Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester – until 18 September 2021
Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood
4****
Credit and copyright: Helen Murray
This award-winning comedy, Glee and Me, comes to the Royal Exchange Theatre which coincides with this beautiful theatre’s 45th Birthday. Written by Stuart Slade and starring Liv Hill, an acclaimed performer, this one-woman production is about a 16-year-old girl, Lola, whose sharp wit secures her future until a diagnosis changes her life forever.
Being diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour which quickly and negatively impacts her mind, she reprioritises her shortened life with two things she promises herself while she is alive; Firstly, she’s going to get All The Sex and secondly, she is convinced that she will discover the Meaning of Life.
This play gives insight of how resilient one is in the face of adversity and how the human spirit shines through evaluating life and fulfilling opportunities that still remain. Hill’s excellent portrayal of Lola’s and her sharp wit, humour, spirit, bravery and determination wins the audience’s hearts as evident from the reception being received after the performance.
With strong language and explicit packed content, Glee and Me has plenty to think about with references being made about the fragility of life and how easily it can be snatched away. It also looks at how fate dictates but allows one to make the best of it despite the adversaries and obstacles encountered. It also encourages subconsciously to re-examine what life really means after all.
Set centrally and intimately and directed by Nimmo Ismail, Glee and Me is explosive, explicit and evocatively moving! Laughter and happiness are shared along with sadness and poignancy
Sonia Friedman Productions is delighted to reveal the full cast of the dazzling, multi award-winning musical Dreamgirls, as it embarks on its first ever tour of the UK, opening at the Liverpool Empire Theatre this December before visiting cities right across the country throughout 2022 and into 2023.
Dreamgirls will star Nicole Raquel Dennis as Effie White with Sharlene Hector performing the iconic role at certain performances, Natalie Kassanga as Deena Jones, Paige Peddie as Lorrell Robinson, Dom Hartley-Harris as Curtis Taylor Jr., Brandon Lee Sears as Jimmy Early, Shem Omari James as C.C. White, Jo Servi as Marty and Brianna Ogunbawo as Michelle Morris.
The full company will include Shonah Buwu, Harvey Ebbage, Olivia Foster-Browne, Kellianna Jay, Ryan Kayode, Holly Liburd, Ross Meagrow, Samuel Nicholas, Nicole Nyarambi, Ilana Richardson and Josh Singleton.
Featuring the classic songs ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going’, ‘Listen’ and ‘One Night Only’, this sensational production ofDreamgirlshad its critically acclaimed West End première in December 2016 at London’s Savoy Theatre, 35 years on from opening on Broadway.
Meet the Dreams – Effie, Lorrell and Deena – three talented young singers in the turbulent 1960s, a revolutionary time in American music history. Join the three friends as they embark upon a musical rollercoaster ride through a world of fame, fortune and the ruthless realities of show business, testing their friendships to the very limit.
A finalist on ITV’s The Voice in 2019, Nicole Raquel Dennis wowed viewers and judges at her blind audition, performing Dreamgirls mega-hit ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going’ alongside team mentor Jennifer Hudson. Her London stage credits include Alana Beck in the original West End cast of Dear Evan Hansen (BBTA winner – Best Supporting Actress in a Musical), the original West End cast of Waitress (Adelphi Theatre), The Book Of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre) and Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre).
Soul, Gospel and Blues artist Sharlene Hector has been the singer withGrammy® Award-winning electronic music duo Basement Jaxx as well as providing backing vocals for Sam Sparro, Natasha Bedingfield, Boy George and Mary J. Blige.
Natalie Kassanga’sWest End theatre credits include playing Diana Ross in Motown: The Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre), Young Nala in Disney’s The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre), Dear Evan Hansen (Noel Coward Theatre) and Oliver! (Theatre Royal Drury Lane).
A graduate from the Royal Academy of Music, Paige Peddie was the ‘Unexpected Star’ on BBC1’s Michael McIntyre’s Big Show on Christmas Day, 2018. Theatre credits include Disney’s The Lion King (UK Tour), Equus and Enron (Nottingham Playhouse).
