It has come to that time where the Birmingham Hippodrome must find their next group of First Night Bloggers.
Just one click anywhere on this blog will show you the range of events I had the pleasure of attending and the shear variety of theatre that the Hippodrome has to offer.
If you're thinking of a career in journalism and more specifically theatre journalism or criticism then it is definitely worth applying. It is immensely fun and you gain so many invaluable skills too!
Some of my highlights from this experience were the many musicals such as Fiddler on the roof, Evita, Buddy & Wicked. I laughed out loud at One Man Two Guvnors and sat in awed silence when Michael Morpurgo read his bestselling War Horse to an intimate audience.
I also attended some shows that I wouldn't have necessarily chosen to see such as Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake and WNO's Boulevard Solitude. I realised that you can never write off an entire genre because it might just surprise you!
If you are still not convinced then here are some of the shows you could be looking forward to reviewing this year!
Based on Gregory Maguire's first adult novel Wicked, the show with the same name has flown into the Birmingham Hippodrome for the summer. This feel good show provides a whole range of emotions from curtain up to curtain down with a multitude of fantastic songs by musical genius Stephen Schwartz such as Popular, One Short Day, Defying Gravity and For Good.
Normally played by Niki Davis- Jones (recently announced to be playing Elphaba at London's Apollo
Victoria) in this performance Elphaba was played by Jemma Alexander who made a fantastic Elphaba. Although at times her voice could have been better suited for Glinda, when she belted she simply blew the audience away.
Emily Tierney played the ditzy but good-hearted G(a)linda. She sang each of her songs beautifully and gracefully showed the transition of Galinda the selfish, shallow and ditzy Queen B, perfectly shown through the song Popular, to the sweet, caring, Glinda the Good who's moral compass truly shines through the song For Good.
The air-headed Fiyero played by Liam Doyle chooses dancing through life until something more wickedly wonderful comes along. The perfect romantic,chivalrous, hero with the fantastic voice and the greatest dancer.
Marilyn Cutts played Shiz headteacher Madame Morrible and there seems no coincidence that her name is only one letter off 'Horrible'. A perfectly executed character the audience love to hate. The Wizard played by Dale Rapley is not as wonderful as we are made to believe in The Wizard of Oz. Although the wizard may not be so wonderful Rapley most definitely is. Rapley also played Dr Dillamond, the last Animal on the shiz faculty.
Nessarose is Elphaba's 'tragically beautiful' younger sister and played by Carina Gillespie. Probably better known the Wizard of Oz fans as the Wicked witch of the East, there is more to her than meets the eye. Beautiful, sweet and innocent. Nessa is in love with Boq played by, George Ure, a munchkin desperate for the attention of Galinda. Both characters are victims of circumstance and the skillful actors effortlessly show the changes that overcome their student life innocence.
The Ensemble and Swing are perfect accompaniments to this production and each and everyone brings something special to this show.
The costumes for this show designed by, Susan Hilferty are some of the most beautiful, extravagant, glitzy costumes in theatre!
One of my favourite shows! Thank you for such an amazing year Birmingham Hippodrome! Perfect end to the perfect year!
Back to celebrate 25 years on the stage Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story has embarked on a UK tour. Over the 25 years there have been 20,500 performances seeing 185,000 guitar strings replaced and over 203,00 plectrums used. Most importantly 40 pairs of Buddy's defining glasses.
The cast rocks some of Buddy Holly's most well known hits such as That'll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy and Rave On.
Buddy follows the short yet memorable career of Buddy Holly who paved the way for the future of Rock 'n' Roll. The audience follows his unsteady rise to fame all the way to his famous final performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa before his tragic death at the young age of 22. Although his career only lasted 18 months, it has been continuously echoed and been paid tribute to by huge stars ever since.
The role of Buddy is shared between Glen Joseph and Roger Rowley. Glen Joseph is such a rock star, commanding the attention of the audience even once the show has finished. A flawless Buddy highlighting the unconventional youthful geekiness of Holly with the larger than life talent.
