Author: FairyPoweredProductions

Lyceum, Sheffield – until 5th November 2022

Reviewed by Alison Beaumont

4****

I’m sure most people already know what Mamma Mia the musical is about but for those of you who don’t Mama Mia is a smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA. It tells the story of a single mother (Donna) and her daughter (Sophie) who live on a Greek Island. Sophie has never known her dad but when she is due to get married to her boyfriend Sky she dreams of her dad walking her down the aisle. Sophie finds an old diary of her mums which leads her to the possibility of 3 father’s, Sam, Bill and Harry. Sophie decides to invite all 3 men to her wedding without the knowledge of her mum to try to find out which one is her real dad.

Having seen the musical and the movie many times before I was really excited to be seeing this once again. After all who doesn’t love a bit of Abba.

The orchestra perform some of the songs before the first and second acts and gave you a small insight into some of the songs. However, the music at this point was really loud and could have done with being toned down a little bit.

Sophie is played by Jena Pandya and from the moment she stepped out on stage and started to sing I knew she was going to play the part well. Her voice seemed pure and innocent and from start to finish she didn’t fail.

It took a bit for me to get used to Sara Poyzer who played Donna but as the show went on I found I was enjoying her more and more. She totally blew me away when she sang “The Winner Takes It All” and this had to be the be one of the best songs of the show.

Unfortunately for me personally I wasn’t feeling the chemistry from Toby Miles who played Sky towards Sophie and didn’t think he was strong enough vocally for the role compared to people who have played this role previously.

I loved the costumes when Donna and the Dynamos sang Super Trooper. Tanya and Rosie were played by Helen Ankler and Nicky Swift and certainly added a comedy element to the show. Although you have to give the award for the best comedy performance in this musical to James Willoughby Moore for his role as Pepper. He definitely made the audience laugh.

I really enjoyed “Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie!” I thought the choreography in this was amazing and all the cast and ensemble made this a pleasure to watch. I particularly liked Chloe Gentles from the ensemble.

It was without a doubt that this musical ended up with everyone on their feet joining in with the all time classics of ABBA.

Blackpool Winter Gardens – until Saturday 5 November 2022

Reviewed by Debra Skelton

5*****

Sensational is how I would describe the performance of Dreamgirls that is currently showing at The Winter Gardens in Blackpool. It transported the audience back to 1960’s Detroit telling the story of a small black record label and its stars through song and dance.

The show begins with three girls called the Dreamettes entering a talent show held in New York’s Apollo Theatre. Disappointed in their failure to win the contest, they attract the attention of a sly tongued talent agent named Curtis Taylor who persuades them to become a backup act to James Thunder Early, a rising pop singing star which ensures the Dreamettes to wide acclaim and success

At first Curtis falls in love with Effie, the full-figured lead singer who is the spark to the act but after trying to attempt to make them sultry by moving Deena into Effie’s lead spot he later also switches his love interest to her too. This prompts Effie to erupt into a rage prompted more by the hurt than the loss of her singing slot which causes the act to replace her with a new girl called Michelle. The Dreams (no longer the Dreamettes) continue to thrive and achieve international stardom and a string of chart-topping hits.

Life for the Dreams is not so smooth with Lorrell who has taken up with the married James Thunder Early being disappointed with the fact that he will not leave his wife and Deena who is now married to Curtis wanting to leave the act to pursue a career in the movies. As the Dreams seem to be falling apart, Effie has now become a solo act and is enjoying her return to fame.

Curtis tries to undermine Effie’s new revitalised career by ensuring that the Dreams record her current hit song in an attempt to push her down the music charts. Effie however manages to outmanoeuvre him triumphantly on both a professional and personal level.

After Deena decides that she needs to move on, it is announced that the Dreams will disband and on their farewell performance they are joined by Effie one last time before they all go their separate ways.

The music in the show was outstanding with a variety of styles from Motown, R&B, soul to the sensational ballads which brought rapturous applause from the audience throughout the whole of the show.

As to the cast, I would normally write a little something about the main cast but for this show, the whole cast was just stunning with their dancing, choreography and to me the most powerful and harmonious voices I have ever heard in a musical production, and you could tell from the vibe of the audience that I was not the only one who thought this.

