The Mayflower in Southampton has really upped its game in recent years getting big West End shows pretty much as soon as they finish. In the past they have had Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Legally Blonde and next year will play host to Dirty Dancing and the phenomenal Wicked.
I prefer The Mayflower, only a 40 minute drive, compared to the long journey to London it is great to show these shows come locally.
As a massive fan of the film Ghost I was thrilled when I heard it was coming to the Mayflower as I was gutted to have missed it in London.
On the website Ghost is described as - a timeless fantasy about the power of love. Walking back to their apartment one night, Sam and Molly are mugged, leaving Sam murdered on a dark street. Sam is trapped as a ghost between this world and the next and unable to leave Molly who he learns is in grave danger. With the help of a phony storefront psychic, Oda Mae Brown, Sam tries to communicate with Molly in the hope of saving and protecting her.
The 1990 film starred Demi Moore as Molly, Patrick Swayze as Sam and Whoopi Goldberg as Oda Mae. It pulls at the heartstrings and every time I watch the film I cry so I was pretty sure the musical would do the same.
With films into musicals I am always a little dubious as to how they will come off Legally Blonde worked amazingly well, and when I found out that Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics I had high hopes.
The only song really I knew would be there was Unchained Melody, the stand out song of the film.
So the musical...beautifully set and just a fantastic production, the transitions from person to ghost with the body still on stage was seamless and I still don't understand how they did it. It was a very clever production and the stage was amazing with the beginning whizzing you through the streets of New York.
The musical captures the magic of the film perfectly and the songs fit perfectly in this new mould.
It is always going to be hard to match the actors who were in the film but each actor played their part well and made it their own, the fact that Molly has blonde curly hair rather than a short brown crop instantly distinguishes the two actresses and you almost forget that someone else every played the role.
The stand out character and actress for me though was Wendy Mae Brown who plays Oda Mae Brown. In quite a heavy story line she adds welcomed light relief and has an amazing voice to carry the songs home.
When we went to watch another actress was playing the role of Molly - Amy Webb, who was excellent, it makes you wonder why she wasn't given the part in the first place.
Finally Sam was played by Stewart Clarke and although no legendary Swayze he really made you connect with Sam and feel his pain at dying way before his time.
This musical is just brilliant and really adds another dimension to an already popular and fantastic film. I really think if you love the film you will be hard pushed to hate this musical.
And before you ask yes I did cry at the end...
To find out more visit - http://www.ghostthemusical.com/
Showing posts with label Musical. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Musical. Show all posts
Saturday, 9 November 2013
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Barnum, Chichester Festival Theatre, Theatre in the Park, July 2013
First I will admit that I had no idea what Barnum was about before I went, I assumed it was about a circus but apart from that I was clueless.
I love musicals and I didn't think I would hate it, there are very few I do, but I didn't know if it would be my thing.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a real old school musical much like 42nd Street or Mary Poppins. From start to finish it was excellent and the fact it was in a big tent made it feel all the more special.
Barnum is part of Chichester Festival Theatre's summer programme and was staged in the Theatre in the Park as work is carried out on the building.
It follows the story of Phineas T Barnum, America's Greatest Showman, through his life and his marriage to his wife Chairy. I also didn't know before that he was a real person and that Barnum and Bailey's Circus - the Greatest Show on Earth was a real thing.
By far my favourite songs were 'Come join the band' and 'Black and white', the set up on stage and the musical performance was just spot on.
The show is full of glitz and tricks, with acrobatics, flame throwers, work on ropes and so much more. The dancers must be really strong the amount of throwing, catching and holding each other the way they do, it is phenomenal.
There is an elephant at one point which the way they have done it is just great. It got a lot of cheers and laughs.
Also at one point in the show Barnum carries out a tight rope walk, and he did it in one go. My friend had been the previous week and said it had taken three attempts and in the end he just went along the bottom. But I am so glad that he did it for us.
The show is a Cameron Mackintosh production so you know that he has a hit on his hands, co-produced with the Chichester Festival Theatre.
Christopher Fitzgerald plays P T Barnum a rising star on Broadway, he has so much charisma and charm that you fall under his spell. Tamsin Carroll plays Chairy is excellent and makes her more than just 'his wife' and doesn't hide in the shadow of the big performer Barnum.
This is just a really good, toe-tapping, old school musical and I really couldn't recommend it enough, and really don't want to give away too much as you really need to see it to believe it.
With previous Festival Theatre productions going on to be West End hits (Singin' in the Rain and Sweeney Todd) I don't doubt for a second that this one will follow it their footsteps.
For more information here is the website - http://www.cft.org.uk/barnum It is due to close at the end of August.
‘Barnum’s the name, P T Barnum, and I want to tell you that tonight, on this stage, you are going to see - bar none - every sight, wonder and miracle that name stands for!’
