The Rocky Horror Show Anniversary Tour

Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror show is celebrating it's 40th anniversary year in style!

Dani Harmer (Tracy Beaker), who came 4th in last year's Strictly Come Dancing has put her newly honed skills to good use as Janet, singing and dancing on par with the rest of the cast and Sam Attawater (Eastenders, Dreamcoats and Petticoats) relishes the part of Brad 'asshole' Majors.

Phillip Franks looks as if he's been playing the role of narrator his entire life, delivering the age old quips like they're freshly formed thoughts, and building up a rapport with the audience as he guides us through the show.

Ceris Hines is a sparkling, loveable ball of energy as Columbia, Abi Jaye opens the show to wondrous applause as the Usherette with 'Science Fiction' and continues to do so as Magenta.
Henry Davis gives us a bratty toddler of a Rocky, as opposed to the innocent, newly born babe, which is nice to see, but perhaps a bit over the top at certain moments.
Kristian Lavercombe's Riff Raff is a delight to watch, making the role his own and showing off some powerful vocals, which only makes it a shame he isn't on stage more often.

Finally, we have Oliver Thornton as Frank n Furter. No stranger to stockings and heels after a previous run in Priscilla, he struts around the stage with ease, oozing sex appeal and becoming the larger and life transvestite we all know and love. Not all fun and frolicks, he's just as adept at showing the vulnerable side to Frank, giving a truly moving performance during the floorshow, reminding us all 'Don't dream it, be it.'

This is a show like no other; audiences dress up, shout out and dance in the aisles, always eager to do the Time Warp one more time so grab your feather boa and come join in the fun.

High Society

First written for the hit film starring Crosby, Kelly and Sinatra in 1956 this is a show filled with all the fun, flair and exquisite romantic numbers you'd hope for from songs and music written by Cole Porter .

Sophie Bould is a star as Tracy Lord, giving a beautiful rendition of True Love to close the curtain on act 1. Showing and excelling at both the brash and vunerable sides to the character, Bould fits easily into the role of leading lady.

It is a joy to see Michael Praed in a substantial role, last time he was here it was with The Sound of Music, the serious Captain Von Trapp barely gracing the stage. This time he gets to really prove his worth on the stage with the dastardly yet endearing Dexter Haven, his scenes with Katie Lee's Dinah being especially memorable.

Alex Young is a standout as Liz, working alongside Luke Kempner to have the audience in stitches and with fan favourite Daniel Boys, so that when the final scene comes and all eyes are on Tracy and Dexter, I took joy from watching them in the background finally sharing their love for one another.

Andrew Wright's choreography shines in the big ensemble numbers, which are a feast for the senses and Frances O'Connor as both costume and set designer has brought the piece together, cleverly and subtly using a revolve to it's advantage.

Over 50 years old, the story still connects with thousands of people with it's peak at the lives of those in love and living the high life. This productions shows it is set to remain one of the true classics, both in the film and on the stage.

The Mousetrap

In it's 60th year in the West End, Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap is celebrating with a Diamond anniversary tour.

A classic 'who dunnit?' tale, set in a hotel owned by a married couple who have just taken it on. Bruno Langley and Gemma Walker star as Mr and Mrs Ralston, and whilst their performances get better as the play progresses the chemistry between the two of them doesn't come naturally and at times seems very forced.

Their first night of being open sees a number of quirky, suspicious characters arriving. Elizabeth Power makes the most of her time as Mrs Boyle, so you miss her presence when she leaves. Clare Wilkie and Karl Howman are both entertaining in their roles but it is Bob Saul as the policeman, a role which he has played on the west end, who steals the show, playing the part with aplomb.

Everyone has a secret to hide, but who is the killer? An intriguing play which will please both ardent Christie, those only making their first foray into their work and people, like me, who have never been much of a fan of the crime genre.

Bohemian Rhapsody

An all-out celebration of one of the world's greatest bands, 6 singers, 6 dancers and a stellar band bring you the thrill of seeing Queen's songs performed live.

A mix of the big anthems, such as I Want To Break Free, performed by Giovanni Spano in some delightful red knickers are intermingled with the more somber stuff, including a beautiful performance of No One But You by Kelly Ann Glover.

Rebecca Kelly. my favourite singer of the night, owns the stage, surrounded by dancers as she knocks out Killer Queen.

It's hit after hit, with everyone bringing huge amounts of talent and energy to the stage.

Trips to the theatre no longer always mean being sat still in your seats, applauding politely at the end of each song, but joining in with the fun the cast are having on stage and rocking the night away. It's a fun night out and an extremely talented bunch of people, which does honour to the spirit of Freddie Mercury.

