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Liverpool Empire Theatre – until Saturday 18^th June 2022

Reviewed by Carla Whittaker

4****

Last night myself and my 11 year old son had the pleasure of seeing Billionaire Boy live at the Liverpool Empire Theatre. Wow, what can we say other than David Walliams has done it again with this fabulous production of Billionaire Boy (we have previously had the pleasure of watching Grandpa’s Great Escape in 2019). 

It’s fair to state that David Walliams is a legend in story writing particularly for my son’s age as was Roald Dahl when I was little, and his books for years have engaged my son and developed his love of reading.  Similarly, to his books and TV productions, this show really does provide you with nearly 2 hours of entertainment, filled with fun and laughs.

As with David Walliams books and TV productions, I knew that we were in for an entertaining night filled with fun and laughter.  Prior to the show starting the theatre was filled with eager children waiting patiently for the show to start and an atmosphere of excitement filled the room.

Billionaire Boy tells the story of Joe Spud (played by Matthew Gordon) the richest twelve-year-old in the country. Joe has absolutely everything he could want, his own car, extravagant gifts, 2 pet crocodiles, private education, and endless amounts of money. However, all’s Joe wants is a friend (like all 12-year-old children!). In haste, Joe thinks the answer to this is leaving private education and going to the local comp, however there are things that Joe has not thought through, and Joe is taught a lesson that money is not everything, and money doesn’t necessarily bring happiness.

Joe’s dad is Len (played by Matthew Mellalieu) who made his millions by creating Bum Fresh (toilet roll that is moist on one side and dry on the other). Len throws money around like it really does grow on trees, and although Joe is embarrassed by this it’s fair to say that he has caught a few bad ways off his dad along the way. Joe and Len need to learn that money does not solve everything and not everything can be bought before it is too late.

Joe  navigates the tale well and shares great chemistry with Jake Lomas who plays his loyal best friend Bob.  The rest of the cast were very talented working relentlessly to play different roles exceptionally well. My favourite was Emma Williams who was hilarious, with over the top comedy value playing Mrs Trafe the school cook who makes deliciously disgusting food. Rosie Coles plays the part of Len’s gold digging girlfriend very well with cockney humour.   A favourite of my son was Tuhin Chisti who played Raj the shop keeper who features in many of David Walliams stories.

The set was cleverly created with a tower of toilet rolls as Bum Fresh Towers which emerged into other scenes as needed. Choreography and music was fitting to the story and engaged all the audience.

If you are looking for a feel good, family friendly show then I would definitely recommend Billionaire Boy. Not only did it provide lots of laugh out loud moments with audience participation being encouraged it also told tale with a meaning; that money is not everything, and sometimes all you need is a friend, and your family! In the words of my son ‘it was great!’.

Billionaire Boy is showing at the Liverpool Empire Theatre until Saturday 18^th June 2022.

Bristol Hippodrome – until 2nd July 2022

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

3***

Björn Ulveaus and Benny Andersson’s unmistakable music prowess of ABBA hits Bristol Hippodrome in Mamma Mia the Musical.

We follow Sophie (Phoebe Roberts) as she navigates through her most stressful few days, planning a wedding and discovering she has 3 potential fathers! Her mother Donna (Sara Poyzer) has a difficult job-keeping her daughter calm whilst internally spiralling herself over her past being dug up.

Sara Poyzer as Donna was the driving force of this production. Her incredible vocals, excelling during ‘The Winner Takes It All’ were brilliant and she gave such an emotional arc that the audience were completely pulled with her character. When mixed with Nicky Swift and Helen Anker as ‘Rosie’ and ‘Tanya’ this was a perfect trio, whose harmonies blended smoothly during ‘Super Trouper’. The stand out song of the show, however, was Anker’s ‘Does your Mother Know’-this was the perfect pick me up and James Willoughby Moore as Pepper (a young lad infatuated with Tanya) was superb. His comedic timing and great dancing made for a really enjoyable song. All 3 of the potential fathers, Richard Standing as Sam Carmichael, Daniel Crowder as Harry Bright, Phil Corbitt as Bill Austin were great-they had some great scenes with Donna and the audience felt a connection with them.

