Kings Theatre, Edinburgh – until Saturday 30^th April 2022

Reviewed by Ellen Searle

5*****

Based on the picture book by Kate Pankhurst and with songs from acclaimed hit songwriter Mirander Cooper, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World is a wonderfully original pop of colour, music and storytelling.  At the centre of this lively musical is Jade (Kudzai Mangombe), an 11 year old who finds herself accidentally separated from her class on a school trip to a museum – alone in the Hall of Greatness, distraught at her parents impending divorce, she is literally and figuratively lost.  But not for long.  Twelve iconic women from history appear to inspire and counsel Jade, and as they do so, we the audience are entertained and educated in equal measure.  Jade Kennedy, Renee Lamb, Christina Modestou and Kirstie Skivington play these characters with the expertise, attention to detail and sheer verve these giants of history deserve, performing Miranda Cooper’s catchy and wonderfully choreographed original songs with brio.

First to appear are a heroic trio of sportspeople and adventurers led by aviator Amelia Earhart.  Jade is lost and needs direction, but also needs to have her voice heard.  Cue Emmeline Pankhurst (yes, a distant relative of the original book’s author), to help her express herself. Frida Kahlo and Jane Austen represent the arts, their contrasting styles and backgrounds playing together perfectly. Then we have leaders in the fields of sciences, nursing and espionage showing that women really can and do excel in any field! And finally, we are brought into the more modern era with Rosa Parks and Ann Frank (Lana Turner), completing a highly diverse line up of inspirational women.

The real life stories are seamlessly interwound with the fictional plot, cleverly often using the actual words spoken or written by the heroines. The colourful staging and imaginative use of props makes the show visually appealing.  While it is aimed primarily at younger people (and my own 12 year old daughter loved it) and is meant to educate and inspire, it is never preachy.  The stories, like all good stories, draw us in and take us on a journey, and while full of comic moments and some great quips, it does not shy away from more difficult aspects of the women’s lives. This add real depth, showing that change is achieved not because of a single spontaneous moment of brilliance, but by perseverance over time,  by overcoming personal challenges, and almost always as part of a wider collective movement for change.  As this show eloquently expresses, all of us can and do make a difference in the world – and we can have a bit of fun along the way.  This show matters because, as Kate Pankhurst herself says “the stories you hear when you are young are incredibly important, they can help you look at the world in a new light and feel a little braver – they help to form the jigsaw of you.”

Everyone involved in this wonderful production can rightly be proud of their part in telling these stories, and doing their own bit to change the world through this sassy, uplifting musical.

RAYMOND GUBBAY LIMITED PRESENTS

THE PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION

ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL

SATURDAY 4 JUNE AT 2.30PM

PRESENTED BY KATIE DERHAM

Raymond Gubbay Limited is proud to present THE PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION, a concert of majestic music celebrating 70 years of Her Majesty’s reign, on Saturday 4 June at 2.30pm at the Royal Festival Hall, during the Jubilee weekend.

Featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the magnificent, combined sound of the Royal Choral Society and The Bach Choir along with a distinguished line-up of soloists including Christopher Warren-Green conducting, Fflur Wyn soprano and Crispian Steele-Perkins trumpet. The concert will be presented by the broadcaster Katie Derham, who is currently fronts In Tune on BBC Radio 3.

The majority of the pieces have been chosen for their connection to royal events and all have featured in the Coronation or a royal wedding.

Pieces include:
Handel Zadok the Priest, Walton Crown Imperial, Schubert Ave Maria
Elgar Nimrod, Vaughan Williams Fantasia on Greensleeves, Parry I was glad, Handel Eternal source of light divine, Purcell Trumpet Tune, Elgar Pomp and Circumstance March No.1 in D, Butterworth The Banks of Green Willow

Katie Derham said: ‘I am really looking forward to presenting the most wonderful afternoon of celebratory music with all sorts of fabulous pieces from different occasions and celebrations from throughout Her Majesty’s reign.’

Tickets can be bought at: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/classical-music/platinum-jubilee-celebration

www.raymondgubbay.co.uk

ALEXANDRA BURKE JOINS THE CAST OF

J A C K   A N D   TH E   B E A N S T A L K

 THE 2022 PANTOMIME AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM

FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED FIVE WEEK RUN

Michael Harrison for Crossroads Pantomimes is delighted to announce that Alexandra Burke will play Mrs Blunderbore, the Giant’s devilish wife, in Jack and the Beanstalk at The London Palladium this Christmas, joining previously announced panto favourites Dawn French, Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Gary Wilmot. Jack and the Beanstalk plays from 10 December 2022 to 15 January 2023.

