SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (UK Tour) Review March 2014

Chichester Festival Theatre have produced some excellent productions in recent years - including Sweeney Todd, Another Country soon to open at the Trafalgar Studios, The Pyjama Game opening at the Shaftesbury Theatre and Cameron Mackintosh's revival of Barnum which is about to embark on a UK tour. Singin' In The Rain enjoyed success in Chichester in 2011, the West End in 2012 and now a tour of the UK and Ireland is making a splash in Birmingham. 

Singin' In The Rain tells the story of the first Hollywood musical, when the silver screen found its voice and left silent movies - and some of its stars – behind. This show leaves none of it's stars behind and from the outset you are whisked away to the Hollywood glamour of 1920's Los Angeles. The magic of the MGM musicals is truly at the heart of the show - I don't recall a time when I've ever been so enchanted at the theatre, which is easily done with the grandeur of Jonathan Church's production.

Before you can talk about anything more, the choreography by Andrew Wright must be credited for taking the show from one that looks great to one that is great - and so full of energy. Even without the rain these dancers were dripping, with sweat. Scenes that are concentrated heavily with dialogue benefit greatly from an injection of incredibly creative, complex and breathtaking routines. The tap is fast and furious, both the dance kind and the water kind. 14,000 litres of soak the stage (and the first few rows of the auditorium) in a spectacular finale - a downpour that provokes a well earned standing ovation.

James Leece as Don Lockwood

Following in the soggy footsteps of Gene Kelly is James Leece as Don Lockwood. A charming performance, Leece is great to watch, particularly when splashing around in the title song or when together with Amy Ellen Richardson who is a delight as Kathy Selden. The perfect face of Hollywood glamour, Richardson excels not only in her irresistible presence but is in fine voice throughout.

It is Make Em Laugh that perhaps receives the loudest applause for a dry routine, perfectly executed within split seconds of comic timing, the incredible Stephane Anelli is difficult to move your attention from as the buffoonish Cosmo Brown, relishing the role for all it's worth. Also scene-stealing is Faye Tozer ("from Steps") as movie star Lina Lamont. With a ghastly shrill voice she earns raucous laughs with her song What's Wrong With Me? - ironically, the character can't sing and the fact that Tozer isn't given the opportunity to showcase her vocal talent here is somewhat of a shame.

Faye Tozer as Lina Lamont

The story may induce times where you're left thinking "just hurry up and rain!" but in it's entirety you can't possibly have seen this show better than it it's presented here. There is an incredible orchestra that guide you through an evening of Hollywood glamour presented only by the most dynamic ensemble.

Go on, splash the cash on a ticket to the show that showers you with nothing but pure talent and class. Book tickets online here - runs until Saturday 5 April at Birmingham Hippodrome. 

View the show's trailer:

Cast List: James Leece, Amy Ellen Richardson, Stephane Anelli, Maxwell Caufield, Faye Tozer, Jacqueline Clarke, Paul Grunert, Luke Dowling, Jenny Legg, Kim Strommen, Abigail Brodie, Adam Denman, Rebecca Fennelly, Olivia Fines, Lauren Hall, Aimee Hodnett, Nia Jermin, Sammy Kelly, Joshua Lovell, Matthew Malthouse, Phil Marriott, Tom Partridge, Tom Woods, Albey Brookes, Matt Crandon, Lucy James, Soeli Parry

INTERVIEW with Sandra Marvin - March 2014

Sandra Marvin's theatre credits not only include her critically acclaimed performances of Miss Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray in the West End and Tour but she recently appeared as Matron Mama Morton in Paul Kerryson's Chicago at the Leicester Curve. Amongst other theatre credits that include Porgy and Bess, Ragtime, A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Lion King at Disneyland Paris, Sandra can also be heard on the Oscar-winning soundtrack of the recent blockbuster film Gravity. If that wasn't enough, Sandra is now headlining her own cabaret show... 

You're about to do your first solo cabaret after quite while in some incredible productions. Lets start with last year - the majority of which was spent on tour with Hairspray. You're no stranger to Motormouth Maybelle having played the role in two UK tours and in the West End, how do you look back on your time with the show?

