You know Christmas is upon you when the pantomimes start.
I've seen Jack and the Beanstalk with 3D effects.
You've got Dame May Trot, Jack, King Crumble, Princess Apricot, Daisy the cow and Fleshcreep as well as the good fairy. There are a chorus of dancers and the babes.
Everyone acts, dances and sings their hearts out. No wonder the actors lose weight and their voice by the end of the run. Each show feels like the first show each time and that must have some pressure for cast and crew alike.
Fleshcreep has a child catcher type of feel about him. I saw a lot of Richard O'Brians characteristics in his role. Little four year olds hide when he appears. Jack the hero keeps the audience right behind him throughout.
The 3D, I find the adults enjoy more than the children at times. Ducking and diving out of the way.
Pantomimes are a great way to see a live show when your little.
(A little boy told me it was like watching a DVD but not the same as there were people there. His words, though he was four years old.) He was heading home, the bad boy frightened him.
If you want an evening of laughs and forget your troubles then I highly recommend finding your nearest panto and enjoy it. You will leave with a smile on your face!
That's all from me
Wish you all a merry christmas and happy holidays.
Sunday 11 December 2011
Saturday 19 November 2011
Beauty and the Beast
Last night the theatre came alive with the magic of Disney. This was an Am Dram version, but believe me, it was of such high standard you would have thought you were on Broadway watching it.
The cast were amazing from the enchanted chandelier to the wire work of the enchantress. It was spell binding. Little faces were taken with Belle, laughed at Gaston and Lefou. Fell for Cogsworth and Lumiere, who got the best laughs plus the biggest cheer at the end.
I remember seeing this in NYC in the 90's and believe me not one thing was left out. The ensemble, pit singers and orchestra set the scene from the very start.
These are people who give up their nights and weekends to rehearse. They only had just over two months to put it together. Well they should be very proud, they did themselves and Disney proud.
Just wonderful!
The cast were amazing from the enchanted chandelier to the wire work of the enchantress. It was spell binding. Little faces were taken with Belle, laughed at Gaston and Lefou. Fell for Cogsworth and Lumiere, who got the best laughs plus the biggest cheer at the end.
I remember seeing this in NYC in the 90's and believe me not one thing was left out. The ensemble, pit singers and orchestra set the scene from the very start.
These are people who give up their nights and weekends to rehearse. They only had just over two months to put it together. Well they should be very proud, they did themselves and Disney proud.
Just wonderful!
Sunday 16 October 2011
Rhinestone Mondays
The views here are mine and mine alone.
On the 12th of October I went to see Rhinestone Monday's. A musical comedy set in the backdrop of a local pub in England where a line dancing group meets once a week to practice and socialise. Along the way there is romance, jealousy and many, many laughs. I was sat in the audience and the people around were enjoying it and were surprised to here it's heading into the last week in Newcastle http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/
Part of me would have loved a CD as there were many highlights from 'Thank God I'm a country boy.' to 'Annie's Song'.For a cast of ten they acted sang and danced with 110% never failing to get the audience involved. Ally Holmes was brilliant as Carol her comic timing was perfect. Lyn Paul from the New Seekers has a powerful voice and it shows.
I think from what I could hear round me, people were surprised by Ian Watkins and Faye Tozer from Steps, they can sing, dance and have perfect theatre timing. If they read this, thank you both for stopping to chat after the show. I hope they get more theatre roles as they deserve the credit.
Anthony Topham and Shaun Williams are great as comic foils to each other. They're voices are amazing.
So check it out, as this show is one never to missed. Let's hope they get to tour again. I guarantee you will love it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0yfKuZz7Zk
'Make my day'
On the 12th of October I went to see Rhinestone Monday's. A musical comedy set in the backdrop of a local pub in England where a line dancing group meets once a week to practice and socialise. Along the way there is romance, jealousy and many, many laughs. I was sat in the audience and the people around were enjoying it and were surprised to here it's heading into the last week in Newcastle http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/
Part of me would have loved a CD as there were many highlights from 'Thank God I'm a country boy.' to 'Annie's Song'.For a cast of ten they acted sang and danced with 110% never failing to get the audience involved. Ally Holmes was brilliant as Carol her comic timing was perfect. Lyn Paul from the New Seekers has a powerful voice and it shows.
