WINNER OF ‘BEST NEW MUSICAL’ ACROSS THE GLOBE COME FROM AWAY ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST EVER TOUR OF THE U.K. AND IRELAND
AS THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION CELEBRATES 1000 PERFORMANCES IN THE WEST END
The multi award-winning musical Come From Away, which celebrated its 1000th performance in the West End last night, Monday 28th November, announces today that the production will launch its first ever tour of the U.K. and Ireland, opening in Leicester in February 2024. Further information on tour venues and dates will be announced soon, however to be first in line for tickets and details, please register interest at comefromawaylondon.co.uk
As previously announced, the London production of Come From Away, which has been seen by more than 850,000 people at the Phoenix Theatre, will end its critically acclaimed engagement on 7 January 2023.
Winner of Best New Musical across the globe, Come From Away shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that invited these ‘come from aways’ into their lives.
Experience the joy, heartache and soaring music as the spirited locals and global passengers overcome their fears and a world of cultural differences to come together and forge friendships that will stay with them forever. The first female American Airlines captain, the quick-thinking town mayor, the mother of a New York firefighter and the eager local news reporter are among the many real characters caught at the start of the moment that changed the course of history, and whose stories became a true celebration of hope, humanity and unity.
The international hit musical has celebrated sold-out, record-breaking engagements on Broadway, in Canada, throughout Australia, and on a 60-city North American Tour.
Theatr Clwyd, Yr Wyddgrug/Mold – until Saturday January 14th 2023
Reviewed by Julie Noller
5***** (oh yes it is)
It’s November theres a certain red bevage truck doing the rounds, we are all seeing which adverts aimed to evoke the biggest emotional response and linked in with those expected things is Panto; as British a tradition as Fish and Chips. These days each theatre attempts to carve a slice of festive fun and attract its own niche market. Congratulations to Theatr Clwyd with their own take, the Rock and Roll Pantos.
It has to be said I love the kitsch in your face brand of British humour panto slaps its thighs at every year and I also love a good old singsong with great tracks, the Rock and Roll Panto at times feels like a small intimate concert. Theatr Clwyd is still itself thigh deep in renovations but the main hall although dated is still cosy and welcoming.
The stage set and lighting by Adrian Gee and Johanna Town is typically Panto; bright and colourful, our actors turned musicians can be seen on its tiered levels, the green lights twinkling into the auditorium turning red for a time whilst still maintaining their Christmas brightness.
Obviously being Robin Hood we are looking at trees but not just any old trees but Flintshire Forest or Flintshireshire Forest if you listen to one certain dastardly villainous Sheriff the bootastic Ben Locke who reminded me of of Rik Mayalls Flashheart from Blackadder. His portrayal was brilliant how he played it straight with such campness is remarkable. Then there’s fairyesque Chioma Uma as Jolly Goodfellow with her flowing rhymes and matching costume befitting her ending magic speaking to the trees. The cast of merry men is bolstered by Lynwen Haf Roberts as Friar Tuck with her stinky and very loud farts delighting the younger audience and Alice McKenna as grumpy and very set in her ways Scarlett. Connor Going was a gentle yet almost shy Robin Hood taking enjoyment in winding up the Sheriff as an authority figure but of course having the total respect of all his men. Celia Cruwys-Finnigan was a feisty Maid Marion whose costume changed in a Bucks Fizz whipping the dress off firstly to pinafore then onto jeans. Celia gives Marion a sense of girl power not just living to kiss a prince (or outlaw) but to fight against her oppressor (The Sheriff) and escape her dull life of expectation. The Sheriffs men Clod (Joe Butcher who also cameos as King Gruff in a show stealing scene) and Snot (Caitlin Lavagna) are downtrodden and bullied helping to raise the boos. That leaves our 2 experts among the Panto cast Daniel Lloyd as Little John who brought such a sense of fun and laughter when on stage with Phylip Harries as Muf or Lady Myfanwy of Mold (just fabulous costumes with a surprise change which will amaze.)