Unfortunately, I found the first act very flat. Whilst Phoebe Roberts as ‘Sophie’ had good vocals, she left me quite distracted during a few scenes when she was pulling on her clothing and hair which was seemingly uncomfortable. This did pull my focus and during many scenes she was in, I found myself anticipating that there would be an adjustment of clothing.

Anthony Van Laast’s choreography is great and really highlighted the abilities of this super ensemble, peaking during Voulez Vous. The ensemble dances were a real spectacle.

This is a feel good show, whose music can be enjoyed by all ages, Avid ABBA fan or not!

Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 18th June 2022

Reviewed by Sally Lumley

5*****

Singin’ in the Rain is based on the iconic 1952 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film. It follows the story of Don Lockwood (Sam Lips), one half of the silent movie couple ‘Lockwood and Lamont’, facing big change with the dawn of the ‘talkies’. The original movie is regularly voted most popular film musical of all time, and the stage version certainly does it justice.

The musical is chock full of timeless classic songs, including ‘Make ‘Em Laugh, Good Morning, and of course the eponymous Singin’ In the Rain. It is a real feast for the eyes, with beautiful costumes and lighting. The cast deliver some spectacular ensemble pieces with no step out of place, evoking the golden era of classic Hollywood musicals. There is something special about seeing a full cast tap dancing on stage, and this company brought buckets of energy and joy to their performance. The mood is contagious, and the audience were soon swept up in the feeling and bobbing along in their seats.

Sam Lips oozes old Hollywood leading man charm, pulling out flawless vocals and perfect dance moves. His delivery of Singin’ in the Rain was magnificent, absolutely nailing the classic song and choreography under a deluge of rain, whilst clearly enjoying getting the front few rows of delighted audience wet in the process. The lamp post umbrella twirling moment really paid tribute to the classic Gene Kelly scene from the movie, and made this a really “wow” moment. Lips is perfectly matched with Charlotte Gooch as aspiring actress, leading lady and love interest Kathy Selden, who delivers some of the ‘pin drop’ moments in songs such as Lucky Star where she held the theatre in the palm of her hand.

Cheeky chappy Kevin “Strictly” Clifton bought star quality to the role of Cosmo Brown. His dance moves were, as expected, incredible, but he also surprised as the comedic foil to Don Lockwood’s straight man, and definitely made the audience laugh in his big number. There was a real chemistry between the three lead actors, which bought a delightful warmth whenever they were on stage.

However, Jenny Gayner as Lina Lamont was the real scene stealer of this show. As a silent movie star without a voice for the talkies, I found myself unable to dislike this truly awful character. Her perfect characterisation and comic timing had the audience howling with laughter every time she graced the stage.

Singin’ in the Rain is an old show done properly. It has all the glamour and nostalgia of old Hollywood, delivered with the pizazz of a modern musical, and will have you singin’ and dancin’ whatever the weather.

Please find below rehearsal images for a special one-off concert of THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK which will be performed at the Sondheim Theatre on Monday 20 June.

THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK is directed by Olivier Award-winning Maria Friedman and stars Carrie Hope Fletcher as Sukie, Natasha J Barnes as Alexandra, Laura Pitt-Pulford as Jane, John Partridge as Darryl Van Horne, Claire Moore as Felicia Gabriel, Nathan Amzi as Clyde Gabriel, Alfie Friedman as Michael Spofford and Chrissie Bhima as Jennifer Gabriel.
The ensemble will include Lydia Bannister, Isabel Canning, Aoife Dunn, Christopher Howell, Emma Knudsen, Martin McCarthy, Benjamin Mundy, Emily Ooi, Joshua Robinson, Rachel Spurrell and Rafe Watts. They will be accompanied by The Guildford School of Acting (GSA) Choir.

THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK has a book and lyrics by John Dempsey and music by Dana P. Rowe, based on the novel by John Updike and the Warner Brothers motion picture. This will be the first time the musical has been seen in London since it originally played at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2000, transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2001. 
THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK has musical staging by Chrissie Cartwright, musical direction by Isaac McCullough, costume design by Jonathan Lipman, lighting design by Simon Sherriff, sound design by Adam Fisher, associate direction by Jack McCann and associate musical direction by Mike Steel.

