CHICAGO

Fosse’s stunningly sultry show comes to Norwich bringing ‘murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery…all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts’ with it! 

The audience were not left disappointed with this slick and sexy powerhouse of show. 

Each and every person on stage (including the band) oozed charisma and charm, inviting us into the story of Roxie Hart; a night club singer who kills her lover. Set in the roaring twenties, this story of murder, jealousy and fame is sure to entertain! Matched with an epic jazz score, you are instantly thrusted back to the ‘razzle dazzle’ of Chicago in the 20’s. 

The set consisted of a huge gold frame around the proscenium arch, framing the performance like the piece of artwork it is. On stage; a large raked square presented the band, making you feel as if you were in the hottest jazz club in Chicago. Either side of this, the iconic rows of bentwood chairs, allowing cast to sit during the performance and watch the action unfold. Tall ladders appeared stage left and stage right during the performance adding quirky levels and visual interest. The lights caressed the performance with sexy golds and oranges, with the occasional use of colours such as purple and red. This really enhanced every aspect of the show, creating stunning silhouettes and shadows. The seductive costumes did not disappoint either, the women looked incredible in sultry black lingerie and the men served Fosse realness in the tight  black trousers and famous bowler hats.

From the very first note, you cannot help but be in awe of the incredibly sophisticated style of Chicago. The dances were perfect, the ensemble excelled and added character, sex and charm to every movement. Perfectly executing the stylised actions and creating the most aesthetically pleasing show I have ever had the pleasure to watch. Hayley Tammadon played Roxie Hart in a fun and quirky way, reminding me a lot of Jane Horrocks’ performance in the revival of Cabaret (another of Kander and Ebb's well known shows also directed by Fosse). Jessie Wallace shocked me with her charming and feisty portrayal as Matron Morton. ‘When You're Good to Mama’ was perfect. John Partridge delivered a solid performance as the smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn! 

A huge part go the show is the band, and they did not disappoint! They brought energy and fun into every number and buckets of character! A pleasure to watch and listen to! 

Overall, I can easily say - with no hesitation- that this was one of my favourite shows I’ve had the pleasure to see. It was seductively flawless in every way and I could easily watch it 100 times over. The stunning cast, set, band and book truly brought ALL that jazz to Norwich Theatre Royal.

Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show

The cult classic ‘Rocky Horror’ sent Norwich into a time-warp last night with fishnets and sequins galore. 

Richard O’Brien’s shockingly seductive show was outrageously fun and totally lived up to every expectation! If you don't know the story of the ‘Rocky Horror Show’ where have you been for the past 40 years?! For those who may not know the show, it follows Brad (Richard Meek) and Janet (Hayley Flaherty) - two recently engaged humans - as they are stranded at a mysterious castle due to a flat tyre. There they meet the transvestite doctor - Frank-N-Furter (Liam Tamne) and his creepy servants; Riff Raff (Kristian Lavercombe) ; his sister - Magenta (Kay Murphy) and the loveable tap dancer Columbia (Sophie Linder-Lee). Luckily (or unluckily) for Brad and Janet, they arrive for the Annual Transvestite Convention. Crazy antics follow as Rocky (Dominic Anderson) is brought to life!

The stage was a perfect ode to the science fiction films of the 60’s, with a role of film framing the stage. As the music is such a amazing feature of the show, it was great to be able to see the band throughout the performance. They were truly incredible. The simple set  was a humorous and matched the tongue and cheeky humour amazingly, allowing easy transitions from each location. 

Liam Tamne as Frank played the iconic transvestite fantastically. Although different to the famous performance by Tim Curry, it was still a hilarious and outstanding. However, he played the role rather femininely and to me I like the juxtaposition of the femininity of the clothes with the masculinity of the character. But that being said - the role is so individual it allows it to be performed however the actor interprets it! Also you can’t fault his comic timing and humour. The roles of Brad and Janet were executed perfectly, showing their journey of sexual awakening and the extra-terrestrial. ‘Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me’ was a personal favourite for me, showing a huge shift in character. 

The amazing vocals of Kristian Lavercombe had the audience on their feet and doing the Time-Warp. Some of the notes he was hitting were truly incredible. Kay Murphy as Magenta was sensational playing the stern and sexual Transylvanian. Sophie Linder-Lee was phenomenal and fun (a shout out has to go to Columbia on the gas!). Rocky - the man made man - played by Dominic Anderson was great… Qwarrrrr… enough said.  

Taking us on the journey, Steve Punt, was witty and quick as the narrator - encouraging the audience participation giving the show the “Rocky Horror” charm. The whole cast was just outstanding and perfect. 

Overall, the whole production was so much fun, so crazy and totally did justice to the legacy of the ‘Rocky Horror Show’. A great night of wacky fun, to dress up in your fishnets and to ‘Rose Tint Your World’. A must see. 

Samantha Barks - Collaborative Review with Georgia Summers

Wow! Samantha Barks shows why she is an icon for musical theatre on the opening day of her tour. 