I have the fondest of memories of my time in Hairspray! It really is a timeless, funny, witty amazing show with the best music and biggest heart! And the people! I've met the most fantastic people, & many of my best friends on this job. To this day we all still have reunions to share the Hairspray family love! So much love for past casts, crew and creatives. Also nothing but love for the role of Miss Motormouth Maybelle! I'll always be "Big, Blonde and Beautiful!" - 'lol' ... Also getting the chance to sing "I know Where I've Been", such an honour. Loved being blonde!

And most recently you took on the role of Mama Morton in Chicago at the Leicester Curve - I believe this was always a dream role of yours? How was that experience for you?

Yes, she was one of my dream roles. Years ago, the first theatrical demo I recorded was "When You're Good to Mama", so finally being able to play her was certainly a dream come true. Also working with Paul Kerryson, we were given the opportunity to revisit the original play of Chicago and rediscover who our characters were and play their different traits. It was all very exciting and the fresh new choreography by Drew McOnie just topped it off! And such an amazing cast!

Sandra as Mama Morton, Chicago at Leicester Curve.

I've never known a theatre audience erupt quite like at the end of your song in Hairspray - I Know Where I've Been. You've more than proved that you've got an incredible voice. Do you remember a time when perhaps you discovered singing and worked and worked at it, or have you always known that this voice was there inside?

Ah, Thank you Scott! All I know is that I've just always loved singing! Whether it was when I was a kid singing along with my dad's old records, to this present day. Whether I'm on stage or letting rip whilst washing up the dishes! Singing lifts my spirits, and I hope that I can share that with people when I sing. I still have singing lessons now with my teacher Tom Pearce. I think it's good to make sure you keep up a good technique, but other than that, it's all about singing from the heart. "I Know Where I've Been" is a beautiful, powerful song that means a lot to me.

Who are your musical inspirations? Was there anyone or anything that inspired you to follow this career?

Well I'm the only musical one in my family, though they certainly introduced to some incredible vocalists from a young age. My mum and dad adored Tina Turner and Dolly Parton. Both phenomenal artists. There was of course also Whitney, Aretha and Ella too. But it was my sister who introduced me to Barbra Streisand's first album and I was hooked from then. I still adore all of these artists now and I'll be paying homage to many of them on Sunday too.

Besides these roles, you've appeared as a guest singer for Michael Ball, you've done intimate West End cabarets as part of a line up - but now it's all about you! What can you tell us about your cabaret show at Lauderdale House?

My passion for music is so varied, so I'll be singing jazz, musical theatre, soul, rock, acid jazz...! Many of my favourite songs to share with you all. But mostly Sunday will be a fun, laid back, intimate celebration of music that inspires me and touches the soul.

Sandra as Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray, Shaftesbury Theatre.

For your upcoming concert, Sunday Sessions, you're re-united with your Hairspray-son Adrian Hansel, who played Seaweed, what does it mean to have him alongside you?

Adrian is actually my musical brother from another mother! We both have a love for very much the same type of music, though he's so much more current than I am. He often surprises me with a mix of "songs you don't know, but should know" playlist of the most amazing songs that become fast favourites. It's an absolute honour to have him with me, as not only has he one of the most stunning voices I've ever heard, he's also one of my dearest friends.

Is there anyone else we can expect to see as a guest?

I'm also excited and honoured to have Amy Diamond with me too who absolutely has the voice of an angel! My amazing MD Peter White, and Jonathan Cooper (the funkiest bass in town) and Dave Gonella (percussion).. All amazingly talented musicians so I'm excited to be working with again. We're gonna rock Lauderdale House!

Finally, what's next for Sandra? Anything you'd like to do?
I'm also singing Friday and Saturday 21st/ 22nd March at soul/jazz bar Hideaway, Streatham. Ooooooh and there is something that I'm excited about to be announced soon! 

You can book ticket's for Sandra's cabaret by clicking here or by calling 020 8348 8716. Sunday Sessions features Adrian Hansel and Amy Diamond at Lauderdale House on Sunday 23 March - 4:30pm. 

LET IT BE (UK Tour) Review March 2014

After a triumphant run in the West End, Let It Be is now giving the regions a taste of Beatlemania. 

Known as 'The Beatles Musical' - this is more of a glorified tribute show, but this concert-like performance is one hell of a crowd-pleaser. There isn't much to say about it: four guys who closely resemble each band-member take you chronologically through the Beatles back-catalogue of hits. What is clever is that the story is told through news reports and real TV footage from the archives that fill in the time between set changes. With each change of scenery is a change of venue and often country. You journey from the humble beginnings of The Cavern, their appearance on the Royal Variety Performance of 1963 at the Prince Of Wales Theatre - where this show played in late 2012 and into America. 

