It was stunning performances by a strong cast that made this production of Evita, a show worth watching.
But seeing for the first time the Rice and Lloyd-Webber take on the woman who battled to escape the obscurity and poverty of her life as a struggling actress to become the spiritual leader of the nation – it simply confirmed my prejudice that the musical theatre legends are really not all their cracked up to be. Continue reading “REVIEW: Evita @ The Palace, Manchester”
The incredible story of the rise to stardom of the nation’s favourite, Cilla Black is brought to the stage at the Palace Theatre in Manchester this week.
And the show is the perfect tribute to one of Liverpool’s finest daughters who made it to the big time from humble beginnings on “Scotty Road”. Continue reading “REVIEW: Cilla the Musical @ The Palace Theatre, Manchester”
As a fan of Monty Python, having been brought up on their diet of anarchic madness, I approached this production of Spamalot with some trepidation.
I needn’t have worried. The show, which is basically a stage adaptation of the 1975 film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, is a superb tribute to the comedy team. It will certainly satisfy the die hard Python fans and will introduce a whole new generation to the genre.
The style of humour won’t be to everyone’s taste and it sounds ludicrous that a group of people slapping each with fish and a King entering the stage on an invisible horse to the sound of coconuts can be funny – but it just is. Continue reading “REVIEW: Spamalot @ The Palace, Manchester”
Sunset Boulevard is one if the classic film drams of the twentieth century and the return to stage of Lloyd Webber’s musical adaptation could not be more timely.
The story of a fading film star of the silent era thrown onto the scrapheap by the emergence of the talkies – attempting to make a combat and cling on to her youth through an affair with a young writer, is remarkably prescient.
There is no casting couch in this story, but the message is clear that long before the Weinsteinns of this world polluted the movie industry, one only needed to gently scratch away the glitter of Tinseltown to find something deadly dark underneath, where every barman, waitress and young wannabe would do anything to get their big break in pictures.
Brought to life with incredible staging, the show faithfully recreates the movie magic made famous by Gloria Swanson and Joseph Cotton; and the Phantomesque theatrics and dark music, courtesy of Mr Webber are extremely effective.
Danny Mac also delivered as the struggling writer held in the thrall of ageing star and Adam Pearce is superb as the devoted butler, Max von Meyerling, with a pitch-perfect performance.
But central to the show was the stunning Ria Jones as the desperate and maniacal Norma Desmond. The standing ovation was entirely deserved and the close to tearful curtain call indicated the emotional investment in the role.
Runs till Saturday October 28
Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was one of my least favourite musicals until I saw the Bill Kenwright production featuring the magnificent Joe McElderry last year.
And as the show returns to the Palace this week there is no sign that those numerous performances have made the X-Factor winner jaded in any way.
McElderry’s performance is just as strong, delivered with the same energy that has made this version of the Lloyd-Webber and Rice classic such a winning formula.
McElderry is excellent as Joseph,showing why he won the X-Factor but also that musical theatre is his natural home. He is comfortable on stage delivering the comedy as well as the music.
But it isn’t all about Joe. A very strong cast throws everything at the audience with an energy and enthusiasm which is instantly infectious. Trina Hill is excellent as the narrator and Ben James-Ellis is a hoot as the Pharaoh. Continue reading “REVIEW: Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat @ The Palace, Manchester”
