SFF Theatre News Nov 2015

SHOWFILMFIRST

THEATRE NEWS NOVEMBER 2015 - ISSUE 4

WITH

LES MISERABLES

CELEBRATE 30 YEARS IN THE WEST END

PLUS: AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER

GARETH GATES

TO STAR IN THE UK TOUR OF FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

2015 WILMA AWARDDS WINNERS ANNOUNCE

REVIEWS

WIN TICKETS!

SHOWS THAT ANNOUNCED EXTENDED BOOKING PERIODS THIS MONTH Jersey Boys at the Piccadilly Theatre Now booking until 14 February 2016

Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre Now booking until 30th July 2016

Thriller Live at the lyric Theatre.

Now booking until 4th September 2016

Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre Now booking until 28 May 2016

Mamma Mia at the Novello Theatre Now booking until 22nd October 2016

PHOTO: MATT CROCKETT

PHOTO: BRINKHOFF MĂ–GENBURG

PHOTO IRINA CHIRA

PHOTO: MATT CROCKETT

PHOTO: BRINKHOFF MOGENBURG

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane - Now booking until 3rd December 2016

click here to book tickets

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

WORDS FROM THE EDITOR Hello dears!

What a month it’s been!

After six months of planning, the 2015 Wilma Awards took place on Friday 30 October at the Hippodrome Casino. Guests included Beverley Knight, Jon Jon Briones, Eva Noblezada, Oliver Saville and many many more. It was great fun and you can see some pictures from the ceremony in this months magazine!

Les Misersbles celebrated 30 years in the West End last month with a special charity gala performance.

Stars of the original production joined the current cast on stage for a very special finale. In this months magazine I talk to the current Eponine, Carrie Hope Fletcher, about the anniversary. I also have a chat with the original Eponine Frances Ruffelle about her new album.

This month I review Close To You (Burt Bacharach Reimagined), the new cast of Wicked, Stomp, Thriller Live!, Cats and Sam Baileys West End debut.

Plus you can WIN tickets to see Guys and Dolls at the Savoy Theatre in London!

Enjoy this issue and I’ll speak to you all before Christmas!!!!

Wilma xx

For enquiries please email

wilma@westendwilma.com

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2015 WEST END WILMA AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

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KINKY BOOTS EXTENDS BOOKING TO MAY 2016 AT THE ADELPHI THEATRE

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ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET’S NUTCRACKER RETURNS

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CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER HAS TEA WITH WILMA

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MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET ON TOUR FRANCES RUFFELLE HAS TEA WITH WILMA

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REHEARSAL IMAGES RELEASED FOR ELF THE MUSICAL

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LES MISERABLES CELEBRATE 30 YEARS

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GARETH GATES TO STAR IN FOOTLOOSE

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GLENN CLOSE “THRILLED”

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JOEY FROM WAR HORSE VISITS THE QUEEN THRILLER LIVE (LYRIC THEATRE) CATS (LONDON PALLADIUM) STOMP (AMBASSADORS THEATRE) SAM BAILEY (LYRIC THEATRE) CLOSE TO YOU BACHARACH REIMAGINED (CRITERION THEATRE) WICKED (APOLLO VICTORIA THEATRE) WIN TICKETS TO SEE GUYS AND DOLLS

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2015 WEST END WILMA AWARD On Friday 30 October 2015, the 2015 West End Wilma Awards took place at London’s Hippodrome Casino in front of a pack out audience of guest and theatre fans.

Performances cames from Evelyn Hoskins, Gina Beck, Kieran Brown and host Tim McArthur.

Take a look at the winners and pictures from the ceremony…

WINNERS ARE SHOWN BELOW IN BOLD Best West End Show Sponsored by eStage GYPSY Memphis The Nether Best Off-West End Show CARRIE The Clockmakers Daughter Return of the Soldier Best Touring Show WICKED Calamity Jane Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Most Underrated West End Show URINETOWN Just Jim Dale Made In Dagenham Rising Star Award Sponsored by Planet Hollywood Luke Newton EVELYN HOSKINS David O’Reilly Most Welcoming Venue Sponsored by SeatPlan PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE Above The Stag Landor Theatre

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Best Cabaret/Solo Performance Sponsored by The Hippodrome Casino RACHEL TUCKER (ST JAMES THEATRE) Frances Ruffelle (Crazy Coqs) Sheila Simmonds (Leicester Square Lounge) Best Vocal Performance Sponsored by London Weekly News Killian Donnelly (Memphis) BEVERLEY KNIGHT (MEMPHIS) Gina Beck (I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change) Best Family Show Sponsored by R&H Theatricals Europe The Twits (Royal Court) BUGSY MALONE (LYRIC HAMMERSMITH) Somewhere Very Far Away (Unicorn Theatre) Best Actor in a Play or Musical Sponsored by Applaud Alistair McGowan (An Audience With Jimmy Savile) Killian Donnelly (Memphis) JON JON BRIONES (MISS SAIGON) Best Actress in a Play or Musical Beverley Knight (Memphis) Jenna Russell (Urinetown) EVA NOBLEZADA (MISS SAIGON)

A huge thank you to everyone who has helped the 2015 awards be the success they were!