At times you are reminded that this is but a reflection upon the 60's, a conscious imitation with reference to CD's and Ringo's narration of Thomas The Tank Engine. Where the show perhaps lacks is with dialogue between the boys, it's very much imitation of live performance after live performance, it may have been interesting to delve deeper into the backstories but for the hardcore fan it's crowd-pleasing hit after hit. 

I can't say that I ever listen to The Beatles and have never really taken an interest in their music but there's something euphoric about a large group of people singing along and swaying to Hey Jude! Not that I gained much in the way of nostalgia as I wasn't there to begin with but what this does offer is the chance to live and experience the 60's in what felt authentic. 

The absence of Yellow Submarine (one of the only Beatles songs I know!) wasn't too disappointing - the show is more than packed with hits including the title song Let It Be, I Want To Hold Your Hand, Strawberry Fields Forever, Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds, Hard Day's Night, Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and When I'm 64 to name but a few... 

Beatles-wise this is as good as you'll get. Even with my little Beatles experience I was able to enjoy this all-round quality production. You'll be standing, clapping and waving your arms and flags before you know it! You can see the show at Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 22 March. Book tickets here. 

Cast List: Emanuele Angeletti, Michael Bramwell, John Brosnan, Ben Cullingworth, James Fox, Michael Gagliano, Steve Seere, Reuven Gershon, Graham Harvey, Stephen Hill, Paul Mannion, Luke Roberts (Each performance of the show is performed by five members of the company.)

PARALLEL PRODUCTIONS (St James Studio) West End Switched Off Album Launch

Parallel Productions today announce the first in a series of albums that arrange musical theatre songs that you know – and a few that you may not – into unheard acoustic, 'unplugged' covers, collaborating with a wealth of talented musicians and performers. 

West End Switched Off will feature a range of familiar faces on the album including Ashleigh Gray, recently seen as Stephanie in Cool Rider and as Standby Elphaba in Wicked, Chlöe Hart who until recently was appearing in Wicked and previously played Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, Adrian Hansel who was recently seen as Seaweed in Hairspray, Jodie Steele, currently appearing as Carmen Diaz in the UK Tour of Fame and recently seen as Mimi in Rent, and Jordan Lee Davies, recently seen on the BBC’s The Voice and as Alan in Bare the Rock Musical.

Some of the guests involved with the album and the launch include Chöe Hart, Dale Evans, Jodie Steele, Ian Stroughair, Adrian Hansel, Dean John-Wilson, Jordan Lee Davies and Ashley Gray. 

The album will be launched in style with an intimate evening of entertainment at the St James Studio on Sunday 27th April at 6.30pm, with tickets available from just £15. Accompanied by a live band, there will be a stellar line up of guests which already includes Chlöe Hart (Hairspray), Emma Hatton (Wicked), Dean John-Wilson (From Here To Eternity), Dale Evans (Miss Saigon, From Here to Eternity), Ian Stroughair (Rent 20th Anniversary Tour, Chicago) and Jordan Lee Davies (The Voice). The launch night will give the audience the chance to have an up-close and personal experience of some of the never before heard tracks on the album before the official release. The album itself will be available for purchase as a CD or digital download on iTunes, Amazon and other platforms from Monday 28th April.

This launch follows on from the success of charity project A Very West End Christmas, that saw an unprecedented number of musical theatre stars come together in the final months of last year to record the five-track EP including a version of Do They Know It's Christmas. Feel festive all over again and listen to the song below:

You can book tickets for the launch at the St James Studio on 27th April here. For more information, visit the website.

THE PRINCE OF THE PAGODAS (Birmingham Royal Ballet) Review February 2014

As the centenary celebrations of Britten are almost past, Birmingham Royal Ballet present what could be the climax to it all - David Bintley's reworking of Britten's only comissioned ballet, first performed in 2011 in Japan.

Initially, we're greeted by a Fool, danced by Lewis Turner. He sits with his legs dangling into the orchestra pit, playing with the audience in a clown-like mime. He offers noodles to a family sitting in a box and rouses applause repeatedly. It's a pre-show gimmick that you'd expect at the circus but it's more than welcome here. Turner remains a delightful, charming presence throughout. Equally as charming is the beautiful Yaoqian Shang as Sakura...

