& 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.

Aladdin London - Nov 2016 My 10th Visit

I have been in love with Aladdin the Musical in the West End since I first saw it in previews back in May. (As per my first blog). Since then it has been difficult to get tickets, the 2^nd time I saw Aladdin was in Sept and I knew this could be my new guilty pleasure musical. This turned out to be true as I am now writing a second Aladdin Blog after seeing the musical in the West end for the 10^th time.

As you know Aladdin the musical is based on the Disney’s animated film about an orphan boy named Aladdin who is poor, a thief and a bit of a rebel. Meets a beautiful princess named Jasmine and falls in love. But we all know it’s not that easy. Jafar who is known as the villain wants to become the next Sultan, finds out that there is a magic lamp hidden in the ‘cave of wonders’ and the only boy that can go into the cave is the ‘The Diamond in The Rough’ known as Aladdin. Aladdin visits the ‘cave of wonders’ finds the magic lamp but notices an Egyptian jay necklace which Aladdin was warned not to touch by Jafar and the cave collapses with Aladdin inside. Aladdin manages to keep hold of the lamp and rubs the lamp and can’t believe his luck as outcomes a genie who grants Aladdin 3 wishes. Then we can all guess what happens next Aladdin and Jasmine fall in love and live happily ever after.

As this is my second blog about Aladdin the musical I wanted to blog about my experience of the show as well as the cast.

The original west end cast stars the amazing Dean John-Wilson as Aladdin, Trevor Dion Nicholas as the Genie and Jade Ewen as Princess Jasmine.

As it was my 10^th visit I had to get one of the best seats in the theatre, so I brought a front row ticket in the stalls. When I got to the theatre it turned out my seat was almost central which was amazing I couldn’t believe how close I was either. My experience in the front row was a fantastic one. If you want a great place to sit in the Prince Edward Theatre the best place is the stalls or the front of the dress circle but for Aladdin in my opinion definitely the stalls. You could see the faces very clearly and could see everything that was going on onstage. All the way through the show I couldn’t keep a straight face I was just smiling and laughing throughout. My favourite songs in the show is Proud of your Boy, Friend Like me and Somebody’s Got Your Back. I would give the show a standing ovation every time I visit if I could. I even got a wave from Trevor and a thumb’s up from Dean at the end which made me smile, even though I was a little scared to wave back.

The show starts off with a fantastic overture of all the songs in the show and at this point I am already bouncing up and down in my seat. Once the overture is over the curtain rises and the show begins in a market place in the town of Agrabah.

The set is phenomenal, very bright and colourful as well as the costumes. The special effects always amaze me especially the magic carpet as when the carpet starts to fly you hear either a cheer or a gasp from the audience because it is very magical and clever.

There are a couple of changes in the show to the animated film as Aladdin has 3 friends called Kassim, Omar and Babkak, Jafar has an assistant called Iago and Jasmine has 3 attendants but it works amazingly. I prefer the stage version to the actual movie. Also, there is a couple of new songs too which fit into the show perfectly.

The cast are absolute stars especially Dean John-Wilson and Trevor Dion Nicholas who are my absolute favourites.

Jade Ewen who portrays Princess Jasmine is a feisty but with a heart of gold princess who wants to be independent and doesn’t want people to make up her mind up for her. A very convincing Jasmine. A lovely sweet voice.

Trevor Dion Nicholas who portrays the Genie. First, can I just say what a legend Trevor is as the Genie, I mean WOW I’ve never watched a west end actor play a part like that. Out of this world. Trevor had fantastic comic timing, loved the different references and jokes including Bruce Forsyth and the Generation Game, Strictly Come Dancing, etc. Loved the different Disney songs in a Friend Like Me. Friend Like me is the big show stopper that is sung by Trevor, it’s 7 minutes long and is completely bonkers, (I mean that in a nice way). That number has everything possible going on in it. A very convincing genie with a lot of cheekiness added to the character. Loved the relationship on stage between genie and Aladdin as they make a great duet. It’s always a pleasure to watch Trevor as the genie because I know that he is bound to make me smile and laugh. Every time I see the show Trevor steals the show. Also, he is one of the nicest guys that you can ever meet. Bravo Trevor and Thank You.

