Theatre raise a whopping amount for local charity!

Grand Opera House York is delighted to announce that they have raised a spectacular £8,765.17 in aid of York Hospital Charity in 2019. This will go towards helping fund the extras to improve healthcare facilities above and beyond the NHS making patients feel better. 

Joe Fenton, Community Fundraiser at York Teaching Hospital Charity said “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Grand Opera House and to everyone who generously donated at the bucket collections held across 2019. The incredible amount that has been raised is truly inspiring and will go a long way in improving the staff and patient experience across our hospitals. The money will be used benefit a number of  wards including Children’s, Dementia, Renal Unit and our Maternity Bereavement Suite – so thank you for your fantastic support.”

Clare O’Connor,  Theatre Manager says “We are absolutely delighted to have contributed nearly £9,000 (£8765.17) to numerous departments (Renal Unit, Children’s Ward, Dementia Appeal and Butterfly Appeal) in the hospital over the past 12 months, in conjunction with the wonderful York Teaching Hospital Charity.  Without the very generous donations of our audience members, and the time kindly given by volunteers for collections, we would not have achieved so great a figure, which means so much to all the staff at the Grand Opera House.  The patients and relatives who use these departments at the hospital will benefit greatly from these funds which will improve their experience during a difficult time, and we look forward to more successful fundraising over the next 12 months – thank you!”

English National Ballet’s Raymonda to receive world premiere in Manchester

English National Ballet

2020-2021 Season

ballet.org.uk

• Tamara Rojo CBE to direct and choreograph her first ballet, Raymonda, after Marius Petipa

• Raymonda to receive world premiere in Manchester, before UK Tour

• 2020 marks English National Ballet’s 70th Anniversary year

• 10th Anniversary of English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s programme

English National Ballet announces plans for its 2020-2021 Season.

Tamara Rojo CBE, Artistic Director of English National Ballet, will create a new version of the classic 19th century ballet, Raymonda, after Marius Petipa. Marking her first foray into choreography and direction, Rojo adapts the three-act production for today’s audiences, revisiting this important but rarely performed work of the ballet canon which is not, in its entirety, in any other UK dance companies’ repertoire.

Bringing the story into the setting of the Crimean war and drawing inspiration from the groundbreaking spirit and work of the women supporting the war effort, including Florence Nightingale in this her bicentennial year, Raymonda is recast as a young woman with a calling to become a nurse. With a new narrative and developed characterisation bringing women’s voices to the fore, Rojo’s Raymonda introduces a heroine in command of her own destiny.

Tamara Rojo CBE said: “It continues to be a part of my vision for English National Ballet to look at classics with fresh eyes, to make them relevant, find new contexts, amplify new voices and ultimately evolve the art form.

“Raymonda is a beautiful ballet – extraordinary music, exquisite and intricate choreography – with a female lead who I felt deserved more of a voice, more agency in her own story. Working with my incredible creative team, I am setting Raymonda in a new context and adapting the narrative in order to bring something unique, relevant and inspiring to our audiences.

“I have truly enjoyed delving into the creative process of adapting and choreographing a large-scale ballet and have been inspired by Florence Nightingale’s drive and passion.”

Rojo brings together a stellar production team for Raymonda with costume and set design by Antony McDonald, lighting design by Mark Henderson, dramaturgy by Lucinda Coxon, character dances by Vadim Sirotin, and choreology research and advice on the Sergeyev notation by Doug Fullington. Alexander Glazunov’s original score, with music arrangement by Gavin Sutherland, will be performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. Raymonda is a Co-Production between English National Ballet and Finnish National Ballet.

Furthering its commitment to UK touring, the world premiere of Raymonda will take place at Manchester’s Palace Theatre (15 – 17 October).

English National Ballet remains committed to developing and nurturing talent within the Company. Emerging Dancer, which returns in Spring 2021, recognises the excellence of the Company’s artists through an annual celebration that sees six finalists mentored by their peers to perform in front of a panel of eminent judges. The winner of Emerging Dancer is announced alongside the People’s Choice award and the Corps de Ballet award, introduced to recognise the hard work and dedication of an exceptional member of the corps.

