Author: FairyPoweredProductions

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR

CHICAGO

AT LONDON’S PHOENIX THEATRE

Tickets are now on sale for the West End run of the multi award-winning CHICAGO, the world’s longest running American musical.

Following a successful UK and international tour, CHICAGO will be transferring into London, with performances at the Phoenix Theatre from Monday 26 March 2018.

CHICAGO originally ran in London for 15 years, making it the West End’s longest running revival.  It first opened at the Adelphi Theatre on 18 November 1997 to rave reviews and immediately became a sell-out hit.  CHICAGO won the 1998 Laurence Olivier Award for ‘Outstanding Musical Production’ as well as the 1998 Critics Circle Drama Award for ‘Best Musical’.  CHICAGO transferred from the Adelphi Theatre to the Cambridge Theatre in April 2006, where it ran for five years until 27 August 2011.  The show then opened at the Garrick Theatre on 7 November 2011, where it ran until 1 September 2012.

CHICAGO, which is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, has a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.  The 1996 Broadway revival of CHICAGO was choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse, directed by Walter Bobbie, and produced by Barry and Fran Weissler.

Website: ChicagoWestEnd.com 

Twitter: @ChicagoOnStage

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Phoenix Theatre

110 Charing Cross Road

London WC2H 0JP

Box Office: 0844 871 7629 / www.atgtickets.com/shows/chicago/phoenix-theatre

Ticket Prices: From £20.00

Performances: Monday-Saturday 8pm, Wednesday & Saturday 3pm

Booking Period:  Currently Booking Until 23 June 2018

Running Time:  2 hours, 25 minutes (with interval)

Website: ChicagoWestEnd.com

Twitter: @ChicagoOnStage

UNITED THEATRICAL and MUSICWORLD (UK)

Announce a special 100 year anniversary UK tour of

ROBERT J. SHERMAN’s
‘A SPOONFUL OF SHERMAN’
The new musical stage show featuring the songs of
the Oscar-winning brothers:
Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Performed by a highly talented cast led by
Olivier-nominated Sophie-Louise Dann
2018: February 14^th-March 30^th with more to follow at theatres across the UK
Tickets: £18-£23, see individual venues below
Featuring: A Spoonful of Sugar; I Wanna Be Like You;
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers;
Jolly Holiday; Chim-Chim-Cher-Ee and many more all time favourites

The double Oscar-winning Sherman Brothers – Richard M Sherman & Robert B Sherman – wrote more motion picture musical songs and scores than any other songwriting team in film history and became one of the most formidable songwriting teams in family entertainment.  From 1964 onwards their unparalleled partnership produced unforgettable music for dozens of films, particularly many of Disney’s best loved titles includingMary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Jungle Book, Bedknobs & Broomsticks, Charlotte’s Web, and The Aristocats. The highly prolific brothers were the sons of the great Al Sherman (1897-1973) whose own musical talents produced songs for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and many singers of the golden American Songbook period of the 1930s-1950s.

Robert J Sherman, son of Robert B. Sherman and a successful composer in his own right brings the utterlycompelling story of one family’s century-long, award-winning musical journey to UK audiences in 2018. Three generations of Sherman songwriters are brought to life in this delightful show which includes songs from Robert J. Sherman’s own charming musical, Love Birds, which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2015.

February/March: A SPOONFUL OF SHERMAN tour dates 2018 with more to follow:
Feb 14^th-17^th                       Tonbridge, EM Forster Theatre                      www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk
Feb 21^st-23^rd                       Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre                      www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk
February 26^th-28^th             St Helens Theatre Royal                                  www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com
March 5^th-7^th                      Aberdeen Tivoli Theatre                                  www.thetivolitheatre.com
March 8^th-10^th                    Inverness Eden Court                                      www.eden-court.co.uk
March 12^th-14^th                  Darlington Hippodrome                                  www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
March 16^th-17^th                  East Grinstead, Chequer Mead                      www.chequermead.org.uk
March 20^th-21^st                  Guildford, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre                www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
March 22^nd-24^th                 Windsor Theatre Royal                                    www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
March 26^th-30^th                  London Greenwich Theatre                            www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Cast:  Sophie-Louise Dann, Glen Facey, Jenna Innes, Mark Read, Ben Stock
Director/choreographer: Stewart Nicholls

SOPHIE-LOUISE DANN: Sophie’s West End credits include: Celia in The Girls (2017 Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical); Bend it Like Beckham and Made In Dagenham (both West End); Lend Me a Tenor (2012 Olivier Award nomination for Best Supporting Role in a Musical), 42^nd Street, and Jolson.  Sophie recently played Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray, an acclaimed run in Forbidden Broadway and Dot in Sunday In The Park With George (Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris). Sophie is a regular guest on BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night Is Music Night.

