Category: Music

Footloose – Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+

Footloose – Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 30th September 2024 (Dress Rehearsal)

By : Nigel Gambles

Photographs : Studio 55

If you are “Holding Out For A Hero”, then look no further than this show. The whole cast are heros, I don’t think I have ever seen so much energy passion and commitment from a youth production.

Footloose is the story of Ren McCormack, a teenage boy from Chicago. He and his mother move to the small town of Bomont after his father abandons them. Upon arriving, Ren finds himself at odds with most of the town, including the Reverend of Bomont. The Reverend has convinced the town to outlaw dancing, which Ren finds unbelievable. With the help of Ariel (the Reverend’s daughter) and Willard (a country hick who becomes his best friend), Ren convinces the Reverend to let the teenagers dance, and in the process helps the town to heal from a tragedy that affected them all.

You are hit by the vibrancy of the costumes, and the carefully curated lighting by “Going Dark Theatrical Services” that really emphasises the more energetic areas of this show. The four LED screens the stage creating the back drop create the perfect effect.

Footloose has an easy-to-follow narrative that works for new audiences and those of us who remember the 1984 film and has some absolute bangers from the 80s including ‘Holding Out For A Hero’, ‘Let’s Hear It For The Boy’, and title song ‘Footloose’ that both entertain and uplift you. This production for me was nothing short of spectacular.

This cast sustains the high energy needed for the show, especially when for most of it they are dancing to some superb choreography by Charlotte Jervis they were barely static throughout the entire show! Wait until you see the finale, I guarantee you’ll be on your feet singing and dancing along.

Jamie Wilson who plays the lead character Ren who is new to the group was magnificent. His vocals were strong and clear his dancing when alone was fluid and smooth and in the group numbers he led them with the enthusiasm expected of the role.

Ariel played by group regular Rat Clancy who finally gets a lead part does not let the cast down, pouring all her emotion and passion into the character to make it her own. Her vocals were clear and passionate.

Another newcomer to the group is Holly Lines who plays Rusty all I can say is where did she get that voice? Awesome is all I can say about it.

Euan Barnby who plays “best friend to be” country hick Willard has a great comic ability and brings the right amount of clumsiness and simple manner to the role. His singing is great and his dancing has just the right amount of shyness and awkwardness.

Ethyn James who plays the Reverend Moore is excellent bringing just the right amount of authoritarianism to the role but also the softness of a father who has lost a sibling.

As for the rest of the principal cast Connie Graham another newcomer and Neve Matthews shine as Urleen and Wendy Jo, funny and quick with their responses. Ethan Bowley who is in his last show for the group plays bad boy Chuck Cranston with just enough swagger and meanness. Bea Bradley playing Vi Moore and Sophie Clarkson as Ren’s Mother both deliver superb roles as mothers, showing kindness and support but also strictness when needed.

The rest of the supporting roles and ensemble, far too many to mention are totally committed to the show delivering super performances and dance routines which as already stated are virtually non stop.

Finally to the production team whom all have excelled themselves, the passion love and commitment to the group is evident through the passion portrayed on the stage. Georgia Young is the most amazing Director. The way she gets the cast to give their all and have fun, enjoying every minute on stage, you can just see the pride in her face.

Charlotte Jervis Choreographer extraordinaire has created routines so full of energy that its surprising if any of the cast have the energy to walk off stage. Finally Emily Beaman who provides the musical direction not a lot I can say other than, spot on.

Behind the scenes stage manager Finley Waldren made sure everything ran as smooth as clockwork full credit to the stage crew. Lastly the amazing job by Going Dark Theatrical Services creating some of the most effective lighting I have seen in a long time.

