Flashback ten years and I was one of those kids, you know the Latin and ballroom competitive kids that you see covered in fake tan and sequins? I’ve not waltzed since I was at least ten years old. Now in 2011 the international tour of Burn of the Floor visits Birmingham this week and I find myself in awe of this production.
The show is basically a programme of “reinvented” Latin and ballroom dances and at first I thought it would be another “I can’t wait for the interval” show, but it was anything but! The energy and passion the company oozes is captivating and you find it hard to know where to look with such amazing performers on stage. The short snippets of dance means there’s always something new and fresh happening: no time for boredom! The dances range from slow elegant waltzes to foot tapping jives. The dancing is only enhanced by the clever lighting plot and luscious amounts of dry ice.
The company, made up of dancers from all over the world, has such a great chemistry together and perform as an ensemble with each person being given a chance to show off. The simple set means that the production focus’s fully on the actual dancing and is driven by the talent of the company. These people are the best in the world, having been competing and working in the dance industry since they were kids. And let me tell you, their bodies show their years of dancing... Wearing tight fitting costumes covering half their bodies, this show is HOT. Two vocalists and live percussion support the dancers and help the show to flow smoothly, linking everything together.
I think the success of this show is down to Jason Gilkison, the choreographer for this international hit. His reinvention of traditional dances is perfect for today’s modern audience. The routines are set to songs we all recognise including, “Everybody Hurts”, “Proud Mary” and “It Don’t Mean A Thing”. My personal highlight in the show was the number “After All”, a stunning routine comprising of the waltz, tango, Paso Doble and the rumba.
A special mention should go to Emma Slater: a Birmingham girl currently in the cast who already has a biography comprising of Broadway, West End and movie credits.
I came out with the biggest smile wanting to put my sequins back on and take to the floor. Go and see!
Showing posts with label west end. Show all posts
Showing posts with label west end. Show all posts
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Dirty Dancing First Ever National Tour (coming to the Birmingham Hippodrome Summer 2012)
The kind people at the Birmingham Hippodrome invited me along to an exclusive press launch for the first ever national tour of “Dirty Dancing” today. First of all, I’m not going to lie; I’ve never seen the movie or the stage show – I’ve been living under a rock...The event was held at Aston Villa Football Ground and included a tour of the ground, drinks reception, lunch, exclusive performances from cast members and a Q&A / photo session.
Upon arrival we were greeted nicely and offered drinks before being shown a stadium tour. The tour included seeing the conference rooms, the pitch and (my favourite part) seeing the home team’s dressing room. I was amazed by the rooms – who knew there were hidden safes behind the team’s shirts? (I’m gonna guess anyone who loves football already knew this...)
Checking out the Villa's dressing room... Click for a bigger version.
After bumping into same familiar faces from other Hippodrome events fellow blogger Alex and I made our way to the main event...
Sitting at one of the press tables, chit chat and socialising was at the top of the agenda - I need to get used to these events and remember that when someone asks “where are you from?” they don’t mean my area, they’re in fact asking me what newspaper, company, ticket agent or TV / radio station I’m from. Following on from a lovely lunch provided by the Hippodrome / Villa Ground, the event began.
Dirty Dancing preview... Click for a bigger version.
James Leece and Charlotte Gooch burst onto stage performing the “Mambo” number: a hot Latin sequence with lifts galore. Karl Sydow (producer of the production) then took to stage to give the audience a general talk about the film, the show and the new tour. Chris Holland and Shonagh Daly then gave us an amazing performance of the song “Do You Love Me?" before all five of the Dirty Dancers held an open question and answer session.
Some interesting questions from the crowd revealed that the tour will include all the famous scenes from the movie (including the water scene, the log scene and of course the infamous lift) and that the production will follow closely to that of the recently closed West End show. However, the original set has been slightly adapted for touring venues (like every other big West End tour). The cast also told some quirky anecdotes about the “lift” going wrong in performances. Who knows? Maybe you’re there the night when Baby’s family have to stop her from face-planting the stage. Before going, the cast gave an extraordinary performance of the famous song “Time of My Life”.
James Leece and Charlotte Gooch perform for the press... Click for a bigger version.
The Hippodrome also revealed today that Dirty Dancing will be the last production to be performed on the current stage. On the 12th August 2012 the theatre will close its doors to undergo a million pound redevelopment of the main stage: a deck that has been there for decades and has seen some of entertainment’s most famous faces perform on it.
After a photo call it was time to leave; my train was full of other audience members discussing how excited they are to see the show (most of them have booked tickets over a year in advance).
Recently closed at the Aldwych Theatre, Dirty Dancing opened in the West End in 2006, breaking all box office records with advance ticket sales of over £15 million, which made it the fastest-selling show in West End history. It has since played to over 1 million people, receiving nightly standing ovations and continuing to enthral and delight. The show is sure to sell out at the Hippodrome soon so booking early is advisable.
Dirty Dancing will appear at Birmingham Hippodrome from Wednesday 4 July to Saturday 25 August 2012.
Ticket Prices: £20-£55 (Concessions available)
Book online www.birminghamhippodrome.com or telephone 844 338 5000.