Dean John-Wilson who portrays Aladdin. Is another favourite of mine was fantastic as Aladdin. You can’t help to fall in love with Dean as Aladdin or help to feel sorry for him at certain points in the show. Dean’s take on Aladdin is that he comes across very flirtatious, a bit of a rebel and thief but enjoying life. Dean had great comic timing and there are always certain lines in the show that I always have a giggle to myself at, but I won’t give too much away. All Aladdin wants to do is become a better person and make his mum proud. This leads onto a song that Dean sings called Proud of your boy which I adore and every time I hear Dean sing it my heart melts it’s such a beautiful song and Dean sings it with passion. I love Dean as Aladdin certainly does the part justice and you won’t be disappointed.

Thank you, Dean and Trevor for making my 10^th visit so amazing and memorable.

It’s such an amazing Disney production and is not one to be missed, if I was rating the show I would give it six stars. A lot of people ask me The Lion King or Aladdin, can you guess which one I recommend? In case you hadn’t guessed, yes, I recommend Aladdin. So, don’t hesitate to get tickets, just go ahead and book, as you will not be disappointed.

Even though I have seen the show 10 times I am still counting because I will still be going to see the show.

Now playing at the Prince Edward Theatre in London’s West End.

Eurobeat Moldova - Edinburgh Fringe Festival Aug 2016

Calling all Eurovision fans.

If your a fan of Eurovision then Eurobeat Moldova is the show for you. Its a whole new contest where Moldova is hosting.

Starring Lee Latchford-Evans and Rula Lenska.

A new musical comedy based on the popular Eurovision Song Contest, where its between 10 new countries.
The show has a lot of audience participation and starts from when you are given a flag and that is your country for the evening.
Its a live contest as the audience also gets to vote each night for their favourite song.
Where each night there is a different winner.
I have seen the show twice and both times the same country won.
But i wont give too much away apart from its cheesy, camp and full of fun.

Lee Latchford-Evans and Rula Lenska both play the role of hosts named Niko Nikovsky and Katya Kokov.

Rula Lenska portrays the role of Katya Kokov brilliantly.
Loved the way Katya kept interfering, correcting and cutting Niko off every time when he was trying to talk or sing.
Rula plays Katya Kokov as a serious host as well as being emotional but with a heart of gold.
Loved Rula's performance all the way through.

Lee Latchford-Evans portrays the role Niko Nikovsky amazingly and fantastically.
Niko is a character who just wants to have fun, make jokes and sing when hosting.
I really enjoyed Lee's performance and in my opinion Lee makes the show.
Loved the Moldovan accent and the dancing as well.
Niko is cheeky, camp, funny and full of energy.
The best character in the show and Lee you really pulled it off and it was great to see a different side of you.
Lee you are great at musical comedy and hope to see more in the future.
Loved the song 'My People Know How To Party'.
Bravo Lee!!

They both played the characters fantastically together.

I could see this show being transferred to London's West End in the near future as i can imagine it would have a great audience in London.

Not one to be missed as i promise you, you will be crying with laughter throughout the show and will not be disappointed.

Currently showing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival until 29th August at The Grand Pleasance Courtyard.

Aladdin West End London May 2016

I wanted to see Disney's Aladdin the musical on Broadway but as soon as I heard it was coming to the West End I thought I'd leave it until now.

Aladdin the musical based on the Disney's animated film is about a boy named Aladdin who's a bit of a rebal. 

Meets a beautiful princess Jasmine in the middle of the marketplace and falls in love. 

Whilst jafar known as the villain wants to become powerful and wants to find a way to become rich. Jafar is told that there is a magic lamp hidden in a cave and the only person who can find the lamp is a boy named Aladdin.