Dom Hartley-Harris was in the original West End cast of Bat Out of Hell the Musical (Dominion Theatre) with further credits including Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Aldwych Theatre), Hamilton (Victoria Palace Theatre) and Tiger Bay (Wales Millennium Centre).
American actor, dancer and singer Brandon Lee Sears’ recent London theatre credits include Come From Away (Phoenix Theatre), Motown: The Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre), Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket) and On The Town (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre).
A recent graduate of Arts Educational School, London, Shem Omari James’s theatre credits include The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Leicester Curve) and Songs For A New World (Vaudeville Theatre).
Jo Servi’s theatre credits include The Life (Southwark Playhouse), Dirty Dancing (UK Tour), Sunny Afternoon (Harold Pinter Theatre), City of Angels (Donmar Warehouse), Ragtime (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Jersey Boys (Prince Edward Theatre), The Enchanted Pig (Royal Opera House, UK Tour and in New York), Stephen Fry’s Cinderella (The Old Vic Theatre), Guys And Dolls (Piccadilly Theatre), Oh! What A Night (UK & European Tour), Ragtime (Piccadilly Theatre), Whistle Down The Wind (UK National Tour), My One & Only (Piccadilly Theatre) Disney’s The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre) and Once On This Island, The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe, A Life of Galileo and A Christmas Carol (Birmingham Repertory Theatre).
Brianna Ogunbawo’stheatre credits include The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre),Motown: The Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre), Disney’s The Lion King (UK tour) and Hairspray (UK tour).
This award-winning production of Dreamgirls is Directed and Choreographed by Olivier® and Tony® Award winning Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Mean Girls, Disney’s Aladdin and Something Rotten!), with Set and Costume Design by Tim Hatley, Lighting Design by Hugh Vanstone, Sound Design by Richard Brooker, Hair Design by Josh Marquette, Music Supervision by Nick Finlow and Casting by Natalie Gallacher CDG for Pippa Ailion Casting CDG. The Associate Director is Alison Pollard, the Associate Choreographer is Sean Parkins and the Resident Director is Ricardo Coke-Thomas.
With Book and Lyrics by Tom Eyen and Music by Henry Krieger, with Additional Material by Willie Reale, the original Broadway production of Dreamgirlswas Directed by Michael Bennett who Co-Choreographed the show with Michael Peters. The production opened in 1981 and subsequently won six Tony® Awards with the original cast recording winning two Grammy® Awards for Best Musical Album and Best Vocal Performance for Jennifer Holliday’s ‘And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.’
The 2006 motion picture adaptation of Dreamgirlsstarred Jennifer Hudson (winning her an Oscar® for Best Supporting Actress), Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx.
The Original London Cast Recording of hit West End musical Dreamgirls is available via Sony Masterworks Broadway.
The UK and Ireland tour of Dreamgirls is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Greenleaf Productions, Fakston Productions, Rupert Gavin/Mallory Factor, Tulchin Bartner Productions, Griffin Dohr in association with 1001 Nights Productions, Steven Rivellino.
Final casting was announced today for the smash-hit Leeds Playhouse production of C.S. Lewis’ classic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe which begins a major tour of the UK and Ireland on November 2, 2021. TV and theatre star Samantha Womack completes the cast to play Narnia’s evil White Witch.
Samantha Womack said of her new role:
‘Having been a huge fan of C S Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for as long as I can remember, I am thrilled to be playing the The White Witch. The book has always been a magical read and having watched incredible actors interpret this role in the past, I am excited to see what she holds for me. This production is so beautifully conceived with thrilling sets and costumes and an amazingly talented cast and creative team. I can’t wait to seduce, plot and terrify Narnia into a permanent winter’
Samantha Womack returns to the theatre after her recent success playing the lead role in the sold-out production of The Girl on the Train in the West End and on tour. Sam’s past theatre roles include the Tony award-winning production of South Pacific in which she starred alongside Patrick Swayze, Guys and Dolls at London’s Piccadilly Theare (directed by Michael Grandage) and playing Emma in an award-winning production of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal (directed by Sir Peter Hall). Her varied work on television has seen Samantha moving from comedy to drama with the cult success of BBC’s Game On and Babes in the Wood to ITV’s gritty crime drama Liverpool 1, Imogen’sFace and Ronnie Mitchell in EastEnders. Films include playing the unhinged mother of Eggsy in the The Kingsman franchise sharing the screen with Colin Firth and Samuel L Jackson and playing Hazel in Jon Godbers Up ‘n Under.
