Aspects of Love

 

Aspects of Love

 

It has been too long since I last posted on my blog.  

It's is lovely to finally be back, and I start with a  revival of a classic.  I never saw the original Aspects of Love, so it was interesting to go and see this as a totally new show, albeit with some iconic numbers that have become well established over the years.

The theatre was full with a wide spectrum of ages watching this story of love and desire that spans a lifetime. 

Struggling actress Rose (Laura Pitt-Pulford) falls for Alex (Jamie Bogyo) a young man about to go into the army.  He persuades her to go with him to a villa in the French countryside before she begins her new tour.  Their time alone is cut short with the arrival of Alex’s charming Uncle George (Michael Ball) who sweeps her off her feet, having left his lover Giulietta (Danielle De Niese) to return to his home in the countryside. 

Set over a 17 year period after the war, the lives of the three are interwoven.  Rose marries George and has a daughter Jenny (Anna Unwin).  As she grows up, she falls in love with Alex, but he has paired up with Giulietta.  A sweeping tale, this is a story of love and betrayal, passion and heartache.

The staging of the show is unusual. A screen, the full height of the stage, crosses it between set changes with different scenes from the countryside and city.  I wasn’t a fan as it felt unnatural, and at times you could hear things moving behind.

Laura Pitt-Pulford is compelling as Rose, and works well with a charismatic and charming Michael Ball playing George.  Whilst Jamie Bogyo isn’t vocally as strong as his counterparts he brings a charm and an angst to Alex in his struggles. 

There is an old world vibe to the show.  Aspects of love is clearly an Andrew Lloyd Webber production, but it does have a dated feel.  If you want a faster pace, more fluidity or varying styles of music this is not your show;  however, for any fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber, watching Michael Ball sing ‘Love Changes Everything’ and ‘The First Man You Remember’ is enough on its own to make it worth the visit.

Aspects of Love is playing a limited run at the Lyric Theatre until 11^th November 2023.

For tickets visit: https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk/aspects-of-love-tickets

 

 

Training - A little blip

                                                                  Training - A little blip


A new week means a new challenge and after a successful start to training the plan was to increase the walking distance to 18km.  Unfortunately though, at 14km my knee disagreed!  It suddenly became very painful and I couldn't continue.  The problem was thankfully a straight forward one to resolve  with new orthotics to keep ankles and knees aligned so there is no discomfort.

I am fortunate that I am (relatively!) fit and healthy, but on World Cancer Day it is a reminder of why Juliette and I have chosen to do this challenge.  One of our nominated charities is the Pink Ribbon Foundation, which gives grants to charities associated with breast cancer, and to date it has supported over 180 charities.  Pink Ribbon is especially close to my heart as my mother had breast cancer for four years before she passed away.  She was in so much pain at the end that no-one could sit on her bed as it was too uncomfortable for her.  I wouldn't want to see anyone else going through that and with the research Pink Ribbon is supporting I am positive a cure will be found.  In the meantime they are giving grants to charities supporting those living with breast cancer.

With those thoughts in my mind, yesterday I refastened my shoes and was pleased that I completed the 18km training.  Next week the aim is 20km and we edge closer to half the distance that will be covered.

If you are able to support PinkHope as we try and help both the Pink Ribbon Foundation and New Hope please visit:

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=PinkHope&isTeam=true

Pink Hope - The Start

                                                                On Your Marks.....


Having true friends who really know you can be a mixed blessing, because when one says to me "I really need a new challenge," and talks to me about how much we enjoyed previous walks, how good they are as a means of means committed training and focus, I suddenly find me self facing the reality that on April 11th I will be taking part in a 50km walk in Windsor.

When I sign up for a new challenge there is always an initial feeling of euphoria that I am doing something worthwhile and hopefully raising money for charity.  This time is no different and two great causes have been chosen that are both celebrating milestone birthdays.   Breast Cancer charity Pink Ribbon is 20 years old and New Hope in Watford (which works to support homeless people) is  30 years old - hence the 50km challenge!

However, once the reality of the challenge sinks in there is always a moment of blind panic and doubt.  Can I finish the walk?  Will I be able to do all the training?  Will I get the sponsorship that
the charities deserve?  In my heart I know I will always do the best I can, and that any money raised is worthwhile, but it takes a sleepless night to remember that!

