Review: The 39 Steps

Hey readers!
It's time for my review of The 39 Steps.
I saw the West End production of The 39 Steps back in 2013, so when I heard this production was coming to Richmond Theatre I really wanted to see it. I am glad to say I was not disappointed! The cast were phenomenal, they were just as good as the West End cast. The cast of 4 featured Richard Ede as Richard Hannay, Olivia Greene as Annabella Schmidt, Pamela and Margaret, Rob Witcomb as Man 1 and Andrew Hodges as Man 2. They were all extremely well cast and suited to their roles perfectly. The accents that were put on by some of the cast members were excellent. The set, costumes and lighting design were all exceptionally well done. The script is well written and hilarious! Here's the synopsis: The 39 Steps is best known as Hitchcock’s 1935 classic move thriller. This brand new version will be performed by four actors playing a minimum of 150 roles and contains every single legendary scene from the award-winning movie – including the chase on the Flying Scotsman, the escape on the Forth Bridge, the first theatrical bi-plane crash ever staged and the sensational death-defying finale in the London Palladium, besides many other favourite cinematic moments, including the memorable and controversial ‘stockings and suspenders’ scene! The comic timing was done perfectly. The sound and visual effects in this show are amazingly done. I am really sad this show closed in the West End, but I am happy it is bringing laughter to everyone around the UK. The only piece of criticism I have for the show is that there were some jokes that went on for far too long. Apart from that, this is an incredible show and I dare anyone not to go and laugh!

The featured star of The 39 Steps is, drum roll please... OLIVIA GREENE!

Olivia was perfect for this role! She had amazing comic timing, had incredible comic timing and portrayed all the roles very convincingly. 

Now for my final verdict on The 39 Steps. I give The 39 Steps...

The 39 Steps will be touring around the UK until June, so if this production is coming to a theatre near you make sure to see this amazing show!

Think it should have got a lower rating? If so comment below.

Join me next time when I will be reviewing Chicago.

Thanks for reading!

-The Reviewer

Review: Blood Brothers

Hey readers!
It's time for my review of Blood Brothers.
Recently I haven't been very impressed with the shows that I've seen at Richmond Theatre so I was a bit skeptical before seeing this. I was very pleased I did see the show as it is the best thing I have seen this year so far! It had an amazing storyline. The synopsis is: Deserted by her husband, Mrs Johnstone already has five children and is expecting twins. She cleans house for childless Mrs Lyons who offers unofficially to adopt one of the babies. Mrs Johnstone reluctantly agrees; she knows that the child will be well brought up in a prosperous household. But, there is a prophesy that twins parted at birth will die when they discover the truth, and both mothers do their best to keep the twins, Mickey Johnstone and Edward Lyons, well separated. The show was very well directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright. The cast were amazing and all gelled well. They were amazingly casted! Cast members who stood out for me were Lyn Paul as Mrs. Johnstone, Kristofer Harding as The Narrator, Sean Jones as Mickey Johnstone, Joel Benedict as Edward Lyons, Paula Tappenden as Mrs. Jennifer Lyons, Danielle Corlass as Linda, Peter Washington as Sammy Johnstone, Tim Churchill as Mr. Richard Lyons and Graham Martin as The Policeman and the Teacher. The songs were great and memorable, with my favourite song being 'That Guy'. The lighting, costumes and orchestra was good as well. I was transported to the character's world. The show was very amusing in parts and was also heartbreaking. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The only part I think the show could've done better was the final scene. It was done very well, but I feel it could have been stretched out a bit longer.

The featured star of Blood Brothers is, drum roll please... LYN PAUL!

Lyn is a stunning actress and singer. She was perfect for the role and she really made the audience feel sorry for her.

Now for my final verdict on Blood Brothers. I give Blood Brothers... 

This was one of the best touring productions I have ever seen. I am so gad I saw this amazing show and I hope to see it again some day.

Join me next time when I will be reviewing The 39 Steps.

Thanks for reading!

-The Reviewer

My First Anniversary and The Basic Theatre Awards

Hey readers!
In just over a week I will be celebrating my first anniversary with my blog. On February 5th 2015 I created this blog and it has brought me much happiness since. I thank all who have read a review of mine and I just want you all to know that it means so much that you have taken a look at my blog. In the past year I have seen some absolutely mesmerising shows, with some even changing the way I think about life. There are some shows that haven't been so good, but I don't regret seeing them as they have all been great experiences. To celebrate my first anniversary I will launching The Basic Theatre Awards. I am recruiting you guys to help me decide what were the best shows and performances of the year. I have made some shortlists of shows and performances for you guys to vote on. This will include all West End, Broadway, Off-West End, Off-Broadway and UK Touring Productions I have seen over the year. The voting has opened as of today, 27th January, and will close on 27th February. The results will be announced on March 12th. The categories are; Best Production of a Musical, Best Production of a Play, Best Leading Actor in a Musical, Best Leading Actress in a Musical, Best Leading Actor in a Play, Best Leading Actress in a Play, Best Supporting Actor in a Musical, Best Supporting Actress in a Musical, Best Supporting Actor in a Play, Best Supporting Actress in a Play and Best Understudy. Best Musical and Best Play include new shows, revivals. All categories include old shows. All acting categories include replacements. Best understudy includes play, musical, male and female. Actors who weren't performing when I went to visit a show are not eligible. If anyone would like to know who I decided would go as leading and who would go as supporting you are welcome to ask me. Under 16s are not eligible. If you wish to only vote for one category you are welcome to do so, just tick none of the above for the category's you don't want to vote for. The link to voting is: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BasicTheatre