Michael Jackson – MJ The Legacy Ft CJ

Michael Jackson – MJ The Legacy Ft CJ
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Saturday 28th September 2024
By Lee Williams
Photography – Lee Williams Photography for Whats On In Sutton Coldfield

What a great show from CJ. Not only a good visual resemblance but the moves and swagger were definitely Michael Jackson to a tee. Commencing with some modern hits, he transitioned to the Jackson 5 hits with the aid of his backing singers/dancers who put on amazing show themselves!  CJ played the part amazingly and had the crowd up and dancing from the very start. In the second half things really came to life with a full compliment of hits on offer including Dirty Diana, Bad and Earth Song each with costumes and lighting to really set the scene. A particular highlight was Thriller.  This played out with ‘red jacket’ being worn and zombie dancers!  As a finale, CJ returned to play Man In The Mirror – perfect. Am amazing performance and one which must go down as the best yet at Sutton Town Hall.

The Roy Orbison Story

The Roy Orbison Story – Barry Steele
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Friday 27th September 2024
By Lee Williams
Photography – Lee Williams Photography for Whats On In Sutton Coldfield

 

“What a superb show. Barry Steele’s chronicling of Roy Orbison’s life was amazing. You can certainly see how he is so popular as he had the room tapping, clapping and singing. Starting with his early work, an added guest included Buddy Holly who provided a different twist. Big O returned and, with The Travelling Wilbury’s collection, the 5-piece band played the classics – Pretty Woman, Crying, I Drove All Night, You Got It, Only the Lonely, In Dreams, California Blue and more. Simply brilliant.

Matilda – Script Youth Musical Theatre Company ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Matilda – Script Youth Musical Theatre Company

Crescent Theatre – Birmingham

Friday 27th September 2024 (Dress Rehearsal)

By : Nigel Gambles

Photographs : Studio 55

Tim Minchin’s extremely popular musical about a young girl called Matilda and her escapades and travails at the hands of her crazy family, a psychopathic headmistress, and a love of books, is now so entrenched in children’s psyche that I think every preteen and tween will know the plot. Not only a full-scale musical, and now a feature film too, this Junior version proves to be a very popular and effective production for youngsters to perform and follows on from the “juniorising” of many other favourites and making them available and suitable for young people to perform.

Script Youth Musical Theatre have a large and thriving youth theatre, and their many members produce an annual show to the delight of family and friends.

I have never seen Matilda in any of its incarnations including this Junior version. The one thing I am told that truly makes this show is the fact that all the more boring, or less interesting sections of the musical have been shaved away, leaving the main storyline, all the best songs, and a child-friendly show of full-on, non-stop entertainment for both cast and audience.

Tilly Cartwright made for a lovely Matilda. A strong and sympathetic young actress with strong vocals and good stage presence. Maddie Howard gave a comedic and forthright turn as Agatha Trunchbull, and was so powerful and nasty at one point, even made me jump. An empathetic librarian Mrs. Phelps, was played with confidence by Peyton Lockley, and the more-than-sympathetic school teacher who befriends Matilda, shielding her from the wrath of Trunchbull was another confident and talented performer, Gracie Reynolds. Niamh Mulligan impressed as Matilda’s self-confessed best friend Lavender, whilst Arlo Conway-Ford brought much comedic campery to bear in his role as ballroom dancing teacher, Rodolpho. The cast completed with Poppy Kerr (Acrobat), Mae Gregory-Martin (Bruce), Lois Rollins (Escapologist), Edward Lawlor (Mr. Wormwood), Darci Rice (Mrs. Wormwood), and other smaller principal and cameo roles, as well as a rather large group of ensemble/chorus members. The entire cast gave their all from start to finish, and obviously had worked very hard bringing their energy, commitment, and enthusiasm to this production making it as enjoyable as it truly was.  Congratulations to all the cast!

Finally it would be very remiss not to mention the production team Louise Sall and Tim Rice who’s dedication commitment and support to the young cast was superb. Credit also to Erin Mooney who choreographed for the second time on this show who has put together some fantastic routines.

The ELO Encounter

The ELO Encounter
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Friday 20th  February 2024  By Nigel Gambles
Photography – Nigel Gambles

I was lucky enough (old enough) to see the original ELO back in 1975 at Birmingham Odeon. Speed forward 47 years to Sutton Coldfield Town Hall and I could have sworn I was watching the original ELO.

