at Buffalo Bill's show could have their interest sustained by a woman shooting at balloons... 

That woman of course is Annie Oakley, played here by Emma Williams and she does a lot more than shoot. It's not often that one particular member of a cast shines above all others but Williams is just Doin What Comes Natur'lly to her and impresses throughout with an exciting presence and perfect voice. 

Jason Donovan is Frank Butler and does enough to please fans but you can't help but think that Jonathan Wilkes, who plays the role at selected performances, may be better cast as the love interest of young Oakley. Donovan does however lead some great chorus numbers with the male ensemble, chorus routines which are perhaps the stronger moments of the show. Norman Pace is a fun addition as Buffalo Bill. There's a sweet romance between Lorna Want as Winnie Tate and Yiftach Mizrahi as Tommy Keeler that is most endearing, you wish there had been more written for them. 

In all, the feel good factor remains, even if not the relevance. It is nice to see one of the older classics return to the stage in a charming revival production. It's hardly groundbreaking but then I guess there's only so much you can do now with a 1940's musical - this is probably as good a production as you're going to get. A popular one with the amateurs, this is far from something you'll have seen last summer at the church hall, it's beautifully reimagined. Emma Williams shines in a charming production at Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 5 July. Book tickets online here. 

Watch the trailer below:

Cast List: Jason Donovan, Jonathan Wilkes (at selected performances), Emma Williams, Norman Pace, Dermot Canavan, Ed Currie, Kara Lane, Yiftach Mizrahi, William Oxborrow, Lorna Want, Ste Clough, Matthew Dale, Natalie Day, Flo Fields, Sarah Galbraith, Jonny Godbold, Hannah Grace, Katie Marie-Carter, Oscar Francisco, Theo Gilbert-Birch

Review | BUDDY - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY (UK Tour) June 2014

"Three young rock 'n' roll stars have been killed in a plane crash in the United States. Buddy Holly, 22, Jiles P Richardson - known as the Big Bopper - 28, and Ritchie Valens, 17, died in a crash shortly after take-off from Clear Lake, Iowa at 0100 local time. The pilot of the single-engined Beechcraft Bonanza plane was also killed. Early reports from the scene suggest the aircraft spun out of control during a light snowstorm" ... It was the career that was over almost as quickly as it started. 

Throughout it's 25 year history, this, the original juke box musical has been seen by over 22 million people worldwide. Following the short career of the music legend, we start at the humble beginnings at the Grand Bowl, Lubback Texas with a fresh-faced enthusiastic Buddy played by the excellent Glen Joseph. Throughout Buddy's struggles with the music industry, turning his back on country and creating his own rock 'n' roll sound, Joseph has great charisma, endless energy and has us in the palm of his hand as he masters some of the most iconic hits including That'll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, Heartbeat and Johnny B Goode. 

Joseph is joined on stage by Roger Rowley who plays Buddy at certain performances with the excellent duo Adam Flynn and Scott Haining as The Crickets. All music is played and sung live, which is the huge draw of this musical. Without the music, you'd have under 20 minutes of content. This is certainly the show for Buddy fans with little in the way of significant set changes or engaging dialogue but there is more than enough to make up for that by way of talent and incredible effort. 

Surprisingly, some of the show's most exciting moments come from other members of the cast, including Lydia Fraser's hilarious, scene-stealing Apollo Performer - joined by Miguel Angel in an impressive rendition of Shout. Will Pearce rouses the crowd as Ritchie Valens with his hip swinging La Bamba. 

The death of Holly, Valens and the Big Bopper interrupts what was an enjoyable finale of what was  to become their final gig. It's a particularly effective halt that reenforces the shock and sudden devastation that followed the plane crash on 3 February 1959. The moment could have lasted longer but seemed rushed over to return to the high-energy finale. We are, after all, there for a good time and that's why the joy resumes so quickly. If you're not of a reminiscent age and struggle to recognise the music, it can feel a little exclusive but you can't help but appreciate the sheer talent on that stage. 

This is the original jukebox musical that spawned all others of it's kind, many try but aren't nearly as successful at raising the roof in the ultimate celebration of some of the finest singers of all time. Click here and book now to see Buddy at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 28 June. 