Join me next time when I will be reviewing Blood Brothers.

I hope everyone enjoyed reading and don't forget to vote!

-The Reviewer

Review: Shrek the Musical

Hey readers!
It's time for my review of Shrek the Musical.
I have to be honest, I LOVE Shrek the Musical! It's my guilty pleasure. I saw it 7 times in the West End and I also saw the filmed Broadway version on DVD. The show was my favourite for quite a long time and is still very high up in my list (number 6). The UK and Ireland tour sadly wasn't as good as the West End, but it was a great effort. The costumes are amazing, especially the costumes of the three little pigs. Cast members who stood out for me were Iain Mattley who was understudying as Shrek, Gerard Carey as Lord Farquaad and Candace Furbert as Dragon and Fairy Godmother. It was obvious Ian Matley was trying really hard and it paid off as he was great! Gerard Carey was an absolute scene stealer and he was a pleasure to watch. Candace Furbert had a stunning voice and was phenomenal during the song 'Forever'. It's a very, very funny show with most of my favourite jokes delivered by Lord Farquaad. The ensemble were all really good as was the choreography. The songs are all cleverly written and very memorable. My favourite songs are 'Who I'd Be' and 'Freak Flag'. The orchestra were also great. I didn't think the sets were as good as in the West End, but I know that it is hard to have an amazing set with a touring production. I felt the show wasn't as well directed as in the West End. Idris Kargbo as Donkey, Bronté Barbé as Princess Fiona and Will Haswell as Pinocchio all seemed miscast. I wasn't too keen on Idris's take on the role. I think the problem is I saw Richard Blackwood in the role 7 times and I was so used to seeing him it was odd seeing someone else. Bronté's facial expressions were a little irritating and something that I think should've been worked on. I wasn't overly keen on Will's Pinocchio voice. It's a very tough voice to master. There were a few edits from the West End version which wasn't really necessary. I don't think Shrek is a show you can have a touring version of, but I am glad they are sharing this great show around the UK and Ireland.

The featured star of Shrek the Musical is, drum roll please... GERARD CAREY!

Gerard was astonishing and for me was the best part of the show. He was a great actor, magnificent singer and had impeccable comic timing.

Now for my final verdict on Shrek the Musical is, drum roll please... GERARD CAREY!

Honestly, the main reason I gave this rating was because Gerard's performance was so amazing. This was a worthy effort and I would definitely recommend it.

Think it should have got a higher rating? Think it should have got a lower rating? If so comment below.

Join me next time when I will be sharing a big announcement.

Thanks for reading!

-The Reviewer

Review: Derren Brown: Miracle

Hey guys!
It's time for my review of Derren Brown: Miracle.
Ever since it was announced that they would be creating a roller-coaster about Derren Brown at Thorpe Park I was eager to see this show to try and find out what the roller-coaster may be like. Luckily I managed to get some last minute tickets and see this great show. Derren, during the show, asks any reviewers not to reveal about any tricks so I won't reveal anything, but I will say that the tricks are good and interesting to watch. Derren Brown is a very good entertainer and manages to keep an audience of 1400 interested for every second of the show. The show was a really good length of 2 hours and a 20 minute interval. The sets and special effects are dazzling and astonishing. Some of his tricks were baffling, however I did find some to be a little too obvious. I worked out 4 or 5 of his tricks, but to be fair I was concentrating really hard on every part of the stage. There were bits where he was trying to get the audience to believe that something could go wrong and I was just like "Well you're obviously not going to hurt yourself." I understand that this is due to health and safety reasons, but there are some magicians that will put themselves in danger. I'd say act one needs a lot of work, but act two was delightful. I found the show to be a little cheesy at times. I wasn't completely amazed, but nevertheless it was a really fun experience and one I would not trade.

The featured star of Derren Brown: Miracle is, I think this one is a bit obvious... DERREN BROWN!

Derren is a delightful performer and it is understandable why he has such a huge fanbase. I am really excited for his roller-coaster ride and I am sure it will be great.

