Kinky Boots

Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots made its transition from the silver screen in 2005 to stage. 

The story takes you from the Northampton shoe factory to the fabulous Milan catwalk. Charlie Price (Killian Donnelly) steps into his father's shoes to continue the family business while the factory hits some hard times. An unexpected event brings Lola (Matt Henry) and Charlie together. Lola needs some new stilettos and Charlie needs to save the factory....

Harvey Fierstein, Cyndi Lauper and Jerry Mitchell are the brilliant minds behind this highly energetic, spectacle.  Lola and her glamorous angels show a parallel to Lauper's 'Girl's Just Wanna Have Fun' party atmosphere. There are still moments where the party stops but Henry still absolutely steals the spotlight especially during Lola's song 'Hold Me in Your Heart'. 

There are many reasons why this show is making 'Everybody Say Yeah', leading with the show's wonderful cast. Killian Donnelly is fantastic at completely reinventing Charlie, the rather simple and lackluster factory owner. His vocals are quite sensational as he takes on songs like 'Step One' and 'Soul Of A Man'.

If you liked Priscilla Queen of the Desert then you'll love Matt Henry's, Lola. Henry goes all out on Lola's extravagance and steals the stage whenever he is on stage. In fact, Henry seems more comfortable as Lola, 'six inches off the ground' than he does as Simon. It seems that Lauper saved the most memorable songs for Lola and just as well since Henry does each and every one total justice. 

Amy Lennox plays the slightly quirky but loveable Lauren, a factory worker who develops a crush on her boss. She's not your average girl-next-door  as her solo 'The History of Wrong Guys' proves. In fact, she performs the song so brilliantly with such perfect comic timing that this performance alone could win some awards. 

The choreography definitely deserves a mention. The angels especially, who manage to dance in heels that I probably couldn't even stand up in. The whole cast makes the show feel like one big party. 

My only criticism would be that 'Raise You Up' feels at time like it should be far more energetic than it actually is. It takes time for the energy to build which is a shame for such a wonderful final song. 

Kinky Boots leaves the audience in high spirits and with two very important lessons in  Raise You Up/Just Be. 'Just Be' tells the audience that you can be whatever or whoever you choose to be and macho man Don sings, 'Change the world when you change your mind'.

Check out the trailer! 

Go see this show, tickets and more information can be found on their website.

5 Kilo Sugar

5 Kilo Sugar is a charmingly sweet story about a playwright, Gur Koren (Tom Slatter) who writes a play about a bizarre experience where his grandfather, from the afterlife, sends him on a quest. It all begins with a bag of sugar during World War Two and ends in modern day Tel- Aviv. 

The play is skillfully stitched together with very self-aware segments to bring all the scenes together. Throughout, the actors are all aware that they are indeed actors playing various roles and the story is told as both performance and story-telling. 

The themes explore the generational differences between the now old age generation and the younger generation through a series of very colourful characters. It's a very delightful comedy and can appeal to anyone who finds themselves learning interested in history and heritage. We all find out stories about our elders that we never knew about before and the generation gap is universal so this show appeals to all.

If it isn't hard enough to have to play multiple roles, these actors are also faced with the challenge of transforming mid role to embody Gur's grandpa. As well as the Headteacher, Waitress, Taxi Driver or prostitute they happen to be playing at that point they all skillfully change into the old man - often with tremendous comic timings.

The cast is made up of both Israeli and British actors which works wonders in favour of this play. The Israeli accents are exaggerated, the mannerisms mirrored to the tee and the terminology thrown in for good measure. This also works hilariously with Grandpa Koren's stereotypical (to his generation) Eastern European Jew - spurting out Yiddish all over the place. 

Toward the end, the play changes from a gentle comedy to a more farcical one, although the humor turns more and more bizarre, it remains completely lovable.

Tik-sho-ret is a theatre company that encourages collaborations through cultural and artistic exchanges and creates educational and community-based projects around themes of communication and co-existence.

