THE CEMETERY CLUB (UK Tour) June 2012

Although part of a UK tour, The Cemetery Club marks the first of four plays in the Ian Dickens Play Season at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

The play follows three Jewish widows, Ida, Lucille and Doris who meet once a month at Ida's house and head to the cemetery to visit their dead husbands. This particular day they meet Sam, who is questionably there to visit his wife's grave and treats it more of a singles club.

Alan Miller Bunford's set is very compact, beautiful, realistic, but compact. It is perhaps condensed enough to fit into the smallest of venues but the small cast of five struggled at times to move around Ida's flat, let alone the cemetery which took considerable time to move onto stage while the tabs flew in and we sat at listened to Rat Pack.

Slightly lengthy breaks in the play can be overseen considering the perfect casting. Shirley-Anne Field is an absolute joy as Lucille, the man-hunting, mink wearing member of the club. She manages to provide much of the comedy and receives raucous laughter when she reveals her wedding outfit.

Anita Harris is a delight as Ida and Anne Charleston (Madge from Neighbours) is right at home in her character's no nonsense approach to the idea of finding love again.

With less time to impress but certainly manages to, is Debbie Norman who is wonderfully annoying as Mildred. It is such a shame that her character appears for only one scene. The Bill's Peter Ellis is charming as Sam.

The problems faced in young love are repeated all over again in an uncertain try at love in life's later stages. This is a wonderful, bittersweet and enjoyable play to kick off the Ian Dickens 2012 Play Season in Wolverhampton.  The Cemetery Club plays only four more venues before finishing on 4th August. You can see it at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday 30th June.

More information on the Wolverhampton Grand's entire play season can be found here: http://www.grandtheatre.info/default.asp?Id=311&PageSubType=323&sC=page48

Website for The Cemetery Club: http://iandickensinternational.com/productions/cemetery.html

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Wolverhampton Grand Theatre) Pantomime Launch

This Christmas the magic of pantomime returns to Wolverhampton in a simple exchange for some magic beans. We planted them at the Novotel across the road from the theatre and up grew a giant beanstalk. Seen posing in front of one of the plants many dangerous vines, Sherrie Hewson (Coronation Street/Loose Women/Benidorm) and Keith Harris with his cuddly sidekick Orville are set to lead the cast in what promises to be a 'grand' show.

It was a pleasure to be in the presence of two fabulous entertainers. Both gave entertaining after dinner speeches. Sherrie Hewson admitted to have only visited Wolverhampton once before, many years ago on a date. His name is John if anyone knows him she added. She cannot wait to begin the shows as Lady Temple-Savage, a baddy. She loves playing the baddy as she can be "really horrible to the children and they all hate you, but it'll be alright because she's got a heart really". Sherrie, as anyone who has visited the theatre would agree says that "the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is beautiful. I think it's stunning." 

Keith Harris had a little less to say on the event himself due to interruptions from Orville who had previously been hiding during the meal for fear that duck would be on the menu. This year marks Keith's 49th year in pantomime, both he and Orville are looking forward to receiving the gold watch next year at their 50th. 

(Meeting Keith Harris and Orville) 

Here are some video highlights of Orville's after dinner speech.

Booking is now open for the pantomime which runs at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 8th December 2012 until 20th January 2013.

For bookings and more information visit the website: http://www.grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=604&sC=page10

MIDNIGHT TANGO (UK Tour) June 2012

Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace, stars of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing are on the road again after a hugely successful 2011 tour and 2012 West End residency with Midnight Tango.

The show, produced by Arlene Phillips is set in downtown Buenos Aires in a beautiful and realistic set by Morgan Large featured a six-piece band and a cast of 12 dancers.

With no dialogue the show is very much about the dance. The Tango, that's it, and everyone is on top of their game. There is a simple story woven into the routines and we see Pablo (Simone) and El Gato (Giraldo Diomar) fight their way through dance to win the heart of the beautiful Sofia (Cacace). 

Tricia Deighton as Rosa and Teddy Kempner as Carlos provide much welcome comedy moments to the show. There are moments very reminiscent of clowning. They clock the audience and respond to reactions as their heartwarming story unfolds along with their petty squabbles. Moments that would not be out of place in a physical theatre show were also apparent with dancers suspending from tables and strong influences of pure acting woven into the choreography. 