Review | MISS SAIGON (Prince Edward Theatre) June 2014

With an all-time Box Office record, taking in excess of £4m on the first day, the revival production of Miss Saigon was highly anticipated. The musical premiered at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, on 20 September 1989, closing after over 4000 in performances 1999. Since then, it has toured but in recent years hasn't been available to see. It's perhaps the perfect time to bring it back, being one of the only classics (Phantom, Les Mis..) that young theatregoers haven't been able to experience at an age where they can truly appreciate Boublil and Schönberg's masterpiece. 

Inspired by Puccini's Madame Butterfly, this, set in 1970's Saigon is the story of Kim, orphaned by war who falls in love with Chris, an American GI. Events of the Vietnam War come between them and an inevitable tragic end leaves the heart aching. 

Alistair Brammer and Eva Noblezada

Alternate Kim, Tanya Manalang is a sensation. 18-year-old relative newcomer Eva Noblezada has been received in high-regard so I must presume that both leading ladies are just as phenomenal. Manalang manages to power her way through the score with an incredibly strong but equally vulnerable performance, capturing the many emotions, highs and crashing lows that Kim endures. She is joined by Alistair Brammer as Chris who is in great voice throughout, a highlight being The Last Night Of The World love duet. 

The incredible Rachelle Ann Go gives a beautiful performance as Gigi with an almost unbelievable, perfect vocal in The Movie In My Mind. An excellent casting. 

Jon Jon Briones as The Engineer

Jon Jon Briones is excellent as the Engineer - it's not a 'you love to hate him', it's a 'you hate to love him'. You can't help but enjoy his performance as the seedy Engineer, another highlight being his American Dream number, with an impressive surprising set change and a chorus of dancers - it's very "Broadway" but great relief from some of the deeper, darker moments. Mention must also go to Tamsin Carroll who is an impressive Ellen. 

This breathtaking production is not without flaws. The lighting, although beautiful, is hazy and incredibly dark at times - when sat further back you struggle to see clearly, it's more comfortable to just close your eyes and listen. There is also a very modern film of Vietnamese children shown on a giant screen during Bui Doi which although relevant to the theme, seems particularly 'HD' a little unnecessary and out of place as an accompaniment during the incredible vocal performance of Hugh Maynard as John. 

Tottie Driver and Matt Kinley's redesign of the set is a marvel and by the time of the helicopter arriving during Kim's Nightmare you can have no doubt that this is one of the greatest theatrical events. With one of the West End's finest casts, the heat is definitely on in Prince Edward's Saigon.  I certainly can't wait for a return visit. Currently booking until April 2015, get tickets online here.

Meet the revival cast of Miss Saigon

Cast List: Jon Jon Briones, Eva Noblezada, Alistair Brammer, Tamsin Carroll, Hugh Maynard, Kwang-Ho Hong, Rachelle Ann Go, Tanya Manalang, Julia Abueva, Natalie Chua, Jon-Scott Clark, Jenny Ding, Dale Evans, Callum Francis, Ashley Gilmour, Maria Graciano, Simon Hardwick, Jack Harrison-Cooper, Matthew Jeans, Kurt Kansley, Kittiphun Kittipakapom, David Kar-Hing Lee, Mitch Leow, Ela Lisondra, Carolyn Maitland, Christian Rey Marbella, Kanako Nakano, Thoa Nguyen, Saori Oda, Ariel Reonal.

Review | THE PAJAMA GAME (Shaftesbury Theatre) June 2014

Following the success of Sweeney Todd, Singin In The Rain, Another Country and Barnum, The Pajama Game is but another Chichester Festival Theatre production that enjoys the opportunity of a transfer. 

The musical, set in 1950's America begins where a strike is imminent at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory. The workers churn out pajamas at a backbreaking pace and demands for a seven-and-a-half cent raise are going unheeded. In the midst of this ordeal, love blossoms between Babe, the grievance committee head, and Sid, the new factory superintendent. 

The Company

For this musical, what's particularly fascinating is the age of the piece in comparison to it's relevance. Of course, love stories are timeless but at the centre of it all is a workforce struggle, seven and a half cents doesn't buy a hell of a lot, it echoes similar situations in once-thriving businesses now. Just as Billy Elliot and The Full Monty tackle similar situations there's comedy right at the heart. Principally, it is Gary Wilmot in the role of Vernon Hines who is ultimately there for the laughs, with comedy knife throwing and a Red Indian outfit! With a great rendition of Think Of The Time I'll Save, Wilmot remains incredibly charming throughout. 