Alexandra Burke is one of the UK’s most distinguishable powerhouse voices having sold over 5 million records in the UK.  Her three studio albums have spawned the smash hit singles Bad Boys, All Night Long, Start Without You, Elephant and Broken Heels. Her debut single Hallelujah was a million-selling chart-topper.  Alexandra has become one of the UK’s most sought-after West End leading ladies since her 2014 theatre debut as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard. This was followed by Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act in 2016 before a double-whammy in 2018; Roxie Hart in Chicago while also appearing in Chessat the London Coliseum. Her most recent role, originated at The London Palladium, is The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, currently touring across the UK.  A firm favourite across both stage and screen, Alexandra reached the final of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. Last year she was crowned ‘Star Baker’ in The Great Celebrity Bake Offfor Stand Up To Cancer. Most recently Alexandra was the only woman left standing on Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, winning the show.  Alexandra is writing and recording her eagerly awaited fourth studio album and will make her movie debut later this year in the BFI/BBC film Pretty Red Dress. 

Once again directed by Michael Harrison, Jack and the Beanstalk will feature lavish new set designs from Mark Walters and costume designs from Hugh Durrant created especially for The London Palladium. Harrison’s production has choreography by Karen Bruce, with lighting designs by Ben Cracknell, sound designs by Gareth Owen and composition and orchestrations by Gary Hind.

Jack and the Beanstalk is produced by Michael Harrison for Crossroads Pantomimes.As a producer in the West End his credits include The Drifter’s Girl, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Gypsy, The Bodyguard, Annie and Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein. Crossroads Pantomimes is the world’s biggest pantomime producer and part of Crossroads Live, a global leader in the production of musical theatre and immersive entertainment experiences.

LISTINGS INFORMATION 

Theatre:                             The London Palladium, Argyll St, London W1F 7TF

Dates:                                Sat 10 December 2022 – Sun 15 January 2023

Performances:                     visit website for performance schedule

Tickets:                              Tickets from £20 – no booking fees

Website:                            www.palladiumpantomime.com

Twitter:                              @PalladiumPanto                          

Facebook:                           PalladiumPanto

Instagram:                         palladiumpanto

Crossroads Pantomimes
With a glittering array of star names headlining spectacular, lavish productions, Crossroads Pantomimes is the world’s biggest pantomime producer. With renowned creative teams, talented casts and musicians, and passionate production teams, the company create pantomimes which are at the heart of family entertainment across the UK. As part of Crossroads Live, the company works under the leadership of Michael Harrison and is chaired by David Ian.

The London Palladium has been the capital’s majestic home of variety for over a century, and to this day it continues to delight and surprise audiences with its rich tapestry of acts. We’ve welcomed a staggering selection of greats from Bob Hope and Louis Armstrong to the Two Ronnies, Bruce Forsyth and Cliff Richard. This proud tradition has continued since the theatre joined the LW Theatres family in 2000, hosting recent headliners as diverse as Sting, Bob Dylan, Madonna, Coldplay, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Ocean and Dita Von Teese. An annual pantomime made a return to The London Palladium in 2016.

THE KING’S HEAD THEATRE TO PREMIERE

THE HAUNTING OF SUSAN A

A NEW GHOST STORY

BY MARK RAVENHILL

SET WITHIN, AND INSPIRED BY,
LONDON’S OLDEST PUB THEATRE

The King’s Head Theatre have today announced the world premiere of Mark Ravenhill’s new play The Haunting of Susan A, which will run at the venue – London’s oldest pub theatre – from 1 – 26 June 2022.

Written as a response to the 50th anniversary celebration of the King’s Head Theatre and having celebrated the famous creatives who started their careers at the theatre, like Tom Stoppard, Victoria Wood and Bryony Lavery, Mark Ravenhill premiers his first new play as Artistic Director of The King’s Head Theatre. 

Drawing on the traditions of a classic ghost story, The Haunting of Susan A explores the power of the mind to make the unseen visible and for the cruelty of the past to haunt a room. 

Mark Ravenhill said of his new play, “Arriving last year as co-artistic director in time for the 50th anniversary, I reflected on the memories that might be held in this space, London’s oldest pub theatre. The result is a ghost story. Inspired by my love of the work of M.R. James, my new play is set in the King’s Head and explores how trauma from the past can realise itself in the present and the power of the imagination to make the unseen manifest.”