Buddy is joined by two other iconic Rock 'n' Roll musicians The Big Bopper played by Jason Blackwater and Ritiche Valens played by Will Pearce both have such powerful stage presence and despite having been born about 40 years later I was easily whisked back to 1959.
Maria Elena, Buddy's wife played by Viviene Smith is the sweet young bride who despite only knowing her husband for a matter of hours shows her utmost loyalty to him. Even today the real Maria Elena stands behind this production.
The Crickets Joe played by Scott Haining and Jerry played by Adam Flynn nicely complemented Buddy as they matched his lovable geekiness but tremendous musical talent.
The Two Apollo performers Lydia Fraser and Miguel Angel give an extraordinary rendition of the famous song Shout. I definitely spotted audience members dancing along.
The two managers we meet in the show Hipockets Duncan played by Shaun Hennessy and Norman Petty played by Peter Kenworthy contrasted each other quite nicely. Hipockets plays by the rules and gives his listeners good clean country music. Petty on the other hand, gives Buddy the creative freedom that paved the way for his stardom.
Vi Petty played by Sarah Mahony is the perfect wife. She's always got the coffee ready but also steps in to add an extra little touch to The Crickets' music.
Equally Jackdaw played by Alex Marshall was a great addition to The Crickets, helping make their music even greater.
The upbeat atmosphere on stage seeped into the audience as memories appeared to flood back and audience members were joining in with the well known songs and dancing and clapping the whole way through. It really gives a show credit when the audience feels they can join in and be part of the show rather than sat quietly and clap politely after each song.
Even though my knowledge of 50s Rock 'n' Roll is quite limited I was on my feet at the end too.
Buddy is only on at the Hippodrome for a limited period so click here to get your tickets now!
Alternatively if you are not in Birmingham click here to find out when Buddy is coming to your city!
Living in Britain we should take every opportunity to enjoy the unfamiliar summer sun. This summer, apart from the special shows coming to the Hippodrome's main stage, there are plenty of other events (dance, circus, music & many others) taking place along the streets and in the squares in the city. Not convinced yet? Well it's FREE...
Hippodrome Plus is looking for volunteers for Summer in Southside this summer:
"We are now looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join the team making Summer in Southside 2014 a truly memorable experience. If you would like to meet new people, make a difference in the community, or are looking for something to add to your C.V - join our team!"
Take your pick of a range of roles needed for this festival team, including:
Event promotion
Stewarding
Assisting the artists directly.
You will receive compulsory World Class Service training in Outdoor Arts and certification of your volunteering hours. You will also recieve training prior to the event, to ensure that full supervision is given throughout the volunteering period.
If you would like to be involved you must be free to volunteer on at least two of these days: Sat 9 Aug, Sat 16 Aug, Sat 23 Aug and Sun 24 Aug 2014
If you enjoy being part of the team for this event, there is a chance to be involved in other events with other arts organisations as part of Birmingham Arts Bank Volunteer Scheme.
If you want to apply CLICK HERE it will only take about five minutes to fill out!
Applicants must be over 18 on July 1st 2014 to volunteer.
Probably the definition of a feelgood show, One Man Two Guvnors based on The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni. Is bound to have audiences in fits of laughter night after night.
Francis Henshall, who has been fired from his skiffle band, becomes minder to a man who is recently believed to be dead, Roscoe Crabbe. 'Roscoe' is really his twin sister Rachel who is undercover as her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers is Roscoe's murderer. Lead by his appetite Henshall takes on a second guvnor, Stanley Stubbers but he can not let either of his two guvnors know that he is one man with two guvnors. Piece of cake obviously...
Lead by Gavin Spokes as Francis Henshall, the cast effortlessly keep the laughter rolling from start to finish. Spokes does in incredible job keeping the audience entertained through both physical comedy and apparent ad-libbing. He forms a special bond with audiences, not one you are likely to forget.
Henshall has his eyes on Dolly, secretary to the father of Roscoe's betrothed (until he died of course) played remarkably by Emma Barton. She's a saucy northerner with a high beehive and high heels who knows exactly what she wants.
Alicia Davies as Rachel Crabbe and Patrick Warner as Stanley Stubbers each provide a surprising yet impressive toughness to the show. Davies who is disguised as Roscoe for most of the play easily intimidates Charlie Clench (who would have been Roscoe's future father in law). Warner who gives the impression of a upper class, boarding school taught kind of man who does not seem capable of harming a fly is in fact a murderer.
Roscoe's future wife, Pauline Clench played by Jasmyn Banks, is a ditzy blonde who does not seemt o understand what it happening most of the play. She is in love with Alan, played by Edward Hancock, A wannabe actor who is melodramatic over everything that happens and anything he says. Of course this bizarre pairing had the audience head over heels easily.
Every character has their own charm and their own way of keeping the audience laughing from the not too bright Charlie 'the Duck' Clench played by Shaun Williamson, Alan's lawyer father, Harry Dangle, David Verrey to Alfie the old man who has bad luck and is very accident prone, played by Michael Dylan and his waiter companion Gareth, played by Elliot Harper.
The Craze provides the a perfect accompaniment to the show. If you don't feel like you're in the sixties when you walk in, their music will whiz you back in time no problem.
Between the charming cast, farcical humor and fantastic music this is most definitely not one to be missed.
Dance Consortium returns once again to the Hippdrome with a Hip Hop festival,celebrating both local and international groups. As soon as we entered we were greeted with an array of talents from the smallest and youngest, who looked all sweet and innocent until they hit the dance floor, to the older dancers who left our jaws dropped open wide, and then we went into the auditorium…
Hosts Pilgrim and Footloose wandered between floors where Hippodrome had become homage to hip hop. Level One saw DJs JamFu and Khan Fu playing the best of b-boy breaks, funk and hip hop accompanied by any dancer who was brave enough to strut their stuff in front of an eager audience.
Level 2 was hosted by Red Beard and was a ground for any budding DJ or MC to show their talents but of course also performances from the professionals.
On Level 3 you would find the hip hop market place selling customised hats by Flake as well as local hip hop clothing, records, retailers and various other offers. Shop while accompanied with the music of DJ Silence.
The rowdiness in the auditorium showed a sense of community between the performers and the audience.
Between each performance the two hosts Jonzi D and Madflow kept the audience entertained and spirits high.
Dance Nuvo took their inspiration from the film Sliding Doors, which shows the effects of every decision we make in life and how they affect our overall direction. A Midlands based group providing a range of opportunities for anyone with a passion for street dance. This young troop provided an entertaining and thought- provoking performance.
Jigsaw, a duo whose performance told the story of a break up. The Birmingham based twosome told a great narrative through their dance.
In true spirit of Breakin convention, B-Girl Terra & Eddie feat Soul Mavericks showed audiences through their name sake that within every soul there is a maverick side that does not feel the need to conform to cultural and social expectations. Each member highlights their individuality through their dance. The B-Girls Terra and Eddie both shocked audiences with such big talent coming out of such small people.
NuProjeks, gave insight to the mind of an individual through an ordinary day. The company trains young people to develop their talents and clearly they have been doing a great job at it.
ILL-Abilities combines the talents of five men from the USA, Canada, Holland and Chile who each overcame their disabilities to pursue their passions. A truly inspiring piece called No Excuses, No Limits shows audiences that there is nothing to stop them from achieving their dreams.
Ukweli Roach opened the second half. Their narrative told of the inner struggles of addiction and follows one man's conflicts with himself. Can he overcome his addictions to be the man he wants to be?
Wanted Posse ended the night with a very current topic. They show a time of revolution and through their gang, each was able to show their individuality. Indeed the perfect end to a perfect night.