For more information on the show visit www.dirtydancingonstage.com
Upon arrival we were greeted nicely and offered drinks before being shown a stadium tour. The tour included seeing the conference rooms, the pitch and (my favourite part) seeing the home team’s dressing room. I was amazed by the rooms – who knew there were hidden safes behind the team’s shirts? (I’m gonna guess anyone who loves football already knew this...)
After bumping into same familiar faces from other Hippodrome events fellow blogger Alex and I made our way to the main event...
Sitting at one of the press tables, chit chat and socialising was at the top of the agenda - I need to get used to these events and remember that when someone asks “where are you from?” they don’t mean my area, they’re in fact asking me what newspaper, company, ticket agent or TV / radio station I’m from. Following on from a lovely lunch provided by the Hippodrome / Villa Ground, the event began.
James Leece and Charlotte Gooch burst onto stage performing the “Mambo” number: a hot Latin sequence with lifts galore. Karl Sydow (producer of the production) then took to stage to give the audience a general talk about the film, the show and the new tour. Chris Holland and Shonagh Daly then gave us an amazing performance of the song “Do You Love Me?" before all five of the Dirty Dancers held an open question and answer session.
Some interesting questions from the crowd revealed that the tour will include all the famous scenes from the movie (including the water scene, the log scene and of course the infamous lift) and that the production will follow closely to that of the recently closed West End show. However, the original set has been slightly adapted for touring venues (like every other big West End tour). The cast also told some quirky anecdotes about the “lift” going wrong in performances. Who knows? Maybe you’re there the night when Baby’s family have to stop her from face-planting the stage. Before going, the cast gave an extraordinary performance of the famous song “Time of My Life”.
The Hippodrome also revealed today that Dirty Dancing will be the last production to be performed on the current stage. On the 12th August 2012 the theatre will close its doors to undergo a million pound redevelopment of the main stage: a deck that has been there for decades and has seen some of entertainment’s most famous faces perform on it.
After a photo call it was time to leave; my train was full of other audience members discussing how excited they are to see the show (most of them have booked tickets over a year in advance).
Recently closed at the Aldwych Theatre, Dirty Dancing opened in the West End in 2006, breaking all box office records with advance ticket sales of over £15 million, which made it the fastest-selling show in West End history. It has since played to over 1 million people, receiving nightly standing ovations and continuing to enthral and delight. The show is sure to sell out at the Hippodrome soon so booking early is advisable.
Dirty Dancing will appear at Birmingham Hippodrome from Wednesday 4 July to Saturday 25 August 2012.
Ticket Prices: £20-£55 (Concessions available)
Book online www.birminghamhippodrome.com or telephone 844 338 5000.
For more information on the show visit www.dirtydancingonstage.com
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
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!)
(Remember you heard it here first!)
Sunday, 30 May 2010
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...
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...
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Wicked the Musical: Nik-Shaw Backstage.
Life as a standby in the theatre can be boring at times, never knowing when you're next on... However, "Wicked's" standbys fill their time by making us wonderful videos detailing life backstage in the West End.
Click here to see the first Nik-Shaw Video.
Click here to see the first Nik-Shaw Video.
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
West End Alert: Sister Act to close in London?
A few weeks ago I posted the following blog:
"As I was lerking around Twitter today I came across some suprising rumours... Sister Act the musical looks like it might close! (insert dramatic chords here)
However shocked I am it all seems to make sense... According to my inside theatre people, the London Palladium is set to house the new West End production of "The Wizard of Oz" (with the Dorothy that Andrew Lloyd Webber has been searching for) and Sister Act is rumoured to be going on a UK tour.
Complete bad times! The show has been open for roughly a year, not long enough at all in my opinion. However "Oz" isn't set to open until Spring 2011. Does that mean we might have Sister Act playing atleast until the end of the year?
Meh, that's showbiz. Remember, you heard it here first!"
Now it seems it's all true! (insert more dramatic chords here)
The show is to close 1st Jan 2011 and from the 31st May 2010 Simon Webbe (from boyband "Blue" fame) will be joining the cast as Curtis Shank.
In it's place at the London Palladium, "The Wizard of Oz" will commence it's run from 29th March 2011...
So, get your tickets for both shows before the Sister's make way for Dorothy!
"As I was lerking around Twitter today I came across some suprising rumours... Sister Act the musical looks like it might close! (insert dramatic chords here)
However shocked I am it all seems to make sense... According to my inside theatre people, the London Palladium is set to house the new West End production of "The Wizard of Oz" (with the Dorothy that Andrew Lloyd Webber has been searching for) and Sister Act is rumoured to be going on a UK tour.
Complete bad times! The show has been open for roughly a year, not long enough at all in my opinion. However "Oz" isn't set to open until Spring 2011. Does that mean we might have Sister Act playing atleast until the end of the year?
Meh, that's showbiz. Remember, you heard it here first!"
Now it seems it's all true! (insert more dramatic chords here)
The show is to close 1st Jan 2011 and from the 31st May 2010 Simon Webbe (from boyband "Blue" fame) will be joining the cast as Curtis Shank.
