We Will Rock You

          I've resisted seeing this for such a long time as I'm a Queen fan, but my god had I been missing something special.

          The Dominion Theatre has played host to We Will Rock You since its debut in 2002. The theatre hasn't really had many notable productions before this one, other than the musical adaptation on Beauty And The Beast from 1997 to 1999. I've resisted going to see it as I'm a fan on queen and I was worried about the show possibly ruining their songs for me. I know that Brian May and Roger Taylor collaborated on the show but I was still anxious. Also, the show was written by Ben Elton, the English comedian, author, playwright, actor and director, who wrote for such cult series as The Young Ones and Blackadder and also wrote the sequel to The Phantom of the Opera Love Never Dies (and produced, for some reason, by Robert De Niro) I trust Ben Elton, but I've never been the biggest fan of his work (though I love Blackadder).

          The theatre is lovely and large, with a capacity of 2,069. Although the foyer areas feel vast, the actual theatre feels relatively contained. Sat there in an audience full of all different nationalities and all ages it one of the few times I got even more excited about the show because of the audience I was sat in. As soon as it started I was excited. The whole theatre shook, like your body does when a car drives past with the bass in its stereo system turned up loud. this went on for longer than I had been expecting and really built my expectations.

          I have to say though I left a little disappointed. The plot was poor and, quite frankly, stupid. The acting was good, though I saw better in the production of Fiddler On The Roof by Potters Bar Theatre Company in 2011. I mean don't get me wrong it was enjoyable, but it wasn't great. Why then did I put at the beginning that I had been 'missing something special'? Well it wasn't the plot or the acting. It was the music. Blimey can the cast sing. Well most of them. The best singer, in my opinion, by far was Amanda Coutts as Meat. She was brilliant. Its a shame that such a talent is in theatres and not selling records around the world. She was engaging and stayed true to her character throughout, and on a number of occasions sent shivers down my spine. The two main performers Oliver Tompsett and Rachael Wooding, playing Galileo and Scaramouch respectively, were also fantastic. There voices were sublime and like Amanda Coutts their talents seem wasted in the theatre.

          Another singer/performer was Brenda Edwards as Killer Queen. She is being treated like a star by the producers by having the longest cast bio in the programme and also her debut solo single for sale with merchandise in the foyer. I mean I had no idea who she was (or even is). Apparently she reached the semi-finals of The X Factor in 2005 and got the Screen Nation Award for Favourite Reality TV Star in 2007. In 2006 she played Mama Morton in Chicago: The Musical in the West End. Know who she is yet? Me neither. I searched for her X Factor clips on YouTube and I think I remember her but not really. Either way it feels as though she is getting star treatment, which she definitely doesn't seem worthy of. The audience was paying more attention to her breasts practically falling out of her costume then her singing. Her singing is good, yes, but there are people in the show far better than her.

          Something I was excited about was finding out that Arlene Phillips, known mainly now as a judge on TV shows such as Over The Rainbow and Strictly Come Dancing, was the choreographer. She's worked as a choreographer on a number of theatrical productions in the West End, including Starlight Express, Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease and The Wizard Of Oz. She has also worked on many films and television programmes. As I, like many people, know her only as a TV judge I was interested to see her in her actual profession (I did see Starlight Express and Grease, but I was young and wasn't really concentrating on the choreography). I have to say that she has done some brilliant work with the show. She has waved her magic wand and has really lifted the show, and trust me it needs every lift it can get.

          The show is unfortunately closing on 31 May 2014. Why is it a shame? Some of the cast are fantastic singers and I think its a shame that there will no longer be a show bringing Queen music to the masses. I know I haven't exactly given a stellar review but I think that everyone needs to see it before it goes. I'm only giving it the star rating that I am because of the music. If that hadn't been there ....................... I don't think I've ever given a 1/2 star before. Info and tickets

The Full Monty

          This was very much a spur of the moment buying of a ticket. It had been a while since id seen a show and when I saw this was coming back to the London stage I went ahead and got myself a seat. I saw the film on television back in the late 1990s/early 2000s. It was released in 1997 but I know I saw it on the television rather than in a cinema. To be totally honest I only remember certain aspects in the film mainly about the story rather than the performances of the actors. I will say though that after seeing this production I will definitely be watching the film again.