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe begins its tour at Curve, Leicester on Tuesday 2 November 2021, travelling on to Aylesbury, Southampton, Sunderland, Salford, Cardiff, Aberdeen, Nottingham, Edinburgh, Canterbury, Plymouth, Glasgow, Birmingham, Dublin, Woking and finally completing the tour in Norwich on 9 April 2022.
The show broke box office records at Leeds Playhouse in 2017 and played to packed houses and critical acclaim at the Bridge Theatre in London in 2019.
Joining Samantha in the cast are: Ammar Duffus (Peter Pevensie), Shaka Kalokoh (Edmund Pevensie), Robyn Sinclair (Susan Pevensie) and Karise Yansen (Lucy Pevensie). Aslan is played by Chris Jared, Mr Tumnus by Jez Unwin, Mr Beaver by Sam Buttery and Maugrim by Michael Ahomka-Lindsay. They are joined by Oliver Bingham (Mr Brinkworth, March Hare and Aslan Puppeteer), Scott Brooks (Mr Pope, Fox Trot, Associate Music Captain), Rachel Dawson (Miss Chutney, Blue Badger and Spirit of the Moon), Oliver Grant (Mr Wilson, Schrodinger, Red Squirrel and Aslan Puppeteer), Matthew James Hinchliffe (Mr Marsden, Mauve Mole), Tash Holway (on stage Swing, Dance Captain), Shaun McCourt (Mr Granville, Jack Rabbit, Aslan Puppeteer), Sophie Naglik (on stage Swing) Kate Parr (Miss Gumley-Warmley and Phoenix), Anthony Starr (on stage Swing), Christina Tedders (Mrs Beaver), Brad Veitch (on stage Swing). Johnson Willis (Professor Kirk, Father Christmas, Wise Owl and White Mouse) aand Grace Wylde (Mrs Pevensie, Robin and Falcon)
Step through the wardrobe into the enchanted kingdom of Narnia. Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and embark on the most magical of adventures in a frozen, faraway land where they meet a faun, talking beavers, Aslan (the noble king of Narnia) and the coldest, most evil White Witch.
This critically acclaimed production is “A theatrical miracle” (The Times).
The tour will be directed by Michael Fentiman, based on the original production by Sally Cookson with original Set and Costume design by Rae Smith. Michael’s previous productions include the Olivier Award-nominated Amélie (Watermill Theatre/The Other Palace/UK Tour and currently running in the West End), The Windsors: Endgame (also running in the West End), The Importance of Being Earnest (Vaudeville Theatre), the 50th anniversary production of Joe Orton’s Loot (Park Theatre/Watermill Theatre), Titus Andronicus and Ahasverus (Royal Shakespeare Company), The Taming of the Shrew (Sherman Theatre/Tron Theatre) and, as director and writer, CinderELLA (Nuffield Southampton) and The Last Days of Anne Boleyn (Tower of London).
Joining Michael Fentiman on the creative team are Tour Set and Costume Designer Tom Paris, Dramaturg Adam Peck, Composer Benji Bower with additional composition by Music Supervisor Barnaby Race, Choreographer Shannelle ‘Tali’ Fergus, Lighting Designer Jack Knowles, Sound Designers Ian Dickinson and Gareth Tucker for Autograph, Puppetry Director Toby Olié, Puppetry Designer Max Humphries, Aerial Director Gwen Hales, Illusionist Chris Fisher, Music Director Toby Higgins, Movement Consultant Dan Canham, Casting Director Will Burton, Fight Director Jonathan Holby, Costume Supervisor Joanna Coe, Wigs and Make Up Supervisor Susanna Peretz, Props Supervisor Lizzie Frankl, and Associate Director James Callàs Ball.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is produced on tour by Elliott & Harper Productions and Catherine Schreiber and based on the original Leeds Playhouse production.
