From the creators of Cabaret and Chicago, Curtains is a hilarious Tony Award winning comedy musical that will have audiences guessing ’til the very end. When Jessica Cranshaw, star of Broadway-bound musical Robbin’ Hood is murdered, onstage detective and musical fanatic, Frank Cioffi is brought in to solve the case.

Curtains is extremely funny and is full of twists and turns. It is a show that is not afraid to make fun of itself. The innovative mix of a classic ‘whodunit’, a musical within a musical story and lots of clichés works in no small part due to the extremely talented cast. The clever direction by Paul Foster and a creative plot keeps the production moving and entertaining throughout. At points, the performance does start to drag slightly and its long running time could be tightened to keep the pace moving at the same rate as the humour. Kander and Ebb’s music is varied with some stand-out songs such as ‘The Woman’s Dead’, ‘Show People’ and ‘He Did It’ which make fun of musicals and the musical performers themselves. The in-jokes and puns about being in ‘showbiz’ work brilliantly and even the least stagey audience will find humour in the brilliant delivery of the witty one-liners.

Curtains features a host of well-known names including Jason Manford (The Producers, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Guys and Dolls) who plays detective Frank Cioffi with brilliant humour and, proving that he is more than just a comedian, his vocals are strong. Carley Stenson (Les Miserables, Legally Blonde, Shrek, Spamalot and Hollyoaks) shows off her rich vocals particularly during the touching song ‘Thinking of Him’. Stealing the show, Rebecca Lock is absolutely hilarious during her throwaway comic lines and she vocally impresses, especially during the song ‘It’s A Business’. Samuel Holmes is marvellous as British director Christopher Belling – his witty one-liners are delivered with gusto and have the audience laughing out loud. All of the cast are very talented. Emma Caffrey is extremely good as Bambi Bernét especially during the dance section with Alan Burkitt – and Andy Coxon wows the audience during the moving song ‘I Miss The Music’.

The set, designed by David Woodhead, uses a cleverly constructed backdrop of a Boston theatre stage in which the show Robbin’ Hood’s fittingly amateur set pieces are quickly moved in and out. Lighting by Tim Mitchell utilises colour and spot lights to add to the comedy of the show. Gabriella Slade’s detailed costume design is super. The women’s costumes for Robbin’ Hood are particularly impressive with lots of period detail and texture.

Curtains is definitely different to other shows currently on. It is a fun, old-fashioned musical with an interesting concept. It will have the audience laughing out loud whilst constantly scratching their head trying to work out who the murderer is. With a clever, witty book and lyrics and some catchy numbers, the show is certainly a great way of getting away from the stresses of everyday life making it a great form of escapism. With an extremely talented cast Curtains is a show not to be missed either in London or around the UK on its tour.

Review by Amanda Reynolds

From the Tony Award-winning creators of ‘Cabaret’ and ‘Chicago’, Kander and Ebb’s production tells the story of Jessica Cranshaw, star of the new Broadway-bound musical Robbin Hood, who has been murdered on stage on opening night! The entire cast and crew are suspects. Time to call in the local detective, Frank Cioffi, who just happens to be a huge musical theatre fan. With a nose for crime and an ear for music, Frank has his work cut out trying to find the killer whilst giving the show a lifeline.

The show stars comedian, actor and singer Jason Manford as Detective ‘Lt. Frank Cioffi’. He is joined by Carley Stenson as ‘Georgia Hendricks’, Rebecca Lock as ‘Carmen Bernstein’, Samuel Holmes as ‘Christopher Belling’, Leah Barbara West as ‘Niki Harris’, Alan Burkitt as ‘Bobby Pepper’ and Andy Coxon as ‘Aaron Fox’.

The cast is completed by Emma Caffrey as ‘Bambi Bernet’, Adam Rhys-Charles as ‘Daryl Grady’, Martin Callaghan as ‘Oscar Shapiro’, Minal Patel as ‘Johnny Harmon’ and Mark Sangster as ‘Sidney Bernstein’. Joining them in the ensemble is, J.R. Ballantyne, Kathryn Barnes, Pamela Blair, Charlie Johnson, Robin Kent, Thomas-Lee Kid, Ben Mundy, Gleanne Purcell Brown, Samuel John-Humphreys and Nia Jermin.

Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Book by Rupert Holmes
Original Book and Concept by Peter Stone
Additional Lyrics by John Kander & Rupert Holmes
Directed by Paul Foster

Performances
Monday – 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Tuesday – 3.00pm and 7.30pm
Wednesday – 7.30pm
Thursday – 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Friday – 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Saturday – 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Sunday – 3.00pm

Curtains
Wyndham’s Theatre
Booking to 11th January 2020
32-36 Charing Cross Road London WC2H 0DA

TOUR DETAILS 2020:
Tuesday 14 – Saturday 18 January
LONDON New Wimbledon Theatre
Book Tickets for New Wimbledon Theatre

Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 January
SUNDERLAND Empire
Book Tickets for Sunderland Theatre

Tuesday 28 January – Saturday 1 February
LIVERPOOL Empire
Book Tickets for Liverpool Empire

Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 February
LLANDUDNO, Venue Cymru
https://venuecymru.co.uk

Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 February
NORWICH Theatre Royal
www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 February
NORTHAMPTON Royal & Derngate
www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Tuesday 3 – Saturday 7 March
BLACKPOOL Opera House
www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/our-venues/opera-house

Tuesday 10 – Saturday 14 March
GLASGOW King’s Theatre
Book Tickets for King’s Theatre Glasgow

Monday 16 – Saturday 21 March
LEICESTER Haymarket Theatre
www.haytheatre.com

Tuesday 31 March – Saturday 4 April
WOLVERHAMPTON Grand Theatre
www.grandtheatre.co.uk

Tuesday 6 April – Saturday 11 April
SOUTHAMPTON Mayflower
www.mayflower.org.uk

Long standing favourite Grease is back and is billed to be grittier and more glamorous than ever. Nikolai Foster’s direction revitalises Grease and makes it a brand new version of the much-loved hit. Featuring well known songs such as ‘Summer Nights’, ‘Greased Lightnin’, ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ and ‘You’re the One That I Want’ and new choreography by Arlene Phillips this new UK Tour is fresh and fun.

After a summer whirlwind romance Sandy finds herself transferring to Rydell High where leather-clad bad boy Danny is studying. But will their love be able to survive the trials and tribulations of teenage life?

Although stunt casting clearly works for this show as the entirety of the run at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley is sold out, with a lot of audience members clearly at the theatre to see Peter Andre, it is the rest of the cast that deserve the most credit. Martha Kirby, who makes her professional debut in this production, is commanding and has a lovely tone of voice as Sandy. With Nikolai Foster’s direction Sandy is headstrong and self confident and Kirby portrays this well. Eloise Davies impresses throughout as the fun, friendly Frenchy and it is Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky who manages to blow the audience away with her stunning rendition of ‘There Are Worse Things I Could Do’ which is one of the rare moments that the audience get a glimpse of true emotion. Jessica Croll must also be mentioned for her fantastic performance as Patty, particularly during her dance routine at the high school dance. Overall the female cast are stronger than their male counterparts, although some technical sound issues at this performance probably didn’t help with this. Dan Partridge who plays Danny Zuko has a strong voice but at times lacks conviction with his character. Fan favourite, Peter Andre shows that he is able to maintain a note during his almost laughable, ridiculously over the top song in the show and clearly the audience were rooting for him for the moment that he appeared on stage.

The fun, high energy and energetic choreography by Arlene Phillips is performed enthusiastically by all of the cast. The hand jive during the high school hop is a particular highlight with some fantastic 50s style swing tricks thrown in for good measure. The set, by Colin Richmond, certainly works well to create the image of Rydell High School but is not the most innovative. The same could be said of the lighting designed by Guy Hoare. Although it does the job the lighting lacks in originality and ultimately does not add very much to the staging.

Diehard fans of the film may be disappointed as this production certainly changes a lot of elements. However the main characters and plot lines remain the same. It is a shame that fundamentally Grease still portrays that women should change to win affection or love from men – surely this isn’t a message we want to promote? Other opportunities such as teenage pregnancy, also seem to be missed and it is a shame that in today’s society young women are still seeing these highly stereotypical views onstage. This said, Grease has always been one of many people’s favourite musicals and this production will no doubt be one to catch if you are amongst those people. The 2019 UK tour production is smart and sassy and shows a slightly different side to previous versions with stronger and feistier characters. Featuring a talented cast who are vocally strong and with some fancy footwork this musical is bound to continue to be a hit!

Review by Amanda Reynolds

The world’s best-loved musical is back! Grittier and more glamorous than ever before, this brand-new production is direct from a sell-out and critically acclaimed run at Leicester Curve.

After a whirlwind summer romance, leather-clad greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High for senior year. But can they survive the trials and tribulations of teenage life and find true love once more?

With its phenomenal score, bursting with hits including Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’, Hopelessly Devoted to You and You’re the One That I Want, this thrilling new version is bought to life by a fresh young cast who bring energy, vitality and passion to this ultimate musical classic.

Directed by Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster and starring very special guest artist – Peter Andre as Teen Angel – reignite your passion and get ready for an explosion of summer loving.

So round-up your Burger Palace Boys, pick up your Pink Ladies and re-discover why Grease really is the one that you want this term!

Book, Music & Lyrics by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey
Directed by Nikolai Foster
Choreography by Arlene Phillips
TUE 8 – SAT 12 OCTOBER 2019
https://churchilltheatre.co.uk/

Inspired by the true story of the 1973 arson attack which was the largest single attack against the LGBTQ+ community until the Pulse Nightclub shootings in Florida in 2016, The View UpStairs is a musical about ‘friendship, community, how far we’ve come and how far we still have yet to go‘.

