Monday 28 April 2014

Review | WEST END SWITCHED OFF (Album) Vol. 1 - April 2014


At a time when new musicals are struggling to sustain themselves and the old ones are loved - but hardly fresh, the young team behind new album West End Switched Off may have have just come up with a winning formula. Success, at least in this case, is not by risking new, unfamiliar territory but revisiting previous musical triumphs and breathing new life into them with the best from the current West End talent-pool.

Following a launch performance at St James Studio, the first in a series of albums is released. A relatively new company, Parallel Productions - produced by Kris Rawlinson and assisted by Ed Theakston - brings together an incredibly accomplished line up of musicians and performers to arrange musical theatre songs that you know – and a few that you may not – into unheard acoustic, ‘unplugged’ covers.

The popularity of 'Live Lounge' has finally found it's home in the West End and Simon Bailey (I Can't Sing, Phantom Of The Opera, Les Misérables) begins the album with a surprise version of Part Of Your World from The Little Mermaid. A rockier sound to the original, it's fun and a perfect opening song to set the tone for the rest of the album. Traditionally a female song, what this does and what the album continues to do is let anything go, it's experimental and challenges the songs origins, offering a fresh perspective that delights at every moment.

Next, Tori Allen Martin sings Touch Me from Spring Awakening, the song about expressing desires for physical intimacy, not one you'd often find on a musicals compilation, but Martin delivers a sensual, haunting sound that remains lustful with plenty of opportunity for the vocal to simply flow.

Ian Stroughair

From his heavenly performance of Angel in the recent concert tour of RENT, Ian Stroughair hots things up with Judas' Heaven On Their Minds from Jesus Christ Superstar. It's followed by Wicked's Ashleigh Gray with Somewhere Over The Rainbow. You'll have heard several versions but with such faultless vocals, there is every reason for this beautiful rendition to contend with Garland and Cassidy.  Equally as beautiful, Nothing Stops Another Day from Ghost The Musical, effortlessly performed by Ambra Caserotti (RENT, Cockpit Theatre) is next. Fans of Ghost shouldn't notice too much a difference between this and any Molly they've seen on stage - it's just as powerful and if not, more so, given the intimacy of the set-up and expert arrangement.

Dale Evans

The albums biggest change in tone is Dale Evans' Stranger In This World from the Boy George musical Taboo. Evans, who will covering the role of Chris in the revival of Miss Saigon has recently been seen in From Here To Eternity the musical. A recent graduate, there is no inexperience, one of the most powerful performances and definitely one to look out for.

Perhaps the most reinvented song is You Can't Stop The Beat, sung by Hairspray's long-serving Seaweed, Adrian Hansel. What is so clever about this particular track is that it bares resemblance to the slow groove that the kids dance to in the detention scene. In-keeping with the musical's own sound, it is cleverly re-invented, completely relevant and yet couldn't be further from the high energy, no-time-to-breathe finale of the musical.

Defying Gravity... I don't think there's been a musical theatre concert since 2006 that hasn't featured someone trying to belt it out like Idina and yes, it has to be on the album, but here - you're safe. The traditional two-female duet is here performed by Thomas Suttcliffe and Chlöe Hart. The only duet on the album, there's great opportunity for harmony and the mix of male and female voice is a real treat.

Jodie Steele

Currently wowing audiences across the UK as Carmen Diaz on the tour of Fame The Musical is Jodie Steele, riffing her way through Footloose's Lets Hear It For The Boy. This is the track that'll have you tapping your feet, it's girly, it's country, it's fun. She has a phenomenal voice and must return for the second album with a version of Fame's In L.A. - that's my request in!

Katie Hall (Phantom Of The Opera, West Side Story) sings Bring Him Home from Les Misérables and Falsetto King Jordan Lee Davis concludes the album with Summertime - Porgy & Bess. What's great about both of these is that you'll never hear these versions within the musical. Valjean is never going to be female and last time I checked, Jordan Lee Davis wasn't a black woman... it's unique and just an absolute joy to listen to. You'd struggle to find better.

The album's biggest strength is that although these are reduced orchestrations, stripped back and laid bare, each song could easily replace it's original within the musicals. Rawlinson's genius rediscovery of some of theatre's classics allows for much more of the emotion, the original message and the talent to shine through. Nothing is overwhelmed, it's from the heart and this album is the very reminder of the talent in today's West End, both currently and upcoming. If this is just the beginning then I'm very much excited by the future.

CLICK HERE to purchase the album.


