Event : Kieran Brown, A West End Christmas

Love Christmas?

Love musicals?

If you answered yes to either of those questions then you need to check out ‘A West End Christmas’.

For the second year running Scottish performer Kieran Brown is coming home for the festive season, and bringing a taste of the West End with him. With credits such as Wicked, Les Miserables and Phantom (to name but a few) under his belt, this evening will be one you won't want to miss.

Joining Kieran on stage are pals Jenny Douglas (who's playing Jasmine in this years Kings Theatre panto), Wicked star Ashleigh Gray and Gayle Telfer Stevens, who appaered in the recent Sunshine on Leith film.

Held in the gorgeous Bar 29 in the heart of Glasgow's city centre, audiences can expect ‘All the fun and festive sparkle of the West End with a Scottish twist’.

Supper Club,   29 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow    

Sunday 15th December        

Show: 21.15    

Tickets £20
https://www.facebook.com/events/548069868598327/?ref_dashboard_filter=calendar

Review: Avenue Q at Cottiers Theatre

With themes such as racism, homosexuality and porn I think it's safe to say that Avenue Q is not your average musical, so it's fitting that it makes its amateur debut in Glasgow with Mad Props, who are certainly not your average theatre company. They are bringing fresh shows to Glasgow whilst raising funds for Leukaemia and  Lymphoma Research.

Imagine a world where humans and puppets collide (or as many have dubbed it - The Sesame Street for adults) and you're on your way to understanding the plot.  Avenue Q follows Princeton, fresh out of college with a useless BA and an empty wallet. While looking for his purpose in life and an apartment in his price range, he stumbles across a neighbourhood filled with the wackiest yet most endearing people you could ever meet.

Marelle Sturrock was outstanding playing (and operating) Kate Monster, an idealist who has dreams of building a school for monsters and wants nothing more than to be lucky in love. Fantastic vocals and really polished movements allowed for the focus to stay on the puppet. Niall Murray was also vocally brilliant with great comic timing as Princeton and a special mention to Brandon Campbell who had me in stitches with his portrayal of  porn-obsessed Trekkie Monster.

The set looked like it had been plucked straight from the West End production with a large two-storey apartment building dominating the stage. Some of the prop movements weren't slick but who can grumble when the audience were lapping it up. The music is so politically incorrect yet absolutely hilarious, and it’s really refreshing to see a show embrace topics that are most often avoided and explore them in a satirical way.

Avenue Q is a story so true to life and so full of heart and warmth that it will leave you with a smile across your face. Judging by the audience chat after curtain call Mad Props definitely achieved this.

Interview: Rebecca Trehearn

style="line-height: 1.4;">Rebecca Trehearn's career is going from strength to strength. With shows like We Will Rock You, Dirty Dancing and Love Story under her belt, she is currently astounding audiences in the UK tour of Ghost. I caught up with her recently to chat all things Molly Jensen and beyond.

Your bio is really impressive and performing seems to have always been a part of your life – what in particular attracted you to theatre?
I think the idea of being someone else just really appealed to me!  Having started singing competitively so young, the attention that came with that also brought with it a degree of being picked on that kind of knocked the confidence out of me.  I was a pretty shy kid; I guess for a long time I was just more comfortable in someone else's skin than in my own.  Having a character to hide behind felt safer!

Is there anyone specific within the industry you would love to collaborate with?

I've been fortunate to have worked with some amazing directors, writers and performers over the last few years, so it's difficult to single someone out!  I think it's more a case of dream venues for me at the moment.  I'd love to work at the National or the Donmar and having done a gig at Birdland in New York last year, would also love to work in the States again.

You were fabulous as understudy Molly in the West End production.  How different is it to be playing the role full time now?

One of the biggest differences is having to find a new way to pace yourself, I suppose.  As an understudy you go for your life, knowing that you're unlikely to get much more than a couple of weeks on at a time.  Playing a role like this long term, I've had to learn not to be quite so hard on myself!  The biggest joy though, has been getting to experience a proper rehearsal process and really explore the character and her relationships with Sam, Carl and Oda Mae, in a way you simply don't get the opportunity to do as a cover.  I think I feel a sense of ownership of these relationships now that I didn't when I was having to slot into someone else's process at short notice.

