Tag Archives: musical

Gypsy, Savoy Theatre

Posted on by

GYPSY by Sondheim

The current revival of Gypsy is a vehicle for Imelda Staunton’s enormous talent and stage presence. The production started its life in Chichester last summer, and transferred into the Savoy Theatre, marking the first West End revival since the UK premiere in 1973. After reading all the rave reviews, I felt compelled to see the production. My mum managed to buy surprisingly reasonable stalls seats for £26 and with my sister we went for a girly night out to the theatre.

I was amazed to discover that Staunton has performed in every single show since April, that is eight times a week… and she fully intends to not miss a show before the run is up later this year. The piece is a study of parenthood and we watch as Rose (Staunton) desperately tries to achieve stardom for her two performing daughters. The girls transform from smiling kids trying to impress their “momma” to angry and frustrated young women trapped in a world they care little for. Does her suffocating mothering nurture or nauseate them?

Rose’s sidekick and love interest Herbie, played by Peter Davidson, is a sympathetic and convincing partner. Long suffering and kind, he bears the brunt of the backlash as he tries to love and support Rose and her family. Lara Pulver is a quietly striking older sister, with an alluringly lilting voice. The younger, bolder sister June certainly rises to the challenge of playing a typical ‘child stage star’. But really, everyone is chorus for the ebullient Imelda Staunton, who dominates the show from start to finish.

I enjoyed the quaint quirks of Jonathan Kent’s production, especially the transient sequence where the children performers turn to adults within one dance. The music is by Jule Styne with lyrics by the brilliant Stephen Sondheim, and I loved the opportunity to hear this theatrical partnership. Imelda Staunton is so powerful and inspiring on stage that everyone will leave feeling empowered by this leading lady.

Gypsy continues until 18 July, book tickets here.

London’s Best Shows

Posted on by

As a singer, attending musical events and gigs in London is always top of my wish list but is often forgotten in favour of restaurant reviews. In the past few months I have prioritised performances and I’ve witnessed some phenomenal music and theatre.

Paul Simon and Sting – Paul Simon is one of my all-time favourite singers. His albums were the soundtrack to my childhood, and even now his songs remain top of my ‘most played’ list. When a rare opportunity arose to see him live at the O2, I jumped at it. He took to the stage with Sting and they shared an epic three hour set. It was a well-balanced evening of melancholy melodies and upbeat hits. The Sound of Silence was particularly memorable sung poignantly with only guitar at the front of the stage, and it was impossible not to dance when he performed the African-influenced songs from his album Graceland, complete with full band and gospel choir. Despite being seated in the cheapest seats at the top of the auditorium, I enjoyed every second of this momentous concert, Sting was surprisingly good too! If you ever get the chance to see this legendary man in concert I would recommend doing whatever you can to get hold of a ticket.

Alice in Wonderland – The Old Vic tunnels are a versatile space used for a range of theatrical projects and exhibitions. To celebrate the 150 year anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, Les Enfants Terribles have created an imaginative production cleverly transforming this mysterious space into an immersive land of curiosities. As the trains rumble above, you will forget the real world as you follow the whisper of books down the rabbit-hole to meet the Mad Hatter and all his friends. Due to vast popularity, the show has been extended so you can now book tickets until the end of August 2015. Book here.

Sweeney Todd – I almost found out too late about this Sondheim production at The Coliseum, which was only on for a few weeks in April. I am often sceptical about semi-staged shows but with a stellar cast including Bryn Terfel and Emma Thompson, I quickly felt involved in the production. The tickets (though pricey) sold instantly, so I queued up very early one morning to get myself a seat. Sitting on the front row, the singing was thrillingly chilling and the acting brilliantly intense. I hate horror films, but would never turn down the chance to see the demon barber of Fleet Street.

Calamity Jane, New Wimbledon Theatre

Posted on by

Calamity Jane is not a musical which you get the opportunity to see very often, so when my friend announced she was going to be in the new touring show, I jumped at the chance to watch and support. Travelling around the country theatre by theatre, it was only a matter of time before the cast arrived in London and the capital was certainly pleased to have them, packing the New Wimbledon Theatre to the brim.

The narrative is based loosely on the life story of Martha Jane Cannary, the American frontierswoman known for fighting Indians! It has famously been adapted for film, and stage. Recently there has been an economic trend for actor-musician shows where the orchestra are incorporated in onstage performance, and the instruments are played by the talented multi-tasking cast. Nikolai Foster uses this technique to make the show snappier and more powerful, and luckily the cast seems able to flit between acting, playing, singing and dancing with staggering ease. This style of production definitely suits this vintage show. To create the scene authentically, Matthew Wright has designed a set that is simple and rugged evoking the Western character.

Jodie Prenger, known for winning the part of Nancy in Lloyd Webber’s televised search, is a powerhouse. She stomps about the stage, with the perfect twang and a very fluid, natural comic acting style. She is complemented by the cast of versatile performers around her. I was delighted to see my good friend Giovanna Ryan stepping up to the role of Susan, and storming the stage as if she’d been playing the part her entire life. Amazing too to see her full set of musical skills illustrated in the show – she tinkles virtuosically on the piano, plucks away at her bass and beautifully bows the cello. I felt very proud. I also really enjoyed Phoebe Street’s rendition of Katie Brown, the pretty girl who offers some contrast to the rest of the rowdy cast.

It is a joy to see this Sammy Fain musical revival, if you can visit any of the tour venues, I highly recommend a trip to this brilliantly modernised version of an old-fashioned classic.

More information and book tickets to see Calamity Jane here.