Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance made a triumphant return to Hull New Theatre, with its stunning celebration of Irish dance and culture. Lord of the Dance is Michel Flatley’s “brainchild” and incorporates his more fluid style of Irish dance, it is a classic tale of good versus evil in which the Lord of the Dance (Matt Smith) must fight against the Dark Lord (Zoltan Papp), and of course the Lord of the Dance triumphs. The music is composed by Geard Fahy, combining traditional Irish music with other sounds and styles, providing the perfect soundscape for the performance.
Matt Smith is a superb dancer and an absolute delight to watch, he is the perfect Lord of the Dance. At times his feet were moving so fast that they seemed to blur, the rhythms and syncopation created were mesmerising. His dance duels with Zoltan Papp (the Dark Lord) were outstanding.
This is a young and extremely talented cast and the ensemble pieces were amazing, with the dancers moving in perfect harmony, the sound of the shoes on the stage filling the theatre. The finale ensemble pieces were one of my favourite parts of the performance.
The story is also told in song by Erin the Goddess (Celyn Cartwright), adding beautifully to the atmosphere of the piece. Celyn has a beautiful voice with wonderful tones. Two fiddle players, Giada Costenaro Cunningham and Helena Gullan add to the mix with their fast and furious delivery of traditional Irish music and what a treat it was to watch the dancers dancing to live music.
The scenery is simple with just some wide stairs, however there is a video backdrop providing stunning scenery and settings for the dancers. In addition, there was also a video of Michel Flatley talking about his life and his career.
Lord of the Dance is a fabulous tribute to Irish music and dance, the packed Hull New Theatre loved every minute of it and roared their approval for the dancers throughout. If you love Irish music and dance then this is the show for you.
Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 27th July 2024
Reviewed by Louise Ford
3***
Move it, Move it!
The musical of Madagascar looks to reproduce on stage the first Dreamworks’ film which came out in 2005. It’s a tough ask to condense down the film to well under two hours on stage, especially when you add in the songs and the dance routines.
The opening scene is in New York Central Zoo and some of the four spoiled animals aren’t quite as content with their life behind bars, as others. A birthday wish by Marty, the zebra, played by Francisco Gomes, leads to the team leaving the zoo and being ship wrecked in Madagascar. The first half is a little confusing and the link between the penguins’escape plan and the four animals ending up in crates isn’t very clear. But hey we are talking about a melancholic zebra on a running machine ,so anything is possible!
The four main characters Alex (Joseph Hewlett), Melman (Joshua Oakes-Rogers), Gloria (Jarneia Richard-Noel) and Marty all work well together and move the story along. One of the best bits is when Alex and Marty duet about their unbreakable friendship and how they will stick together. However in Act 2 when Alex gets hungry and isn’t happy eating seaweed he starts to dream about eating steaks and ends up with his jaws on Marty’s (ample) rump! So maybe their friendship won’t last !
The pace hots up in the second half when the team arrive on the island paradise. They are greeted by a mix of furry creatures. Alex helps save some of the smaller animals from the fossa and is feted by King Julian (Karin Zeroual). Everyone is joining in with ”I like to move it!“
The staging is imaginative and the lighting really helps to create a smooth transition from New York to the jungle in Madagascar.
The whole cast worked so hard but special mention has to go to the chorus who had so many different roles, from zoo keepers, penguin puppets, police officers, grandmas, monkey puppets and of course the lemur puppets. The puppets were designed by Emma Brunton and directed by Darren Johnson.
Tonight’s audience was,not surprisingly, very young and they were all very excited and enthusiastic. What an excellent way to start the long summer holidays. All hail the New York Giants!
The Exchange 1856 North Shields – until 28th July 2024
Reviewed by Sandra Little
4****
This current offering from Astravaganza Entertainment, produced by Liam Glendinning and directed by David Ducasse, is an absolute joy to watch! The musical is billed as an amateur production however the show has an extremely professional feel from start to finish. On this opening night there was a full house and everyone seemed to love every minute of this high energy production.