WINNERS ANNOUNCED!Â

Photos by Ollie Boito Photography

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KINKY BOOTS

EXTENDS BOOKING TO MAY 2016 AT THE ADELPHI THEATRE Kinky Boots, Broadway’s huge-hearted, high-heeled hit, today announces the opening of a new booking period, with tickets now available until Saturday 28 May 2016. Tickets for this extended period will go on sale from Monday 19 October 2015.

Kinky Boots is also delighted to have been shortlisted for the BBC Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical. Voting closes at midnight on Sunday 25 October, and the winner will be announced live at the London Evening Standard Awards on Sunday 22 November. Kinky Boots will also be performing on BBC Children in Need on Friday 13 November.

With a book by Broadway legend and four-time Tony® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles), and songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover, and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind.

Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Charlie Price (Killian Donnelly) is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola (Matt Henry), a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.

Photo: Matt Crocket

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ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET’s NUTCRACKER RETURNS TO THE LONDON COLISEUM THIS CHRISTMAS

English National Ballet’s acclaimed production of Nutcracker returns to the London Coliseum this Christmas from Wednesday 16 December 2015 – Sunday 10 January 2016. Following a hugely successful run in 2014 when over 70,000 audience members made it part of their holiday celebrations, this version by Wayne Eagling marks English National Ballet’s 12th full length production of Nutcracker since first being performed in 1950, its founding year.

On a sparkling Christmas Eve in a frost-dusted Edwardian London, Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker doll discover a magical world, where she battles with the Mouse King and meets a handsome stranger. As the air grows colder, Clara and her valiant Nutcracker take a hot air balloon ride across London to the glistening Land of Snow where her adventure really begins.

In a world of Edwardian elegance, Nutcracker brings to life the popular Tchaikovsky score featuring the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Waltz of the Flowers.

This year, Nutcracker sees debuts from Cesar Corrales, Isaac Hernandez, and guest artist Osiel Gouneo in the role of the Nephew, and Emilio Pavan, and Jinhao Zhang in the role of Nutcracker.

Further Principal casting sees Alina Cojocaru, Tamara Rojo, Shiroi Kase, Laurretta Summerscales, and Erina Takahashi in the role of Clara, and Yonah Acosta, Junor Souza, Max Westwell, and James Forbat in the role of the Nephew.

Based on concept by Toer van Schayk and Wayne Eagling, Nutcracker has choreography by Wayne Eagling and music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic, with design by Peter Farmer and lighting by David Richardson.

Photo: Jason Bell

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CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER

has Tea With Wilma talking about the 30th Anniversary of Les Miserables I am Eponine remembering her childhood.

Its amazing working with the kids now and knowing that some of them might come back in years to come and play the same part. Its weird to watch them and think that used to be me!

What are you planning for the 30th Anniversary?

The 30th anniversary is going to be spectacular.

None of us really know that much about it, its even being kept a secret from us at the moment.

What ever it is its going to be spectacular. We’ve got Colm Wilkinson and Frances Ruffelle joining us. To do what, we don’t know at the moment but its going to be great. There’s going to be a normal performance first, we are sprucing it up at the moment to make sure everything is completely on point.

Why do you think Les Mis has been so successful?

I think Les Mis is so successful because it has everything, I feel like it has so many different storylines and so many people find one person they can relate or connect to.

How did you get the part of Eponine?

I joined Curtis Brown’s agency when I was twenty through having left school, started writing a musical (its really unconventional).

That snowballed and we were working on that for about four or five years. Then the producer we had on board decided that he liked my voice and my acting ability and thought that I should have an agent so helped me get meetings with different agencies (all of whom said no except from Curtis Brown). The first questions they asked me was ‘what are you dream roles’ and I said ‘Dr Who’s assistant and Eponine’ so they said lets start with Eponine. About a month later I auditioned (it just so happened that I joined as they were casting) then four terrifying auditions later I got the part.

Because I have memories of playing the part when I was seven years old it feels like

How did you come to write your book All I Now Know?

I’m not very good on camera and I tend to talk over myself and say things in not a very coherent way. So I thought if I started writing, I’d have a chance to get it down succinctly and hopefully a better way than just babbling on. A book agent approached me and said ‘this would be a great book!’ It was just the idea that if I went through bullying as a kid or if I got myself into stupid situations with friends or boys or had arguments with my parents then obviously I’m not the only one who’s gone through that. So if anything that I learnt when I was fourteen years old can help anyone else who’s going through that at the moment then I should, there’s no reason for me not to.

