Gypsy

          I know I say this a lot, but I was really excited to see this show. I absolutely loved the 1993 film version, so ever since it was on at the Chichester Festival I've been wanting it to come to London. When it was announced that it was, well I just couldn't wait to get tickets. As I love the film version though I was a little worried that I might be disappointed.

          The Savoy Theatre is playing host to Gypsy and I think it's the perfect setting. The theatre, compared to others in London, has the feeling of being rather narrow. This makes it feel more like the sort of music hall venue where Momma Rose and her daughters would be performing. The seats are unfortunately a little uncomfortable and I found myself wriggling, trying to get comfortable. I was last in this theatre in 2012 for a production of Cabaret and I remember the same thing happening then. It also felt as though they had turned the heating up which didn't help. This may have been a clever ploy as almost everyone went out during the interval to buy a bottle of water.

          Gypsy is a musical based on the book Gypsy: A Memoir, the 1957 memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee. For those who are unaware, she was an American burlesque entertainer. The musical first opened on Broadway in 1959 with Ethel Merman in the role of Momma Rose, the role that is played by Imelda Staunton in this production, and the role of Gypsy Rose Lee was played by Sandra Church, the role portrayed by Lara Pulver in this London production. The first London production didn't open until 1973, with Angela Lansbury in the role of Momma Rose. I've seen clips of all the West End and Broadway productions and to be honest its impossible to put one performance above any other. Each actress, in the role of Momma Rose as well as Gypsy, makes the part her own and brings something completely different to the role.

           A lot of young people, when they think of Gypsy, will be picturing the 1993 musical version staring Bette Midler in the role of Momma Rose. It was originally a television musical in the US, but was released in theatres in foreign markets. This is how I was first introduced to the story of Gypsy Rose Lee and I have no shame in admitting that I fell in love with it. Yes this was in part to an outstanding performance of the Divine Ms M, but also I found it an interesting and at times gripping story.

          Imelda is absolutely brilliant though in the role. I last saw her on stage in 2012 in a production of Sweeny Todd at the Adelphi Theatre. At the time most people, including myself, would have said 'She cant do any better than this. Its the best she's ever done'. People were saying that in the theatre all over again about her performance in Gypsy. If I'm being honest though I did feel her performance in Sweeny far better, but by no means am I saying her portrayal of Momma Rose is awful. Its anything but. The emotion that she's able to weave into her performance just tugs at your heart strings and holds your attention unlike anything I can remember. Saying that, that's the case for the whole cast. You can tell that they are all putting 100% into their performances and are thoroughly enjoying what they do. There was one more stand out performance for me. Well three. The three strippers, sorry burlesque dancers, at the club who sing 'You Gotta Get A Gimmick'. These three women were fabulous. Couldn't keep my eyes off them. Julie Legrand, Anita Louise Combe and Louise Gold just embody their characters. One can almost believe these characters are indeed real and have been doing it for decades. I think the whole audience just instantly fell in love with them. I cant praise these three woman high enough and its just a shame they don't have more time on stage. Someone give these characters their own show.

          Unfortunately I cant praise the show completely. There were a few improvements that I feel are needed. Set moving. I've said in the past, and I'll say it again, I cant stand hearing set move be it behind a curtain or just in a darkened part of the stage. Just have to read my Phantom Of The Opera review to find that out. unfortunately I could here set pieces moving. Not all the time, admittedly, but that made every time I did here it just that little bit worse. There also seemed to be a few times that the changing of set pieces was a little slow. I'm sure this will improve with time. I also wasn't overly keen on Lara Pulver as Louise. I mean she's a good actress and she has a decent voice, but for some reason she just didn't fit into the role for me. I also have to say I really wasn't a fan on Peter Davison as Herbie. He really cant sing and just seemed really uncomfortable. This may be because he is a new addition to the cast. The show opened in the West End after a successful run at Chichester Festival in 2014. In that production the role of Herbie was played by Kevin Whately and from what little I've seen of his performance it was a lot better than Peter's. I'm sorry he was unable to be in the London run. Hopefully Peter will grow into the role and his chemistry with the rest of the cast will improve from his current status of non-existent.