 Jafar goes and finds Aladdin. 

Aladdin goes to the cave finds the lamp and is soon locked in the cave. 

Then Aladdin rubs the lamp and outcomes a genie who grants Aladdin 3 wishes.

 I bet you all know what happens next Aladdin and jasmine meet go on a magic carpet ride and then live happily ever after. 

The west end London cast of Aladdin stars Dean John Wilson as Aladdin, Jade Ewen as Princess Jasmine, Don Gallagher as Jafar and Trevor Dion Nicholas as the Genie. 

I went to see Aladdin whilst it was still in previews, I was very excited and couldn't wait to see it. 

As soon as the orchestra started to play the overture I was already humming and dancing in my seat. 

The curtain went up after the overture, went straight into the song with the genie singing 'Arabian Nights'. 

As show went on the set got more and more colourful with its bright colour costumes to the glittery make up. 

The showstopper number is 'Friend like me' wow I've never seen anything like it, it was fantastic, full of energy, laughter and colour, there was even a mid show standing ovation which was well deserved. The song takes the mickey out of strictly come dancing, the genie sings a couple other Disney songs and mentions the famous catchphrase by Bruce Forsyth, 'Nice to see you, to see you.... ' and the audience replied back 'nice'. 

The special effects were amazing and I was mesmerised with the magic carpet during 'A Whole New World' I was thinking how did they make this fly as on the stage there was only lights that looked like stars. Very convincing and clever. 

Dean John Wilson who portrayed Aladdin was amazing. My favourite song that Dean sung was 'Proud of your Boy' sung with emotion and feeling and a new addition to the show. 

Loved Dean's take on Aladdin as came across very flirtatious, a little bit of a rebel but enjoying life. Dean had an fantastic voice loved all his musical numbers. 

Jade Ewen who portrayed Princess Jasmine played the part very well. Jade had a lovely sweet voice and was very convincing as Jasmine.

Trevor Dion Nicholas who portrayed the Genie was absolutely outstanding and the best character in the show. Trevor was full of energy throughout the show. Loved 'Friend like me' and loved his cheekiness and liked how Trevor involved the audience from time to time. In my opinion Trevor as the genie stole the show for me. So Bravo Trevor. 

It's a must see show it's brilliant everything from the cast to the special effects. I'll be definitely going back for a second visit. 

Now playing at the Prince Edward theatre in London's West End. 

Jersey Boys London West End 2016/2017 Cast

After loving the cast of 2015/16, I was definitely interested in going to watch the new cast.

As you will know from my first blog on Jersey Boys, it tells the story of Frankie Valli and the four seasons in the late 50's about how they became to be in the rock and roll hall of fame.

The show includes songs such as Sherry, Big Girls don't Cry, Walk like a man, December 1963, Cant take my eyes off you and many more.

The show stars Matt Corner as Frankie Valli, Simon Bailey as Tommy DeVito, Declan Egan as Bob Gaudio and Matt Hunt as Nick Massi.

The show is currently in its 8th year in London and is still wowing audiences from all over the world.

I have also seen the show on Broadway and i can honestly say that the West End Jersey Boys has the best casts, past and present.

Matt Corner as Frankie Valli came across a serious Frankie, but with a heart of gold. Matt's voice was fantastic. Enjoyed the whole of Matt's performance. Bravo Matt.

Simon Bailey portrayed a great Tommy DeVito. A very serious character and means business. A fantastic all round performance.

Declan Egan portrayed a cheeky but shy Bob Gaudio. Loved Declan singing 'Cry for me'. A professional performance and definitely one of my favorite characters.

Matt Hunt portrayed a quiet but confident Nick Massi. A strong performance. In my opinion the best Nick Massi i have seen.

Dont think twice about going to see Jersey Boys as its such a fantastic feel good show.
The west end cast are absolutely incredible and you will not be disappointed.