We were close enough to the stage to see faces crumpling, lips curling these are my favourite moments the ad-libs the quips and one liners that make the most professional actors snort with laughter. It was great to watch an old fashioned Panto with a modern twist, fabulous music and an audience that ticked most age boxes. We laughed, we sang, we most definitely booed, some got up and danced and some of us managed to get squirted in the face with the water guns but we wiped our glasses off and laughed with the stranger sat next to us.
The humour was a bit close to the knuckle that you sometimes had to laugh harder at the quizzical faces wondering why you had laughed. There was plenty of local humour and quips including politics. My last comments are about poor Matt (or perhaps tonight it will be Bryn) who I chatted to after the show he will most definitely be buying next years tickets, sat on the front row he was the object of Mufs desires. He was also pulled up on stage and dressed with a bucket hat and draped in Welsh Flag whilst the audience sang and wished Wales a 5-0 win over England – being English too I felt his pain but he took all the jesting with the good fun intended.
Congratulations to the whole team and Theatr Clwyd on a great production we had a brilliant night which was a perfect way to begin the festive cheer.
One Night Only returns to The Ivy on Sunday 4 December 2022 to raise essential funds for theatrical charity Acting for Others.
Adjoa Andoh, Jim Carter OBE, Kim Cattrall, Tamsin Grieg, Robert Lindsay, Lesley Manville CBE and Dame Arlene Phillips join a host of stars announced for One Night Only 2022.
Dame Maggie Smith joins Sir Derek Jacobi, Anne Reid and Dame Penelope Wilton on the Knights and Dames table.
Theatrical charity Acting for Others and The Ivy announces the return of One Night Only at The Ivy on London Theatreland’s West Street, on Sunday 4 December 2022.
The evening sees stars of the stage and screen swap their costumes for aprons, scripts for menus and award trophies for cocktail shakers to serve diners for a one-off sitting at The Ivy, a restaurant renowned for its unfaltering service. Leading the waiting staff this year and trying their hand at taking over the bar, waiting tables, hosting and welcoming guests, will be a cast including Geraldine Alexander, Adjoa Andoh, Annette Badland, Joanna Bobbin, Samantha Bond, Harriet Cairns, Bessie Carter, Jim Carter OBE, Kim Cattrall, Neil Dudgeon, Ben Forster, Tamsin Grieg, Ginny Holder, Tom Hopper, Celia Imrie, Cassidy Janson, Robert Lindsay, Lesley Manville CBE, Jessica Madsen, Bill Paterson, Arlene Phillips DBE, Golda Rosheuvel, Hugh Sachs, Samantha Spiro, Polly Walker and Tom Read Wilson.
Over £88,000 was raised at the last One Night Only before the Covid-19 pandemic for the theatrical charity Acting for Others, which provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities.
This year will see one exclusive sitting at the internationally renowned restaurant, with guests arriving for pre-dinner drinks from 7.00pm followed by an exclusive three-course dinner, with aperitif and wine. After dinner, auctioneer Louise Simpson from Phillips Auctioneers will be joined by actor Samantha Bond to announce and sell to the highest bidder a selection of highly covetable prizes, including the chance to win a meal prepared exclusively for 10 guests in your own home by The Ivy’s chefs, lunch or dinner for four every month for a year at a Caprice holdings restaurant, dinner at J Sheekey before going on to see Mother Goose starring Sir Ian McKellen at the Duke of York’s Theatre followed by champagne on stage with the cast, a day on the set of Midsomer Murders with Samantha Bond including a walk on role, and two tickets for “I Remember It Well” – The Christmas Edition at the Gielgud Theatrefollowed by meet and greet with Judi Dench and Gyles Brandreth.
Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen, Co-Chairman of Acting for Others, says, “After a two-year intermission we are thrilled to be returning to hosting One Night Only at The Ivy restaurant, welcoming a fantastic cast of well-known faces from stage and screen. Thank you to all of our cast of waiters, bar staff and hosts as well as to all the guests for booking for another sold out evening in aid of Acting for Others. The support and generosity of all our supporters is invaluable in enabling us to continue to support all theatre workers in times of need, whether financial or emotional, through our network of 14 member charities.”