The second act is definitely where the performance hots up. Pablo and Sofia's slower routine is breathtakingly stunning and the finale is received with rapturous applause. The Tango at it's best and it's not to be missed. 

Website: http://www.midnighttango.co.uk/

SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME (UK Tour) Review May 2012

Set in the early 60's this musical brings the holiday spirit of Lowestoft to your hometown. When two sisters take an unsupervised holiday to Lowestoft they find themselves attracted to a handsome American who invites them to dance at the American Air Force base. The simple story is set to what seemed like millions of songs (37, only three of which I recognised), all performed with enthusiasm and heaps of energy. It's not my era but it's safe to say much of the audience were of a reminiscent age.

All eyes were on Hannah Frederick who brought so much to the stage with her portrayal of Jennifer, the elder sister. Her smile alone was enough to fill the stage. Full of energy and excitement, a truly talented actress.  AJ Dean as Milton proved to be right at home in this style of performance giving great renditions of Viva Las Vegas, Way Down Yonder In New Orleans and is and asset to the show. Tosh Wanogho-Maud as Rufus provided the show with incredible vocals - a very broad vocal range! Graham Weaver's Italian from Wolverhampton - Carlos was a humorous addition. We thought perhaps Carlos changed hometown to suit the venue each week, apparently not, and he coped well performing with a Wolverhampton accent in front of a home audience. Megan Jones has a beautiful voice and made a cute Marie. 

The actor-musicians were all incredible - Christine Holman, Harry Myers, Dan Church, Chris Coxon, Robert Dalton, Marc McBride, and Michael Pave. 

Bill Deamer's choreography was cheesy and fun and Mark Bailey's set was simple yet accurate. 

No big-name TV personalities in this production, and it doesn't need it. The cast carry the show perfectly. It is what it is, it's not serious, it's cheesy and with the age of the music it's not for everyone. The show however is definitely worth a light-hearted, fun evening out. 

The show runs at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday (2nd June) and has only four venues left of a UK tour finishing on 28th July. 

Website: http://www.kenwright.com/index.php?id=1264 

(With AJ Dean)

WONDERFUL TOWN (UK Tour) Review May 2012

I didn't quite know what to expect from this lesser known Broadway musical. 'Tony Award Winning' gave it some hope, but I've come to learn that if you don't like it, it's awards are irrelevant to your enjoyment. 

I'd heard very little of this musical so approached it with an open mind. I'm a little wary of older musicals, I think you either get it right or they're a giant borefest. Wonderful Town got it right.

Length is a slight issue with the show, I'm not a particular fan of long overtures, but this one was varied enough to keep interest. The score throughout was as wonderful as the wonderful town itself. Act I ran for 90 minutes which however good something is, that's a long time to be squashed into a theatre seat next to a stranger unwrapping humbugs incessantly. Act II was shorter and faster paced (and Mrs Stranger had finished her humbugs in the interval - result!)

As the gauze raised we were presented with a chorus of cheery American folk going about their day on Christopher Street. Simon Higlett's set is strikingly colourful, the scene transitions are both fast yet artistically done, it's very clever. 

The choreography of Andrew Wright is by far the best I've seen for quite a while. It captures the spirit of this ageing musical but in a fresh, dynamic and exciting way. It's perfect. It reminded me exactly why I love musical theatre - the energy, the campness and the enthusiasm was through the roof. 

Standout performances from Lucy Van Gasse as Eileen and Michael Xavier as Bob Baker were great to watch. Both gave an incredible show attacking Bernstein's score with much power and secured audience attention with their portrayals of both characters. Also, Tiffany Graves made a fantastic Helen and I felt she was much more at home in Wonderful Town than as Killer Queen on the 2011 UK tour of We Will Rock You. Of course, Connie Fisher from TV's How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria was a delight as Ruth. 

This is definitely one to watch when the tour visits your own wonderful town. 

The tour runs until 7th July 2012 and plays at the Birmingham Hippodrome until 26th May. 

Website: http://www.wonderfultown.co.uk/

AGATHA CHRISTIE'S MURDER ON THE NILE (UK Tour) May 2012

Last night was my first experience of an Agatha Christie murder mystery at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. I've never been any good at guessing 'whodunit' in Murder She Wrote and Midsomer Murders on TV, and it turns out I'm no better at guessing when it's live on stage.