          When seeing the show the very first thing you will probably notice is nothing to do with the show at all, but about the audience. Its mainly groups of women between the ages of 35 to 60. There are a few groups of gay men and the occasional husband and wife, but the audience is most definitely groups of woman. certainly when I went most of these woman had been drinking before the show. How do I know? Well it wasn't that difficult to notice their inebriation. For a while it was fun but after a while, especially during the performance, there constant talking behind me did get annoying. I'm not saying its a given that this will happen at every performance, but just prepare yourself. I was sat a little closer than half way back in the stalls and just three seats in from the edge of the seating. One might assume that this would really effect the view, but I must say my seat was fairly close to perfect.

          The set was brilliant. It stayed exactly the same throughout the production, however with certain lighting and the adding or movement of extra minor elements they managed to journey to a variety of locations. A long winded sentence, I know, but I hope you get the idea. The basis of the set was the interior of the steel works factory where the main male characters all work/worked. From the moment the lights and safety curtain went up, there was almost a universal intake of breath. I really have to commend the work of both the designer, Robert Jones, and the lighting designer Tim Lutkin.

          The acting was definitely above average but I wouldn't say it was brilliant and faultless. Kenny Doughty, who plays the lead character of Gaz, was probably the best actor of the whole cast. With a knack for portraying emotion, even if a little over acted in places, and with good comic timing he creates an extremely well rounded character and was a joy to watch. Craig Gazey was also a joy, bringing a brilliant comic streak throughout the show. Kieran O'Brien was also brilliant with comic timing. He also played a lot more with/to the audience making one very aware you were part of a show and leaving one unable to get sucked into the show. Usually I would class this as an issue, but for this show it made it much more enjoyable. The main acting issue I had came in the form of Roger Morlidge. I'm not saying he was shot, but his performance wasn't the most stable and there were moments I felt he had forgotten lines and/or was feeling very self conscious on stage.

          I would definitely recommend everyone to see this show, though I am well aware it will appeal more to a female audience. If you want to go, you need to be quick. The show is only on for a limited season, which ends on 14 June 2014. After that it will be going on tour all over the UK, so check the website for details. Tickets and Info

 

Spider Man - Turn Off The Dark

          When I was in America last September I went to see two shows on Broadway. Spider-man and Kinky Boots, which I reviewed here. I was excited to see Spider-Man as I'm sure many people reading this will be aware the show was encountered a myriad of issues before it finally opened. Unfortunately the show has now closed (as of 4 January 2014) however is will be transferring to Las Vegas and will be touring Europe. It has been rumoured that the show will be shown in Wembley Arena at some point in the next couple of years. With the Las Vegas transfer the show's producer Michael Cohl said "We'll work on improving everything, It could be anything. It's a blank piece of paper." This suggests the show could be even better than it was, but it could also run into many more issues.

          What was good about going to the show was that as a tourist with a New York Pass my friend and I got discounted tickets. Although we couldn't choose our seats we surprisingly were in a brilliant spot. We were about half way back in the stalls and to the far left. We were right on the isle though. Usually I would say that one needs to be sat more centrally to get the most out of a show, however for this production I don't think were you sit is really an issue. with the acrobatics and wire work that goes on throughout the performance there are those places were sometimes the actors get exceptionally close to you or fly directly over your head, but of the overall show any seat you choose will be good.

          From the moment the show opened I knew it was going to be a bit of a spectacle. That's the only word I can really use to describe it. The opening was more like something out of Cirque Du Soleil than from your average Broadway or West End show. The momentum of the show didn't really slow down, even during the emotional scenes. With people swinging on wires almost throughout the show and moving sets this consistent momentum wasn't really much of a surprise. The set had, appropriately, a very comic book feel to it which really makes you feel like your part of a comic. This whole feeling of a 3d interactive comic book, surprisingly for me, felt amazing.

