One Man Two Guvnors 26th May - 31st May

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.

Check out the trailer!

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Breakin Convention

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.






Catch Breakin Convention on their tour!

GMTG Presents: The Phantom of the Opera

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
          

Evita 8th April - 19th April

Evita is one of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's classic musicals. It tells the abbreviated story of Eva Peron, the first lady of Argentina from 1946 until her death in 1952. Even for those unfamiliar with this show songs such as; Oh What A Circus, Buenos Aires, Another Suitcase in Another Hall and of course Don't Cry For Me Argentina are sure to ring a bell.

Che was played by Wet, Wet, Wet lead singer Marti Pellow who seems to represent the voices of the Argentinians and at some points even appears to play Eva's conscience. Eva (Madalena Albero) is a poor aspiring actress who moves to Buenos Aires to show off her 'star quality'. Here she meets Argentinian politician Juan Domingo Peron (Mark Heenehan) and through her determination and need to be loved by the masses she campaigns for him to become president.  

 Madalena Alberto's Eva was incredible. Starting as the sassy teenager who is after the glitz and glamour of Buenos Aires to acting the saint to the poor of Argentina when she addresses them in a glittering white dress singing 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina'. Even in Eva's last moments in hospital her version of 'You Must Love Me' is so beautifully sung and really exposes the real Eva. 

Marti Pellow's Che is a bit difficult to follow. Although he played a strong and completely believable voice of the Argentinians (if that indeed was the intention) who Che is actually meant to be was quite unclear as he is quite critical of Eva. At some points it is hard to understand some of the lyrics as he strides around the stage. 

Mark Heeneham's voice is perfect for playing the president as it demands authoritative attention and it most certainly has it. Sarah McNicholas plays the Mistress and presents a phenomenal take on 'Another Suitcase in Another Hall'. Nic Gibney's Magaldi is certainly entertaining and completely captivating. 

The choreography was absolutely flawless with just the right amount of Latin America flare, often completely stealing the show. 

Without a doubt the show was sensational but it would be worth knowing a little bit about the Perons and Argentina during their time before going to see it. 

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Cast: Marti Pellow, Madalen Alberto, Mark Heenehan, Sarah McNicholas, Nic Gibney, Michelle Pentecost (as Eva in some performances), Ensemble: David Brewis, Verity Burgess, Errol Clayton, Joel Elferink, Callum Fitzgerald, Alyn Hawke, Ryan Limb, Joe McCourt, Anna McGarahan, Stuart Maciver, Ceili O'Connor, Lizzie Ottley, Olive Robinson, Chris Stoddart and the children from stagecoach Solihull and Sutton Coldfield.  

Spring/Summer 2014 at the Birmingham Hippodrome

Fiddler on the Roof 11th March - 15th March

Strictly come dancing's beloved Craig Revel Horwood, returns to the theatre to direct and choreograph an old audience favourite, Fiddler on the Roof. This show is so uplifting with plenty of heartfelt, tear brimming moments and of course a multitude of well-known, catchy songs such as; Tradition, Matchmaker, Matchmaker, If I Were a Rich Man, To Life and Sunrise Sunset.

The cast is lead by Paul Michael Glasser who plays Tevye, a poor milkman who lives with is wife and five daughters. Indeed, Glasser is no stranger to this show, having played revolutionary student, Perchik in the 1971 film. The show takes place in the small village of Anatevka in 1905 Tzarist Russia and provides insight to the small Jewish community who live there. Tevye, like most of the community lives his life by tradition and each member of the family knows their place. Tevye's three oldest daughters Tzeitel (Emily O'Keefe), Hodel (Liz Singelton) and Chava, (Claire Petzal) decide to break tradition and marry for love. Tevye must decide between his traditions and his daughters' happiness. Worst of all, he must decide how to tell his wife!

For anyone who is familiar with a Craig Revel Horwood show, they will know that the actors are not only expected to sing, dance and act but they also take on the role of the orchestra while doing so! This was so impressive and really added to the community feel in Anatevka. It also fit is perfectly with the image of the traditional folk musicians. 

It was truly an incredible wholehearted performance from the entire cast. A candid performance which brought with it an array of emotions.

Mazal Tov, Mazal Tov to the whole cast and crew on such a flawless performance!

 

Cast: Tevye - Paul Michael Glasser                Yente/Fruma Sarah - Sussannah Van Den Berg

          Golde - Karen Mann                              Mordecai (Inkeeper/Constable) - Eamonn O'Dwyer  

          Tzeitel - Emily O' Keefe                         Rabbi - Neil Salvage

          Hodel - Liz Singleton                              Mendel (Rabbi's son) - Michael Paver

          Chava - Claire Petzal                             Avram (bookseller) - Tarek Merchant

          Motel - Jon Trenchard                           Sasha - Jeff Smyth

          Perchik - Steven Bor                             Grandma Tzeitel - Lilly Howard     

          Lazar Wolf - Paul Kissaun

          Fyedka - Daniel Bolton

          The Fiddler - Jennifer Douglas

Tickets are very limited! Click here to find out if there are any left!

WNO - Boulevard Solitude

The Welsh National Opera's Boulevard Solitude, seems to bring the classical tale of Orpheus and Eurydice into modern France. It is the oldest story in the book. Boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, girl keeps slipping from boy's grasp and finally boy loses girl completely... 

As part of WNO's Fallen Women season, Boulevard Solitude, is a modern opera, performed in English that tells the story of Mannon Lescaut (Sarah Tynan), who falls in love with a student, Armand des Grieux (Jason Bridges).Tragically the two can never be together as Manon's brother Lescaut (Benjamin Bevan) is constantly using his sister as a tool to seduce rich men while he steals from them. 

I am never going to be completely comfortable in the audience of an opera but I definitely came close watching this one. It may have been the classicist in me but I found the plot riveting.The way the story reveals the end first and then fills in the gaps was particularly impressive and helped with the general understanding of the plot -for someone who struggles to understand opera. If you have never seen an opera before but would like to, this is definitely a good one to start with. 

Cast: Armand des Grieux - Jason Bridges                    Actors: Justyna Biabwas

          Manon Lescaut - Sarah Tynan                                            Katarzyna Holtra

          Lescaut- Benjamin Bevan                                                   Joanna Jeffries

          Monsieur Lilaque - Adrian Thompson                               Gordon Brandie

          Francis - Alistair Moore                                                      Michal Ciecka

          Young Lilaque - Laurence Cole                                           Nicholas Keegan

          Mr Man - Tomaz Wygoda                                                   Ashley James Orwin

Click here to find out more about WNO's Fallen Women Seaon

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