The Nicest Kids In Town have hit the Bridewell stage for Sedos’ production of Hairspray. I am a huge fan of Hairspray having seen several professional and amateur productions of it as well as having directed an amateur production of it myself. I’m always therefore keen to see Hairspray and see what a new cast and creative vision can bring
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When you think of all singing and all dancing shows then 42nd Street is one of the ones that springs to mind. The show tells of Peggy Sawyer who joins the cast of Pretty Lady as a chorus girl whilst it becomes clear that the star of the show, Dorothy Brock is past her prime. On opening night Dorothy is
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Sweeney Todd is, in my opinion, up there with Stephen Sondheim’s greatest work and mounting this production is no walk in the park for an amateur production. It tells of ‘The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,’ who has returned to London after being sent away by Judge Turpin. Todd returns to find that his child, Johanna, is now a ward
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Calendar Girls – the musical is an adaption, by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, of a true story previously told in both the form of a film and a play about a group of ladies in the Women’s Institute. This unlikely group decided to raise money for a new sofa for the local hospital in memory of one of their
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When the mention of the novel or film by the name of Carrie the first thought is blood, not musical theatre so you may be surprised to learn that there is indeed musical based on the Stephen King novel. It tells the story of outcast Carrie who is bullied at school for being different, largely due to her protective upbringing.
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Shrek is a musical I am incredibly fond of and (full disclosure) the show I am currently directing for Bromley Players. The musical is based on the 2001 film and is full of heart and a great moral message. Add to that some catchy songs and there is the foundations of a great musical there. The show spends a lot
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Ragtime is musical set in 1906 which focuses on people searching for the American dream. From Coalhouse who is determined to win over Sarah and make a life for their family together to Tateh and his daughter, Latvian immigrants who want to make their fortune. We also meet the Family who live in an upper class white neighbourhood who find
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Celebrating its 30th year of existence, Masquerade Theatre Company is a new group for this reviewer, as is the Miskin Theatre venue (not the easiest to access given the circuitous route to its entrance, direction provided by previously experienced audience members). Only the programme and website acknowledgement of their Kent Drama Awards 2019 give a clue that this is an
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The Wizard of Oz is a firm family favourite and it was lovely to see all ages in the audience at New Wimbledon Theatre. Luckily adults and children alike were in for a treat with Wimbledon Light Operatic’s production of it. The show is full of fun, lavish costumes and bright sets. The Emerald City glinted under the stage lights
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As a long-time fan of SEDOS, I was excited to be able to attend the first night of their first full dance production and intrigued to see how Dangerous Liaisons could possibly be adapted for this medium. Rest assured, my expectations were exceeded on both counts as the evening unfolded into a masterclass of dramatic contemporary dance which fully captured
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