As most people will know, this musical is based on the Old Testament story of jealousy between Joseph( played by Chris Perry) and his many brothers. This jealousy is fuelled by the gift of a coat of many colours given to Joseph by his father, Jacob ( played by John Cowell). Joseph’s brothers are also angered by Joseph’s dreams which seem to indicate that he will eventually rule over them. The brothers decide to hatch a plot to get rid of Joseph and he eventually becomes a slave to Potiphar ( played by Daniel Shilling) who is a wealthy Egyptian. Meanwhile Jacob is led to believe that Joseph is dead! Despite these dark themes, this uplifting musical does have a happy ending! Thanks to the genius of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber the whole performance relies solely on great songs and a playful and amusing interpretation of this biblical message.
Stage sets for this show mainly use clever computer graphics and creative lighting which provides a perfect backdrop for some fantastic costumes and singing. Apart from the spectacular coat of many colours we have cowboy outfits, a 1920’s style fan dance a 1960’s dance routine complete with Mary Quant style shift dresses with PVC hats and boots, and a Vegas style Elvis costume for the Pharaoh.
Whilst the cast seemed to be giving their all, and having a fun time, there are some performers who deserve a special mention. The narrator (Gina Faed) has a lovely clear and powerful voice and Joseph (Chris Perry) was able to switch mood effectively from the lighthearted to more serious and intense moments. Despite great performances from the adults, a special mention must also be given to the children taking part. They were so professional and enthusiastic! It’s great to think that local children are being given such a fantastic opportunity to gain experience of the performing arts.
Colourful costumes, great singing and an enthusiastic cast, was a perfect combination for a great night of entertainment at Exchange. Pharaoh (Gareth Lilley) with his guards using spears as air guitars was such fun and the disco themed finale complete with a glitter ball ended the evening perfectly.
Hall for Cornwall, Truro, Cornwall – until 27 July 2024
Reviewed by Kerry Gilbert
4****
‘Grease really is the word! Don’t miss out on this energetic performance which was full of nostalgia’
It’s 1959 and the Burger Palace Boys (T-Birds in the film) and Pink Ladies return to Rydell High School in this production of Grease at The Hall for Cornwall. Colin Ingram for InTheatre Productions has produced an incredible show that is an absolute must watch.
Grease is so iconic a musical, it really needs no introduction. It tells the story of Danny and Sandy who meet on a beach and spend the summer together before bumping into each other in school. Danny suffers ridicule for his crush on a ‘good girl’, destroying his ‘cool bad boy’ image. It’s arguably grittier than the film though, and you get a much more distinct feel for the rawness of working-class kids floundering through the awkwardness of adolescence, struggling to work out their identities, their place in life, and what they want from it.
If you’re a Grease fan, then you’re going to love it, the only challenge I found was resisting the urge to sing along to the songs you love.
The quality of the singing elevated the show with many standout moments. The leads Marley Fenton and Hope Dawe playing Danny and Sandy, gave fantastic vocal performances. From the electrifying ‘Grease is the Word’ to the poignant ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’, each number showcased excellent vocals paired with dynamic choreography. Marley portrays Danny’s multifaceted personality well, smoothly transitioning from putting on a hardman front to showing his softer side in scenes with just Sandy. Marley and Hope’s voices pair well together in their duet of ‘You’re the One That I Want’.
The Burger Palace Boys are Kenickie (George Michaelides), Sonny (Sario Solomon), Roger (Lewis Day), and Doody (Kieran Lynch) who all embody their characters superbly. Together, they present a fun and energetic performance of ‘Greased Lightnin’ led by Kenickie (with a car centre stage, of course).
Kieran has wonderfully smooth vocals throughout, with his rendition of ‘Those Magic Changes’ being a vocal highlight. He also captures the awkward energy of his character with the right level of humour whilst still being endearing.
Rizzo (Rebecca Stenhouse) is the one who gives everyone goosebumps with her rendition of ‘There are Worse Things I Could Do’, and Frenchy (Alicia Belgarde) gives us a superb performance as a bewildered Beauty School Dropout. Marty (India Chadwick) and Jan (Emerald B) also formed part of the Pink Ladies, bringing energy to the stage.