What can people expect from the show?

An incredible spectacle, illusions that will blow you away, amazing choreography, gorgeous songs, plenty of laugh out loud moments and more than anything else, huge heart.  Bring your tissues!

Ghost is obviously a very intense and demanding show, what do you do to stay motivated and keep the role of Molly fresh?

I think the fact that we're touring helps.  Having to get used to a new venue every few weeks keeps you on your toes, you really can't afford to hit auto pilot, ever!  It's also a testament to both the writing and my co-stars that the idea of keeping the show fresh has never felt like an issue to me.  I have so much fun bouncing off of Stewart, David and Wendy every night and the writing is so strong, that I can't help but be completely swept along by Molly's journey every night.

Being part of a touring cast you get to visit a lot of cities. Do you get any down time to experience them? If so what's been your favourite city so far?

Yeah, there's always some time to explore!  So far, I'd say Edinburgh has been my favourite city.  It's just so beautiful there, the architecture is incredible.  I had a list as long as my arm of things I didn't get round to doing, sadly!

Aside from Ghost what's your favourite production at the moment?

I'd say Once.  I saw it on Broadway and in the West End and I just love it, it's a stunning piece of theatre.  Dream job!

What's next for you ?

I've got a couple of gigs coming up in London soon; beyond Ghost, who knows...?!

Huge thanks to Rebecca for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer my questions. 

Be sure to catch Ghost as it tours the country-  venues, dates and ticket information can be found here.

The Fringe Edition #1

It's August, and for me that means only one thing... The Edinburgh Fringe. For those who don't know, the Fringe is a month long festival showcasing all things culture. You can expect theatre, comedy, street performers and a generally crazy atmosphere. I had my first visit of the month this week and it was so much fun.

If you've never been to the Fringe before it can seem quite overwhelming with the amount of shows on offer. What I normally do is thumb through the brochure (or the swanky new app) and pick out shows that I definitely want to see, then book these in advance to avoid disappointment. With my free time in between shows I love taking a stroll along the Royal Mile when you can gather fliers, see little tidbits of the shows and really soak up what's going on. That being said I thought I would recommend some of my personal favourites.

 First on the list is [Title of Show], a musical comedy about two guys creating an original show for the New York Musical Festival. The cast, packed to the brim with talent, did a cracking job with the small stage of the Assembly Checkpoint. Robbie Towns and Ricky Johnston had great chemistry as budding writers Hunter and Jeff and the vocals were spot on, especially from the girls, Carly Stenson and Jamie Lee Pike. If you fancy seeing an original and witty one-act piece this could be the show for you.  Tickets can be found here.

                                                         
The next show, 'A Pile of Wit', is an improv comedy.  This was a first for me and I wasn't sure what to expect, but was sold when the guy handing me the flier asked if I wanted this 'free piece of paper'.  When you're being handed literally hundreds of fliers it helps to be a bit different!  Although I was hesitant I ended up really enjoying it. An audience member was picked to answer a few questions which formed the basis of the show - this is  a really smart concept as it means each performance is unique and fresh. The guys looked like they were having a ball and I even ended up on stage trying to resuscitate Melvin the mule - don't ask! This show is great for some light-hearted fun and I would definitely recommend checking them out. Details here.

My last stop was to see Caroline Rhea do some stand up... and she was fricken awesome! Us 90's kids will remember her as Aunt Hilda from 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' and if you thought she was funny then, you're in for a treat now. Tales of bad break-ups, cute anecdotes about her daughter and a 'This Is Your Life' style slide show is only some of what you can expect (oh and I've yet to come across another comedian that gives out free After Eights - I'm easily won over!). She comes across as the most down to earth, witty woman who I would love to sit down and put the world to rights with. This show is a must see and I'd grab your tickets here now.

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.