Alex James Ellison as her warm up act, using a loop peddle re-created songs from the charts while also doing an amazing mash up of the recent musical ‘Hamilton’ and ‘In The Heights’. His own original song ‘Chocolate Bar’ was quirky and fun, including the chance to get a free copy of his album if you could guess how many chocolate bars he named within the song. He really set the tone for an enjoyable evening.

The set and lighting for this performance was minimalistic but it worked as Samantha owned the stage, keeping the audience captivated with every note. She introduced everyone to some songs from her new album and they were fantastic, all meaning different things to her personally and this shone through in her performance. It was lovely to see her doing something other than musical theatre, showing how versatile and talented she really is as a performer. She also looked stunning in her outfit choices which were simple but stylish, showing off her flawless figure and well known tiny waist.
She treated us to amazing well known songs such as summertime and blackbird which she made her own and vocally was pitch perfect, leaving the audience mesmerised and begging for more, and more we received…

The encore, On My Own was truly phenomenal. Having played epinine in Les Miserable on stage and in the film, there is no question that this song was made for her! A standing ovation was not a big enough expression of how amazing she really is. Her modesty on stage as well as off stage is beautifully charming and having the chance to meet her proved that she is really down to earth and she deserves all the success she has received and is yet to receive in the future.

Overall, this was an outstanding night of musical talent and we are truly left in awe of her presence and to us as musical theatre students, a true inspiration and icon. We can only be left to say what we said at the beginning… Wow!

King Charles III

The Queen has died. As Prince Charles prepares to take the throne, questions are raised on how a monarch should rule. In this “future history” play, we are presented with what could happen when it’s time for the Prince of Wales to become king. An evening of intense and stunning drama, and an amazing performance.

As Charles is preparing to ascends to the throne, he declines the passing of a new law, made by the government,  restricting journalists and newspapers invading privacy. This sparks debate on how far our monarchy is constitutional and  who holds the real power in our society. Presented as a modern day ode to shakespearean drama, we watch the Royal Family, the Prime Minister and the nation react to the King standing in the way of democracy. Including people such as Prince William and Kate Middleton, Prince Harry and even a kebab shop owner, this play acts as a poignant commentary to the issues and dilemmas into today’s (and tomorrow’s) society and how it is ran. 

The Riots during the opening of Act Two

The set was visible as you walked into the theatre and did not change. Old bricks of a grand cathedral created a beautiful backdrop to the drama, with candles burning throughout, acting as a constant as we watch the world on stage change. The actors transported us to several locations throughout the play; from a nightclub, to Buckingham Palace, to a riot outside the palace gates. Using just two benches, two chairs and the odd props, it was extremely clever and effective. The costumes were mainly all black and remained almost the same throughout the performance perhaps symbolising that the nation was still in a sense of grieving over the Queen. 

At the start of Act Two, the cast all wore the anonymous masks with the face of Guy Fawkes as they rioted in a beautifully choreographed movement sequence. With one cast member wearing a satirical mask of Prince Charles whilst acting like a mouse or rat - it was a very deep and meaningful moment of the play. With lots of symbolism and messages this play does not disappoint. 

The roles of Kate and Will were intelligently performed by Jennifer Bryden and Ben Righton. Mirroring the roles of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth (without the murder), Jennifer subtly plants ideas and opinions into the finds of the Prime Minister and Prince William. Her acting was superb as she played the role in such a way that you almost don't realise that she is influencing those around her. A particularly stand out moment for her was when she performed a monologue addressing the fact that Kate would always be a ‘pretty plastic picture’ with no power and no responsibilities other than to make her husband look good. This was extremely effective as the words spoken in shakespearean rhythm were hauntingly poetic yet strong. The use of language throughout this piece was amazing, a blend of shakespearean and modern, making the piece traditional theatre yet accessible enough to understand and follow the story line. Ben Righton played Prince William with humour and sensitivity, handling issues such as Diana’s death, he portrayed the younger generation of monarchs impeccably. 

King Charles, Prince William and Duchess Kate

I did feel however, that some of the characterise felt outdated or out of touch with reality. As much as I understand it is theatre and things get heightened for artistic license, the character of Jess played by Lucy Phelps seemed like a tired stereotype. The character is a young, rebellious, republican youth which has the potential to show the audience the younger generations views. But instead of showing the the modern day youth, I personally felt I was watching something from the 90’s. Her costume consisted of fish net tights and big black boots and  a short black skirt. To me this just seemed like it was an older persons view of todays youth rather than a current representation. Furthermore Prince Harry - the most down to earth of the royals - was presented as completely clueless to the outside world, I mean I'm sure the Prince Harry knows what a ‘Sainsbury’s’ is. But this does not discredit both Lucy Phelps’ and Richard Glaves' performances as the characterisation they did was top quality, it just wasn't to my taste. 