5 Kilo Sugar plays the Etcetera Theatre in Camden until 1st August 2015 and then continue to play at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 7th-15th August 2015. Click here for more information and getting your tickets.

Cast:                                                                                      Production Team:

Tom Slatter          Gur Koren                                                 Director                   Ariella Eshed

Shai Forester        Headteacher, Beggar,                               Lighting                   Yaron Shyldkrot

                             Gadi Electric, Taxi Driver                        Producer                  Jordan Blackwood

Michal Banai       Lee-My, Shimrit, Waitress                       Associate Producer  Rachel Lee

                             Evelyn Barda, Prostitute

Spencer Cowan    Yoad Riva

Les Misérables

I saw Les Misérables the first time back in 2012 (before it hit the silver screen) and I thought the show was absolutely phenomenal. I had yet to start my blog so it is really great to have had another opportunity to see it and give it the proper review it deserves.

October 2015 will welcome the 30th anniversary of this much loved show. So why do audiences keep coming back to this tragically wonderful (or wonderfully tragic, if you prefer) show? 

The story, based on Victor Hugo's novel of the same name, speaks to audiences on a multitude of levels. Whether you choose to look at it as historical, political, religious or moral narrative, you are bound to find some way to relate to the themes of the show - even if you can't relate to the characters directly. 

The music is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and includes some of the most iconic songs in the Musical Theatre world such as; I Dreamed a Dream, One Day More, Bring Him Home and On My Own among many others. The music can often seem repetitive throughout with melodies being repeated, however, this connects the timeline of events and the lyrics are really beautifully written. 

While watching the show this time around, it occurred to me how physically fit the cast must be to survive such a physically challenging show. The clever staging allows the cast to change location and time by walking with against the revolving stage. Also it is incredibly skillful to see how a set can be turned 90 degrees to transform from a café into the barricades. 

The cast in 2012 left a more powerful impression than the current cast but that is not to say that this performance is just as talented and still are able to portray the heart-ache and passion of their characters. Carrie Hope Fletcher as Eponine and Celinde Schoenmaker as Fantine both leave remarkable impressions with their emotive acting and powerful vocals. The children in the show easily capture the hearts of the audience night after night, I'm sure. 

Everything is so beautifully choreographed only highlighting the series of tragic events that take place throughout Les Misérables. A show with so much sorrow needs some wicked comic relief and the Thénardiers (Tom Edden and Wendy Feruson) fulfill that role perfectly. It is nearly impossible to hate this pair of crooks. 

So in answer to my question, Les Misérables is still as popular as ever as it keeps delivering a wonderful cast who tell a fascinating story that will stay with you forever. Just one last warning: you might want to pack a few packets of tissues.

Click here for some more information and to book your tickets!

Made in Dagenham

This show might take play in 1968 but the message still speaks loud and clear today too. Based on a true story of how the the women of Ford Dagenham stood together to insist on equal pay for their skilled work. Rit O'Grady is the voice of these women and together with her friends stood their ground until they were given 100% of the same pay as men. 

David Arnold and Richard Thomas work together to make a fantastic soundtrack for Made In Dagenam. The songs support the uplifting and powerful message of the musical from the song's opening Busy Woman to the closing Stand Up. This song has the kind of soundtrack that you could happily sing along to for days on end. In fact, fans of the show can look forward to the soundtrack soon to be downloadable from iTunes. 

The script is just so clever. Filled with witty one liners and perfectly timed jokes that can still be related to today. The humour doesn't take away from the morals of the show but actually empowers it. The men are often portrayed as the comic relief who do not realise the important roles of the women but highly value their own power (although they don't really do much with it). The very tongue in cheek humour in this show is part of it's extraordinary charm. 

The women are incredibly sassy and present a strong and proud community. Gemma Arterton (Rita O' Grady) illustrates an amazing development in her character and is unsurprisingly a fabulous singer. Her friends Connie (Isla Blair), Sandra ( Sophie Isaacs), Beryl (Sophie Stanton) and Cass (aana Agei-Ampadu) are the best group of friends a girl could ask for. The cast are phenomenal and so full of energy. 