Chlöe Hart: "When I was approached about taking part in West End Switched Off and learnt what the concept was I was totally excited, I love the idea of songs being rearranged and interpreted differently, and then I was told which song I would be doing and I got very nervous! It's a very VERY well known song and there have been many versions of it done before. However when I heard the new arrangement I got excited again! It's so different to any other version and Kris Rawlinson, our genius arranger and MD had so many brilliant ideas. He also allowed us all to add our own little touches which means it feels really personal. If you are expecting a generic musicals complication album, this is not the one, but if you want something fresh and innovative then go for it! I don't think you'll be disappointed!"


For more information visit www.parallelproductions.co.uk or follow Parallel on Twitter @ParaProd.
Related Articles
Rebecca Trehearn & Simon Bailey
Album Launch Announcement
Interview With Kris Rawlinson
Gala Launch Announcement

Friday 25 April 2014

THE MIKADO (Battersea Barge & The RISE Leicester Square)


Jamie Chapman Dixon (behind recent Molly Wobbly) & Nick Martland bring you The Mikado. The classic Gilbert & Sullivan show, directed by Drew Baker is set in a lady boys nightclub in downtown Bangkok, with choreography by Holly Hughes, all sorts of fun and frolics are unfolding. 

Cast
Anton Stephans as The Mikado
Katisha – Molly Marie-Walsh
Ko-Ko – Michael James Porter
Pish Tush – Harry Wright
Yum Yum – Jade Spivey
Nanki Poo – Oliver Metcalfe
Pooh Bah – Niall Rooney
Pitti Sing – Natalie Bush
Peep Bo – Ellie Self

Ensemble: Jamie Papanicolou, Marc Gee Finch, Joseph Foyster. Dean McCullough, Perri Hanson-Wilde, Rachael Lea-Gray, Emily Barnett-Salter.

See the show at Battersea Barge from 5 - 8 May. Book tickets here.


* JUST ANNOUNCED *

From Mon 19 - Thurs 29 May, The Mikado transfers to The RISE, No 1 Leicester Square in a new and exciting site specific production. On you arrival you will take the VIP lift into an active club where you will be served by lady boy waitresses and waiters until the show begins. Will Katisha get her man? will Nanki Poo get his girl? will Ko-Ko become a full-time lady boy? Join us at The RISE, No 1 Leicester Square to find out! (next to M&M World)

With tickets at £15 and student tickets at just £5 you really cannot miss The Mikado in this new and exciting setting. Book tickets for The RISE transfer here. Booking fees apply.

Monday 21 April 2014

Vincent & Flavia's DANCE 'TIL DAWN (UK Tour) Review April 2014


It's the golden age of Hollywood dance, film-makers putting song and dance on the silver screen. Far from the late night bar of Buenos Aires (the setting of previous hit Midnight Tango), the formidable pair take to the stage in 1940's L.A. as Sadie Strauss (Cacace) and Tony Deluca (Simone) - the romantic leads of a comedy about a beautiful starlet and her handsome beau.


Talking through proceedings as the narrator Tommy Dubrowski is Teddy Kempner, a favourite who returns from Midnight Tango whose humour is both clever and welcome. The need for frequent plot updates is perhaps unneeded, there is excellent narration within the choreography - however, Kempner is expert at breaking up the already succinct action with witty one-liners, There is a comedic rapport with the excellent Abbie Osmon as Lana, who must get her hands on incriminating photographic evidence of her fling with Bobby Burns - the man Sadie is contracted to make films with... but of course she follows her heart (thankfully!) and teams with Simone's Tony Deluca. 

The Strictly duo are effortless in rhythm, pace and finesse, completely at one with the soundtrack - the perfect blend of 'tangoed' favourites such as Moon River, Stand By Me and more recent hits Paolo Nutini's Pencil Full Of Lead, Caro Emerald's That Man and Bruno Mars' Runaway Baby is a great, high-energy climax to Act I. The live band are excellent and the perfect accompaniment to Oliver Darley's fine vocal. 


There is an incredibly strong ensemble who master all aspects of the piece co-choreographed by the Strictly professionals and Karen Bruce, who also directed. The evening feels very much like entertainment on a cruise ship - in the best possible way and by no means derogatory - it's glamorous, it's luxurious. That feeling you only get on holiday somehow takes over you in a night of excitement, sophistication, beauty and passion. 

Dance 'Til Dawn is the perfect blend of styles and theatrical mediums and for this it's almost certainly better than the excellent Midnight Tango. It's a dance show, that is a musical, that is a masterpiece.

See the show at Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 26 April 2014. Book tickets here




Cast List: Flavia Cacace, Vincent Simone, Oliver Darley, Teddy Kempner, Abbie Osmon, Faye Best, Tyman Boatwright, Ivan De Freitas, Carly Mercedes Dyer, Ben Harris, Jamie-Rae Hartshorne, Annie Kitchen, Stephanie Powell, Tom Scanlon, Giovanni Spano, Danny Stowell, Gemma Whitelam, Anna Woodside. 