Director of The Ivy, Nicolas Garcia, adds, “After the last few years when both our industries suffered at the hand of the pandemic, I am glad to see we are back together again for another night of fun and generosity!”
For those who are unable to attend One Night Only but still wish to support Acting for Others, an online auction will be open from 21 November with many prizes, including a cocktail masterclass at The Ivy Club with a celebrity guest, Highgrove Gardens Champagne exclusive tour for two, Discovering the Northern Lights four-night stay in Reykjavik for two, three-day super yacht stay for eleven and a Mike Tyson signed boxing glove. Details of the auction can be found at https://app.givefundraising.co.uk/one-night-only-2022
Making their Bridge Theatre debuts will be Daniel Mays (Nathan Detroit), Andrew Richardson (Sky Masterson), Celinde Schoenmaker (Sarah Brown), Marisha Wallace (Miss Adelaide) and Cedric Neal (Nicely-Nicely Johnson). Also appearing are Cornelius Clarke (Lieutenant Brannigan), Cameron Johnson (Big Jule), Anthony O’Donnell (Arvide Abernathy), Mark Oxtoby (Benny Southstreet), Adam Pearce (Harry the Horse), Ryan Pidgen (Rusty Charlie) and Katy Secombe (General Cartwright). Completing the cast are Simon Anthony, Lydia Bannister, Kathryn Barnes, Callum Bell, Cindy Belliot, Petrelle Dias, Ike Fallon, Leslie Garcia Bowman, George Ioannides, Robbie McMillan, Perry O’Dea, Charlotte Scott, Tinovimbanashe Sibanda, Isabel Snaas, Sasha Wareham and Dale White in the ensemble.
This immersive production will now run from 3 March 2023.Tickets are initially on sale through to 2 September 2023.
Nicholas Hytner will direct this first musical to be presented at The Bridge – a musical fable of Broadway based on the story and characters of Damon Runyon, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows – with set by Bunny Christie, choreography by Arlene Phillips, costumes by Deborah Andrews and Bunny Christie,associate direction and choreography by James Cousins, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Paul Arditti, musical direction by Tom Brady, orchestrations by Charlie Rosen and casting by Charlotte Sutton.
Join us for Guys & Dolls as The Bridge transforms for one of the greatest musicals of all time. It has more hit songs, more laughs and more romance than any show ever written. The seating is wrapped around the action while the immersive tickets transport you to the streets of Manhattan and the bars of Havana in the unlikeliest of love stories. In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, you raved with us in the forest. In Julius Caesar, you ran wild with us as the mob. Now, join us on Broadway for the biggest party yet.
London Theatre Company Bridge Theatre
LISTINGS INFORMATION FOR THE BRIDGE THEATRE
Address: Bridge Theatre, 3 Potters Fields Park, London, SE1 2SG
DISNEY’S THE LION KING UK & IRELAND TOUR WELCOMES NEW CAST MEMBERS INCLUDING KYLE RICHARDSON AS ‘SIMBA’
The UK and Ireland Tour of Disney’s The Lion King will welcome 12 new members to its cast of over 50 actors, singers and dancers this winter. The award winning landmark musical is currently playing a season at Manchester Palace until 11 March, where over 300,000 people will experience the show during the only North West dates.
The newcomers join a talented international company from 17 countries around the world.
Kyle Richardson will be stepping into the role of Simba. From St Kitts in the Caribbean, Kyle has previously performed in the show as part of the ensemble in Madrid and is in the current UK & Ireland production.
THE LION KINGalso welcomes Alex Bloomer as Ed and Candida Mosoma as Shenzi and current ensemble cast member Jorell Coiffic-Kamall will be taking on the roleof Banzai. The ensemble cast will be joined by Tanisha-Mae Brown, Asmara Cammock, Zodwa Mrasi, Felipe Flores, Reece McKenzie, Aphiwe Nyezi, Peace Nzirawa and Ebby Sama. The new cast will join the production from Sunday 11 December.