          I'm sorry to have left this review on such a sad note, and don't want readers to come away with the wrong impression. I loved this show. It was brilliant and I would urge everyone who can to go and see this show before it closes. I know to a lot of people it may seem like I shouldnt give a full five stars as I've been critical of a lot of aspects of the show including two of the main characters. However I'm sure, as I said, a lot of the issues I had with the show were down to it still being in the early stages of its run and I'm more than certain they'll be ironed out soon. Also, as critical as I've been, I did have a thoroughly good night and enjoys myself immensely. If I did half stars for reviews I'd only give 4 1/2 but as I don't I couldn't bring myself to knock of a whole star.

A fun night out full of toe tapping hits and brilliant performances. Tickets and Info here.

Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown

          Just with the last show I went to see, My Night With Reg (my review here), the subject of the play seemed like an absolute flop for a West End show let alone a musical. Who wants to watch someone having a nervous breakdown? Not me. I think I should say though that I have never seen the film that this show is based upon so I went in with a completely open mind. The reviews have also been great. Official London Theatre said 'Comedy Musicals Don't Get Much Better Than This' and The Times called it 'Funny And Tender'. Also I know the main actress, Tamsin Greig, more as a TV and film actress, even though she has done a fair amount of live theatre, so I couldn't resist the opportunity of seeing her live.

          The show is on at the Playhouse Theatre. A small little theatre that I remember going to only once before, for Spamalot back in 2013 (my review here). I was sat the row C of the stalls, a lot than I like, but I was pleasantly surprised by how good my view was. Only one or two times did I feel like I was tilting my head back to look up at the stage. The audience was very mixed which is something I always like to see. There weren't really any families but that didn't completely surprise me.

          Set in Spain in the late 1980’s, the musical tells the story of the messy love lives of several women. The central character is Pepa, played by Tamsin, who struggles after being dumped by her boyfriend. The plot thickens as her boyfriends ex wife, Lucia and their son, Carlos, along with his fiancé show up. Pepa’s best friend, Candela, also believes she is dating a terrorist. When you think about it, actually yea, this could prove a night of laughs.

          My God was it. It was so funny. Now I'm not talking belly laughs but it definitely made me smile. It was clever, funny and a brilliant observation of life. Similar in a way to how My Night With Reg was. Candela, played by Anna Skellern, was really a bit over the top at times but never in a way that I felt spoilt the show. I've also seen clips of the actress Laura Benanti who originated the role on Broadway back in 2010. This whole overacting of the character seems to be the norm, but I still cant help but think it comes across a bit stupid sometimes. Haydn Gwynne as Lucia was brilliant. She played evil very well, but still made this mad character completely lovable. She also sings her song, Invisible, brilliantly. Such an emotional song and she completely tugged at my heart strings. Tamsin is also sublime. She completely embodies the character and really shows her struggles exceptionally well. the were plenty of opportunities for her to overact, but she never took the bait.

          I have to also say that I felt Hayden and Tamsin portrayed the characters for better than Patti LuPone and Sherie Rene Scott who originated the roles. Ricardo Afonso is also an absolute pleasure to watch. he just oozes Spanish flair and sex appeal. Some people may recognise him as he was a contestant on the 2013 series of The Voice UK. He plays the taxi driver who is also the narrator of the story. He opens the show with the song Madrid, which completely sets the scene for the play. Whenever he was on stage I just couldn't take my eyes off him. I was disappointed by Michael Matus however. He was playing the role of Ivan instead of Jerome Pradon. He seems very uncomfortable and actually he came across more like someone from an armature dramatics group than someone on the West End stage. This was made even more clear when he started singing his solo song, Yesterday Today And Tomorrow. This is odd as he's been in many theatre productions.

          The music and dancing in this production are absolutely phenomenal. David Yazbek and Ellen Kane have to be congratulated. The really get Spain across and they are songs that just make you smile. Yes they aren't the easiest songs to remember lyrics of, but you cant help but enjoy them in the theatre. Its one of those musicals where every song is good. I feel like that very rarely happens. The choreography and music just transport you to Spain. The costumes are also brilliant. Caitlin Ward has done a brilliant job sticking closely to the costumes of the film, but also modernising them slightly. They fit brilliantly with the personalities of the characters and make them even more believable. In parts it was almost like you were the fly on the wall of the situation.

          This is an absolutely fantastic show, and I would recommend anyone to go and see it. Yes a younger audience might not get some of the more complex subjects, jokes and observations but they'll still enjoy it. You need to be quick though at its only in the West End until the beginning of May. Go go go!! Tickets and Info

My Night With Reg

 

          I felt that this would be an interesting show to see. Its a show that has, for the past 20 years, had critical acclaim whenever its been produced. Its also seen as an important piece of theatre not only within the theatre community but also within the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) community. The play follows the story of a group of gay male friends from London over several years during the 1980s against the backdrop of the Aids crisis. It sounds depressing, I know, but I went in without expectations.