GLEN FACEY: Glen graduated from The Arts Educational School in 2015.  Theatre credits include The Wizard of Oz (Sheffield Crucible); Mary Poppins (Zurich & Dubai); Moby Dick! The Musical (New Union Theatre); Hairspray! (UK tour) The Olivier Awards (Royal Opera House) and Friday Night Is Music Night for BBC Radio 2.  Credits whilst training include: Billy Smith in Defect, Rexford/Danny in Wonderful Town, Junior in Crazy For You and more.

JENNA INNES: Jenna has just graduated from The MTA London. Whilst training, she was nominated for Best Actress in a New Musical in Broadway World’s West End Awards 2016 for her portrayal of Charlotte Donne in Animus. She has also appeared in the title role in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Waterside, Aylesbury), Young Molly in the London premiere of Some Lovers and An Evening of Webborn and Finn (both at The Other Palace) and MAD Trust West End Christmas (The Actors Church).

MARK READ: Musician/songwriter Mark was a member of the smash hit boyband A1, who enjoyed two UK No. 1s, a further 8 Top Ten hits, 3 hit studio albums and the 2001 Brit Award for Best Newcomer. Mark was recently seen on ITV’s The Big Reunion and as part of the show’s major concert tour. Mark has collaborated with Charlotte Church, Jarvis Cocker, Ronan Keating, and Michael Ball and his musical theatre credits include Guys and Dolls (Epsom Playhouse), and Seasons of Love (West End) with Claire Richards (Steps) and Chesney Hawkes.

BEN STOCK: Musical Director and performer.  Ben’s many West End credits include Grease, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Dame Edna: The Spectacle and many more.  Ben’s MD credits include Caroline Sheen’s album Raise The Curtain (SimG Records), Stephen De Martin’s One Voice (SimG Records), Gay’s The Word (Finborough, Jermyn Street and TER Records), Over My Shoulder (West End, Sonning, Tour and TER Records), Salad Days (Tour), Hiss And Boo (Tour), Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah! and many more.

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 7 January 2017.  Reviewed by Joe Gordon

4****

If you are looking for a good , festive and fun filled panto this season then Snow White is your girl!

It is Snow Whites (Charlotte Haines) birthday and anyone who’s anyone will be attending her party, including the handsome Prince Harry of Hampshire (Oliver Savile). Evil stepmother Queen Lucretia (Craig Revel Horwood) has romantic ideas about the young Prince and is beside herself with rage when her magic mirror announces it is in fact Snow White who is the fairest in the land! The Queen hatches a dark plan to murder Snow White and orders her Henchmen (The Chuckle Brothers) to carry it out but will the kindest Henchmen in history be able to do it?

As Snow White hides in the woods with her new found friends the Magnificent Seven (Joe Douglass, Scott Hayward, Michael Joseph, Mark Laverty, Finlay McFarlane, Jacob Morris, Paul Toulson) Lucretia tricks her into eating a poisoned apple ….. can the handsome prince Harry and the beautiful Snow White live happily after?

Snow White has everything we love about pantomimes in a big bold way. Charlotte Haines plays a perfect rosy cheeked Snow White alongside the handsome hero Oliver. The Chuckle Brothers deliver hilarity in a way only they can, delighting young and old alike and Craig Revel Horwood’s evil stepmother deserves a ten held up on a glittery paddle. Throw in seven funny short guys and a dancing troupe of Queens Men (Flawless) and you’re in for a cracker of a night!

Grand Opera House York – until Sunday 7th January.  Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

This year is certainly big on Beauty and the Beast, with the live action film hitting the cinema screens earlier this year. Three Bears Productions turns the story in a pantomime and brings their version to York’s Grand Opera House this Christmas.

