Zeatre is a theatre review blog documenting my trips to the theatre and my personal experiences.

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert 29.04.16

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert
Location: The Orchard Theatre, Dartford
Date Seen: Friday 29th April
Seen With: Mum
Understudies at This Performance: Rebecca Botterill as Diva

Summary
Priscilla Queen Of The Desert is a musical based on a film of the same name following the journey of group of friends and drag queens as they cross Australia for a new gig. On the way they experience the judgement of others as well as acceptance of each other and themselves.

I’d previously seen Priscilla in the West End several years ago and absolutely loved the upbeat songs and lavish costumes. My mum in particular wanted to see this at our local theatre as when I saw it with her in the West End we were in the upper circle with a pretty dire view.

Acting
The show is very over the top and cartoonish in a way due to the comedy and costumes. Behind this, the actors do well to not over-act and as a result there is still emotion in the characters which means there is a developing story throughout.  There are moments such as when the trio of Tick, Felicia and Bernadette face prejudice from out of town locals and Tick meeting his son for the first time that have moments of poignancy and balance the fast pace of the rest of the show.

Music & Songs
The music featured are a variety of pop songs from different eras which have been artistically arranged to provide a unique identity for this show. The Divas provide some solid vocals throughout and provide the backdrop to many of the drag acts. The vocal highlight of this show comes in Act 2 when Tick, Felicia and Bernadette are stood on Ayers Rock singing ‘We Belong’ symbolising how far they’ve come together. It’s a change of tempo and a great opportunity for vocals and harmonies to be thrust into the limelight. There appeared to be a single song change from the West End production which was from ‘Both Sides Now’ to ‘True Colours’. Whilst I appreciate ‘True Colours’ is better known, I much preferred the original song.

Choreography
The routines in Priscilla are one of the reasons why I’ve seen this show so many times. Each number has its own unique identity with lots of energy. Stand out numbers are ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ which puts an interesting spin on a  party, ‘I Will Survive’ which finishes Act 1 on a real high note and the medley towards the end of the show really uses the cast in an extremely clever and effective way.

Direction
This touring production hasn’t lost too much of its West End flare thanks to the direction that has been applied. Although being performed on smaller stages, the production doesn’t look messy or cluttered due to some clever choices.

Set/Lighting
Due to it being a touring production, some of the set pieces I recall from the West End run are smaller and less technical. The Priscilla bus is the same but due to the smaller stages of the touring venues, it does not rotate as much though it doesn’t lose its affect. I also appreciate that due to touring restrictions that Felicia’s aria cannot be performed on top of the bus but the staging using a single chair centre stage - whilst funny - feels a bit cheap and no where near as good as the original west end staging.

Costumes
The costumes in this show are absolutely outrageous (in a good way!) and highly memorable. They feature bold and bright patterns with various themes throughout such as paintbrushes during ‘Colour My World’ and cakes during ‘MacArthur Park’. The  

Stand Out Performances
Duncan James as Tick – After my bad experience of star castings in Chicago I wasn’t getting my hopes up for Duncan James though I needn’t have worried. He delivered a stellar performance as Tick with great vocals and emotional depth. Through his eyes you really experience the prejudice he and his friends experience on their journey.

Adam Bailey as Felicia – Adam Bailey puts in an energetic and highly memorable performance as Felicia. His line delivery hits the mark every time and provides some of the funniest moments of the show.

Show to Show Comparisons
With its jukebox musical style and high tempo numbers, Priscilla reminds me a lot of Mamma Mia! It’s a typical feel good musical with a great story linking all of the well known songs together. Priscilla is much more over the top than Mamma Mia but with both of these musicals you leave singing the songs of the show.

Would I Recommend?
Yes however unfortunately due to the publish date of this review; the tour has now completed its current run across the UK.

Overall Verdict (Out of 5 Stars):

4 Stars 

Les Miserables 20.04.16

Les Miserables
Location: Queen’s Theatre
Date Seen: Wednesday 20th April
Seen With: 1 Friend
Understudies at This Performance: Adam Bayjou as Jean Val Jean, Jo Parsons as the Factory Foreman

Summary
I’ve seen Les Miserables on two previous occasions and absolutely love this musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel. This visit was a gift for my friend’s birthday but the date I picked was significant as I specifically wanted to see Adam Bayjou in the role of Jean Valjean after I heard rave reviews from people when I attended the onstage tour last year.

Acting
There is so much emotion due to the various plights of the characters. Adam Bayjou really makes you feel sorry for Jean Valjean in the beginning and then grants your respect as the character gets older. Patrice Tipoki played a beautifully tragic Fantine and you really saw how her strength is completely eroded away. Jeremy Secomb’s Javert commands attention and his conciseness really contrasts against the frenetic poverty that the ensemble portrays so well. The other featured actors are just as strong, clearly living their character’s lives and emotions throughout.