The newly announced cast members join principals Matthew Forbes as Zazu, Jean-Luc Guizonne as Mufasa, Richard Hurst as Scar, Nokwanda Khuzwayo as Nala, Alan McHale as Timon, Thandazile Soni as Rafiki and Carl Sanderson as Pumbaa.
The UK & Ireland tour cast also includes: Khanyisani Beato, Tanisha-Mae Brown, Mamido Bomboko Souchu, Asmara Cammock, Bethany Chan, Tau-En Chien, Elisa Chou, Tevin Daniel, Lwandolwethu Dennis Bam, Tim Driesen, Felipe Flores, Oraine Frater, Adebunmi Gabriel, Brian Gilligan, Daniel Griffith, Gavin Hart, Caleaf Henson, Dillan Hope Suttle, Olivia Jones, Melvin Le Blanc, Reece Mackenzie, Zanele Mazibuko, Zodwa Mrasi, Zanele Ndlovu, Buhle Nkomo, Aphiwe Nyezi, Peace Runyararo Nzirawa, Ebby Sama, Cristiane Santos De Jesus, Francesca Thompson, Vuyelwa Laura Tshona, Ricardo Walker, Maria Yim and Bukiwe Zinganto.
The tour is currently in Manchester until 11 March before seasons in Sunderland, Bristol and Birmingham.
The story of THE LION KING roars into life using spectacular masks, puppets and costumes to tell the story of Simba’s epic adventures, as he struggles with the responsibilities of adulthood and becoming king.
Julie Taymor’s internationally celebrated stage adaptation of THE LION KING opened on Broadway in 1997 and 25 global productions in nine different languages have been created since then (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese). THE LION KING is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher.
The previous tour of THE LION KING broke attendance records across the nation, including at the Palace Theatre in Manchester. Since the UK premiere in 1999, THE LION KING London has entertained more than 18 million theatregoers and is the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time.
The stunning artistry of the production is the work of a team of designers which drew on diverse cultural influences to recreate the rich colours and vast expanses of the African savanna in this daring and inspiring reinvention of one of the most successful animated feature films of all time.
Julie Taymor, one of the world’s most innovative directors, brought a vast array of disciplines to THE LION KING, including extensive experience staging epic theatre and opera productions, exploring classic myths through ritualised puppetry, mask, and movement. The Lion King was the first musical Taymor directed in the commercial theatre and she made Broadway history by becoming the first woman to win the Tony Award® for Best Director of a Musical.
The Broadway show’s full creative team, which won five Tony Awards® for its work on THE LION KING, reunited in 1999 to recreate the show in London. Julie Taymor and Michael Curry created hundreds of masks and puppets.
Scenic design is by British designer Richard Hudson and lighting is by Donald Holder. Costume design is by Julie Taymor, and choreography by Garth Fagan. The book was adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated feature and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay.
The original score from the animated film was expanded for the stage and now features 15 musical numbers. As well as writing completely new songs, South African composer Lebo M created an evocative blend of African rhythms and chorales, with additional material by Julie Taymor and Mark Mancina.
Elton John and Tim Rice have added three new numbers to the five that they wrote for the award-winning score of the animated film. The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, including the Academy Award®-winning Can You Feel The Love Tonight and the haunting Shadowland.
The smash-hit Tony and Olivier award-winning musical Jersey Boys is delighted to announce that its run at London’s Trafalgar Theatre has been extended, and is now booking until 1st October 2023. This musical extravaganza goes behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the multi award-winning, true-life phenomenon, Jersey Boys.
They were just four guys from New Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect onstage, off stage it was a very different story—a story that has made them an international sensation all over again.
The show is packed with the hits of The Four Seasons, including Beggin’, Sherry, Walk Like A Man, December, 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don’t Cry, My Eyes Adored You, Let’s Hang On (To What We’ve Got), Bye Bye Baby, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Working My Way Back to You, Fallen Angel, Rag Doll and Who Loves You. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s too good to be true.