What advice would you give to Eponine?

Eponine’s in a very unfortunate situation and I don’t think she would have been a ‘Hopeful’ (Carries fans call themselves Hopefuls and look to her for life guidance). She’s far too feisty for that. Shes got a really terrible life, far beyond anything I can probably ever understand. But I’d give her encouragement if she needed it. I don’t think she’s the type of person who would want to seek it from the likes of me though!

If you were the opposite sex for the day what theatre role would you play?

That’s a really good question. I’ve always wanted to be Enjoras. I knows he’s in the same show that I’m in and so that’s not very diverse but Enjoras is a very interesting character and id love a shot at playing him.

Have you ever had any funny/disastrous moments on stage?

I managed to witness Oliver Saville falling straight off of the stage into a Portuguese woman in the front row. That will always be one of my favourite moments it Les Mis. It was spectacular.

Thanks for having Tea With Wilma Thank you very much Wilma for having tea with me and make sure you come and see us in Les Mis at the Queens Theatre!

click here to book tickets westendwilma.com

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MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET ON TOUR AROUND THE UK NOW! Based on one of the most popular and best-loved Christmas films of all time, classic musical MIRACLE ON 34th STREET will return for a third UK Tour, opening at Croydon’s Fairfield Halls on Thursday 29 October 2015.

Based on the 1947 motion picture, Miracle on 34th Street is the heart-warming story of Susan, a young girl who dreams of a father and brother to make her family whole, and Kris Kringle, a kindly old bearded man who claims he is the real Santa Claus. When employed as a Santa at a department store grotto, Kris quickly spreads a wave of love through New York City, but can he help make Susan’s wish come true? This dazzling musical is an uplifting family tale about what it truly means to believe.

Miracle on 34th Street originated as a 1947 motion picture starring Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood and Edmund Gwenn. The film became a perennial Christmas favorite, winning three Academy Awards and nominated for Best Picture. The stage version, originally entitled Here’s Love, opened on Broadway in 1963. A hugely popular remake of the film was also released in 1994 starring Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle.

Miracle on 34th Street has a book, music and lyrics

by Meredith Willson, best known for writing and

Thursday 29 October 2015 CROYDON Fairfield Halls

Sunday 1 - Monday 2 November 2015 LANCASTER Grand Theatre

Tuesday 3 - Wednesday 4 November 2015 RHYL Pavilion Theatre

Thursday 5 - Saturday 7 November 2015 BILLINGHAM Forum Theatre

Monday 9 - Wednesday 11 November 2015 LINCOLN Theatre Royal

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composing The Music Man which premiered on Broadway in 1957 and was adapted twice for film in 1962 and 2003. It won the 1958 Tony Award for Best Musical and the cast recording won the first ever Grammy Award for Best Original Cast Album. His work for film includes composing the score for Charlie Chaplin’s The Great Dictator for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score.

The cast features Danny Lane as Kris Kringle, Hannah Thompson as Susan Walker, Claire Hawkins as Doris Walker, Carl Lindquist as Fred Gaily, Michael Adams as R.H Macy and Brendan Matthew as Marvin Shellhammer. The cast also includes Joanna Gregory, Emily Barnett-Salter, Charlotte Jay, Jessica Lucy, Kate Hulme, Jack Warren, Frank Derrington, Dann Kharsa, Toby Joyce and David Muscat.

Miracle on 34th Street is directed by Max Reynolds and choreographed by Russell Smith and Philip Joel, with musical direction by Lee Freeman, musical supervision

by Mark Crossland and design by David Shields. It is produced by Paul Taylor-Mills Ltd.

A second production of Miracle on 34th Street will also open for a festive season at the Madinat Theatre in Dubai from Saturday 19 to Wednesday 30 December 2015.

Thursday 12 - Saturday 14 November 2015 NEWCASTLE Tyne Theatre

Tuesday 17 - Wednesday 18 November 2015 TUNBRIDGE WELLS Assembly Halls Thursday 19 - Saturday 21 November 2015 GLASGOW Kings Theatre

Monday 23 - Wednesday 25 November 2015 MANCHESTER Opera House

Thursday 26 - Saturday 28 November 2015 CHESTERFIELD Winding Wheel

Tuesday 1 - Saturday 5 December 2015 CARDIFF New Theatre

Wednesday 9 - Saturday 12 December 2015 EASTBOURNE Royal Hippodrome

Monday 14 - Thursday 17 December 2015 WORTHING Connaught Theatre

Friday 18 - Saturday 19 December 2015 PETERBOROUGH Broadway Theatre

Monday 21- Monday 28 December 2015 WATFORD Colosseum

FRANCES RUFFELLE HAS TEA WITH WILMA, TALKING ABOUT HER NEW ALBUM I SAY YEH-YEH

For those who may not be familiar with your work, can you give me a little run down of some of your career highlights so far?