SISTER ACT In Rehearsal

Jennifer Saunders stars as ‘Mother Superior’ alongside Beverley Knight as ‘Deloris Van Cartier’, Keala Settle as ‘Sister Mary Patrick’, Lesley Joseph as ‘Sister Mary Lazarus’, Clive Rowe as ‘Eddie Souther’ and Lizzie Bea as ‘Sister Mary Robert’.

Based on the iconic movie, this sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music tells the hilarious story of the disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent! Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. 

SISTER ACT has direction by Bill Buckhurst, choreography by Alistair David, Set Design by Morgan Large, Lighting Design by Tim Mitchell, Sound Design by Tom Marshall and Musical Supervision by Stephen Brooker. Casting is by Stuart Burt. 

SISTER ACT features original music by Tony® and 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken(Disney’s Aladdin, Enchanted), lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane. SISTER ACT is produced by Jamie Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg.

SISTER ACT is at London’s Eventim Apollo from Tuesday 19 July to Sunday 28 August 2022.

Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle – until 2nd July 2022

Reviewed by Sandra Little

4****

This one person play was written and performed by Kemi- Bo Jacobs and directed by Floriana Dezou. Kemi -Bo is a a North East based actor who recently performed with Royal Shakespeare Company in The Winter’s Tale. The play at Alphabetti theatre charts the extraordinary life of Althea Gibson who made history in the 1950s by becoming the first black female tennis Grand Slam winner.

The performance introduces the audience to Althea, a black child born into poverty in South Carolina. We learn that Althea moved to Harlem when she was about 12, dropped out of school but won paddle tennis competitions. It was here that her talent for tennis was spotted by Buddy Walker who later became her coach. Eventually Althea won a scholarship and moved to Florida. After several rejections, Althea was invited by United States Lawn Tennis Association to play at Forest Hills. The play informs the audience that, “Althea was the first Negro to play on a Forest Hills court.” However this success, in terms of acceptance, was tempered by the fact that Althea was not allowed to attend any social functions because she was black!

Althea went on to overcome huge racial barriers and won tournaments at Wimbledon, where she was presented with her prize by Queen Elizabeth. However, the audience are told that Althea’s membership to Wimbledon was, “held up.” Later in her career, she was asked by the State Department to take on the role of ambassador and toured Asia. Not only did Althea win major tennis tournaments she also became a professional golfer and an actor in Hollywood.

Woven throughout this narrative are themes relating to issues of racism faced by Althea, and the wider black community in America. Interesting questions are raised such as, “Why is Althea Gibson part of a forgotten history?” and when discussing an early friendship Althea asks, “Do you fight or stay quiet?”There is also a powerful reference towards the end of the play to the death of Emmett Till, a 14 year old who was lynched and murdered in Mississippi, after offending a white woman.

This fast paced and powerful play relies on very few props and a basic stage set. A great deal of information and thought provoking material is packed into this one woman, 75 minute performance. However, the theatre does make it clear that swearing and racial slurs ( which I feel are an essential part of the story), may be upsetting for some people. The play frequently uses the word Negro within the dialogue and has a 16+ age recommendation.

Until I watched this play I’d never heard of Althea Gibson, which for me gives the question from the play , “Who is important enough to be immortalised in history?”a great deal of significance!

Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 18th June 2022

Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau

5*****

A Murder Is Announced is masterfully adapted from Agatha Christie’s 50th novel (of the same name), first published in 1950, starring our favourite elderly spinster and amateur detective Miss Marple.

The story begins with an announcement printed in the local paper that a murder will take place at a house in Chipping Cleghorn where a disperate group of people are living and others arrive, intrigued by the announcement. Of course, just like Jessica “Murder She Wrote” Fletcher, where’er there’s a fresh corpse Miss Marple is not far away. Sure enough, at the aforementioned hour the murder happens and we are set on a course of events that will intrigue, baffle and delight.

All the cast, without exception, were wonderful and I only fail to mention them all individually as I don’t want to give away spoilers when recounting their fine acting at pivotal moments… So I’ll mention just a few.