The multipurpose set was used to its advantage for each scene. The use of angles and perspective was skilfully done in the blocking stage, as often the cast headed to the back of the stage, or a corner of the stage to act as if they were performing their routines and numbers whilst the audience focussed on what was happening at the front of the stage at the same time which was both brilliant and clever.

A final shout out goes to the costumes which are always a favourite of mine, and I was not disappointed with the variety from little dresses, slim fitting fish-tailed gowns, business suits to glittering sequined showstopper suits.

Belgrade Theatre Coventry – until October 29th 2022 

Reviewed by Sarah Harris ( and Isla age 13) 

5*****

An outstanding stage adaptation by Birmingham Stage Company of one of David Walliams much loved children’s novels which is a must see for both young and old. 

The story  follows Alfie ( Sam Varley) a 12 year old boy and his friend Gabz (Georgia Grant-Anderson) as they try to find out who is leaving horrible things under children’s pillows when they leave a tooth out for the tooth fairy. 

We also see the relationship between Alfie and his disabled Dad (James Mitchell) as they accept they need help from a new social worker Winnie (Misha Malcolm). 

And no David Walliams story is complete without an appearance from Raj the shop keeper who is expertly brought to the stage by Zain Abrahams. 

Alfie and Gabz discover that the new dentist Miss Root (Emily Harrigan) is not as nice as she seems which takes them on an adventure to find out the truth and stop her. 

The show was entertaining and full of humour that was enjoyable for both young and old. It brought a much loved book alive. The Demon Dentist made some children scream out loud in the theatre but in a fun way. 

The actors playing children were so good they made you forget they were adults and Alfie’s singing voice was brilliant. 

Choreography (Paul Chantry and Rae Piper) was fun especially the improvisation scene which made us laugh out loud. 

The set was fantastic (designed by Jackie Trousdale) and changes were smooth. Although not a musical the songs sung were very good. 

The entire cast were absolutely amazing and this show is perfect for families and friends of all ages although younger children may be a little scared. 

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh – until 29 October 2022

Reviewed by Sara McGuire

5*****

I’m not a huge fan of musicals but this outstanding production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific by Chichester Festival Theatre Production won me over instantly. Bursting with life and pops of colour every single person gave their all belting out well known classics like Some Enchanted Evening and There is Nothin’ like a Dame throughout the show! 

The plot at first seems to be just a simple love story played out on an exotic island set during WWW2 but Oscar Hammerstein previously acclaimed for his sensitive and courageous treatment of racial prejudice uses South Pacific to highlight his views. You’ve got to be Taught beautifully sung by Emile de Becque (Julian Overden) and Lt Joseph Cable (Rob Houchen) in the second act makes this very clear. 

The charming revolving sets transport you straight to exotic island life. They ooze energy, vibrancy and colour (Peter McKintosh) and Howard Harrison in charge of lighting creates some almost perfect moments where at one point the stage is awash with candlelight and soft red hues. 

This production is full of sparkling powerful performances and especially from leading lady nurse Nellie Forbush (Gina Beck) and leading handsome man Emile de Becque (Julia Ovenden). After falling in love and singing I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy the charismatic nurse runs off after finding out he has mixed-race children. The moral of the story is love wins out after all as thankfully she has a change of heart just in time. 

My favourite moments were when Liat, Bloody Mary’s young, beautiful and innocent Tonkinese daughter (Sera Maehara) opens and closes the show. Her stunning dance and movement captivated me from curtain up and had me hooked. Ann Yee’s choreography and movement direction provided dynamic and memorising routines keeping the audience entertained all night. 

Another highlight for me was when the stage filled with ladies alongside Nurse Nellie Forbush (Gina Beck) in fun colourful swim wear belting out I’m Gonna wash that Man Right outa my Hair in true chorus fashion.

I can’t end without a big shout out to the brilliant orchestra directed by Jon Laird, who brought so much energy to every show stopping moment!

By Janet Brodie Murphy

I visited the Shaftsbury Theatre yesterday to view the new and ongoing renovations of this delightful Edwardian Building.

We were met my James Williams the Executive Director who toured the Theatre with us showing us all the new renovations and modifications. We also met Don Taffner the owner of the Theatre which was a delight.

As a person with mobility issues I was delighted to see how the new work has wholly incorporated the needs of the disabled and this Theatre now offers full access to wheelchair bound personnel. The facilities, including new toilets are now first class and meet all the needs of the disabled.

