What a Swell Party this is ... High Society 14th - 18th May

Remember that old film starring Big Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra?

No?

Well High Society is about an heiress, Tracy Lord (Sophie Bould), who on the day before her wedding finds herself caught between her feelings for her fiancée (Keiron Crook), her ex – husband (Michael Praed) and now finds she also attracted to another man (Daniel Boys (or Matt Corner, the understudy who I saw)).

Sophie Bould played her character was the same kind of class that can only usually be found in the old classic musical films. She managed to go from her pedestal of perfection to a giggly, tipsy, mischievous girl slickly. You simply had to love her.

Of course what is a wedding without a bit of drama? Enter on stage the ex-husband, Dexter played by  Michael Praed. He was effortlessly witty and his dynamic with Tracy makes you wonder how they ever divorced.

Matt Corner was playing Mike Conor, a reporter from Spy magazine, who has come along with his partner Liz Imbrie (Alex Young) to see how the high society lives. He was just so sweet and so naïve that it was no wonder he catches the eyes of the girls.

Liz Imbrie’s voice is absolutely stunning she brings a special charm to her role.

Katie Lee who played little sister Dianah really stuck with me for ages after I had left the theatre. She is so young but she is just so talented!

For those of you who know this musical you’ll know the big show hits such as True Love, Well, Did You Evah! And You’re Sensational. I suggest you go and see this show as it brings old songs and new talent together.

As for the rest of you, go and see it and understand just what a swell party it is!

Check out the trailer!

Dance Consortium presents Sutra 7th May - 9th May

I have never before gone into a show less sure of what to expect. The only things I knew about this show was that it was a contemporary dance show and that it was being performed by monks… I know! It could have been anything.

Although this is not something I normally would have gone to I’m glad I did because it was absolutely thrilling!

How to describe Sutra?

Well according to the assistant choreographer and performer, Ali Thabet, the idea for Sutra became a reality when he spent three months with the monks in China. This inspired the contemporary dance performance which incorporated kung fu.  

If this didn’t sound bizarre enough lets now throw on a collection of wooden blocks. These were the main props in the show and were used in every possible means. They sat in them, under them, climbed on them, fell dominoes style while stood inside. It was incredibly impressive.

I wouldn’t be surprised if I have sat there the whole night with my mouth open!

There was such a variety in their movement too. Some points the Kung Fu was more dominant and their moves were sharp and strong. Other times it was more gentle and serene. Without a doubt the circus skills adapted into the show were sensational! The gasps just echoed around the room!

In the Post Show Q&A we were told that at times the cast played according to the music and other times the musicians played to fit in with the cast. Such discipline is just incredible!

I have to just give a special mention to the little 9 year old monk in the show. Other than just being all round adorable he was an incredible performer. Such insane skills for a child his age!

Sadly the show is only in Birmingham until tomorrow night but as the show has been touring for five years now, it would be worth checking out to see when it is coming to you!

Check out the trailer!

http://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/mediacentre.asp?videoID=416&showid=1765