Tag Archives: show

CATS, Manchester Opera House

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I have four cats. Dotty is the eldest with a distinctive coat of spots and a loud miaow, Cocoa is a cautious but cute chocolate coloured cat, Plum has a beautiful purple-grey coat but a mean hiss and little Geoff is the youngest and most affectionate, cuddling up to you whenever he’s given the chance.

Everyone has heard all about Lloyd Webber’s famous musical Cats which has set world records on both the West End and Broadway stages. Based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot, it tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles, their antics and adventures. There is little narrative structure but the show is loosely held together by the magnificent musical motifs and melodies. Songs such as ‘Memory’, ‘Macavity’ and ‘Mr. Mistoffelees’ are much loved both in the context of the production and as pieces in their own right.

Currently on tour at the Grand Opera House in Manchester, this production is receiving enthusiastic audiences every night. I was sat next to a very enamoured fan who annoyingly sang along to every word, when I nudged her to shush she smiled apologetically but continued to mouth each and every syllable. Never before have I seen such a cult following at such a long running show, it is truly a testament to the quality of this musical.

I sang many of the songs as a child, and so was thrilled to hear them performed on stage, but I found the faultless dance routines and wonderful costumes even more exciting to witness. The cast are incredible, flexible and fabulously feline, hitting every note with vigour and vitality.

At last I understand what all the hype is about… this show is truly legendary, a musical phenomenon you have to experience at least once in your life.

CATS continues at The Manchester Opera House until 20 April 2013, book here.

Moulin Rouge, Feerie, Paris

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The Moulin Rouge is an iconic landmark, and a must see Parisian extravaganza of feathers and fluttering lashes, foolery, flirtation and fun. Immortalised by painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and more recently remembered in Baz Luhrman’s famous film makeover, the glittering windmill is an image that we all associate with the glitz and glamour of vintage Paris.

As a wannabe Parisian girl who travels to the ‘city of light’ regularly, it seems bizarre that I have never seen the show at the windmill. The epic cabaret performance has become world famous, a legendary exhibition of beautiful bodies, colourful costumes and awe-inspiring acts.

Shows run twice nightly, at 9pm and 11pm, there is the option to dine beforehand; champagne is an almost compulsory addition to the evening. We stepped off the Eurostar train at 10.19pm exactly, dashing through Gare du Nord in search of a taxi. With no supper in our stomachs and the adrenaline of arriving in a new country keeping us awake, we drove straight to the 11 o’clock Thursday show buzzing. Skipping the queue (always book prior as it is usually sold out), we marched straight through the velvety windmill interior to take our seats in the plush auditorium.

The theatre itself is divinely sensual, circular tables glow with flickering lights and waiters skim the floor offering drinks. There is a hushed romantic feel in the crowded sea of audience and a great sense of friendship amongst visitors as groups share tables, chat and squeal throughout the show. We were sat next to a group of lovely ladies who insisted on topping up our champagne flutes and giggling with us at the daring acts.

The Moulin Rouge’s show, “Feerie” is a whimsical and magical production created by Doris Haug and Ruggero Angeletti. With complex choreography from Bill Goodson and stunning designs by Corrado Collabucci, it is a truly unique spectacle. Feerie aims to fulfil all the audience’s dreams with its four scenes: ‘The Moulin Rouge today and yesterday’, ‘The Pirates’, ‘The Circus’ and‘The Moulin Rouge from 1900 to…’

The show is captivating and utterly divine, polished and beautiful from start to finish. Highlights include an athletic girl swimming underwater with five squirming pythons in an impressive tank, the famous French Cancan, the staggering ‘singing in the rain’ balancing act and the incredible final dance – an explosion of bright pink people all over the stage.

I loved every minute of The Moulin Rouge and understand now why this famous show receives such rapturous applause and appreciation every night of the week, 365 nights a year. At the Moulin Rouge the music, dance and magic never stops.

More information here: http://www.moulinrouge.fr/