Not only is it bang on trend with subject matter, but they have the lady of the moment Debbie McGee, as Adorabella Angelpie, the good fairy, returning to York after her panto stint in last year’s Aladdin. Strictly Come Dancing has raised her profile and is fantastic publicity for her and this show, she certainly got the biggest cheer with Strictly references aplenty. It was great to see her managing to showcase her dancing and flexibility skills throughout the show. Her voice was struggling a bit but that just endeared the audience to her even more, she has certainly had a hectic schedule of late with rehearsals for this as well as Strictly. Well done and I hope to see her back in York next year for Cinderella.

Adorabella’s goodness is a trying to be thwarted by her evil cousin Wizardora Crabapple, played by Lynne McGranger, better known from the Aussie soap Home and Away. McGranger thoroughly relishes her role and really seems to be having a blast playing the baddie, especially with the digs at the cricket (England had just lost the Ashes to Australia). The whole audience just loved booing and hissing when she was on the stage and she just lapped it up.

Anthony Costa, formerly of the band Blue, plays the Prince/Beast. He does not have a great deal to do but does manage to showcase his voice with Rag’n’Bone Man’s Human, a huge task with the original being so powerful, but he does pull it off, and his own hit All Rise. Unfortunately, there appeared to be a few problems with his echolike booming voice when he turned into the Beast, hopefully this was just a glitch and will improve as the run goes on.

Belle is played by Charlotte Maclachlan and I did find her proficient but a bit underwhelming. Perhaps her role gets a bit lost when turned into a panto?

Talking about the dame, Steve Wickenden returns to York and puts in another fantastic performance as Misrabelle, Belle’s ugly sister. He has great stage presence and rapport with the audience with gags aplenty, some very saucy and close to the bone, which he just about gets away with. I really lost count of how many costume changes he had, one colourful creation after another. His performance was the highlight for me, and just like Debbie, I hope to see him back next year.

Holding it all together was Stuart Wade, the jester Seymour Bottom, whose name was played upon every time he came onto the stage, much to the delight of all the children in the audience. He also co-produced and directed the show. He is a natural and a born entertainer. It was a delight to see his interactions at the end of the show with the two young audience members as part of the sing song, even though he was upstaged by the adorable Freya.

The choreography by Emily Taylor, who also dances in the show, is performed well by the small group, giving polished performances, to the back drop of the colourful set and costumes.

It was great to see a packed theatre and hear all the traditional interactions of a pantomime. It was wonderful to see the joy on the children’s faces, it looked like they really loved the show, but it had something for everyone. Look out for the surprise just before the interval, something you do not expect to see in Beauty and the Beast!!

Metro Radio Arena – until 31 December 2017

5*****

The posters proclaim that Joe is Joseph and what a magnificent Joseph he is.

After almost 400 performances this tour bows out at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena meaning that Joe McElderry can spend Christmas at home for the first time in 5 years and he has a 15 minute home to work commute.

McElderry leads the cast in the title role of Joseph and plays him perfectly. He has such likeability and outstanding vocals that come effortlessly in particular when singing Close Every Door, which shows a massive range of emotion and totally deserved the mid-show standing ovation, that it’s easy to get swept into the story and not want it to end. Trina Hill plays the Narrator and has that warm and familiar personal touch that lets you know it’s all going to turn out ok in the end as well as belting out some impressive vocals that elevate most of the songs that make this production very special. We get an equally as strong performance from previous Joseph alumni, Ben James-Ellis as the Elvis inspired Pharaoh and his breakout number where he explains his troubling dreams to Joseph was a total highlight.

But this is an ensemble piece and all the performers are excellent, Henry Metcalfe (Jacob) and the brothers – Joseph Peacock, Ben Beechey, Richard J Hunt, Craig Nash, Michael Colbourne, Michael Lapham, Matt Jolly, Will Breckin, Tatenda Madamombe and Adam Strong perform a variety of musical styles from calypso, to a tango, a hoe-down and in the case of Those Canaan Days a song that wouldn’t sound out of place being sung in a French wine bar by the Little Sparrow herself.  All aided by Sallie-Beth Lawless, Anna Campkin and Gemma Pipe with Kevin Grogan swinging in when needed.  With a choir of children harmonising beautifully.