It is Michael Xavier who impresses vocally as Sid Sorokin, at one point there's a clever duet with his own voice on dictaphone.  Xavier is perfectly partnered Lauren Varnham, who covered the role of Babe for the first time at this performance. Beautiful in every sense of the word, she is in fantastically fine voice,  has boundless energy and is perfectly cast, deserving of a lead role. It is a terrible shame that more won't be get the chance to see her in what is definitely her most rounded, mature and captivating role of her career so far. Eugene McCoy is worthy of mention in the role of Union President. 

Michael Xavier

Steam Heat is perhaps one of two choreographic highlights, an incredibly entertaining dance break from the main action packed with daring lifts and exciting tap. The other, Hernando's Hideaway is a perfect example of Stephen Mear's breathtaking choreography. The finale is an uplifting pajama-clad celebration that leaves you singing in the street long afterwards and a desire to get home and slip into some luxury loungewear! 

Richard Eyre's revival of The Pajama Game is an incredibly joyous affair. It's theatre at it's very core, there's nothing overly complicated it's just 2 hours and 40 minutes of serious fun. As far as revivals go, Pajama's is at the top of it's game! 

See The Pajama Game at the Shaftesbury Theatre until Saturday 13 September. Book tickets online here.  "Hurry up, can't waste time!" as they sing...

THE PAJAMAS

You can't do The Pajama Game without pajamas, and who better to turn to than Derek Rose - a company established in 1926, a brand unrivalled in luxury using the finest silks and cottons with unprecedented passion and drive. Derek Rose supplied the pyjamas used in the 1954 production at the London Palladium and have once again provided them for the latest revival of the musical. For three lead roles, The Pajama Game team wanted something a little more unique and custom designs were specially created in consultation with the show’s costume designers and all made in Cheshire, UK. Derek Rose created 7 pairs of men’s and 7 pairs of ladies’ pyjama designs which are from fabrics picked out from their archives and reissued just for the production. To view a full range of products, visit the website here. Below is a particular favourite from the collection, the Duke 1 Navy Cashmere Dressing Gown, fully lined in the finest Italian silks... I wouldn't object if anyone wishes to buy me this!

Find out about the job of the wardrobe department, backstage at the Shaftesbury Theatre with Paula McIntosh

Cast List: Joanna Riding, Michael Xavier, Gary Wilmot, Alexis Owen-Jones, Claire Machin, Colin Stinton, Eugene McCoy, Siôn Lloyd, Jennie Dale, Sharon Wattis, Keisha Amponsa Banson, Lauren Varnham, Helen Ternent, Jo Morris, Nolan Frederick, Richard Jones, Dan Burton, James O'Connell, Pippa Raine, Stuart Winter. 

Preview | ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (UK Tour) Major new production heads to Birmingham!

The Tony Award-winning version of Irving Berlin’s classic musical, Annie Get Your Gun, starring Emma Williams as Annie Oakley, Jason Donovan as Frank Butler and Norman Pace as Buffalo Bill comes to Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 July 2014.

A major new six month UK tour of the Tony award-winning show from the producers of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, West Side Story and South Pacific – based on a true story of Annie Oakley, who was an incredible sharpshooter, and her competitive romance with rival marksman Frank Butler.

Emma Williams as Annie Oakley

With timeless classic songs including There’s No Business Like Show Business and Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better, Annie Get Your Gun tells the legendary story of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West female sharpshooter, Annie Oakley and her romance with fellow sharpshooter, Frank Butler. When Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show comes to town, it only takes one glance for sharp-shooting country girl Annie Oakley to fall head over heels for its star marksman, Frank Butler. Both have truly met their match, revealing their competitive natures as they vie for best shot – and each other’s hearts.

Jason Donovan said; "I've been very lucky in having some great roles to get my teeth into in the past, but now having the chance to star in the UK premiere production of this award winning version of such a classic musical is very exciting. I'm very much looking forward to performing such brilliant songs and appearing alongside a truly great cast as we bring the Wild West to theatres across the country."