The Emperor and The Fool. (Photo by Phil Hitchman)

Uninterested by any of the four kings presented to her, Princess Belle Sakura journey's to the kingdom of the Salamander Prince - danced expertly by Yasuo Atsuji. As the princess, Yaoqian manages to combine gleeful dizziness and moments of controlled despair. Seemingly inspired by an eclectic mix of existing stories, there are themes for all audiences. This both works and doesn't... At some moments so much is going on that the unfamiliar story can get a little lost. What works however is the fact that regardless of clarity, the dance itself is spectacular and sustains your interest through the three acts. The dance, coupled with the exquisite costumery is a dazzling spectacle... most of the time. 

Not all the costumes are dazzling, the Yokai, are grotesque costume-characters, it's almost like Disneyland for zombies. At first they appear somewhat out of place - they're unlike anything you'd usually see at the ballet but as the story progresses you accept them as part of the oriental birdcage of fascinating creatures that you find yourself in. The Yokai are a perfect example of accessible ballet for everyone. 

Sakura, a Yokai and the Salamander Prince (Photo by Phil Hitchman)

I did believe that the central couple were lovers (they always are, right?) until reading the synopsis confirmed that here, they are in fact siblings... the love is still as strong but despite a sometimes hazy narrative, which differs from the original (not that I was familiar), The Prince Of The Pagodas is evidently a vehicle for creative choreography that offers audiences a completely new experience. Worth a visit to Birmingham Hippodrome this week to see a creative interpretation of Britten's exciting, multifarious score. To book online, click here. 

For backstage blog insights into The Prince Of The Pagodas, click here. View the trailer below:

You can listen to Lewis Turner talk about his roles in last weeks Three Of A Kind and The Prince Of The Pagodas.

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Birmingham Royal Ballet Reviews

TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT (UK Tour) Review February 2014

Tonight's The Night is back in town! Last touring in 2006, the Rod Stewart musical is once again sailing around the UK and stops off in Birmingham this week. This is the story of Stuart Clutterbuck, a shy, geeky boy from Gasoline Alley who's lack of self confidence prevents him confessing his love for the beautiful Mary. Stuart seeks help from Satan who grants him the chance to swap souls with rock God Rod Stewart - but is that life all it's cracked up to be? 

The musical, written by Ben Elton first opened in the West End in 2003, just a year after his other musical, We Will Rock You. Running for just over a year at the Victoria Palace Theatre, Tonight's The Night hasn't enjoyed half the success of Elton's collaboration with Queen... which is still packs out the Dominion Theatre after 12 years. Judging by tonight's reaction however, you'd believe it was on par. 

The audience go crazy and from the moment the curtain lifts, spirits are high and kept alive by a cast of incredibly talented performers. Topping the bill (albeit in a slightly lesser role than some others) is Sugarbabe Jade Ewan who was the UK's Eurovision entry in 2009 with Andrew Lloyd Webber.  Ewan, who plays Dee Dee reminds us of her incredible voice with a rendition of The First Cut Is The Deepest. 

Jade Ewan

Also in fine voice is Jenna Lee-James as Mary - she can belt, and regularly impresses, particularly with Reason To Believe and I Don't Want To Talk About It. Tiffany Graves revels in her role as Satan and is sexy and sassy as Baby Jane. Both girls have previously appeared as Killer Queen in Elton's We Will Rock You and attack this with a similar vocal power. 

Ben Heathcote is suitably Stewart-esque as Stuart. With similar vocal tone he delights Rod's fans who clearly aren't regular musical bookers and here for the closest thing they can get. Michael McKell reprises his role from the original West End production as Stoner - rousing humour amongst cast and audience and ensuring everyone is up on their feet by the end. 

There is a strong ensemble who bring life to Rod's back-catalogue with exciting and adventurous choreography. With the corrugated iron set, piles of car tyres and cowboy hats it can feel a little Footloose at times but this has a much faster pace. The storyline is, as most jukebox musicals, a little obscure but the likes of the devil appearing in the mirror just adds to the fun. 

This should appeal to both fans of Rod and the musical-lovers... whilst it isn't by any means groundbreaking, it's a pleasant evening out - and for no extra cost, you get a hat to wear during Sailing... although I had mine on for the duration! 