The performers, the story, a beautiful set and dazzling costumes, it’s safe to say that this production packs a punch and has you dancing in the aisles.   And a special mention must go out to the production staff and riggers who managed to build a magnificent movable set complete with flies in less than 48 hours

Joseph is 50 next year and it’s easy to see why it’s endured the test of time.  Produced and Directed by the incredibly lovely Bill Kenwright, Tim Rice’s lyrics and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music are so familiar it’s impossible not to sing along.  From the overture to the Joseph Mega-mix ending, Joseph is the musical equivalent of putting on pyjamas and slippers, warm and comforting.  I urge anyone who is feeling a little drab with the dark night’s and cold weather coming to see this uplifting production as you can’t help leaving the theatre with a huge smile on your face and enjoying a great musical classic

Darlington Hippodrome – until 14 January 2018

4****

The “Fairest Panto in all the Land” has arrived at the newly and beautifully refurbished Hippodrome in Darlington.  And there are many, many references to the name and decor change in this show.

Local lass, Zoe Birkett stole the show as Queen Sadista, the wicked Aunt of Snow White.  She belted out a fabulous panto-adapted version of Queen of the Night whilst flying into the audience astride a magnificent flying dragon that ended up the first act.

Australia’s Got Talent star, Natasha Hoeberigs plays Snow White .  I hope she’s prepared for winter in the North East of England after Christmas in Australia.  Her singing voice is beautiful and controlled, and it is a shame she doesn’t get more singing to do in this production.  Comic relief comes in the form of Teesside comedian Patrick Monahan, who along with Muddles, Liam Mellor, has some of the funniest lines in the show and between them manages to rip Prince Lee (Lee Ryan) to shreds.  Lots of jokes about renaming Blue to Beige now they’ve got older and how it was a pity Duncan James and Anthony Costa weren’t available.  Glamour comes in the form of Dame Nora Crumble (Eric Potts – who also Directed the show) with some stunning and surreal costumes.  The “Magnicent Seven” were normal sized actors shuffling on their knees which can’t be comfortable and may explain why their appearances were few and far between.

With a fine ensemble of dancers and the Joanne Banks Dancers for the cute kids this is full of all the the traditional panto staples but also with some fabulous effects.  I especially liked the Magic Mirror where previous panto stars appeared to point out how lovely the new Hippodrome was and how Queen Sadista wasn’t – great cameo’s from The Krankies, The Chuckle Brothers and Brendan Sheerin

As one would expect from Qdos, the production values are very high, so it is glamorous and glitzy, but this has not got in the way of the genuine panto feel, a little fairy dust is sprinkled and everything is transformed into a happy, sparkly world guaranteed to leave you with a huge grin on your face.

Richmond Theatre – until 14 January.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

3***

Qdos brings Aladdin to Richmond with some flashy pyrotechnics and lighting, but this production is no magic carpet ride. The production sticks to the traditional plot, and writers Jonathan Kiley and Alan McHugh have included all the elements carved in the 10 Commandments of Panto, but there’s a little magic missing from this Aladdin that needs a powerful genie to remedy.

Christopher Biggins as Widow Twankey is unbelievably restrained, showcasing increasingly ridiculous costumes, but with none of his usual energy. I’m not sure if he’s under the weather or not, but this felt like Lukewarm was performing in Slade prison panto, rather than the Biggins dame we are used to. Count Arthur Strong is used much better than in last year’s Cinderella – with running jokes about Ming’s entrance music changing the children’s initial bemusement at his schtick into shared laughter with the adults. Issy van Randwyck as Scheherazade and Bob Harms as Abanazar bring some musical clout to the proceedings, with their voices adding dramatic power to Better the Devil You Know, and Harms relishing every over the top evil deed. Rikki Jay’s Wishy Washy is a fantastic 1980’s throwback while Denquar Chupak and AJ Jenks are a sweet, but woefully underused Princess Jasmine and Aladdin.

The traditional cast panto song is a triumph, with Count Arthur Strong, for the second year in a row, being battered with various objects whilst struggling in and out of a tutu – worth the ticket price for that scene alone. Biggins’ dame song with children from the audience comes perilously close to boredom – he looks fed up himself at times – but is saved by the children themselves doing whatever unpredictable 6-year olds do. Rikki Jay’s version of the supermarket trolley monologue is a joy, and the appearance of the genie brought gasps from the youngest members of the audience.

