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QUEENZ – THE SHOW WITH BALLS IS COMING TO THE ARTS THEATRE THIS DECEMBER   

As part of a successful UK TOUR, QUEENZ – The Show With BALLS! will feature Union J and X-Factor superstar Jaymi Hensley.

Producer, David Griego, is thrilled to announce Queenz – The Show with Balls will be strutting to London’s Arts Theatre this December. 

Queenz – The Show with Balls will open at Arts Theatre on Thursday 1st December and run until Sunday 4th December 2022.  

Queenz – The Show with Balls is the trailblazing, life affirming drag extravaganza that has taken the UK by storm, fresh from their phenomenal debut on ITV’s Walk the Line and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This iconic new show features mind-blowing LIVE vocals and not a lip-sync in sight!

On their massive UK tour this autumn, join these death-dropping divas for a sequin-clad pop party featuring classics from The Spice Girls, Lady Gaga, Little Mix, Beyonce, Shakira, and everything in between.

Show creator and producer, David Griego, said: “The response up and down the country has been overwhelming! People come to the show expecting a great, fun night out but what they get is so much more. I think the reason is that Queenz represents true escapism; you get to leave your cares at the door, laugh, sing, and party with a bunch of 6-foot drag queens and, above all else, finish the night feeling fierce, fabulous, and empowered. Getting to bring the show to London means so much to us all, but the cast themselves are blown away and can’t wait to give West End something truly special this festive season.”

Union J pop star Jaymi Hensley aka Dior Monte, said: “Myself and my gorgeous Queenz are living our best lives, becoming the fierce girl group us little ‘boys’ always wanted to be. Queenz may be the ultimate feel-good night out, but it’s also a show with a message; life is for living, love is for giving and most importantly, always let you true colours shine”

From backstreet bars to West End stars, the Queenz cast are a mix of phenomenal singers and dancers who have joined forces to create the world’s number one Drag Vocal Supergroup. They have gained superstar followers, sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe, and played to thousands in central London this year and now they’re on a mission for world domination.

Josh aka Candy Caned explained: “I still have to pinch myself for this beautiful opportunity, working with West End choreographers and performing in front of TV royalty is a dream come true. Us Queenz can’t wait to share our singing, sassiness, and party with you all”

Tickets for Queenz – The Show with Balls at the Arts Theatre are on sale now.

Thursday 1st December at 10.00pm

Saturday 3rd December at 10.00pm

Sunday 4th December at 7.00pm 

Arts Theatre, London

https://artstheatrewestend.co.uk/events

The Vaults – until 7 January 2023

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Sleeping Trees’ comedic Christmas mashups never fail to entertain, and this year’s sees Peter Pan enter the world of two of the most brilliantly bonkers films ever made. Dan Wye joins the trio as David Bowie, and his high camp, arch performance as he messes with Peter Pan’s (James Dunnel-Smith) life is a real treat.

Peter loses a bet with Captain Hook and is banished from Neverland. After 20 years, middle-aged Peter finds out that Tinkerbell is being tricked into marrying Hook and needs to find a way to save her. Enter Bowie, in his Goblin King outfit, to challenge Peter to find the centre of the labyrinth and get his wish to return to Neverland. A simple plot, but Sleeping Trees manage to shoehorn images and characters from Pan’s Labyrinth – Hands for Eyes will never give you the chills again after seeing this version!- and Labyrinth. The excitement amongst some audience members when familiar characters appeared – especially the worm – was almost as funny as what was happening onstage.

The inclusion of a bar with themed cocktails as part of the stage ensures a relaxed and vocal audience, and Maeve Black’s set echoes the Labyrinth and allows the cast to pop up from numerous places. Ben Hales’ lighting design and Clancy Flynn’s sound design add to the camp and nostalgic party atmosphere. There are silly audience participation, games and singalongs to the hilarious parodies of Bowie songs. Kermit pops up for a cameo in the labyrinth, and the guardian of the Bog of Eternal Stench is what every child who’s watched the film wished it could be.