Three Phantoms

The concept is simple; three people who have played the Phantom come together and celebrate musical theatre. This time round sees Earl Carpenter, Stephen John Davis and Matthew Cammelle giving us a night of show tunes, laughs and fine blue suits. Not only that, special guest for the tour is leading lady Rebecca Caine, who has been Christine to Michael Crawford and Colm Wilkinson.

All together there are songs from 26 shows, new and old, so there's more than a few surprises in store. And with a talented team of three other singers, all of whom have done the rounds at Phantom, it provides an opportunity for some dazzling ensemble numbers.

Highlights from the show include a very moving rendition from the trio of Ghost's hit song 'Unchained Melody', and the entirety of the Les Mis segment which gave us something special with every song. The chance to see  Rebecca Caine, who originated the role of Cosette at the RSC, singing A Heart Full of Love was a particular delight for me.

A cello and a piano provide the music, by Yvonne Marie Parsons and Musical Director Anthony Gabrielle respectively, and they do so with such joy and ease that there is no need for any other accompaniment other than the beautiful voices of the singers.

This is a chance to see some of theatre's finest voices singing a host of your favourite songs. A must for any musical theatre fan!

Northern Ballet's The Great Gatsby

The roaring twenties. Filled with glitz and glamour. The music of the Jazz age plays soundtrack to the sideways glances and fleeting touches of people conducting their love affairs.

We are a nation in love with the past with period dramas dominating our TV screens and another Gatsby, from director Baz Lurhmann set to hit the screens later this month. Fitzgerald's classic book has been adapted many times, but there is always something new to discover.

Sir Richard Rodney Bennett's music is the perfect compliment to the show with upbeat numbers for the parties and slow, romantic melodies for Gatsby and Daisy's scenes together. Add to that a lively Charleston and the seductive tango and we are fully immersed in the era.

The decadence of Gatsby's parties are brought to life beautifully, but you find yourself always on the look out for the title character, and whilst you can sense his presence as the obsessesive, you sometimes find yourself wishing he was on stage a little more for the first half. Of course, once he has been reunited with his love he is more than given his time to shine.

The costumes, also designed by Nixon are tailored to be an extension of each character's personality. The sets, designed by Jérôme Kaplan, are simple and stylish, right down to Gatsby's famous yellow car and Tim Mitchell's lighting design also adds to the mood, as well as help with the many scene changes.

All this is but an elegant backdrop to the dancers. The ensemble each bring their own unique personalities to the stage whilst those playing the leads all show they have a deep understanding of their roles, always dancing with an emotion and flair that makes you feel for all of them.

Once again, Nixon has shown his skill at adapting beloved novels for the ballet and it is the passion evident in everyone's involvement that makes this one of Northern Ballet's finest productions yet.

Starlight Express

This is control.

This is control.

The famous Starlight Express is pulling into a station near you.

Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber in the late 70's the story follows a child's toy railway trains.

The score is a mix of rock, pop and there's even a bit of country with Dinah and comedy song U.N.C.O.U.P.L.E.D. At times it does feel like you're seeing a concert, not a musical, with light shows and action packed dance/skate routines.

Understudy Rusty, Adam Illsley gave an endearing performance as the underdog, and whilst his vocals weren't always up to scratch he made up for it with the acting.

Indeed, there were quite a few times where the vocals weren't what you'd expect from people in musical theatre, but maybe that's just what comes from having them all on roller skates.

Stuart Armfield was deliciously devious as the Caboose and it's hard to tear your eyes away from Mykal Rand's Electra whenever he's on the stage.

Sadly, the female characters lack much depth, and costume material, with the only racing the're doing being after the male characters. Nevertheless, the women in the cast all do what they can to add substance to the roles and give good performances.

The skating is fun, with the added extra of 3D for the races due to size constrictions at regional theatres. Whilst this aspect of it was enjoyable I can't help but think the best way to properly enjoy this show is in a large theatre where the roller skating can really be showed off.

Overall, a very different experience to your normal theatre show, but all the bells, whistles and steam make it worth a visit.

Olivier Awards 2013

Electricity - from Billy Elliot, winner of the BBCR2 Audience Award

Hosted by Sheridan Smith and Hugh Bonneville, last night saw the best of the West End gather at the ROH to celebrate the past year's theatre.

With performances from theatre favourite Idina Menzel, writer of nominated musical Loserville James Bourne and Glee's Matthew Morrison to name but a few. Not forgetting a breathtaking performance from nominee Heather Headley of The Bodyguard's hit I Will Always Love You.

Gillian Lynne was honoured with the special award in recognition of her lifelong theatre career.

Helen Mirren was once more been awarded for playing the Queen, this time in play The Audience.

Imelda Staunton and Michael Ball both won for their lead roles in Sweeney Todd, which also picked up an award for Best Musical Revival.

But it was The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time that stole the show, tying with Matilda's record breaking win of last year with 7 awards.