Producer Chris Harper said:
‘We are so proud of the cast and creative team that we have assembled for our forthcoming tour of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and are delighted to welcome incredibly talented Samantha Womack as the White Witch.’
Reviews for The Lion, The Witch and thee Wardrobe include:
★★★★★ Sunday Times “This vision of Narnia will restore your faith in theatre”
★★★★★ DAILY MAIL “Spectacular new life for Narnia”
★★★★ THE TELEGRAPH ‘An absolutely spellbinding return to Narnia’
The Grand Theatre and Opera House, Leeds – until Saturday 18 September 2021.
Reviewed by Aimee Liddington.
4****
Sugar, butter and flour. Those are the key ingredients for a good pie pastry, but what are the key ingredients for life? Sara Bareilles’ bittersweet musical based on the book written by Jessie Nelson and the motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly make us question just that. Jenna, played by Lucie Jones, is a kind hearted young woman trapped in a violent and abusive relationship. With a little help from her friends and her passion for making pies she dreams and eventually manages to conjure up a better life for herself.
The American diner is iconic for anyone who has grown up watching American movies and TV shows and Scott Pask (set designer), Suttirat Anne Larlarb (costume designer) and Richard Mawbey (wig and make up designer) deliver exactly what we expect. The big neon sign and the endless waitresses in their pinafores and aprons shift us to a world that is hundreds of miles away but yet seems so familiar. The staging and costumes are intricate and detailed but not cluttered and provide the perfect backdrop for the talented performers.
The first voice we hear is that of Lucie Jones who plays the character of Jenna. Jones has the perfect voice for this role as she cleverly portrays the kindness of the character through the softness of her voice whilst also being able to pack a punch in her solo songs. Most notable was her performance of the song ‘She Used to Be Mine’ – Jones’ stunning voice coupled with her ability to convey emotion is breathtaking. The music written by Sara Bareilles is the ultimate combination of cheesy musical and love song ballad and Jones seems to be able to deliver both genres with ease.
The actors all did a fantastic job with their characterisation but special mention should go to Tamlyn Henderson who does such a great job of portraying Earl (the low life, abusive husband) that even with a mere mention of his character’s name you can hear a collective sigh and eyeroll from the audience. A personal favourite character of mine is Ogie who is played by George Crawford. Crawford conveys the loveable and enthusiastic character with such gumption and his chemistry with Evelyn Hoskins and her character, Dawn, is a sight to behold.
Waitress is a production which will take you from laughter to tears in a matter of minutes. It’s a real emotional roller coaster and you can’t help but become invested in the characters’ fate. Sugar, butter and flour are the key ingredients for a good pie pastry and this ensemble certainly have the key ingredients for a remarkable performance.
Aria Entertainment and Music & Lyrics are delighted to announce that Joanne Clifton will play the role of Morticia Addams in the UK and Ireland tour of THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A Musical Comedy. The tour will open at Theatre Royal, Nottingham on 5 November 2021.
Joanne will be joining the previously announced, Cameron Blakely (Gomez Addams), Scott Paige (Uncle Fester), Kingsley Morton (Wednesday Addams), Grant McIntyre (Pugsley Addams), Valda Aviks (Grandma), Sean Kingsley (Mal Beineke), Kara Lane (Alice Beineke), Ahmed Hamad (Lucas Beineke), Dickon Gough and Ryan Bennett (sharing the role of Lurch), Abigail Brodie, Sophie Hutchinson, Matthew Ives and Sean Lopeman. Also new to the cast and joining the ensemble is Castell Parker. Further casting to be announced.