Developing the ballet audience of tomorrow, English National Ballet and English National Ballet School’s My First Ballet series takes a popular ballet title and adapts it in time and length, making it accessible to children as young as three. Since 2012, over 320,000 people have seen a ballet from the series. My First Ballet: Swan Lake will be performed on tour in the UK in Spring 2021.

Elsewhere, English National Ballet celebrates 10 years of its flagship Engagement programme, Dance for Parkinson’s. Inspired by Company repertoire, the programme provides high quality dance classes for people living with Parkinson’s, their family, friends and carers. Since its launch in 2010, English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s has reached over 4700 people and has expanded to include five hubs across the UK. 2020 sees a collaboration with King’s College London and UCL on one of the world’s largest research studies addressing the impact and scalability of arts interventions on physical and mental health. English National Ballet is a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England. NatWest is Principal Partner of English National Ballet.

Notes to Editors: English National Ballet is an Associate Company of Sadler’s Wells. Raymonda by Tamara Rojo, after Marius Petipa A Co-Production between English National Ballet and Finnish National Ballet

On sale information: General booking for these performances will open on Wednesday 5 February 2020

LISTINGS

Raymonda WORLD PREMIERE Palace Theatre, Manchester Thursday 15 – Saturday 17 October 2020 Box Office: 0844 871 3019 or www.ballet.org.uk/raymonda

Performance details are subject to change. Please see www.ballet.org.uk for latest information.

About English National Ballet English National Ballet has a long and distinguished history.

About Arts Council England

Arts Council England is the national development body for arts and culture across England, working to enrich people’s lives. We support a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to visual art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections. Great art and culture inspires us, brings us together and teaches us about ourselves and the world around us. In short, it makes life better. Between 2018 and 2022, we will invest £1.45 billion of public money from government and an estimated £860 million from the National Lottery to help create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country.www.artscouncil.org.uk

About NatWest, Principal Partner of English National Ballet

NatWest serves customers in England and Wales, supporting them with their personal, private, and business banking needs. NatWest helps customers at all stages in their lives, from opening student accounts, to buying their first home, setting up a business, and saving for retirement.

Alongside a wide range of banking services, NatWest offers businesses specialist sector knowledge in areas such as manufacturing and technology, as well as access to specialist entrepreneurial support.

About Cunard Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships on the North Atlantic, since 1840, celebrating an incredible 175 years of operation in 2015. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys for generations, Cunard is world class. The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment and outstanding service. From five-star restaurants and in-suite dining to inspiring guest speakers, the library and film screenings, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable. There are currently three Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria with destinations including Europe, the Caribbean, the Far East and Australia. In 2017, Cunard announced plans to add a fourth ship to its fleet that will be launched in 2022. This investment is part of the company’s ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally and will be the first time since 2000 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service. Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned by Carnival Corporation since 1998.

Multimedia dance production starring a 14 year old Deaf performer comes to VAULT Festival in March 2020

Chyna

VAULT Festival, March 3rd – 5th 2020

Chyna is a 14 year old dancer – who is Deaf. In this multimedia dance production, video documentary is mixed with a live solo performance as she takes us on a journey through her daily life, immersing us in her world. Thus remarkable piece of theatre challenges notions of how stories are told, brought to VAULT Festival by multimedia theatre company Weave Stories.

“The Moon is the Sun of the Night creates a sensory collage, impressionistic while being intellectually, emotionally and aesthetically engaging (…) exquisite, captivating” Camden Voyeur

Deafness is not a disability here, but the opportunity to experience the world differently. Resonating in all of us, this show is accessible to both hearing and non-hearing audiences, without the use of translation. Created in collaboration with Oak Lodge, a specialist school for the D/deaf in Balham and Deaf Dance Artist Chisato Minamimura, this performance aims at bridging the D/deaf and hearing communities.

Weave Stories’ productions are based on lived experience; drawing from research interviews to stage a plurality of voices. They follow a multimedia theatrical approach, using video footage and live action; ‘voices’ are placed in a form of counterpoint as they would be on a music score. Balanced on parallel narratives, their shows bring together different views on the same subject offering a debate on social and human issues.

Director Laurence Dollander is originally from Nancy, France and is a writer, director and a musician/composer. She studied the oboe at the Conservatoire and gained a degree in English Literature and Cultural Studies at the University of Nancy, and has an MA in Performance Design and Practice from Central Saint Martins. She is very much involved with her local community, she teaches music at Oak Lodge School.

BBC Big Band Brings The Music Of James Bond To Storyhouse

 

BBC BIG BAND BRINGS THE MUSIC OF

JAMES BOND TO STORYHOUSE

Show features Wirral-born vocalist Emer McParland

Concert in the same week as the 25th Bond film is released

Internationally acclaimed BBC Big Band will perform at Storyhouse this Spring to celebrate the music of the world’s most iconic movie franchise, James Bond.

Joined by special guest vocalists, Wirral-born Emer McParland and Iain Mackenzie, the band will bring the sounds of James Bond to life on stage in Chester.

BBC Big presents The Music Of James Bond And Beyond at Storyhouse for one night only on Sunday 29 March 2020.

The concert comes in the same week as the 25th Bond film is released in UK cinemas – with Hoylake’s very own Daniel Craig continuing in the title role as James Bond in No Time To Die, which hits the silver screen on 2 April 2020.

The concert will feature classic numbers including Diamonds Are Forever, Thunderball, We Have All The Time In The World, View To A Kill, Goldfinger and, of course, John Barry’s iconic James Bond theme. These screen favourites will be heard alongside a selection of more contemporary numbers from the James Bond library including Adele’s showstopping Skyfall – all performed in the BBC Big Band’s own fantastic style.

The BBC Big Band will also perform a sprinkling of numbers inspired by film – including Mission Impossible and Austin Powers – to give audiences a truly unique evening of world-class musical entertainment. The show is arranged and composed by Barry Forgie, who has been the band’s Musical Director since 1977.

Widely regarded as the world’s leading and most versatile jazz orchestra, BBC Big Band entertain audiences around the world through their broadcasts on BBC Radio and live performances.

Wirral-born lead vocalist Emer McParland grew up in Bebington and went on to study piano and singing at London’s Trinity College of Music. She spent 25 years in the capital performing as a soloist, backing vocalist and is also a vocal coach, before moving back to Wirral eight years ago.

Emer’s musical career has seen her perform with the Royal Philharmonic Concert orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, Halle Orchestra, city of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, RTE Concert Orchestra, BBC Big Band and Ronnie Scott’s Big Band, as well as work with a host of high-profile singers including Dame Shirley Bassey, Peter Gabriel, Bjork, Kylie Minogue, Gary Barlow, and Andrea Bocelli.

Emer added: “Storyhouse is a fresh and exciting venue, and I’m really looking forward to bringing such an iconic programme of James Bond music to Chester. The Bond movie songs are dramatic and great fun to sing, especially with the fantastic and exciting BBC Big Band. I’ve performed throughout the UK and around the world, but this is the first time I will have sang live on stage in the North West for a long time. This will also be my first time at Storyhouse, it’s going to be very special.”

The concert will also feature Iain Mackenzie, who is renowned for his collaborations with Club Des Belugas, Tape Five and JoJo Effect. Having co-written and recorded close to 50 tracks with these giants of lounge, nujazz and electro swing, his tracks have been released on over 100 compilation albums.

The band’s musical collaborations features an international who’s who, including Tony Bennett, Martin Taylor, Robert Palmer, Louis Stewart, Van Morrison, Amy Winehouse, Mel Torme, Clark Terry, Michael Bublé, Dr John, George Benson, Van Morrison, and Ray Charles.