A 10km walk was completed quite comfortably on week 1.  Happily my trainers are  worn in but new enough to use, and were comfortable to wear.  This week it was extended to 14km.  It was a very cold morning and the sort of day where I would normally have stayed snuggled under a blanket, but a few layers on and I was good to go.  Dry and bright, the sun came out and it ended up being a beautiful winters day.  In my head the distance covered is just over 25% of the total, so its a positive start.

Lets see what next week brings.....

If you want to support Pink Hope please visit: 
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=PinkHope&isTeam=true

Taste of Honey

                                                         
                                                    Taste of Honey - Review


One of the joys of theatre is the different responses you have to productions.  They can leave you moved, informed, sad or upbeat, and having seen Taste of Honey at the Trafalgar Studios, I left feeling reflective.

The show, written by 19 year old Shelagh Delaney, is being performed in the West End for the first time in sixty years, and it tells the story of Helen (Jodie Prenger) and her 17 year old daughter Jo (Gemma Dobson), and their volatile relationship in 1950's Salford.

Helen wants love, and runs off to be with a car salesman, leaving Jo at home on her own.  Jo falls for Jimmie, a sailor who promises to marry her when he returns home on leave.  When things don't go as planned, Jo takes in Geoff as her new flat mate, and he looks after her until Helen returns.

The characters are all flawed, but intrinsically human.  There is love between mother and daughter but it is hidden behind a wall of ill feeling and resentment. Both women are hard and difficult to warm to, but they are each doing what they feel they need to do to survive.

The cast are all excellent and their performances are enhanced by the three piece jazz band who are onstage throughout the play, and the vocals of some of the cast during the performance.

The play is forthright about the issues of the day, and the social norms and expectations of Britain at that time.  Leaving the theatre you are aware that whatever is happening today in our still imperfect world, things have more forward a lot in the last sixty years.

The show is on a limited run until 29 February 2020.
For tickets visit  www.londonboxoffice.co.uk

Matilda The Musical - Review

                                                              Matilda The Musical Review

This week as we celebrate what would have been Roald Dahl's birthday I was fortunate enough to go and see the new cast in Matilda the Musical, the show which has been gracing London's West End since 2011.

The show tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, the exceptionally, intelligent, little girl who, although treated badly by her family, won't tolerate unfairness directed against others.

The show is musical, family entertainment at it's best.  Elliot Harper plays the villainous headteacher Miss Trunchball to perfection, ensuring the character doesn't become a cliched pantomime villain.  Every single one of the schoolchildren were fantastic, and led beautifully by Tilly Raye-Bayer as Matilda. Gina Beck is the caring teacher Miss Honey trying to make Matilda's parents Connor Lewis and Marianne Benedict see her worth.

I took my 13 year old son to watch the show with me.  He had a great evening and especially loved the dance number on the children's first day of school.

Theatre is about escapism and Matilda gives you that with lots of laughs, catchy musical numbers and fun for the whole family in a Roald Dahl classic story.

Bookings are now being taken until December 2020 at the Cambridge Theatre.
For tickets visit  www.londonboxoffice.co.uk

Heartbeat of Home - Review

                                                        Review  - Heartbeat of Home



You start with the banging of the shoes as they make the unique sound that can only come from the shoes worn in Irish dancing, and once you are held by the beat and the music, then the dancing erupts into life. 

In London's Piccadilly Theatre, the creators of Riverdance have made another dance spectacular, but this intertwines traditional Irish dancing with Contemporary, Latin and Hip Hop.

There is energy and athleticism from all of the 33 dancers, as the show mixes huge ensemble pieces with those just using one or two dancers.  The footwork, pace and beauty of the movement holds you entranced and the audience were cheering throughout.  All the styles of dances were combined during the show, but the Irish feel was never lost.

Narration at the beginning of the story talks about finding a home, but there was nothing else said until the beginning of the second half.  It was a shame as it made the dances disjointed, but it did improve in the second half, as the show moved forward in time.

There is something magical about dance that transports you away from the real world.  The audience marveled at the intricate steps and balletic moves, which seemed to be going at 100 mph, but added to this were beautiful costumes and great music.  For anyone who loves dance, this is a must see show.

