& Juliet Her Musical London 25 Nov 2019

There's a new musical in London, it’s called & Juliet.

Went along just to check what this new musical was all about. 

As my first thoughts where it is called & Juliet, must have something to do with the play of Romeo and Juliet.

Here's a little bit of what the show is about:

Do you believe in life after Romeo? Well it is the play of Romeo and Juliet, but with a slight twist. We all know that Juliet kills herself in the play, but not in this musical Juliet lives. What if Juliet’s famous ending was really her beginning? What if she decided to choose her own fate? What if Juliet put the dagger down and decided to take a girl’s trip instead? In this irreverent rewrite that's exactly what happens. When Juliet wakes up instead of a dagger to the heart, she gathers Nurse and her best girlfriends and heads to the city of lights. Juliet sets off to prove that she is the author of her own story and that there is life, and love, after Romeo.

& Juliet features music from these music artists such as Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Maroon 5, The Backstreet Boys, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, Jessie J, Nsync and Bon Jovi. Including songs like It’s My Life, Larger Than Life, I Want It That Way, Domino, Baby One More Time, I Kissed A Girl, Since You Been Gone, Everybody, As Long As You Love Me, Stronger, Roar just to name a few.

The show stars Miriam Teak Lee as Juliet, Cassidy Janson as Anne, Oliver Tompsett as Shakespeare and Jordan Luke Gage as Romeo.

Oliver Tompsett is amazing is Shakespeare I couldn’t stop laughing at Oliver’s Shakespeare. Oliver portrayed the part very well. I thought Oliver played a cheeky Shakespeare. My favourite song that Oliver sung has to be I want it That Way.

Jordan Luke Gage, well what can I say about Jordan and his Romeo? Just that Jordan is a complete star and his voice is out of this world. Jordan portrays Romeo as a ‘drama queen’ who is still in love with Juliet. Jordan has an amazing entrance right at the end of act one before the interval, but I won’t give it away. My favourite song that Jordan sings and my favourite song from the show is Its My Life.

Miriam Teak Lee’s Juliet is fantastic. Miriam’s voice raises the roof off the Shaftesbury Theatre it is amazing. Miriam portrays Juliet as a woman with attitude who is a role model for all women out there. Doesn’t let people walk over her who makes her own decisions about life.

It’s such a feel-good show and if you have a chance to go and see it, then GO! I’ve already been twice and there will be more visits in the future.

I’ve never laughed so much and its surprising how many songs you would know. Its my new guilty pleasure.

& Juliet is now playing at Shaftesbury Theatre in London until May 2020.

Aladdin Pantomime Worthing Pavilion Theatre

Did someone say Pantomime?

Of course we did. 

Its this time of year again when Pantos are happening all over the UK for the festive season.

Who doesn't love Panto? 

Pantomimes are not just for children, they are for people of all ages, very family orientated and when you go to one you know you are going to have a great time.

I went to watch the pantomime Aladdin in Worthing at the Pavilion Theatre. This panto stars Lee Latchford-Evans from the steptacular pop band Steps.

The cast includes Lee Latchford-Evans as Aladdin, Rebecca Keatley as Princess Jasmine, Vikki Stone as Abanazar, Mark Jones as Wishee Washee, Dave Lynn as Widow Twankey, Michael Garland as Emperor of China, Natalie Turner as Spirit of the ring and the voice of Brian Blessed as the Genie of the Lamp.

Rebecca Keatley portrayed the role of Princess Jasmine as a sweet and innocent girl who just wants to go on an adventure outside the palace. 

Vikki Stone portrayed the role of the panto villain Abanazar. This was the first time I have seen a male part being played by a woman, but I was really impressed. Vikki's comic timing was fantastic and I was crying with laughter at the jokes.

Mark Jones portrayed the role of Aladdin's brother Wishee Washee, another one who had me crying with laugher at his comic timing, jokes and stupidity. 

Dave Lynn portrayed the role of Aladdin's mum Widow Twankey. Loved his performance.

Lee Latchford-Evans portrayed the title role of the cheeky chappy Aladdin. I couldn't think of anyone better to play the part. Lee's presence on stage is outstanding so much personality which shone throughout the show. Full of cheekiness. Lee's singing was amazing too. Couldn't fault Lee's performance.

I enjoyed the opening song and the finale to the show in which the cast sang songs from The Greatest Showman. My favourite medley in the show had to be when the cast performed Saturday Night Fever. There I was singing along.