With such a well known and oft played character it’s not easy to put your stamp on Miss Marple but Sarah Thomas pulls this off with aplomb. There’s a touch of the McEwan and Hickson TV iterations and, fittingly, a touch of her Majesty too. I really enjoyed the wit (a knowing nod to her busy body reputation) and the denouement was a masterpiece of timing and drama which brought audible gasps from the audience. A superlative portrayal.

Inspector Craddock, played with gravitas by Tom Butcher, gave us one of the best entrances I’ve seen on the stage. Most ingenious, making us immediately question what we had witnessed previously – a superb way to draw us into the interrogation phase of the play.

The star turn was arguably the Hungarian maid, Mitzi – a wickedly paranoid creation brought intoxicatingly to life by Lydia Piechowiak. She had many hilarious lines as her character’s moods flew around like a balloon in a gale! Fabulous – she should have her own one woman spinoff. I present my case, thank you, you’re welcome! That will have you roaring on the night, believe me.

I loved the music (by Lynette Webster) drawing us into the action – like a 50s film score – and as a clever way to move time along. With that gorgeous set, the wonderful clothes and those plumby tones this was an impressive production that totally satisfied on every level.

The price of admission was well and truly justified by the final 10mins alone – a stunning finale that took this seasoned Christie watcher by surprise (most pleasantly)!. But there is much, much more to the evening than that – in short this is a triumph which is thoroughly engrossing from start to finish. A well deserved top marks to all concerned. Even if you know the story well (and whodunnit) this show will still thrill you by the sheer quality of the production and especially the amazing cast. I heartily recommend you grab a ticket before a sell out is announced!

MAX FOSH: ZOCIAL BUTTERLY COMES TO THE LONDON PALLADIUM

Online sensation brings his highly anticipated live show to the iconic London venue in November 2022

Indigo Productions and United Agents are thrilled to announce that Max Fosh brings his highly anticipated live show Zocial Butterfly to the London Palladium on Thursday 3^rd November 2022, following its run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Tickets go on sale on Wednesday 15^th June at 6pm and will be available from www.lwtheatres.co.uk

With his ingenious, fast-paced, multimedia show that details the weird and wonderful world of a YouTuber, Max will provide a unique insight into the world of online content from the perspective of one of its biggest UK stars.

They said he couldn’t make it as a global fashion icon; they were wrong. They said he couldn’t legally become the world’s richest man; they were wrong. They said he couldn’t beat all the odds to become London’s first ever YouTuber mayor… to be fair, they got that one bang on.

But now, armed with the rosiest of cheeks & the floppiest of hair, Max Fosh faces his next challenge – the London Palladium – as he brings you his hilarious & unpredictable live show: Zocial Butterfly.

Zocial Butterfly has already taken the UK by storm, having toured 13 of the UK’s biggest cities, including two sell-out final shows at London’s Clapham Grand. Zocial Butterfly represents an exciting translation of online content to the live stage.

During his final year at University, Max started a series called StreetSmart, in which he interviewed students on nights out. Following the first episode, filmed in October 2017, Max relentlessly made StreetSmart episodes, and made approximately 25 episodes before leaving Uni. After graduating, Max took StreetSmart on tour, around 14 UK Universities. Shortly after this, Max met Zac and Jay of The Zac and Jay Show, and in February 2018 they made a video in which they ‘faked Max to the very top of London fashion week’. The video went viral, and Max gained 50,000 subscribers virtually overnight.

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Since then, his channel has grown steadily. As of June 2022, the channel has 1.12 million subscribers on YouTube and 1.5million followers across social media (TikTok, Facebook, Instagram). In total, Max’s videos have garnered more than 300 million views across all platforms.

Zocial Butterfly is directed by Ed Stambollouian (Joe Lycett, Pinter at the Pinter, Dan & Phil World Tour) and is produced by Indigo Productions & United Agents.

Production Design by Will Hayman

Max is represented by Stephanie Moore at United Agents

YouTube: /MaxFosh

Instagram: @Max.Fosh

TikTok: @MaxFosh

Facebook: /MaxFosh

Twitter: @Max_Fosh

HEAVEN NIGHTCLUB TO HOST

MUSICAL THEATRE RAVE: “THE AFTER PARTY”

ON SUNDAY 21 AUGUST 2022

On Sunday 21 August 2022, Heaven nightclub in Charing Cross will host a one-night-only Musical Theatre Rave: “The After Party”. The evening will be hosted by West End marketer and writer, Willy, and will run from 9pm Sunday night through to 4am the next morning.