It’s chaotic and charming. The humour ranges from utter filth to dad jokes, and just keeps coming. Joshua Smith and John Woodburn multi role brilliantly, with puppets and ridiculous outfits galore. The cast seem to be trying to make each other laugh, which is always fantastic to watch, and Dan Wye’s insane performance as Peter’s Brummie shadow nearly tipped everyone over the edge. I have no idea how director Shenoah Allen keeps these performers on track, but the show is fantastic. A brilliant night out for Christmas – buffoonery, booze… and Bowie.

The Vaults are introducing Pay What You Can tickets across their seasonal program, to support those struggling to access culture in the current economic climate.

Every Wednesday and Sunday Pay what You Can tickets are priced from £3 and bookable in advance.

The season includes Witches of Oz, a drag dining cabaret in the Emerald City, 21st September – 15th January, and Stranger Sings!, a Stranger Things musical parody 5th October – 15th January.

Grand Opera House York – Friday 4th November 2022

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4 ½ ****

I’m a huge fan of 80’s music and I love going to any concerts that I can, so I was super excited to be given the opportunity to get to see this production.

George Michael Joseph (Joseph Sansome) has been performing as George Michael for years, after being discovered singing karaoke with Careless Whisper, long before George’s untimely death, and now tours with Fastlove to packed out audiences.

As the band start playing, we heard Joseph’s singing of Fastlove, but we don’t see him for a couple of minutes. He sounds very much like George, and the impact has been made before we see him in the flesh, where he does bear a passing resemblance, especially with his tinted glasses. Once he set foot on stage the audience erupted, eager for what was to come.

For the next couple of hours, we are treated to the fabulous music that George made throughout his career. It’s easy to forget what a truly talented artist George and how many hits he had. This show covers all the greats, Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, Careless Whisper, Club Tropicana, Young Guns, Edge of Heaven, Outside (yes Joseph donned the cop uniform and handcuffs just like George in the video) and many more. I am so pleased my own personal favourite from the Wham period was covered, Everything She Wants, in fact that song is up there as one of my all-time favourites by anyone.

For the majority of the performance a good proportion of the audience were up on their feet dancing along, including me. That’s a feat as York can be a bit reserved in that respect. It appeared to me, at least, that everyone was singing along to all the songs, even if they didn’t know all the words. There were a couple of men behind who sang everything word for word. I must admit that I thought the theatre would be packed up with ladies of a certain age, my demographic, but I am pleased to say that I was well and truly wrong, there were plenty of men there enjoying the show just as much. I did find at the beginning of the show I struggled to hear the vocals as the band were loud, but this improved as the show carried on.

For the first half Joseph appeared as later George with skinny jeans, jacket, cross and tinted glasses, he then changed into a leather jacket, sunglasses and wig, reminiscent of the Wham days. Still not sure about that wig though. Joseph really does come close to sounding like George and really does George’s memory justice. I have recently seen a George Michael tribute and Joseph is far superior.

Joseph was joined on stage by a group of talented musicians and singers. Carol and Jess were the backing vocalists, and they both gave stunning performances. Ellie was on the saxophone and hit every note with her solos. The band, Sam, Adam and the keyboard player (I couldn’t work out what I had written as his name, sorry), were so good, with some great energy.

Fastlove is a fabulous night out for any George Michael fan, you won’t be disappointed. After George Michael’s untimely death, approaching six years ago, this is the best chance of hearing his great music, both as part of Wham and as a solo artist. Just a shame I never got to see him perform in person, this is the next best thing.

Theatre on the Steps, Bridgnorth – Saturday 5 November 2022

Reviewed by Nadia Dodd

5*****

In the quaint venue of this theatre tonight’s performance got the audience up dancing in the aisles on a chilly, foggy Guy Fawkes Night.

The band is led by award winning film composer Phil Mountford who has been travelling the country sharing his talent as the enigmatic Elton John since 2018. Phil plays the piano plus lead vocals and really looks the part with quite a few different outfits throughout the show, all bold, bright, plus sparkles and glitter. The band is made up of a few family members, daughter Zoe, percussion and sensational backing vocals and son Josh, on keyboard and a truly mesmerising electric cello performance.