Paul Robinson’s choreography to well-chosen pop songs raises the energy levels, and the talented ensemble of only six dancers and eight children fill the stage with the urgency and vigour that the rest of the production lacks.

This is an enjoyable show, with some fine performances and some very funny routines, but, as a complete production, this lamp needs a lot more polish before your panto wishes come true.

Blue Elephant Theatre – 13 December.  Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

The Dot Collective takes theatre and workshops to groups that would otherwise not access the arts, travelling to care communities in the South East. Through workshops in dementia cafés, sharing and exploring the ideas and memories of participants, writer Alexander Moschos created Desert Dust at the Star of Bethlehem as part of the Once Upon A Christmas Song project. The workshops took place in October, when London experienced those spectacular and eerily coloured skies as Saharan dust clouds blew in, and this becomes a major plot point in the show.

Using puppets, actor-musicians and traditional Christmas songs, Desert Dust is a charming version of the Nativity set in a London pub. Andy and Tina – exquisitely crafted puppets brought to life expertly by Chris Levens and Ariel Harrison – live with their Auntie Anne, but Tina dreams of leaving home. Seeing the Saharan dust in the sky as a sign that it’s time for her to join her Tuareg brothers in the desert, she plans her departure, but can’t quite cajole her Auntie or her Nan into giving her enough money. Meanwhile, lonely Andy tries to befriend the mysterious Mr Shepherd who lodges in the pub. As the residents of the pub go about their business on the night before Christmas, two strangers sneak into the building looking for shelter. The other characters are all played by Sonya Cullingford and Toby Lee, with quiet but finely judged performances that allow the child characters to shine.

There are cheesy jokes, slightly risqué jokes, but mostly an air of joy and general loveliness about the whole production. The children’s roles are sensitively written, and it doesn’t take long to start relating to the puppets as real people, thanks to the natural performances of the actors. When Andy tentatively puts his hand on Mr Shepherd’s knee or shoulder, or clutches his Mr Rabbit for comfort, it gets even more emotional than if this were a real child.

The innocent way that the children accept the plight of Mariya and Yusef, and help them unquestioningly, eloquently highlights the immorality of some attitudes towards refugees and migrants, and raises questions about how Mary and Joseph would have been treated in the modern world. The story is carried along by gorgeous renditions of Christmas carols that Andy has learned from his old music teacher. These are performed beautifully by the cast, and arranged by Toby Lee. The harmonies will give you goose bumps, and there’s even a singalong at the end.

Watching the production in a small theatre was spellbinding, with people around me describing the show as heart-warming, delightful, and charming. The Dot Collective take this production into care homes and communities, and I can only imagine the magic and joy they create there.

York Theatre Royal – until 3 February 2018.  Reviewed by Marcus Richardson

3.5*** 

Ever year the people of York prepare for Christmas in traditional York fashion, and like tradition the pantomime at York Theatre Royal always breaks pantomime traditions (Try that for a tongue twister). This year we were given ‘Jack And The Beanstalk’ which doesn’t follow that plot that most of us know. But then I find it hard to say there is a plot. Like last years pantomime I arrived in the nick of time with great expectations; last year they were met, this year not so much, it’s become a very in crowd and the inside jokes leave a lot of people clueless.

Berwick Kaler once again is the Dame of the panto for 39th time. The longest running dame, also takes on the task of writing and co-directing the show. Martin Barrass who is part of the iconic mother and son duo with Kaler returned after a motorbike accident. The Couple both coming back from broken limbs and heart surgery made a fair few jokes about it on stage. If you knew the whole story it’s hilarious but if your new to it you can feel left out. Suzy Cooper returning as the blond bombshell who’s only 18 for a lot more than 18 years. I love returning to see the same faces, giving the pantomime a family feel. The more shows you see the more you will enjoy. You can be part of the inside joke circle. Knowing all the jokes. Parts of it felt flat this year, and even though it was only the second show, under-rehearsed. David Leonard who infamously plays the Villain took on the role of Dr. Macabre gave the role his usual flair that people love to hate. It is a marmite show you either love it.

For me I love it, returning from Manchester for, however a am a tad let down, I still enjoyed it, but it didn’t measure up to the previous pantomimes I saw at York Theatre Royal. Both the show and cast still managed to make me laugh with its wacky jokes and bizarre plot.