In addition to its regular studio and broadcast work, BBC Big Band regularly performs live at venues across the UK and have included Proms In The Park in Hyde Park, Cadogan Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, and The Sage Gateshead.

Tickets for BBC Big Band are on sale now priced from £27.50. Each ticket is subject to a £1.50 booking fee.

Website:         www.pmbpresentations.com

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY ABOUT BBC BIG BAND

A wonderful band’

Tony Bennett

‘They brilliantly continue the tradition of Big Band music.

As such they are important, as well as marvellous!’

Michael Parkinson

‘World-class musicians…a brilliant musical force’

The Telegraph

LISTING INFORMATION

BBC BIG BAND: THE MUSIC OF JAMES BOND AND BEYOND

Sunday 29 March 2020

Tickets £27.50 – each ticket is subject to a £1.50 booking fee

STORYHOUSE

Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR

HOW TO BOOK

Online:            Visit www.storyhouse.com

By Phone:       Call 01244 409 113

In person:       Visit the Ticket Kiosks at Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR

Website:         www.storyhouse.com

Facebook:       www.facebook.com/storyhouselive/

Twitter:           @StoryhouseLive

We Will Rock You at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
Monday 17 – Saturday 22 February 2020

Signed performance: Thu 20 Feb, 7.30pm, Captioned performance: Fri 21 Feb, 7.30pm
Audio Described performance: Sat 22 Feb, 2.30pm
*Tickets: £43 – £21.50
Call the Box Office on 01274 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk
*All prices shown include booking fees but are subject to postage charge if applicable.
Bradford Theatres usual terms and conditions apply

The worldwide smash hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton comes to the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, on Monday 17 February 2020 – for one week only.

The multi-million pound show, already seen by over 16 million theatregoers in 19 countries since 2002, showcases a number of Queen’s finest hits, including We Are The Champions, Radio Ga Ga, I Want To Break Free, Somebody To Love, Killer Queen, Under Pressure, Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites The Dust and, of course, We Will Rock You. Before closing its glorious 12 year run at London’s Dominion Theatre, the show was performed an astonishing 4600 times.

Brian May said: “This is a stunning state-of-the art new-look production of WWRY – but of course the original story is now more relevant than ever. We’re confident WWRY fans will love revisiting the world’s first true Rock Theatrical, and a whole new generation will now discover the VIBE!”

Featuring 24 of Queen’s biggest hits and Ben Elton’s hilarious futuristic comedy writing, We Will Rock You boasts the scale and spectacle that marked the band’s legendary live performances – its dazzling breath-taking style is guaranteed to blow your mind!

“There was wild applause at the climax of the show…and it only got louder”
The Daily Telegraph

The Importance of Being Earnest Review

Barn Theatre, Cirencester – until 15 February 2020

Review by Josie Aburrow Smith

5*****

The Importance of Being Earnest is a classic comedy about two bachelors who create alter egos to escape their everyday lives. This is followed by mistaken identity and romance. The play by Oscar Wilde first performed in 1895.

This production at the Barn Theatre is a version like you have never seen before. It starts off with the stage manager Kevin McKinnon, played by Aidan Harkins, and the producer Graham de Harem, played by Ryan Bennett, finding out that the entire cast  of their production of The Importance of Being Earnest is missing and they decide the show must go on. What follows are the two of them managing to play every part in the three act play. Both the actors succeed in switching between being all the characters with remarkable speed and style. There is a brilliant moment where they are changing between being the gentleman and flouncing ladies by swapping hats and accents at astonishing speed. Throughout the whole play they maintain the pace and wit.

Ryan Bennett and Aiden Harkins both put in fantastic performances with boundless energy.

This is a laugh out loud witty performance cleverly directed by Bryan Hodgson. It is on at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester until 15th February, it then transfers to the Turbine Theatre in London for 2 weeks from February 18th.