Further details of cast and creative team to be announced. Tickets are on sale now here.

The King’s Head Theatre was established in 1970. Passionate about great theatre, it is known for its challenging work and support of early career artists. The King’s Head is committed to fighting prejudice through the work it stages, and the artists and staff it works with. The team believes in fair pay for all on the fringe and create accessible routes for early career artists to stage their work – work they are passionate about.

OLIVIER AWARD-WINNING CONSTELLATIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO WATCH ONLINE FOR FOUR WEEKS ONLY

★★★★★ Daily Mail

★★★★ ‘A modern classic:  Brilliant, beautiful theatre’ iNews

After winning two Olivier Awards – for Best Revival, and Best Actress in a Play for Sheila Atim, the Donmar Warehouse today announces that the on demand streaming of the critically acclaimed revival of Nick Payne’s Constellations will be available for an additional four weeks until 25 May. All four productions of this ‘sharp, smart hit of first-class drama’ (Evening Standard) – starring Sheila Atim and Ivanno Jeremiah, Peter Capaldi and Zoë Wanamaker, Olivier Award nominated Omari Douglas and Russell Tovey, and Anna Maxwell Martin and Chris O’Dowd, were filmed during the run at the Vaudeville Theatre, where they broke box office records.

In an innovative producing model, devised in response to the pandemic, Donmar Warehouse Artistic Director Michael Longhurst rehearsed four different casts, each refracting the play afresh. The productions were one of the first to open post pandemic, and ran from June until September at the Vaudeville Theatre, and were originally available online last Autumn. In addition to the two Olivier wins for Best Revival and Best Actress, the production also received two further nominations – Best Actor in a Play for Omari Douglas and Best Director for Michael Longhurst.

Michael Longhurst said today, “More than a pandemic-mitigation model, this multi-cast revival was a celebration of how different identities could reveal our shared humanity.  I’m so grateful to all who worked on Constellations, originally and now: these awards and digital captures are the cherry on the top of a decade-long journey, and a triumph of artistic subsidy enabling access to live and recorded theatre in these challenging times.”

★★★★

‘Funny, heartbreaking.  A sharp, smart hit of first-class drama’ Evening Standard

Each production is £7.50 to rent and households will be able to watch the show for 24 hours after purchase; or a multi buy of all 4 for £20, with 14 days viewing time. Captioned and audio described versions will be available, in partnership with VocalEyes and Stagetext.

Constellations are available on demand via https://ondemand.donmarwarehouse.com/

★★★★

‘A stellar revival.  A Sliding Doors to the power of 100’ Guardian

Four new casts. One relationship. Infinite Possibilities

‘One drink. And if you never want to see me again you never have to see me again.’

A quantum physicist and a beekeeper meet at a barbeque. They hit it off, or perhaps they don’t. They go home together, or maybe they go their separate ways. In the multiverse, with every possible future ahead of them, a love of honey could make all the difference.

★★★★

‘This offbeat romance is the classiest show in the West End’ Daily Telegraph

★★★★★

‘An unmissable theatrical event…I honestly couldn’t advise as to which is the better pair to see… Cosmically brilliant.’ WhatsOnStage

Michael Longhurst directs, with design by Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by David McSeveney, music by Simon Slater, movement direction by Lucy Cullingford, casting by Anna Cooper CDG for the Donmar Warehouse, BSL Consultancy by Daryl Jackson, fight direction by Kate Waters, associate direction by Debbie Hannan; associate costume design by Kinnetia Isidore; assistant direction by Sara Aniqah Malik and Robert Awosusi, assistant design by Zoë Hurwitz andassistant lighting design by Laura Howard and assistant sound design by Callum Perrin.  

Donmar Warehouse, Wessex Grove and Eleanor Lloyd Productions 

Eilene Davidson, Gavin Kalin Productions, Grand Cru Consulting Ltd, Rupert Gavin/Mallory Factor

In association with Nica Burns for Nimax

The Royal Court Theatre Production.

Winner of the Evening Standard Award for Best Play and WhatsOnStage Award for Best Design.

DONMAR WAREHOUSE

The Donmar Warehouse is a 251-seat, not-for-profit theatre in Covent Garden, led by Artistic Director Michael Longhurst and Executive Director Henny Finch. We have won more than 130 awards in our 30-year history.