I feel uncomfortable showing off my career highlights, but my website does all the showing off so.… Ha… here it is Francesruffelle.com Your new album ‘I Say Yeh-Yeh’ is being released on 9 October and I’m delighted to have been listening to it non stop for the last few days.

What is the concept for the album and how did you choose the songs?

Ah that s so great that you keep listening to it.

People often think that I am French. I have played many French roles too (one many of you know) and also another connection I have with France is a song I wrote was a hit in France when Etienne Daho sang it with his own French lyrics.

I love to listen to French music, Listening to Juliette Greco and Francoise Hardy inspired me to record the album.

My album takes the listeners through heartbreak to empowerment imagined through many Summers in Paris.

An English woman’s life in Paris.

I chose the songs I knew I wanted to sing which had Parisian themes and words that meant a lot to me.

I wrote some English lyrics to A Quoi Ca Sert ( Take your Mercedes Benz) and wrote the tune to Le Brasier.

I sing the album half in French and half in English.

The first track on the album was written for the character of Eponine in Les Miserables but was cut from the show before it made it to the London stage. As it is in French, can you explain the story of the song as my attempt at translating would probably not be much help to anyone!

It’s beautiful but it did n’t make the show we all know now.

The song that got away. It’s about Marius and Cossette finding each other and Eponine trying come to terms with the fact that she will never be part of his story.

It is coming up to the thirtieth anniversary of Les Miserables opening in London (for which you originated the role of Eponine). After all these years what made you decide to to re-record ‘On My Own’ for this album?

Gwyneth my producer persuaded me! well, 30 years is a long time ago, I wasn’t sure about it.

But I am glad I did.

She arranged it in a completely different way. and I sing it as a woman now, not the girl I was.

If you could be the opposite sex for the day, which male theatre role would you like to play?

Maybe Sweeny Todd would be fun Have you ever had any funny/disastrous on-stage experiences?

I was stabbed on stage, by accident by an over excited actor, ( but a great mate) on the Rue de Pumet in Les Mis, I had to be rushed to hospital before the end of act one.

How would you sum up your new album and why should people buy it?

Well, it’s beautifully arranged by Gwyneth Herbert. what can I say… it a great album! of course I’m gonna like it, I wouldn’t put it out if I wasn’t proud of it. Phew!

Thanks for having Tea With Wilma

Frances Ruffelle’s album I Say Yeh-Yeh is available now

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Rehearsal Images Released for ELF the Musical New rehearsal images of the London premiere of ELF THE MUSICAL directed by Morgan Young and starring Ben Forster, Kimberley Walsh, Joe McGann and Jessica Martin.

Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit starring Will Ferrell, ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

ELF THE MUSICAL starts previews at the Dominion Theatre on 24 October and runs until 2 January 2016.

ELF THE MUSICAL has a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics

by Chad Beguelin.

Click here to book tickets

Photos: Matt Porteous and Becky Lee

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LES MISERABLES

CELEBRATE 30 YEARS in the West End with a special gala performance including original cast members

Photos: Dan Wooler

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GARETH GATES

TO STAR IN THE UK TOUR OF FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL 17 years to the day since it first opened on Broadway, it is announced that worldwide smash hit musical Footloose: The Musical will burst back onto the stage in 2016, touring the UK from January. Full tour schedule attached.

Based on the 1984 screen sensation starring Kevin Bacon, Footloose: The Musical tells the story of city boy Ren, who has to move to a rural backwater in America where dancing is banned. All hell breaks out as Ren breaks loose and soon has the whole town up on its feet. Featuring classic 80s hits including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear it for the Boy and the unforgettable title track, Footloose: The Musical is set to take the world by storm once again in this brand new production, bursting with youthful spirit, dazzling dance and electrifying music.

When the film was released in 1984, it became the highest-grossing February release in US film history.

The soundtrack album ended the year-long reign of Michael Jackson’s Thriller at number one and went on to top album charts all over the world, eventually selling in excess of 17 million copies. Footloose was nominated for a Golden Globe, and both the title song and Let’s Hear It for the Boy received Academy Award nominations. Footloose: The Musical first opened on Broadway in 1998 where it ran for 709 performances, with a London production following in 2006, opening at the Novello Theatre following a UK Tour.

Gareth Gates will play Willard from 29 January until 16 April, returning to the show from 20 June 2016. Gareth rose to fame through the inaugural series of Pop Idol in 2001, going on to sell over 5 million records worldwide and have hits across the globe. His version of Unchained Melody sold over a million copies in the UK and is the 3rd best-selling single of the Noughties.