I think from what I could hear round me, people were surprised by Ian Watkins and Faye Tozer from Steps, they can sing, dance and have perfect theatre timing. If they read this, thank you both for stopping to chat after the show. I hope they get more theatre roles as they deserve the credit.
Anthony Topham and Shaun Williams are great as comic foils to each other. They're voices are amazing.
So check it out, as this show is one never to missed. Let's hope they get to tour again. I guarantee you will love it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0yfKuZz7Zk
'Make my day'
Monday 12 September 2011
The Witches of Oz
Not a theatre review but film/TV review.
Who here wanted to go to Oz when they were a child and don the magical shoes?
This is something everyone should see. A re-telling of one of the most loved stories of the 20th century. L Frank Baum gave countless generations a world more colourful and brighter than our own.
Leigh Scott's re-telling keeps true the the spirit of the original story.
Moving it to New York is clever, a city bright and bustling and let's dreams become true on Broadway.
Dorothy has grown up as a children's writer. 'Making up' Oz or so she thinks. There are a few twists along the way, you have to watch to see. Billy Byod (lord of the rings) gets some great one liners.
There is a Star Wars or Harry Potter scene with the wands between good and evil. Depending on your age. Glinda appears bubble and all, the actress Noel Thurman is the nicest person to hear from. www.noelthurman.com She is also on Twitter and FaceBook.
For all you you who live in or around Kansas there is a Oztoberfest on the 1st October where the actors from this film and the 1939 film will be there as well as a screening of this film goto www.oztoberfest.com for more info. It is also released on DVD just mind those flying monkeys, still very creepy.
Check it out on TV or cinema, a very well done remake of a classic tale.
http://www.witchesofozmovie.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/thewitchesofoz
Chat soon!
Who here wanted to go to Oz when they were a child and don the magical shoes?
This is something everyone should see. A re-telling of one of the most loved stories of the 20th century. L Frank Baum gave countless generations a world more colourful and brighter than our own.
Leigh Scott's re-telling keeps true the the spirit of the original story.
Moving it to New York is clever, a city bright and bustling and let's dreams become true on Broadway.
There is a Star Wars or Harry Potter scene with the wands between good and evil. Depending on your age. Glinda appears bubble and all, the actress Noel Thurman is the nicest person to hear from. www.noelthurman.com She is also on Twitter and FaceBook.
No infringement intended
Did you know that Noels Glinda was meant to look like a Nordic Warrior? As they wanted her Glinda to be as different as they could from previous Glindas. Hence the "Crown of Doom". ( Credit Noel ).
For all you you who live in or around Kansas there is a Oztoberfest on the 1st October where the actors from this film and the 1939 film will be there as well as a screening of this film goto www.oztoberfest.com for more info. It is also released on DVD just mind those flying monkeys, still very creepy.
Check it out on TV or cinema, a very well done remake of a classic tale.
http://www.witchesofozmovie.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/thewitchesofoz
Chat soon!
Saturday 6 August 2011
Dancing Shoes
Last night I saw Dancing Shoes, a musical that shows the life and times of George Best, known for his football/soccer star skills.
Most of the cast play multiple characters. All cast sang, danced and acted their socks off. Between the laughter there are moments that put lump in your throat. Check out the links below, to get an idea. It's well worth watching if you can. If not the CD is worth the money.
http://www.dancingshoes.biz/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2zM-Zd2f9U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoDPeBAjYZI
Until the next time.
Most of the cast play multiple characters. All cast sang, danced and acted their socks off. Between the laughter there are moments that put lump in your throat. Check out the links below, to get an idea. It's well worth watching if you can. If not the CD is worth the money.
http://www.dancingshoes.biz/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2zM-Zd2f9U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoDPeBAjYZI
Until the next time.
Saturday 2 July 2011
Ave Q versus Jukebox musical
Well last week, I went to see AveQ. It was interesting seeing the actors who seem to melt into the background, while your eyes seemed to focus on the puppets while they sang and danced through the show.
The puppety was very clever, how it stayed in sync while the actors changed puppets at different times through the show. It really impressed me.
Then I saw what could only be described as a juke box musical. Song after song, no story, justing singing. They sang their socks off, but the better quality was with AveQ.
It's always interesting seeing the differences in shows, Both enjoyable but in different ways.
Hope to update sometime soon.
The puppety was very clever, how it stayed in sync while the actors changed puppets at different times through the show. It really impressed me.