Joe Gash playing Vince Fontaine was brilliantly funny, he delivered a strong performance and showcases strong vocals.
The production value is outstanding, the set is framed like a high school gym with scene/song transitions featuring Vince Fontaine’s radio show to combat the dead-air feeling many shows face during changes.
It is clear how much everyone enjoyed being on the stage and that rubbed off on the audience. Grease The Musical absolutely raised the roof at the Hall for Cornwall, concluding with a hearty Megamix sing-a-thon with a standing ovation and was the perfect conclusion to a wonderful night out!
ON SATURDAY 10 AUGUST AT ST PAUL’S CHURCH, COVENT GARDEN
Following the success of last year’s WEST END WOOFS (AND MEOWS), stage icons Elaine Paige and Bernadette Peters are thrilled to return to co-host their second annual live event at St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden on Saturday 10 August from 10.00am. www.westendwoofs.dog
Bringing together much-loved talent of the West End and their four-legged friends, West End Woofs (and Meows) is a live dog and cat adoption event, working with participating shelters and rescue groups to benefit their charitable work.
Elaine and Bernadette first teamed up to co-host the virtual edition of West End Woofs during lockdown in 2020, before hosting their first live event in 2023. Across the pond, Broadway Barks, continues to be a howling success over 25 years on.
Elaine Paige said today, “I’m so thrilled to be hosting West End Woofs again this year with my pal Bernadette. Last year was such a great success as we found forever homes for so many dogs and cats from the animal shelters, that came along, who care for the abandoned animals until homes are found. So, along with our supporters from the world of entertainment, I can’t wait to make this year’s West End Woofs (and Meows!) even more successful!”
Bernadette Peters said today, “I’m thrilled once again to be joining my friend, another animal lover and great star Elaine Paige, for our second “live” animal adoption event, West End Woofs (and Meows), which brings animals and people who need them together in the UK. If you’d like a new best friend, please join us to meet the animals and maybe fall in love”.
The adoption event begins at 10.00am with a ‘meet and greet’ with all the adoptable pets. From 11.00am adoptees make their West End debut on stage alongside some of the West End’s favourite stars from Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton and Sister Act, with special guests to be announced. Money raised on ticket donations goes towards the shelters. You must purchase a ticket to gain access to the Church grounds to meet the adoptable pets and enjoy the staged section of the event.
The participating shelters and rescue groups taking part in WEST END WOOFS(AND MEOWS) are:
All Dogs matter
Home Run Hounds
Pro Dogs Direct
Saving Saints
German Shepard Rescue South
Noahs Ark Romanian rescue
Helping Dogs and Cats UK
Peterborough Cat Rescue
All proceeds from the event will benefit the great work they do. Full details of each organisation below.
ROYO, UNIVERSAL MUSIC UK, SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT & MIGHTY VILLAGE, producers of the world premiere of NOW That’s What I Call A Musical are delighted to announce that Melissa Jacques will star as April from 6 September 2024 (Aylesbury) up to and including 7 December 2024 (Brighton). Sam Bailey will then take over the role from 14 January 2025 (Southampton) to 12 April 2025 (Wimbledon). NOW That’s What I Call A Musical is a brand-new British musical touring the UK and Ireland written by award-winning comedian Pippa Evans and directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood.
Melissa and Sam join the previously announced Nina Wadia, who will star as Gemma as well as an array of special guest stars playing themselves at certain performances and singing the songs that made them NOW icons. In 2024 Sinitta will perform in Aylesbury, Sheffield, Canterbury, Nottingham and Norwich with Sonia in Newcastle, Cardiff, Milton Keynes and Brighton, Carol Decker in Truro, Belfast and Woking, and Jay Osmond in Bradford.
In 2025 Sinitta will be appearing in Dublin, Hull and York with Sonia in Southampton, Southend, Bristol, Liverpool, Wimbledon and Birmingham and Carol Decker in Oxford. For further detail, patrons are advised to check their local websites.