Gareth is also the youngest ever-male solo artist to debut at number 1. More recently Gareth has enjoyed a successful career on stage, with credits including Les Misérables, Legally Blonde and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. In 2014 Gareth appeared in the final series of Dancing on Ice, and joined boyband 5th Story as part of ITV’s second series of The Big Reunion, touring arenas with bands including Blue and Five.

Further casting is to be announced.

Footloose: The Musical has music by Tom Snow and lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and is adapted for the stage by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie. It is based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford. It is directed by Racky Plews (American Idiot, West End) with choreography by Matthew Cole, design by Sara Perks and musical supervision by Mark Crossland. It is produced by David Hutchinson and Phillip Rowntree for Sell A Door Theatre Company and Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment. It is presented by arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe. www.footloose-musical.com @FootlooseTour

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Photo: David Ellis

JOEY FROM WAR HORSE VISITS THE QUEEN In the presence of HM THE QUEEN AND HRH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH Joey, the life size puppet horse and star of the National Theatre’s record breaking production of War Horse which is running at the New London Theatre in the West End, made a special appearance at official opening of The School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey yesterday in the presences of HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

The puppeteers were: Shaun McKee (Joey Head), Matthew Tait (Joey Heart) and Sam Clark (Joey Hind).

Joey meet a real horse at the VSC, and saluted HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at the end of their visit to the school.

War Horse, which has been seen by seven million people world-wide, is the powerful story by Michael Morpurgo of a young boy called Albert and his beloved horse,

Joey, who has been requisitioned to fight for the British in World War I. Caught in enemy crossfire, Joey ends up serving on both sides during the war before landing in No Man’s Land, while Albert, not old enough to enlist, embarks on a treacherous mission to find his horse and bring him home. A remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship, War Horse features ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing and galloping horses to life on stage.

War Horse has its final London performance on 12 March 2016, prior to a major UK tour which begins in Autumn 2017.

Click here to book tickets

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GLENN CLOSE “THRILLED”

TO BE MAKING HER WEST END DEBUT IN SUNSET BOULEVARD

Following on from this years production of Sweeney Todd, The English National Opera recently announced that Glenn Close will be making her West End debut in 2016, reprising one of her most famous roles, Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard.

At yesterday’s press launch, held in the Sky Bar of the ENO, Edward Seckerson spoke in depth with lyricists Don Black, Christopher Hampton and of course the lady herself, Glenn Close.

Glenn Close is a household name due to the huge success she had starring in the 1987 movie Fatal Attraction but her Theatre career was more than off the ground by the time this happened (having already starred as Chairy Barnum in the Broadway production of Barnum). In 1993, after having worked with Christopher Hampton on the 1988 film version of his play Dangerous Liaisons, he approached her about the role of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. She sang for composer Andrew Lloyd Webber at his home and whilst she wasn’t perfect, Andrew said “she has it in her voice” and the role was hers.

Sunset Boulevard is based on the 1950 movie, which tells the story of Norma Desmond, a faded silent movie star who dreams of being back in the spotlight. This new musical production, (which will run for 43 performances only), will be backed by a full on-stage Orchestra in this semi-staged production.

When talking about returning to play a role she created more than 20 years ago, Glenn says that Norma Desmond has become the fabric of her being and is a part of who she is now and has been for 20 years.

How is Glenn going to prepare herself for returning to this role? “I’m getting back on the treadmill” she says, determined to be in good shape for the marathon role of Norma Desmond which opens at the English National Opera on 1 April 2016 and will run until 7 May 2016.

Book tickets now

Photo credit – Richard Hubert Smith

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REVIEWS

Thriller Live (Lyric Theatre) A new updated version of Thriller has launched in London’s West End with new songs, videos, costumes and special fx. Having never seen the show before, I decided it was about time I checked it out. From what I have heard, the show originally opened with a large Jackson 5 segment and musically chronicled his life. The new changes that have been introduced mean that the show starts as it means to go on, with the big hits and then blends the older songs in as the show progresses.

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of his work will be delighted with the colourful visual spectacle that is Thriller Live. And who isn’t a fan of Michael Jackson?

Reviewed by West End Wilma / Photo Irina Chira Thriller Live is booking at the Lyric Theatre until 17 April 2016.

Click here for tickets

Thriller has taken more than $150 million at box offices worldwide, been staged in 32 countries including a Las Vegas residency and just embarked on a ten month UK tour. The King of Pop is certainly still the king of popular.

Michael Jacksons back catalogue of songs is nothing short of impressive and this show has all the hits including The Way You Make Me Feel, Dirty Diana, Bad, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Man In The Mirror, Earth Song and Billie Jean. The cast are young, energetic performers with some great dancers and vocalists.