The story follows the passengers on a steam boat down the river Nile, and there's a murder. It's pretty self explanatory. The set is the observation deck of the boat and is beautiful in design.

The story starts off a little a slow with little action but things soon change with the introduction of Jacqueline de Severac threatening to kill newlyweds onboard. Chloe Newsome's portrayal of Jacqueline is sweet but sinister. She manages to keep you on the edge of your seat when she's got that gun in her hands.

It was great to see Dynasty legend Kate O'Mara back on stage and in the role of Miss ffoliot-ffoulkes (no capital f's). There's just something so elegant and classy about her, which she brings to her character with added humour.

Denis Lill keeps the pace of the play which at times is very dialogue-heavy. His unfolding of the mystery is most intriguing.

Other performances worthy of note are Footballer's Wives star Susie Amy as Kay Mostyn who adapts to this style of drama wonderfully and Max Hutchinson as the wise-cracking William Smith.

Another success for the Agatha Christie Theatre Company, an interesting night out at the theatre.

The play runs at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday 26th May and continues on a UK tour, details can be found here: http://www.kenwright.com/index.php?id=1224

(With cast members Kate O'Mara, Max Hutchinson and Susie Amy.)

EQUUS (UK Tour) May 2012

"They get naked in the stables" ... That's all I really knew of this play by Peter Shaffer and so the opportunity to discover the story and see London Classic Theatre's touring production was not to be missed.

The six horse head masks suspended high on poles were the first thing that caught my attention walking into the auditorium. Scarily real, yet so artistically abstract. Kerry Bradley's design is similar to that of the horses in War Horse. Aiden Downing who plays the horse Nugget, was a member of the original cast of War Horse in London and his portrayal of Nugget clearly draws upon that experience. He portrays a horse with such attention to detail from the neighing to the way in which he trots.

I did however find it hard to suspend my disbelief watching a man trot around with a horse mask on. This was far from tacky or comical but at the accuracy of the horse mannerisms paired with the body of a human in jeans and a vest top was visually more centaur than fully horse. It was however artistically beautiful.

Matthew Pattimore's Alan Strang, a 17-year-old struggling with an obsession with horses was both compelling and harrowing. He captured both the cute, innocent boy and the mentally unstable obsessive.

Malcolm James, our narrator as Dr Martin Dysart has a perfect storytelling tone to his voice and acts his way through the narration of the story along with the audience. His exciting portrayal connects with the audience as his character discovers the story at the same time as us, he doesn't know anything before we do and Malcolm James acts this wonderfully.

If your local venue is not already sold out this production is a must-see, scenically beautiful and a cast bursting with enthusiasm and talent.

Touring until 14th July 2012. (Dates/Venues: http://www.londonclassictheatre.co.uk/currently.htm)
Prices vary with venue.

Website: http://www.londonclassictheatre.co.uk

WE WILL ROCK YOU 10th ANNIVERSARY GALA (Dominion Theatre) 14th May 2012

Monday 14th May 2012. 10 years ago exactly the Dominion Theatre hosted the opening of a new musical based on the hits of rock band Queen. The original creative team and producers who were all present on the opening night reunited at the theatre to celebrate the decade of rock.

(Writer Ben Elton, Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor, Robert De Niro in 2002 and 2012)

As well as the creative team from ten years ago many of the original cast came back to watch. Hannah Jane Fox, Kerry Ellis and Mazz Murray were among them. 

Robert De Niro in 2002 with Tony Vincent (Galileo), Hannah Jane Fox (Scaramouche) and Sharon D. Clarke (Killer Queen) and again in 2012 with the cast including Noel Sullivan (Galileo) and Sarah French (Scaramouche)

The atmosphere inside the Dominion Theatre was electric. As "It's A Beautiful Day" blasted out before the show an exciting introduction projected onto the front curtain charted the show's history throughout it's first decade. 

Stand-out performances came from all of the leads who gave everything all they could. Incredible riffs galore especially from Sarah French and Rachel John as Scaramouche and Meat.