Norman Pace said; "I can't wait to get out on the stage and play Buffalo Bill alongside Jason Donovan and Emma Williams, with a script and songs written by the legendary Irving Berlin. Even though it's nearly 70 years since the show was first performed on Broadway, there's still a real sense of fun and excitement to a timeless production that I'm very honoured to be a part of."

Jason Donovan as Frank Butler

Leading lady Emma Williams said; "I'm thrilled to be playing the legendary Annie Oakley alongside Jason and Norman, and performing iconic songs such as Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better and You Can't Get A Man With A Gun. Annie Oakley has been played by so many incredible actresses before that it's a privilege to fill those cowgirl boots, and I couldn't be more excited to be Doin' What Comes Natur'lly!"

The clever casting of Emma and Jason means that the actors are closer to the age of the characters that they are playing and help to bring the show right up to date for a modern audience. Howard Panter and The Ambassador Theatre Group are thrilled to be producing this version on tour across the UK, bringing this much loved musical to a new generation of theatre-goers, with a brilliantly talented cast. You can see the show at Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 July 2014. Book tickets online here.

Watch reactions from audiences who've seen the show so far:

Review | LA FILLE MAL GARDÉE (Birmingham Royal Ballet) June 2014

It might not seem it with recent weather but summer has arrived, particularly upon the stage of Birmingham Hippodrome this week as Birmingham Royal Ballet present La Fille mal gardée, the oldest ballet in existence, having premiered in 1789. Despite the French title and principal names, there can be no more English a ballet as the picturesque countryside of late spring blossoms into summer in choreographer Frederick Ashton's idea of splendid Suffolk.

When country beauty Lise falls in love with farm lad Colas, she’s about to upset the apple cart. Her mother, Widow Simone, has her own ideas about who her daughter should marry. Enter Thomas, a pompous and wealthy vineyard owner. And Alain, his rich son – attractive as a potato, smart as a turnip and the proud possessor of two left feet. It's like a summer pantomime of the ballet world, a lighthearted tale with predictably hilarious results.

Michael O'Hare is rich farmer Widow Simone, the 'dame' is at the heart of the piece, plays for laughs as the dame would do but delights with an impressive clog dance. The widow's daughter Lise is danced impeccably by Nao Sakuma, who after joining the company in 1995 was promoted to principal in 2002 and her experience shows. It is most difficult to turn attention from her to other delightful distractions such as a brood of chickens.

The colourful production is perhaps at it's best when all artists of the Birmingham Royal Ballet dance as one. At one point there is an impressive dance around a maypole and a cute flute dance lead by Lewis Turner who always manages to light the stage with a charming smile. Equally as a charming is César Morales who is a strong lead as Colas. 

An exciting edition to the cast is a beautiful Shetland Pony who appears one more than one occasion, provoking prolonged bouts of "awww"s.

This is a thoroughly entertaining ballet with a plethora of delights. A perfect introduction to summer at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 14 June - click here to book tickets. Also at Nottingham Theatre Royal 25 - 28 June, click here to book. 

Review | DARKNESS & LIGHT (Birmingham Royal Ballet) June 2014

There is little more that excites my theatrical mind than the idea of Birmingham Royal Ballet triple bill. What you can always expect is a varied yet relevant collection of works. Here, three ballets by Frederick Ashton contrast in themes of darkness and light - hence the collectively named trilogy. 

The first, Les Rendezvous is a delightful dance to the backdrop of Anthony Ward's simplistic park setting. Friends meet, and it has no serious portent at all. It's pleasant, charming and the portrayal of idyllic life. This is one that is so easy to lose yourself in - the fusion of colour and of energy - it's like Disneyland. A fantasy land that is introduced, enjoyed and over within 24 minutes. 

As with all of the three ballets, they're finished within little over 20 minutes each. They're perfect,  concentrated little pieces that don't leave you looking at your watch, or fidgeting to find a different position for your feet! These would make a perfect introduction to ballet. 

The second piece, Dante Sonata is quite obviously the 'darkness' ... it is a battle between the Children of Light and the Children of Darkness and is of much harsher tone. First performed in 1940 at the Sadler's Wells Ballet, this wartime creation explores torment and shame and is clearly the ballet of real power. 