Heartbeat of Home is on a limited run from 4th September  until 13th October 2019.
For ticket information visit: https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk

Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

                                                        Review of Tina - The Tina The Musical

Take a rag to riches story of a child with a difficult upbringing who finds fame, but at a huge personal cost, and after years of abuse leaves her husband with only 36 cents to her name.  Starting again with nothing and struggling to pay her bills and feed her children, she makes it, finding success on a much higher level, and finds true love alongside her success.  This could be Hollywood at it's best, but it is actually the true story of Anne Mae Bullock, or as she is better known, Tina Turner, and this is the story behind Tina, the Tina Turner Musical.

Nkeki Obi-Melekwe is superb as Tina.  She manages to convey the innocence of the young Tina, the scared wife of Ike, and the strong woman who survives and flourishes as an independent solo artist.

The strength of  Tina's character and her resilience shines through.  Nkeki's voice is deep and gravelly as she sings all the classics.

Alongside Nkeki, Ashely Zhangazha is Ike Turner, the man who discovers Tina and goes on to marry her.  The show does not shy away from the reality of his relationship with Tina and it is another strong performance.

There are many important people in Tina's life, from her sister, her two sons, her manager Rhonda, the legendary Phil Spectre and Erwin Bach to name but a few.  All the people who have had an impact on her are here to fill in the gaps and the whole cast gives a strong performance.

I really enjoyed the show.  It was moving, funny and searingly honest.  The musical performances are fantastic and some of the choreography makes you exhausted just watching it!  A couple of sing-along songs at the end left the audience buzzing and I would highly recommend seeing the show.

Currently playing at the Aldwych Theatre, bookings are being taken until January 2020.

For more information or to book tickets visit https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk/tina-musical-tickets

Review - Man of La Mancha

Man of La Mancha

With an impressive cast in the setting of the beautiful London Coliseum, I went to see the Man of La Mancha as the show returns to the West End for the first time in fifty years.

The musical tells a story within a story as Miguel De Cervantes / Don Quixote (Kelsey Grammer) is imprisoned with his servant Sancho Panza (Peter Plolycarpou) awaiting trial during the Spanish Inquisition.  As the other prisoners try to steal his belongings he fights to keep his precious manuscript, and in order to do this, he tells them the story of Alonso Quijano, who believes he is the knight Don Quixote.  This leads us into the adventures of the man who pursues the beautiful Dulcinea (Danielle de Niese) fighting for his love and following the path he believes to be true.  Moving between the reality of the prison and the imagined world of Don Quixote is confusing in the beginning with a variety of different characters introduced, but this does settle down.

Overall there is a slow start to the show as Grammer persuades the Captain / Innkeeper (Nicholas Lyndhurst) to let him tell his tale, and really only picks up momentum before the interval.  However, the second half made up for this.  Danielle de Niese's brings vibrancy and strength to her character and her voice is beautiful as she outshines all the other performers on the stage.  Peter Polycarpou's role is limited but he ensures he brings all the humour he can from his character.

The one song everyone knows from this musical is the Impossible Dream and although Grammer does his best, it is obvious that he does not come from a musical theatre background.  However when it is repeated at the end of the play, there is a poignancy to the piece that gives the play a fitting ending.

The show is playing for a very limited season from 1st May until 8th June.

For bookings visit to https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk

Everybody's Talking Great Things about Jamie

                                          Review  - Everybody's Talking About Jamie


In the real world there doesn't seem to be much joy at the moment.  Whatever you're politics, Brexit is polarising people and both in the UK and abroad everything in the news seems to be negative and worrying.  For me, theatre is an escape from this reality where I can lose myself for just over 2 hours and enter the world that the show is giving me.  If that show has a positive message of acceptance and inclusion, then this is even better.

Taken from a BBC documentary, this musical tells the story of 16 year old Jamie New, who is about to sit his GCSEs.  He has plans for his future, he wants to be a drag queen.  However, as he strives to achieve that goal he must first fight his first obstacle and be allowed to wear the clothes of his choice at his school prom.  To do this he has to persuade his teacher Miss Hedge (Hayley Tamadon).

With the love and support of family and close friends, we see his confidence grow, as he fights the prejudice of his father and the establishment to let the real Jamie New shine through.

Layton Williams is superb as Jamie.  He is funny and irreverent,  at times vulnerable, but also gutsy.  There is real joy in his performance. Jamie's friendship with his best friend Pritti (Sabrina Sandhu)  is sweet and genuine.  Polar opposites, they support and understand each other.

Jamie also feels that he has met a kindred spirit in Hugo Battersby (Shane Ritchie), especially when he tells him about the Legend of Loco Chanelle.