Tonight's The Night is at the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 1 March. You can book online here. 

Cast List: Ben Heathcote, Jenna Lee-James, Jade Ewan, Michael McKell, Tiffany Graves, Andy Rees, Michelle Antrobus, Joshua Dever, Amy Diamond, Rosie Fletcher, Rosie Heath, Sinead Long, Craig Mather, Tom Millen, Darryl Paul, Ricky Rojas, Spin, Lindsey Tierney

MOLLY WOBBLY (Phoenix Artists Club)

Jamie Chapman Dixon (producer, 'Singer’s Soirée') is proud to present the London premiere of hit musical comedy 'Molly Wobbly' for a strictly limited season at Phoenix Artist Club from 8 - 19 March. The show began life in 2011 as a sell-out Staged Concert at Belfast’s Lyric Theatre before its larger 2012 production at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh where the show received four and five star reviews across the board.

The women of Little Happening are desperate - all three are trapped in loveless marriages and stuck with failing businesses. There is only one person who can help them - a woman they’ve never met whose name is … Molly Wobbly! Margaret, Ruth, and Jemma receive unexpected makeovers when a stranger arrives on Mammary Lane in this comedy by Paul Boyd that was the talk of the 2012 Edinburgh Festival Fringe!

CAST ANNOUNCEMENT

For the 2014 Phoenix Artist Club Staged Concert version, Olivier Award Winner ('Hairspray') Leanne Jones returns to the role of Margaret, and is joined by 'Rent'’s Kate England as Ruth and 'Les Miserables'’ Lucy Garrioch as Jemma. 

Stars of the original 2011 and 2012 productions are also performing - Conleth Kane returns as Jake, Christopher Finn plays Robbie, and Russell Morton is reviving his iconic Ithanku. New to the show for 2014 are Alastair Brookshaw (Southwark Playhouse’s 'Parade') as Malcolm and 'The Voice UK'’s Jordan Lee Davies as Kitten.

8 - 19 March 2014

The Phoenix Artists Club

Tickets £10 (£8 concessions)

Book tickets online here. 

THREE OF A KIND (Birmingham Royal Ballet) Review February 2014

Just four months after the success of Penguin Café, Birmingham Royal Ballet present another triple bill of favourite ballets. Previously, the celebration of David Bintley's award winning pieces and now the coming together of three comic ballets - Card Game, Slaughter On Tenth Avenue and Elite Syncopations. 

The first ballet, Card Game, first performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet in 1976 is perhaps the most visually simplistic I've seen from the company for there are no gimmicks - but it works perfectly. Here is a card table - a stage covered green with male dancers dressed in unitards, females in tutus - both decorated to represent a particular card in the pack. This piece focuses on the intricacies of poker and is split into three deals. Even for non-players the piece is easy enough to follow and is a witty, lively and collectively camp display of cards as they progress through the game. The fun begins when the Joker is dealt. Danced by Jamie Bond, the Joker tries to replace cards to sway the game with humours consequences. Bond has unrivalled speed and has a charming charisma despite villainous intentions. Cleverly between deals, other dancers, hidden behind the backs of human sized playing cards, enter and shuffle about to trade places with others. Throughout, the synchronicity is almost an impossible perfection.

Slaughter On Tenth Avenue is the crazy tale of gangsters, a high-kicking stripper girl and a happy go lucky hero who literally dances for his life. This lively piece is most unlike much else in Birmingham's repertoire. Beginning with dialogue, the scene is set with the pending disaster of gunfire in which the piece steadily builds towards... This is indeed a ballet, but so much more. An incredibly slick 26 minutes of more contemporary ballet that even features an exciting, intricate tap solo. Tyrone Singleton and Céline Gittens as the Hoofer and Striptease Girl command all attention and remain sensationally sexy, sassy and passionate. There is a great moment between the two bartenders (Kit Holder and Oliver Till) who use the choreography to light each other's cigarettes, striking matches across the bottom of their shoes. Slaughter On Tenth Avenue is received like a musical, there is very much a West Side Story feel to what is probably the stand-out act of the three. 