The third ballet lightens the mood once more - Façade, a joyous celebration. It felt almost as if it was happening in a Mary Poppins film, it was random, colourful and cute. Ruth Brill is brilliant as The Milkmaid, it was like Coppélia. Humour was provided by the excellent Lewis Turner and partner Kit Holder who perform Popular Song in a perfectly synchronised act. 

See a rehearsal video for Façade.

Darkness and Light is the perfect blend of ballets, varying styles, paces and themes - all three ballets within a succinct 2 hours. Don't miss them at Birmingham Hippodrome until Sat 7 June. Book tickets here. 

Review | LORD OF THE FLIES (UK Tour/IDFB) May 2014

Three years on from the original project developed by New Adventures, Lord Of The Flies is reborn... or maybe that should be Re:Bourne. The emerging talent programme from Matthew Bourne's New Adventures aims to nurture and support young people with a passion for movement. The idea is to break down possible perceptions that dance is often seen as unfathomable, elitist, over technical and intimidating, all whilst creating an inspiring piece of theatre, of course.

Choreographed by Olivier Award-nominated long-term company member Scott Ambler, this rework of William Golding's Lord of the Flies features professional dancers and 24 local boys. No longer set in the desert island, this appears to be some mystical world within the theatre itself. You come to expect with any Bourne production that the obvious is disregarded. 

The lights crash out as a mass ensemble of smartly-dressed schoolboys enter. At first it's perhaps a little overwhelming, there's a lot going on and so much to look at but that's particularly important to the projects aims. Throughout the piece a 24-strong ensemble are featured just as much of the smaller cast of professional dancers. They're not support or backing just to fill out the space, they're very much involved and expertly take on Ambler's thrilling choreography. At first they're great at the synchronised movement but as the plot twists and darkens these boys that had first enjoyed freedom turn savage and it's especially interesting once given the opportunity for greater experimentation of movement.

The freedom and opportunity for creativity is perfect here, for it's there within the story. It's one that is relevant to young boys and they are much more likely to identify with this than some fluffy fairytale. The whole piece is cleverly conceived - it becomes difficult to distinguish between professional and local dancers, it's edgy, it's rough, it's nothing like you've seen before, but it works and music by Terry Davies is compelling - almost hypnotic. The original story is excitingly reimagined in a style that's most unique, a blend of ballet, contemporary and an imagination native to this company. The excellent local ensemble are lead by professionals Jack Hazelton as Maurice and Danny Reubens as Jack who, with extreme strength and skilful storytelling ability command the stage and on many occasions leave you transfixed. 

60 years since the original publication of the novel, it's perfect timing for a celebration. Not only a celebration of the classic tale but of the boys, all of whom will be the minority in their dance classes  and here they're given their time to shine and what better stage than at Birmingham Hippodrome. By the curtain call, it was most clear that this was something very special to both the cast and the audience of almost full capacity. It's madness, it's genius and a difficult experience to sum up. Go and see it and you'll understand. See Lord Of The Flies at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 17 May, book here. 

Cast List: Jack Hazelton, Sam Archer, Leon Moran, Luke Murphy, Dominic North, Sam Plant, Danny Reubens, Layton Williams, Dan Wright, Will Cornish, Khalid Daley, Ethan Daly, Jack Dologhan, Joel Fossard-Jones, Jacob Goodchild, Brad Guest, Tom Hammond, Dereece Leigh-Gayle, Declan Lewis, Fenton Lockley, Alexander Love, Enrique Ngbokota, Harry Ondrak-Wright, Callum Osbourne, Zach Parkin, Harvey Powell, Ben Powney, Nat Sweeney, Hugo Von Fragstein, Louis Williams, Chris Wilson.

Review | ROCK OF AGES (UK Tour) May 2014

The 80's... the decade of power ballads and rock Gods … there was bound to be a musical about it and what is currently the 30th longest-running show on Broadway started life in Los Angeles 2006, transferred to Broadway in 2009 and West End in 2011 - Rock Of Ages is now playing cities all over the UK as part of a major tour.

The musical follows Drew (Noel Sullivan) who we meet in The Bourbon Room club, dreaming of being a rock star. He immediately falls for Sherrie (Cordelia Farnworth) who confuses his shyness as disinterest and has a fling with the vainglorious lead singer of rock band Arsenal, Stacee Jaxx (Ben Richards), it all goes wrong, it all rights itself... it's sex, drugs and rock and roll. 