I love musicals and I didn't think I would hate it, there are very few I do, but I didn't know if it would be my thing.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a real old school musical much like 42nd Street or Mary Poppins. From start to finish it was excellent and the fact it was in a big tent made it feel all the more special.
Barnum is part of Chichester Festival Theatre's summer programme and was staged in the Theatre in the Park as work is carried out on the building.
It follows the story of Phineas T Barnum, America's Greatest Showman, through his life and his marriage to his wife Chairy. I also didn't know before that he was a real person and that Barnum and Bailey's Circus - the Greatest Show on Earth was a real thing.
By far my favourite songs were 'Come join the band' and 'Black and white', the set up on stage and the musical performance was just spot on.
The show is full of glitz and tricks, with acrobatics, flame throwers, work on ropes and so much more. The dancers must be really strong the amount of throwing, catching and holding each other the way they do, it is phenomenal.
There is an elephant at one point which the way they have done it is just great. It got a lot of cheers and laughs.
Also at one point in the show Barnum carries out a tight rope walk, and he did it in one go. My friend had been the previous week and said it had taken three attempts and in the end he just went along the bottom. But I am so glad that he did it for us.
The show is a Cameron Mackintosh production so you know that he has a hit on his hands, co-produced with the Chichester Festival Theatre.
Christopher Fitzgerald plays P T Barnum a rising star on Broadway, he has so much charisma and charm that you fall under his spell. Tamsin Carroll plays Chairy is excellent and makes her more than just 'his wife' and doesn't hide in the shadow of the big performer Barnum.
This is just a really good, toe-tapping, old school musical and I really couldn't recommend it enough, and really don't want to give away too much as you really need to see it to believe it.
With previous Festival Theatre productions going on to be West End hits (Singin' in the Rain and Sweeney Todd) I don't doubt for a second that this one will follow it their footsteps.
For more information here is the website - http://www.cft.org.uk/barnum It is due to close at the end of August.
‘Barnum’s the name, P T Barnum, and I want to tell you that tonight, on this stage, you are going to see - bar none - every sight, wonder and miracle that name stands for!’
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
9 to 5 the musical, The Mayflower, Southampton, 04/05/2013
I do love a good musical and I also love a very catchy pop
song, so a musical based on a very catchy song is my kind of thing.
Music and lyrics were written by the legend that is Dolly
Parton who also acts as narrator at the beginning and end of the musical which
is a great touch.
Set in 1979 it follows the story of three disgruntled women
who decide to take action against their sexist, misogynist boss. The musical like the film shows you that over 3o years ago the working place for women was a completely different place, with unfortunately some familiar sights.
The performance I saw starred Mark Moraghan, who used to be in Brookside and Holby City as boss Franklynn J Hart, Natalie Casey from Hollyoaks and Two Pints of a Larger and a Packet of Crisps as Judy Bernley, Amy Lennox who was Legally Blonde the musical as Dolly's character Doralee Rhodes, on this occasion the understudy Lori Haley Fox played Violet Newstead and was phenomenal. Roz was also played by Bonnie Langford and it seemed that her fan club were in when we saw it but she was brilliant with great comic timing.
The whole musical is full of comic gold, a lot of laughs and all the people's singing voices were exceptional.
I didn't realise just how talented Natalie Casey was and Amy Lennox was the spiting image of Dolly Parton not necessarily in looks but in voice and mannerisms. All the performances were first class and made you laugh until your sides hurt.
It was a really brilliant feel-good musical as all musicals should be. I didn't know what to expect I have seen the film but in some ways couldn't understand how it would work as a musical but it was great and if it comes to your town make sure you see it. Me and my mum loved it.
Here is the website: http://www.9to5themusical.co.uk/
Sunday, 23 September 2012
Memories.....The Spice Girls
It is true that music can evoke memories, can take you back to a time gone by and make you feel the same way you did then.
Recently I have been listening to a lot of the Spice Girls, the greatest hits to be precise. No matter what mood I am in I can guarantee that after listening to Wannabe, Who do you think you are or Spice up your life I have a happy glow and feel instantly better.
I was 10 when the Spice Girls came out in 1996. I remember a girl in my class had printed off the lyrics to Wannabe, I didn't have sky or music channels at home so had no idea who they were but we sung the songs and made up dance routines.
When I did see them for the first time I was hooked and my obsession grew over the next few years. I had everything Spice Girls; the dolls, a cardboard cut out of Scary Spice (each of the girls had nicknames created by Smash Hits magazine - Baby, Sporty, Posh and Ginger), stickers, an alarm clock, pillows, you name it I had it still have it I hope up in my loft.
Spice Girls were the face of Pepsi, Walkers crisps and Cadbury's chocolate so no other brand would do, if it was good enough for them it was good enough for me.