Following Wes, a millennial fashion designer who has just brought an abandoned building which, unknown to him, used to be the Upstairs Lounge – a vibrant ’70s gay bar. Max Vernon’s The View UpStairs is filled with love songs and powerful rock ballads and features a talented all-star cast including well-known West End performers Tyrone Huntley, Declan Bennet, Cedric Neal, John Partridge and making his first West End performance is Andy Mientus, well known on Broadway for shows such as Spring Awakening and in the hit NBC TV show Smash.

This European premiere of the show, which first hit Broadway stages in 2017, is simply stunning. Moving, emotional and yet fun at the same time. Its unique blend of history and modern-day dilemmas works brilliantly. From the vibrant opening to the gut-wrenching finale, the audience is taken on a journey – a journey which everyone should take.

The cast are phenomenal throughout the 95-minute show. Tyrone Huntley excels as Wes, the fame driven young entrepreneur. His rocky, husky vocals are utilised brilliantly in this production and the characters continual quest to be ‘a somebody’ not only refers to the LGBTQ+ element of the show but to the pressures and constraints that so many people feel from social media. It is Declan Bennett’s haunting characterisation as Dale, however, that stands out. Whilst his circumstances may differ from so many people it is his feelings of invisibility that countless people will be able to relate to. The anger and torment that he displays, along with the rock style of singing during ‘Better Than Silence’ makes the song almost unbearable to watch. Again, Andy Mientus’ character Patrick has an awful back story, one that hopefully is less common now as we become more embracing of LGBTQ+, and his heartfelt, emotional characterisation during ‘Waltz (Endless Night)’ is stunning to watch. A mention must also go to Carly Mercedes Dyer whose vocals are scorching hot throughout, even during the heatwave temperatures. The entire cast are perfect in role! It is truly an ensemble piece and each performer is vital to the production.

The set, designed by Lee Newby, is instantly reminiscent of a 1970s lounge bar and is utilised perfectly by Fabian Aloise’s clever, yet subtle, choreography. The use of space is constantly considered and the idea of having some members of the audience onstage as part of the bar is a very clever addition.

Writer Max Vernon has managed to create something very special here. It pays homage to the victims of the atrocious 1973 arson attack, which was shrouded in secrecy for so long, whilst raising new issues including politics, social media and the continual persecution of some people for their freedom to express themselves. It doesn’t feel like a historical piece but instead is a fusion between the present and the past and serves to honour those who fought so that we could have the freedoms we now have. It is not over for the LGBTQ+ community. There are still battles to be won. But shows like this emphasise the importance to look back and see the journey those who came before us started and the feats they achieved.

With an outstanding cast, varied score and absolutely riveting story The View UpStairs is a must-see show of the summer; if not the year! Do not miss the chance to see this masterpiece for yourself.

Review by Amanda Reynolds

Millennial fashion designer Wes has just purchased an abandoned building, but little does he know that this forgotten gem was the UpStairs Lounge, a vibrant ‘70s gay bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans, starting an exhilarating journey of seduction and self-exploration in the summertime heat with the rush of lust, sex and incense mixed in the air.

A provocative new musical, The View UpStairs is inspired by the true story of the 1973 arson attack that was the largest single attack against the LGBTQ+ community until the Pulse Nightclub shootings in Florida in 2016. Filled with a collection of beautiful love songs and power rock ballads, this is a musical about friendship, community, how far we’ve come and how far we still have yet to go. It is a story of hope; and it’s a rainbow rollercoaster you do not want to miss.

Cast
Tyrone Huntley – Wes
Andy Mientus – Patrick
Carly Mercedes Dyer – Henri
Cedric Neal – Willie
Declan Bennett – Dale
Derek Hagen – Cops / Realtor
Garry Lee – Freddy
John Partridge – Buddy
Victoria Hamilton Barritt – Inez
Joseph Prouse – Richard

Creatives
Max Vernon – Book, Music & Lyrics
Jonathan O’Boyle – Director
Fabian Aloise – Choreographer
Bob Broad – Musical Director
Lee Newby – Set & Costume Designer
Nic Farman – Lighting Designer
Adam Fisher – Sound Designer
Will Burton CDG – Casting Director
Richard Mawbey – Wigs Designer
Alister Hawke – Fight Director
James Dobinson – Orchestrator
Ruthie Stephens – Associate Choreographer
Jessica Richardson-Smith – Costume Supervisor
Patrick Gracey Productions – General Management
Seb Cannings for Gary Beestone Events & Theatre – Production Manager

Soho Theatre
Thu 18 Jul – Sat 24 Aug 2019
https://sohotheatre.com/