Category Archives: Music

Candide, Menier Chocolate Factory

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Candide is currently taking the London theatre world by storm. As many shows wind down in January after the Christmas rush, this upbeat operetta is gathering momentum, so much so that they’ve just extended the run by another week.

Bernstein’s joyous musical comedy is filled with warm and comforting sentiment, the perfect antidote to those winter blues. I performed in this show at university and coincidentally the cast then also included the Menier’s Candide star, Fra Fee.

Crammed into the boutique theatre in London Bridge, there is a sense of camaraderie in the room as we invest in the story of Candide and his continued hardships.

The cast is superb with principals Fra Fee as Candide and Scarlett Strallen as Cunégonde giving particularly impressive vocal performances. But really the whole cast excels and it is the wonderful teamwork that brings this classic to life. If you see one show this winter, make sure it is Candide.

Continues until 1 March 2013, book here.

Fuerzabruta, Roundhouse

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My Facebook feed has been clogged up with flabbergasted Fuerzabruta participants, accompanied by blurry photos of the mad and chaotic acts.

The first show to play at the re-opened Roundhouse in 2006, it continues to thrill at this great London venue on its third run.

This contemporary theatre and circus show originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2005, created by Diqui James. Since it began, it has been witnessed by over 3 million people in 25 different countries.

Fuerzabruta translates as ‘brute force’ and this theme is evident throughout in both the action and the music. The Fuerzabruta signature soundtrack provides an energetic and clubby backbone for the production, rhythmically it motivates both the performers and audience.

Visually I found the show intermittently spectacular, and there is no doubt about the creative team’s talent. The ‘running man’ runs relentlessly on a treadmill enduring gunshots, walls of cardboard boxes, and other potentially dangerous interference. Iridescent foil covers the walls as floating dancers chase each other in the air. Then there are the impressive suspended swimming pools that hover just above ones head: we were invited to place our palms on the surface as girls splash about in the tanks. It is bizarre and unexpected, and certainly feels thrillingly precarious although it does leave you with a painful cricked neck.

There is no shortage of theatrics: smoke machines, water sprays and falling confetti are utilised constantly. After the initial euphoria and excitement, I did feel some of the acts were verging on ridiculous. With no apparent storyline, it is difficult to find reason in the performance.

Parts of the show are undeniably memorable, but I left wondering what it was all about…

Fuerzabruta continues until Sunday 2 March, book here.

The Tales of Hoffman, Oslo Operahuset

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Oslo Operahuset is perhaps the most impressive piece of architecture in Norway’s capital city. Sitting precariously on the water’s edge, this bold, jagged glass and marble structure is admired for its glacier-like appearance and beautiful oak-lined auditorium. Designed by architects Snøhetta, the opera house was completed in 2007, ahead of schedule and under budget. Since opening it has received various awards and accolades and is also the home to two fine restaurants, Brasserie Sanguine and Argent Restaurant.

Visiting the opera house on New Year’s Eve, there was an air of excitement and anticipation in the foyer. This production of The Tales of Hoffman is extravagant and dramatic. The show was perhaps the most visually shocking and impressive I have ever seen. Offenbach’s only opera is often mistaken for a fairy tale for children; this production showcases it as quite the opposite, ‘a grotesque-romantic portrayal of an alcoholic poet fleeing from the realities of life’. Wildly modern, almost futuristic in style, this rendition, directed by Per Boye Hansen aims to thrill and disgust.

The acoustics are startling in the grand auditorium, every note is crisp and clear, projected to the very furthest corners of the theatre. Despite the nonsensical storyline, I felt captivated throughout – the realisation of this crazy tale is striking and memorable. There are some magical moments, both technically and emotionally… particularly memorable perhaps is the live white dove on stage, who seems to appear from the body of the dying woman, Giulietta.

Pulling off this show is a great feat and the cast truly excel, immersing themselves entirely in the messed up dreamworld of Hoffman.

I highly recommend a visit to this spectacular opera house, the building is beautiful and the productions completely mesmerising.

More information and book to see an opera here: operaen.no

Many thanks to Oslo Tourist board for their help with this trip. More information here.

www.visitoslo.com

www.visitnorway.com/uk