So I started this little blog a year or so ago just to see what happened and (by some crazy chance) it seems to be going well. I started blogging about my random experiences and thoughts and from there ended up writing for the Birmingham Hippodrome as one of their First Night Bloggers. After that I was approached by the people at I Am Birmingham (big cheer for my hometown) who have asked me to join the team reviewing and attending various events, shows and performances in Birmingham. And then I was approached by M. Magazine to do some writing for them, so it seems to have gone rather well. (I'm sure my GCSE English teacher would be rather proud of me...)
Anyway, lots of links below where you can see my ramblings. Enjoy.
My blog: This blog...
Birmingham Hippodrome First Night: Birmingham Hippodrome First Night
I Am Birmimgham: I Am Birmingham
I Am Birmingham Blog: I Am Birmingham Blog
M. Magazine: M. Magazine
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Cinderella - The Greatest Pantomime of Them All!
Billed as "the greatest pantomime of them all" the Birmingham Hippodrome's 2011 pantomime "Cinderella" doesn't lie!
I've been a regular panto-goer at the Hippodrome for ten years now and have seen many Cinder's go to the ball, Jack's climb beanstalks and Aladdin's find magical lamps. But this year QDOS (the UK's biggest pantomime producing company) have managed to top themselves again.
Brian Conley returns to the Hippodrome making this his 5th pantomime at the venue - a record for the theatre - and manages to bring lots of laughter for all audience members. Panto leading lady Kathryn Rooney also returns to the Hippodrome to play the title role proving she not only has the beauty of a princess but also the voice of an angel. Lynda Bellingham makes her panto debut as the Fairy Godmother making you wonder why she hasn't made an appearance before - dare I say she was the most glamorous Fairy I've ever seen?
David Robbins and Martin Ramsdin are possibly the wickedest Ugly Stepsisters I've ever seen (and with names referencing to this years X Factor they are utterly hilarious!) Dan Burton and Matthew Goodgame make an admirable duo as Dandini and Prince Charming. Basil Brush even makes his role of the Baron his own and grasps the character like any true actor would!
Having seen well over 15 pantomimes by QDOS it's easy for gags to get recycled and routines to get boring but this years production brings something fresh to the Christmas tradition... New effects mean Cinderella and Buttons both go to the Ball via a route over the heads of the audience and we see a traditional panto horse get transformed into a real life Shetland pony. There's plenty of gags and audience participation to get even the hardest pf Scrooges chuckling along. But the highlight for me was definitely watching Buttons (Brian Conley) battle it out with Prince Charming whilst singing a love duet with Cinderella... Even poor Cinders gets caught up in her hassle.
With magical songs, slapstick routines and costumes to dazzle (over 300 of them I believe) the Birmingham Hippodrome is the place to be this Christmas for festive entertainment for the whole family... Oh yes it is!
I've been a regular panto-goer at the Hippodrome for ten years now and have seen many Cinder's go to the ball, Jack's climb beanstalks and Aladdin's find magical lamps. But this year QDOS (the UK's biggest pantomime producing company) have managed to top themselves again.
Brian Conley returns to the Hippodrome making this his 5th pantomime at the venue - a record for the theatre - and manages to bring lots of laughter for all audience members. Panto leading lady Kathryn Rooney also returns to the Hippodrome to play the title role proving she not only has the beauty of a princess but also the voice of an angel. Lynda Bellingham makes her panto debut as the Fairy Godmother making you wonder why she hasn't made an appearance before - dare I say she was the most glamorous Fairy I've ever seen?
David Robbins and Martin Ramsdin are possibly the wickedest Ugly Stepsisters I've ever seen (and with names referencing to this years X Factor they are utterly hilarious!) Dan Burton and Matthew Goodgame make an admirable duo as Dandini and Prince Charming. Basil Brush even makes his role of the Baron his own and grasps the character like any true actor would!
Having seen well over 15 pantomimes by QDOS it's easy for gags to get recycled and routines to get boring but this years production brings something fresh to the Christmas tradition... New effects mean Cinderella and Buttons both go to the Ball via a route over the heads of the audience and we see a traditional panto horse get transformed into a real life Shetland pony. There's plenty of gags and audience participation to get even the hardest pf Scrooges chuckling along. But the highlight for me was definitely watching Buttons (Brian Conley) battle it out with Prince Charming whilst singing a love duet with Cinderella... Even poor Cinders gets caught up in her hassle.
With magical songs, slapstick routines and costumes to dazzle (over 300 of them I believe) the Birmingham Hippodrome is the place to be this Christmas for festive entertainment for the whole family... Oh yes it is!
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Slava's Snow Show is a Must See!
From the minute I walked into the auditorium covered in snow I felt that I wasn’t in for an evening of “usual” theatre, and let me tell you: I was not disappointed. Usually I find rather easy write a review; I can talk about what cast member I liked the most, my favourite song, what didn’t work too well in my opinion and so on. However, with this show I just don’t know where to begin! One sentence best sums up this performance: Slava’s Snow Show is amazing! It is literally a visual feast of delightfulness.
A company of clowns enchant audiences as they cover them in a blizzard, wrap them up in a giant spider web, throw massive inflatable balls out and cover them in water. There’s not much story behind the entirely mimed show but it seems to bring out the inner child within you, who wouldn’t feel like a child when you’ve got half a dozen clowns throwing water at you?