My favourite scenes in the show was when Aladdin, Wishee Washee and Widow Twankey disguised themselves as travellers to go a rescue Princess Jasmine to get past the evil Abanazar and the dance off between Aladdin and Abanazar. Just so happens they put in 5678 in the dance off. I was laughing out loud during these scenes as I thought these were the best scenes of the panto.

Of course they saved the best to last by having a fantastic Steps Medley to end the show.

Everyone on their feet singing and doing the famous dance moves including me and I am not ashamed to say I am a massive Steps fan and of Lee Latchford-Evans.

This pantomime Aladdin I would give it ***** (stars) because it really does make you forget all worries that you have or might have.

So get yourselves down to the Pavilion Theatre in Worthing to see Aladdin, there until 1st January 2019.

I have already been 3 times and I have another 2 booked. A Christmas Panto not to be missed.

Cinderella Pantomime St Helens Theatre Royal 24th March 2018

Cinderella - who doesn't love a fairy tale?
Pantomime - who doesn't love Panto?

Normally you would have to wait until Christmas to go and watch a good old pantomime, but not anymore Easter Pantomimes are coming more and more popular.

Pantomimes are not just for children, they are for people of all ages, very family orientated and when you go to one you know you are going to have a great time.

I went to watch the Easter pantomime Cinderella in St Helens last Saturday which was the first shows starring Lee Latchford - Evans from Steps as Prince Charming. As I've been a Steps fan for over 20 years and I am a huge fan of Lee I couldn't miss the chance of going to see Lee is this.

The cast includes Lee Latchford-Evans as Prince Charming, Georgina Parkinson as Cinderella, Lewis Devine as Buttons, Si Foster and Mark Newell as the Ugly Sisters, Samantha Palin as the Fairy Godmother and Andrew Geater as Dandini.

Georgina Parkinson plays the role of Cinderella. Really enjoyed her Cinderella as played the role shy, but a sweet Cinderella. Her voice was great.

Lewis Devine plays the role of Buttons. Very funny. Had a catchphrase with the audience every time he made an appearance on stage. Lewis had a lot of energy and fun to watch.

Si Foster and Mark Newell play the Ugly Sisters. I loved these two. They worked really well together and loved the costumes.

Now I've saved the best to last: Lee Latchford - Evans plays the role of Prince Charming. Charming was Lee. Played the role very well and suited the part of the prince. His personality shone throughout the show and I could not take my eyes off watching Lee. Lee's amazing singing voice had my jaw dropping to the ground. His character was very believable. Even made a few Steps references to the songs.

Of course they saved the best to last by having a fantastic Steps Medley to end the show.
Everyone on their feet singing and doing the famous dance moves including the song every one knows, 'Tragedy', really felt like a 'Steptacular' pantomime.

I am not ashamed to say that I will be going back once again to watch this amazing Steptacular pantomime.

On at St Helens Theatre Royal until 15th April 2018, miss it or miss out!

Brigadoon New York City Center 15th and 16th November 2017

I was lucky enough to go to New York City to go and see Brigadoon at the New York City Center.
I travelled all the way from the UK to see this production.

Based on the 1954 film starring Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse.

Brigadoon tells a story of two Americans named Tommy Albright and Jeff Douglas, on a hunting holiday in Scotland, discover a quaint and beautiful village, Brigadoon. Strangely, the village is not on any map, and soon Tommy and Jeff find out why: Brigadoon is an enchanted place. It appears once every hundred years for one day, then disappears back into the mists of time, to wake up to its next day a century hence. When Tommy falls in love with Fiona, a girl of the village, he realises that she can never be part of his life back in America. Can he be part of hers in Brigadoon?

The cast starred Patrick Wilson as Tommy Albright, Aasif Mandvi as Jeff Doulas, Stephanie J Block as Meg Brockie, Robert Fairchild as Harry Beaton and Kelli O Hara as Fiona MacLaren. 

This production was directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon. Ever since I saw An American In Paris in London's West End I have been a fan of Christopher Wheeldon's choreography.

Patrick Wilson and Aaif Mandvi portrayed Tommy Albright and Jeff Douglas. They worked well together as the two friends. Patrick very believable and emotional in his character and the more serious one, where as Aaif's character was the friend who liked to joke around a little.

Stephanie J Block portrayed Meg Brockie. Loved Stephanie's performance as the flirtatious Meg and her comic timing was amazing too. Loved the song 'The Love of My Life'.

Kelli O Hara portrayed Fiona Maclaren, well you could not fault her performance at all. Her voice was fantastic and it sent shivers done my spine where the songs were so beautifully sung. The Scottish accent was spot on. Played the character of Fiona very well and very emotional.