 

          The audience was made up of mainly gay men, with a few women or couples. The audience was also mainly over 30s. The theatre is lovely. I've never been here before, which is stupid on my behalf. Ill definitely be coming here more. The theatre is kind of famous in London though, as in 2013 the ceiling collapsed during a performance of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. It brought down a lighting rig and a section of balcony, which trapped 2 people and injured around 88, including 7 seriously. The stage is relatively small and this means every seat gets a decent view. The set isn't the simplest I've seen, but its not complicated. It doesn't change throughout the play. I never became bored of it though as the cast interact with it wonderfully.

 

          Reg, as in the  person mentioned in the title, isn't actually in the play, but the plot revolves around his friends. The play is set in the new flat/apartment of one of Reg's friends, Guy, when all the men are in their 30s (apart from a new friend they make who's around 18). Guy is a lonely man and has a secret crush on one of the men in the group. Promiscuity and secret affairs are rife within the group, all instances of which involve Reg. The show is primarily a story of love and friendship, with a bit of betrayal thrown in. Aids, although a feature of the show, is never actually mentioned by name and therefore almost gets forgotten. To be honest, unless you know the plot before you go you might not even think Aids features in it at all. The play was written by Kevin Elyot and premièred at the Royal Court Theatre on 31st March 1994. Unfortunately Kevin died in June 2014. During his career he had also produced a number of films including Clapham Junction and Christopher And His Kind.

 

          Yes its a serious play, but it falls into the comedy genre. Its what I would call a clever comedy. It doesn't rely and stupid slapstick. Instead the reality of certain situations and how people react is what makes it funny. I guess this is what's made it such a popular play. Its won two awards for best comedy, one for best fringe play and only this year (2015) it won an Olivier Award for Best Revival. The current production is just short of 2 hours and has no interval. It goes reasonably quickly though I must admit I do feel its a little long with no break. The actors were brilliant. Jonathan Broadbent is great in the role of Guy. He's probably one of the most real characters in the show. Julian Ovenden, who's probably best known at the moment for his role as Charles Blake in Downton Abby, was brilliant and in my opinion was the one that stood out from the rest of the cast. Lewis Reeves, as the young 18 year old Eric, is also fantastic with his charming smile and wonderful acting. He will be recognisable to some having been in a number of British TV shows, such as Uncle and Misfits. I'm sure he will be someone we see more of on the stage.

 

          At the end of the paly there is a little nudity. Well not just a little. Only two actors, Lewis Reeves and Julian Ovenden, but in my opinion the scene did go on a little long. Actually I thought it completely unnecessary. The nudity was in no way needed or called for and I'm sure it was only originally put in the show to cause a little bit of a talking point. This is in fact the only time I've really felt this towards onstage nudity, as usually it seems completely justified. I did find myself almost forgetting they were nude after a while though, but that's just testament to the acting. The nudity was also the only thing people were talking about at the end. More specifically it was Lewis they were talking about. Lets just say it was completely clear that he wasn't Jewish.

 

          Joking aside, it was a good show. I didn't feel it was all it was cracked up to be though. It wasn't as gritty as I wanted. At times I also felt a couple of the actors, Richard Cant and Geoffrey Streatfeild, were fairly over the top. A bit like caricatures rather than characters. A bit of me was also slightly insulted. All the characters are gay, and apart from Guy each and every one of them is portrayed as promiscuous with a couple of them cheating on their partners. This, in my opinion, gives a bad impression of gay people. Now I know a lot of people wont agree with this, but portraying gay men as being promiscuous and unfaithful really doesn't give the gay community a good name. Even if its only in a play. It's unfortunate that even in 2015 gay people are still discriminated against all over the world, and this play doesn't really help to change that. As I said though, it was a good play, and I can see how when it first came to the stage 20 years ago it was ground breaking.