The plot falls, overpowered by the string of hits - it's probably for the best as it doesn't allow for too much investment in the characters, there's nothing too deep as to discover more about them or time to see them do little more than sing, but they own up to that. This isn't a musical to lose yourself in, it's two and half hours of rollocking rock! 

Noel Sullivan impresses as Drew, he returns to his We Will Rock You roots here and is just as comfortable strutting, head-banging and belting out rock ballads than he was in a recent role, skipping around in showgirl tits and feathers in Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. He proves to be an accomplished, versatile performer. Ben Richards is suitably sexy, seductive and everything you'd expect of a lead singer in the role of Stacee Jaxx. Rachel McFarlane as Justice Charlier is a great addition, she's like the Killer Queen of rival rock musical, strutting around in a long coat and sparkly corset - she can belt, yet perhaps the more tender Every Rose Has It's Thorn is one of the show's highlights. 

Jessie May makes a great Regina, coupled with the comedic Cameron Sharp who relishes the role of camp German, Franz. They receive the best reaction with Hit Me With Your Best Shot - a surprise reveal and a long overdue rousing of the audience to whom Stephen Rahman-Hughes' emcee Lonny is a firm favourite. There's an energetic ensemble lead by dance captain Russell Smith and a whole-cast finale of Don't Stop Believin' brings the house down, the band are excellent.

It's all tongue-in-cheek, it's all cheesy but ultimately it's fun. If nothing more, Rock Of Ages is a great opportunity to just let go and rock out with an incredibly impressive West End cast. Get your air guitar, and head for New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham to rock until Saturday 17 May - book tickets here. 

Cast List: Ben Richards, Noel Sullivan, Cordelia Farnworth, Daniel Fletcher, Stephen Rahman-Hughes, Rachel McFarlane, Jack Lord, Cameron Sharp, Rakesh Boury, Imogen Brooke, Abigail Climer, Tom Andrew Hargreaves, Jessie May, Stephen Rolley, Kylie Michelle Smith, Russell Smith, Chris Southgate, Charlotte Anne Steen, Tara Verloop.

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Review | WATER BABIES (Leicester Curve) May 2014

Water Babies - the Victorian novel and 70's animated film about a boy who plunges into a river and meets aquatic children received it's world premiere at Leicester's Curve Theatre. With ambitious technology and an impressive West End cast, the highly anticipated musical has a lot to live up to.

Directed by Ed Curtis and Guy Jones, Water Babies follows the story of Tom, a young chimney-sweep, convicted of a crime he did not commit. He escapes into a river to find the Water Babies who must help him in his quest to be reunited with love Ellie. It's almost the story Peter Pan, but underwater...

The story is overseen by the magical presence of the Fairy-Godmother character Mrs D (Do-As-You-Would-Be-Done-By), played by Louise Dearman who is warm and welcoming as the mysterious female figurehead. No stranger to that sort of role, having previously played Glinda in Wicked, Dearman is perhaps a little underused here, but whenever she sings, we are reminded that she is indeed one of theatre's greatest talents.

Waterloo Road's Thomas Milner is a great young lead and as the 'Peter Pan' of the show, he has all the required traits. He's wide-eyed, cheeky and despite of only a short initial meet between him and love interest Ellie, Milner manages to create a sweet connection with Lauren Samuels who is perfectly cast and in fine voice throughout. There's a really impressive duet between Samuels and Dearman - Waiting For You.

The most exciting characters come in the form of Jock - a Lobster (Andy Gray), Claude - a Swordfish (Tom Davey) and Terrence - a Seahorse (Samuel Holmes). All three glide around the stage on customised bikes and a scooter, decorated to further suggest each type of creature, it's very clever and wonderfully imaginative. Holmes especially is fabulously flamboyant and earns most of the laughs from an audience of families. Tom Lister is perfectly cast as the Electric Eel, flipping between what must have been ten different accents and sings a great number - Friends In High Places with the impressive male dancers.

The excellent ensemble showcase their versatility throughout and particularly shine as the Water Babies themselves, each bringing their own characters forward, they're charming, endearing, clearly having fun and they're just as fun to watch.