The theatre was full and there were a few avid Forever Elton fans who started off the dancing when the classics such as Crocodile Rock, Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting and I’m Still Standing were belted out from the stage.

Don’t Go Breaking My Heart was sung as a duet with daughter Zoe and what a duo they make. Son Josh played the electric cello whilst Phil sang The Last Song, just the two of them on the stage, subtle lighting, they created such a tender atmosphere.

Phil was born in 1970 and studied the electric guitar and performed on many a stage across the Midlands. Once he had graduated in Computer Science he became a software engineer but also continued to perform keyboard and as a vocalist. His passion led to writing music for short films, which then led to composing for feature films, theatre, adverts and television.

Further performances led to him being a musical director for a charity rock concert in 2018 where he returned as a vocalist on stage. The success of this led to his 6 piece band being created ‘Forever Elton’. Playing homage to the music by Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin. The band are now touring theatres and venues throughout the UK and also internationally.

Phil has a great relationship with his audience leaving them wanting more when he was approaching the end of the show, of course he came back onto stage and gave them what they wanted.

Music has a healing power and has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours. A quote by Sir Elton John, and Phil as Forever Elton lived out this quote tonight. For further information on the band, including hiring them at your event, venue or festival please visit www.foreverelton.com

Yvonne Arnaud, Mill Studio – 5th November 2022

Reviewed by Jacqui Radford

5*****

‘Unknown’, a play about homelessness written by Dougie Blaxland, is as much about the complex issues behind homelessness as it is about the thousands of people who find themselves sleeping on our streets every year.

The story is informed by contributions from people who shared their experiences of living homeless on the streets of Bath with the writer. The play was inspired by a shocking discovery that nearly half of all people who die on our streets are unnamed. The show itself is consequently deeply moving, reinforcing the harrowing aspects of homelessness that we do not see as we pass on by.

The cast of only three actors portray a powerful message about people who find themselves living on our streets, missing from home, invisible and ending their days listed as ‘Unknown’.

Scott Bayliss plays the central character role of a homeless man who was recorded as ‘Unknown’ on his death but he is given a voice and a name by Scott’s commanding delivery and comment. Powerful scenes of a timeline that spans fourteen years living on the streets are interwoven with creative additions of ‘behind the scenes’ explanation portrayed by Dan Gainsford and Sabrina Laurison. All three display a deep connection with the storyline and are persuasive in their delivery.

You are left under no illusion that the reasons for homelessness are complex, that homelessness is not always a choice and is complex in itself, that many homeless people are invisible because of systems and bureaucracy and that getting off the street is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. This show is one that everyone should make an effort to see.

Yvonne Arnaud, Mill Studio – 4th November 2022

Reviewed by Jacqui Radford

4****

In PurSUEt is a one woman show, written and performed by Eleanor Higgins. Perfectly written for the small stage and theatre, the production tells the true story of a woman with an obsession for Sue Perkins (who appears only in cardboard cut-out form).

We meet a woman who has been sent for therapy to deal with her drink problem and quickly learn that in fact she believes she does not have a drink problem, that her problems are rooted in social pressures and that if she had a relationship Sue Perkins, everything would be fine.

We all relate to the social pressures cited but fewer relate to obsession with celebrity. Audience members, as though they are the therapist, get to hear the musings of a woman whose drinking seems to be intricately connected to an obsession with Sue Perkins.

A series of scenarios recount stories of a woman who knows exactly where to find Sue and makes it her mission to be wherever Sue appears. Her drive to meet and form a relationship with Sue is depicted in almost caricature moments that that lead quicky to binge drinking and embarrassment, bringing us back to the realisation that the drinking is less about Sue and more about something that is missing. Thankfully, the ending of the story shows progress towards acceptance that drinking has contributed to feelings of despair and isolation and that there could be more to life (even without Sue).

This production is cleverly presented, drawing you in from the outset. You find yourself invested in the wellbeing of a woman who is searching for something more and are relieved to join her in discovering that in fact she does need help and more than a relationship with Sue Perkins.

