Hello Dolly!
August 18, 2008
Venue : Sunderland Empire
Date : August 18th 2008
The latest Disney picture WALL-E is introducing Hello Dolly to a whole new audience as it’s the one musical the lovable robot wants to see over and over again. So the timing of this revival could not be better placed.
When you think of this show, you cannot help immediately think of Barbra Streisand and Michael Crawford in the film version or one of the many female leads who have played the role ranging from Ethel Merman to our own Dora Bryan, with Danny La Rue even having a successful run in the role in London’s West End Read more
Lazy Town Live!
August 14, 2008
Venue: Sunderland Empire
Date Reviewed: 13th August, 2008
Lifting a TV from the screen and placing it on stage without the orginal actors is tricky at the best of times but here it works a treat.
Lazy Town Live is the story of Lazy Town and its problem of only being able to have one Superhero. Lazy Town’s current favourite superhero is Sportacus, but if the nasty Robbie Rotten gets his way, he will be replaced with Roboticus. This upsets the people of Lazy Town as Roboticus does everything Sportacus can, only better. Read more
The Bang Gang
July 27, 2008
Venue: The Alnwick Playhouse, Northumberland
Date Reviewed: 26th July, 2008
The Bad Fox Theatre Company presented The Bang Gang for one night in Alnwick, Northumberland prior to a run at the Edinburgh Festival, where it will play at the Zoo Southside.
The Bang Gang is a new play by Lee Mattinson, who won awards for his other short play Me and Cilla, a play he rewrote in to a full length production, which was recently presented at the Live Theatre, Newcastle. Read more
High School Musical
July 21, 2008
Venue: Theatre Royal , Newcastle
Date Reviewed: 21st July, 2008
As Disney’s High School Musical settles in to the Theatre Royal, for a two week run, it is hard to believe that Kylie appearing across town at the same time will get a better welcome than the cast of this all singing and dancing show.
As expected from Disney, there is a selection of merchandise on sale in the foyer and auditorium to accompany the high quality production on stage. But as High School Musical has become such a phenomenon the buzz before the show is quite tangible.
Disney have certainly hit the jackpot again with the show as High School Musical One and Two are on TV all the time with number three released in the cinemas in October, on top of this we have the ice show ( which is returning to Newcastle in January) and not only is this show on tour, but it is playing London’s West End at the same time.
This show is the Grease of today and appeals to children of all ages, as well as a lot on Mums and a few Dads as well, judging from last night’s audience.
The story is simple and familiar, with Troy Bolton being the school basket ball star, whose Father is the coach who wants him to focus totally on the sport. Meanwhile Troy meets new girl Gabriella Montez and together they audition for the School Musical Juliet and Romeo. This really upsets twins Sharpey and Ryan Evans who are used to having their own way and go out of their way to stop Troy and Gabriella winning the lead roles. But we know good will conquer evil and Troy will get his girl and the lead role in the school musical. Read more
Fiddler on the Roof
July 15, 2008
Venue : Sunderland Empire
Date : July 14th 2008
Fiddler on the Roof won 9 Tony awards when it opened in 1964 and although the original star was Zero Mostel, it will be always associated with Topol. Like Rex Harrison will always be the definitive Professor Higgins, Topol will always be Tevye, a role he has played on the very stage where Joe McGann is now given his interpretation. McGann, best known for his role as Charlie Burrows in The Upper Hand, takes time to settle in to the role of Tevye, the man who dreams of riches, respect and a quiet family life.
Unfortunately the main song of the show “If I Were a Rich Man” comes very early in Act 1 before he has shaken the ghost of Topol off to prove he was a worthy successor in a charming understated performance.
The musical is set in year is 1905 where Jewish community in the village of Anatevka, Tsarist Russia are trying to eke out a living. The story revolves around Tevye a milkman who has a personal relationship with God, as he strives to keep up the traditions of his faith, race and culture.
Tevye is father to five daughters and trying to find husbands for eldest three. He turns to Yente, the matchmaker, who does her best, but with no money and dowry to offer she is struggling. Read more
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