The King’s Speech – Wyndham’s Theatre Reviewed

Powerful, triumphant and a British Masterpiece are only some of the words I would use to describe The Kings Speech Play which opened at The Wyndham Theatre last night.

Seidler’s play centers on how King George VI conquered his debilitating stammer with the help of maverick speech therapist Lionel Logue.

Showcasing a myriad of talents, the main focus of course was on Charles Edwards following in the footsteps of Colin Firth as George VI, Charles Edwards from the film version.  Edwards was totally engaging to watch and perfectly conveys the agony of Bertie’s battle with his speech impediment.
Jonathan Hyde was equally captivating to watch as Lionel Logue a the somewhat unsuccessful Shakespearean actor turned Harley Street Speech Therapist.

Other truly phenomenal performances was that of Ian McNeice as Churchill and Emma Fielding as the then Duke Of York’s wife Elizabeth.

Hyde had a great dry sense of humour which lightened the the mood at times. It’s tremendously comical as Logue is brought up to date on the previous therapists “They’re idiots,” he snaps, “They’ve all been knighted,” replies the Prince, “It makes it official then.”

The story is so much more than the title as I really felt a relationship develop between these two very different men. Their stories are increasingly moving which brings them closer together allowing Bertie to let his guard down.

Beautifully played by both actors there is so much warmth and emotion, certainly a key ingredient to such a historical and political story.

There is no doubt that just like the films reign over the Baftas this will be reigning over the Olivier Awards next year.

The King’s Speech is booking until July 21st 2012 at Wyndham’s Theatre. For more information and tickets visit www.kingsspeechtheplay.com

One Man, Two Guvnors Reviewed

Richard Bean’s One Man, Two Guvnors is an adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s classic 18th-century Italian comedy The Servant of Two Masters and being named as the funniest show around I was excited to finally see what the hype was about after months of trying to get a ticket.

Bringing an energetic mix of farce, slapstick and a plethora of talent One Man, Two Guvnors is going from strength to strength and shows no sign of stopping.

Owain Arthur who originally understudied James Corden in the role steps into the spotlight as the little bit forgetful and ever hungry Frances Henshall.  Already minder to Roscoe Crabbe Frances sees a chance to earn an extra meal ticket and takes on another job with Stanley Stubbers and with the ever growing pressure from both Guvnors events nearly lead to Disastrous consequences.

Owain is pure comedy gold and certainly entertaining to watch especially in the dinner scene where Frances is trying to serve dinner to both Guvnors at the same time and with the added comic intervention of Martin Barass as frail garcon Alfie it was truly one of the most side-splittingly hilarious moments in the show.

The supporting cast were equally entertaining to watch. Gemma Whelan who plays cross-dressing Rachel Crabbe who is actually impersonating her dead brother Roscoe adds real flint to the character and was truly blissful to watch and Ben Mansfield best known for playing Captain Becker in sci-fi Primeval is totally transformed into a public speaking schoolboy as Stanley Stubbers.

 

Hannah Spearitt of S Club 7 fame plays Pauline Clinch was joyful and Jodie Prenger was absolutely fantastic as Dolly.

 

One Man, Two Guvnors is the pinnacle of British theatre and is thoroughly enjoyable. A must see and if you haven’t got a funny bone in your body you will leave crying for more or just simply crying of laughter.

One Man, Two Guvnors is playing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until September 1st 2012 before it embarks on a tour in the Autumn.

Sweeney Todd Reviewed

If you enjoy a murderously good time at the theatre then Sweeney Todd has plenty of good tunes and lots of cold blooded murder to quench your thirst or appetite depending if you can stomach knowing what goes into one of Mrs Lovett’s pies and just like the ingredients of her pies madness, love, revenge and death are mixed together to produce a dark production with a topping of juicy black comedy.

Sweeney Todd tells of Todd’s return to London after being falsely imprisoned and now is on a savage killing spree for all the wrongs done to him and his family years before. Aided by lonely pie shop owner Mrs Lovett, Sweeney Todd transports us back to the dark and misty streets of London for an unsettling and cut throat (quite literally) story.

Imelda Staunton better known for her role as Dolores Jane Umbridge in the major fantasy films Harry Potter plays Mrs Lovett the business partner and accomplice of barber/serial killer Sweeney Todd.

Imelda is devious, endearing and yet brings that much-needed comedy to a very  gory story and is the perfect partner in crime alongside Michael Ball’s haunting and savage portrayal of Sweeney Todd.

Michael known more for it light-hearted roles such as Edna Turnblad in the hit musical Hairspray at the ShaftesburyTheatre in London for which he won a Laurence Olivier Award and a Whatsonstage.com Award has totally transformed his appearance to capture the true form of Sweeney that much so I had to use binoculars to double check it was him. Overall, he was chilling to watch and gave and outstanding performance.

I also have to mention James Mcconville who plays Tobias the loyal companion of Pirelli. His voice was sublime and showed such dedication to the part and for someone who has had no major theatre credits to his name he was extraordinarily good.

However not so convincing in their roles were John Bowe who plays judge Turpin and Peter Polycarpou as his sidekick Beadle Bamford. Both of them didn’t really make an impact on me and for John Bowe character as Turpin as such a pivotal part in the story it just felt a shame, and there is definitely room for improvement.

With a simple set brought to life by a plethora of huge talent and another beautiful score by Sondheim, Sweeney Todd will no doubt be in the running for some awards next year and if not then make sure you don’t run into Sweeney in a dark alley on the streets of London.

Sweeney Todd is currently playing at the Adelphi Theatre in London. For tickets you can visit www.sweeneytoddwestend.com

Blood Brothers Reveiwed

It saddens me to confess that it was the first time I have ever seen this show and to say it was good, great or even fantastic doesn’t really quite do it justice.

Blood Brothers is what theatre should be about, that gripping storyline which keeps your eyes glued to the stage and your mind on the story rather than what you are going to eat later.

Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with tragic consequences.

The show has seen a host of stars to play the main characters such as David Cassidy, Barbara Dickson and Melanie C and I was lucky enough to see Marti Pellow as the Narrator before he starts his run with the Sunderland cast on January 30th.

All the main cast were a pure joy to watch as were the supporting members but I have to say that Stephen Palfreman who plays twin brother Mickey blew me away with his portrayal of the unfortunate twin not given away at birth and what was amazing to witness was his characters development from a child to a severely depressed and heavily medicated man.

Amy Robbins of ITV’s ‘The Royal’ plays the down trodden mother of Eddie and Mickey and I really felt a lot of warmth towards her and her agony when she gave up one of her twins.

This show has it’s highs and lows and does not disappoint, A true masterpiece of theatre was born 21 years ago and is still going strong today.

An emotionally heartbreaking story with such gusto and a tremendous cast, this show is not to be missed and is why I am going to see the show again with my mum so I can ball my eyes out!

Blood Brothers is playing at the Phoenix Theatre London and currently booking until November 2012

Marti Pellow will be playing the Narrator with the Sunderland cast from January 30th-February 11th.

Killer Show

I never quite know what to except when a film is made into a stage show and on occasion it doesn’t work but The Ladykillers was highly entertaining, hysterical and not to mention the set design outshone every show I have ever seen.

The idea of a entire house on stage seemed ridiculous but yet it worked and with some quick tricks and a car chase which you really have to see for yourself the show is a complete success.

With a stellar cast of comedian gods including Ben Miller (The Armstrong and Miller Show) Peter Capaldi (The Thick of It), James Fleet (The Vicar of Dibley) but to name but a few, the real star of the evening was Marcia Warren who is perfectly cast as sweet Mrs Wilberforce, fussing around the house and taking on a bunch of villains after she becomes wise of her lodgers crime.

With so much action and a entire house to keep your eyes on this show is packed with great laughs and a great story. Truly not to be missed.

Crazy For You Reviewed

Crazy For You certainly deserves 5 stars but this production is more a highly energetic dance show than a musical.

The plot, involving a New York banker who dreams of dancing at the legendary Zangler Follies and instead is sent by his mother to foreclose on a disused theatre in Dead Rock, Nevada. There he falls for the only girl in Dead Rock and tries to win her heart. With some very big dance routines I couldn’t help myself but tap along and smile even though I couldn’t feel my legs whilst sitting in one of the most uncomfortable theatre seats ever but that didn’t top me smiling the whole way through.

The cast were a sheer joy to watch and full of energy but found myself thinking of Toy Story when Clare Foster who plays tomboy Polly started speaking as she sounded lot like Jessie the Cowgirl but never the less she did a great job and really shone through.

Bobby Childs (Sean Palmer) really stole the show for me, he looked charming and his voice was truly amazing. Packed full of mememorable songs and toe tapping dance numbers I highly recommend this feel good show to anyone. You would be Crazy to miss it.

Coronation Street star takes on a dark new role

You may all remember Craig Gazey’s lovable and funny character Graeme Proctor in Coronation Street but this play see’s him turn a dark corner.

Not wanting to give too much away, Third Floor delves into the scary reality of today’s urban living and centres around two neighbors played by Craig Gazey and Emily Head (Inbetweeners).

After a prank goes wrong, both are pushed to breaking point and poses the question how well do you really know your neighbor? Craig plays his character with such emotion and intensity and Emily is truly captivating. Both are a true delight to watch.

The show has a great mixture of darkness, funny and surprising moments and if like me you like intimate surroundings then the Trafalgar Studios in the perfect setting for this new thriller.

Third Floor, produced by Sally Humphreys and directed by Russell Labey plays at the Trafalgar Studios until November 4th. Tickets can be purchased from http://www.atgtickets.com/thirdfloor

You can follow Third Floor on Twitter @thirdfloorplay and producer @SallyHumphreys

I totally rocked it!

I am still on a major high from last nights performance of Rock Of Ages. I truly never imagined the energy and intensity this show brings and the laughs were non stop.

Simon Lipkin proves to be a great comical actor here as he plays Lonnie the narrator and there are plenty of side splittingly funny moments and at several points I nearly burst into tears of laughter. Justin Lee Collins was a true joy to watch as was Shayne Ward who plays Stacee Jaxx the lead signer of Arsenal and what many women would say a ‘womanizer’.

So what makes this show a cut above the rest? well it’s refreshing, powerful, has an immense set of rock classics and most of all a dam rocking good night out plus if your a man a lot of sexy women in skimpy clothing.

I am so happy I got to see this show first hand and if everyone listened to critics then you wouldn’t see anything the West End has to offer and I am certain this show will make a home for it’s self at the Shaftsbury for a long time yet.

Will I be seeing the show again? YES! In fact I am going to get tickets for the gala performance on November 16th when Rock of Ages rocks with Pudsey Bear in support of Children In Need.

Backbeat Reviewed

Backbeat is with out a doubt a feel good show,showcasing raw talent and delivering a great story at a steady speed.

‘Backbeat’ is a Beatles-based musical adapted for the stage by Iain Softley who wrote and directed the
1994 film of the same name.

The story centers around The Beatles and how they ‘became’ The Beatles. Backbeat sets the path of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Pete Best and Stuart Sutcliffe from the docks of Liverpool to
the seedy red light district of Hamburg where they worked in the clubs performing rock ‘n’ roll covers night after night.
If your expecting a full set of Beatles hits then you will be disappointed as this show provides more than enough jukebox music from classics such as “Good Golly Miss Molly” and “Johnny B Goode”. However
that didn’t stop me from bopping my head side to side and wanting to jump up and dance in the aisles.

Andrew Knott and Nick Blood make the perfect duo as John Lennon and Stuart Sutcliffe the “lost” Beatle
with a love/hate relationship as we follow Lennon’s angry feeling of rejection when Sutcliffe fell in love with a German photographer. Both are cool and have that edgy vibe which really brings the characters to light.

The show is brilliant and oozes energy with both comical and heartbreaking moments too. It certainly isn’t another one hit wonder and I do hope that this show has some longevity.