Stripping back the stage to nothing more than lighting rigs and the bare back wall is perhaps a little underwhelming at first... What is most magical about Elite Syncopations is that despite the lack of scenic elements, this piece is in fact one of the most vibrant. It is nice that here the dancers are joined on stage by the band who play a delightful arrangement of Scott Joplin - whose ragtime moods inspired the ballet. Casually the dancers sit around the perimeter and take turns to present their routines. The costumes are a delightfully colourful exaggeration of the era paraded by dancers who are able to experiment with a less formal presentation. Jonathan Higgins conducts the band on piano who create a sufficient and merry soundtrack. This particular piece is your proof that talent is entertaining enough without the need for anything else. 

The three succinct ballets are concentrated with pure delight. For an evening of lighthearted merriment, visit Birmingham Hippodrome until Sat 22 February. Book online here. 

You can listen to dancer Lewis Turner talk about his roles in the triple bill and The Prince Of The Pagodas which plays from 25 February - 1 March. You can book tickets here. 

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RENT IN CONCERT (UK Tour) Review February 2014

When you consider concert staging of musicals, you come to expect a reduced version of the original full-scale production, usually commemorating an anniversary and often for a similar (and of course, more expensive) price bracket. Les Misérables have done it twice – at the Royal Albert Hall and the O2 Arena for their 10th and 25th anniversary and have done so on a very grand and elaborate scale. For other musicals however, even outstanding performances can perhaps leave you a little underwhelmed with lack of action or set. Rent lends itself particularly well to the genre, as there was never much there to begin with… Traditionally performed with very little in the way of set, this concert production very much keeps the feel of an original production.

This is the 20th Anniversary celebration of Rent, which opened on Broadway in 1996… the initial reading and workshop versions of which came in 1993 and 1994 – hence the anniversary now as opposed to 2016. Date logistics aside, any reason to riff up the incredible score by Jonathan Larson is valid. We should probably expect another tour in 2016 and judging by audience reaction it would be welcomed back with open arms… and plenty of tissues.

Kerry Ellis as Mimi

Emotion was rife, both on stage and off as an incredible cast came together to do the piece true justice. Headlining the cast, Kerry Ellis stars as Mimi. With previous roles including Meat in We Will Rock You, Elphaba in Wicked and Nancy in Oliver, Ellis is used to playing the gutsy and feisty female. Exploring the playful side of Mimi early on and later the frail, Ellis takes us on a believable journey and it's nice to see her ability to perform a much less glamorous role.

Ian Stroughair as Angel

Mykal Rand is a sensation as Collins, his I’ll Cover You reprise brings the evening to a standstill. Joined by Ian Stroughair as Angel, the pair create a true relationship that leaves the heart aching. Rory Taylor surprises as Roger, the former ITV Superstar contestant excels and his One Song Glory is particularly impressive. There's a sweet connection between Taylor and Ellis in Light My Candle. Paul Ayres makes a great Mark - a character who really just guides the story, but is brought to life with charm.

Rory Taylor as Roger

Joanne (Lisa-Marie Holmes) & Maureen (Ruthie Stephens) are both powerhouses and raise the roof with their playfully fierce Take Me Or Leave Me. The lesser seen of the principals, Kenny Thompson completes the cast as Benny and gives the part enough to leave a strong lasting impression.

Seasons Of Love is one of the reasons you love this show, the opening song of the second act feels like the climax to the show and is later featured appropriately as an encore. It is here where Beth Humphreys and Tim Prottey-Jones get their moment in the spotlight – receiving rapturous reactions to their solos.

There are perhaps slight sound issues, it is almost too rock concert-like at times where music is much louder than vocal but it's hardly concerning. A combination of impeccable casting and a very strong band - in all, this concert version of Rent is a triumph.

Cast List: Kerry Ellis, Ruthie Stephens, Rory Taylor, Paul Ayres, Ian Stroughair, Mykal Rand, Kenny Thompson, Lisa-Marie Holmes, David Hinton-Gale, Beth Humphreys, Tim Prottey-Jones, Joel Harper-Jackson, Kate England

ANTON DU BEKE BALLROOM TO BROADWAY with Summer Strallen (UK Tour) Review February 2014

Despite the absence of his usual partner, Erin Boag - due to pregnancy, Anton Du Beke goes ahead with his annual tour. This year, he delights audiences in a partnership with Summer Strallen on a musical journey to the heart of Broadway. 

Any Strictly withdrawal symptoms are instantly ridden as the London Concert Orchestra set the tone for the evening with an overture of Mack & Mabel. Imagine musicals week on Strictly... almost impossibly, this is better. 

