Mary Poppins // A Theatre Review.

On a gloomy Saturday evening in the last week of November, my boyfriend and I headed up to London to see the wonderful Charlie Stemp and Zizi Strallen in Mary Poppins. Although you may have never heard of the musical production that is Mary Poppins, I am pretty sure you would know of the Disney movie version.

There isn't much that differs between the two, however, one of the key differences you will notice is the musical soundtracks, and let's be honest the songs make most of the west end performances, par the acting! The West End performance has had a lot more songs added to it, to enhance the story that unfolds on the stage while also creating some alternations and setting changes to the most iconic Mary Poppins songs there is, these being 'A Spoonful of Sugar' and 'Supercalifragilisticexplidocious'. I didn't have much of a problem with these alternations but was a little disappointed that Mary Poppins didn't wear the well know White holiday dress for Jolly Holiday and instead opted for a bright pink one.

But let's have a talk about the new additions that graced the stage. One of my firm favourites was the song 'Being Mr's Banks' and the reprised version also. There is something about listening to this song be performed upon the stage that really moved me. The lyrics and acting were both filled with so much emotion that makes you feel a sense of relation to how the actor is feeling and to everyday life. Something I love is how an actor or a song and plot line can make you feel invested more and more into the musical. 'Being Mrs Banks' makes you feel the emotions she has been torn between the woman she wants to be, and the woman her husband wants her to be.

Although I loved 'Being Mrs Banks' I was not the biggest fan of the 'Playing the Game' song. I felt that the entire scene was very uncomfortable to watch and terrified me slightly when the giant toy came to life. I don't want to spoil the show too much as there is a lot of magic that centres around the production and Mary Poppins itself. For a show like this, what more could you expect? The magic is a key piece to the show and adds an extra level of wonderfulness that any Disney production needs. I loved how magical Mary Poppins bag was without the movie tricks the original pursues. The set of Cherry Tree Lane house was also a firm favourite as I loved the way it unfolded and folded itself up almost like a giant dollhouse. The set being this way added that extra bit of specialness.

Overall, If you love Disney and Mary Poppins is your kind of thing I think you would extremely love this and Charlie Stemp as Burt and Zizi Strallen as Mary Poppins are the real icing on the cake for this version of Mary Poppins. Together they create the best dynamic of the two and mould themselves perfectl]y into the characters while acting. Making it such a pleasure to watch. I really enjoyed my time watching this show and would really recommend you go see it.

I hope you enjoyed reading this little theatre review and have a lovely Christmas!

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

A Rocky Horror Theatre Review.

The iconic Rocky Horror show took a jump to the left as it arrived into my local theatre. Growing up I watched the movie quite a lot due to it is not only a cult classic but one of my mum's favourite movies. Although watching the movie and my many years of dipping my toe in different styles of the theatre realm, I was not prepared for this.

Now, in case you have never heard of the Rocky Horror Show. (Although you must have been living under a rock for most of your life). The show starts with Brad and his wife to be Janet, are stranded during a storm as their car breaks downs two miles from a castle. Home to Dr frank n Furter the star of the show himself. Played by Stephen Webb in the show I saw, who was exceptional from start to finish. the story unravels itself from there with the craziness of aliens, forbidden planets, sexual adventures and the epic 'Time Warp' that'll get you up and dancing on your two feet in no time.

I feel the most appropriate way to categorize my thoughts on the show and addressing all the good (and bad) parts is in the midst of a bullet point list. I mean who doesn't love a list?

Audience Participation. 
During the 5:30 show I watched on a Friday evening the crowd were as rowdy as ever but in a controlled way. Heckling with perfect timing and with the correct wording that was greeted with laughter all around. They were no match for Steve Punt who's witty remarks were also matched with laughter. Him playing the narrator made the show, and in some regards it makes you wonder if Steve is actually given a script or if the hecklers are his script. In my eyes, Steve is the best fit for the role. (The role of the narrator changes as the tour travels and relocates theatres). 

Although the audience was hesitated at first, which is always surprising seeming eighty percent of the audience were dressed up in their finest rocky horror outfits or should I say dressed down. They were up and dancing in no time during the time warp and waving their lights during 'there's a light'. (Which is my favourite song of the entire performance). 

Casting Choice. 
Joanne Clifton's butter wouldn't melt Janet, (slut) really showed that footwork wasn't the only thing she was talented for. Often known in relation to her brother Kevin Clifton. Joanne's vocals and acting really stole the show for me. Don't get me wrong I love the theatre in all premises but I'm often hesitant and in some cases reluctant to view a show when a 'big name' is put up. And her pairing with James Darch's boy next door approach to Brad (asshole) gave the knight in shining armor pantomime effect to the overall show.

Most loved and recognized for his muscles when playing Rocky is Calum Evans. Don't get me wrong he is a fine specimen of a man (that's mostly due to the reason of his creation). His acrobatic moves resulted in adding another level of madness into the show.  Although at one point it made me laugh when he proceeded to leave the stage doing a handstand as Dr. Frank sang his second solo of the show about going home.

Sound, Set, and Lighting.
With many a touring show, space is limited as compared to that of West End production. However, is this version of Rocky horror the set was not compromised in the slightest and with the aid of the lighting worked really well. Although one thing to be noted here is if you or anybody that you know suffers from epilepsy beware of the flashing lights as they are repeated throughout the show.

In terms of song performances, the best eruption of wolf whistles and cheering from the crowd was as Dr. Frank stepped on in his own opening number. The first notes of 'Sweet transvestite' had been played and everyone went crazy. This was very much rightly so as Stephen Webb's voice and acting were next to nothing I had seen before. He embodied the character beautifully and played to everyone in the fantasies of the audience!

I thoroughly enjoyed watching every minute of the performance and applaud the hard work each performer put into every show they did, not just the week they were down at the Cliffs but for all of the tours. If you haven't seen Rocky Horror yourself you really need to check it out.

Until next time. Toodlepip lovelies 

Lucy x