Joanne Clifton has starred as Janet in the UK tour of The Rocky Horror Show, Alex Owens in the UK tour of Flashdance, and Dale Tremont in Top Hat, where she received her second Offie nomination. Her first was for her acting debut as the Streetwalker in Irving Berlin’s Face the Music. Joanne is perhaps best known for her time on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. After winning the World Professional Showdance Championship and the European Professional Ballroom Championship, she joined the show as a professional dancer. During her time on the show, she performed in the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, was an expert presenter on the programme’s backstage show, It Takes Two, won the Christmas Special with McFly’s Harry Judd, and went on to win the glitterball trophy as the 2016 champion with her partner Ore Oduba.
Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows; she’s fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family! Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. All the usual clan are present – Uncle Fester, Lurch, Pugsley et al.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A Musical Comedy, will be directed by Matthew White, with choreography by Alistair David, production design by Diego Pitarch, orchestrations by Richard Beadle, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Richard Brooker and casting by Jane Deitch. Book is by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, based on the characters created by Charles Addams.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY 2021 UK Tour is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Music & Lyrics Limited, and is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.
Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham – until Saturday 18 September.
Reviewed by Nadia Dodd
5*****
I have always loved a good musical and this production was really something else – just what we all need in the world right now! Hilariously funny with a strong message running throughout the show.
Based in Sheffield Jamie is a 16-year-old gay lad who dreams of becoming a drag queen. When his careers teacher is asking the rest of the class what their ambitions are he is too worried and fearful to admit to this.
Jamie’s mom (played by Amy Ellen Richardson) and her best friend Ray (played by Shobna Gulati) are his number one fans, their strong and powerful relationship that you see later on in the show is actually quite touching. Jamie’s mom and Ray know of Jamies dreams so they support and encourage him in every way that they can. His best friend at school Pritti Pasha is also wonderfully supportive of Jamie, knowing that she herself is different in many eyes, being Asian, not wearing make up and wanting to be a Doctor.
His father (played by Cameron Johnson) is a completely different kettle of fish – he is embarrassed by his gay son and tells his ex-partner that he no longer wants anything to do with Jamie. He wants out of his life.
Jamie is set to be a drag queen, he also wants to attend the school prom in a dress and along the way comes across Hugo – also a drag queen years ago ‘Loco Chanelle’ who is played by the fabulous Shane Richie. Hugo also encourages Jamie to achieve his dream and also over come the bully at school Dean (played by George Sampson). Jamie stands up to the awful, hurtful remarks that Dean verbally throws at him, all Jamie wants to be is himself, its simple really.
Such a powerful message throughout the production is to be yourself, believe in your dream and you will achieve what ever you want to achieve.
So many upbeat feel-good songs in the show, the first one being ‘And you don’t even know it’ gets the audience toe tapping and clapping right from the top. The finale had the audience on their feet, clapping away and not wanting it to end – a joyous and explosive performance with a lot of sequins and glitter thrown in for good measure.
Theatre Royal Nottingham – until 19 September 2021
Reviewed by Charlotte McWilliam
4****
Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers is certainly not for the faint hearted. The tragic tale, set in Liverpool, is centred on fraternal twins Mickey and Eddiewho are separated at birth. Their Mother, Mrs Johnstone cannot afford to keep the pair so she agrees to Eddie away to the wealthy Mr and Mrs Lyons. In a true depiction of the difference of the British class system, this tear jerking story seeped with superstition really grips you from start to finish.
The show opens with a visual of the Liver building. The main set then flips between the Johnstone and Lyon’s family homes with Everton football club graffitied in the background thus reminding the audience of the Liverpool setting. Mrs Johnstone is played by the acclaimed; Lyn Paul in what is her grand finale of the role before retirement. A little older than when she first donned the part in the 90’s, Paul’s professionalism and great knowledge of the character shone through in her emotive performance. “Easy Terms” and “Tell Me it’s not true” were particularly powerful moments for Paul as her voice oozed emotion only a Mother can know.