Thriller is not a musical, it is a visual spectacular tribute concert to one of the greatest singers or our time. When you think about it from that perspective it really isn’t a bad show. It is what it is but now Michael Jackson has passed away it is the closest way that his fans can come to see their idol live on stage.

Regular Theatre goers should approach the show with caution as there isn’t s storyline in the show but fans westendwilma.com

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REVIEWS

CATS (London Palladium)

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As a theatre-kid, growing up on the other side of the world in New Zealand was tough. I never got to discover shows by seeing a live performance. Instead I would use dial-up internet (when my parents didn’t want to use the telephone) to research the composers and musicals of the day. Early on I discovered Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, got the CD, DVD and it soon became a favourite. So much so that I printed the lyrics to Skimbleshanks on an OHP projector sheet and insisted my primary school assembly sing it. Yes, I was THAT kid!

Since moving to the UK last April, I have seen a lot of amazing theatre and fulfilled a childhood dream by seeing Cats last Christmas. Upon it’s return to the Palladium this year, I jumped at the chance not only to review one of my favourite shows but also see Beverley Knight as Grizabella. Not having seen Ms Knight in The Bodyguard or Memphis, I was eager to see her in the celebrated musical theatre role.

From the moment the Overture started, I was enthralled. Cats roamed freely around the audience, with big bright inquisitive eyes drawing the audience into their world. Having only seen it on the Cats DVD previously, I was extremely excited to see Gillian Lynne’s original choreography live. I’ve always admired the skill, enthusiasm and energy required to successfully the desire of the producers to update this production perform the show and the ensemble in this production do for a new generation, however the number comes across as dated, misplaced and uninspiring turning not disappoint. one of my favourite numbers in the show into the As the production unfolds we learn the names and stories least. of many of the cats as they gather to celebrate the arrival of their renowned leader Old Deuteronomy. Facilitating and On stage for a short time, the actress who plays narrating this gathering is one particular cat, Munkustrap. Grizabella needs to be utterly captivating. I am very Matt Krzan takes on this charismatic character with ease and happy to say that Beverly Knight’s performance ticked poise. His charming, mischievous portrayal of Munkustrap all the boxes in this respect. From her uncertain is both fun and fresh. Another stand out performance was first few steps into the gathering, her melancholy Harry Francis’s Mungojerrie. Francis embodied everything Cats remembrance of life as a former glamour cat to represents and I applaud him for his energetic, engaged and her stunning desperate plea for love in Memory, fun performance throughout. In Act Two, Paul F Monaghan’s the audience could not draw their eyes from her.

Asparagus gave us tears as the old theatre cat citing, “These You could feel her Grizabella’s pain and Knight’s modern productions are all very well. But there’s nothing to performance was both sophisticated, gritty and equal from what I hear tell…” Which leads me onto the new- palpable. Her vocal prowess and solid character driven performance gives the audience one of the take of Rum Tum Tugger. best Grizabella’s I’ve ever seen and I feel very blessed Rum Tum Tugger is one of my favourite numbers in the show. I to have seen her performance in this production. was somewhat dubious when I learnt that they’d re-imagined it as a modern-day rap number. Essentially the melody was Overall Cats is truly an uplifting magical show. Filled dropped and instead replaced by the lyrics rapped in time with with humour, eeriness, touching moments and joy the new beats. Tugger then repeated these verses in modern throughout. The little boy from New Zealand, sitting day colloquialisms. It started out like it’s memorable original, in the stalls was thoroughly entertained. Once again however quickly turned into a hot litter-tray mess. Recently fulfilling a childhood dream, tapping away with the we have seen a successful rise of rap inspired musicals from songs and loving every minute of Skimbelshanks. Cats Lin Manuel-Miranda with Broadway hits Hamilton and In is an ageless show and speaks to the sense of wonder The Heights, currently showing at Kings Cross Theatre. These you had as a child. Remind yourself of that wonder, musicals, aided by their story, successfully merge modern-day let the memory live again and see Cats during it’s rap into a musical theatre setting giving a fresh, heart felt and London Palladium run this Christmas. truly inspiring performance. The rap inspired by Rum Tum Tugger in this production, however does not achieve any of Reviewed by Stuart James these qualities. The lyrics seem to run together, making the Photo: Alessandro Pinna rhymes hard to understand and the overall style doesn’t fit with the rest of the score in anyway. Had this particular Rum Cats is playing at the London Palladium until 2 January 2015.