FEBRUARY HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES AT THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

FEBRUARY HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES AT THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON 
TO BOOK TICKETS CALL 01789 331111 
www.rsc.org.uk/februaryhalfterm
Monday 17– Friday 21 February 2020

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) will have a whole host of exciting activities for young people based around its heart-warming new musical The Boy in the Dress this February Half Term.

Highlights include: 

  • Join Associate Choreographer Carl Harrison and spend the day learning the dance moves to Robbie Williams and Guy Chamber’s songs from The Boy in the Dress

  • Make a dress and eat it too with a biscuit decorating workshop led by the RSC’s own pastry chefs
  • Smash the stereotypes with artist Megan Clark-Bagnell in a day of creative-making that breaks all the rules and celebrates the differences in all of us


Dance Dance Dance Workshop, £10
Discover (8 – 12 year olds), Monday 17 February, 10am – 12pm
Explore (13- 17 year olds), Monday 17 February, 2 – 4pm
Clore Learning Centre
Spend the day learning the dances to our brand-new hit musical The Boy in the Dress in this workshop lead by Associate Choreographer Carl Harrison.Please wear comfortable clothes that you can easily dance in and bring a bottle of water.

Backstage Discovery Tour, £9 adult £8 child
Monday 17 February, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Wednesday 18 February, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Friday 20 February, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Meet by the Royal Shakespeare Theatre Cloakroom
Suitable for ages 6+
Go behind the scenes of the Royal Shakespeare and Swan Theatres before heading to The Other Place where you can try on costumes and make something inspired by your tour.


Discover: Set and Costume Design, £4 adult £3.50 child
Tuesday 18 February, 11am – 12.30pmUpper Circle Bar
Suitable for ages 8 – 12
Join RSC assistant designers to create your own costume and set design inspired by scenes from The Boy in the Dress.

Introduce: The Boy in the Dress£3.50 adult £3 child
Tuesday 18 February, 11 – 12pm
Clore Learning Centre
Suitable for ages 4-8
Introduce your child to The Boy in the Dress through games and simple rehearsal techniques.

Biscuit Decorating, £2.50 per biscuit, £4 biscuit and hot drink
Tuesday 18 February, 2 – 4pm
Thursday 20 February, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Susie’s Cafe, The Other Place.
Suitable for all ages
Design and decorate your very own dress shaped biscuit with the help of our pastry chefs. No need to book, simply buy a voucher from Susie’s Bar at The Other Place.

Singing Workshop, £10
8 – 12 year olds – Wednesday 19
th February, 10.30am – 12.30pm
13 – 17 year olds – Wednesday 19
th February, 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Clore Learning Centre
Come and have fun learning some of the hit songs from The Boy in the Dress with Associate Musical Director Laura Bangay. Discover some of the voice warm-ups the cast do every night, and then sing your heart out. For young people to attend without their parents or carers.

Smash the Stereotypes
Thursday 20 February, 11am – 4pm
Upper Circle Bar
Suitable for ages 7+

Wouldn’t it be boring if we were all the same?

Join Artist Megan Clark-Bagnall in a day of creative-making that breaks the rules and celebrates you!

The Play’s The Thing, £8.50 adult, £4.25 child
Kids go FREE during Warwickshire summer holidays
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Open all day
Suitable for all ages

Take a magical journey through 100 years of theatre making in our award-winning interactive exhibition.

Tower and Tours
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Suitable for all ages

Get closer to the world of theatre on a tour and enjoy spectacular views from our Tower.

Family Activity Trail, FREE
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Available all day
Suitable for all ages

Explore our building and discover all the fun things to do. Find our dressing up cabinet, amazing Lego mosaic, big bear, shining stars installation and peep holes mural.

FREE, pick up from leaflet racks in the theatre.

Rules Don’t Apply, FREE
PACCAR Room, Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Available all day
Suitable for all ages

 An exhibition of making, creating and fun! Inspired by The Boy in the Dress and co-created by artist Megan Clark-Bagnall and young people during October half-term, this lively and fun exhibition is full of activities for all ages.