I had platform trainers, one pair were black trainers with a white flatform heel, which I defaced. In the Move Over video/Pepsi advert Geri had a similar pair with Pepsi written on, so I did the same with permanent maker. My mum was not happy. I also, shamefully, had a neon green PVC pair of platform trainers that I even wore to school! My best friend at the time even tried to nick them, I loved them but looking back they were a thing of their time.
I remember being late for school once as me and my friend were waiting for the premiere of the Spice up your life video on MTV, the only time I was late for school.
If they were in any magazine be it Smash Hits, Top of the Pops or TV Hits I bought it and cut out each page and picture. I had folders full of interviews and even got the inflatable dolls from Smash Hits.
I remember being jealous of my sister's neon coloured Spice Girls puffa jackets.
I never got to see them live at the time but did see their comeback gig at the O2 a few years ago, a massive concert highlight for me.
Growing up Girl Power was a big thing to me, the Spice Girls made you realise 'yer you are a girl and you can be yourself and be who you want to be'. They were my idols and I think without Girl Power 90s I wouldn't be the person I am today.
I am going to see the Spice Girls musical in December - Viva Forever written by Jennifer Saunders, I can't wait, even just to hear the tunes sung live again.
Whenever I hear a Spice Girls song I can't help but smile, they were the first band I truly became obsessed with and are a part of me and growing up. I will also make sure my kids know all the words and love them.
So...
Viva the Spice Girls!!!!
Mel C, Mel B, Emma, Geri and Victoria!
Recently I have been listening to a lot of the Spice Girls, the greatest hits to be precise. No matter what mood I am in I can guarantee that after listening to Wannabe, Who do you think you are or Spice up your life I have a happy glow and feel instantly better.
I was 10 when the Spice Girls came out in 1996. I remember a girl in my class had printed off the lyrics to Wannabe, I didn't have sky or music channels at home so had no idea who they were but we sung the songs and made up dance routines.
When I did see them for the first time I was hooked and my obsession grew over the next few years. I had everything Spice Girls; the dolls, a cardboard cut out of Scary Spice (each of the girls had nicknames created by Smash Hits magazine - Baby, Sporty, Posh and Ginger), stickers, an alarm clock, pillows, you name it I had it still have it I hope up in my loft.
Spice Girls were the face of Pepsi, Walkers crisps and Cadbury's chocolate so no other brand would do, if it was good enough for them it was good enough for me.
I had platform trainers, one pair were black trainers with a white flatform heel, which I defaced. In the Move Over video/Pepsi advert Geri had a similar pair with Pepsi written on, so I did the same with permanent maker. My mum was not happy. I also, shamefully, had a neon green PVC pair of platform trainers that I even wore to school! My best friend at the time even tried to nick them, I loved them but looking back they were a thing of their time.
I remember being late for school once as me and my friend were waiting for the premiere of the Spice up your life video on MTV, the only time I was late for school.
If they were in any magazine be it Smash Hits, Top of the Pops or TV Hits I bought it and cut out each page and picture. I had folders full of interviews and even got the inflatable dolls from Smash Hits.
I remember being jealous of my sister's neon coloured Spice Girls puffa jackets.
I never got to see them live at the time but did see their comeback gig at the O2 a few years ago, a massive concert highlight for me.
Growing up Girl Power was a big thing to me, the Spice Girls made you realise 'yer you are a girl and you can be yourself and be who you want to be'. They were my idols and I think without Girl Power 90s I wouldn't be the person I am today.
I am going to see the Spice Girls musical in December - Viva Forever written by Jennifer Saunders, I can't wait, even just to hear the tunes sung live again.
Whenever I hear a Spice Girls song I can't help but smile, they were the first band I truly became obsessed with and are a part of me and growing up. I will also make sure my kids know all the words and love them.
So...
Viva the Spice Girls!!!!
Mel C, Mel B, Emma, Geri and Victoria!
Thursday, 13 May 2010
Hairspray, The Mayflower, Southampton, 12th May 2010
Welcome to the 60’s! Hairspray is a feel good musical with a serious theme at its heart. Set in 1962 in Baltimore, it tells the story of Tracy Turnbland; a big girl with big hair and even bigger dreams, to dance on the prime time Corny Collins Show. After a fantastic run at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London, Hairspray has now hit the road and visited the Mayflower in Southampton, where it stays until the 29th May.
When Tracy wins a spot on the local TV dance programme 'The Corny Collins Show', she is transformed overnight from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the programme's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do? Only in Hairspray!
The atmosphere in the theatre was just electric, with laughs, singing and dancing you can’t help but dance down the aisles when you leave. The songs are sing-a-long treats, favourites include Welcome to the 60’s, Run and tell that and the brilliant You Can’t Stop the Beat. The humour is suitable for kids and adults alike, with all the jokes getting a laugh from at least one group.
