The Theatre Shows You Need To See!

Hello! I’ve seen quite a few musicals and plays in my time. Ranging from in West End it’s self and also within the theatre that’s local to me, that being the cliffs pavilion within Southend. So I comprised a list of theatre shows you absolutely have to see whether you are a seasoned theatre-goer or a new beginner.

The Phantom of the Opera. (Probably one of the most iconic theatre shows). You can not go wrong with a theatre classic and phantom of the opera is just that. Filled with classic opera ballads that really test the vocal cords of its cast it’s a story full of love and tragedy. You’ve probably heard or even seen the movie, although I feel it’s not up there as one of my favourites; You will not regret seeing the iconic chandelier scene in such an immersive version of theatre. Phantom of the Opera is a 9/10 for me.

Les Misérables. This show is another firm favourite of mine that I have actually watched the production twice now. The first being the London West End run and the second being the Les Misérables all-stars concert run. Both were amazing examples of how incredibly talented West end performers are, these being old well-known celebrities with the likes of Alfie Boe and Michael Ball, but also newcomers like Rob Houchen. It's a fine example of classic literature based upon history being turned into a stellar production. Les Misérables is a 10/10 for me and my favourite West End show ever. 

Come From Away. I'm not sure if you can see a theme following here but I enjoy shows that have a meaning behind them. Come from Away is a musical that's based upon the events of 9/11. This show means a lot to me due to I was alive when 9/11 unfolded. Come From Away documents the events in a respectful way and I ended up leaving the show as a crying and bumbling mess. Come from Away is a shorter performance compared to the others within this list but you don't tend to feel as though you are missing anything. I give this show an 8/10.

The Book of Mormon. Now I wasn't going to add this one, because I wasn't the biggest fan of this show. I loved the songs but felt the humour wasn't really there for me. However, my boyfriend loves this show with a passion and wanted to add his opinion on here. So beware it does contain a lot of dark/dry humour so if that's not really your thing then I wouldn't recommend. Nether the less my boyfriend rates it as an 8/10 as it is one of his favourite musicals. 

Heathers! Heather and Heather! I mean, the opportunity to make that joke was there... I just had to take it alright. Seeming Heathers is coming back to the theatre scene and embarking on a UK tour it is only right I mention this stellar production. Heathers reminds me very much of old fashioned Mean girls and is an old round fell good show. I saw it last November with Carrie Hope Fletcher as Veronica Sawyer and fell in love with the happy and the low parts. If you take anything from this post I would totally recommend you see Heathers the most. It's a 10/10 for me. 

What West End/ UK Tours have you seen and would recommend? 

I hope you enjoyed this little post and thank you for reading!

Toodlepip Lovelies 

Lucy x

A Les Miserables Stage Concert // Theatre Review.

It's the most talked-about show of the summer. A classic well-known piece of theatre that's been changed into an all-star staged concert for only 16 weeks! This is due to the Queens Theatre which is now being called the Sodieum theatre is being refurbished. Performances for Les Miserables The All Staged Concert is at the Gielguld Theatre just next door!

I mean let's just take a moment to talk about the casting for a second. The casting within this musical is probably the best, and I hold myself to this now and forevermore I have ever been lucky to have a chance to see. With the likes of Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Matt Lucas, and Carrie Hope Fletcher There is certainly no room for complaints. This casting choice did not disappoint in the slightest, as soon as Alfie Boe came out to sing the crowd was already cheering. Although I'm a huge fangirl for my big named West end stars, Matt Lucas personally stole the show for me. With his hilariously witty remarks both in and out of a script. Including his singing had us all within fits of laughter whenever his presence graced the stage.

Although the show was titled as Les Miserables. The atmosphere that filled the theatre was of a totally different level of vibe.  With it being an all-star staged concert, the production differed to the normal style Les Mis is normally seen as. The show was filled with the cast singing songs from the show and acting was kept to a minimum. Although like in much Les Mis tradition, the marching during 'Do You Hear The People Sing' had to be kept in. So, in this case, the stage production was of such a lower-end scale as compared to the previous version of the show itself.

Special mentions had to definitely go to Carrie Hope Fletcher singing 'I Dreamed A Dream'. I wasn't very sure of how Carrie would fit into the role of Fantine. But a casting choice here was so right. It felt like the emotion her character was feeling at that particular time was pouring through every word she sang. Let's just say I got very emotional. Another special mention has to go to Alfie Boe during 'Bring Him Home' because again just like Carrie, the singing took me away with emotions and I am pretty sure every single person felt the same as the cheering he received after was out of this world.

Another thing I would like to add is Shan Ako playing Éponine, was a phenomenal choice. Her voice was just as strong as the Éponine's before her. She's a real hidden gem. Much like her co-star Lily Kerhoas playing Cossette. Her innocent and sweet singing voice and acting really helped her make the role her own.

I have never seen a crowd react in such a way after the performance had finished. If anything it was such a blessing to be able to see such a star-studded cast, from new performers to older performers. This performance was one to definitely last a life time in my memories and I wish I could do it all again.

Have you seen this particular version of Les Miserables or seen it before? I would love to know!

Until next time. Thank you for reading!

Toodlepip lovelies

Lucy x