An example of award shows at their best I hope that next year television will give it the appreciation it deserves by airing it in its entirety.

Midnight Tango

When you hear 'ice skating' your first thought is of Torvill and Dean. When you hear 'tango' your thoughts flock to dance partners Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone.

Since joining Strictly Come Dancing in 2006 the pair have become a household name and the past 12 months have been their most successful yet. In the 2012 series of Strictly both reached the final with their celebrity partners and Flavia went on to win with gymnast Louis Smith.

Having recently finished a sell out stint in the West End, Midnight Tango is now on its third UK tour.

Set in a Buenos Aries bar it is a simple story of the relationship between a couple and another man who tries to come between them. With an amazing ensemble and an endearingly sweet sub-story between the married bar owners this show has all the romance, passion and sensuality you expect from the dance.

But it is Flavia and Vincent's dances together that steal the show. This is where they show off their enormous amount of skill in the dance, moving together with a fluidity and smoothness that can only come with time (they have been dancing together for 17 years). But it is the pure joy and love of what they are doing you can see in their eyes and with every step that gives it that extra something to make this a very special show.

This chance to see two of Strictly's finest dancers in action is not to be missed.

9 to 5

A fun, feel good musical.

Based on the 1980 movie of the same name the story follows three women, Violet (Jackie Clune), a ballsy widow who is after that 'fat promotion', Judy (Natalie Casey), the new girl and Doralee (Amy Lennox), a girl with big hair and a big heart. They all work in the same office under the employ of their chauvinistic boss Mr. Hart along with a fantastic ensemble, the most memorable being the office drunk, Margaret, played by Lori Hayley Fox who gets a laugh out of the audience each time she's on stage.

Bonnie Langford is fantastic as Roz, the secretary harbouring a crush on Hart, and it's a shame that she's so underused. The three leading ladies each bring a certain charm to their characters that will endear you to them enough so you care about what happens to them.

With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton this musical is nothing groundbreaking but it will provide you with a good night out and an excuse for a good old sing a long at the end.

The Ladykillers

One of the classic Ealing comedies, The Ladykillers has now made it's way to the stage in Gary Linear's new adaptation.
There is always a suspicion surrounding any classic piece of work that is going to be brought to the stage, but time and time again it's been proven that it does work. These are not remakes but retellings of classic stories that give us the chance to see them in a new light and introduce them to new people. You know what's coming, but you will still watch with bated breath as each of the players meet their end.

It is more of a farce than the movie, but it doesn't have to try too hard and the laughs come in droves. Michele Dotrice (Some Mother's Do 'Ave 'Em') leads the show as the sweet and determined Mrs. Wilbeforce, with the thieves posing as a string quartet practising in her spare room each bringing their own, unique, vibrant personalities to the stage. Paul Brown heads the troupe with an assertive yet understated performance as mastermind Professor Marcus, with William Troughton being a stand out as Harry Robinson, darting round the stage whilst his pill popping drives him to obsessive cleaning. Clive Mantle is not so secret transvestite Major Courtney, Chris McCalphy faux Cello player One-Round and Cliff Parisi looms in the background as Romanian mafia type Louis.

A character in itself is Michael Taylor's set. A beautifully quaint house interior, suffering subsidence and close proximity to the railway. When I first saw it I couldn't help but wonder how exterior scenes were going to work, so was delighted when we were treated to a car chase and even a glimpse inside the railway tunnel. A perfect example of the magic and frivolity one expects at the theatre.

And with its continued success it has just been announced that another West End run is in store. The Ladykillers will be at the Vaudeville theatre from June 2013.

The Woman In Black

The Tour

The sound of nervous laughter fills the theatre as the audience takes their seats. It can't really be as scary as everyone says, can it?

A lawyer, Arthur Kipps (Julian Forsyth) has a story to tell. Grown old, it has plagued him for many years and we meet him on the day he has hired an actor (Anthony Eden) to help him tell his tale. We could be watching a comedy as we see the actor's rather bemused frustration at the old man's lacklustre reading. And so the actor suggests to tell it in the form of a play. The actor will play the young lawyer and Arthur will play the people he meets along the way.

What follows is a chilling performance with the tension building until you are gripping your seat and glancing around in fear of seeing The Woman in Black. Forsyth and Eden, who have both played the role on the West End, both give fantastic performances and of course not forgetting the other stars of the show, the sound and lighting crews who create the perfect atmosphere for such a ghostly tale. Nothing is overdone so you never know what to expect and the scary moments are always different and exciting. Not much else is needed, with just a few props and your imagination you will be left hiding behind your hands and filling the room with your screams.

And so it is easy to see why the show has continued to play to packed crowds for more than 25 years, the mystery and undeniable curiosity that surrounds it drawing people in. A marvellous piece of theatre, The Woman In Black will stay with you and haunt you well into the night.