In our converted warehouse, we bring together audiences – never more than four rows away from an actor – to experience world class artists and rising stars create thrilling, unmissable theatre.

We rehearse life, imagine the future and exalt in the capacity for stories to effect change. We celebrate the power of live performance and visionary artistry to challenge, entertain, move and inspire us.

We develop new artists and future audiences through our renowned training programmes and our Discover activity with schools and communities. We know that theatre enriches our society, through empathy, imagination and community.  We share our work far and wide to achieve this and maximise the impact of our artists’ ideas.

Welcome to important stories, thrillingly told, widely shared.

www.donmarwarehouse.com

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube: @DonmarWarehouse

Listings

Constellations

The films will be available via: https://ondemand.donmarwarehouse.com/

Each production is £7.50 to rent and gives audiences access to watch the show for 24 hours after purchase; or multi buy of all 4 casts for £20, with 14 days viewing time.

Richmond Theatre – until 30^th April 2022

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge 

5***** 

Sheila’s Island written by Tim Firth is about a group of ladies that are on a team-building weekend. With Sheila (Judy Flynn) a Marketing Manager being placed as the team leader thinking she knows it all, but it turns out shes overthinking and looking into the clues too deeply. This only causing thing to take a turn for the worst as their boat manages to hit a rock causing all four employees finding themselves stranded on an island in The Lake District. As the time passes by with no rescue in site and the only rucksack that has gone missing holding all their food supplies, they begin to become ratty and fights break loose making then become slightly unstable in more ways than one! As hidden secrets start also sneaking in, how will these four cope with the situation they now find themselves in.  

Sheila (Judy Flynn) likes to take charge plays a very positive role, likes to think she can cope with a crisis she a constructive captain trying to keep everyone upbeat. Denise (Abigail Thaw) Is an over talker, oversharer plays her part extremely well as the sarcastic one but only has only negative things to say and is very patronising. Julie (Rina Fatania) had the audience in stitches on many occasions talking about anything and everything rambling out aloud. She’s a jack of all trades but an expert in none. Has all the camping gear but absolutely no idea! Fay (Sara Crowe) who comes across very religious after going through a traumatic time in life seems to be an avid bird watcher continuously thanking God for the birds around her seems to be enjoying herself with the natural wildlife, she comes across like shes in a running wildlife documentary so funny. 

What an outstanding performance by all on stage was brilliant to watch the connection they all had as well as the many laughs. The whole audience had the attack of the hysterics throughout the play.  

The stage was of a woodland forest with uneven flooring and naked tree branches surrounding the area with a see-through fabric in-between, representing fog giving it a murky look. A stillness within the branches and smoke enhancing the whole scene. Lighting was done extremely well just excellent. 

Along with some fabulous one liners what more could you want. Spectacular cast offering so much. If you want a great evening out be sure to go and what this show. 

Theatre Royal Brighton – until April 30th 2022

Reviewed by Sue Bradley

5*****

Originally a stage play and then a smash-hit film, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice is the story of a young girl, who lives with her mother and rarely speaks, but has an astonishing talent to imitate the singing voices on her treasured records, left to her by her late father. This is, however, something she does purely for herself. When her mother’s boyfriend overhears her, he sees a chance to make money, so pressurises her into singing at a local club.

This is very much a play of two halves – the first setting up the characters and situations before Act Two really gets down to business. After Little Voice (referred to throughout as LV) performs at the club for the first time, things do not go as hoped and from then on the tone gets darker as LV is coerced into performing again in public. This leads to an inevitable showdown between mother and daughter. We are given a better insight as to why LV is like she is and finally LV finds her own voice.

This show has to stand or fall by the central performance of the LV character. Can YouTube sensation Christina Bianco, as LV, pull it off? I’m very happy to report that she does. We have to wait until Act Two to witness a bravura performance, where the Shirley Bassey alone is worth the price of admission, but Act One gives us a teaser of what is to come, providing an auditory double-take as we realise that the voice we are hearing is not a recording but the actor herself. Impressive.

But the emotional centre to this play is the mother Mari, played by Shobna Gulati (Coronation Street, Dinner Ladies). Here is a woman desperate to get what she believes she deserves and has, in fact, got more or less exactly what she deserves. Gulati throws herself into the role with apparent glee, shouting, swearing, drinking and wearing an amazing range of increasingly trashy outfits. Ian Kelsey (Emmerdale, Casualty) as Ray Say, the would-be impresario and Mari’s latest pick-up, gives us a wonderfully greedy and seedy performance and together they give us many almost pantomime comic moments.  Later, Gulati will shine in a very different light, raging against her life and blaming anyone but herself.

William Ilkley, as the Club owner Lou Boo, displays some fine comic timing and has us all laughing and groaning at the terrible puns as he introduces Little Voice to the stage. And Akshay Gulati as Billy, LV’s (perhaps) boyfriend provides a welcome moment of stillness, where I found myself forgetting I was listening to an actor and instead listened to a man talking about his passion.

It is difficult to categorise this show; it is much more than a simple musical or comedy but not as dark as a gritty northern kitchen-sink drama – it contains elements of all these but mostly it is a highly enjoyable emotional fairground ride.  We loved it and were very happy to join the standing ovation.

Don’t think twice. Go and see it.

NEW CAST ANNOUNCED FOR

CHANNING TATUM’S

MAGIC MIKE LIVE IN LONDON

AT THE HIPPODROME CASINO

Channing Tatum and his co-producers are delighted towelcome new cast members to Magic Mike Live at The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino in London, currently booking until Sunday 1 January 2023.

New cast members include James Percy, Luca Figarazzi, Natacza Boon, Peter Cleverley, Petr Fedorovskii and Sarah Annakin.

They are joining existing cast members Daniel Blessing, Jake Brewer, Harry Carter, Hannah Cleeve, Myles Harper, Charlie Knight, Mark Lace, Theo O. Bailey, Ross Sands, Josie Scamell and Manny Tsakanika.

Conceived and co-directed by Channing Tatum, Magic Mike Live, which has already wowed over 300,000 people in London alone and over 1,000,000 worldwide, is a large-scale, live production show based on the hit films Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL, which opened at The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino in London’s Leicester Square in November 2018.  Magic Mike Live has inspired a new television series on HBO Max, Finding Magic Mike which aired in the United States earlier this year. Magic Mike’s Last Dance, the third installment of the Magic Mike franchise, will be released this autumn.

From the bespoke entrance off Cranbourn Street, to the specially curated lounge and bar experience, to the cast of world-class performers, Magic Mike Live is a complete evening of unparalleled entertainment for guests aged 18 and up.  Audience members enter Magic Mike’s mythical club and marvel as a group of extraordinary perform a 360-degree dance and acrobatic spectacular in front of, behind, and above them.  Sexy dance routines intertwined with one-of-a-kind acts, are presented by a diverse cast of performers from around the world.

Magic Mike Live in London is co-directed by Channing Tatum and Alison Faulk, with Luke Broadlick as associate director, and choreography by Alison Faulk, Teresa Espinosa and Luke Broadlick.The Executive Producer is Vincent Marini with General Management by Crossroads Live. The production designer is Rachel O’Toole, with scenic design by Rob Bissinger and Anita LaScala (Arda Studio), costume design by Marina Toybina, lighting design by Philip Gladwell and video design by Luke Halls.  Musical supervisor is Jack Rayner, with sound design by Nick Kourtides.  Dreya Weber is aerial choreographer & aerial apparatus designer. 

Magic Mike Live has become an international sensation since opening in Las Vegas in April 2017.  In addition to breaking box office records and performing to sold-out audiences in Las Vegas and London, the show premiered in Berlin in 2020 and the Australia national tour opened in Sydney in December 2020.

Magic Mike Live is produced in London by Channing Tatum, Reid Carolin, Greg Jacobs, Peter Kiernan, Steven Soderbergh, Nick Wechsler and United Talent Agency in association with Warner Bros., Vincent Marini, The Hippodrome Casino, Bruce Robert Harris and Jack W. Batman, TSG Entertainment & Ashley DeSimone, Richard Winkler and The Creative House.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Magic Mike Live

The Theatre at the Hippodrome Casino

Cranbourn Street

Leicester Square

London WC2H 7JH

Website:  www.magicmikelondon.co.uk  

Twitter:  @MagicMikeLDN

Facebook:  @MagicMikeLDN

Instagram:  @MagicMikeLiveLDN

TikTok:  @Magicmikelivelondon

Box Office:  [email protected]

Ticket Prices from: £39

Current Booking Period: until Sunday 1 January 2023

Running Time:  approximately 90 minutes (no interval)

Performances: Wednesday 7pm, Thursday 7pm & 10pm, Friday 7pm & 10pm, Saturday 4pm, 7pm & 10pm, Sunday 4pm & 7pm

No performances: Sunday 17 April, w/c 11 May, w/c 5 September or w/c 12 September

Rise and Shine – it’s Sleeping Beauty Panto Time

The Pantomime of Your Dreams!

