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.