The part of the Narrator is played by, Robbie Scotcher. A little lacking in scouse accent, his performance of “Don’t you know the devil’s got your number” certainly makes up for his more neutral speaking tone – his powerful belt and strong vocal technique resonated around the auditorium with ease, a real star role for him.
Further into the first half, we meet Mickey played by Josh Capper. From start to finish, Capper executed the role perfectly – vibrant energy, fun, great comic timing and above all a perfect scouse accent made Capper the best Mickey I have ever seen and dare say will ever see. He really energized the room and his monologues were the perfect blend of comedy and drama – Capper really stole the show for me.
Tim Churchill, with his multirole casting was a particular favourite of mine, and an invaluable cast member. He played Mr Lyons with comic genius and his stereotypical depiction of the recurring Milkman also had the audience in stitches. Having been in the show before you could tell he knew it well and was able to add little idiosyncrasies not seen before. I’d even go as far to say that he kept the show together in parts.
The energy in the second half picked up more so than the first, I guess in line with the story as it reaches its dramatic climax. By this point, Mickey and Eddie are both approaching adulthood and the innocence of their childhood friendship quickly fades as Mickey experiences the hardship working class men of 1970’s Liverpool faced. Mickey becomes bitter towards Eddie for leading a more comfortable life due to the wealth of Mr and Mrs Lyon’s and it is here that things start to fall apart. After an emotional delve into the highs, lows and inequalities of the British class system, the performance ends with a dramatic shoot out where both Brother’s end up dead and the whole cast join in a final chorus of “Tell Me it’s not True”. With a standing ovation, I certainly left the Theatre Royal with a tear or two down my cheeks and definitely won’t be putting “The Shoes upon the table” anytime soon.
Heathers the Musical is a rock musical based on the 1989 film by Daniel Waters and is set at Westerberg High. Veronica (Rebecca Wickes) longs to be accepted by the “in crowd”, the 3 Heathers, Heather Chandler (Maddison Firth), Heather Duke (Merryl Ansah) and Heather McNamara (Lizzy Parker).
Heather Chandler is the main leader of the Heathers and is quite manipulative and ruthless, Heather McNamara is the quietest of the 3 Heathers and is the head cheerleader at Westerberg High, Heather Duke is a follower of Chandler and wants to please her, stepping into her role as leader when Heather Chandler is killed. Veronica ditches her friend Martha (Mhairi Angus) to be with the in group of Heathers. Veronica then falls for Jason Dean nicknamed JD (Simon Gordon) who lost his mum at the age of 9 and is intent on killing people who he feels are bad. It has quite a dark story line but does have some slight humour in it.
Having seen many musicals over the years this was the first time I had been to see a musical without having first watched the film so this was a totally new experience for me. Heathers the Musical is 2 hours and 20 mins (including interval) and is rated for age 14 years, this in my opinion is the correct aging for this although at times my 14 year old daughter said she didn’t quite understand things.
My daughter particular liked the assembly part where they sang “Shine a light” and the audience interaction at this point was quite funny. The books that opened with lights during this song really added to it.
Jason Dean had good vocals but for me Rebecca Wickes stole the crown and was an absolutely amazing singer and portrays the role of Veronica superbly. Everyone was in sync with their dancing and all deserve to be praised for their faultless performance. Also lets not forget to give a shout out to the orchestra.
I would definitely recommend you get tickets to go and see this if you like musicals. A fabulous evening enjoyed by myself and my daughter. I have already got my niece and her cousin to purchase tickets when it tours at a venue near them.
Freedom Project is a Leeds Playhouse production, part of the theatre’s Theatre of Sanctuary programme, written by Luke Barnes and directed by Alexander Ferris. This looks at unaccompanied minors who leave their home countries and seek asylum in other countries. This resonates with both Mo and Hossein who have taken the same plights.
Staged centrally and intimately, the performances tells the story from their personal and global perspectives and their first-hand experiences. It is refreshing for those stories to be told about how they see and have seen things as unaccompanied minors leaving their home countries and looking for sanctuary elsewhere. Their story telling dispels the preconceptions and stereotypes that people may have about these countries along with its cultures and traditions.