I came away thinking it was a gem of an Edwardian building encased now in a sturdy metal frame which has given new life to this majestic Theatre.

Big thanks everyone who made my visit so enjoyable.

Leicester Square Theatre – touring until 4 December 2022

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

With egos even bigger than their hair, Clinton Baptiste and Ramone Tamine take their paranormal show around the country to share their gifts with the unsuspecting public in their hilarious, unashamedly old-school comedy show.

Clinton Baptiste – “the notorious clairvoyant medium psychic” – is a character that will have you giggling before he opens his mouth – and when he does…

Alex Lowe’s creation is an amalgam of flamboyant psychics and club performers that is both monstrous and pitiful – a goldmine for laugh out loud moments, with a beautifully judged vocal tick. Baptiste’s nemesis, Ramone (Lewis Macleod) is the perfect foil – brasher and earthier, but just as desperate for recognition. The presence of the tour sponsors, the McBains, in the audience sees the two competing for the chance to dazzle with their charisma to become the face of McBains Boilers. Their readings and channelling for the audience soon turn into bickering and bitching as they try to upstage each other.

The pairs’ faux spiritualism, peppered with mantras like namaste…shalamah…shakattack, is guaranteed to get laughs, and their interactions with the audience are cutting but never cruel as they pass the spirits’ messages on. The nonsense is non-stop, with changes of pace and a sub-plot about their support act that develops nicely into the chaotic ending.

Clinton Baptiste Vs Ramone hits all the right notes for a night full of laughs, the show is charmingly OTT, cheesy with a wonderfully anarchic streak that will make you cringe. As one woman said in the loos after the show: “I don’t know what the hell I have just seen, but it was bloody funny”. Tour details available at https://www.clintonbaptiste.com/live

Little Angel Theatre – until 20 November 2022

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Little Angel and Monstro’s The King of Nothing is a cheeky and charming re-imagining of Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Emperor’s New Clothes” by Ben Glasstone and directed by Steve Tiplady. Aimed at 5 to 11 year olds, there are enough dad jokes to satisfy the adults and plenty of physical comedy and silliness to keep the younger audience members smiling.

The King of Falala isn’t interested in the rising price of electricity or the gurgling drains that bother his subjects. All he cares about is fashion and being smart and “in”. When one of his most trusted advisors is Keeper of the Royal Undergarments, you know the kingdom is in trouble. For his birthday parade, King Reginald wants to dazzle in something spectacular, at least three steps ahead of current trends, but what to wear? Enter two swindlers (Karina Garnett and Gilbert Taylor), weaving both the story and the mystical cloth for King Reginald’s birthday suit.

Alison Alexander’s colourful and creative set and puppet design gives a travelling circus feel to the show, with a variety of puppet characters that the children loved. The test for whether a young audience is lost in a story is when characters switch between puppet and performer representation without the audience losing their belief, and the switches are seamless in this show. The fantastic Garnett and Taylor pitch their performances perfectly and there are lovely moments where the audience become part of the story. With a lovely mix of music and storytelling, The King of Nothing breathes new life into this classic tale. Fantastic family fun.

Garrick Theatre – until 6 November 2022

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

The magical force of nature, Rob Madge, brings their award-winning show to the West End for a short, but dazzling run. Rob’s parents’ home videos of Rob’s Disney shows became a sensation during lockdown, and Rob’s autobiographical show is a bittersweet but uplifting celebration of queerness and family.

Rob – a self-proclaimed flamboyant monster as a child – was blessed with a family that loved and supported them. As Rob describes their early childhood, there are lots of self-deprecating and self-aware comments amongst the celebrations. Dad Jon’s attempt at sticking to the binary was buying Rob a Beast costume, but the dream was the yellow Belle dress, and Rob’s parents accepted and loved their child for who they were. The clips of Rob’s Disney parades in homemade costumes are hilarious as the demanding diva rolls their eyes at dad’s tech and demands professional attitudes to their productions. Pippa Cleary’s songs about pivotal moments are gorgeously Disneyesque and heartfelt with just the right amount of tongue in cheek touches in Rob’s delivery to keep things light. Luke Sheppard’s considered direction and Ryan Dawson Laight’s set design – a nostalgic and comforting living room that transforms into the perfect arena for the grand parade – are inspired, making the audience in the Garrick feel right at home with this wonderful family.