Audience favourite musical theatre hits will be played throughout the venue, while attendees can enjoy a range of theatre inspired cocktails. Cosplay is highly encouraged for all fans but not compulsory. Special guests are set to be announced with fan favourites lined up to take to the stage for electric sets throughout the night.

West End marketer and host of Musical Theatre Rave, Willy, says, “This industry is still recovering from difficult times. Sometimes you just have to walk into the club ‘purse first’ and leave your troubles at the train station. It’s time for Big Fun!”

Heaven representative, Jack Downs says ‘‘We couldn’t be more excited to host an event celebrating all things Musical Theatre, come down for a night of pure fabulousness.”

Early bird tickets are available from £7.50, with later tickets available from £12.50 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-after-party-musical-theatre-heaven-tickets-360292262857

Families flock back to theatre as Kids Week sells over 113,000 tickets in first 24 hours for nearly 50 West End shows

• A child under 18 can see a show for free throughout August with Kids Week when accompanied by a full paying adult
• Half price tickets for two additional children and no booking fee
• Still over 175,000 tickets available for dozens of top London shows
• Tickets available now at officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week

Tickets are now on sale for Kids Week, the fantastic annual initiative allowing kids to go free to a variety of top West End shows throughout August, when accompanied by a full paying adult. Day one of sales has exceeded all expectations, with over 113,000 sold in the first 24 hours – more than in 2019, showing that the West End is truly back in business.

Families still hoping to experience the magic of live theatre for less won’t be disappointed; there are over 175,000 Kids Week tickets remaining for a huge range of shows, from musical spectaculars teens will love like Grease The Musical, Anything Goes, Wicked, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical and & Juliet, to hit shows for younger children such as Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors, Room On The Broom and Tiddler And Other Terrific Tales, and legendary plays the whole family can enjoy including The Woman In Black and The Mousetrap.

Emma De Souza, Kids Week founder and Head of Marketing and Communications at the Society of London Theatre, said:

‘Since we started Kids Week back in 1998, it has been an utter joy to give countless families their first theatre experience – often triggering a lifelong love of theatregoing. We are delighted that Kids Week is more popular than ever and tickets have been in huge demand – but also want to reassure those who still want to benefit from this incredible promotion that there are thousands of tickets left. Kids Week is the perfect excuse to take your family to try something new, so book now and prepare for a summer of world-leading London theatre!’

Alongside the performances, shows are offering a wide range of free activities for Kids Week ticketholders, such as dance workshops, technical demonstrations and cast Q&As. And families travelling into London to see a show can take advantage of exclusive restaurant and hotel deals via OfficialLondonTheatre.com.

Kids Week tickets are available now, only via officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week

List of shows participating in Kids Week 2022

& Juliet

101 Dalmatians

Anything Goes

Attenborough And His Animals

Back To The Future – The Musical

Disney’s Beauty And The Beast

Blippi The Musical

Come From Away

Dear Evan Hansen

The Drifters Girl

Disney’s Frozen

Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical

Grease The Musical

The Great Gatsby

Heathers The Musical

Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors

Jersey Boys

Kinky Boots The Musical In Concert

Life Of Pi

Disney’s The Lion King

The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe

Mamma Mia!

Mary Poppins

Matilda The Musical

Midsummer Mechanicals

Les Misérables

The Mousetrap

My Fair Lady

Only Fools And Horses The Musical

The Paper Dolls

The Phantom Of The Opera

The Pirate, The Princess And The Platypus

The Play That Goes Wrong

Room On The Broom

Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday

Sister Act The Musical

Six

South Pacific

Tiddler And Other Terrific Tales

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical

Tom, Dick & Harry

Treason The Musical In Concert

Twirlywoos Live

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

Wicked

Witness For The Prosecution

The Woman In Black

Age recommendations and restrictions for participating shows will vary. Please check the show listings on OfficialLondonTheatre.com for more information.

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