          The characters were fantastic and from what little I know of the Spider-man comics, were very accurate and true to the way that they were written. The guy that plays Spider-man, Justin Matthew Sargent, had only taken over the role 2 days before I went to see the show. He was good though I did find him a little wooden. That may well have been for a lack of experience being the principle cast member. There is no indication if he will take up the role again when it transfers to Las Vegas, but I do hope they find someone a bit more relaxed on stage. The stand out actor for me though was Robert Cuccioli, who played Norman Osborn/Green Goblin. Absolutely lovably evil, if that makes sense. a fantastic actor who's acting was enhanced by was can only be described as a sceptical in itself.

          There was however one issue I had with the show. The music. Not because it was bad it just wasn't memorable. In fact I cant remember any one of the songs. The sets were fantastic both in the scale and in how it was used. sometimes it did feel a little sparse, like when the were visiting the lab of Dr Norman Osborn, but never to an extent were it really affected my impression of the show. As much as the show impressed me on its scale and I did have a good time, it wasn't something that I will remember for the rest of my life or indeed see again.

          Don't take my last paragraph the wrong way. If you ever go to Las Vegas, or if/when it transfers to London, I would definitely recommend you make time to see this show. Its like nothing you've seen before.

Kinky Boots

          I went to New York in September last year and this is one of the shows I went to see. My blog is normally dedicated to London's West End, but it has recently been announced that there are plans to bring this show to London at some point in 2014 or 2015. Because of this I thought Id go ahead and review this show now. Ill do an updated review in the future when I see the West End version whenever the show transfers here.

          This show was, in a word, unbelievable. I made no notes at the show to help with this review, as I had no intention on reviewing it. To be honest though I don't really need notes. Its been almost four months since I saw the show, but its still as fresh in my mind as the moment I left the theatre. With its wonderful sets, great cast, glorious songs and fabulous drag queens, what's not to love? I went to see the show with a little trepidation. You see, I am an big fan of the Kinky Boots film which was released in 2005. The film, I believe, is brilliantly acted and has some fantastic music in it. Its a film full of love and sadness, prejudice and comedy. Overwhelmingly though its a film full of messages. firstly to accept people who are different. Secondly, to not judge people on first impressions before you get to know them. Lastly and most importantly, 'the sex is in the heel'. I know that last one, to those of you who are unfamiliar with the Kinky Boots story, might seem a little odd but trust me, it was a brilliant comedic reference.

          Let me start with a brief outline of the story. A Northampton shoe factory owner finds that his business in failing. He goes to London to sell excess stock. Through various events and with influence from a London drag queen, he ends up making shoes for drag queens and transvestites. An odd story I know and a bit unbelievable, but believe it or not but its actually based on a true story. Some may say it doesn't sound like the most interesting story for a film, or even a musical, but trust me when I say it works.

          It will be surprising to a lot of people reading this, that the main drag queen was played by Chiwetel Ejiofor. Many may know him from films such as 2012, Inside Man and Love Actually. At the moment he is in the news for is upcoming film 12 Years A Slave. As well as his work in film, and a couple of TV roles, he has also performed on stage. Most notably as the title role in Othello, for which he received the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in 2008. Most of his roles he has played to date have been very masculine. Understandably for the role of a drag queen however, he had to explore his feminine side. He had to do it in a way however that was sympathetic and inoffensive to the transvestite and drag queen communities. I have seen him interviewed about the film, where he has said that the extras and background artists in the bar/club scenes, who were themselves members of the relative communities, were very complimentary of his performance. I would have to agree with them. He seems like a completely different actor compared to any of his other work. For me that is most definitely a sign of a fantastic and versatile actor.