The RSC is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

The work of the RSC Literary Department is generously supported by The Drue and H.J. Heinz II Charitable Trust

The Boy in the Dress is supported by RSC Production Circle members Elizabeth Boissevain and Andrew Jeffreys, Charles Holloway, Ms Teresa Tsai and Kathleen J. Yoh

The redevelopment of the Swan Wing and The Play’s The Thing exhibition are generously supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Kneehigh: Ubu Review

The Lowry, Salford – until 1 February 2020

Reviewed by Angelos Spantideas

4****

Hilarious, enticing and ridiculously genius, are only a few words that can describe Ubu. The sing along show employs contemporary and older, timeless songs to engage the audience that participates throughout the show. The screens with lyrics encourage the audience take part, with even the shyest people getting prompted to sing their heart out.

Satire, laugh and smart commenting keep the energy high throughout the show, while the vocals of the cast are nothing short of breath taking. Each and every member of the cast contributes something different to the whole experience, while jokes and audience participation remain in the center of the show.

Ubu presents an opportunity for a fun and exciting night, which will take your mind away from any worries, by making you laugh and enjoy each moment of being there

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story Review

The Lowry, Salford – until 1 February 2020

Reviewed by Angelos Spantideas

5*****

Buddy, with its 30 years of history, is a must-see musical which offers fascinating performances, jaw-dropping vocals and a nostalgic feeling to the lovers of Rock and Roll.

The cast delivers impressively the energy of the genre, making this musical a tribute to the legacy of Buddy Holly. The comedic touches create a fun environment, with the cast coming across not as actors, but rather as musicians with passion for entertaining and a captivating lust for being on stage.

It is rare to experience genuinely how Rock and Roll used to move and unite people, and Buddy might be one of the last shows to provide that generously. With the whole show feeling like a real concert, Buddy is not just a sneak peak into the 50s, but rather a full immersive time travelling journey in the Rock and Roll era which has the audience hooked from the beginning till the end.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong Review

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until 1 February 2020

Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth

3***

Mischief Theatre are back in Sheffield on their tour of Peter Pan Goes Wrong. Mischief has come a very long way in a short few years, starting from a group of theatre students. They made their debut at a gig with less people in the audience than on the stage in 2008. Their first production of The Play That Goes Wrong made The West End in 2015 then Broadway in 2017. This is their second production with the familiar style of slapstick and chaos running through it.

The plot follows The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they mount their haphazard amateur production of the J.M Barrie’s classic. Whatever the possibilities are of something going wrong on stage, it will happen here. There is a constant stream of gags and jokes, although sometimes too much, which has many of the audience in stitches. The company are in the audience before the show starts in the same style as their first production, meeting people in character and setting the scene. This is a real crowd pleaser and almost gives you the feeling of getting a bit more performance for free!

The energy that each cast member puts into this two hour performance is respectable and they really are giving it their all. However, it is felt at times that their efforts are a little lost with the repetitive unnecessary gags, for example the character Dennis, played by Romayne Andrews. What a talented actor but once you have laughed at the fact that he is being fed lines via his earphones and reading everything out verbatim, it gets tired.

Highlights of the show must be the musical numbers, displaying the vocal talents of Katy Daghorn, playing Wendy and Pheobe Ellabani playing Mrs Darling, Lisa, Tinker Bell and Tiger Lily. They both have songs which are sang around and with the rest of the cast and are uplifting and a welcome break from some of the lib. You are also treat to a well rehearsed dance routine during one of these numbers in the second half.

Ellabani must get a mention for the pace of her role and her ability to be in the right place at the right time, in the right costume. She plays four different characters (with a theme of fast changes) and she must be exhausted after each show. Tom Babbage plays Michael Darling, Mermaid and the Crocodile and is an intentionally likeable lad who plays the ‘feel sorry for me’ very well, he gets lots of ‘ahhhs’ and support from the audience.

This production is more ambitious than The Play That Goes Wrong in a lot of ways, more technical for sure, it is a shame that it is not as good, albeit it does have a lot to live up to.

Fun and uplifting.