Sadly the show closes this evening. If the fans of the show continue to show their support then maybe a tour could be on the horizon? In this day and age the message remains just as relevant as ever and so it would be fantastic to have this show back on stages throughout the UK and hopefully it could make it's way back to the UK today.  

This musical reminds us everywhere of the women who stood up in the past to give us the rights we have now and how we should continue to fight for equality between everyone no matter what differences lie between us. 

Click here for some more information and please support this show!

Shooting with Light - New Diorama

Shooting With Light is a fantastic new play devised, written and directed by the small cast. The story tells of the life of a photographer journalist, Gerda Taro who's bravery and determination to report the truths of the war brought her short career to a sudden end. Although this is based on a true story - not all the events performed are completely true to her story. For a show that looks to praise this amazing woman, it doesn't seem to focus on her story as much as some of the other characters in the play. 

Every step in the performance has been carefully and intricately planned to create some very artistic movement. The young lovers explore a roll of film together in some very intimate choreography around each other which beautifully portrays their growing love for each other as well as for photography. They move at different speeds as if to signify the movement of time in their narrative and incorporate set changes in their movement wonderfully. 

Even the simple backdrop is really impressive as just one screen changes from a block of flats, a grassy patch for the couple to lay down on and also a screen for the photographer's photos. It is fascinating to be able to see the actual photos taken my Gerda and her partner Andre/Bob. Even today with these photos, we can really understand just how awful the Spanish Civil War and the rise of fascism in Europe really were. 

The small cast are fantastic and although they seem quite young are perfectly capable of capturing the emotion of this tragic story. Each actor doubles up as a past and present character and this creates a rather remarkable performance. Especially in the last few minutes of the show when the audience are quickly taken through the entire story and brought right back to the present. 

Gerda Taro changed photography and her story is fascinating. In a day where we can't go a moment without taking a 'selfie' or sending a snapchat - her story is only a beginning for way we can easily change the world with one click. 

Click Here for some more information.

Matilda

Most people are familiar with Roald Dahl's famous book about a little girl who proves that sometimes children understand right and wrong better than adults. The loveable bookworm hit the West End in 2011 after a great run in Stratford Upon Avon. 

Tim Minchin is the genius mind behind the music in this wonderful musical. Every song is very memorable and you'll find yourself bursting into many of these fantastic songs for months after you see the show. Indeed the whole cast from the youngest to the oldest, should make Mr Minchin proud as they perform each song with the justice it deserves. 

Every catchy song should come with some spectacular choreography and this show is no different. The salsa sensation, Loud is one of the absolute highlights for dancing in this show. Mrs Wormwood (Kay Murphy) and her dance partner,  Rudolpho (Jason Winter) perform a salsa routine that will have you on the edge of your seat. Another song worth a mention for it's unbelievably impressive choreography is, School Song - without giving too much away, the way in which they incorporate the props into this dance is just beyond words (and I'm aware that as a journalist, I should always have the 'words').

There are many tricks and surprises throughout the show in order to keep some of the book/film's most iconic scenes, Bruce (Arthur Yamaguchi) demolishes the chocolate cake before your very eyes, Amanda (Havana Garcia) is flung by her pigtails by the evil Miss Trunchbull (Will Kenning) and Matilda (Matilda Shapland) knocks over the newt infested water onto her horrible headmistress. 

In a modern re-telling of this classic story, everything is as it should be. The Wormwoods are still a hilarious family, Miss Trunchbull is still rather frightening and Matilda is still lovable. 

The cast are all incredible but a special mention for all the children who completely steal the show. 

Matilda is booking until May 2015 so hurry on down to the Cambridge Theatre! 

The Hillls Are Alive With The Sound of Music

The 2nd of March marked the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic films ever made. I doubt that there are very few people in this world, if any, who would not be able to sing along to My Favorite Things or Do Re Mi. 

Mountain Maria sing The Sound of Music on

To mark the anniversary of The Sound of Music, I've decided to review one of the most memorable trips I have done so far. A couple of years ago, a friend and I stopped over in Salzburg, Austria during our Inter-railing Europe trip. We knew that without any doubt we would not leave Salzburg without doing The Sound of Music tour. 

The Von Trapp House

After some research we finally settled on Panorama Tours due to the many positive reviews on various touristy websites. For 40 euros you are taken on an approximately four hour coach journey around the places where the cast filmed on location. If you are as big as fans of the film as we are, then expect to geek out to overboard levels. 

Sixteen going on Seventeen

Annoyingly, we didn't get our coach driver's name but what I do remember is how charismatic he was and how he kept the whole coach in hysterics from start to end. As well as providing us with exciting facts about the film and the locations they used, there was a bit of a coach sing-a-long with the soundtrack playing in the background. 

You see the kids playing in these trees

 The tour takes you past the nun's Abbey and the iconic mountain from the start of the film. You'll go through Leopoldskron Palace, the famous garden where the children fall out of the boat and to Hellbrunn Palace where the Gazebo from Sixteen going on Seventeen is located. 

Where Maria and Captain Von Trapp get married

 On the way to Mondsee, where the wedding scene was filmed, you will pass through St Gilgen - Salzburg's Lake District. I purposefully didn't put an photos up of it as none justify just how incredibly stunning it was. Indeed, take as many photos as you can at this photo stop but be prepared to struggle through persuading your friends that your beautiful photos do not even begin to touch on what it is like to see it with your own eyes. 

Maria and the kids dance through during Do Re Mi

 After entering the Chapel, we explored the little town on our own. This is the perfect opportunity to pick up all your film souvenirs as they are in every gift shop there. When the tour was over, we went back to Mirabell Gardens - where Do Re Mi was filmed and wandered around pointing at features we vaguely remembered from the film.

SO DO!

Salzburg is like the open set for the film and although you can see some of these places without the tour, I would completely recommend getting the full Panorama Tours experience. 

The Theatre Cafe

A theatre lovers heaven. The whole experience reminded me of the time I saw The Book of Mormon. I was concerned that maybe I had built it up too much in my head and the actual reality would disappoint. However, much like The Book of Mormon, all my expectations were exceeded and I am sure this was just my first visit of many more...

To read the rest of my review check out my new blog Thyme to cook. 

Critical thinking

I have now dipped my toe in the theatre critic pool for long enough to have a nice feel of how it works. Over the last five years my experiences have varied but each time I go I am always learning new dos and don'ts of being a theatre crtic.  So as someone still at the beginning of their career path, I thought I might share what I've learnt so far for anyone else who might be considering becoming a theatre critic. 

Firstly, you have to be willing to give every genre of theatre a try. This might seem like an obvious point but if you're like me, you know that you are more likely to be drawn in by one type of performance (I can't resist a good flashy musical). I have actually seen a lot of fantastic shows that I might have dismissed other wise and I gave a chance to genres I didn't think I'd like and was surprised by just how much I enjoyed it. 

Secondly, there is no right way of writing a review. The hardest experience I have had is writing my own blog -I don't have a style guide. The important thing is to be honest and just write well - which if you're looking into a career like this, you probably are a decent writer. I developed my own style over time. I saw which of my reviews had the most views and I had feedback from friends and family the whole time. I also would read other reviews by well established critics and took note of the most common things that they look at in a show. 

On the note of writing style, there is however a right and wrong way of writing something. You should be completely honest and you are definitely entitled to your own opinion but don't forget you are writing about human beings. If you don't like a show then say so but say what you thought wasn't so great rather than just saying you didn't like it. Your readers might find that something you didn't like is something that they particularly like. I have said in past reviews when I thought an actor was a bit weak in their performance but be tactful. Don't say "They had less appeal than week old fish" It's not funny, it's not clever and it's just plain rude. 

Thirdly, going to the theatre is expensive so get your name out there by applying to companies such as, A younger theatre and make use of any contacts you can to help you go see more shows. The more you're out there posting and mingling with other critics, the more noticeable you will become and who knows where that might lead? 

Step right up and meet The Scottsboro Boys (ending Feb 21st 2015)

The latest in the Kander and Ebb's line of work, Scottsboro Boys tackles tough themes of racism and justice in a true story that lead to the American Civil Rights Movement. For such a dark story, the cast and creative team create an remarkable, enjoyable and even humorous production. 

The show begins on March 25th 1931 when nine black boys are traveling across the Southern Railway Line from Alabama to Memphis. After the police get a whiff of a fight between some white boys and some black boys, the train is stopped and the police come to investigate. They find two white girls who are traveling the train without tickets. To stop themselves from getting into trouble, the girls accuse the nine boys of rape... 

A very interesting look into the American justice system in a segregated America, this show is presented as minstrels performing the story of the Scottsboro Boys. Each actor skillfully takes on more than one character. The actors all possess the incredible talent of playing the morose prisoners and quickly switching to the comic relief characters. 

Some very memorable songs throughout the show but the cast never let the atmosphere get too low. The choreography is simply awe- inspiring. A tap routine lead by the youngest Scottsboro Boy, aged 12, is simply sensational. The choreography perfectly matches the feeling on stage from the more sorrowful scenes, the nightmare scenes to the moments of hope and joy. 

A very impressive set only made up of chairs moved into different position makes an interesting choice and the creativity and plausibility behind it all is very impressive. Of course, the use of shadow puppets are amazingly choreographed into the show and proved to be both artistic and comic. 

This could be perhaps the best time to bring a show like this to the West End and I highly would recommend sending it on a UK tour. While audience members now may sit and watch the horrible injustice caused to these innocent young men, it offers an interesting critique on events that still occur now in the 21st century. It was a beautifully memorable performance and I cannot recommend it enough!  

Get tickets here! 

(Tip: We got under 25 day tickets for £10)

Bat Boy - The Musical

Your typical Frankenstein/ Edward Scissorhands story. Creature enters civilisation, civilians are afraid and intolerant and lose no time in forming a violent mob.

Bat Boy is based on a story published in American tabloid The Weekly World News, on June 23rd 1992. The story told its readers of a 'half boy - half bat' found in a cave and printed each fabrication as fact. This issue became their second best selling issue.

From the same producer as In The Heights and written by Key the Farley and Brian Flemming, Bat Boy takes place in the fictional Hope Falls, West Virginia. Three siblings find Bat Boy in a cave and after he attacks their site, the boys capture bat boy where he is brought to Meredith Parker, who says she'll care for him.

Perhaps this is not the best staging for a performance like this as it all feels a bit crowded and often too busy. The use of a screen helps slightly but could sometimes be distracting from the action on stage. 

Rob Compton plays a very believable Bat Boy, he effortlessly evolves from the wild half-beast to the more civilised, and for some bizarre reason British, Edgar - as his adoptive mother names him. Edgar becomes the most loveable character in the show.

Lauren Ward plays the warm and loving Meridith Parker. Ward has a stunning singing voice and sings every song completely flawlessly. Georgina Hagen plays Shelley Parker, a teenager who grows quite affectionate toward her adoptive brother. Hagen easily captures the typical teenage mood swings and has a fantastic voice to match her fantastic performance.

The rest of the cast impressively play more than one character to give a sense of the Hope Falls community.

At times the music drowned out the actors completely making it impossible to hear the lyrics and at other times the clarity of the microphones seemed a little off.

Despite the general message of the show, I left the show unsatisfied as I did not think the correct justice had been achieved.

Once... is enough

The first thing you need to know about Once is that this is not a show you want to be late for. From the moment the auditorium opens up, audience members are welcome to climb up onto the stage and head straight to the stage bar where you can purchase drinks in a souvenir Once cup.  Around fifteen minutes before the show begins there is a pre-show where audience members can enjoy their drinks in the company of some folk-music played by the cast on stage.