Tum Tugger been placed in the original 80’s production, it would have been cutting edge, new and fresh. I understand Click here to book tickets

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REVIEWS

Stomp (Ambassadors Theatre)

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As a Londoner, Stomp feels like one of those shows that are like The Tower of London or Buck House; it’s been around for years, you’ll maybe get around to seeing it one day; perhaps the kind of thing to take out of town relatives to. Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner (and I’ve seen arguably some of the world’s best buskers in this city) that it just felt like a series of good, but way too long, busking acts.

A lot of the humour is regressive. I bear no grudge against the “peeing” allusion in the sink act: there were plenty of young audience members who loved it, but one of the recurring “jokes” was that one cast member was being bullied. Kids are taught what a no – no this is: what a shame the show seemed to contradict this. Even worse was the hackneyed reference to that old racist cliché: penis size. Seriously?!

The show has had a massive international presence since its creation in 1991 and there can barely be a person on the planet who hasn’t seen the famous “bin-bashing” routine, particularly as it was part of our 2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony. A troupe of pleasingly diverselooking performers raid the set of bins, buckets, sticks, plastic tubing, sinks etc and make a pleasing racket.

The timing and performer interaction is tight and well – rehearsed and there are some impressive musical, movement and clowning skills on show from some of the cast. The decision and ability to communicate with the audience non verbally makes total sense when the audience is international.

The famous bin – bashing act is justifiably iconic: noisy, fun and joyful to watch and see. There’s a similar act about half way through where the performers climb on the set, clip into harnesses and beat the heck out of the wall of percussive paraphernalia. It’s genuinely exciting but, for me, was over too quickly. I appreciate the mixture of high energy, noisy acts and quieter, smaller ones; they couldn’t sustain crashing, smashing noise for an hour and a half without losing the audience but some of the acts just felt like unnecessary – and trying – filler. Yes, you clearly can make a sound from pretty much anything: a match box, a plastic bag, a take away cup, but do you really have to? It’s, at times, as irritating as having to sit near someone who’s sniffing or, er, fiddling with a match box.

There were some charming moments: towards the end of an act employing wooden poles, they made a strange sound, almost like church bells. A scene with cigarette lighters flickering on and off in the dark was clever and beautiful.

It’s clear that over the years a lot of passion and joy has gone into this production. With its uncomplicated, broad appeal it’s a good option for a family outing.

Reviewed by Alison Bray Stomp is currently booking until 5 June 2016.

click here to book tickets

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REVIEWS

SAM BAILEY (LYRIC THEATRE) Sam Bailey is one of the most down to earth people you could meet. Despite winning the 2013 series of X Factor, having a Christmas number one and supporting Beyoncé on her UK tour, she doesn’t seem phased by any of it.

After being dropped by her record label earlier this year, Sam has decided to try something a bit different and put on a one night only concert in London’s West End at the Lyric Theatre (current home to Thriller Live!) Last night she did just that to a sold out audience of fans and theatre lovers.

Sam’s love of Theatre is apparent (admitting having seen Les Miserables 18 times and Wicked about 20) but her knowledge on the subject could use some fine tuning. She is the first to admit she didn’t know who Sondheim was until she started preparing for this show and timing issues, slips up with lines and even forgetting the names to songs, showed that a few more musical theatre lessons (and a few more rehearsals) could have been needed.

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Sam’s guests were an eclectic mix of TV contest winners (Collabro, Union J), West End performers (Caroline Sheen, Michael Xavier, Boys of the Barricade), New York songwriter Scott Alan and a Musical Theatre school choir. There was no real structure to the performance which would have been nice to fit within the theatrical theme but the rowdy crowd of middle aged women loved every moment of the show, living vicariously through her career in the hope that it might not be too late for them.

From Hairspray and Sister Act to Les Miss and Miss Saigon to Sunset Boulevard there was a bit of something for most people in the show. Backing dancers and a large band gave the night a special feeling and as a one off performance from a girl who has always dreamed of performing on a west end stage, she can now be very proud of herself for achieving her dream.

Reviewed by West End Wilma Photo: Joseph Sinclair

REVIEWS

CLOSE TO YOU Bacharach Reimagined (Criterion Theatre) When a show begins fifteen minutes after its supposed start time, audiences starts to get a little fidgety. But when you see Burt Bacharach walk in to the auditorium you can suddenly excuse his tardiness. The eighty seven year old American composer is somewhat of a legend having written pop songs for decades. Alfie, I Just Don’t Know What To Do With Myself, Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head, Walk On By and of course What’s New Pussycat? are just a few of the classic songs that are recognisable by any generation. So it isn’t surprising that in the age of the jukebox musical, something like this has finally shown up. But like any jukebox musical you have to ask yourself if it is worthy to be called a west end show, or is it just an overpriced tribute concert? I went along to find out!

It’s been a while since there was a big show open at the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus. The 39 Steps has recently closed after nine years but it is back in the limelight with a bang with this new show, after a short run earlier this year at the Menier Chocolate Factory. There is of course no actual storyline to the show but it is a high energy tribute concert.