Even with this support, Jamie's biggest champions are his mother Margaret (Rebecca McKinnis) and Rae (Sejal Keshwala) who only want Jamie to be true to himself.

The strength of the bond between mother and son is shown in the beautifully haunting song 'My Son' which as a parent myself, brought me to tears.  There are also plenty of upbeat, catchy numbers, including 'Don't Even Know It' and 'Everybody's Talking About Jamie'.

This is an upbeat, fun show, with a positive message of acceptance.  You will leave singing the songs and with your day just that little bit brighter.

The show is currently running at the Appollo Theatre. 


For bookings visit to https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk

Come From Away Worth Coming To See

                                                            Review - Come From Away


Like so many people, I can still remember exactly where I was when I found out about the horrific 9/11 terror attacks.  However, I wasn't aware that American airspace was closed in the immediate aftermath or of the 38 flights that had to land in the small town of Gander in Newfoundland.

Come From Away tells the story of the people who landed there, spending hours on their planes before they were allowed to disembark with only their hand luggage.  They were reliant on the kindness and generosity of the Canadian people for food, clothing and shelter.  The 10,000 residents suddenly had an additional 6,500 people to look after.  Some stayed for 5 days before they were able to continue their journeys.

This Broadway musical tells their story, with equal importance being given to both the locals and the thousands who descended upon them.  Every single member of the 12 strong cast brings a depth of feeling to their roles as both a Newfoundland resident and visitor, with warmth, sensitivity and also a lot of humour.

The music is uplifting, with real energy behind it.  The show runs straight through without any break and this gives the story the continuity that it needs.

I took my teenage son with me, and he came out saying it was the best show he had ever seen.  You can't get better praise than that!

The show is running at the Phoenix Theatre with bookings currently until September 2019.


For bookings visit to https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk

                                                   FIDDLER ON THE ROOF - REVIEW

As I walked into the tiny Menier Chocolate Factory theatre and took my seat, people were walking past me getting water from the well, chatting and going about their daily tasks.  It felt as though I was in an alternate universe sitting in Anatevka at the start of the twentieth century.

The story revolves around Tevye (Andy Nyman).  Married to Golde (Judy Kuhn), he is living with his 5 daughters and as a poor milkman, trying to survive and look after his family. As part of an Orthodox, religious community, their world revolves around their Jewish faith and this is instilled in every element of their lives, with the opening song 'Tradition' showing this beautifully.

The town's matchmaker has matched his oldest daughter Tzeitel to the local, but much older butcher.  Despite Tevye agreeing to the match, Tzeitel pleads with her father to be allowed to marry the tailor.  During the course of the story the audience sees Tzeitel and Tevye's other daughters Hodel and Chava each find their own love, but in doing so they make Tevye question how far he feels he can accept the changes his daughters demand, and if he can reconcile them with his faith.

At its heart, this story is about family.  The 'Sabbath Prayer' at the Friday night table and Teye and Golde sing the beautiful 'Sunrise Sunset' during Tzeitel's wedding bring a sense of community and belonging. With the setting of the show on the floor and not on a raised stage, the audience become part of the celebrations and traumas that are suffered.

 Andy Nyman and Judy Kuhn, bring warmth and honesty to their roles as Tevye and Golde.  They are supported by a strong cast with great musical numbers during the wedding and the 'dream sequence'.  The memorable songs finish with the beautiful 'Anatevka' reminding everyone what home really means.

Fiddler on the Roof will be transferring to The Playhouse Theatre in March.

A review of The Merry Wives of Windsor

                                                       How Merry Were The Wives?


I think that unfortunately many people only think of Shakespeare with regard to whichever play they studied at school.  For my 'A' levels (more than a few years ago), I read Othello and although I have seen Shakespeare performed since then, The Merry Wives of Windsor was my first comedy.

The story centres around Sir John Falstaff (David Troughton) as he plans to ensure a comfortable retirement by seducing the wives of two wealthy men, namely Mistress Ford (Beth Cordingly) and Mistress Page (Rebecca Lacey).  It doesn't take long for the wives to realise Falstaff's intent and the two women set in motion a plan to ensure Falstaff receives the comeuppance he deserves. 

Intermixed within the story are those fighting for the love of Mistress Page's daughter, Anne (Karen Fishwick). There is the preferred suitor of her father, Master Slender (Tom Padley), the preferred suitor of her mother, the French Doctor Caius (Jonathan Cullen), and then there is Master Fenton (Luke Newberry) who Anne loves. 

The production is very clever and blends the twenty first century into the Elizabethan era.  This is visible in the costumes with suit jackets on top of pantaloons, and jeans and trainers next to ruffled collars.

David Troughton is excellent as the ageing and overweight Falstaff, and there is a stellar performance from the whole cast.  Mistress Page sitting in the spa could easily have come from a certain show based in Essex, whilst Dr Caius reminded me of a character from 'Allo Allo.'

The play has been given a modern twist with mobile phones on view, a dirty wheelie bin instead of a laundry basket, and even a reference to Bexit!  There are some real laugh out loud moments during the performance as this adaptation makes the play more accessible to those who may not have seen Shakespeare before. 

This is a bright and fresh production.  For anyone wishing to see their first Shakespeare play this would be the perfect opportunity and for anyone else wishing to have a fun evening at the theatre, this is definitely worth a visit.

The  production can be seen at The Barbican until 5th January 2019.
For tickets visit: https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk

Review - Caroline or Change

                                                          Review of Caroline or Change


Situated right next to Embankment underground station, the Playhouse Theatre is small enough to create a feeling of intimacy, that works well for this musical.

Set in the early 1960's  the audience sees a reflection of the major changes happening in America, through the life of Caroline Thibodeaux.  Caroline is a black maid working for the Gellman family in Louisiana, America.  She needs her job although she hates it, but cannot leave for fear of not finding anything else.  The pay is poor and she struggles to pay her bills and support her children.

The Jewish family Caroline is working for have their own problems.  Eight year old Noah is living with his father Stuart, and step mother Rose.  His mother has died and the impact of this is still visible. The father is distant from everyone, the son doesn't even want to be touched by his step mother and Rose is struggling to find her place in the family.

The struggles of the extended Gellman family are highlighted when they come together to celebrate Chanukah. Whilst I found this scene almost a stereotype of a Jewish family, there was a real feeling of empathy towards Rose.  She is trying to be the perfect wife and mother.  She feels isolated and frustrated, but is desperate to hold the family together.

Meanwhile we see Caroline struggling in the basement where she does the laundry and her only escape is through the radio.  As she works, Noah tries to spend his free time with her, finding comfort in her company, but this leads to a moral and financial quandary during the story.

The musical won the Olivier for Best New Musical in 2007, and you can understand why.  The music is varied in style from blues to Motown, and the vocal performances from the whole cast are excellent.  Sharon D Clarke, plays the struggling Caroline beautifully, and you feel the heat and oppression of the basement that holds her inside it both literally and figuratively.

The show is only playing a limited run until April 6th 2019.  If you want to see something original and quirky, with a real blend of humour and pathos played out against a fabulous score, then this is definitely worth seeing.
For tickets visit: https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk

Fame - Does It Live Forever?

                                                 Review of Fame The Musical


My first obsession and love in the eighties was Fame.  Nothing would move me from the TV every week,  I bought all the albums, and Fame was my first concert.  At a function recently when someone played Star Maker, all of us of a certain age still remembered the words, so with this nostalgic love  I was both excited and nervous to see the new stage version.

The story is based around students attending the New York School of Performing Arts as they follow their dreams of becoming actors, dancers and musicians, and it didn't disappoint.

The musical numbers were full of energy with great choreography.  Jamal Kane Crawford who plays Tyrone was phenomenal with a real stage presence as well as some amazing moves!

The new songs carried the narrative perfectly, and whilst all the cast were excellent, Mica Paris singing in the second act as Miss Sherman was powerful and moving.

This was a real ensemble piece with fantastic musicians on the stage, great comedy from Albey Brookes (Joe) and wonderful chemistry between Keith Jacks (Nick) and Molly McGuire (Serena).  However, for me the stand out performances came from Simon Anthony (Schlomo) and Stephanie Rojas (Carmen). The vibrancy and life of Carmen that is taken away by drugs is so movingly and believably portrayed and Schlomo's heartbreak watching her is achingly real.

Fame more than lived up to my expectations.  It has been brought into the twenty first century without losing the essence of what it was and I enjoyed every minute.

The show can be seen at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury this week, as it travels the country during a nationwide tour which culminates at the Peacock Theatre in London in September 2019.

Does Fame live forever - hell yeah!

Passing Strangers

This evening I went to do some market research.  I haven't done one for a long time as the subjects are often not relevant, the timings don't work, or it is too far away.

This afternoon though I slipped away, leaving eldest son in charge of catering for the masses when they all came in from work.

The research was about charities and there were a total of 7 women in the room.

What I found fascinating was the small window into the lives of each of the ladies.

All of us were of a similar age, being slightly over 21, and we came from Twickenham, Cheam and Watford to name a few of the locations. Blonde hair, long hair, smartly dressed, more casual, wearing glasses, working full time, or owning a business, everyone was very different.

Each of us had older children, although I had bragging rights as the only one with twins!

All the ladies were involved with charities, donating, fund raising and supporting others. Cancer related causes led the way, with people having lost family members, and one strong woman who was in remission.  One lady supported a local diabetes charity as her daughter has type 1 diabetes and another lady gave to a heart charity as she had lost her father to a heart attack.

It was interesting to see how their perspective was focused around their experiences.  Whilst I know this is true for everyone, it is easier to see it in others rather than yourself.  

The discussion ran it's allotted time and we all left heading off towards the same station.  In small groups, chatting about our journeys home, A level results, and a holiday someone had just returned from.  

As I went to go on the underground, we separated, everyone on their bit of track heading back to their reality.  We never knew each other very long so there is no great friendship lost, but forward we went, like flowers that have been strewn in the wind, travelling in various directions too our homes and lives, never to meet again.

Bank Holiday Changes

If we're lucky enough to have a little bit of sunshine on a bank holiday, there is almost a desperation to make the most of it, and actually do something.  Working in the garden, cleaning the house or clearing out the garage is fine for the Saturday and Sunday, but the Monday always feels as though it deserves better.

Over the years we have wasted a lot of this precious day coming to a decision about where we would go.  Gaining consensus from the family made tackling Brexit look easy, and by the time everyone was loaded in the car, I often wanted to climb out and leave them all to it.

Now the boys are older, the numbers have dwindled.  One of the twins was away partying for the weekend and has come home this evening looking as bad as he feels.  The other twin gave a look of complete disgust.  Never mind the fact we were leaving in the morning before he surfaces, why would we even ask him?  My middle son is studying for impending exams and so won't leave the hours unless it is for essential food supplies or the odd gym trip to ensure he is body fit for his post A level holiday.  That just leaves my youngest, who isn't world weary and fed up yet with going out with his parents, and actually appears to enjoy our company!

With only three of us, it was surprisingly easy.  One suggestion that everyone agreed to, no hold ups on the motorway and an hour later we were by the river.  We spent ages in a charity bookshop (my idea of heaven), had a lovely walk (which made my other half happy with his step total), and found a lovely pub for lunch (youngest gleeful as no vegetables). 

I expect the constant changes with the family growing up, and I know it won't be long before it's just two of us heading out, but for the moment we are making the most of having our little man with us.  Now we just have to hope for sunshine in August.

Strictly Ballroom - Strictly Wonderful

If I had to choose one word to describe Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom the Musical it would be joyous.

Arriving at the Piccadilly Theatre at the end of the warmest April day in over fifty years, the audience were ready to have a good night and the show delivered.

Will Young starts the proceedings coming onto the stage as MC Wally Strand and telling us (in his surprisingly good Australian accent) how Scott Hastings is going to change the world of ballroom dancing.  From that moment I was hooked. Moving the story along, talking to the audience with a ready quip, Will plays the role as though he was born it. 

Centred around the Amateur Australian Federation Cup all eyes are on the dancers desperate to win it,  but Scott Hastings is a rebel, who won't stick to the rules.  When he partners beginner Fran, the sparks fly and the dancing is hot!  Jonny Labey and Ziz Strallen have a real chemistry on the stage, and when they dance together it is breathtaking.  My favourite dance was one where they don't actually touch.  Hands and arms centimetres apart there is an intensity and passion through the moves.

I loved Fran's Abuela (Eve Polycarpou) and the flamenco dancing from her father (Fernando Mira) is stunning.  There is comedy throughout, glitzy ballroom costumes, with great vocals from Will Young and an energy that is palpable from the whole cast. 

For me, the best shows are the ones where the time disappears as you are part of a the magical world of whichever show you are seeing.  Strictly Ballroom was one of those shows.  It has a real feel good factor that we probably all need at the moment.  I would recommend anyone to escape to Australia and the world that is Strictly Ballroom.

Review of Teddy

Although the Vault has to be the smallest theatre I have ever been to, this is in direct contrast to the large,vibrant show that is Teddy.

Set in 1956 it begins with the story of teenagers Josie and Teddy played by the brilliant Molly Chesworth and George Parker as they are getting ready for their Saturday night out with their friends.  We follow them as they meet and try to work out how they are going to be able to afford tickets to see their musical hero Johnny Valentine (Dylan Wood).

The cast is as tiny as the theatre.   Molly and George are the only actors on stage telling their story in an almost Shakespearian way, with a rhyming, poetic language that doesn't hold back.  Through the eyes of Josie and Teddy we see the people they meet, both friend and foe, and there is a strength and depth to both their performances.

Alongside their story is the music.  Johnny Valentine and the Broken Hearts play hits from the fifties alongside new music for the show.  The band members (Andrew Gallon, Freya Parks and Harrison White) are all talented musicians and the music brings the fifties to life.  

Without any spoilers I loved the ending, but I didn't have a chance to think too much as the band were playing again, but just as a final gig for the audience.   Everyone was invited onto the stage to dance, and one of the audience members even managed to get to the mike to sing!  

A great show, done a little bit differently, with a really good cast.  I would definitely recommend seeing Teddy.

Mother's Day- A Double Edged Sword

I know I am very lucky to have 4 wonderful, if occasionally annoying and loud sons.  Having gone through five years of struggle to have my eldest, I feel genuinely blessed that I have my own family.  Three of the boys are officially adults now and even my 'baby' is 12 years old.  Over the years Mother's Day may have changed from the hand made cards done at school, but it is still a lovely day to spend with the family.

I have never cared or wanted any gifts or to be part of the commercial element of Mother's Day.  A cup of tea and an extra hug will more than enough to keep me happy.  I would hope that appreciation for the 24/7 job we all do would be shown more than once a year, but I do enjoy the fact it means everyone makes the effort to be together for a nice lunch or supper that I don't have to make!

There is however a flip side to the day when, like many others, I think abut my own Mum who I lost over 30 years ago.  Family was everything to her and she would have loved the noise, bad jokes and laughter.  In some ways time does heal, but days such as these bring the loss back to the forefront of my mind.  She never met my husband or knew the boys.  She missed out on their births, their BarMitzvah's, 18th's and the twins' 21st birthday.  Her knowledge and perspective always helped me and I hope that I pass on some balance to my own children.

This year is the first year my grandmother won't be here for Mother's Day.  Why would that impact me, you ask? A generation further back she had some strong, if sometimes old fashioned views.  However she gave me the same unconditional love as my Mum, and though she never tried to replace her, she was a constant and powerful presence in my life.  I am aware that there is a Grandparent's Day, but that somehow always felt too far removed. 

So this Mother's Day when I have my sneaky glass of wine I will toast the ladies who helped me become the woman I am today, and thank the powers that be that I am lucky to enjoy this time with my boys.  Life can be difficult and complicated, but love never should be.  So I'd like to send lots of love to all those trying to become a Mum, those who have lost their Mother this year and those who are fortunate enough to be a Mum.

REVIEW OF DREAMGIRLS

Let yourself be taken on a journey to 1960's America to meet the Dreamettes, Effie (Moya Angela), Deena (Brennyn Lark) and Lorrell (Asmeret Ghebremichael) as they begin their musical journey.  

With a youthful ignorance and joy for the world they are about to enter watch the trio rise from backing singers to having success in their own right as The Dreams.  As they become more successful we see the strain on their friendship, their hopes and their relationships.  All the leading ladies have a depth and emotion to their voices, but there is nothing more powerful than Effie singing 'And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going' as she sees her love walking out of her life.

The show stopping numbers are plentiful with 'One Night Only', 'Listen' and 'I Am Changing' to name a few, and sat well with great sets and costumes.

I only have one criticism and that is not with the show.  The evening I went it was very cold, and I am not sure if there was a heating problem at the theatre but a large number of the audience (including myself) sat with our coats on for the whole evening.  It was absolutely freezing.  There was no announcement so we didn't know what the issue was.

That said, it was a fabulous show, with a strong cast, great music and real feel good factor.  I would certainly recommend going, but suggest you wrap up warmly!

For any ticket information contact: https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk/