The Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical "The King and I" has landed at the Birmingham Hippodrome this week transporting audiences to Siam with a strong company, tight vocals and even tighter choreography.

From the moment the overture began and projections and shadow puppets filled the stage the audience was captured with the beauty of the piece. Being anxious to begin with I wasn't too sure on what to expect from the Leicester Curve Theatre's revival but I was engrossed from start to end with the captivating love story of an English school teacher and the King of Siam.

David Needham's contemporary Asian inspired choreography is a wonder to watch and is brought to life on stage by a company made up of international dancers. Dare I say this is some of the most interesting choreography I've seen in musical theatre for a long time? Meanwhile, Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic score resonates through the theatre via a live orchestra presented onstage. I had forgotten how lush this score was until I heard some of the most iconic musical theatre songs sung with such passion and control with a wonderful orchestra as the underpinning of the show. Although the set was slightly lacking an "oomph" factor, two giant Buddha's and sliding panels worked well to set the scenes.

Josefina Gabrielle (Anna) and Ramon Tikaram (The King) keep the show churning as they develop the plot with hilarious delivery of dialogue having the audience chuckling along throughout. Their comedic playing is only upstaged by the dramatic ending and their scenes together the last twenty minutes of the musical. Gary Wood as Prince Chululongkorn is captivating to watch as he watches his father dying. A strong company all round, the show's casting director got it perfect.

Originally I wasn't expecting to enjoy this show, a three hour classical musical that I've never been to keen on doesn't seem like the most appealing way to spend an evening, however, my preconceptions were soon diminished when I saw the skill, passion and talent behind this production. It's three hours of what musical theatre should and puts a lot of shows out there to shame... An enjoyable night for anyone.

A True Night at the Theatre for “Top Hat On Stage” at the Birmingham Hippodrome

“Dress to impress! It's Black Tie and Tiara night...” As I walked the red carpet at the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre last night I could tell I was in for a true night out full of glitz and glamour. Even before the show began I immediately felt like I had been taken back in time to 1930s Broadway: there were ties and tiaras galore and the people of Birmingham had really gone all out for opening night.

The house lights dimmed and to the audience’s delight the conductor appeared and conducted the 23 piece orchestra under the glow of a follow spot; a definite throw back to the golden age of musical theatre. Three times Olivier Award nominee Summer Strallen and Strictly Come Dancing star Tom Chambers are the perfect duo to lead the strong company of 31 in this musical farce based on love and false identity. They play the roles made famous in the film by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, happy go lucky Broadway star Jerry Travers and the sassy Dale Tremont. Tom Chambers delights the audience with his Fred Astaire tap numbers, especially the act one finale when he is joined by the rest of the company, whilst Summer Strallen charms us with her beautiful rendition of “Better Luck Next Time” as she realises her love life is falling to pits. A personal highlight for me was watching the two leads fall in love in a London park as they tap and sing to “Isn’t It A Lovely Day (To Be Caught in the Rain?)”. Pure brilliance! Other highlights include Martin Ball and Vivien Parry’s act two duet “Outside of That I Love You” as they bicker over their marriage, whilst Ricardo Afonso and Stephen Boswell give genius comedic performances as the Italian fashion designer Alberto and the slightly deluded butler Bates. The cast of 31 continue this delightful performance as they simultaneously tap away in company numbers and bring to life scene including a Broadway stage, an upper class London hotel and a Venice beach.

A big round of applause is in order for choreographer Bill Deamer, mixing ballroom, tap and vaudeville styles to create a visual feast for theatre goers. It all looks perfect on a set designed by Hildegard Bechtler who uses sliding flats, beautiful backcloths and revolving beds to take us to nearly 30 locations. And what’s this show without the music? Although the film only had 5 songs, the creative team dug through Irving Berlin’s back trunk to create a beautiful score that takes us back to the golden era of musicals. Although, I couldn’t help but get distracted by some of the sliding flats getting stuck during scene changes, a few backcloths rising too early (and I’m pretty sure Tom Chambers might have been miming a few of his numbers, forgive me if I’m wrong...)

A big cheer should also go to the Hippodrome staff for hosting the “black tie and tiara” dress code and laying out a red carpet. It’s funny how theatres have spent the past few years making shows more accessible by diminishing dress codes and the affluent nature of the theatre, yet a sense of nostalgia filled the air as the audiences agreed that the theatre should be a place where you can get dressed up and feel elegant.

A 5 star production that deserves every success it gets, and if not more! It’s really good to see a piece of new commercial theatre that’s bringing something fresh to audiences. This show feels old in a sense that it takes you back to a time when theatre was an elegant night out, yet it feels fresh and exciting.

The show plays at the Birmingham Hippodrome until 10th September, before continuing its UK Tour.

Visit for tickets and for details on the show and the rest of the tour.

Birmingham Hippodrome Presents Six Summer Saturdays

“Six Summer Saturdays is back – bigger and better!” Well, that’s what the Hippodrome is saying in their press releases and after attending a fun filled Press Launch, I can verify that they are truly living up to their promises. Over the summer, the Birmingham Hippodrome is bringing outdoor theatre to the streets of the city from the 9th July to the 13th August. What’s best? It’s all for FREE!

The Six Summer Saturday’s allow the Hippodrome take theatre off the main stage and make live performances accessible to new audiences. Over an estimated 100,000 attended last year’s events.

Today we were given an exclusive preview of some of the events going on across the city... The Pressure Company gave us a preview of songs on some of the weirdest and unusual instruments ever to be played in Chamberlain Square, whilst inflatable lobsters caused havoc in Victoria Square stopping to pose for pictures with innocent passersby. (I also had a chance to try out an interactive game on the BBC’s Big Screen in Victoria Square; I don’t know who had more fun, me or the little kids...)

Make sure you keep an eye out all over the city for snowball fights, interactive games on the BBC’s Big Screen in Victoria Square, inflatable lobsters parading the streets, six foot paintings, aerial theatre and much much more!

There’s something for everyone over the summer, whether you’re looking to make a day out of it, or just happen to get caught up in the wild excitement as you pass through the city. I’ll be going through the city with interactive glasses capturing all the fun on film for the theatre.

More information on the events, performances, dates and times (and the locations) can be found on www.sixsummersaturdays.com

Birmingham Hippodrome - Exclusive Theatre Gossip!

The other week I got a general email from the Birmingham Hippodrome requesting people interested in getting involved writing reviews and blogging for the the theatre. I instantly hit the reply button telling them I would do anything they want me to... It worked!

Now I am a First Night Reviewer for the theatre. After our first meeting yesterday we already have lots of exciting plans ahead.

I'll be filming and blogging from their "Six Summer Saturdays" events which take place around the city for six Saturdays over the summer. Lots of events are taking place, which I get to go to an exciting preview of next week... I'll be sure to report on what to expect!

In the meantime check it out here...
Six Summer Saturday's Link

In addition to that, I'll be working with theatre to report back on some of their top shows including reviews from the Press Night of "We Will Rock You", all the gossip from the press launch of the UK Tour of "Dirty Dancing" and lots more...

The Hippodrome has it's own blog, letting you know what goes on behind the scenes which you can view HERE.

But, if you want all the extra gossip The City Dream's the place to be!

Amanda Holden, Shrek the Musical, Drury Lane?

Rumour has it that Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden is to open in Shrek the Musical at the Drury Lane Theatre in London when the Broadway transfer opens in 2011.

(Remember you heard it here first!)

Noises Off - A Classic Farce

I sat at the Birmingham Rep flicking through my programme and I immediately knew I'd be laughing hysterically for the next two and a half hours... Inside the programme for "Noises Off" was a programme from the play within the play entitled "Nothing On". My prediction was correct; the rest of the evening I laughed my socks off at the slick slapstick, outragious acting and the rib tingling dialogue.

The play features a bunch of - erm amazing - actors getting ready to put on a farce. But as the play progresses, there's more drama backstage than in front of the scenery. Complete with a million entrances and exits of misconfusion, missing sardines and stage managers that have to understudy for alcoholic actors the script is a perfect recipe for disaster (in the play within the play... Not the actual play.)

There were some stand out performances, especially from the half naked Djalenga Scott who acts as the diva "Brooke" and spends half of her time half naked on the stage. Her energetic, charming and cute performance had the audience in fits of laughter as she pranced about the stage during her "Nothing On" performance and strutted and tutted during the "Noises Off" section... If that makes sense?



The set is clever, the play in the play takes place in a nice country home and with high walls, many doors and a grand staircase the set helps to keep the slapstick giggles flowing. Then, in Act Two, we see the play from backstage, at this point the audience gets a true feeling for what it feels like to be backstage at a theatre: swinging doors create much humour, rattling staircases create energy and fake walls that actors must "duck" behind in order for them to get from one side of the pretend stage to other creates much laughter, especially when the "duck" joke is carried on into the rest of the play (and the play within the play).



Overall, it was a wonderful night out: with a wonderful script, fabulous acting and an amazing feel good vibe, "Noises Off" makes for a perfect evening for anybody of any age and any interest.

West End News

The past few weeks have seen the London theatre scene buzzing with excitement: Danielle Hope is to be Andrew Lloyd Webber's new leading lady, Sister Act sees a cast change, Lee Meed joins Wicked and of course, Hair had it's closing notice.

It's a full range of emotions.

Let me tell you, Danielle Hope was definately the right decision for Dorothy, she had the charm, charisma and passion whilst the others seemed to lack the acting skills needed for such an iconic role - that is to say the other potential Dotties won't go on to great and wonderful things. For a start, many of them have been auditioning for shows and drama schools.

Sister Act had it's cast change which bids farewell to the great performers but I'm sure it welcomes some wonderful replacements... Shame it's set to close before the of the year.

In a similar fashion Lee Mead recently joined Wicked as Fiyero, replacing Lewis Bradley who was temporarily acting in the role whilst Lee finished other projects, Lewis has returne to his understudy position. Funny how they were both finialists on "Any Dream Will Do" and Lee won? Ironic? What's even more ironic is the fact that Rachel Tucker (the new Elphaba) was also a finalist on Webber TV talent search... It seems that's the only way to get into the industry these days.