As a teacher, Rob’s description of their schooldays and the comments in their reports horrified me (the children have to force ME out of the imaginative play area), but their family’s response as they see Rob’s spirit crushed as they feel they don’t fit in will make you cheer at the love and encouragement on display. Honestly, whenever the grandparents show up you will be howling with laughter or ugly crying, nothing in between.

The joy of losing yourself in characters, of becoming yourself lost in a character, and of being loved unconditionally comes across in every breath Rob takes in their show. I have seen the show a few times now, and have cried every time. Rob’s parents become everyone’s heroes and the joy in the auditorium is palpable. This is a show with something for everybody – queers, theatre and Disney fans, parents and grandparents. My Son’s a Queer is a lesson in tolerance and love that should be on the school curriculum. Simply wonderful.

Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham – until 29th October 2022

Reviewed by Jacqui Radford

5*****

Girl from the North Country, a double Olivier Award winning musical celebrating the music of Bob Dylan is a real treat for anybody. You don’t need to be a Dylan fan to enjoy it but if you are then you will fully appreciate how skilfully his music is woven through a plot that evokes a full range of emotions.

Set in a guesthouse in Minnesota during the depression of the 1930s, Nick and Elizabeth who own the guesthouse act as an anchor for all the troubled souls thrown together by circumstance. They also have troubles of their own.

The opening of the performance is a quiet introduction to a sombre era and its effect on all walks of life and yet as the story unfolds, interspersed with music and humour, the audience is drawn in to experience the complexities of love and relationships in all forms.

Elizabeth (played by Frances McNamee) has an energy that is brought to the role exceptionally well. Her Dementia manifests itself in uninhibited comment that pricks the conscience. Her presence and influence are reinforced by clever use of set and lighting design (Rae Smith and Mark Henderson respectively).

In many ways, despite the time that has passed since the 1930s, there are a number of themes running throughout that are likely to resonate with anybody watching the show. However, the overriding feeling by the end of the show is one of hope and faith in humanity. If you can catch this show, you won’t regret it!

Chichester Festival Theatre- until 12 November 2022

Reviewed by Lorna Hancock

4****

Based on Enid Blyton’s multi-million selling Famous Five novels, this brand new musical written by Elinor Cook, with music and lyrics by Theo Jamieson, is an exciting and heart-warming family treat celebrating adventure, bravery and friendship. George (Maria Goodman) is less than thrilled at the thought of having her three cousins to stay in Kirrin with her over the Summer, and the siblings Julian (Dewi Wykes), Dick (Louis Suc) and Anne (Isabelle Methven) aren’t particularly excited about their plans either. After a few awkward occurrences the four children eventually warm to each other and their new friendship proves vital in saving the day.

The plot is a slightly modern take on the stories from the original books first published in 1942, and brings in topical issues such as climate change and renewable energy, but still stays true to the original tales of excitement and adventure.

Growing up with the delight of reading the books I was fascinated to see how they could be adapted into a musical. I brought my 9 year old daughter along to assist me with this review, as I thought It would be interesting to have an opinion from a member of the target audience. She absolutely loved it, from start to finish. She was captivated instantly by the set design and the moving map as soon as we walked into the theatre. Her favourite character was hard to choose, but she loved Isabelle Methven as Anne, she really identified with her emotions and was desperate to join her in her adventure. She said she would love to watch it all again and would definitely recommend seeing it to all of her friends! From a child’s point of view I would say that they certainly succeeded in capturing the elation we all engaged with as children in the books.

The set (I briefly mentioned earlier) was brilliantly designed by Lucy Osbourne. Very simple yet versatile, cleverly transitioned us to the different settings in the story.

The energetic cast were talented in capturing the essence of their characters. The relationship between the siblings was very believable and touching to watch and then with their cousin too. Lara Denning was magnificent as Aunt Fanny, her body language and facial expressions really animated the story. Bobby, played by Sam Harrison was superb and added humour every time he appeared on stage. The puppeteers were exceptional, Ailsa Dalling had everyone believing Timmy could be a real dog.

Overall a thoroughly enjoyable performance. A simple but touching story with gratifying morals, interspersed with uplifting songs. It will leave the whole family yearning for adventure.