Between breathtaking ballroom, Anton has comical interludes in which he interacts with the audience, answering questions and dishing the dirt on life backstage at Strictly Come Dancing. He perhaps couldn't survive the whole evening as a stand-up comedian but what he manages is a perfect balance of dance and audience involvement. Anton is joined by Faye Huddleston as his ballroom partner and just as you would expect with Erin, they are faultless. Their duet to Phantom Of The Opera's Music Of The Night is unquestionably a highlight. There is a strong, energetic and enthusiastic ensemble who are a welcome edition to the vast stage. 

You could possibly count on one hand those who are enough to rival Summer Strallen, recent star of the West End production Top Hat. Strallen is every inch the beautiful Broadway lead and sings through  a varied catalogue of show-tunes including an incredible version of All That Jazz which at one point sees her signing whilst suspended upside down in a split lift... 

Lance Ellington, popular vocalist on Strictly Come Dancing is on fine form and delivers Broadway favourites such as This Is The Moment from Jekyll and Hyde to a house that whoop and cheer - all whilst keeping the sophisticated atmosphere, of course. 

Throughout the whole evening I felt like I was somewhere completely different, you know that feel-good energy you have when you're on holiday? that... for two hours.

This is a spectacular evening of entertainment in it's finest form. For tour dates and booking information, visit the website here. Ballroom to Broadway tours until 30 March 2014. 

Cast List: Anton Du Beke, Summer Strallen, Lance Ellington, Faye Huddleston, Simon Coulthard, Gemma Facinelli, Crystal Hantig, Scott Coldwell, Sam Patrick and the London Concert Orchestra led by Richard Balcome

INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL BIRMINGHAM

A WORLD OF DANCE IN ONE CITY

DanceXchange and Birmingham Hippodrome officially launch

International Dance Festival Birmingham 2014

This week, International Dance Festival Birmingham launched at Birmingham Hippodrome's Patrick Centre, just one of 17 venues including The Crescent Theatre, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Birmingham Hippodrome's main stage that will host one of Europe's largest dance festivals. The award winning biennial celebration of dance, now in it;s fourth year, returns to the city from Thursday 20th April - Sunday 25th May for over four weeks of world premieres, unique collaborations, community events, outdoor spectacles and world-class performances.

IDFB 2014 highlights from Festival co-producer Birmingham Hippodrome include Swiss company Alias’ mesmerising Sideways Rain (click to book) and Vancouver’s Kidd Pivot (click to book) led by Crystal Pite (Sadler’s Wells’ newest Associate Artist), whose company perform her Shakespeare-inspired Tempest Replica. Celebrated names also include Sadler’s Wells’ hip hop spectacle Breakin Convention (click to book), and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui whose new work m¡longa takes a modern approach to Argentine tango (click to book). Finally, Matthew Bourne’s internationally-acclaimed New Adventures and RE:Bourne bring a new production of Lord of the Flies to Birmingham Hippodrome featuring talented local young performers (click to book).

LORD OF THE FLIES, choreographed by Olivier nominated Scott Ambler, and adapted and directed by Matthew Bourne, is a rare and distinctive collaboration that will bring together professional dancers with young people from the West Midlands. The success of the production is mutually reliant on a unique partnership between some of the UK’s most exceptional dance talent alongside local people chosen from each region the show visits - some of whom may have never danced before.

The professional company includes New Adventures dancers Sam Archer as ‘Maurice’, Luke Murphy as ‘Sam’, Dominic North as ‘Ralph’, Sam Plant as ‘Piggy’, Alastair Postlethwaite as ‘Eric’, Danny Reubens as ‘Jack’ and Dan Wright as ‘Roger’. Making their New Adventures debut’s in this production will be Layton Williams as ‘Simon’ and Jack Hazelton.  The young people cast in the production will be unique to every venue. Birmingham Hippodrome’s young cast will be announced shortly.

Séquence 8

IDFB is delighted that one of the city’s leading theatres, Birmingham Repertory Theatre is hosting the Canadian circus company Les 7 Doigts de la Main’s new show Séquence 8 (click to book), the theatre’s inaugural dance event since it re-opened in 2013. This show will delight family audiences with truly awe inspiring acrobatics. 