Then I saw what could only be described as a juke box musical. Song after song, no story, justing singing. They sang their socks off, but the better quality was with AveQ.
It's always interesting seeing the differences in shows, Both enjoyable but in different ways.
Hope to update sometime soon.
Thursday 26 May 2011
Michael Ball Concert 25th May
What can I say about Michael Ball?
Well he brought the house down. He even started a minute early!
For running orders and all songs try the mbfc forum. http://www.mbfc.co.uk/discussion-board/index.php?showforum=53 I'm just going on memory.
Overture was music from Superman to Indiana Jones. Got the audience woke up.
First song I need a hero. Then we meandered through hits from Tom Jones, Barry Manalow and Neil Diamond.
Play me
Misty
Glee/Journey's Don't stop believing.
All with reasons and memories of why they were picked. Most of these singers were Heroes. Hence the name of the tour.
There was a New York section songs like new York(these streets are brand new) Broadway baby. On Broadway. Old blue eyes' New York. The Fame theme tune, which I sang at the top of my voice.
After that, there was a guy who was getting back to his seat (front row) and Michael started laughing and said you missed the best bit!
I know I'm missing bits (annoying myself) I'm sure its on the forum. Sorry.
Second half started with We Never said Goodbye from Sunset blvd. Lyrics had been changed slightly more references to theatre but still powerful. Then Sunset blvd itself! Goose bumps! Never heard it sang so emotional before. A voice so clear and commanding.
The band started up the next section Les Miz. Do you hear the people sing entwined with Red and Black. Its twenty six years old and we were told how the anniversary concert had felt when all of the original cast was brought back on stage. Even Nick Jonas got a mention. Which got a laugh.
Michael sang Empty Chairs at Empty Tables and I Dreamed a Dream. Got me, I welled up as that show holds a lot of memories.
Sweeney Todd was next with Pretty Ladies and Not While I'm Around. He's gonna be one scary Sweeney.
Then there was avenues and alleyways that led into 'Party time'
One Step out of time(Starts with a Gospel feel) Help yourself x2. Should say during Help yourself Michael bent down and hugged and kissed a little girl on the hand, it got a very big Aw (She was no more than seven).
Encore was Love Changes Everything and a slow one or two, but by then I was singing and swaying along, so I can't remember the last, last song or how the first half ended, again singing! But it gives you an idea of what went on.
Stage door a no show, but think that might have to do with the tour schedule. Will give benefit of the doubt lol! Tour bus was waiting to go to Scotland.
Well he brought the house down. He even started a minute early!
For running orders and all songs try the mbfc forum. http://www.mbfc.co.uk/discussion-board/index.php?showforum=53 I'm just going on memory.
Overture was music from Superman to Indiana Jones. Got the audience woke up.
First song I need a hero. Then we meandered through hits from Tom Jones, Barry Manalow and Neil Diamond.
Play me
Misty
Glee/Journey's Don't stop believing.
All with reasons and memories of why they were picked. Most of these singers were Heroes. Hence the name of the tour.
There was a New York section songs like new York(these streets are brand new) Broadway baby. On Broadway. Old blue eyes' New York. The Fame theme tune, which I sang at the top of my voice.
After that, there was a guy who was getting back to his seat (front row) and Michael started laughing and said you missed the best bit!
I know I'm missing bits (annoying myself) I'm sure its on the forum. Sorry.
Second half started with We Never said Goodbye from Sunset blvd. Lyrics had been changed slightly more references to theatre but still powerful. Then Sunset blvd itself! Goose bumps! Never heard it sang so emotional before. A voice so clear and commanding.
The band started up the next section Les Miz. Do you hear the people sing entwined with Red and Black. Its twenty six years old and we were told how the anniversary concert had felt when all of the original cast was brought back on stage. Even Nick Jonas got a mention. Which got a laugh.
Michael sang Empty Chairs at Empty Tables and I Dreamed a Dream. Got me, I welled up as that show holds a lot of memories.
Sweeney Todd was next with Pretty Ladies and Not While I'm Around. He's gonna be one scary Sweeney.
Then there was avenues and alleyways that led into 'Party time'
One Step out of time(Starts with a Gospel feel) Help yourself x2. Should say during Help yourself Michael bent down and hugged and kissed a little girl on the hand, it got a very big Aw (She was no more than seven).