Grand Opera House, York – 5th November 2022

Reviewed by Katie Brewerton

4****

Dave Gorman is well known in the comedy world, having appeared on various comedy and panel shows including ‘Taskmaster’, ‘QI’, ‘Have I Got News for You’ and many more as well as having his own shows including ‘Dave Gorman: Modern Life is Goodish’. If you’re a fan of comedy shows there’s a very good chance you’ve seen him somewhere. Powerpoint to the People is Gorman’s latest tour and as the title suggests he uses powerpoint to assist in the show.

Having not seen Gorman live before I wasn’t sure what type of comedian he would be, often people you see on TV are a more extreme version of their TV persona’s when you see them live. However, Gorman’s humour is honest, good hearted fun. You will find it difficult to be offended and while there is some bad language, which is to be expected from a comedian, the is no malicious content.

Beginning the show with some warnings about getting older and things you need to think about when turning 50 Gorman goes on to talk about one of his favourite TV shows, cleverly using video clips to emphasise what he’s saying. During the second act he focuses on his writing of cryptic crosswords for the Guardian, the Independent and the Telegraph under various pseudonyms. It’s clear he is a very intelligent person and as he goes through some of his previous crossword clues it’s clear how much work goes in to them. Although, not everyone appreciates Gorman’s work as he has, unfortunately found himself a nemesis through his crossword writing. He hilariously divulges how this happened and goes in to detail on some of the reviews left by this person.

Gorman also talks about the Billionaire Space Race between, Elon Musk, Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos. He finds some of the best and most ridiculous comments people have made on social media and puts them together in a fantastically funny poem. Gorman is known for his ‘Found Poems’ created in this way on different topics.

This is a wonderful show which will have you laughing from start to finish, from someone who comes across as a genuine person who doesn’t want to offend anyone and wants everyone to have a good time. Whether or not you know much of Gormans previous work I urge everyone to give this a go.

Barton Village Institute – Saturday 5 November 2022

5*****

So the life of a reviewer is often busy, seeing very different shows sometimes on the same day sometimes with hours of each other. Whilst my previous review had been to Sunderland Empire to review the mighty Les Mis, today I was in a local village hall reviewing the Scouts.

And what a show it was! Packed full of dancing, acting and comedy. From the very youngest 6 year old up to the very dedicated leaders this was full of fun. The young people had learnt a lot of choreography and showed off their skills with aplomb. It would be cruel to pick out a favourite moment but I did enjoy a sassy crab and the leaders versus young people in the Tik Tok Dance Off.

A lot of hard work went into this show, not just the epic performances but behind the scenes too with the costumes, music, staging, fabulous props (a very comedic iceberg lettuce) and the previously mentioned choreography

You’ve missed your chance to see Barton’s Gang Show this year but please support Scouting in your local area and watch out for Barton’s next show too

Gillian Lynne Theatre – until 8 January 2023

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

This magical production of CS Lewis’s beloved story has everything you could wish for. Whether the audience has fond memories of reading the book, the BBC teatime series or the big screen adaptations, this thoughtful adaptation preserves the cosy period atmosphere and still manages to surprise and delight.

Evacuees Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie are sent to Scotland and are taken in by kindly Professor Kirk (Johnson Willis), discovering that an old wardrobe is actually an entrance into the magical world of Narnia. Their presence sparks a battle for survival in Narnia as the White Witch seeks to keep hold of her icy power over the land by killing the children to ensure the ancient prophecy of peace returning under the reign of four humans is never fulfilled. The mighty Aslan returns to help the children and the creatures of Narnia, and the fate of the land depends on the courage of the four children.