Featured here are merely a selection of a whole range of performances to suit all tastes across the festival. For a full list of what's on during IDFB including how to book and ticket prices, check the listings page of the website here.  You can watch the season trailer below:

MATTHEW BOURNE'S SWAN LAKE (UK Tour) Review February 2014

Swan Lake is the most famous and beloved ballet in the world... there was a lot of resistance and concern when in 1995 Matthew Bourne presented his version - now famous for it's all-male flock of swans the production is still packing out theatres almost twenty years on.

"It's not how I remember Swan Lake!" I overheard someone say at the interval, there may not be a tutu in sight but this is very much the story you know and love, it just happens to someone else. Here, a young prince is awakened by a nightmare of a swan. He has a girlfriend, not the princess type, (think Legally Blonde) who after embarrassing the family is paid to leave. After a night of drinking, the prince contemplates suicide at the thought of never finding affection but he is stopped by the sight of swans in the lake of a public park. Initially rejected by the all-male flock, the prince is taken into the wings of the lead swan - finally realising what his heart had always desired. 

Coventry-born Andrew Monaghan shines as the prince, as a previous Junior and Mid Associate with the Birmingham Royal Ballet he now finds himself dancing the lead on home turf. A warm reception is always a given at Birmingham Hippodrome but Monaghan earned every aspect of it. Quite obviously exhausted by the bows he sustains charm having given every effort throughout the prince's troubled journey. Carrie Johnson delights as The Girlfriend, a comic role underneath which is a saddened soul. Johnson steals all attention with a beautiful, beaming smile - a character you can't help but love and feel great sympathy for. 

Chris Trenfield has incredible strength and is entirely commanding of the stage as the lead swan and also as The Stranger. Trenfield delivers intense passion - combining perfectly with Monaghan's truthful lust, there is a most definite and inspiring partnership between the two men. The all-male flock are far from the dainty tutu-clad, pointe shoe'd ballerinas but are full of attack as a feisty and muscular group who are utterly mesmerising. 

This is no ordinary night at the ballet... referred to by Bourne himself as more contemporary dance theatre than ballet, this opens up to a whole new audience. This modern telling will familiarise those who may feel distanced from a traditional ballet. Despite it's age, Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake remains fresh and it's themes couldn't be any less relevant today. Whilst being humorous and exciting this beautiful production is daring and tragic. This cannot be missed. For tickets call 0844 338 5000 or click here. 

Audiences attending the performance on 13th February 2014 will be treated to a special performance prior to the curtain up. In partnership with Matthew Bourne and Re:Bourne, the charitable arm of his dance company New Adventures, the Hippodrome's curtain-raiser fives local 16-18 year old students the exhilarating experience of working alongside professional dancers and choreographers. Over the past few months, students from Stratford Upon Avon College, Walsall College and Birmingham Ormiston Academy have been working closely with Dominic North, one of Matthew Bourne's principal dancers, and Claire Palethorpe, a freelance dance practitioner on creating the curtain-raiser. The five minute performance, part of Hippodrome Plus is inspired by Swan Lake will see 19 young men perform on the Birmingham Hippodrome main stage to nearly 1800 people. 

ALSO BOOKING at Birmingham Hippodrome: Matthew Bourne's New Adventures and Re:Bourne present Lord Of The Flies, Wed 14 - Sat 17 May 2014 (Book online here). Part of the International Dance Festival Birmingham, Lord Of The Flies brings together professional dancers with young people from the West Midlands. 

Cast List: Michael Barnes, Kerry Biggin, Stephanie Billers. Cordelia Braithwaite, Madelaine Brennan, Tom Broderick, Otis-Cameron Carr, Nicole Cato, Reece Hayden Causton, Emma Chadwick, Harry Clark, Tom Clark, Tom Cummings, Saranne Curtin, Chris Agius Darmanin, Iván Delgado Del Río, Freya Field, Robin Gladwin, Chantelle Gotobed, Glenn Graham, Tim Hodges, P J Hurst, Luke Jackson, Carrie Johnson, Jack Jones, Graham Kotowich, Katrina Lyndon, Jamie-Emma McDonald, Andy Macleman, Anjali Mehra, Edd Mitton, Andrew Monaghan, Liam Mower, Kyle Murray, Jonathan Ollivier, Ashley-Jordan Packer, Ashley Shaw, Paul Smethurst, Chris Trenfield, Simon Williams.