Encore was Love Changes Everything and a slow one or two, but by then I was singing and swaying along, so I can't remember the last, last song or how the first half ended, again singing! But it gives you an idea of what went on.
Stage door a no show, but think that might have to do with the tour schedule. Will give benefit of the doubt lol! Tour bus was waiting to go to Scotland.
Tuesday 17 May 2011
Spamalot
Well I said I would write about this.
If you want a full belly laugh then this is the show for you.
If you didn't already know the show is a take on Athur and the Knights of the round table.
The whole show is tongue in cheek, I assume they take bits from Monty Python's show (only that was before my time). Check out Jody Prenger, she plays the Lady of the Lake. Her voice is AMAZING, no joke. She has wonderful comic timing and in my limited opinion steals the show when shes on stage.
Its a lot like a pantomime. But don't be thinking that's what you well see. As it's very slick, even costume changes on stage, blink and you'll miss it. You could tell the cast worked hard, they played two and three parts between them, they even dressed as crew to Ozzy Osbourne To do that each night and matinees. I tip my hat to them.
Phil Jupiter (comedian) made the house laugh as well as himself! Todd Carty probably best known for Grange Hill and Eastenders was just hilarious! The faces he could pull, had me laughing in my seat. Everyone sang and danced their hearts out.
I liked the fact that all the characters got a back story and some got to flesh it out a bit more. For an hour and a half, they packed a lot in, even when trying to make the other laugh!
YouTube this show, the songs are fantastic.
If you want a full belly laugh then this is the show for you.
If you didn't already know the show is a take on Athur and the Knights of the round table.
The whole show is tongue in cheek, I assume they take bits from Monty Python's show (only that was before my time). Check out Jody Prenger, she plays the Lady of the Lake. Her voice is AMAZING, no joke. She has wonderful comic timing and in my limited opinion steals the show when shes on stage.
Its a lot like a pantomime. But don't be thinking that's what you well see. As it's very slick, even costume changes on stage, blink and you'll miss it. You could tell the cast worked hard, they played two and three parts between them, they even dressed as crew to Ozzy Osbourne To do that each night and matinees. I tip my hat to them.
Phil Jupiter (comedian) made the house laugh as well as himself! Todd Carty probably best known for Grange Hill and Eastenders was just hilarious! The faces he could pull, had me laughing in my seat. Everyone sang and danced their hearts out.
I liked the fact that all the characters got a back story and some got to flesh it out a bit more. For an hour and a half, they packed a lot in, even when trying to make the other laugh!
YouTube this show, the songs are fantastic.
Saturday 14 May 2011
First Blog
Hi everybody DramaqueenAM here,
Well since my first, first blog has disappeared. I'm trying again.
I think what I'll do is just talk about things I do, like I visit the theatre very often, so I'll write about things like that.
I also love reading, so if I find a good book and it's worth reading, I'll say.
So you know i like theatre, reading, TV well Sci Fi Stargate SG1 and Sanctuary.
If you can check out Stephen Maguire fab singer, http://www.stephenmaguirelive.com/ Love his music, very blues and jazz sound as well as a few others thrown in.
Fingers crossed this works again.
Last night was the ballet.
The ballet was stunning. A modern twist on the story of Cleopatra. The dancers out did themselves, the set was blank until a projector was turned on, we went from Egypt to Greece & back. Shame it's was a small audience.There was more at the murder mystery upstairs. The people who were there loved it and got a lot from it.
Next is a musical! So I'll chat about that when I see it.
Well since my first, first blog has disappeared. I'm trying again.
I think what I'll do is just talk about things I do, like I visit the theatre very often, so I'll write about things like that.
I also love reading, so if I find a good book and it's worth reading, I'll say.
So you know i like theatre, reading, TV well Sci Fi Stargate SG1 and Sanctuary.
If you can check out Stephen Maguire fab singer, http://www.stephenmaguirelive.com/ Love his music, very blues and jazz sound as well as a few others thrown in.
Fingers crossed this works again.
Last night was the ballet.
The ballet was stunning. A modern twist on the story of Cleopatra. The dancers out did themselves, the set was blank until a projector was turned on, we went from Egypt to Greece & back. Shame it's was a small audience.There was more at the murder mystery upstairs. The people who were there loved it and got a lot from it.
Next is a musical! So I'll chat about that when I see it.
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