Music & Songs
The music is where Les Miserables truly reigns with most of the show sung with few gaps of pure dialogue. The score is mesmerising with a sound that reflects both the light and dark moments of the show. The vocals from the lead actors to the ensemble marry together so well and this is best presented in the Act 1 Finale ‘One Day More’. Every vocalist in Les Mis has such a big part to play to create the rich sounds and they all deliver with such effort.

Choreography
The choreography of Les Mis is not big dance numbers which most people would associate with a musical. The numbers are more physical movement based and set up the status of the characters.

Direction
The show has maintained its strength for 30 years because the direction has been consistent. The show is extremely tight from the ensemble pieces to smaller scenes with the principal characters. Every character has been clearly set without it feeling forced and the whole musical feels organic.

Set/Lighting
The revolving stage and the barricade are iconic set pieces in this production and they are used so effectively. I cannot imagine worldwide productions without the revolving stage as it creates such an interesting dynamic. The lighting is also used well such as bright lights to show when a character has passed on and spotlights on actors for solo songs.

Costumes
The costumes are fitting for the setting and even though the colours and styles are typically understated, they still create a visual impact. The female costumes in the first act are quite something as they were multiple layers that they remove as they progress to the ‘Lovely Ladies’ number. On the onstage tour, we go to see some of the costumes in person and every effort has gone into accuracy.

Stand Out Performances
Adam Bayjou as Jean Valjean – there was such a depth to his Jean Val Jean and I believed every emotion he portrayed. His version of ‘Bring Him Home’ was crisp and poignant. As a understudy you can catch him once a week (at the time I saw the show this was Wednesdays but this has changed to Mondays as of 20th June) and I would highly recommending seeing the show twice to capture both Jean Val Jeans.

Jeremy Secomb as Javert - I absolutely love his stage presence and the energy he brings to Javert. His rendition of Stars is one of my favourite musical performances vocally and visually.

Show to Show Comparisons
Musically, the style of Les Miserables has similarities to Miss Saigon due to them being composed by the same people. It also features similar dark themes where not everyone gets their happy ending and focuses on the reality of such harrowing situations.

Would I Recommend?
Yes – there is very good reason why this show is the longest running show in the West End. Since I saw the show, the ensemble has changed casts but the success of this show has been consistent so whatever cast you see, you will not be disappointed.

Overall Verdict (Out of 5 Stars):
5 Stars 

Monday, June 20, 2016

An Update..

So with my big move coming up, I have to apologise for the lack of review posting on this page. As a result I am behind on all my reviews since I saw Les Miserables all the way back in April.

I've got some typed up ready to publish but need to get some earlier reviews completed before I can publish those.

Some reviews may now be out of date as a result of the productions no longer running but I still plan to post a review for everything I've seen.

Apologies for the absence but head over to my '2016 Shows' page to see what I've still got planned for this year!

Friday, May 13, 2016

Weekly Round Up 13.05.16

Shows Seen (From Saturday To Friday): 1
Shows Booked For Future: 0 

On Saturday I saw the first production in Emma Rice's Wonder Season at The Globe, A Midsummer Night's Dream. The show was a delight in the appearance of the British Summer with wonderful acting, entertaining choreography and visually stunning costumes. On seeing the production I cannot wait to post my review once I get through my backlog and I am well and truly excited to see further productions in the season - I am booked to see The Taming Of The Shrew and Macbeth. 

Tonight I'm off to see Romeo & Juliet at The Garrick as part of Kenneth Branagh's season of 'Plays At The Garrick.' At the moment I am currently located in the worst seats in the house but I am hoping that this might change as I've also entered the daily lottery for front row seats. Also in the upcoming week I am seeing Doctor Faustus tomorrow and Mrs Henderson Presents on Thursday. My review backlog isn't going to clear itself any time soon!

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Wicked 14.04.16

Wicked


Location: Apollo Victoria
Date Seen: Thursday 14th April
Seen With: 3 friends
Understudies at This Performance: Helen Woolf as Glinda

Summary
Wicked has a huge fan following worldwide. Recently, I was disappointed with the Broadway production feeling that it lacked a certain magic sparkle to it and with the actor playing Fiyero lacking any depth at all. I had been wanting to see the West End version again for some time especially with Oliver Saville in the role of Fiyero (I previously saw him cover Raoul in The Phantom Of The Opera). As I love seeing an understudy, I knew we’d get one when my friends booked the tickets as Savannah was on holiday but to get the second cover was a pleasant surprise which I’ll explore in my review.  