Now for my final verdict on Derren Brown: Miracle. I give Derren Brown: Miracle... 

Derren will be spreading his magic across the UK in his upcoming tour of this show which I encourage everyone to see as this is a very interesting show.

Join me next time when I will be reviewing Shrek the Musical.

Thanks for reading!

-The Reviewer

Review: Hadley Fraser at the Orange Tree Theatre

Hey readers!
It's time for my review of Hadley Fraser at the Orange Tree Theatre.
Hadley Fraser was really good in Harlequinade (which I saw a week ago) so when I read that he would be coming to one of my local theatres I just had to go. He was great once again and I am glad I went. The choice of songs for the show was really good and each song was lovely to listen to. Hadley is very talented at singing and songwriting and he is great at playing at the guitar. The show features Hadley Fraser, Dougal Irvine and Ramin Karimloo. Rosalie Craig was also going to be performing, but sadly due to illness she couldn't make it and I wish her the best in her recovery. Dougal also had a really nice voice and he performed a song which he had written which was amazing. Apparently he has written a few musical which I really want to see now. It was a nice surprise seeing Ramin Karimloo in the show after seeing him in Les Misérables and if I'm honest I preferred Ramin in this to Les Misérables. It seemed to showcase his talent more and his rendition of 'Ol Man River' is beautiful. I think Orange Tree Theatre should have more live music as it is the perfect theatre for it. It would be great if someone like Alex Gaumond did a gig at the Orange Tree Theatre. Hadley, Dougal and Ramin make an amazing team and could easily start their own band. The show was a really good length (about an hour and a half) and the time went by really quickly.

The featured star of Hadley Fraser at the Orange Tree Theatre is, drum roll please... HADLEY FRASER!

This show really showed a different side to Hadley and I really hope I get to see him in another show soon as he is really talented.

Now for my final verdict on Hadley Fraser at the Orange Tree Theatre. I give Hadley Fraser at The Orange Tree Theatre... 

I really hope the Orange Tree Theatre listens to me about having live music because it would be so nice if they did live gigs like this more often.

Think it should have got a higher rating? Think it should have got a lower rating? If so comment below.

Join me next time when I will be reviewing Derren Brown: Miracle

Thanks for reading!

-The Reviewer

Review: A Christmas Carol

Hey readers!
It's time for my review of A Christmas Carol.
A Christmas Carol wasn't originally on my list for the theatre marathon, but due to The Dazzle being sold-out I decided to get tickets to A Christmas Carol. I am so glad I went to see this show! I was really excited to see Jim Broadbent and I wasn't disappointed. The show features only a cast of 5, all of whom are brilliant! The show stars Jim Broadbent as Ebenezer Scrooge, Adeel Akhtar as Bob Cratchit, Marley and Young Scrooge, Amelia Bullmore as Hermione Bentham, Ghost of Christmas Past, Constance, Mrs. Cratchit and Mother, Keir Charles as Frederick, Mr. Grimes, Mr. Fezziwig, George and Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come and Samantha Spiro as Mrs. Lack, Lavinia Bentham, Mrs. Grimes, Fran, Isabella, Ghost of Christmas Present and Maid. The show includes puppetry which I think was amazingly done and I think the best puppet was Tiny Tim. The set and costumes were really good. The decision to just have 5 cast members was very clever and it worked very well. The show was both comical and emotional. The special effects were great and I thought they had a good use of props. I especially like the flying legs! It's a well written adaption and it still had the charm of the classic. I had seen the musical Scrooge in 2012, but I felt A Christmas Carol was better. I think this is mainly due to Jim Broadbent's stunning performance. I do think if I were the director I would have changed a few things. I personally wasn't too keen on the ending as it seemed a bit rushed. It didn't seem to catch the emotional moment of Scrooge turning from a bitter old man into a kind gentleman. I also wasn't keen on the fact that they made it a play within a play. A lot of shows seem to be doing that nowadays (Harlequinade, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Importance of Being Earnest, etcetera, etcetera) and I think the show would've still been great without using this.

The featured star of A Christmas Carol is, drum roll please... JIM BROADBENT!

Jim was phenomenal in the role! He put so much energy and emotion into the role. He was perfectly casted and I hope he will be back in the West End soon.

Now for my final verdict on A Christmas Carol. I give A Christmas Carol... 

A Christmas Carol was amazing! I am so glad I went along and I urge all Jim Broadbent fans to see this great show.

Think it should have got a higher rating? Think it should have got a lower rating? If so comment below.

Sadly this is the end of the theatre marathon. After A Christmas Carol I finished my theatre marathon with The Lion King (which I reviewed back in May) that was amazing as always. I have been to see some incredible shows and I am truly blessed to have been able to do the theatre marathon. Join me next time when I will be reviewing Hadley Fraser at the Orange Tree Theatre.

Thanks for reading!

-The Reviewer