Luke Suri stars as Frankie Valli, Adam Bailey as Bob Gaudio, Karl James Wilson as Nick Massi and Benjamin Yates as Tommy De Vito. The cast also includes: Joey Cornish as Joe Pesci, Kevin Fullinick as Barry Belson, Matthew Goodgame as Gyp De Carlo, Gracie Lai as Lorraine, Carolyn Maitland as Mary Delgado, Rosie Needham as Francine, Tom Oliver as Norm Waxman/Hank Majewski and Joseph Peters as Bob Crewe. The cast is completed by Elliot Allinson, Jack Campbell, Huon Mackley, Bonnie Page, Danny Knott and Andy Smith.
Howard Panter, producer for Trafalgar Entertainment Productions, said: “I am delighted to announce that booking has been extended for the Olivier and Tony award-winning Jersey Boys. Having reopened the multi-million-pound refurbished Trafalgar Theatre last year, it is magnificent to see that audiences can’t get enough of this smash-hit musical, featuring a miriad of toe-tapping, legendary songs, performed by our incredibly talented and vibrant cast.”
Jersey Boys is written by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe. Recipient of Broadway’s Tony, London’s Olivier and Australia’s Helpmann Awards for Best New Musical, Jersey Boys is the winner of 65 major awards and has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide. The musical opened to rave reviews at the newly refurbished Trafalgar Theatre in July 2021.
Jersey Boys originally opened on Broadway on 6 November 2005 and ran for more than 11 years. It was the 12th longest running show in Broadway history. It ran in London’s West End from 2008 to 2017 – nine amazing years – and, at the time, was the sixth longest musical running in the West End.
Jersey Boys is now on its third UK & Ireland tour running until April 2023, having previously played two record-breaking tours from 2014-2016 and from 2017-2019.
Jersey Boys at the Trafalgar Theatre is staged by the original Broadway creative team, led by the Tony Award-winning team of director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo, with scenic design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Jess Goldstein, lighting by Howell Binkley, sound by Steve Canyon Kennedy and projections design by Michael Clark. The orchestrations are by Steve Orich and the music supervision and vocal arrangements by Ron Melrose. Casting Director is Jill Green CDG.
Jersey Boys is produced in London by the Dodgers and Trafalgar Theatre Productions, with BB Investments, Kevin Kinsella, Pelican Group in association with Latitude Link and Eilene Davidson Productions.
The producers of Disney’s NEWSIES are delighted to announce a new booking periodat London’s Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre due to overwhelming demand and sold-out previews. NEWSIES will now run through to Sunday 16 April 2023. Previews, which were all priced at £30, begin tomorrow, Tuesday 29 November, with the show’s official opening night taking place on Thursday 8 December. Tickets for the new booking period are on sale now.
The full cast of NEWSIES includes Michael Ahomka-Lindsay as Jack Kelly, Moya Angela as Medda Larkin, Lindsay Atherton as Ensemble, Samuel Bailey as Specs, Imogen Bailey as Swing, Bronté Barbé as Katherine Plumber, Josh Barnett, as Race, Cameron Blakely as Joseph Pulitzer, Jack Bromage as Tommy Boy, Bobbie Chambers as Ensemble, Alex Christian as Buttons, Arcangelo Ciulla as Ike, George Crawford as Morris Delancey, Ross Dawes as Snyder, Joshua Denyer as Mush, Ross Dorrington as Splasher, Matthew Duckett as Crutchie, Kamilla Fernandes as Ensemble, Jacob Fisher as Albert, Jamie Golding as Wiesel, Damon Gould as Finch, Zack Guest as Swing, Jordan Isaac as Swing, Alex James-Hatton as Oscar Delancey, Clarice Julianda as Ensemble, Barry Keenan as Nunzio, Ryan Kopel as Davey, Sion Lloyd as Bunsen George Michaelides as Romeo, Mukeni Nel as Jo Jo, Joshua Nkemdilim as Elmer, Mark Samaras as Mike, Bradley Trevethan as Swing, Matt Trevorrow as Henryand Lillie-Pearl Wildman as Ensemble.
