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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All Shook Up is a musical by Joe DiPietro and a the songs featuring a catalogue of Elvis Presley numbers. It is set in the 1950’s in a mid-western American town. Chad turns up on his motorbike and realises this place could do with a few things being shook up. His spirit soon begins to spread and you see no
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Bring it On is the musical based on the 2000 film of the same name. The music is by none other than Lin-Manual Miranda and Tom Kitt so as a huge fan of both the film and Miranda I went along with high hopes. The show focuses on Campbell, the captain of the cheer leading squad at Truman High. She
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I can be difficult to really win over when it comes to musical theatre but I need to set it out from the off that Cygnet Player’s production of Spring Awakening not only won me over but proved to be a real theatrical highlight for me. Spring Awakening is based on the 1981 German Play which tells of a group
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