One done very well.

The stage is beautifully set out with an old abandoned warehouse feeling to it, with sofas hanging on the wall which the cast sit on at points in the show. There is a plethora of guitars in an arty formation on the back wall giving this a unique and well thought out design. On either side of the stage were selected audience members who had been chosen at random to sit close to the action. This was a nice idea but did mean the focus was sometimes taken away from the performers to look

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at the uncomfortable faces sat around them.

Casting is outstanding in this show. Co-conceiver/arranger/ musical director and leading man Kyle Riabko is superbly talented at what he does, is a brilliant musician and a great performer. Sometimes a little cheesy but for the most part amazing. Stephanie McKeon (most recently seen in The Commitments) perfectly complements Kyle musically and Anastasia Mccluskey tears to auditorium apart with her powerhouse vocals. In fact, everyone in this show has a unique voice to brings a different level of richness to Bacharach’s work.

Music is all played live on stage by the performers and there are some stomptastic moments where the music is made from various items around the stage. There is beautiful use of movement throughout the show (similar to what was done with ONCE the Musical) and some great choreography as well.

To be honest a Burt Bacharach concert show wasn’t high on my list of must see shows but it was really very good. Well thought out, well written and amazingly performed. If you’re a fan of the music then you won’t be disappointed and tourists that might find it hard to follow an english story line in a musical can sit back and enjoy the well known music and enjoy the west end standards.

Reviewed by West End Wilma Photo: Johan Persson Close To You is playing at the Criterion Theatre until 10 January 2016. CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS

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REVIEWS

WICKED (APOLLO VICTORIA THEATRE) Wicked has been playing in London for the last nine years and recently celebrated its seven millionth audience member. Having just completed a tour of the UK and Ireland, the show is still going strong and has just celebrated its latest cast change.

If you’re one of the few who hasn’t seen this spellbinding stage show, it is the back story to the classic Wizard of Oz. We find out who the Witches really were growing up and how they came to be the people we see in the film. We find out who the cowardly lion, tin man and scarecrow really were and find out there is more to the story than we originally thought. Throw in a love triangle, some great songs and some of the most colourful costumes you will see on stage and that pretty much sums it up.

Emma Hatton and Savannah Stevenson have continued in the lead roles of Elphaba and Glinda. Katie Rowley Jones who originated the role of Nessa Rose in the 2006 production and returned to play the role last year, have also continued in the role for another year. I think the role of Nessa Rose, whilst fairly small in comparison, is the best character in the show and Katie performs it brilliantly. Oliver Saville has taken on the role of love interest/love rat Fiyero and is the best I have seen in the role for quite a few years now. Daniel Hope takes on the role of munchkin Boq and puts his own little Newcastle spin on the character.

I’ve seen Wicked somewhere between 30-40 times over

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the years and it never seems to get old. There are so many intricate details in the show that you discover new elements you haven’t noticed before every time you go back. That is the magic of Wicked and why it has had such success over the years. Because audiences keep going back for one more trip down the yellow brick road.

Reviewed by West End Wilma / Photo: Matt Crockett

Click here to buy tickets to see Wicked

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO GUYS AND DOLLS! Don’t miss the ‘scintillating revival’ (Financial Times) this Christmas as the highly acclaimed Chichester Festival Theatre production of Guys and Dolls heads to the West End for a strictly limited run.The sizzling New York tale of gamblers, gangsters and nightclub singers will leave you ‘exhilarated’ (The Guardian) with a glorious evening featuring some of Broadway’s greatest show- stopping tunes, including Luck Be A Lady, Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat and My Time Of Day. Along with dazzling choreography by world-renowned Cuban ballet star Carlos Acosta and Andrew Wright (Singin’ in the Rain and Barnum); direction from the celebrated New Yorker, Gordon Greenberg, this is one feel-good show you won’t want to miss.

A cast and orchestra of over 40 is led by Sophie Thompson as the long suffering Miss Adelaide, David Haig as Nathan with Jamie Parker reprising his terrific Sky Masterson and Siobhan Harrison as the pious Salvation Army sergeant, Sarah Brown.

Guys and Dolls Savoy Theatre Savoy Court, Strand London, WC2R

Tickets from £25 Book Tickets : 0844 871 7687 10th December 2015 – 12th March 2016

Follow Us Twitter: @guysanddollsuk Facebook: guysanddolls

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN TWO TICKETS TO SEE GUYS AND DOLLS! CLICK HERE Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Prize is valid for Monday – Thursday performances until the 31/01/16, excluding performances between the 18/12/15 and 06/01/16. Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged. By entering this competition you agree to sign up to the westendwilma.com mailing list to receive news and special theatre offers.

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