Melissa Jacques most recently appeared as Shelley in I Should Be So Lucky (UK and Ireland tour). Her other theatre work includes Margaret New in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (West End & LA Productions), Pirate Queen in Pirates Of Treasure Island & Queen Of Hearts in Alice In Wonderland (The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks), Carol’s Mum in 42 Balloons concert version (Vaudeville Theatre,Trish in Kinky Boots (Adelphi Theatre), Midwife and Madame Morrible cover in Wicked (Victoria Palace Theatre), alternate Donna and understudy for all the Dynamos in the original cast of Mamma Mia! (West End), Company & Into the Woods (Derby Playhouse), The Full Monty (UK tour), Spend, Spend, Spend (West Yorkshire Playhouse and UK tour), A Slice of Saturday Night, Oliver! & Beauty and the Beast (Theatre Royal, Lincoln), Little Shop of Horrors (Millfield Theatre) and Me and My Girl & Crazy for You (Aberystwyth).
Sam Bailey received her first big break as a singer-songwriter when she won The X Factor in 2013. Her debut single, Skyscraper, instantly became a commercial success making the coveted Christmas number one spot in 2013. Consequently, the single was released in a physical format alongside some of her most memorable X Factor performances. Her debut album The Power of Love was also number one in the British charts in March 2014 and, in support of the album, Bailey went on her first headline tour in January and February 2015. Her second album Sing My Heart Out was released in 2016. Her theatre work includes Mamma Morton in Chicago (UK tour), Betty Simpson in Fat Friends the Musical (UK tour), Vampires Rock (UK tour), Mrs. Potts in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (UK tour and London Palladium) and most recently Miss Hedge in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (UK tour).
Get ready to relive the playlist of your life by celebrating 40 years of the iconic and chart-topping compilations brand NOWThat’s What I Call Music, which has sold an estimated 200 million copies worldwide. This fun-filled evening is bursting with hits from Whitney Houston, Wham! Blondie, Tears For Fears, Spandau Ballet and so many more.
It’s Birmingham, 1989. Two school friends, Gemma and April, are busy with very important business – planning their lives based on Number One Magazine quizzes and dreaming of snogging Rick Astley. Cut to Birmingham 2009 and it’s the most dreaded event of their lives– the school reunion. Drama, old flames and receding hairlines come together as friends reunite and everything from the past starts to slot into place. The biggest question is: what was with all that hairspray?
The creative team will include Set and Costume Design by Tom Rogers & Toots Butcher, Musical Supervision and Arrangements by Mark Crossland, Lighting Design by Ben Cracknell, Sound Design by Adam Fisher, Wigs & Hair Design by Sam Cox, Associate Direction by Guy Woolf, Associate Choreography by Aaron Renfree, Associate Sound Design by Ollie Durrant and Casting by Annelie Powell CDG.
NOW is produced by ROYO, Universal Music UK, SONY Music Entertainment and Mighty Village.
Stagescreen partners with Runaway Entertainment to bring ‘Girl From The North Country’ to cinema screens
Stagescreen, the award-winning specialist theatre capture production and distribution company, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Runaway Entertainment. Together, they will bring Broadway’s soul-stirring musical ‘Girl From The North Country’ to cinema screens across the globe this autumn. The film was produced by Totally Theatre Productions, led by Gavin Kalin, with Tim van Someren serving as director of the film.
About ‘Girl From The North Country’: This poignant musical, which originated at The Old Vic in London, weaves a tapestry of love, loss, and redemption against the backdrop of Depression-era Minnesota and was hailed by the Observer as the ‘No. 1 theatre show of the year’. The soulful songs, composed by the legendary Bob Dylan with Tony Award-winning orchestrations by Simon Hale, resonate with universal themes of hope and longing. Conor McPherson’s masterful direction of his own musical play brings the characters’ struggles to life, capturing the raw beauty of their intertwined destinies. Casting for the show’s run on Broadway included Emmy Award-winner Mare Winningham and Jeannette Bayardelle, both Tony-nominated for their performances, as well as Todd Almond, Colin Bates, Craig Bierko, Caitlin Houlahan, Robert Joy, Luba Mason, Matt McGrath, Tom Nelis, Jay O. Sanders, Austin Scott, Kimber Elayne Sprawl, and more.