The Grange Theatre are delighted to welcome back pantomime producers KD Theatre Productions with this year’s must-see pantomime adventure, Sleeping Beauty. The pantomime of your dreams will dazzle and delight audiences of all ages and will run from Saturday 10^th December 2022 – Monday 2^nd January 2023.

Following last year’s tremendously successful production of ‘Cinderella’ KD Theatre Productions are already working behind the scenes guaranteeing first rate casting, great sets and scenery and spectacular costumes. Owing to demand tickets go on sale on Sunday 24^th April 2022.

The beautiful Princess Aurora will capture the hearts of young and old alike! But when evil Carabosse causes Princess Aurora to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an enchanted sleep, will the dashing Prince Harry be able to save Aurora from her slumber? Will Aurora’s hilarious Nurse O’Dear ever find a new husband? And will Aurora’s best friend Muddles finally get the court Jester job he’s so longed for! This classic pantomime will dazzle and delight the young and the young at heart!

Paul Edwards, Theatre Manager at The Grange, said “The Grange Theatre is absolutely thrilled to be working in association with KD Theatre Productions again for their sixth Pantomime with us.  Pantomime is a huge part of the local community and this promises to be a “Beauty” of a Christmas show for the whole family.”

This fantastic production will keep you wide awake and is written by Daniel Bell with further creatives to be announced.

Katherine Hickmott and Daniel Bell, the Producers for KD Theatre Productions said: ‘We are delighted to be returning to The Grange for our sixth year bringing magical, high quality, family entertainment to the Cheshire audiences, who really do love their pantomime! We are creating our most spectacular and exciting pantomime to date and can’t wait to announce our casting very soon!’

This jam-packed pantomime will be glistening with our exciting blend of live music, quality professional performers, stunning sets, lavish costumes and bags of comedy. The Grange Theatre is the home of family pantomime in Northwich this Christmas.

Sleeping Beauty at The Grange Theatre, Hartford will run from Saturday 10^th December 2022 – Monday 2nd January 2023.

 Sunderland Empire – until 30 April 2022

5*****

A musical telling the story of a fierce woman, played by three equally fierce women, directed (Dame Arlene Phillips), choreographed (Oti Mabuse) and with costumes(Gabriella Slade) by more fierce women and with at least one of the Producers (Katy Lipson from Aria Entertainment) yet another fierce woman.  All competing, and currently at the top of their game, in a male-centric world makes The Cher Show an extra special, female empowering watch.

We begin with the three Cher’s – Babe (Millie O’Connor), Lady (Danielle Steers) and Star (Debbie Kurup) telling the different parts of Cher’s life story  

Babe is the very young Cherilyn Sarkisian, bullied for looking different, an innocent who finds herself at 16  with Sonny Bono and a burgeoning career.  O’Connor captures the naivety of this childlike Cher.  Her mannerisms, masking her shyness are spot on and so is her obvious love and reliance for Bono (Lucas Rush), even though he’s working her too hard, meaning she can’t see baby Chas.

In Lady, a part Danielle Steers was born to play, we find a divorced Cher, finding her feet and taking control.  Still working hard, Lady meets, marries and has a baby with Greg Allman (Sam Ferriday). Allman likes drink and drugs and Cher doesn’t, meaning the marriage is unsuccessful.  Especially while she remains friends and works with Bono.

Star (Debbie Kurup) brings us up to date with the story.  Her acting, despite having severe dyslexia.  Her Oscar wins and her Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which exhausted her mentally and physically.  And her assault on the music industry with some massive, iconic songs.  Some of which were belted out during the performance.

My own personal favourite part was when the three Cher’s sing Believe to each other like a self-help mantra is a deeply personal, raw and emotional moment.

The live band (Amy Shaw, Kevin Oliver Jones, Joe Britton, Matt Billups, Tom Slade) led by Danny Belton play the numerous songs, in sometimes unexpected ways, as the songs and lyrics are used to punctuate the performances and move the plot along.  It’s not necessarily in chronological order.

Ending the show with all three Cher’s singing along in a concert, giving the audience a chance to sing along to the well loved anthems, you leave the theatre on a high.  Knowing that if you too believe, you too can do anything