Sally Cookson’s original production at The Bridge made the most of the adaptable stage area, and Michael Fentiman has worked wonders adapting the show for more traditional stages. Tom Paris’s evocative costumes are gorgeous, with the magical animals in clothes and uniforms the children would have seen in wartime Britain, as the Narnian conflict, although without firearms echoes the children’s experiences, rooting the fantasy land in their reality and creating a wonderful sense of camaraderie on stage. The only characters who do not wear period clothes are the White Witch and Aslan, highlighting the eternal battle between good and evil. The actor/musicians are astonishing, performing the gorgeous folk inspired songs beautifully, whether they are jolly jigs or haunting ballads. The stage magic and effects are magnificently old-school, but still thrill, and the puppet work is incredible. The power of Aslan is palpable as the huge lion’s head rises behind Chris Jared.

Amar Duffus, Delainey Hayles, Shaka Kalokoh and Robyn Sinclair are charming as Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy. They carry the show effortlessly and Hayles nails the mannerisms of the youngest Pevensie. Womack is magnetic as the White Witch – stiff and regal in her icy crown and slowly becoming more animalistic as she loses her cool.

There are some dark and quiet sections in the show, but nothing too scary for most children. The production doesn’t rush the story, allowing these moments to sit and make an impact and the wonderful cast carry the audience along with them on the magical journey. This is such a well-judged adaptation, keeping true to the original book without trying to produce a noisy, all action spectacular, and instead creating an entrancing and exciting show that will warm your heart.

The Kings Theatre, Portsmouth – until Saturday 5th November 2022

Reviewed by Emma Barnes

5*****

Nativity! The Musical burst onto the stage at The King’s Theatre in Portsmouth last night, it was a dazzling spectacle of song, dance, comedy and festive sparkle not to be missed. 

This is writer Debbie Isitt’s adaptation of the popular 2009 Britcom. A modern day window into the Christmas reality for schools and teachers staging a primary school Nativity. 

The heartwarming story is set in Coventry. Teacher Mr Maddens is a reluctant director of the school play with a seemingly rowdy class of children with little talent or hope.   Things look gloomy until teaching assistant Mr Poppy bounces in and spreads his infectious joy, absurdity and optimism.  Much fun and hilarity follows as the double act develops and a unlikely bromance ensues.   

The plot of the show sticks closely to the film, with two schools competing for the five star review.  Cheery music favourites include Nazareth, She’s the Brightest Star, One Night One Moment and of course, Sparkle and Shine which is guaranteed to have you singing all the way home. 

I am unashamedly biased when I say that the children are naturally the stars of the show, as one of them was my own son! (proud Mummy moment).  However with an incredible 64 child cast , plus two dogs, alternating in two teams across the four performances my hat goes off to CCADS theatre. They have done a magnificent job of showcasing the amazing talent and versatility within the group whilst providing the youngsters with memories and positive experience that will stay with them for life.   The excitement and joy of performing within the cast was palpable and infectious.  Thank you for bringing this happy and unforgettable experience into our lives. 

John-Paul McCronhon as Mr Maddens and Charlotte Turnbull as Jennifer provided stand out solo performances and together their harmonies were absolutely on point and a joy to listen to. I loved to hate Tony Johnson who was despicably delightful as the competitive Mr Shakespeare from the rival Oakmoor school. 

Matt Sackman as the uncontainable Mr Poppy is absolutely engaging and a joy to watch. This is a role with such expectations for anyone who has seen the movie, and he does not fail to deliver!  Matt had the audience screaming with laughter over and over again. He easily achieves a rapport with the children, the cast and the audience (on occasions breaking the 4th wall) with his totally uninhibited and wacky take on the character.  The comedy timing was absolutely impeccable leaving me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next gag or side splitting antic.  

The show is also a real feast for the eyes as well as the senses, with beautiful costumes and lighting and an amazing set. Highlights include the star swinging into stage and the amazing grand finale scene which had all the pizazz that you’d expect in the West End. This show was genuinely one of the best that I have ever seen. Judging by the applause and standing ovation at the end the rest of the crowd felt the same. 

Nativity! The Musical is an absolute triumph of fantastical, feel good, festive fun. My absolute theatre highlight of 2022.  Is it a five star review?   Well of course it is, it’s five ginormous glittery Christmas stars and a big well done from me. 

http://www.ccads-theatre.co.uk/