 

          I know I've said some negative things, but its a good play. I think its something I think theatre lovers and enthusiasts would like. Not only because of the critical acclaim its achieved globally, but also its a play unlike any other I can think of.  Maybe not best for grandma though (or your children). Just remember it ends on April 11th 2015. Tickets and info

 

 

Memphis

          I was excited at the prospect of seeing this. I'd heard brilliant things about Beverly Knight from when she had been in The Bodyguard and I wanted to see her for myself. I know many people will be shocked I didn't see The Bodyguard but to be honest I wasn't a great fan of the film. The small amount that I did like it, wasn't enough to attract me to see the show. Its a similar reason that even though I'm a fan of Michael Jackson, I have absolutely no desire to see the show Thriller Live. Beverly Knight was by no means the driving force for seeing the show however. The story was ,for me, the main attraction. Its also a Tony Award-winning hit in America. I had to see this for myself.

          The audience was good. A mixture of all ages and backgrounds and that's what I like to see when I go to the theatre. This, the Shaftesbury Theatre, is one of my favourite theatres in London. I was last here for the recent production of From Here To Eternity (you read my review of that here). The auditorium is inviting with comfortable seating and the staff are friendly and welcoming. As I sat down I found my self nervous with anticipation. Something I've never felt before. I certainly wasn't disappointed.

          I feel it a necessity to say that the show has a lot a racism depicted in it, which I know some people out there wont agree with. One must remember however that the show is set in a time where racism was unfortunately the norm. I never felt however that the show overstepped the mark in its language or overall portrayal of this aspect of American, and world, history. The actors put the struggle of black Americans across fantastically, better than I've ever seen it portrayed before. A few people in the theatre were in tears at parts and I must admit I was close to tears at times myself. I think what helps is that the production intersperses the racism towards and struggle of the characters with upbeat moments both in terms of storyline and with joyous songs.

          That's another thing which excited me. I am a great fan of the soul and rock and roll music coming out of America in the 1950s, the place and time in which this show is set. The music certainly didn't disappoint. It's an understatement to call it toe-tapping. If I was watching it in America I could bet money that people would be standing up and dancing, but as it was a British audience we just sat there enthusiastically clapping along. From the get go I was getting chills up my spine and a smile was spreading across my face. The song 'The Music Of My Soul' just spoke to me. Beverly Knight, on many occasions, has been called the 'queen of British soul' and that is most definitely an accolade she has earnt. Her voice is sublime, and the emotion she can put into her music is shocking for someone so young. I couldn't help but smile when her voice echoed around the theatre. Killian Donnelly is also fantastic. yes, he plays the role a little over the top at times but he plays it brilliantly. Engaging at all times and a true pleasure to watch.

          All the cast are brilliant and bring the music and the story to life. They draw you in and ones concentration never falters. I was transfixed throughout. The sets are sublime. Sometimes a little simple and understated, but they are used brilliantly. The costumes are also a sight to behold. David Gallo and Paul Tazewell must therefore be congratulated on their achievements. Sergio Trujillo must also be congratulated on his choreography which, like the music and overall performances, kept me transfixed. Often the dancing in musicals can seem unnecessary and a little over the top. On this production however it fitted in seamlessly and appeared very natural.

          The difficult subject of racism in 1950s America has been portrayed sympathetically yet with an unmistakable truth that is moving and pulls at heart stings. Believe me when I say that even with this tough and often difficult subject, this show is a joy and an absolute triumph of a musical. May it long be in the West End. Definitely one to go and see. I can guarantee you a fun night out.

Tickets and Info

 

Cats

          I have to say, out of all the shows on my blog this was the one I was most excited to see. I went to see it in the early 90s, when it was at the New London Theatre, with my family and I have been in love with it ever since. My two cats are even called Mungojerrie and Rumpleteaser after two characters from the show.

          When it first appeared in the West End in 1981, and even now, people were confused and even angered by the fact it's a story all about cats. 'Whats so interesting about cats? Stupid idea.' is something many people I know felt when I show my enthusiasm for the show. To be honest, I can see where they're coming from. It does SOUND stupid. It is infact a touching and heartwarming story full of love, mystery, suspense and tension.

          The set is fantastic. Wrapping around the edges of the stage slightly down into the stalls and up to the circle. Every bit of the set is used by the cast. Every bit. The cast climb all aver it and walk, well prowel (they're cats after all) though the audience in the stalls and in the royal circle. I went with my sister and we were both commenting on the sets appearance. I mean the bra was big enough for Big Foot's mother and the tyre was the same size as the matchbox, but one can easily suspend belief for a few hours. I mean your going to be watching people dressed as cats singing and dancing around the stage. Before the show began my sister and I were shining a few of the songs from the show. Not loudly but we just couldn't help it. We were stupidly excited.