It was just over a year ago that I wrote my first review for the Hippodrome, on this very show. Therefore it seemed only right that now as I'm heading towards the end of my time at the Hippodrome and at the University of Birmingham that I should return to this show.
GMTG (Guild Musical Theatre Group) has an ongoing record of putting on spectacular shows every year. I admit I was a bit apprehensive when I heard that the summer show was The Phantom of the Opera. How would they manage the chandelier? What about the boat that famously glides across the stage? I clearly did not give them enough credit as both were incredibly impressive.
Just briefly for anyone unfamiliar with this Andrew Lloyd Webber classic: The show takes place in an opera house in nineteenth century Paris. When Italian Diva, Carlotta (Joanna Goldspink) refuses to perform, Chorus girl, Christine (Abby Fiddick) is forced to take her place in the spotlight. Christine's voice delights an old childhood friend, Raoul (Thom Udall) but also attracts another man, the Phantom of the Opera (Andy Wilson).
Phantom is renowned for its strong vocals and the cast absolutely delivers. Joanna Goldspink's strong bold operatic voice is perfect for the role of Carlotta and Abby Fiddick's Christine beautifully contrasts while at times more gentle it is also very powerful.
Andy Wilson proves the be the ideal Phantom. Flawless vocals aside, he effortlessly switches between the menacing and frightening Phantom who dominates the theatre, to the more vulnerable Phantom who hides from the other characters.His rendition of the well known songs, 'The Phatom of the Opera' and 'The music of the Night' are remarkable. Thom Udall is a great Raoul and stuns with his take on 'All I Ask of You'.
Ben Cuffin- Munday,Peter Brooks and Jake Dorell provide the comic relief for this show as the two managers of the theatre Monsieur Firmin and Monsieur André and Carlotta's leading man Ubaldo Piangi. All three have perfectly executed comic timing and easily lighten the mood during the show's darker moments.
Emily Anderson and Tasha Cotran who play Madame Giry and Meg Giry are both fantastic actresses and fabulous singers. Both gave outstanding performances and were very captivating no matter how many people they shared the stage with.
Although this show is famous for its songs, Emily Bowers and Lorna Newman did an exceptional job with the choreography. It isn't often that I go to see a musical and find myself so focused on the dancers that I forget that there is more going on onstage.
The 27 piece orchestra were hidden somewhere backstage where phenomenal giving true credit to Lloyd Webber's work.
I believe that tickets are sold out for tonight but it is completely worth going down to Deb Hall at the Guild in hope of grabbing yourself a ticket. If you can't get hold of one for tonight then at least next time you'll be first in the queue buying your ticket!
Well done to all of GMTG you were absolutely incredible!
Cast: The Phantom: Andy Wilson Monsieur André: Peter Brooks Christine Daaé: Abby Fiddick Madame Giry: Emily Anderson Raoul Vincount de Chagny: Thom Udall Meg Giry: Tasha Cotran Carlotta iudicelli: Joanna Goldspink Ubaldo Piangi: Jake Dorell Monsieur Firmin: Ben Cuffin- Munday Joseph Buquet: Forrest Gamba
Dancers: Emily Bowers, Lorna Newman, Melissa-Rose Marsh, Eleanor Rattenbury, Katherine Grayson, Kate Dobbs & Ellen Howard
Crew: Director: Megan Probert Musical Director/Producer: Josh Sood Assistant Musical Director: Anthea Ma Producers: Ella Darbyshire & Lucy Sweeney Choreographers: Emily Bowers & Lora Newman Production Assistant: Jacob Lovick Costume Designer: Maysie Chandler. Lighting Designer/Assistant Stage Manager : Fraser Clenahan. Stage Manager: Rebecca Maynard. Assistant Stage Managers: Jessica Thackray, Jade Goddard, Natalia Alyokova, Casimira Hayward-Peel, Joe Christopherson. Photographer: Charlotte Wilson
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