Spotify Sunday - My Top Touring Songs of 2013

Hello everyone and welcome to my new feature, 'Spotify Sunday'. Every few weeks I'll be sharing a different themed playlist with you - all theatre based of course - and to kick it off this week here are my top show tunes from some of the productions that are - or will be - heading to a venue near you in the next 12 months. I haven't been getting to London as often as I'd like this year so I find myself relying more and more on touring productions to get my theatre fix, and there are some crackers coming up. 

First on the playlist has to be Defying Gravity, the song that I hold responsible for fuelling this little obsessi... em hobby. Wicked starts its debut UK tour in November and I think it's going to be one that gets everyone talking. I am hoping for some cast announcements soon. 

You Can't Stop The Beat from the bright and colourful Hairspray is next on the list. After seeing the show last weekend this track has been a firm iPod fav, this is such an upbeat song that is sure to perk you up no matter what mood you're in.

Song number 3 is the heart-wrenching With You from the equally heart-wrenching show, Ghost. I first saw Ghost in London with Rebecca Trehearn as understudy Molly so i'm thrilled she has been cast for the lead role in the tour - she is awesome.

9 to 5 was one of those musicals I went in with no expectations, I was reviewing it for Backstage Pass and to be honest didn't have high hopes. Boy was I proved wrong... I loved it! 'Get Out and Stay Out' was the 11 o'clock number and has such relatable lyrics that I had it downloaded before I was home.

Memory is one of those show tunes that most people have heard, and has achieved a somewhat iconic status over the years. I haven't actually seen Cats before so I can't wait to see this classic musical come to life on stage.

Last but not least the fab Take Me Or Leave Me from my current show of the moment Rent. After seeing the anniversary concert I have gone into full on 'Rent head' mode. There was an announcement on Twitter that the concert may tour again in November... roll on! 

You can't stop the beat...

If you fancy a fun and feel-good night out then grab your can of Ultra Clutch and head to the Kings Theatre, because Hairspray is in town. Be prepared to be transported to 1962,  a time when big hair was all the rage and the integration between black and white was not.

Set in Baltimore, Hairspray tells the story of school girl Tracy Turnblad who dreams of one day being one of the 'nicest kids in town' and appearing on 'The Corny Collins Show' - a show she watches religiously with best friend Penny Pingleton. When a spot opens up Tracy jumps at the chance to audition, sparking a chain of events that's going to change her life for good.

Freya Sutton was the perfect choice for ambitious dreamer Tracy Turnblad. She had so much energy and sang every song with such enthusiasm. 

Mark Benson was hilarious as Tracy's mother (and recluse) Edna Turnblad. His lines were delivered with great comedic timing and I particulary enjoyed the joint scenes with Wilbur Turnblad played by Paul Rider.

Special shoutout goes to Sandra Marvin and her take on Motormouth Maybelle. What an impact she made on the audience with her powerhouse voice and sassiness.

Hairspray is one of those shows that has something for everyone. A bright set, colourful costumes and some of the most catchy showtunes. I urge you to catch it while it's still in town.  

Measure in love... Rent Review

Last night the 20th Anniversary concert of Rent hit Glasgow and I think it's safe to say it made a lasting impact. Rent is set in East New York and tells the story of struggling artists trying to succeed, love and live each moment like it's their last.

As this was a concert and not a full production the set was simplified with the use of video projection to guide the audience through the story. If i'm honest I did not miss the elaborate sets as I feel this stripped back version allowed the audience to connect more with the characters and let them tell the story.

The casting for this show was just perfect. All of the actors worked well together but stood out when needed. I had some reservations about Kerry Ellis playing Mimi when the casting was first announced but I was pleasantly surprised by her performance. There's no denying she plays the role differently but I feel she really makes it her own and showed a more vulnerable and endearing side to Mimi that is often missed by others.

Another surprise for me was Rory Taylor. I hadn't seen any of ITV's Superstar, so I wasn't sure what to expect but he really nailed the role of musician Roger. His performance evoked a lot of empathy for the character and his voice was so well suited to the part.

Ian Stroughair tugged at every emotion I have playing drag queen and aids sufferer, Angel.  From laughing during 'Today For You', to crying as his story unfolds. Stroughair had a great balance, giving a very humorous performance but not glossing over the hard hitting problems Angel faces. 

For me the star of the night was Nikki Davis-Jones and her phenomenal portrayal of outrageous and flirtatious Maureen. She had the confidence of this character spot on and her vocals were fierce. She had complete control of the stage and even had the audience mooing along with her during 'Over The Moon'. Whoever was responsible for this casting is a genius.

For me seeing Rent in this style was a real treat. You really get to focus on the music and the fabulous cast. There was a clear connection with the audience and during the final number (Seasons of Love) every person was out of their seats and singing along. I wish it had a longer run as I would have loved to catch it again. Rent has 3 shows left. Grab the last remaining tickets if you can.