Robert Fairchild portrayed Harry Beaton, now Robert is the reason I went to NYC and saw this production because I am a massive fan. But Robert never lets me down. He delivers his part on a stage with elegance and has a lot of presence. You could never fault his performance at all. Played the part of Harry Beaton as he was the villain of Brigadoon, thought that everyone was against him. He never was happy but just wanted to be loved by a local girl, but unfortunately this local girl chose someone else. Harry Beaton is more of a dancing part. Robert's dancing is incredible, my favourite part of the show had to be the 'Sword Dance and Reel' doing the Scottish jig was amazing. The Scottish accent was spot on.

I wish I could of stayed in NYC to see this production a couple more times. I really did enjoy this show. 

Matthew Morrison in Concert at the London Hipprodrome 16th May 2017

This person needs no introduction, first Broadway star, TV star then Film star. 

I have just one question, when you going to be a West End star?

If you haven't guessed already, yes, it's the one and only amazingly talented Matthew Morrison. 

I was lucky enough to attend one of his London concerts at the London Hippodrome. 

I was very excited and couldn't wait to see what Matthew had in store for us Brits but didn't he do the British people proud.

Matthew was amazing singing songs from his Broadway catalogue to Elton John, songs from his own albums and Glee. Making jokes along the way and telling stories. 

Matthew came across a cheeky chappy who loves to have fun and enjoys performing on stage. 

His dancing was great too. 

Stage is definitely the place for Matthew. 

My favourite part of the night seeing I'm a musical theatre fan was when Matthew sang Stronger from Finding Neverland, oh my goodness my jaw dropped, that voice where did it come from absolutely stunning! 

I was singing along.

I was also lucky enough to see Matthew on Broadway in the show too. 

At the end of the show Matthew received a well deserved standing ovation. 

I wish Matthew would do more concerts here in London as it's been an amazing experience seeing him in concert as I also went to his last London concert too where I was lucky enough to have a meet and greet and Matthew really is a lovely guy to meet and I was star struck. 

Thank you for making me smile Matthew and bravo once again on your concerts. 

An American In Paris London April 2017

An American In Paris is based on the 1951 film starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron.

The music and lyrics written by George and Ira Gershwin.

An American In Paris first came to my interest when my friend and I were planning a trip to NYC, as we were only there for a long weekend we wanted to see a Broadway show every night. An American In Paris was on the list of shows to see, but we never got round to seeing it.

Now An American in Paris has arrived in London's West End I couldn't not go to see it so here I am writing a blog about the show.

An American In Paris is a story of finding love, happiness and a new look on life.
The show is set in Paris as it emerges from the shadows of World War 2.
An American veteran and an aspiring painter Jerry Mulligan is still stumbling from the war when he discovers the girl of his dreams Lise Dassin, a young dancer at the ballet. Jerry falls in love with Lise then she quickly vanishes.
They are soon reunited at a ballet rehearsal where Jerry has come to visit his friend, Adam Hochberg the ballet company's composer.
Whilst there Jerry catches the eye of a Milo Davenport, an American heiress.
But to add more confusion there is a love triangle Lise is already engaged to a wealthy businessman called Henri who dreams of being a performer. But does Lise truly love Henri, or is Jerry the American stranger that Lise is meant to love?
I will leave the rest in your imagination.

The show features songs, I've Got Rhythm, Liza, I've got beginners luck, S Wonderful, Shall We Dance, Fidgety Feet, Ill build a stairway to paradise, They cant take that away from me and more.

The West End cast stars Robert Fairchild as Jerry Mulligan, Leanne Cope as Lise Dassin, Haydn Oakley as Henri Baurel, Zoe Rainey as Milo Davenport and David Seadon-Young as Adam Hochberg.

In my opinion there were only two members of the cast the stood out to me and that was Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope.

Leanne Cope portrays Lise Dassin.
Leanne is fantastic in the role. A fantastic ballet dancer. There is a big ballet routine in the show and I was amazed how much energy Leanne had to perform that piece.

Robert Fairchild portrays Jerry Mulligan.
Robert is absolutely fantastically amazing in the role. My eyes were glued to watching Robert throughout the show. What an great singer and dancer. Loved the way Robert played Jerry as a confident and flirtatious kind of guy with a lot of cheekiness to go with it. My favourite songs that Robert sung were 'I've got beginners luck' and 'Liza'.

Both Robert and Leanne danced well together.

I have seen this musical twice and first time I went to see the show I came out the theatre thinking I loved that, was also smiling throughout the show so I just had to see it again. I am looking to go back for a 3rd visit soon.