In it's place at the London Palladium, "The Wizard of Oz" will commence it's run from 29th March 2011...
So, get your tickets for both shows before the Sister's make way for Dorothy!
Friday, 23 April 2010
Birmingham - City of Culture?
Birmingham (the official second city) has been shortlisted for the City of Culture Award... (Insert cheer here). As I spend a lot of my time within the city, I thought I'd do my bit to chip in and express my feelings on how amazing Brum is.
My main praise I have for the city is the range of theatre events we have. From small street theatre events to larger touring West End musicals, Birmingham has something to offer for anyone from any walk of life.
The main theatre's within the city are the Birmingham Hippodrome, the Birmingham Rep and the Alexandra Theatre, whilst smaller venues include The Old Rep Theatre and the MAC. On top of that, there are many concert venues such as Symphony Hall, the LG Arena, the NIA and the 02 Academy. Whether you're looking for a major musical or an intimate gig, you can find so much going on all year round in the city.
On top of the venues, the city holds annual events such as the International Dance Festival Birmingham and ArtsFest where events and performances take place on the streets and inside some of the venues mentioned above.
It's also affordable. Many theatres and venues offer discounts for students, OAP's, families and schools with some theatre's offering FREE tickets using the "A Night Less Ordinary Scheme". The Rep has some of the best deals, if you're a teenager you can catch one of the major in house productions or a major tour for as little as £5.99 (and that's even for the best seats in the house) or if you join the "A Night Less Ordinary Scheme" you can get in for free. (Other venues also offer discounts and free tickets).
Whether you want to catch a mid week matinee or a light night concert, you're sure to find something for an amazing price and an amazing time.
Some interesting sites:
Birmingham Hippdrome
Birmingham Rep
Alexandra Theatre
A Night Less Ordinary Scheme
And most importantly...
Birmingham Culture
My main praise I have for the city is the range of theatre events we have. From small street theatre events to larger touring West End musicals, Birmingham has something to offer for anyone from any walk of life.
The main theatre's within the city are the Birmingham Hippodrome, the Birmingham Rep and the Alexandra Theatre, whilst smaller venues include The Old Rep Theatre and the MAC. On top of that, there are many concert venues such as Symphony Hall, the LG Arena, the NIA and the 02 Academy. Whether you're looking for a major musical or an intimate gig, you can find so much going on all year round in the city.
On top of the venues, the city holds annual events such as the International Dance Festival Birmingham and ArtsFest where events and performances take place on the streets and inside some of the venues mentioned above.
It's also affordable. Many theatres and venues offer discounts for students, OAP's, families and schools with some theatre's offering FREE tickets using the "A Night Less Ordinary Scheme". The Rep has some of the best deals, if you're a teenager you can catch one of the major in house productions or a major tour for as little as £5.99 (and that's even for the best seats in the house) or if you join the "A Night Less Ordinary Scheme" you can get in for free. (Other venues also offer discounts and free tickets).
Whether you want to catch a mid week matinee or a light night concert, you're sure to find something for an amazing price and an amazing time.
Some interesting sites:
Birmingham Hippdrome
Birmingham Rep
Alexandra Theatre
A Night Less Ordinary Scheme
And most importantly...
Birmingham Culture
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
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?
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?
Monday, 19 April 2010
Over the Rainbow
Every Saturday and Sunday night I find myself glued to my TV screen watching Andrew Lloyd Webber search for a new Dorothy for a new West End production of "The Wizard of Oz".
On the Sunday night show, the potential Dorothy's perform a "mash up"... I use the term lightly as from what I've always understood a mash up is not singing one song after the other, that's called a medley.
Come on BBC, sort it out! Either call it a medley or get a new musical director to actually arrange a mash up!
Ranting aside, I love the programme and am backing Lauren or Danielle.
Time for more ranting... What is the British public playing at? The past two weeks have ended up with the completely wrong girls in the "dreaded sing off". I'm worried that we're gonna end up with tuneless Emilie treading the boards in those Ruby Slippers!
One of my favourite parts of the show is the "Dorothy farewell" when the booted Dorothy is perched on a flying moon singing "Over the Rainbow"... Let's hope we see Emilie or the super tall one sitting on it next week.
Although, they better be careful on that flying moon with that ash cloud and all that...
On the Sunday night show, the potential Dorothy's perform a "mash up"... I use the term lightly as from what I've always understood a mash up is not singing one song after the other, that's called a medley.
Come on BBC, sort it out! Either call it a medley or get a new musical director to actually arrange a mash up!
Ranting aside, I love the programme and am backing Lauren or Danielle.
Time for more ranting... What is the British public playing at? The past two weeks have ended up with the completely wrong girls in the "dreaded sing off". I'm worried that we're gonna end up with tuneless Emilie treading the boards in those Ruby Slippers!
One of my favourite parts of the show is the "Dorothy farewell" when the booted Dorothy is perched on a flying moon singing "Over the Rainbow"... Let's hope we see Emilie or the super tall one sitting on it next week.
Although, they better be careful on that flying moon with that ash cloud and all that...
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