Topstar2

Well left it a few weeks after my last visit. Saw Ben again yesterday mat. Can't tell you how on top of his game he is at the moment! I see he has been nominated for understudy of the year 2013 which is great!  A lot of talented performers. Just nice that they have been put forward.

Ben Jennings is my favourite at the moment. Another consistent performer who's CTMEOY is in a different class!  But the show has had some great covers who individually will appeal to somebody. It's good we don't all like the same thing. I just would like the show to stay at the high level it's always had. Casting directors dont always get it right!

Love or hate Ryans Frankie his consistency to do the job well over the years has made him well liked in this role. Tom Oakley was a really good Frankie. Not so much his singing for me but his acting was outstanding!  It must be so hard to cast covers for this as shown with the different performers who have joined or left in the past few years.

I have seen many covers over the 5 years the show has been running. Most by the time they cover Frankie have been quite good. Not too everyones  taste but this was the first time for me that I felt I was watching a performer that didn't quite know what they were doing. And remember Michael is joint first cover. This must be one of the most vocally challenging male parts in the west end so it has to be right. If I had been watching the show for the first time I prob wouldn't be coming back. Please remember as I said this is only my personal view. But I can fully understand that perhaps it takes some performers longer than others to get into a role. But at this time the acting and vocals were not quite the standard I would expect as a paying theatre goer. I also really wanted him to do well as he looks perfect for the part. Plus have been spoiled with such a good lead over the years! Also some great covers of late!

Went last wed night to see Michael Watson as Frankie. My friend had been to his first show on the sat mat she said he was that nervous he was shaking all over the place which affected his performance. So I wanted to wait a little before I saw him. Well to be fair he wasn't much better that night either. He forgot lines more than once plus I thought he seemed a bit flat in his vocals. Only my view of course. I do know how hard this part is too play so you have to remember that everyone can have an off day. Went again yesterday and let's say I don't think his Frankie is for me. I'm sure lots of people will love his take on Frankie for many different reasons just not my cup of tea.