Acting
Each actor plays their character to a high standard and you can clearly identify the different personalities. Emma Hatton’s Elphaba is strong willed with a mischievous edge in contrast to Helen Woolf’s well poised and uptight Glinda. What is beautiful is seeing how each of them clearly changes throughout the performance to show Glinda’s loving side and Elphaba’s caring side. Oliver Saville’s Fiyero commands attention whilst clearly having a connection with Emma Hatton. The whole cast does a great job of transitioning from the naïve school days to fear trodden Oz.

Music & Songs
I can’t think of many people who couldn’t sing part of a Wicked song as the songs have become so well known. They have impact and the score is highly memorable. ‘Defining Gravity’ is probably the most well known song but there are songs such as ‘No Good Deed’ that really demonstrate the power of the orchestra and the vocals of the lead actors.

Choreography
The choreography of Wicked is cleverly put together making the most of the ensemble and space on the stage. The routine featured in the instrumental piece of ‘Dancing Through Life’ is one of my favourite routines with lifts and in sync couples dancing together.

Direction
Strong direction has meant that nothing has been left amiss in Wicked. Intimate scenes are tastefully displayed whilst oozing with passion and big group scenes have been directed to create a buzzing atmosphere without distracting from the key moments. 

Set/Lighting
The arch of the theatre provides much of the set for this show with its staircases and metalwork as well as the dragon suspended from the ceiling. Other pieces are brought onto stage such as benches, blackboards, podiums, Dorothy’s house etc to set up each scene. The lighting is used to great effect in this show to highlight when Elphaba is conjuring magic.

Costumes
Wicked’s costumes are some of my favourite in any musical. They are over the top and colourful throughout, filling the stage for visually spectacular group numbers. The leads’ costumes really are the triumph of this show and I’ve actually spent a lot of time away from the theatre researching them. Elphaba’s Act 2 Dress and Glinda’s Bubble Dress are the two stand outs with their layers, colours and craftsmanship. As an aside from this blog, I am currently attempting to make Glinda’s dress and it is spectacularly complex.

Stand Out Performances
Emma Hatton as Elphaba - She has such a voice on her and it really does blow you away. She plays Elphaba with so many dimensions that you really feel you can connect with her.

Helen Woolf as Glinda - Glinda is a tough role to fill but Helen did the role absolute justice. I believe the way she delivered Glinda’s journey from self centred child to a strong-headed woman. Her opening vocals gave me goose bumps!

Oliver Saville as Fiyero – the best Fiyero I’ve seen as he captured his charm, had real chemistry with Emma Hatton and has a great voice. I’d love to come and see this again with him opposite Savannah as well!

Mark Curry as The Wizard – this was by far my favourite representation of the wizard I’ve seen. He came across as a family man with a real sincerity throughout and I loved his vocal arrangement in his songs.

Show to Show Comparisons
I have to compare this to the Broadway version which left me feel cold. The West End version seemed to have some much more energy to it. I’m not sure whether the Apollo Victoria assists in this as the stage is smaller and you instantly feel a greater part of it in comparison to the Gershwin Theatre. The actors just seemed to be more together and the chemistry between actors was stronger and more believable. I’d like to see it again on Broadway to hopefully prove me wrong, but in my eyes the West End version reigns.

Would I Recommend?
Yes - It’s a timeless show about friendship and believing in yourself

Overall Verdict (Out of 5 Stars):

5 Stars 

Friday, May 6, 2016

The Book Of Mormon 22.03.16

The Book Of Mormon
Location: Tuesday 22nd April
Date Seen: 22th March 2016
Seen With: N/A
Understudies at This Performance: Sean Parkins as The Doctor, Oliver Ormson & David McMullan (Swings)

Summary
The fact that this was the fifth time I saw The Book Of Mormon speaks volumes. It is an extremely original show with high energy and a great story. It has some moral lessons within it as well as being rip-roaringly funny.  The basic plot of the musical follows two Elders who are assigned to Uganda to try and convert people to The Church Of Latter Day Saints.

Acting
The acting in this show is what makes it. There are clear contrasts between the two main Elders who could not be more different played by K.J Hippensteel as Elder Price and Brian Sears as Elder Cunningham. Elder Price is played clean and precise whilst Elder Cunningham is played more erratic and excitable. Stephen Ashfield’s Elder McKinley is stand out as he fights with his true self through out the show bringing great comedy moments throughout, all delivered with impeccable timing from Ashfield. The whole cast delivers on the acting front, from the over exaggerated Elders to the fed up Ugandans.