Described as being “as close as mortals come to heaven on earth” (The New York Times), Girl From The North Country was filmed at the Belasco Theatre on Broadway and is a singular and rousing experience.
About Stagescreen: Stagescreen’s team has been filming major stage events for 25 years, winning a slew of awards, including 3 Emmys, working with companies from the NT and RSC to West End and Broadway producers and stars from Ian McKellen and Judi Dench to Hugh Jackman, and distributing to cinema, TV, VOD and other media worldwide. Normally it funds, films and distributes – a one-stop shop.
Chris Hunt (Stagescreen) says – ‘Conor McPherson and the Runaway Entertainment team have crafted a remarkable production. Their attention to detail and artistic vision shine through. We’re honoured to be playing our part to ensure this fine musical reaches its widest audience.’
About Runaway Entertainment: Runaway Entertainment is an award-winning theatre and film company, founded in 2011 by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons. It currently produces 2:22 A Ghost Story in theWest End and on Tour, 101 Dalmatians the Musical on a UK and Ireland Tour and the US National Tour of Girl From The North Country. Recent productions include Girl From The North Country (West End and Broadway); 2:22 A Ghost Story (a record-breaking 6 different West End theatres); Olivier Award-winning Disney’s Newsies (Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre); The Windsors: Endgame (West End).
Tristan Baker (Runaway Entertainment) says – ‘Chris and Stagescreen are renowned for their expertise in bringing the magic of live theatre to screen audiences. Their commitment to quality and seamless distribution is unmatched. Together, we’ll create an unforgettable experience for cinemagoers.’
UK Cinema Screenings: UK cinemas on Thursday, November 21, 2024, and Sunday, November 24, 2024.
Cast and creatives announced for Shock Horror: A Ghost Story UK Tour
Thunder Road Theatre Company is thrilled to announce the cast and creative team for the 2024 tour of Shock Horror: A Ghost Story; an electrifying play inspired by classic theatre ghost stories and cinema’s greatest frights.
Alex Moran returns to the role of Herbert; his credits include War Horse (National Theatre), Quality Street (Northern Broadsides & New Vic Theatre), and A Clockwork Orange (Volcano).
The on-screen cast features Chloe Carter as Norma, recognised for her work on The Long Shadow (New Pictures), Doctors (BBC), and Emmerdale (ITV), Joseph Carter as Jack; whose credits include Hollyoaks (Channel 4), Yizkor (New Vic), and England Is Mine (Honlodge), and Chris Blackwood as Father Karras, who has appeared in Miss Julie (Gulbenkian), The Wizard of Oz (Plowright), and Candide (Kent Opera). Terence Mann (who has worked on 50 plays for BBC Radio) features as the voice of ‘The Darkness’.
Ryan Simons returns as Writer and Director; his credits include Eastenders, Emmerdale, and the horror films Seizure and Demon Eye. Set Designer Ethan Cheek, a recipient of the Maria Bjornson Bursary at The National Theatre, has designed for The Principles of Deception (Theatre Royal Northampton) and Little Shop of Horrors (The Egg). Ben Parsons, an Emmy-nominated composer for The Hidden Lives of Pets (Netflix), has also worked on Grand Designs and the feature film Demon Eye.
Andrew Crofts and Matt Carnazza share the role of Lighting Designer; Andrew has collaborated with companies such as Blast Theory and Belarus Free Theatre. His credits include Every House Has A Door and Streetwise Opera. Matt has designed for The Light House (Leeds Playhouse/UK Tour), Tomorrow Is Already Dead (Soho Theatre), and Force of Nature (International Tour).
Illusion Designer John Bulleid is UK Illusions Associate for Harry Potter & The Cursed Child (Palace Theatre, London) and has also worked on The Ocean at the End of the Lane (National Theatre). Dave Hackney completes the creative team as Director of Photography for the filmed elements of the show; he is known for horror films Polterheist, Demon Eye and Tea with the Reaper.
The Production team includes Dominic P Patel as Technical Manager; who has worked on shows including Macbeth (IC Theatre) and BI-TOPIA and Georgia Batterley as Production and Vision; she has worked with companies including Northern Broadsides and Bradford Literature Festival.