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Thursday 10 April 2014

EVITA (UK Tour) Review April 2014


The second leg of a UK tour for Evita sees the production visit Birmingham for two weeks, where the breathtaking musical is set to stun audiences most certainly. 

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical adaptation of Eva Perón's life story is once again fronted by Portuguese singing sensation Madalena Alberto. From flirtatious, brunette latino girl, to the blonde high-flying woman of business, Alberto completely encapsulates each moment of the brutal, tragically short life of Eva Perón - spiritual leader of the nation. 


Cynically assessing the immediate mourning of Evita's death is Che Guevara - the Argentine Marxist revolutionary, Wet Wet Wet singer Marti Pellow. Che is a demanding sing and Pellow ploughs through the score with ease and holds a mightily impressive last note in 'And The Money Keeps Rolling In'.  Whilst he may not be the most obvious choice for the role, Pellow's less angry, more subtle tones accompany the sarcasm of his words and create a character that is not only narrating but forewarning. Mark Heenehan remains a strong addition as Perón and Nic Gibney's impressive vocal range is evident in his few outbursts as the less-often featured but crucial character, Magaldi. One of the productions stand-out moments comes from Sarah McNicholas as Perón's Mistress and her beautiful version of 'Another Suitcase In Another Hall'.

A strong ensemble play a variety of roles - with ample time to showcase their versatility. In particular, Perón's Latest Flame is a strong group effort - regimented choreography executed with the tightest of timing. I wouldn't say Evita was a dance musical, but this dynamic, energetic and enthusiastic ensemble make sure it's worthy competition.


Madalena Alberto proves to be the ultimate Eva Perón and makes her way through the powerful and demanding score with effortless conviction. From the steamy and fast paced partying in Buenos Aires to the tender, fragile final moments upon her deathbed you'd be forgiven for thinking you saw two different people - the contrast is almost unbelievable.

The score is most beautiful and played by a fine orchestra - combine with an incredibly talented cast such as this and the audience are well and truly drawn in. You cannot help but fall in love and have your heart broken by Evita. Do not miss the musical masterpiece at Birmingham Hippodrome until 19 April. Get tickets here.



Cast List: Marti Pellow, Madalena Alberto, Mark Heenehan, Sarah McNicholas, Nic Gibney, Michelle Pentecost, David Brewis, Verity Burgess, Errol Clayton, Joel Elferink, Callum Fitzgerald, Alyn Hawke, Ryan Limb, Joe McCourt, Anna McGarahan, Stuart Maciver, Ceili O'Connor, Lizzie Ottley, Olive Robinson, Chris Stoddart

Wednesday 9 April 2014

WEST END SWITCHED OFF (St James Studio) Rebecca Trehearn and Simon Bailey join the line up!


Rebecca Trehearn and Simon Bailey join Alice Fearn, Sophie Linder-Lee and more for launch of West End Switched Off at the St James Studio!

Fresh from playing the lead role of Molly in the UK Tour of Ghost The Musical to critical and audience acclaim, Rebecca Trehearn will be joining a superb cast of West End performers to launch new album West End Switched Off in an intimate concert at the St James Studio on Sunday 27th April.

The launch night at the St James Studio on Sunday 27th April at 6.30pm will give the audience the chance to have an up-close and personal experience of some of the never before heard tracks on the album before the official release. Tickets are available from just £15.

Trehearn will be joined by Simon Bailey, who’s performance as Liam O’Dreary in I Can’t Sing the Independent recently called ‘spot on’, and Alice Fearn, who can currently be seen in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy and recently Shrek The Musical and on stage and screen in Les Miserablés.



Completing the line up will be Wicked’s current Stand-by Glinda and Elphaba; Sophie Linder-Lee and Emma Hatton. The thirteen-strong cast also includes West End regulars Chlöe Hart, Adrian Hansel, Dean John-Wilson and Dale Evans as well as Jordan Lee Davies, Tori Allen-Martin, Thomas Sutcliffe and Ambra Caserotti. A live band led by the album’s musical director Kris Rawlinson will accompany the performers.

West End Switched Off, produced by Parallel Productions, is set to be the first in a series of albums that arrange musical theatre songs that you know – and a few that you may not – into unheard acoustic, 'unplugged' covers. The eleven-track album which features Ashleigh Gray, Ian Stroughair, Jodie Steele and more will be available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon and other platforms from Monday 28th April.

Listen to exclusive clips on Official London Theatre here.

For more information visit www.parallelproductions.co.uk or follow Parallel on Twitter @ParaProd.

Monday 7 April 2014

Preview | DICK WHITTINGTON (Swindon Wyvern Theatre) Nigel Havers headlines as King Rat!