The role of Les is played by Nesim Adnan, Haydn Court, Oliver Gordon and Ethan Sokontwe.
Based on a true story, NEWSIES is set in New York City at the turn of the 20th century. It’s the rousing tale of a ragged band of teenage newspaper sellers, who dream of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. After newspaper magnate Joseph Pulitzer hikes up the prices for his papers charged to the newsies, Jack Kelly rallies his fellow newsies in an attempt to protest the change, falling in love with young reporter Katherine along the way. These young newsies from across the city come together and rise up against the exploitation of wealthy publishing tycoons and fight for justice using the only power they have – solidarity.
The original production of NEWSIES opened on Broadway in 2012 and was slated to play only 100 performances but went on to play over 1,000 performances before touring and winning two Tony Awards®, including Best Original Score. The original production was filmed live on stage and released in cinemas in 2017.
Now for the very first time, audiences in the UK have a chance to enjoy the thrill of one of the biggest Broadway hits of recent years. In an innovative and brand new production at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, theatregoers will be thrust right inside the action as the newsies dance, sing, jump and fly around the streets of a booming 19th century New York City.
NEWSIES is Directed and Choreographed by Olivier nominee Matt Cole, with Set Design by Morgan Large, Musical Supervision, New Dance Arrangements & Musical Direction by Nigel Lilley, Costumes by Natalie Pryce, Lighting by Mark Henderson, Sound by Tony Gayle, New Orchestrations by Simon Hale, Performer Flying by John Maddox for Suspended Illusions Ltd, Casting by Lucy Casson, Children’s Casting by Jo Hawes, Fight Directors Rachel Bown-Williams & Ruth Cooper-Brown for RC Annie, Associate Director Rachael Nanyonjo, Associate Choreographer Jane McMurtrie, Associate Musical Director Chris Ma and Production Management by Lee Batty and Andy Fox for Setting Line.
NEWSIES is produced by Tristan Baker & Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Gavin Kalin, Hunter Arnold, Kater Gordon and Dianne Roberts, by permission of Disney Theatrical Productions.
The Mill at Sonning Theatre, Reading – until 30th December 2022
Reviewed by Amber Mills
5*****
Warmly welcoming me to The Mill at Sonning Theatre was Sally Hughes, (the Managing and Artistic Director). It’s the complete package here at The Mill at Sonning. The experience included a two-course buffet in which they cater to gluten and dairy allergies. The food was divine and the staff was very accommodating, generous and polite.
The Mill at Sonning Dinner Theatre launched the first Hydro Electric Scheme to be powered by the natural resources of The River Thames. This scheme generates enough electric energy for the theatre’s lights, the restaurant dining rooms, bars, ovens, as well as backstage corridors, dressing rooms, wardrobe areas, set construction workshops, and control box, in addition to its many, many offices. So as well as being a beautiful vintage building it is also Eco friendly.
This semi-round theatre seats 215 people. Bearing in mind how small this theatre is, the Top Hat set/ stage design is classy, with an imaginative art deco design. The set designer Jason Denvir has done an excellent job to factor in every little detail to do with the show. I know the director Johnathan O’Boyle wanted to make sure they could still change the set twelve times in each act seamlessly from New York to London, and then to the Lido in Venice. I think how the stage has been designed is very clever and imaginative and still conveys the story clearly to the audience.
As well as the set design, the lighting is simple but effective and it complements the actors. The costumes were classy and very well thought out to suit each character’s personality. In addition the make-up and hair yesterday were immaculate.
In my personal opinion, I thought the show was very sophisticated and glamorous with seamless scene changes. Every one of the ensemble, multi-roled depending on what country they were in. There was never a dull moment as there were always characters either moving set or dancing.