Music & Songs
You will go home singing the songs which is a testament to the clever scoring and brilliantly written lyrics. You’ll need to catch yourself before you enter into a full on rendition of ‘Hasa Diga Eebowi’ as this is easily the catchiest – and most offensive – song in the whole show. I’ve heard stories of audience members walking out at this point but for those of us who aren’t as easily offended it is a work of genius. I found with this show since I first saw it that the score nods to other musicals with some of the arrangements. The finale definitely echoes ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’ from Hairspray.

Choreography
The choreography is not only cleverly done, but is highly comedic which is in keeping with the rest of the show. The number I always look forward to is ‘Turn It Off’ with its incredible tap choreography and mid-song quick change.

Direction
The show’s success is reflective of the strong direction it has had. All the actors, from the leads to the ensemble, work well together and clearly work off each other’s reactions. The show felt fresh which is probably partly due to some new cast members but because the director has clearly encourage a certain amount of ‘play’ for the actors to change it up.

Set/Lighting
The set changes several times throughout the show. Use of backdrops creates short scenes such as the mission centre. Larger and longer scenes use of wooden sets depicting the Ugandan homes (I was fortunate enough to go on an onstage tour after this show to see the sets up close and they regularly have to sand the wood down to prevent splinters to the actors). The lighting cleverly reflects the hot climate of Uganda but it gets its best used during ‘Spooky Mormon Hell Dream’ to conjure up a stage representation of hell.

Costumes
The costumes have two sides. The Mormons are very clean and precise in their white shirts and black trousers whilst the Ugandan characters are adorned in bright colours and prints.  There are also a variety of other costumes featured in scenes such as ‘Spooky Mormon Hell Dream’ which are cleverly used to clearly show that we have moved away from the normal setting of this show.

Stand Out Performances
Brian Sears as Elder Cunningham – I have been extremely lucky to have seen Brian every time I’ve seen The Book Of Mormon and every time I’ve seen him he seems to give something new. He is a joy to watch and you genuinely believe his character and that every time he is experience the events of the show for the first time.  

Stephen Ashfield as Elder McKinley – he won an Olivier award for this role and its always clear to see why. He plays the closeted Elder McKinley effortlessly and delivers some of the funniest moments of the show.

Show to Show Comparisons
I recently compared Something Rotten and Hand To God to this show with the comparisons being to the impressively choreographed routines and the unapologetic offensive humour. I stand by these comparisons though The Book Of Mormon definitely set the bar for this before these shows came along. I saw the 2015/16 cast of the show who became firm favourites of mine. I do miss Chris Jarman’s General as his height gave him real presence but other than this personal preference I cannot find any faults.

Would I Recommend?
If you’re not easily offended then absolutely  

Overall Verdict (Out of 5 Stars):

5 Stars 

Weekly Round Up 06.05.16

Shows Seen (From Saturday To Friday): 0
Shows Booked For Future (since 15/04): 3

First off I will start by apologising for my absence. My full time job has kept me busy as well as university work and trying to sort out my big house move. As a result the blog and my reviews have all but come to a stop. Since I went to see Wicked on the 14th April I've only seen one other show - Les Miserables on 22nd April. I need to review both, which I'm looking forward to due to seeing some amazing understudies at each. 

I've also been busy on the show booking front and have booked to see 2 shows since my last round up as well as winning a competition for tickets to see another show.


1. Mrs Henderson Presents
I can't say this was a show that I was desperate to see but I had been interested in it. However LoveTheatre's flash sale gave me the perfect excuse to see this show (I got a top price stalls seat for £25!). I have no idea what to expect though I'll probably try and watch the Judi Dench film before I go. 

Booked For: 19th May

At: Noel Coward Theatre

2. Doctor Faustus
The recent mixed reviews of this show got me interested in seeing Doctor Faustus however it was only when a friend said she was going that I decided I absolutely had to go. I've never read the play so I will be making sure I do so before I go to see this. 

Booked For: 14th May


At: Duke Of Yorks Theatre

3. Doctor Faustus
This is probably the most miraculous booking as it wasn't a booking at all. I review all my seats on the website Seat Plan and as a result of each review, you get entered into their regular competitions to win tickets to West End shows. This month I was picked as their winner and will be going to see No Man's Land starring Ian McKellan and Patrick Stewart. The tickets are worth £75 each so it is a real blessing to have won these. Even more of a plus is that they're on a Saturday so I can come back to London to see it.  

Booked For: 22nd October



At: Wyndhams Theatre

As I mentioned before, I still have some theatre vouchers to use and hope to use these before I go to Cornwall as I have an extra week in London I hadn't accounted for meaning I can probably squeeze in another show.