The stories told are serious yet funny; honest yet genuine and spontaneous yet reflective which creates such a powerful content in an approximately 80-minute performance. Such stories should be told first hand by those who are and have been in this situation other than relying on limited one-sided sources which the men’s story testifies to this.
The audience is given an insight to the information, the reality and perspectives shared and they are invited to reconsider what life is really like as an unaccompanied minor fleeing from danger to seeking a new home in a new country. This performance gives hope not just for themselves but for everyone everywhere and “Follow your dreams” melodically echoes throughout the very latter stages of the production.
Excellent first-class qualitative productions are given by both Mohammadreza Bazarbashi and Hossein Ahmadi. The love and support they have received afterwards from an appreciative audience is evident that they have been emotively impacted and moved from the performances
Liverpool Empire Theatre, Liverpool – until Saturday 18th September 2021.
Reviewed by Carla Whittaker
4****
Rock of Ages
Photo Credit : The Other Richard
The global smash hit Rock of Ages is currently playing to sell-out crowds at Liverpool Empire Theatre until Saturday 18th September 2021. I was exceptionally lucky to be able to get a ticket with my friend to see Rock of Ages on opening night, and what better way to celebrate the reopening of musical theatre than by seeing this show! I had been wanting to see this production for some time, and as it was showing at the ever so popular Liverpool Empire Theatre, a theatre which is renowned for its traditional décor, intimate seating and as always exceptional staff and hospitality.
Rock of Ages tells the story of Sherrie (Rhiannon Chesterman) leaving Oklahoma for the flashy lights of LA to pursue a career in acting, she turns up at Sunset Strip, meets Drew, and is successful in getting a job in the Bourbon Room. Sherrie and Drew’s relationship is far from plain sailing with twists and turns along their journey, including losing their way and opportunity for true love, at the hands of the sleazy Stacee Jaxx played by Kevin Clifton of Strictly Come Dancing who has an eye for the ladies. Sheree leaves the Bourbon Room and starts working in a strip club, whilst the future of the Bourbon Room is threatened with destruction from bad guy German property developers Hertz and his son Franz the rockers will do everything to save it with a parody protest organised by hippy Regina to stop it being rebuilt into a classier development. Entwined within the musical are some of the best 80’s hits including ‘The Final Countdown’, ‘We Built this City’, ‘Here I Go again’, and ‘Hit Me with Your Best Shot’ and ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ in true juke box style, which was accompanied by fantastic strong vocals. The cast did a fantastic effort of getting the audience up on the feet dancing and clapping.
For me, a highlight of the show was the energy, passion and enthusiasm of Joe Gash who played the part of Lonny a team member and close friend of the owner of Bourbon Room; Dennis Dupree. He engaged the audience from the start with his outrageous flirting towards cast and audience alike, with innuendos, charm and charisma being full of showmanship and holding the audience’s attention attentively and maintaining momentum.
The backdrop for the production was simple yet effective of neon lights, and set the scene truly, of a sleazy rock den, with hilarious additions of llama costumes, and tiny motorbikes. Credit should be given to the costume and props department who, really made up believe that we had stepped back into the 80s rock era.
The dancing was well choreographed and well executed by the ensemble however I do feel that the dancing girls at times could be toned down, as on occasions particularly between Stacee and girls was a bit much, however this aside, I fully appreciate that, the production is that of comically steamy scenes, filled with humour of a sexual nature. Given, this, I would not recommend this show as suitable for families and instead would recommend to be watched by adults only.
The chemistry between Rhiannon Chesterman and Luke Walsh on the stage was sensational, and very real, developing from the first encounter with their likeability, warmth, and humour, not to mention the hair-raising vocals which adds to the atmosphere of this production, even though a number of the songs appeared very difficult to sing.
If you want to rewind the years back to 80s rock, then get yourself to see the light-hearted Rock of Ages playing at the Liverpool Empire Theatre until Saturday 18th September 2021 and will continue touring.
