Category Archives: Theatre

The Nutcracker 2013, The Coliseum

Posted on by

A growing Christmas tree, a floating hot air balloon, hurrying ice-skaters, mean rats, dancing snowflakes, a heroic nutcracker… Tchaikovsky’s magical ballet is the ultimate Christmas show, always elegant and wonderfully imaginative. Slump into a comfortable velvet Coliseum seat and let the immaculate dancing and mesmerising set engross you.

The orchestra bring a new energy to this familiar score. The narrative is slightly overcomplicated by the part-sharing and splitting: Junor Souza dances as the masked Nutcracker, whilst Vadim Muntagirov dances him unmasked as well as taking on the role of the Drosselmeyer’s nephew; meanwhile grown-up Clara also dances as the Sugar Plum Fairy, completely confusing me! At least the dancers seem to know what they are doing and seamlessly float from scene to scene, excelling in Wayne Eagling’s virtuosic choreography.

The lead couple, Daria Klimentova and Vadim Muntagirov complement each other, and move effortlessly in the main sequences. While James Streeter is fantastically gruesome as the shudderingly menacing King Rat. It is Eagling’s ensemble dances which really shine in this production, the pretty snowflake chorus and the second act Waltz of the Flowers highlights the English National Ballet talent.

The Tring Park School kids are a joy on stage. Assured and adorable, they animate the production, and dance and sing with an excited spring in their step.

Another magical production of the Nutcracker at the Coliseum completes the Christmas festivities.

View more information about the English National Ballet productions here: www.ballet.org.uk

THOROUGHLY MODERN MAN: Jumpers for Goalposts, Bush Theatre

Posted on by

Tom Wells’s Kitchen Sink was one of my cultural highlights of 2012, his latest play Jumpers for Goalposts shares some of the atmosphere, issues and humour of the former work. The whole play is set in a very credible changing room; the action takes place after every match played by a somewhat eccentric five-a-side football team.

Wells celebrates the diversity of 21st century human beings. His characters are peculiar. Because we are all peculiar. He closely observes the habits and foibles of his players with hilarious and often touching results.

The complexity of characterisation makes great demands on the cast particularly linguistically. The actors meet these demands and carry one emotionally through the occasional ups and frequent downs of their extraordinary-ordinary lives.

The play advances the task of normalising what once might have been considered unconventional lifestyle choices. It does this without once appearing worthy but by making the audience contort with laughter.

Jumpers for Goalposts continues until 4 January 2014, book here.

Written by a Thoroughly Modern Man, Chris Kenny.

Mamma Mia, Broadhurst Theatre, New York

Posted on by

The Broadway scene is booming since, despite the vast expense, it is often a must on any tourist’s itinerary. There are plenty of shows to choose from, some are easier to get tickets for than others. If you’re interested in Book of Mormon, Matilda or Kinky Boots, prepare to beg, borrow or steal a ticket because otherwise you won’t get a seat. Prices reflect popularity and trends.

Mamma Mia is one of the few famous musicals I have never seen, so I enthusiastically took the opportunity to see the show in New York. This feel-good musical is currently on stage at the Broadhurst Theatre, one of the many glittering establishments amongst the bright lights of Times Square.

This classic ABBA musical, with music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, is a back-to-back medley of the familiar 80s songs. You can’t help but sing along. The production itself is unspectacular, the set feels tired and the volume from the singers needs a boost. I wanted to be blown away by this big Broadway show, but I just wasn’t.

The orchestra seem to enjoy the upbeat score, conducted by a cheerful Wendy Bobbitt Cavett. Judy McLane succeeds vocally as Donna Sheridan but doesn’t engage well with the audience, her eyes have a glazed look and dramatically she is rather robotic. Laurie Veldheer is better as the daughter, Sophie, and her friends provide some comedy.

Since the film hit the big screen, Mamma Mia the musical has struggled to be as impressive on stage and sadly the current Broadway cast seem resigned to their inferior position.

Thanks to NYC & Co and The Broadway Collection.
More information: http://www.broadwaycollection.com/ (@BwayCollection)

Visitors need to book via a UK tour operator:  www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk