Showing posts with label 4star. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 4star. Show all posts

Friday, 26 July 2013

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.

Tuesday, 9 July 2013

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.

Tuesday, 2 April 2013

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.

Tuesday, 19 March 2013

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.