At the heart of the musical is quite a serious theme of racial segregation in 60’s America. For example the television station only allows Negro day once a month, much to the dismay of Tracy. The so called race music is also seen as a bad influence on the teenagers, the film is set at a time when teenagers were coming into their own and causing trouble for their parents.
If you are a fan of the 1988 John Waters film than you will love the musical, as it is based on the film but with added songs. The core story is exactly the same for the two films and the stage musicals. If you are still unsure check out the 2007 film starring John Travolta, Zac Efron, Michelle Pfeiffer and Queen Latifah. It features most of the songs although The New Girl in Town does not feature in the on stage most of the others do. However, the stage version does have extra songs including Big Dollhouse and Mama I’m a Big Girl Now.
The cast included Michael Ball as Tracy’s mother Edna and Les Dennis as her husband Wilbur. The pair is a fantastic match and have tremendous chemistry. However, this did mean that they couldn’t hold it together for their duet Timeless to Me, which ended in a fit of giggles from the pair. Ball commented that he couldn’t continue with Dennis jiggling behind, to which Dennis replied ‘you never complained before’, the crowd loved it and the laughter raised the roof. Michael Ball is fantastic as Edna, a role he played on the West End and won countless awards for.
A special mention has to go to Sandra Marvin who plays Motormouth Maybelle, her glass breaking voice was simply breathtaking during I Know Where I’ve Been, so much so the cast even looked at her with admiration in their eyes. The young cast comprised of Amber (Clare Halse), Tracy (Laurie Scarth), Seaweed (Wayne Robinson), Inez (Seliza Sebastian), Link (Liam Doyle) and Penny (Emma Dukes), all of which are amazing performers who are bound to go on to even greater things. Liam Doyle who plays Link won a GMTV competition to play Troy in High School Musical; I think a few fans were in the crowd as he was met with a host of screams.
I love Hairspray it is one of my favourite musicals, it is a feel good and happy musical. I saw the tour in London with the original West End cast and thought that the tour cast was just as good as the originals. Hairspray is the type of musical I can watch again, and again. I defy you to leave the theatre without a massive smile on your face. Just remember ‘you can’t stop the beat’.
For more information on the tour visit the website at: http://www.hairspraythetour.com/
When Tracy wins a spot on the local TV dance programme 'The Corny Collins Show', she is transformed overnight from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the programme's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do? Only in Hairspray!
The atmosphere in the theatre was just electric, with laughs, singing and dancing you can’t help but dance down the aisles when you leave. The songs are sing-a-long treats, favourites include Welcome to the 60’s, Run and tell that and the brilliant You Can’t Stop the Beat. The humour is suitable for kids and adults alike, with all the jokes getting a laugh from at least one group.
At the heart of the musical is quite a serious theme of racial segregation in 60’s America. For example the television station only allows Negro day once a month, much to the dismay of Tracy. The so called race music is also seen as a bad influence on the teenagers, the film is set at a time when teenagers were coming into their own and causing trouble for their parents.
If you are a fan of the 1988 John Waters film than you will love the musical, as it is based on the film but with added songs. The core story is exactly the same for the two films and the stage musicals. If you are still unsure check out the 2007 film starring John Travolta, Zac Efron, Michelle Pfeiffer and Queen Latifah. It features most of the songs although The New Girl in Town does not feature in the on stage most of the others do. However, the stage version does have extra songs including Big Dollhouse and Mama I’m a Big Girl Now.
The cast included Michael Ball as Tracy’s mother Edna and Les Dennis as her husband Wilbur. The pair is a fantastic match and have tremendous chemistry. However, this did mean that they couldn’t hold it together for their duet Timeless to Me, which ended in a fit of giggles from the pair. Ball commented that he couldn’t continue with Dennis jiggling behind, to which Dennis replied ‘you never complained before’, the crowd loved it and the laughter raised the roof. Michael Ball is fantastic as Edna, a role he played on the West End and won countless awards for.
A special mention has to go to Sandra Marvin who plays Motormouth Maybelle, her glass breaking voice was simply breathtaking during I Know Where I’ve Been, so much so the cast even looked at her with admiration in their eyes. The young cast comprised of Amber (Clare Halse), Tracy (Laurie Scarth), Seaweed (Wayne Robinson), Inez (Seliza Sebastian), Link (Liam Doyle) and Penny (Emma Dukes), all of which are amazing performers who are bound to go on to even greater things. Liam Doyle who plays Link won a GMTV competition to play Troy in High School Musical; I think a few fans were in the crowd as he was met with a host of screams.
I love Hairspray it is one of my favourite musicals, it is a feel good and happy musical. I saw the tour in London with the original West End cast and thought that the tour cast was just as good as the originals. Hairspray is the type of musical I can watch again, and again. I defy you to leave the theatre without a massive smile on your face. Just remember ‘you can’t stop the beat’.
For more information on the tour visit the website at: http://www.hairspraythetour.com/
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