This competition is now closed and the answer is The Ugly Duckling.

Congratulations to Ian Davies. Enjoy the show!

Are rising bills leaving you strapped for cash? Fancy seeing a feel-good family musical, for free?

To celebrate the return of hit musical Honk! we have 1 pair of tickets up for grabs, courtesy of The Lowry.

THE SHOW:
The magical retelling of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic story The Ugly Duckling, by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

Honk! is an enchanting comic musical packed with sparkling wit, a memorable score and dazzling choreography – including a chorus of tap dancing frogs…

This hit show has has won three Best Musical awards – the 2000 Laurence Olilvier Award, The FNB Award in South Africa, and the Elliot Norton Award in the USA.

“…Terrific Fun…” – Evening Standard

“…Imagine the colour and wit of Disney’s Jungle Book, mixed with the vivacity of 40s Hollywood musicals, exuberantly staged… Stonkingly Brilliant… ” – Time Out (more…)

I’d Do Anything, the BBC’s latest reality TV competition, which will cast an upcoming West End revival of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! has let another Nancy go. If you missed the show on Saturday and do not know who went or what they all sang, then read the latest blog entry.We have been reporting from the comfort of our armchair; remote in one hand, pen in the other.

So, Who did the judges think were the weakest? Why was Andrew stroking a rat? Whose relative shouted out when their name was called? Find out all of this and more.

To read the second live show blog entry, please click here.

Venue: Contact Theatre
Date Reviewed: 4th April, 2008

The Arab & The Jew is billed as a riot of sound and movement and it is exactly that, but you may not expect to find it so incredibly moving and powerful. The play explores the notion of brotherhood by focusing on the performers’ Arab and Jewish backgrounds. But, instead of hammering home the messages in a patronizing fashion, the play takes many unexpected twists and turns.

I loved the unique style of this piece, perfectly crafted by the highly acclaimed theatre company, Gecko. One minute you are watching two men deliver a vaudeville style comedy act, the next you hear gun fire, followed by the juxtaposition of both elements, leading to a thought provoking denouement. (more…)

Venue: Opera House
Date Reviewed: 3rd April, 2008

The musical Zorro has had a few technical problems on tour, namely Tom Piper‘s complicated set, which has resulted in; a few missing performances, cancellations and late starts. This troublesome set-design desperately needs a revolve, if the show is to transfer to London.

But, if you were expecting an over-blown epic flop, I am pleased to report that the end result, although flawed, is quite breath-taking.

Matt Rawle plays the masked hero and pitches him somewhere between Russell Brand and his very own Che Guevara. You have never seen such a flamboyant action hero, but somehow it works, as he brings humour and a knowing sense of ridiculousness to the role. He also delivers vocally, for three hours solid.

Taking on this disguise, Diego falls for his child hood friend Luisa (Aimee Atkinson) and swashes buckles with his evil brother, Ramon (Adam Cooper). But to be honest the plot is kind of perfunctory as this is a visually arresting show which springs to life via the power of dance. Rafael Amargo‘s stunning choreography is beautifully performed by superb dancers, leaving you breathless. Some of the movement reminds you of West Side Story; it is that sultry. (more…)

Venue: The Palace Theatre
Date Reviewed: 2nd April, 2008

The Joan Jett song “I Love Rock & Roll” has a very fitting verse which could be applied to musicals like 1960′s touring show, Shout! Jett sings “Put Another Dime In The Jukebox Baby” which is apt, because for much of it, this latest attempt at shoe-horning songs into a ‘pencil skirt’ of a narrative is running on empty.

The setting is a hair dressing salon called Best Cuts, but looking at Morgan Large’s ultra sparse set design, ensemble of two and Julie Balloo‘s pamphlet of a book, it may as well be called Cut Price.

Shout! is billed as an incredible musical journey around swinging London. The idea is that Ruby (Claire Sweeney), Georgina (Donna Steele) and Betty (Shona White) have amazing experiences in London, along with Ruby’s aunt Yvonne (Su Pollard).

But these ‘experiences’ mainly consist of the girls sat on bean bags or salon chairs talking about them, rather than living the life on stage. The effect is one of the most static musicals you will ever see. (more…)