In The Heights - London West End 2016

I was very interested in seeing another musical that Lin Manuel Miranda wrote the music and lyrics too and that was In The Heights.

In the Heights is about a vibrant Latino neighbourhood of Washington Heights in Manhattan.
A musical full of Latin rhythms of salsa and merengue alongside soul, pop, hip hop and RandB.
Usnavi who's a shop owner, looks after an ageing Cuban lady next door and falls in love with a girl working in a beauty salon across the street and dreams of winning the lottery and escaping to his native home in the Dominican Republic.

The show starred Sam Mackay as Usnavi, Lily Frazer as Nina, David Bedella as Kevin, Christine Allado as Vanessa, Joe Aaron Reid as Benny and Josie Benson as Camila.

Sam Mackay was a brilliant Usnavi. My favourite character in the show. I loved every minute of Sam's performance. A very convincing and professional performance.
Lily Frazer portrayed Nina amazingly, Lily had some power house songs to sing and performed them fantastically. What a voice.
Christine Allado was a charming Vanessa. A sort of ' the girl next door' type of character.

I have two favourite songs from the show and they were 'in the heights' and 56,000.

The only thing about the show was that it needs to be in a bigger theatre on a bigger stage with a bigger set, but he cast and crew made it work on a small stage.

It's still a fantastic show and well worth a visit as it's different and has a Spanish vibe to it.
I only saw the show once, loved it and now I want to see it again.

Hamilton - Broadway 2016

After having problems with our tickets, to not having any tickets which viagogo sold to someone else, it was a miracle that my friend and I got to see Hamilton. 

Social media is a wonderful thing.

It all started with a hashtag #getsamtoham, one of the cast members saw the hashtag and asked my friend what had happened. My friend explained.

My friend and I arrived at the theatre to speak to a gentleman that was instructed by the cast member and the gentleman managed to get us two standing tickets. We couldn't believe our eyes. The gentleman called us over once we had the tickets and said I am going to give you seats as there is no reason for you to stand seeing that you already paid for seats. Well instead of sitting near the back of the mezzanine they sat us at the back of the front stalls. We were very happy and greatful for what this gentleman and the cast member had done. So we took our seats and could finally relax and enjoy the show.

Hamilton is a musical about Alexander Hamilton, a Scottish/French Caribbean who travelled to NYC in the late 18th century and became the right hand man to George Washington. He was a hero of the American war for independence. He was also an abrasive character who was involved in a notorious sex scandal and died before he reached 50 in a duel with the former Vice President of America Aaron Burr.

Music and lyrics are written by Lin Manual Miranda.

I was lucky enough to see the original broadway cast starring Lin Manual Miranda as Alexander Hamilton, Jonathan Groff as King George, Leslie Odom Jr as Aaron Burr, Renee Elise Goldsberry/Phillipa Soo/Jasmine Cephas Jones as the Schuyler sisters, Christopher Jackson as George Washington, Daveed Diggs as Lafayette/Jefferson, Anthony Ramos as Lauren's/Philip Hamilton and not forgetting Javier Munoz as Alexander Hamilton at certain performances.

Lin Manual Miranda portrayed a fantastic Alexander Hamilton. Lin was perfection throughout the show. Lin's singing was great, I mean to rap 7 days a week is amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed Lin's performance.
Phillipa Soo portrayed a wonderful and sweet Eliza.
Jonathan Groff as King George had me on the edge of my seat with laughter, Jonathan's performance was very camp, loved the British accent and loved Jonathan singing 'you'll be back'.
The rest of the cast were brilliant a lot of talent and amazing performances.

My favourite songs in the show were you'll be back, Alexander Hamilton and My Shot.

I didn't think that I would enjoy Hamilton but I was wrong. It was absolutely amazing. It's very different to other musicals but that's what makes Hamilton unique.
A piece of American history from the 18th century turned into the 21st century where the story is told through cast members singing and rapping.

Definitely worth a visit if you happen to be in NYC.