The show flawlessly recreates the fantastic music of ELO in a spectacular show with superb lighting and effects brought together to create an atmosphere that transports you back to heady days of the 70’s and 80’s

The show has an array of talented musicians on guitars, violin, cello and of course drums and keyboards taking us on a journey through ELO’s terrific musical catalogue playing their much loved songs and hits.

It didn’t take long for the audience to be up on their feet singing and dancing  along to the wonderful sound.

Would I recommended you see them? 100% I would encourage any music lover out there get your tickets and get transported back to a magical music

 

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

The Simon & Garfunkel Story
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Sunday 15th February 2024  By Nigel Gambles
Photography – Nigel Gambles

This touring show of the West End hit is as authentic and exciting as you can get. You could really close your eyes and listen and convince yourself it was the real Simon & Garfunkel on stage in front of you.

Playing to a packed Town Hall the show started with the unforgettable notes of Sounds Of Silence coming from the speakers. The song one of my favourites was performed beautifully.

The show is as it says a story with both Simon and Garfunkel telling their story from humble beginnings in Queens New York to global stardom. As well as I knew the music there were parts of their I had not heard before, such as when they first started they called themselves Tom & Jerry and made one record “Hey, Schoolgirl” in 1957, played here to much applause.

They played the songs in a type of chronological order from the album release dates the first half of the show covering the albums Wednesday Morning 3AM, Sounds Of Silence and Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. The second half covering their 2 most successful albums Bookends and Bridge Over Troubled Water.

This is a terrific show for anybody who is a fan of the duo or just likes good music. The show ended with a standing ovation unsurprisingly, and this fan went home very happily remembering days gone by.

Chicago – Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chicago – Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre

Lichfield Garrick

Tuesday 17th September 2024 (Opening Night)

By : Nigel Gambles

Photographs : Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre

Disclaimer : Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

I’ve see Chicago once before way back in 2001 with Alison Moyet and Denise Van Outen starring, so I knew that we were hopefully in for a musical treat. I was not wrong Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre knocked it out of the park.

Although this was the “Teen Edition” it lost none of its “Raz Ama Taz” and was full of “All That Jazz”

The show is the story of corruption in the legal system and the fickle nature of fame. It follows the tale of two “celebrity criminals” – Velma Kelly (Kathryn Whetter), a vaudeville star who murdered her sister and husband after catching them in bed together, and Roxie Hart (Beth Winspear), who abandoned her vaudeville dreams for stability with her husband Amos (James Williams), but shot her lover Fred Casely (Harry Rayson) for trying to abandon her. James performed a beautiful rendition of Mister Cellophane and Harrys was a short but shining performance.

Kathryn as Velma brought a magnetic sensuality to the role. Every moment she spent on stage, be it high-kicking, shoulder-shimmying or cartwheeling, the eye was drawn to her. Beth as Roxy similarly commanded the stage, her voice ringing out over the audience.

Matron “Mama” Morton (Grace Taylor) keeper of the keys introduces herself and reminds us all that she will do favours for favours in return via the song “When you’re good to mama” song power and gusto.

Zach Andrews as Billy Flynn, Roxie and Velma’s cunning, charismatic defense lawyer and master puppeteer of the press, gave a masterful performance.

Emerson Clarke Selby, who played the stereotypical sob sister reporter Mary Sunshine, was brilliant as camped up the role and brought a refreshing ray of her character’s namesake to the otherwise decidedly dark and cynical show.

The mental image of the show “Chicago” conjures a very distinct picture. and Sue Broad of the costume department worked hard to maintain that recognizable silhouette.

From the moment the curtain was raised they shimmied onto the stage and powered into a wonderfully energetic dance routine to “All That Jazz”. The Choreography was amazing the routines were perfectly performed and could have come from any west end stage full credit to Jessica Bennett. You can see that she has tried to stay true to Bob Fosse vision by incorporating some of the signature “Fossee” moves but always letting the unique spirit of this amazing youth group shine through.

With orchestra on a raised platform at the back of the stage and the atmospheric lighting and energetic performances by everybody  it felt like we were being transported back to a speakeasy in downtown Chicago.

Finally my review would not be complete without recognising director Richard Poynton’s creativity which fully complemented Jessica’s choreography and Olivers musical direction.