And of course, the hippy musical Hair recieved it's closing notice recently. We say goodbye to the show on Sept 9th. Shame. Where else do you see naked hippies in London?

And there we have it... Highs, lows and the domination of Andrew Lloyd Webber in the West End...

Theatre Ideas.

http://theatreideas.blogspot.com/

An interesting blog about the role of theatre in American society, recent blogs about Next to Normal and it's nomination!

Next to Normal (Original Broadway Cast)

Broadway Openings

The past few days have saw the opening of two completely different musicals on Broadway. The first: a clasic revival, the second: a brand new rock musical. However different they appear to be, they have one thing in common: rave reviews. The two shows I'm talking about are "La Cage Aux Folles" and Green Day's "American Idiot" (respectively).

La Cage follows the story of Georges and Albin - who happen to work at a drag nightclub. George's son is ready to marry but first his fiancee's parents must meet George and Albin. Think "Meet the Fockers" and you've got the picture. This current production is a transfer from the West End and stars Kelsey Grammer as Georges
Douglas Hodge as Albin/Zaza. The show opened April 18th and has been getting some amazing reviews, including the all important New York Times review. The New York Times states “THIS VERSION OF LA CAGE TRIUMPHS!” (What more could a Broadway show ask for?)

As for American Idiot, the musical is based on the songs from the Green Day album (think Mamma Mia / We Will Rock You style). The show premiered at the Berkley Rep in 2009 before transferring to the St James Theatre on Broadway and opening April 20th. The musical follows Johnny, Will and Tunny going through the struggles of teenage life, throw is pregnancy and drugs scandals and you've got the picture. And what did the NY Times think of the show? Well, the title of the review sums it all up "Stomping Onto Broadway With a Punk Temper Tantrum". (Read the full review here: http://theater.nytimes.com/2010/04/21/theater/reviews/21idiot.html)

So, we gave Broadway La Cage, could Broadway be kind enough to lend American Idiot to the West End?

Each show is sparkling in it's own right, (La Cage has enough sparkles for all of Broadway,) and with Tony season just around the corner, who knows what could happen?

Wicked the Musical - 2009 to 2010 Cast Review

So, last Wednesday I had the opportunity to see the last Wednesday matinee of the 2009 / 2010 West End cast of "Wicked". Having already seen the show numerous times before I knew what I should be expected: the fun "Popular", the spectacle "Defying Gravity" and the twists and turns of the story.

Among the theatre world many people often look down upon the show, saying that it's not well written and has a sloppy score. I completely disagree with these, I think the show is fun, has great songs and has a storyline that anyone and everyone can relate to.

The first time I saw Wicked was all the way back in 2006 when it first opened with Idina Menzel as Elphaba, this time I saw Alexia Khadime as the green girl. I loved her portrayal as the Wicked Witch, however, I wasn't too keen on her singing all the way throughout. She had some great belting moments, but during the softer songs she sounded very nasal-y. However, her acting skills definately brought up her marks. I loved her sense of vulnerability during Act One, helping her to grow and definately giving "Defying Gravity" a meaning behind the lyrics. Her rebelious side in Act Two can clearly be seen from the development of events during Act One. (In fear of getting eaten alive by the Idina Meznel fangirls, I shall refrain from saying "Alexia was better than Idina").

Dianna Pilkington played the role of the ditzy Glinda. Her comic timing was to die for and her vocal skills were definately top notch. Her rendition of "Popular" had the audience in stitches, definately something hard to do on a Wednesday matinee. My personal highlight of her performance for me was her performance during the song "Dancing Through Life", seeing her less ditzy and more intelligent side as she schemes to make Elphaba look a fool and get rid of her "stalker" Boq. Not giving her a horrible side but more of an innocent character unaware of her horrible doings.

The rest of the leads and ensemble cast were absolutely perfect! It was clear to see that the cast enjoyed the performance. One day I hope to play a role in this show! Probably the most suprising part of the show? When the audience gave a standing ovation! A rarity for a Wednesday matinee audience.

The new cast - Rachel Tucker as Elphaba and Louise Dearman as Glinda - definately have something to live up to! I'm interested in seeing how their interpretations differ from the previous cast.

The Start Up

So, today is the 28th March 2010 and I suddenly decide to start blogging. I ask myself "why?" and suddenly find my head spinning round in circles with a million different reasons. The first reason is: a hobby - which is great. The second reasion: for fun - just as great. The final reason: the spread my interests with everyone else on the world wide web and to see where it takes me... You never know these days, the internet's wonderful!

I then find myself wondering what I should blog about, I then realise that my life often evolves spending a lot of time in an amazing city in the UK - Birmingham. I find that my life evolves around the art, the dining, the music, the shopping, the fashion, the theatre, the culture and everything else to do with it! On a personal note, my favourite things in life are male fashion, the theatre and art and so, that is what I shall be blogging about.

All I need to do now is get some followers! So, spread the word of what is sure to be an amazing (or an epic fail!) blog.