Each seat in the auditorium had a We Will Rock You goody bag with a show comic book, postcard and glowstick. The finale looked amazing as the theatre filled with neon colours. As expected, guitarist and astrophysicist Brian May shot up through a cloud of smoke to riff the hell out of Bohemian Rhapsody. 

The promise of Freddie Mercury returning as an optical illusion was a bit of a disappointment. He 'appeared' only for a few seconds at the end of Bohemian Rhapsody, you could hear him, but could hardly see anything, maybe this was because there was a spotlight on the area, or it just didn't work...

Another disappointment for some in the audience (dressed as Bohemians) was the promise of a best dressed fan competition where the top ten fans decided for on the website won two tickets to the show where the ultimate winner would be called up onto stage to receive a "special prize from a VERY special guest" ... they were all there, dressed up, and nothing about the competition was mentioned and no award was presented. 

Those are the only negatives though, Robert De Niro's presence on stage again was a cue for the audience to erupt into madness. the celebrity guests in the audience kept everyone alert and excited. Spotted in the audience were Warwick Davis and his family, Tim Minchin, Samantha Fox, Chris Tarrent, David Baddiel, Bill Oddie, some 'TOWIE' girls (if you can count those) and supposedly Kylie Minogue (I didn't see her, and none of the press managed to get a picture of her. Maybe she played a similar trick to the Freddie illusion). 

The evening was truly unforgettable, this is another great cast and should you get the chance to see this 10th anniversary cast in action, make every effort to see them. 

Booking until 20th October 2012. Monday - Saturday 7:30pm. Last Wednesday of every month and Saturday's at 2:30pm.

Tickets: £62, £52, £47, £42, £32, £15 (Standing) (BEWARE booking and transaction charges of up to £12.25 PER TICKET do apply at this show when booking online) 

(Day seats available for £30 from 10am - 12 noon on the day of performance, in person from The Dominion Theatre Box Office) 

OFFER: Show Pairs '2 top price tickets for the price of 1' (www.showpairs.co.uk) Valid until 15th September 2012 (excludes 2 - 9 June)

Website: http://www.wewillrockyou.co.uk

GHOST THE MUSICAL (Piccadilly Theatre) May 2012

This was my third visit to Ghost The Musical. I think it's worth reviewing at this point as the show has undergone it's first cast change. Since opening in Manchester and transferring to London last year this April saw Richard Fleeshman (Sam) and Caissie Levy (Molly) transfer to the Broadway production. Mark Evans and Siobhan Dillon replaced them in London in January and the new ensemble in February.

Evans and Dillon are suitable replacements to Fleeshman and Levy, both of whom bring their own style to the roles. I found that both of new leads provide a more "musical theatre" tone to the songs than the rockier originals. But this is musical theatre and so it still works. 

The jewel of this whole production is Sharon D. Clarke as the psychic Oda Mae Brown. In the role made famous by Whoopi Goldberg in the 1990 film, Sharon D. Clarke manages to bring her own crazy characterisation to the stage. Her powerhouse vocals are enough to blow the roof off and both of her songs prove the much-needed comic relief to the show.

Understudying the part of Carl Bruner in replacement of Andrew Langtree was Paul Ayres. He gave us a great portrayal of Sam's 'best friend' and really captured the sinister twist in character with perfection.

Another performance worthy of note is Lisa Davina Phillip who provides comedy gold as Oda Mae's sister Clara. 

The illusions are expectably less exciting after a third viewing. The walking through doors and appearing from nowhere still work well. The letter opening also remains a point of amazement. The scene in which Carl is being punched and shoved by the invisible Sam is a little sloppy in that the workings of some of the 'illusions' are left on show to the audience. Also the lighting reveals the 'secret' as to how characters float away once dead. 

Ghost remains a spectacularly impressive show and one definitely worth seeing, even if for the set and illusions alone. Anything Sharon D. Clarke is in is always worth the money. 

Booking until 20th April 2013. Monday - Saturday 7:30pm, Thursday & Saturday 2:30pm. 

Tickets: £67.50, £45, £25 (Premium Seats £85) (Dayseats available Monday - Thursday performances at £25 on the day of performance at the box office.)

Website: http://www.ghostthemusical.com

(With Sharon D. Clarke after the performance)

SWEENEY TODD (Adelphi Theatre) April 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Website: http://sweeneytoddwestend.com/