This is a production that really does Razzle Dazzle and deliver All That Jazz and fully deserved the standing ovation from the full house.

Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac Tribute

Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Friday 6th September 2024 By Lee Williams
Photography – Lee Williams Photography for Whats On In Sutton Coldfield

Go Your Own Way – Such an immersive and atmospheric show with the lead singer (as Stevie Nicks) deep in character.  Makes you realise just how many hits Fleetwood Mac had, and how many you know!  From foot tapping, guitars and bright lights to long sequence almost ‘prog-rock’ songs with a touch of folk, they sure did Fleetwood Mac proud.  The lighting and acoustics at the Town Hall really got the place alive and all who attended went away with smiles of their faces and songs playing in their heads!

Calendar Girls – Lichfield Operatic Society ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Calendar Girls – Lichfield Operatic Society

Lichfield Garrick

Tuesday 2nd July 2024 – Opening Night

By Nigel Gambles

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.

In the Yorkshire village of Knapely live an extraordinary group of women. Wives, mothers, members of the local WI…not so extraordinary you might say. But every woman has a story to tell…right?

Calendar Girls written by Tim Firth, with music and lyrics by Gary Barlow gives a heart-warming and realistic glimpse into the true-life ladies who, in order to raise money for a hospital waiting room couch, raised enough money for an entire wing by posing naked for a calendar. Yes – you heard right! The ladies of the WI, those jam makers, and cake bakers, and knitters get their baps and bums out and it is cracking!

The curtains open on what I can only describe as a friendly set with rolling green hills, a blue sky and the sun blaring down on the pastoral scene – this is Yorkshire!. Some of the most poignant moments are played out centre stage with a stunning twilight lighting, using simple spot for emphasis. Coupled together, with the the stage! It is a specially-erected rotating stage, so that characters walk in to the middle of the stage and are ‘twirled’ round by the rotating mechanism. Act 1 takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster, as the motivation for the nudie calendar is presented. Absolute respect to all of the ladies who disrobe in this production – the ’reveals’ as each member of the WI ladies has their photographs taken by highly-embarrassed hospital porter Lawrence (Jon Barakat) are extremely funny, and got some of the biggest laughs of the night, a massive well done to the female cast members who bared all for the cause, heroes all.

This musical, however, is much more than the “in the buff” scene for which it is famous; it is a tale of community which is presented well by the Director with lots of movement on the stage and many a hilarious exchange. John Clarke (James Pugh) opens the musical with an echoing a cappella before the stage is engulfed with activity. James plays the likeable and full-of-beans John with a real sensitivity as the leukaemia starts to take hold of him. James could have chosen to wear a bald skull cap to represent the results of his character’s chemotherapy but decided to have his hair, and beard, shaved off to raise money for his nominated charity, the Brain Tumour Charity, a very generous gesture. Following his death, his wife Annie (Kate Pilling), has to learn to live without her beloved “Clarkie” with the support of her WI friends. Some of the most moving solos are Kate’s and when her voice breaks with emotion in “Time Passing”, the audience can feel everything that Kate is giving to the ballad.

Annie’s best friend, Chris (Dawn Welch) is a force to be reckoned with. Fiercely loyal and full of “stupid ideas”, it is Chris’ idea to create the calendar. Dawn is wonderful. She powers up the stage whenever she is on it, but also shows a fragility in Chris’ concern over her pubescent son and her grieving friend. Dawn is able to show her range in this role and also her powerful singing voice. The family life presented by Chris, Rod (Greg Yates) and Danny (Ethan Bowley) is warm and comedic and shows contrast effectively during the split stage sequences where Annie is alone on the uncomfortable hospital sofa and the family carry on their lives at the flower shop. Greg, with his typical dad jokes, is a well needed supporting character, distracting from the pain of loss, and Ethan delights as the virginal, Head Boy wannabe. Indeed “Protect Me Less” sung with Jenny (Amy Adams) is one of the highlights for this reviewer. After the emotion of Act 1, watching two teens literally stick two fingers up at the world singing “do as I say not as I do” in response to parental control has the audience in stitches.