I’m not going to lie, at first I was a bit sceptic. Did I really want to sit through a show of clowns miming? I found out I did! The show moves so fast with so much fun there’s not a moment for you to get bored.
Since seeing the show I’ve had a dozen people ask me if it’s “scary”... (The whole “I’m scared of clowns situation”) and it isn’t! Is it weird that I actually felt sorry for the clowns? The characters make you fall in love with them, not fearful of them.
I don’t want to write too much as it will give everything away, but seriously, there’s no wonder this show won a Tony. Get a ticket!
Visit Birmingham Hippodrome for ticket and show details.
A company of clowns enchant audiences as they cover them in a blizzard, wrap them up in a giant spider web, throw massive inflatable balls out and cover them in water. There’s not much story behind the entirely mimed show but it seems to bring out the inner child within you, who wouldn’t feel like a child when you’ve got half a dozen clowns throwing water at you?
I’m not going to lie, at first I was a bit sceptic. Did I really want to sit through a show of clowns miming? I found out I did! The show moves so fast with so much fun there’s not a moment for you to get bored.
Since seeing the show I’ve had a dozen people ask me if it’s “scary”... (The whole “I’m scared of clowns situation”) and it isn’t! Is it weird that I actually felt sorry for the clowns? The characters make you fall in love with them, not fearful of them.
I don’t want to write too much as it will give everything away, but seriously, there’s no wonder this show won a Tony. Get a ticket!
Visit Birmingham Hippodrome for ticket and show details.
Friday, 28 October 2011
Zombie Ball - Jamie Chapman talks about his Halloween event
Jamie Chapman, organiser of Birmingham's "Zombie Events" and this weekend's "Zombie Ball" recently answered a few questions about the "Zombie Events".
Regarding the organisiton of such as huge event he says, "I had previously organised a few flashmob events in Birmingham, so already had a selection of people to invite through Facebook. I never would have thought there would be over 1,500 zombies walking the streets of Birmingham by 2011. It's just got bigger and bigger each year, which is fantastic for both the people involved and the charities we support."
Jamie, being only 21 already has a list of events under his belt, and being only 21 there must be a lot of challenges. He goes on to comment, "Being only 21 it has been such a great achievement to have organised these Zombie events in aid of local charities. Despite the stress that comes with it I wouldn't ever change it as I have met some great people through organising these events that I will stay friends with for the rest of my life. It's easy to pick up a newspaper or turn on the television and have the hope drained from you by the all the bad news that is reported, but the fact is there are many more good people than there are bad in this world. I consider myself lucky to be fortunate enough to work with so many good people as a result of organising these events."
This weekend's "Zombie Ball" and the Birminhgam Ballroom is all in support of St Basils, a charity dedicated to helping homeless youths across the city, is set to be one of the biggest events of this season. Both the charity and the city will see many benefits. Jamie comments, "It will raise not only much needed funds but will also raise awareness of the great work the charity does for young homeless people locally. They do such a fantastic job and it's great to be able to give something back to them so that they can continue the brilliant work they do for those that need the help across our region."
Let's not forget the impact it will have the city culture, he says, "It will benefit Birmingham by bringing people together. It's not that easy to meet new people, but these events give people a chance to make new friends and relationships in their lives. Birmingham is a fantastic city with so many positive things going on. You just have to get out there to see it all for yourself."
Useful Links:
St Basils Website
The Zombie Ball Website
Facebook Event
Regarding the organisiton of such as huge event he says, "I had previously organised a few flashmob events in Birmingham, so already had a selection of people to invite through Facebook. I never would have thought there would be over 1,500 zombies walking the streets of Birmingham by 2011. It's just got bigger and bigger each year, which is fantastic for both the people involved and the charities we support."
Jamie, being only 21 already has a list of events under his belt, and being only 21 there must be a lot of challenges. He goes on to comment, "Being only 21 it has been such a great achievement to have organised these Zombie events in aid of local charities. Despite the stress that comes with it I wouldn't ever change it as I have met some great people through organising these events that I will stay friends with for the rest of my life. It's easy to pick up a newspaper or turn on the television and have the hope drained from you by the all the bad news that is reported, but the fact is there are many more good people than there are bad in this world. I consider myself lucky to be fortunate enough to work with so many good people as a result of organising these events."
This weekend's "Zombie Ball" and the Birminhgam Ballroom is all in support of St Basils, a charity dedicated to helping homeless youths across the city, is set to be one of the biggest events of this season. Both the charity and the city will see many benefits. Jamie comments, "It will raise not only much needed funds but will also raise awareness of the great work the charity does for young homeless people locally. They do such a fantastic job and it's great to be able to give something back to them so that they can continue the brilliant work they do for those that need the help across our region."
Let's not forget the impact it will have the city culture, he says, "It will benefit Birmingham by bringing people together. It's not that easy to meet new people, but these events give people a chance to make new friends and relationships in their lives. Birmingham is a fantastic city with so many positive things going on. You just have to get out there to see it all for yourself."
Useful Links:
St Basils Website
The Zombie Ball Website
Facebook Event
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Burn the Floor - Tour Review
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!
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!
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