The Role of the future king, Prince Charles, was beautifully performed with conviction and heart by Robert Powell. Powell showed the heir to the throne’s dilemmas and journey to the verge of madness through his voice, body and face. I thought a particularly powerful scene was when (SPOILER ALERT) he was forced to abdicate. He convincingly showed a broken man, not a king, but a man who had lost his power and his status not only over the nation but over his family too. Another stand out moment was when he gets visited by the ghost of Diana, who tells him - in a Macbeth’s three witches style - that he will be the greatest king there’s been. It was eerie and tastefully executed. A great technique used by the directors, Rupert Goold and Whitney Mosery, was when the Prime Minister (Tim Treloar) and the king addressed the nation. The banner of biblical crowds that encircled the stage was lit up and a single spot light shone on the speaker. It was a very good use of a Brechtian techniques. 

Overall, the piece was incredible. Acting as what I would call a great reinvention of Shakespeare, updating the cliché and sometimes boring traditional theatre into an accessible and dynamic performance to be enjoyed by the masses. Remarkable acting all round and a truly thought provoking play that leaves the audience debating and discussing long after they leave. 

Cirque Berserk

Think you know circus? Well think again. Cirque Berserk completely reinvents the traditional circus and brings it to theatres, in a mind blowing spectacle of pure talent. It was ‘Berserkus’!

As soon as you entered the theatre, you were transported to the big top, with traditional circus music, smoke and lights. With no curtain, you could see the set and the anticipation began to build from first sight. A huge spherical cage dominated the centre stage, with metal platforms at quirky angles creating visual interest and providing the performers with interesting levels and back drops. The lIghts were bright and colourful, creating a sense of excitement and wonder and truly enhancing the amazing acts and talents. The music was a perfect blend of modern and traditional, updating the tired cliché of circus and adding drama and suspense to every performance, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. 

Timbuktu Tumblers showing their strength and balance skills

The first act to amaze the audience were the Timbuktu Tumblers. Impressing us with fast paced skipping, whilst doing flips and tricks. Stunning us with incredible strength and lifts, they were amazing. One of my favourite stunts was when one man, had six other grown men lifted in an amazing balance. Appearing throughout the show, they effortless performed trick, after trick, after trick. Another highlight was when they jumped through metal rings in close concession. It was almost hypnotic watching them create a continuous loop of somersaults and rolls. And you can't forget their limbo under a pole on fire! A truly energetic performance.

Bolas Argentinas stormed the stage with drumming skills and a created traditional Argentinian entertainment using weapons made of weights on the end of chains  (a traditional method used by the gauchos - Argentinian cowboys). They also created an intense performance using fire, swinging it round their body at high speed! Everyone loves watching tricks with fire - and this show has lots of it! We were also shocked in amazement when Odka was revealed in a clear jar like container. How she fitted into it is a mystery! An Amazing contortionist and also an amazing archer, showing the audience her skills by hitting the bullseye whilst doing a handstand. Outstanding. 

Bolas Argentinas spinning fire with her feet

Duoramona and Matti created beautiful shapes and positions. Dressed in costumes that resembled the ‘Ugly Duckling’ and a beautiful swan, they wowed the audience with awe inspiring strength and control, balancing and lifting each other into many different poses. The Tropicana Troupe, stunned the audience with an amazing show of courage and skill, when they were thrust into the air by a giant seesaw like piece of equipment, catapulting and doing flips and turns that almost hit the light rig! Certainly a jaw dropping moment (and no, I’m not just talking about the abundance of eye candy). Jackie was incredible as she flew around the stage doing strap acrobatics as graceful as a bird. With many more remarkable acts such as gymnastics, juggling fire, knife throwing (with fire too!), dance and ariel acrobatics. The show was certainly full to the brim with talent, skill and shockingly awesome performances. 

The Globe of Terror, was enough to satisfy any adrenaline junky! The Lucius Team, created a truly gripping night of entertainment, whilst they went round the ‘Globe of Death’ with up to 4 motorcycles at once! it truly was hair-raising and death defying! The audience loved this act and so they should, the pure sound of the motorcycles was enough to get anyone excited about the act. As they got faster and faster, your heart will certainly beat faster and faster as well!

Whilst on the subject of cool machinery and engines, Billy appears as a giant robot that fires fireworks, lighting up the stage. That’s right, a giant robot that has fireworks coming out of his hands! Does it get any cooler? 

Offering light relief between the intense and climatic moments, Tweedy was hilarious! Giving the audience tradition slapstick and comedy that will easily have the kids laughing, he plays the fool and gets into many different sticky situations! He even get the audience involved in his antics - so beware if you're on the front row! Cheeky, fun and extremely stupid he was a star in his own right. 

Overall, Cirque Berserk was an amazing night of pure entertainment for the whole family! It will certainly leave you talking about it for days, and wanting to do the tricks (but remember don't try them at home!). I would easily recommend this show to anyone, any age! Believe me you will not be disappointed with this jam packed show of circus delights!