Currently showing at London's Dominion Theatre on Tottenham Court Road. If you are in London then An American in Paris is a definite must see.

Jack and The Beanstalk Pantomime Dec 2016

Well this time of year has come around again once more as we are in Panto season.

This time of year, when its family time and all end up going to the local theatre and having a laugh and good time at a pantomime.
I don’t know about you guys but I do love a panto. I used to go all the time when I was younger with my family and just a few years ago, I started going to one again.

One pantomime that I have been going to see this year is called Jack and the Beanstalk.

Jack and the beanstalk is about boy named Jack and a Giant named Blunderbore. The villagers are afraid of the giant and his servant Fleshcreep. The King is forced to issue a decree to whoever manages to defeat the giant will win the princess’s hand in marriage. Jack who is the clever son of Dame Trott decides to fight. Fleshcreep hears about this and is not very happy so he decides to demand more rent from Dame Trott who is poor and unable to pay. He also kidnap’s the princess and takes her to the giant’s castle whilst no one is looking. The Trott’s are forced to sell their cow, Daisy but Jack is tricked by Fleshcreep who disguises himself as one of the villagers and hands Jack beans instead of gold. Dame Trott is not very happy and throws the beans out the window. Before the Trott’s know it, the beans begin to grow. Jack gets a magic axe and starts to climb the beanstalk with his not so clever brother Simple Simon. Under a spell of a fairy, well spirit of the beans. Jack is instructed to visit the giant’s kitchen where the princess is locked up ready to be eaten by the giant himself and to get the golden eggs and the harp which the giant stole from the villagers. Jack finds the princess and hears these famous words ‘fe fi fo fum, I smell blood of an Englishman’ Jack hides and waits for the giant to fall asleep listening to the music from the harp. Whilst the giant is sleeping Jack rescues the princess but not so far away is Fleshcreep who hears Jack and the princess and wakes Giant Blunderbore. Jack and the princess manage to escape the castle and return to their home. Jack cuts down the beanstalk. The spirit of the beans transforms Flesh creep into an honest citizen and they all live happily ever after.

Jack and the beanstalk has a cast of amazing talented people.

It stars Lee Latchford-Evans in the title role of Jack Trott.

Darren Altman as Simple Simon Trott, Dave Short as Dame Mary Trott, Simon Kingsley as Fleshcreep, Natalie Law as Princess Amelia, Brigid Lohrex as Spirit of the Beans, Kappa Llwellyn as King Crumble, Thomas Partner as Giant Blunderbore.

I have never seen such a fun, crazy and energetic pantomime. It’s amazing there is always something happening to keep the audience entertained.

There is a scene in the panto where the cast all chase each other and interact with the audience in the whole auditorium. Which was the highlight of the show as it had me laughing out loud, I even got a quick chat from Jack himself who came to sit near me for a couple of seconds and the king as he went past me was messing my hair up. I found it funny.
The two main songs that audience’s will know in the panto is Purple Rain and Skyfall. Both these songs are mostly sung by the Steps star himself Lee Latchford-Evans who sings them both with passion and feeling. My heart absolutely melted when I heard them both for the first time, amazing job Lee, well done.
Also for those who remember the pop band Steps and were a fan like myself there is a little treat in the middle of the panto where the cast sing Tragedy and at the end after the bows the cast sing a Steps medley, the audiences are up on their feet doing the routines and singing along. It really is like a Steps concert all over again.

Darren Altman portrays Simon Trott as someone who is not very bright, still a little kid at heart but means no harm. Darren is fantastic throughout the show, doing impressions of Alan Sugar, Alan Carr and Ant and Dec. Very funny. Darren had me laughing every time he appeared on stage. His impressions were spot on.

Natalie Law who portrays Princess Amelia is a kind and quiet princess who just wants to be happy and loved. A nice sweet voice.

Simon Kingsley portrays the evil Fleshcreep who was great in the role. Played the part very believable.

Dave Short who portrays Dame Mary Trott was very good I enjoyed watching Dave because he reacted with the audience a lot and told jokes. The dame always gets the most costumes changes but they were also very entertaining with little features added including the minion lights.

Finally, Lee Latchford-Evans who portrays Jack. Lee is amazing as the title role, Lee steals the show. Lee plays the role of Jack as a cheeky, flirtatious, full of adventure and the towns hero. Loved the way Lee reacted to the audience. An amazing singer and actor and you could tell Lee was having a good time on stage.

This pantomime really is one not to be missed as its full of surprises. So, get up to The Watersmeet, Rickmansworth this Christmas to see Jack and the Beanstalk, showing until 31^st December 2016.