          I unfortunately have to say though that in my opinion the show, to a certain extinct, has been spoilt. I was going to say ruined, but this might be a little strong. My sister would disagree however. For me I have a very clear image of the show. Most of this has, I will admit, been formed from the 1998 filmed version of the show which I watch at least twice a year. Don't get me wrong though, I have some very clear memories of the show from when I went to see it at the New London Theatre back in the 90s. For instance the stage at the New London is semi-circular and the seats wrap around it. It's not quite in the round, but almost. This, I think, suits the show much better. War Horse is showing there at the moment (you can read my review here) so it's a shame they couldn't put it on there this time around. I also have a very clear memory of, as the opening of the show, many of the cast were in the isles of the audience and had lights that looked like cats eyes on there face/head that periodically lit up so that eventually, combined with the lights on stage, the whole auditorium was filled with yellow cats eyes. This was both impressive and mesmerising. This, unfortunately wasn't the case in the new probuction. A disappointment I was willing to overlook as let's face it, it isn't integral to the show. There were others however which I couldn't be so understanding about.

          I feel that there was a lot more musical interludes and dancing between and during songs. My assumption is that this is because the back of house areas are a lot bigger that they were at the New London Theatre and so ample time has to be given for the actors to get into position. At a few points I found my self thinking 'oh get on with it'. Not the sort of thing one want to be thinking when at the theatre. I also had a nigeling feeling throughout the show that the singing wasn't quite up to the standard me that I remember, but this is probably because I'm used to the high production quality of the filmed version.

          Perhaps the biggest disappointment, and something that almost ruined the whole show for me, was the song The Rum Tum Tugger. This is one of my favourite songs in the whole show, however it has been change to beyond almost all recognition. John Partidge who played the role in the film, as well as Paul Nichols in the original london cast, played this role fantastically. They just oozed sexual energy. However in this production the song has been transformed from semi rock into a sort of hip-hop/rap thing. They guy that sings it, Antoine Murry-Straughn, is good but it's just a change to the show that was compleatly unnecessary. It ruined a perfectly good song, and it's all I could talk about for a while. Rum Tum Tugger features in another critique. Not a disappointment, as I'm fairly nuetral on this matter. For me, another song I enjoy is 'Mr Mistoffelees' sung by Rum Tum Tugger. It's a fun little song and the show that Mr Mistoffelees puts on during it is great. I never really thought much about a male cat singing to another male character. However in this show there is no denying from the interaction of the characters that it's a love song. One almost felt that as soon as they left the stage they'd by jumping on each other like a pair of rabbits. Now don't get me wrong I have no issue with a gay relationship being portrayed in any way, however it was coming on very strong and was actualy for me slightly awkward (says the man who watched the bumping and grinding of near naked men in Pricilla Queen Of The Desert).

 

          Now I had the pleasure of managing, at fairly late notice, to get tickets to a performance where Grizzabella was played my Nicole Scherzinger. As great as she was, she was never thrust to the front as the main star of the show. She even takes her bow in the middle of the lineup, not right at the end like the celebrity star or main character normally does. Her role is only small, though the song Memories has become iconic. In fact it's one of only a few songs that make me cry. From the first cord I can feel myself welling up. As great as Nicole was I couldn't feel emotional with her singing however. Like other aspects of the show, I may have a preference to the film version simply because I've watched it so many times. Elaine Paige played the role in the film as well as in the original London cast (a last minuet replacement for Judie Dench who had to back out of the role after receiving an injury during rehearsals). Her singing was good, don't get me wrong, but for me there was no raw emotion. It seemed to me like she was showing off her talent, which no one can deny she has, rather than trying to put emotion into the song. She's also meant to be the washed out glammor cat. Instead the costume department have made her look really glamorous and glitzy, all be it with a few shabby bits here and there, unlike the image the rest of the cast put across when singing about her. I never saw her as this before, but I get the overwhelming feeling like she's the slut of the cat world. I've never felt that before. maybe that's true, and I was to innocent to realise it when I was younger. all I know is that that is how I felt about her during the show. I watched the film this morning and with Elaine Paige's performance that feeling completely vanished.

          I don't think you'll be able to see it with Nicole in it now as tickets are extremely hard to come across, but Kerry Ellis will be taking over the role. Definitely a show to see and a great one for the whole family. If taking children to the theatre for the first time this is one to consider. I would have given it top marks, but as there were a few disappointments for me and I don't give half stars, I had to go with just four. This production is going to be in Macau, China in March and later this year in Paris. Tickets and Info