Top Hat is predominantly a tap-heavy show and I thought the choreography was imaginative and intricate. The ensemble all moved as one and every dance number was slick, smooth, and stylish.
I especially enjoyed watching Jonny Labey who played Jerry Travers. Every time he tapped it looked like he was floating on air. I feel he really embraced the tap-dancing magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. He just glides across the floor effortlessly and is a pleasure to watch.
Top Hat features fourteen of Irving Berlin’s famous songs such as “Cheek to Cheek“, “Puttin’ on the Ritz” and “Let’s Face the Music and Dance“. These iconic songs were sung with class and elegance in the show. I especially loved when Billie-Kay, who plays Dale Tremont sang “Better Luck Next Time”, as she has a luxurious legit sounding voice which emotionally moved me.
Top Hat also has many comedic moments and I personally found Beddini played by Andy Rees really amusing.
Overall I think Top Hat is a flawless production and I thoroughly recommend it
Dominion Theatre, Tottenham Court Road, London until 7 January 2023
Reviewed by Marcia Spiers
4****
We thoroughly enjoyed this show and it put us both in a festive mood. The start of the show is very comical and sets the scene for what is good old fashioned family entertainment.
The orchestra led by Alan Williams was absolutely brilliant and they played some fantastic swing tracks. The ensemble/swing dancers were very polished. We particularly enjoyed the scenes with the Christmassy props including candy canes and boxes.
Simon Lipkin played a very credible Buddy, full of fun and yet able to show the vulnerable side of Buddy as someone who felt unloved and unwanted. His father Walter (Tom Chambers) did a great job of being so selfish and only interested in his work.
His team of office staff were desperately trying to keep their jobs and his secretary Deb played by Kim Ismay was one of my favourite characters portraying immense efficiency but with a sense of mischief.
Walter’s long suffering wife Emily (Rebecca Hobbs) was excellent at trying to persuade him to be a bit more interested in his son Michael, played by Logan Clark who definitely has a great future. His performance particularly in the second half was amazing. He has a great singing voice as does Rebecca Hobbs. Their duo together was memorable and well sang.
We particularly loved the Christmas shop scenery and the Manager ably played by Dermot Canavan. His character reminded me very much of all those stressed retailers out there hoping that everything will go to plan. His double act as the grumpy hot dog vendor was also superb.
The costumes were lovely and colourful and there is a huge surprise for everyone at the end which was wonderful and all the audience were in awe. We enjoyed all the songs and will be seeking out the sound track to play over the Christmas period!
This show is perfect for the Christmas season and if you are not keen on panto this is a great alternative because it has all the magic without the terrible jokes. A must see for all the family – be sparkly I felt underdressed!
Lyric Hammersmith Theatre – until 7th January 2023
Reviewed by Jacqui Radford
4****
Co -written by Jude Christian and Sonia Jalaly, this production is a perfect combination of all the elements of pantomime. We all associate pantomime with Christmas but enjoying Christmas is not an essential part of enjoying this production. From start to finish, the performance is charged with energy; fast dance routines, adventure, skateboarding, innuendo, slapstick and audience participation.
Fleshcreep (Jodie Jacobs) wants money from Jack (Leah St Luce) and her Mum, Dame Trott (Emmanuel Akwafa), with the threat of being fed to the giant in the sky if they don’t. To save them from their fate, Jack swaps their beloved Daisy the cow for a bag of magic beans. A perfect platform for adventure, moral and clever twist.
The set design, costume design and lighting blend together to conjure up the feeling of being in an arcade with reference to Hammersmith throughout. Bright lights, bright colours, outrageous outfits and flamboyance. Imagine milkshakes, singing cows, arcade machines and custard pies.
Being in the audience for this production brings pure joy and all ages are catered for. Everyone has something to talk about as they leave, whether it’s the fantastic performance and energy brought to the roles of Jack and Dame Trott, the confetti explosion and other special effects, seeing the excitement and engagement of children in the audience or being able to sing to your heart’s content. ‘Glory, Glory, Hammersmith!’.