Also fun viewing is the screen upstage which is multi-functional. Often used to depict underwater scenes when actual water isn't practical it's also used to make characters appear and disappear in a burst of bubbles. The hologram technology is the best I've seen on any stage. Used mainly for the appearance of Richard E. Grant as the Kracken, you'd easily be fooled into thinking he was actually there.

There's one recurring musical underscore that is very remindful of The Little Mermaid and it's apparent that the show utilises elements of other successful musicals, notably The Lion King's use of puppets and Wicked's style of costuming. It's a theatrical conglomeration, but it all works within the concept and set  against Morgan Large's beautiful scenery and stunning waterfall, the production is a visual delight.

It's great that someone believed in Water Babies, this is a story worth telling but one that I don't think many would have bothered with. It's difficult to combine an 1862 Victorian novel with the necessary 21st century technology and make it all harmonise, but it does work and the end result is definitely of joy in seeing a new musical, traditional in feel yet contemporary in production.

Water Babies is definitely something special. Yes, there can be improvements, but it's clear that an enormous effort has already gone into this, a show that is full of heart, wonderful imagination and deserves a chance. A lot of new musicals take risks and aren't rewarded with a future, it would be a terrible shame to see this sink. Support the incredible team behind Water Babies at Leicester Curve until Sat 17 May 2014. Click here for tickets.

Watch the trailer for Water Babies and listen to some of the music below:

Cast List: Louise Dearman, Tom Lister, Thomas Milner, Lauren Samuels, Andy Gray, Samuel Holmes, Tom Davey, Caroline Deverill, Jeffery Harmer, Matthew Gent, Robbie Boyle, Matthew Caputo, George VCarling, Jorell Coiffic-Kamall, Cristina Hoey, Rebecca Jayne-Davies, Sienna Kelly, Marianna Neofitou, Morgan Scott, Marcquelle Ward, with Michael Denvir & Richard E. Grant

Review | SÉQUENCE 8 (IDFB) May 2014

Groundbreaking Montreal circus company Les 7 Doigots de la Main (The 7 Fingers), present Séquence 8 as part of International Dance Festival Birmingham at The REP. Created in 2012 by the company who directed the first segment of the Sochi Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, the piece is billed as an exhilarating race through the furthest reaches of acrobatics, circus arts, dance and theatre... and it is!

From the moment it begins you'd be forgiven for thinking someone had turned the gravity off... if it wasn't for the fact you're still firmly in your seat, you might believe it. The ensemble leap into the space after an introduction from Colin Davis - it's all very aspirant and begins almost like a University  showcase... you know those assessments which are awfully experimental and nonsensical? But it's purposely playful and soon develops into a solid 90-minute piece that explores relationships and how we define ourselves through and against the idea of the 'other'.

Alexandra Royer impresses early on in a heart-stopping routine on the Russian Bar. The bar, resting only on the shoulders of two other performers, wobbles, bends and hurls her into the air - landing perfectly every time, of course. Maxim Laurin shows extreme strength as an aerialist hanging from his ankles on a trapeze... it's a theatrical circus, a re-imagined and contemporary home for the age-old skills. 

Eric Bates is good at the harmonica, chess, cooking, break-dance, skateboarding, but here we see  perhaps his most impressive avocation... his specialty of cigar-box juggling - for which he is considered one of the best in the world. It's mesmerising and I'd still believe those boxes were magnetic... 

Alexandra Royer is expert at the aerial hoop and whirls around the stage, almost as if running through thin air, it's most beautiful yet almost unbelievable. That's the case with pretty much all of this show, boundaries are pushed until just about the limit with fascinating results. 

Just as Physical Theatre is often acting through dance, this is acting through circus and acrobatics... It 's delightfully fresh and manages to guide us through a narrative, trick after trick. There is much enjoyment from seeing a story come together through what at first seem unconnected displays of circus performance. There are no clowns here, just serious fun. 

You can see Séquence 8 at Birmingham REP as part of International Dance Festival Birmingham until Sat 10 May. Book tickets here. 

Watch a preview here:

Cast List: Eric Bates, Ugo Dario, Colin Davis, Devin Henderson, Alexndra Royer, Maxim Laurin, Camille Legris, Tristan Nielsen.