Once tells the story of an unlikely relationship between two strangers . Dublin born, Guy, who is currently being played by Boyzone's Ronan Keating and Czech young mother, Girl, played by Jill Winternitz, meet when she hears him sing and becomes intrigued by his music. 

The show that brought out the award winning song 'Falling Slowly' is quite different to other West End musicals and it could be debated that this should actually be considered as a play with music instead. The songs are much more understated and there are no big extravagant dance routines but the show seems to have its own charm. 

If you prefer folk music over your standard musical theatre music then you will love this show. The style of music does become a bit monotonous as all the songs are very similar in style. This is only broken by the banker's (currently played by Jaime Cameron) hilarious song 'Abandoned in Bandon' that the audience laughs and cheers for every night. 

The changes in language are quite brilliantly displayed in a somewhat subverted use of subtitles. The actors, who perform the whole show in English are cleverly able to show the difference of when they speak in their native tongue and when they speak English just through their intonation. 

The actors are totally responsible for scene transitions and do a brilliant job of fitting impressive choreography to show movements in scenes throughout the show, without the use of blackouts to help. Unfortunately the dance choreography often looked wooden and uncomfortable especially during songs such as 'Pada Pada' and 'Gold'. 

Of course it is a great skill to be able to dance, sing and play and instrument simultaneously and the cast most definitely deserve credit for being so skilled. At times they looked like the struggled to dance and play their instruments at the same time. 

The cast is made up of a fantastic group of actors but Billy who owns a small music shop, played by, Tim Prottey- Jones is really one to look out for with his fantastic comic timing and some of the shows best lines. Also Miria Parvin is an absolute joy to watch throughout the show. She has the rather small role of Ex-girlfriend but nevertheless often caught my attention throughout the performance.

The first act of the show is quite a sweet and funny story with some bizarre incidents and a relationship that develops unrealistically fast. The second act essentially loses all sense of humor and becomes suddenly quite serious and a tad tedious to watch. It is a pleasant show but once is most definitely enough*.

The show is playing at the phoenix theatre until March 21st 

*I'd like to just say that I based my review on my first impression on the show after seeing it for the first time.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

It only takes one step inside the auditorium to know that this show is going to be something special.

Fifteen year old Christopher, who has behavioral problems, comes across his neighbour's dog lying dead with a garden fork in his side one night. Christopher makes it his project to discover who killed the dog.

Graham Butler gives a very impressive performance and seems to have a fantastic grasp of his character, from understanding how the mind of the teenager works to perfecting realistic movements and reactions to all the other characters and environments. In the show's programme, Mark Haddon says, 'I've always regretted that the phrase 'Aspergers Syndrome' appeared on the cover of Curious Incident when it was first published.'  However, Christopher is most definitely portrayed as someone who has the habits and personality quirks that can often be identified on the autism spectrum. Although the play has some very comic moments there is nothing distasteful or offensive about the way that Christopher is played. 

Much like the best-selling novel of the same name, the audience view the show for the most part from Christopher's point of view. The various scenes are depicted through projections onto screens around the stage showing anything from Christopher's thoughts and how he sees day to day life. The audience are reminded how basic routines that we take for granted are bizarre and new to Christopher, this is acted so well that audiences are given a clear insight to the workings of his mind. Only those who know him well are able to find certain touches and words that help put his mind at ease and help him form some form of a relationship.   

The murder of the dog is a constant reminder to audiences that the 'curious incident' refers to every other character in the play as it is the quirks and flaws of the others that Christopher struggles to understand.

The physical acting in this show is completely phenomenal and the minimum use of props or doubling up props for different use is simply ingenious. The small cast means that each actor takes on multiple roles too and they do so, incredibly. 

This is really a one-of-a-kind show and whether or not you are familiar with the book, head on down the Gielgud Theatre.