Following a plague of headlines in the news last week that huge rodents are taking over Britain, the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon announce that Nigel Havers will headline this year's pantomime Dick Whittington, playing the biggest rat of them all, King Rat!

Nigel Havers has been a star of stage and screen for 40 years and is well-known for a variety of roles. On TV he is most recently known for his role as love-rat Lewis Archer in Coronation Street, for which he won Best Exit at the 2013 British Soap Awards. He also recently appeared in another of ITV’s top-shows, when he starred in the Christmas Special of Downton Abbey. He has been in constant demand for stage work and has starred in many plays, as well as starring in pantomimes for many years.

This Summer, ahead of performing on stage in Swindon at Christmas, Nigel will star alongside Sian Phillips in a West End revival of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest at the Harold Pinter Theatre.


“It is a real coup for Swindon to secure a pantomime star of Nigel Havers’ stature for this year’s production of Dick Whittington,” said Theatre Director Derek Aldridge. “Nigel will no doubt bring a certain element of charm to the role of King Rat, which will make audiences love to hate the royal rodent!”

The Wyvern Theatre’s dazzling production of Dick Whittington will be spectacularly brought to life with an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning sets plus, as audiences have come to expect from Swindon’s number one pantomime, plenty of audience participation. Read reviews for previous pantomimes Aladdin and Jack And The Beanstalk which feature returning Swindon panto favourite - David Ashley.  


Nigel Havers is joined by the previously announced David Ashley who returns to Swindon for a fourth year after playing Ugly Sister Windy Wendy in Cinderella, Abanazar in Aladdin and Dame Trot in Jack and the Beanstalk.

Book tickets for Dick Whittington, which runs from Sat 6 Dec 2014 - Sun 4 Jan 2015 online here. Alternatively call the Box Office on 01793 524 481.


Related Articles
Jack And The Beanstalk 2013 Review
Aladdin 2012 Review

Thursday 3 April 2014

Review | WEST SIDE STORY (UK Tour) April 2014


The highly anticipated fiftieth anniversary production of Bernstein's classic, West Side Story has arrived in Birmingham and with a three week residency at the New Alexandra Theatre, there are few excuses to miss this legendary classic.

 Romeo and Juliet are no longer in Verona, it's 1950's New York and amidst the ill-fated love story for Tony and Maria, their families the Jets and Sharks clash over status. The predictable story is well known and I wouldn't say that it's for this that the people come... Fifty years on, the iconic music of Leonard Bernstein is still as exciting and fresh-feeling as a first night. The music, coupled with Joey McKneely's reproduction of Jerome Robbins' choreography is something very special, the two combine to create a visually stunning production. With little in the way of set it's all about Renate Schmitzer's colourful costumes worn by an incredibly versatile, dynamic and endlessly energetic young cast. 


Louis Maskell is charming as Tony, who's impeccably controlled vocal brings the audience into awe , particuarly during the song Maria, an obvious highlight. Owing to the indisposition of Katie Hall, the role of Maria is played by Charlotte Baptie. Having seen both girls in the role, it is apparent they are of equal worthiness. Baptie impresses with a belting soprano voice, championing her way through classics such as Tonight and I Feel Pretty. The girls, led by Djalenga Scott as Anita are sensationally sexy, sassy and fun addition to the otherwise dark plot. 



The show perhaps belongs to the brilliant boys, rival gangs who fight through dance - adventurous yet  extremely well connected, an incredibly talented line-up. Whilst the stylised flighting is not the most realistic, the artistic values completely outweigh anything else here. However, it is when the entire company unite for the Procession and Nightmare that the spine tingles. 


West Side Story is all about the dance, incredible vocal performances do break through the booming score but ultimately the re-invented, high energy routines are what will stick with you. And a warning, you will walk away whistling and humming the songs for a long while after!

See West Side Story until 19 April at the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham. Click here for tickets. Read my interview with Katie Hall and Louis Maskell here

Photos by Alastair Muir.
View the trailer:



Cast List: Louis Maskell, Katie Hall, Djalenga Scott, Javier Cid, Jack Wilcox, David Delve, Jason Griffiths, Siôn Tudor Owen, Matthew Hawksley, Fraser Fraser, Bruce Aguilar Rohan. Samuel Salter, Scott Rayner, Matthew Croke, Charlie Cameron, Rachel Crocker, Fenia Tsikitikou, Rachel Ensor, Danielle Cato, Niko Wirachman, Sergio Giacomelli, Sergi Terns, Devon McKenzie-Smith, Nathan Ryles, Liam Paul Jennings, Sinead Kenny, Charlotte Baptie, Katie Singh, Challyce Brogdon, Nicola Coates, Lisa Dent, Dom Hodson, Alex Pinder.