Review: Once The Musical

There were 2 theatre shows I was desperate to see during my summer trip to London town. The Book of Mormon, which I wasn't fortunate enough to get tickets for (I'm still cursing that lottery!!) and Once. I had read quite a lot of reviews about the show, but I had to go and see what everyone was raving about first hand.

Set in Dublin and based on the film of the same name, Once tells the story of love and friendship  when an Irish busker meets a Czech mother and fellow musician by chance in a bar. The pair bond over their love of music which sparks a connection that neither of them could have predicted.

From the get go I knew Once wasn't going to be your typical show. As I entered the theatre I was met with an on stage bar with the cast in the centre playing Irish folk songs. As I joined them on stage equipped with my Once cup (god I love gimmicks) I couldn't quite believe what was happening. This was a great example of breaking down barriers and really involving the viewer.

The highlight of Once for me was the cast. Zirnka Cvitešić was the perfect choice to play 'Girl', she had the dry humour and sarcasm of the character nailed while Declan Bennett excelled with his portrayal of 'Guy'. The ensemble was packed to the brim with talent playing some of the most colourful and likable characters on the West End. You've heard of a triple threat, but these guys go one step further and play all their own instruments. It was a real treat to see. Though the set was simple, the use of mirrors which encircled the pub gave me the feeling that I was experiencing every moment and emotion wherever it was happening on stage. Coupled with the captivating music this created one of the most intimate stage productions I’ve seen.

There is no fairytale ending here, and I did leave the theatre wondering how it all turned out. However that's the beauty of Once – it leaves the story open for the audience to answer their own questions. What more can you ask from a piece of theatre?

Grab your tickets here

Review - The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Have you ever gone to see a show that's totally exceeded all your expectations? That was the exact feeling I had when Mad Props Theatre's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee ended.

Dust off your dictionary and be prepared to jump into the world of 6 strange yet quirky school kids competing for their chance to win a school spelling competition, and realising along the way that winning may not be everything.  At first glance these misfits seem like stereotypical American kids, but as each contestant takes the mic we see all their insecurities and secrets unfold.
From the get go I could tell this wasn't going to be like any other show. The cast (in character) were approaching members of the audience to go on stage and spell with them. This added a really personal touch to the night and allowed for some really funny improv.

From William Barfée and his spelling foot, to Logainne SchwartzGrubenierre and her overbearing parents, this talented cast smashed each role. Fantastic vocals, vibrant choreography and superb acting make this production a recipe for success.

The set was minimal but effective, allowing the focus to be on the cast while still clearly depicting a spelling bee set up.

This show is sharp, witty and downright hilarious. The cast are first class, so much so that I find it hard to pick a stand out performance. Mad Props have another show coming this year (Avenue Q) and if it's anything like this show, it'll be a must see.

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.

Broadway In The Bar - 29 Glasgow

 

 CAST 

Leah Macrae

Alison Rona Cleland

Steven Alexander 

Ben Fitzpatrick 

Lauren Ellis-Steele

Director - Paul Harper-Swan 

If you're looking for a taste of the Big Apple closer to home, then look no further than InsideOut Productions new venture - Broadway In The Bar.

I recently attended the launch at 29 Glasgow and what a fab event it was. Talented singers, some of the best songs from musical theatre, a gorgeous space and a complementary glass of wine- what more could you want?

The show opened with the entire cast singing the upbeat 'Fabulous Baby' from the musical Sister Act. This is a fun, feel-good song which really set the vibe for the rest of the night.

We were then introduced to the first-class cast who were all amazing in their own right and worked so well off of one another.

There was a great mix of songs from well known musicals, such as Wicked, which was represented with a medley covering 4 songs from the show. One of which was No Good Deed, performed by Lauren. I've never actually seen this song performed outwith Wicked before so it was great to see a new take on it. There was also a lot of material I wasn't overly familiar with such as 'Elaborate Lives' from the musical Aida. I love being exposed to new music and finding new shows and I think events like Broadway In The Bar are the perfect way do to that. 

A key theme throughout the evening was duets. From Steven and Ben's hilarious performance of the Avenue Q classic 'If You Were Gay' to Leah and Alison belting out 'In His Eyes' from Jekyll and Hyde, there really was something for everyone.

By the last few songs in Act 2 (Flashdance and It's Raining Men) everyone was out of their seats dancing and singing along, which really is a true testament to the cast and creatives.

The next Broadway in the Bar is at the Tron Theatre Glasgow on Sunday 7th of April. Grab your tickets here, this really is a must see show! 

I Think I'll Try Defying Gravity- Wicked UK Tour

Ever since it was announced that Wicked was coming north of the border as part of the very first UK tour my various social media sites have turned green. On Facebook I am seeing people who I went to school with raving about it and my Twitter timeline is filled with excitement.

When I think maturely about this 'first world problem' I know that this is all good stuff. It's a good thing that people who don't normally visit theatres are getting excited about going, it's also great that fans who can't  get down to London to see it regularly get the chance to experience the show close to home. But the 6 year old only child in me has taken a major huff.

I know this is crazy because Wicked is a world wide phenomenon played in many counties and seen by thousands of people, but I still sometimes think that it's mine all mine. I first saw Wicked at a point in my life where I was really trying to figure out who I was, and I believe the green girl made a lasting impression on the outcome.

So here I sit, currently looking at photos of the cupcakes that are being given out to the first 100 people who buy their tickets. Being horrified at the prices and annoyed at the fact I can get a better seat in London for a cheaper price. And contemplating how ridiculous I am that I had to write this blog in the first place. Life's weird sometimes right?

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