Alex Moran, Producer and founder of Thunder Road Theatre, said:
“Ryan [Simons] and I are delighted to once again be working with an exceptional group of creatives on Shock Horror. From old hands, to new faces, we can’t wait to get back to it. Sharing is scaring!”
KERRY ELLIS JOINS THE COMPANY OF 101 DALMATIANS THE MUSICAL FOR FINAL TOUR DATES
West End Musical Theatre star Kerry Ellis will play Cruella de Vil at the New Theatre Oxford 3- 7 December and Brighton Theatre Royal 17 December 2024 – 5 January 2025, concluding the current UK and Ireland tour of 101 Dalmatians The Musical. She follows fellow Cruellas Kym Marsh and Faye Tozer in this production.
The new musical version of Dodie Smith’s classic book, 101 Dalmatians is written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book), from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris. The director is Bill Buckhurst, with sets designed by David Woodhead, costumes designed by Sarah Mercadé and choreography by Lucy Hind. Musical supervision is from Alfonso Casado Trigo, orchestration by Jack Hopkins, the puppets are designed by Jimmy Grimes, with lighting by James Whiteside and sound design from Chris Whybrow. The musical director is Leigh Stanford Thompson, and casting director is Lucy Casson.
Kerry Ellis is recognised as the leading lady of West End and Broadway musicals, with a number of starring roles in London, New York, and around the world. She has achieved chart-topping success as a recording artist signed to both Universal Decca Records and Sony Music. Kerry originated the role of Meat, in Queen’s We Will Rock You and was the first British Elphaba in the worldwide smash, Wicked, for which she won the 2008 Whatsonstage.com Award for ‘Best Takeover in a Role’. She then headed to Broadway to play Elphaba at the Gershwin Theater, where she won the Broadway.com Audience Award for Favourite Female Breakthrough Performance, before returning to London in the role. Her other leading West End credits include Grizabella in Cats, Nancy in Oliver!, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Ellen in Miss Saigon, Fantine in Les Miserables, Sara in Murder Ballad and Alice in Wonderland. In 2022 Kerry played Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes at the Barbican to huge acclaim, toured arenas across the UK with Queen Machine and headlined a huge concert in Japan on their biggest TV network. Kerry continues her long term working relationship with Brian May. They have toured the UK and Europe extensively. They released their album Golden Days to great acclaim and continue to work and record together. She is one of the most sought after singers in the UK, and performs her concerts all over the world. She has now released 4 seasons of her highly successful podcast Keep Calm and Kerry On, and recently released her autobiography, From Bumpkin to Broadway. Her brand new album of brand new material, Kings and Queens, was released in 2023 to great critical acclaim, and Kerry held a concert to launch the record at London’s Adelphi Theatre. She recently completed a run in her first Shakespeare play, playing Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Later this year she will embark on an extensive tour of the UK to promote her new book, Queen of the West End.
She joins the existing cast of Charles Brunton (Casper), Victoria Compson-Bradford (Swing), Ross Dorrington (Ensemble), Benjamin Durham (Ensemble), Jessie Elland (Danielle), Benedict Hastings (Ensemble), Danny Hendrix (Jasper), Linford Johnson (Pongo), Lottie Johnson (Ensemble), Rachel Lea-Gray (Ensemble), Tom Norman (Ensemble), Hugo Rolland (Ensemble), Lindo Shinda (Ensemble), Eugene Shire (Swing), Samuel Thomas (Tom), Emma Thornett (Perdi) and Jasmine Triadi (Ensemble).
When fashionista Cruella de Vil plots to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat, there’s trouble ahead for Pongo and Perdi and their litter of adorable, tail-wagging young pups.
This classic canine caper is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, hilarious songs and irresistible puppies!
Kerry Ellis said: “’I am absolutely delighted to be joining the cast of 101 Dalmatians. I have always loved the film, and am a massive dog lover, so this one will be a real treat for me. And I cannot wait to play Cruella. What a role!”
After launching in Wimbledon the production has already visited Birmingham, Norwich, and Canterbury. Presently at Leicester, the tour then continues to Manchester, Belfast, Wolverhampton, Newcastle, Southend, Dublin, Liverpool, Milton Keynes, Woking, Cardiff, Southampton, Aberdeen, York, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Oxford and Brighton. Kerry Ellis appears in Oxford and Brighton only.
Written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book)
Stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris, based on the original book by Dodie Smith
Director Bill Buckhurst
Set design David Woodhead
Costume design Sarah Mercadé
Choreography Lucy Hind
Musical supervision Alfonso Casado Trigo
Orchestration Jack Hopkins
Puppets design Jimmy Grimes
Lighting design James Whiteside
Sound design Chris Whybrow
Musical director Leigh Stanford Thompson
Casting director Lucy Casson
Original production first performed at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London in 2022
Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until Thursday 25th July 2024
Reviewed by Steph Lott
5*****
Eve, Christopher Marney
A Night of Revival: London City Ballet’s ‘Resurgence’ at Cambridge Arts Theatre
As a newcomer to the world of ballet, I was not sure what to expect when I attended London City Ballet’s ‘Resurgence’ at the Cambridge Arts Theatre on July 23, 2024. But from the moment the curtain rose, I was captivated by a performance that lived up to its name, breathing new life, it seems to me, into classical ballet.
The show was divided into four pieces – all quite different, all equally captivating. The performance I attended consisted of the following:
Larina Waltz. Choreography by Ashley Page. Music – Eugene Onegin, Act II by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Ballade. Choreography by Kenneth MacMillan. Music – Ballade by Gabriel Faure.
Five Dances. Choreography by Arielle Smith. Music – John’s Book of Alleged Dances by John Adams
Eve. Choreography by Christopher Marney. Music by Jennie Muskett MBE
I loved the whole show but there were some standout moments for me. “Larina Waltz” is an elegant reminder of the kind of ballet I have seen before but with near constant changes of direction and intricate choreography set against Tchaikovsky’s beautiful waltz. The shifting patterns across the stage were like a living kaleidoscope.
In “Ballade” it is not just the dancing but the acting that moved me – seeing the shifts in attraction between the ballerina and her partners – whom would she ultimately choose? And finally, “Eve” – her face when she realises what she has done. The sinewy evil of the serpent. All marvellous.
There is a lot to see and consider in a ballet. I was struck by how the costumes evolved throughout the performance, from classic tutus in the opening act to more modern, formfitting ensembles in later pieces. The costume designers, Emily Nobel and Stevie Stewart, clearly put thought into how the garments would move with the dancers, enhancing rather than restricting their movements. There was a moment at the end of “Five Dances” when costume and lighting, designed by Andy Murrell, came together when, for a split second, the dancers were suspended, in gorgeous form, with the colours of their costumes lit from behind until they dropped into sudden darkness. Exquisite.
The set design was minimalist yet effective, using lighting and a few versatile pieces to transform the stage from a moonlit garden to an abstract dreamscape. One clever transition used gauzy curtains and backlighting to create the illusion of dancers emerging from mist – a simple but stunning effect. Another created the effect of falling leaves in a garden. Simple and lovely.
As someone new to ballet, I was impressed by the athleticism and artistry on display. The dancers made incredibly difficult moves look easy, their control and balance almost superhuman. Yet beyond the technical skill, it was their ability to convey emotion through movement that profoundly moved me. Some sequences depicting struggle and pain had me completely invested in the wordless story unfolding before me
While I may not have the vocabulary to describe every nuance of technique, I can say with certainty that this performance was a feast for the senses and the soul. London City Ballet’s ‘Resurgence’ left me with a newfound appreciation for this art form and eager to explore more of the ballet world. For anyone curious about ballet or looking for an evening of beautiful, thought-provoking entertainment, I wholeheartedly recommend catching this show if you can. It is a stunning reminder of the power of dance to move and inspire. Furthermore, it was lovely to see the look on the dancers’ faces at the end of the performance when they herd and saw how enthusiastic the audience were. Please do not miss the opportunity to see London City Ballet in Cambridge, or indeed elsewhere, whilst they are on tour.