          Chiwetel's portrayal of Lola was fantastic and I was unsure if it could be matched, or even beaten, on stage. Billy Porter took up this challenge. His career has taken place in America so I am completely unfamiliar with his back catalogue of work. I was able to see a few rehearsal videos of rehearsals on the shows website and I was convinced that at the very least I wouldn't be disappointed. The one and only issue I had, and its so tiny, is that at 44 he might have been a little old for the role. After all, Chiwetel was just 28 when he appeared in the film. Mr Porter however exceeded my expectations. He was brilliant. I wouldn't go so far as to say he was better than Chiwetel, but he was playing it completely differently so I find it hard to compare their performances with one another.

          The other drag queens in the show were, in a word, fabulouse. Some were so 'fishy' (drag queens that could esealy pass for biological women) it was almost unbelievable. Their dancing was second to none and in no way distracted from the story being told. The set was utterly brilliant. I feel that may be as Broadway spends slightly more money on its shows than the West End. It really added to the telling of the story and was like another character in it self.

          The only disappointment I had was that the music in the show was completely different from the music that had been in the film. I had always felt that the music in the film had really suited the story and helped tell it. I guess that may have been how I felt because that's all I knew, I don't know, but I really hoped it was going to be the same in the show. When I realised it wasn't I was a little apprehensive. Cyndi Lauper was the composer and lyricist for the show so I wasn't to worried about the quality, just the fact it was going to be different. Ms Lauper has done a fantastic job and although I prefer the music from the film, I am in no way suggesting I don't like the shows music. It works. It fits on with the story and really works for the stage. all the songs are enhanced by the fantastic choreography of Jerry Mitchell. I guess another thing that annoyed me, but wasn't really a disappointment, was the terrible accents the cast had. At first it was a bit funny, but then it got a little annoying. Thankfully I was to into the story and the music that I kind of forgot the accents a bit, but it was still in the back of my mind. Billy Porter was one of the best out of the cast, as was Stark Sands as Charlie Price. he though will unfortunately leave the show at the end of this month. Another great accent was Annaleigh Ashford as Lauren. Not because its really good, but because its so bad its funny. I'm assuming that was her intention, and boy does it work. Hopefully the accent thing wont be an issue in the West End. 

          This is most definitely a show I feel the whole family will love. I mean when I went there where all ages in the audience and all of them were having a good time and talking about the show afterwards. When it transfers to the West End here in London I can tell you know Ill be going to see it more than once. Tickets and Info

Spamalot

          I've been resisting seeing this as I'm a fan on Monty Python, though I'm not the biggest fan on the planet. Also the show has been on for a while, no big names perform in it anymore and I'd seen some pretty bad reviews. I went to see it on a total whim and I almost wish I hadn't.

          The show, maybe unsurprisingly, just regurgitates lots of old Python gags and infact I found it hard to find any new ones. As much as I like some of these jokes after years of listening to them I was wanting more. The sets are good as are the costumes, infact this was probably the best part of the show. The acting was fairly amateurish as well to be honest, and that is an injustice to some armature actors who I've felt were far superior compared to some of this cast. The show was quite simply a car crash, well maybe not a total car crash but it certainly hit a tree and put a bloody big dent in the bumper.

          There were people around me who absolutely loved it and were laughing almost continually. It was nice as well that there were a lot of foreign nationals in the audience and they were also laughing, showing that the jokes are universal. I think I only chuckled two or three times and was tempted to leave half way through.

          The show is on at the Playhouse Theatre, which is a little away from the main West End. Its smaller than most of the West End theatres with a capacity of just 786. This means there is a good view from the majority of the seating on all three levels, though this is only beneficial when there is a good show to see. This is a fairly short review, so I apologise but I was so appalled with the whole thing that I really am speechless on exactly what to write.

          It will be leaving the West End soon, thank god, and going on tour. I urge you DO NOT BUY TICKETS!!! I would save your money and buy the Monty Python box set. You'll hear all the jokes in the show, but me much more entertained. Tickets and Info