It is fair to say that I have lost count of the exact number of times I've seen Jersey Boys, so it is fair to say that I've seen many cast changes, and variations of casts. It's the first time of visiting this year since the cast change in March, and I was looking forward to seeing the new cast, plus some of my old favourites. I went as I always do with my mum. It's our "girly outing". This particular time I'd upgraded us to some a VIP package (her Mother's Day present), which I'd heartily … [Read more...]
The Follow Spot at Proud Cabaret with Zoe Curlett and Sophia Ragavelas
I arrived at Proud Cabaret City and was immediately transported back to the 1920s as I went down the stairs to this underground burlesque speakeasy based club. I fully expected to see flapper girls dancing the Charleston in the dance floor space. A warm welcome awaited me and upon being shown to our reserved table at the front of the stage the attentive staff advised of what was on offer for the evening. The food which arrived promptly was delicious and the chef obviously had a very creative … [Read more...]
Review of Harvey at Richmond Theatre
This was my first visit to the pretty Richmond Theatre in its idyllic picture postcard setting for a show I'd been looking forward to seeing. Written by Pulitzer Prize winner Mary Coyle Chase this comedy set in America has a huge heart. On arrival one can see the stage is beautifully dressed. The set is also very effective and clever with its rotational mechanism to change the scenes between drawing room, psychiatrist's reception and bar. Maureen Lipman as Veta Louise Simmons shows her … [Read more...]
City Stories review by Caroline Hanks-Farmer
My love affair with this show started last year when I first reviewed it for LondonTheatre1.com. Unlike last time I knew exactly what the evening had in store for me, which made the excitement and anticipation even stronger this time. St James Theatre Studio is a perfectly formed bijou character-filled auditorium, with its bar, tables and upstairs lounge swivel chairs, it created a charismatic and intimate setting for this production. So as I took my seat, the scene was set and the ambience … [Read more...]
5 star review of The Railway Children King’s Cross Theatre
Safe to say this is one of the most well-known and much loved children's books set in Edwardian England. The 1970 film is iconic, often shown over the Christmas period and enjoyed by all age groups gaining new fans every time it is aired. I'm one of those people who have watched it over the years and could not imagine how it would be transferred to stage successfully. On arriving at the purpose-built 1000 seater King's Cross Theatre, you are greeted by period costumed ushers directing you … [Read more...]
What motivates you to see a show?
I recently asked my followers on Twitter what was important to them with regard to going to the theatre. There is no doubt that for anyone, but perhaps more so for families, that transport costs to see a show in London can be expensive and a factor in choosing to see a show. However other factors come into play too. For some it is the admiration for a particular cast member or cast in a show, for others it can be the draw of the 'theatre experience' Whilst it obviously comes down to … [Read more...]
5 star review of Once London December 2014
Once - the award winning musical based on the film that was written and directed by John Carney. With the news of its closure on 21st March 2015, prior to embarking on a European tour, the production team made the decision to bring in a big name for the final few months at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End. I have previously seen Once and enjoyed it immensely: the story about an unknown unassuming heartbroken busker who meets a young Czech girl on the streets of Dublin - a layered … [Read more...]