All of the WI main members are given their moment to tell their story, whether that’s glamourous Celia (Natalie Whittlesey), who’s so concerned that she doesn’t fit in with her husband’s golf buddies because of her former job – being an air hostess – and because they don’t like cleavage. Natalie delivers her one liners with excellent comic timing; “Beautiful’s here” being an unforgettable line when she enters the stage for the photo shoot. Cora (Heather Bustin) worries that she’s not given her son the best start in life as a single mum and is somewhat repressed by being a vicar’s daughter, and Jesse (Lynne Hill) is simply getting older, but her solo “What Age Expects” really resonates with a lot of the audience members as Lynne sings every word from the heart. Marie (Jenny Padley), as the more traditional head of the WI, struggles with the idea of the calendar, but her character arc allows her to release her fear, and sweet Ruth (Rebecca Bowley) has a hidden secret which is exposed in Act 2 as she emotionally sings “My Russian Friend and I”. Ruth finds strength she never knew she had, and watching her confidence at the end is joyful – this is what community and a stupid idea can do.

This is an outstanding show delivered passionately and professionally by the excellent cast and the superb production team of Adam Lacy Director, Charlotte Jervis Choreographer and David Easto Musical Director. The wonderfully atmospheric lighting was by Going Dark Theatrical Services. Finally full credit must be given to the behind the scenes team without whom this show would not be possible

Calendar Girls is truly uplifting and is an unmissable show. Ticket sales are very strong so if you can find a spare seat or two, I would definitely book them while you can.

Calendar Girls by the Lichfield Operatic Society runs at the Lichfield Garrick main auditorium until Saturday 6 July. The show starts at 7.30pm nightly, with a matinee on Saturday 6 July at 2.30pm. Tickets start from £24.00 and can be booked by ringing the Box Office on 01543 412121, by calling in to the Box Office on Castle Dyke, during normal opening hours, or online at:

www.lichfieldgarrick.com/whats-on/all-shows/calendar-girls-lichfield-operatic-society/3300

 

We Will Rock You – Script Youth Musical Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We Will Rock You (young@part) – Script Youth Musical Theatre Company

Highbury Theatre

Monday 1st July 2024– Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Studio 55 Photography

Script Youth Musical Theatre rocked back into Highbury Theatre for Queen & Ben Elton’s best selling jukebox musical “We Will Rock You (young@part)”

Directed by Louise Farmer, choreography by Molly Chamberlain & Maddie Fleming.

Set in the future on iPlanet where all musical instruments are banned, computers generate the music and everybody downloads it. This is a world where it is cool to conform, be compliant and live your life on the internet (sounds familiar), where rock music has been long forgotten. Ruled by Killer Queen played by Louise Heard who gives a fine performance. Enter Galileo our leading man played by Kian Haden who is plagued by dreams and memories of songs long gone, he joins forces with Scaramouche played brilliantly by Aimee Whillis who has a fantastic presence and wonderful vocals delivering a great version of Somebody To Love. Aimee & Kian also deliver some stunning duets, Under Pressure and Who Wants To Live For Ever bouncing off each other well.

Together they set off on a mission to discover the last surviving instrument aided in their quest by a motley crew of Bohemians including Oz and Brit played by Evie Rice and Sam McCormack, both have a wonderful stage presence and deliver lovely vocals in “I Want It All”. For me the highlight of the show was when Evie sang “No-One But You”…. stunning is all I can say and I bet there won’t be a dry eye in the house, this will be Evie’s last show after appearing in many shows previously, a stand out performance for me was Rizzo in Grease, we wish her well for the future and hopefully will see her performing with other companies.

The second half of the show is where the magic happens, the plot becomes secondary and the hits come thick and fast with classics like We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions and of course Bohemian Rhapsody.

Special mention to Ruby Edmonds playing Buddy wonderfully.

The wonderful lighting throughout the show is provided by Going Dark Theatrical Services

Credit must also be given to all the support team without whom the show would not be possible.

This show is pure entertainment and will have you on your feet clapping and singing along.

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